40 Years of MARIE FRANCE with DAWN ZULUETA and Daughter Ayisha

A pioneer in slimming services in the country since 1985, Marie France is celebrating their 40th anniversary. 

When I got invited to this event, I was thinking of the thousands of men and women who have undergone their services; and how it has ultimately changed their lives. 

They've been known to do scientific and non surgical weight loss programs, with some of the best looking celebrities proving how effective it is, and each of them get armed with confidence, the knowledge to take care of themselves because at the end of the day, they truly deserve it. 

The corporation started small, like any other business, but with their name on the line, they made sure to develop their services by working with the best in the world. Marie France Group of Companies now also has Svenson, Facial Care Centre and pioneered the best slimming, health and wellness offerings the country has ever seen. 

Who would ever forget the time when one of the country's brightest stars Ms. Dawn Zulueta graced a huge billboard back in the days. While making blockbuster movies and appearing on local TV, she made sure that she stays on her best shape with Marie France's help. She also looks like a vampire, as she didn't look like she aged, and people loved her for that. This time, she's going to be with Marie France together with her daughter Ayisha who's obviously inherited her good looks, turning to the same place to take care of her skin especially since she's also had breakouts like any teen of her age.

It was heartwarming that the love and care continues after all those years. They're trusting the same people who made their life journey easy, the folks from Marie France.

Here's a glimpse of the event:

What's more touching is that, some of the women that have been with Marie France also went to the 40th anniversary celebration and told us their stories. Some are single, some are married, some have kids, but every single one trusted Marie France. It has changed their lives for the better, as I am too now that I am having treatments with the hair experts from Svenson. I've just started, and I can't wait to tell you how it has been a great journey with them. Their corrective measures made me realize I've been ignoring a lot of things when it comes to taking care of my hair. My friends on the other hand are availing services from Facial Care Center, and they have been loving each day. Can't wait to have sessions with them too.

I am so happy I'm one of the thousands of individuals who's life has been touched by Marie France, and I'm sure if you'd try it one of these days, that you will see the value of it too. Congratulations to everyone at Marie France, and I say, cheers to 40, and more years of taking care of us! 

Family History Delivers Ugly Cries, Spitting Laughter

Maybe just maybe, I was expecting less from this project... but they delivered.

Albeit no stranger in front and at the back of the camera, Michael V has stretched feathers among his many hats to be a real life Producer, Director, Writer and Actor for this film called Family History. I have never, been ever, effectively been confused about my feelings while watching a film because as soon as the hospital scenes started (oh that'll be early), I was already trying to stop myself from totally balling in the dark because I didn't want people to see me crying. 

This is a family film - of sorts, ideal in one side... but totally flawed on the next one. I know while you're reading that you're already getting confused, but trust me, it's because the twist in this film would just be making you even more insecure about your judgement about their characters, neither did they.

I initially thought I would be bored about a family drama, but it wasn’t even a few seconds into the film and people were giggling. Michael V and Ms. Dawn were definitely in a class of their own. Heck I can already say Dawn Zulueta can read a phonebook in a scene and still make you do ugly cry, she’s that good and she did that in several sequences. - undoubtedly, she is an icon! 

Michael V on the other hand could stand serious and unfazed with reality in one scene, but stamps his kind of comedy. He is definitely an authority, how can you not be impressed with the very talented Bitoy, who up to this moment I’ve lost count on figuring out how many times he’s transformed into different characters. You will see that happen here so many times. The movie might come off to you as clear, with very nice treatment and color grading but injects several graphics to denote out of this world reactions to everyday struggles. It was a secret nobody knew would happen, and that part was totally effective especially when he was talking to his boss and best man. 

A word of warning, there will be continuous flashbacks, and it is necessary. It gives you a backgrounder on why and how they ended up that way, so you too could understand how characters work. 

It is an awesome film with realistic, heart wrenching situations. If there's a takeaway from this movie, it's the capacity of the human heart to forgive and how to love without condiions (or is it?). Now I suggest you go find yourself some good cinema seats and be awed by how Michael V creates his first mainstream movie with effective artists and make you feel crazy. Hope you’ll end up crying and laughing at the same time, just like me when I was watching it. In the meantime, I didn't want to waste time so here are some of the celebrities that graced the event that afternoon.

I also have huge urge on what ideal movies to watch, this is one nice story. 

Worth every penny, because they over delivered. You'll leave the dark halls hopeful - and happy.

Andrea Torres and Lharby Policarpio for MEANT TO BEH

Fun to see Ms. Andrea Torres and Lharby Policarpio this afternoon at the CAVE in Tomas Morato. We were there to interview them for their film MEANT TO BEH which is the comback movie of Vic Sotto while he's paired with the timeless Ms. Dawn Zulueta.

Andrea Torres says "I am not a bad person here, not negative at all but I will wreak havoc with their relationship. I have been part of MMFF previously, like 10 years ago. I feel this is a blessing to end the year and I am excited. I was a bit stiff in the beginning, thinking of what to say or do Bossing Vic was already breaking the ice. How I wish we could get to do the bonding we did in Baguio, I miss them a lot. I have done comedy before since I am part of Bubble Gang, but of course I was still star struck because they are who they are. Ms. Dawn was so funny too and you can't compare it with what she portrays in real life. I am so glad about their feedback because that's what I wanted to do. I am also shocked at how they treat you like friends. Baste is like a baby brother, such a good kid to actually be with because he always never forget to share food when he's about to eat, he's certainly going to be adored by a lot of people. I am also going to gift myself with an out of the country trip, I think I owe it to myself to be with my folks and my brother. I am really looking forward to another MMFF eventful week. This is a G movie, you will expect the whole family to be there and I am excited to see them watch the film. You'll see this to be blessed in the box office, I wish he could win the best actor trophy. Just to be part of the project was a dream for me, but if ever I win the best supporting actress category would make me really happy. About the Bench Fashion Show, you just would never forget a moment like that. Their feedback was all good and if you were in the back stage, you wouldn't see anything like that because everyone was so nice and they were giving me food left and right, it was just like a celebration for Bench's 30 years."

Lharby Policarpio was also with us that afternoon and he says "I play Brad here and is a school bully. We have our own story inside the actual film. This is my first time to do an MMFF entry do getting to work with them was a dream for me. Though I was a college bully, it was more concentrated with JC and I did mistreat them a lot. The set is happy because from the director to the stars, they were all cracking jokes. Sue is remarkable, she's like one of the boys. She jokes a lot even if we are changing clothes, she's so chill and she doesn't make you feel that she's a big star. I also can't wait to travel because I do that quite often, for Christmas I wish that I would have time for that. This film is relateable and fun, like what any Vic Sotto project you have seen in the past but with more heart, more inspiration. We are sure this will earn a lot, but the awards will just be a reward for us. We hope you watch the film if you want to get inspired, a little touch of romance and learn about real family relationships."

MEANT TO BEH will be shown on December 25 and will also star Gabbi Garcia, Ruru Madrid, Sue Ramirez, Daniel Matsunaga and supee cute Baste. Bring your family and friends please!

KUMAGCOW

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Vic Sotto and Dawn Zulueta for MEANT TO BEH

MZET and APT Entertainment will make your Christmas season even more FUN and romantic as they dish out this family film called MEANT TO BEH as part of Metro Manila Film Festival 2017.

Dawn Zulueta was so happy to be oart of it and she says "As an actor I just mirrored it with real life and the delivery is just the difference. I hardly do any comedy but it's exciting to discover this. I believe respect holds the glue to a relationship, and love too. It's nice to learn from the young ones, your mindset is like when you want to get into their heads, it's like an intellectual excercise so I learn a lot of things from them and I can't say anything bad about the people in our cast, they're really good. Bossing is still the same but I've learned how he as an actor is so good in drama. I felt his sincerity, he's very effective. It's an exciting discovery and if he does another one soon, this is a nice preview of what he can do. I don't have any beauty secrets, I just make an effort, perhaps the outlook, I have different friends in different age groups. You have to have time to learn new things from young people. They are just waiting for this and when this project came along I was just thrilled to work with him after so many DECADES haha. I sure hope this earns a lot so we can have a part 2, and hope they get me again ha! You don't feel comedy is work when you are here, it's so energizing and I go home I reach another level of funny. Doing this is something else, a really good break for me."

Bossing Vic Sotto says "Even if last year I missed a lot, it's so nice to finally been able to go back. The fantasy genre has always been a good niche for me but I wanted to so something realistic, it's a serious movie but we just present it in a light manner. The theme is heavy but since this is a family thing, we had to make it apt for Christmas, be family centric. After watching the movie, you'll feel a lot of things that would include values we would like to impart. In a manner you'll laugh, but still learn from it. Acceptance for what he or she is, nothing would come out of it if it's always one person adjusting to the other. Like Dawn's character and how she is totally different from me, I like that part. I like these young actors, these millenials because if they're good they take their jobs seriously. When we started initially, we didn't know how he would deliver but he did, BASTE will be the next BIG thing. We actually learn from them too, they set good examples to the youth. As an actor you want to do everything, not just drama or comedy, you have to perform well in whatever role you get. It may have been a different genre now but it's a serious funny theme, it's difficult but you'll find fun in the conversations with no effort, I just trusted the scene and script. It's still important to earn from it so that you can have another film to show next time. If I come across a very good script, who knows, TVJ may come back but it has to be a good script. When we were planning this, we already had Dawn in mind and this film is some sort of first for me. I now have had the chance to do "idawn zulueta mo ako" in person. If it's about advice, the new actors we had may well advise us because they are good. When we were casting we didn't have problems casting from other networks, it didn't really matter, it felt like actors were not forced into a boundary. Now you may have limitations but shouldn't be a big deal. We all come from one industry. Please watch us first but please watch other films in the festival too. I don't want to put competition on the festival, our goal is to make people happy during Christmas so let's work together, that's the message we are trying to project here too. They are neither kapamilya or kapuso, they are all Kabisotes."

Director Chris Martinez adds "Friendship and love is the secret to a lasting relationship. Bossing is going to be a bit serious here, it's a best actor piece for him so you have to find out if he performs. It's really something different from the both of them."

JC Santos says "If you know yourself and you give your true self to your partner, that can get your relationship to last. I always try and see how they interact with each other, but I'm so glad they don't have star complex at all... they're all really humble. If you look at the Meant To Beh script, you just have to execute it and I'm very lucky to have worked with them."

Make sure you watch the movie this December 25, bring your family because it's intended for you.

KUMAGCOW

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Coleen Garcia for Love Me Tomorrow

The success of the movie has been evident but Coleen Garcia was just so happy about the box office performance of Love Me Tomorrow. Her favorite scene she says was "The reconciliation with Dawn's character because I could feel how good of a mother she is. During our thanksgiving dinner, I really talked to Ms. Dawn and she said to me that she also wished to have a daughter like me. That's really touching when she said that and I'd like it because I see how she cares for her children too. I am excited for the new film I'm doing, it's going to be a comedy action flick but is still in the works."

They also announced that it's near 100 Million, and wishes that the rains would stop because it's a thing that may have probably hampered it to increase audiences. 

"A lot of my friends are like Janine, I used to go out a lot and go out a lot, but when I started living alone I became more aware. I think it's just a stage, I'm in between a millenial and a Tita. I'm in the phase of Piolo. Ms. Dawn could only be the person to actually do this, she stays classy and still looks younger."

"When I left showtime, I felt I lost a family but when I started working with Star Cinema I felt like I've earned another one."

We learned also that when she accepted the role, she was already thankful because she was going to work with Piolo and Dawn. The experience of being there was already good for her even without a script. She added Billy haven't watched it yet, because he was also making another film. He just ran there early just to give her a bouquet of flowers. Isn't that sweet?

Coleen also said how much she's treasured the chance to work with Piolo and Ms. Dawn because getting to know them in a personal level was unbelievable. "I didn't know Piolo was really crazy, a little childish, but would be someone that she would want to keep a lasting friendship with while Ms. Dawn was a different connection, motherly, one that you can count on and tell your problems with. The experience with showtime is it really helped me to not worry about my inhibitions. I'm really trying to concentrate on the good things that are happening to me, but I'll be there, I already went there and guested twice!"

Love Me Tomorrow is still showing on 150 theaters nationwide! Watch it please!

KUMAGCOW

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Richard Gomez, Dawn Zulueta and Bea Alonzo for The Love Affair

The Love Affair doodled by the Star Cinema digital team

We were at The Love Affair blog conference a few days ago to meet Richard Gomez, Ms. Dawn Zulueta and Ms. Bea Alonzo. I know, they're really big stars, and seeing them on the big screen is very close to impossible because they've all got their careers going on. Much of you are probably like me, big fans of the Richard and Dawn pairing. Even though they didn't end up together, they've got really good family lives and a blooming friendship. Bea Alonzo looked so gorgeous that afternoon.... and one look at her just makes you feel life is unfair, like when it rained gorgeousness all over the world, she must have had her umbrella broken. Anyway, I was trying not to become a fan and feel particularly small amongst these great actors. We asked them right away about this project and what they think about their characters disposition; about love and relationships. Here's what they have to say!

Ms. Dawn Zulueta says "How can you forget the love? You also remember how much you've forget. I don't remember but we've been comfortable ever since. I learned how important it is to show appreciation to your partner. It's been years, you work on it and show appreciation, if your partner doesn't see that, you'll have cracks. In forgiving, I need to see proof. I need to forgive but it's not cheap, I need to really see that person is ready and capable to receive that, you also have to return the trust and that part is hard."  

Richard gets in and says this after being asked about him working with Ms. Dawn Zulueta after so long "After splitting up, we had a project like a soap, we've been comfortable with sensitive scenes and we've remained good friends and find ourselves in the same circle. Yes, we did get hurt but we started greeting each other, touching her a few times and we're good now. Love is very powerful, I learned that in this movie. There are a lot of scenes that I dubbed and felt some of it happened to me. I get really affected... and I sometimes cried while doing it. 

I can forgive, I can do that, what's important is the process, you need to do it otherwise you'll carry the pain for years and it would be difficult for you to move on. If you can't forgive, you just have to forget."

"It's your responsibility to be happy for yourself, you're not gonna get that from others. Watch out for my scene with Al Tantay because I don't do that in real life, sharing your life with your parents is hard, and I tried to do that with my Mom. I learned that it's possible. I have a hard time saying sorry if I don't mean it, especially with friends but thank God that hasn't happened yet. I don't know, because it's not easy." says beautiful Bea Alonzo. It was in this part where I felt she was talking to me, I know... I know... I can relate and that's why this movie is worth watching this coming week.

I almost fainted when she looked at me! LOL

Direk on this bit says he was the other woman of Richard Gomez! They were absolutely funny during the blogcon!

There were some instances where Bea was teasing Richard about Dawn, she also says she's a fan too!

"To see the world from his eyes, I have people to talk to, I didn't invent the feelings and it's all real. Towards the end, we had to talk about what to do that would show Bea talking to different people, eventually it's the father and we had to find out what they'll say at that particular time." says writer Vanessa Valdez. 

"It's a process, the rushes completely tell a different story and the emotions, they give it and make the scene work. You tweak it a little and you'll get to watch that in the film." Direk Noel says as he promises this when you see it on theaters August 12, 2015.

This film has so many issues that you, your friends or family can relate to because they've written and executed it with realness in mind. The conversations are also said in a manner where ordinary people like you and me would understand easily, much like in the real world. There hasn't been that much talk of women going the other way in cinema and this is definitely a fresh take on that. Vince, Patricia and Adie will take you to a place where not much people talk about, or do most of the time. If you were in the shoes of Vince, would you forgive and give another chance? Or would you pick up the pieces of your broken self with someone else? That's the question they want to answer when this goes on theaters this August 12 in cinemas nationwide! Oh and they told me that the trailer doesn't say much of the story, they have different angles why this situation came about and if you want to know why, you've got to watch it they say!

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