DAVID LICAUCO and SHAIRA DIAZ Does Open Relationships in WITHOUT YOU

Ever felt curious about having yourself involved with 2 or more people? It's happening a lot these days and this is something what the movie WITHOUT YOU is tackling this coming February 15th. This project under heavily missed OCTOARTS FILMS stars man of the hour David Licauco and gorgeous actress Shaira Diaz.

This isn't the first time that the two are being paired as the ShaiVid love team started in a TV series a couple of years back and got immortalized in a 2019 movie made by famed director Joel Lamangan. It was about millennials and this time, they're discussing a very matured subject like OPEN RELATIONSHIPS. David Licauco recently had remarkable success playing Fidel in the hit show "Maria Clara at Ibarra" while Shaira Diaz also confirmed a Book 2 for "Lolong" where she plays Elsie Dominguez.

This entailed they had to also level up in the acting department because it wouldn't be easy to tell the story without being a sexy. This is the reason why even David's Mom didn't want him to take the project, but felt he had to make the decision so he could start taking on roles that could challenge him as an actor. Shaira on the other hand laughed a little as she was totally on board because she's already twenty something but still doing "pa-tweetums" roles on screen, she felt she needed to change her game now because obviously, this isn't a romantic comedy.

 

The two will also be joined by beauty queens Riana Pangindian (Miss World Philippines 1st Princess 2021) and Dindi Pajares (Miss Supranational Philippines 2021) who will both play a vital role in the lives of these two.

 Here's what happened during the press conference:

For those who want to see David Licauco and Shaira Diaz in a different light, WITHOUT YOU is certainly going to make you want more. Their pairing has been proven in the past already, and now that they have booming separate careers, wouldn't it be interesting to see them in a more matured state? This was made by Director RC Delos Reyes under OCTOARTS Films and will premiere in February 15. Make sure you support this if you love their recent roles on TV!

BISTRO Group Offers 30% OFF This August 7-13

We're probably going to spend the third lockdown season together with our families at home. The ECQ will be until August 20 and hopefully won't get extended. I know how hard it is to get supplies and cook breakfast lunch and dinnner, so most probably you'll end up ordering food online.

The good news is, your favorite Bistro Group restaurants will be offering a whopping 30%OFF if you order via the Bistro Delivers App which you can download on the Google Play store and App store on iOS. All you need to do is use the promo code BISTRO 30 upon checkout. Their restaurants like TGI Fridays, Italianni's, Denny's, Texas Roadhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, Watami, Fish & Co., Modern Shanghai, Bulgogi Brothers, Red Lobster, Hard Rock Cafe and El Pollo Loco. From old classics, to new favorites, to Asian, American, Japanese, Spanish and everything in between, the Bistro Group has it. 

Now all you've got to do is have it all conveniently delivered, and enjoy your food!

OPEN with JC Santos and Arci Muñoz

Spent some hours in ABSCBN to talk to the stars of the film OPEN by Blacksheep and TRex outfits. Good reviews so far, but we had to hear their views about the topic of the movie, it is after all about open relationships. We felt how they got so serious about the journey of the two main characters.

Arci shares “I want to be able to do scenes that would satisfy the director, the artists, it was heavy, even the location was the same. I had to drink so I could vent out cry. We never faked it, I had to drink even before the scene and it was really had. I saw JC’s thing, but funny it wasn’t seen in the camera and we laughed about it. It didn’t make the cut on the heavy scene. I like the light scenes, if there is cake, wine, I love those scenes. I don’t know if there is one, it might spoil the movie. All movies I made, I wasn’t so involved but OPEN had me crying so much in the theater. I couldn’t breathe and had to freshen up before the interviews. It affected me much. If it has been mutually decided, maybe I could think about it. Maybe I’ll try it now since I’m single. It was just the right project for me, maybe in the future I could do it. I didn’t agree on it when I read it, but there’s a lot of types of being open so as long as you have constant and proper communication, and agree on it, maybe, and date people. We didn’t think about how we look, it is the feelings, the emotions, especially the ending because it was heartfelt. And I had to go back a lot of times. I have been cheated by all my exes, all three of them, and since we didn’t have rules or talked about it first, that’s cheating.”

JC says “My favorite scene was when he knelt down, Ethan isn’t like me, I couldn’t believe sometimes how much he’s like that. We are so different. Is it right? Do I receive things correctly!? I didn’t know I was funny, I felt he was wrong a lot of times. But I was with guys in my row of seats in the premiere, and we were laughing about it, it was because we know why.”

Andoy says “I guess that is also my statement, that ending had to be revised 27 times, it depends on the person looking at it on how they want to end. Arci was also sick at that time, I took that inspiration based on the emotions that the artists had that time. My friends were iffy about the topic, they are so sensitive, my artists often had to switch. I have no idea if there are plans on joining other festivals, TREX and Blacksheep will have to decide on that. The original directors cut was 2 hours and 9 minutes, maybe the producers cut would be shorter, but that had the explanation, maybe if Netflix picks it up it will be better. It went to different drafts, but I don’t think you’ll love Ethan after. It discusses a lot of taboo, ironic even the top grosser is about LGBT, there are a lot of things to talk about especially discrimination.”

It’s still showing on theaters, go check out the film OPEN and maybe, just maybe, you’ll change your mind about it like they did.

New Sennheiser Devices Takes Audio Quality Seriously

I visited the Egghead Audiohub through the invitation of Sennheiser folks a couple of days ago. I've been a fan of their products especially the microphones, but had little knowledge about their other audio products. Turns out they have a whole line of headphones and their flagship products have been released recently and we got to try them out recently. I imagined it to be some unfathomable high tech devices but the two kind gentlemen from Singapore put it in plain words for me and a couple of bloggers I was with that afternoon. I'm not much of an audio expert, but since I have background in Engineering I know the concepts of  audio and acoustics. These are the same technologies they use for features of the headphones particularly the noise cancellation so you can take care of those in the background. I learned a lot in one hour, but I bet you guys should be in it too.

This is the Momentum wireless headphone. It comes in Over Ear and On Ear models and are quite comfy. As for aesthetics, they do present their designs as very modern in terms of technology but is still reminiscent of what was happening in the 70's. Yes, you'll get that classic look but you won't be shortchanged on technology. These headphones both have 90% noise cancellation technology. It's so remarkable to compare them with the other while we were there at the Egghead Audiohub because you can literally try them on first before purchasing it.

I actually like the On Ear version most because my ears are kinda out there - and this basically makes my face look smaller as it gets pressed or tucked in gently. I swear I could wear this for hours and not get tired while listening to my favorite music. I could picture myself in my man cave and have this for pleasure, a thing that countless men would do in their spare time.

These are the HD 650 (left) and the HD 630VB (right). It's quite different for a reason because the left one is designed Open which means you can get the air travel freely on the headphones. You'll get that open air concert venue quality which is quite lovely especially for those who love voice/crooner type of music, plus the comfort wearing it because air flows in and out. The other Closed type headphone on the right is quite fancy, it's got dials on the headphone's sides so you can play with bass levels. It's also got a manual switch for iPhone or Android remotes so you can control it. You're also assured of quality as it is made in Ireland, standards are a little better there!

These are the HD 800 and HD 800S. It's available in Silver, Matte black finish. The headphone's "absorber" technology makes smoother sound even more easier to listen to - so you can use it for longer times. This would be great for unplugged music and make you feel that you are there in a concert, or studio. It costs roughly around Php 66,990 and Php 92,990 and is made from Germany. A lot of concert artists and professional musicians use it, and it sounds absolutely phenomenal I'd want one for myself.

This one is the Amplifier HDVD 800, it costs around Php 115,990. I was quite interested about this because of the cable that they're using with it. As with any sound equipment, I know that cables matter. Their Balanced Cable actually improves sound and it comes with the headphone already. For the quality it gives, I'm sure this specialized connections have played a role on how sound would turn out on the device. Remember, each wire has resistance, when you run current through it makes or break the acoustics and engineering has played a huge role in getting that perfect sound to come off of it.

Thank you so much to Egghead Audiohub and these young fine gentlemen from Sennheiser who accommodated us inside the store. You should come and visit as they have these new Sennheiser models on display which you can try out even before you purchase it. They've got a studio at the back too so don't be afraid to ask if you want to experience world class audio in one place. Egghead Audiohub is at the Shangrila Mall's East Wing, at the 5th floor left side if you're facing the main entrance. They are open mall hours so go ahead and take a look!

For more information about their products:

Egghead Audiohub

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Visit their official website

http://en-us.sennheiser.com

Chaplin Cafe at Century City Mall

Had a wonderful small brunch at Chaplin. It's a restaurant at the 5th floor of Century City Mall in Makati Avenue, Makati City. It's been a while since I've been here so I'm making the trip worth it and show you around this place which I found very nice. The seats are comfy, even though it's a little packed I still managed to get seats in the center. I got to do my favorite activity, people watching. Aside from that, we got the best items on the menu as recommended by the wait staff and chef who came out to say hi later on. A foreign lad, concocting upscale middle east/Mediterranean dishes for the restaurant. I knew I had to see this.

The interiors are nice. It's like a California modern restaurant with functional, minimalist interiors. The colors are basic, black, white, green and wood tones all around. It's upscale but relaxed, I can imagine this being frequented by Titas of Manila, those who have meetings, or foreigners who just want something quick for breakfast and lunch. They have dinner, the ambiance up there was quite conducive for talk and lovely.

 

For business travelers, they have wifi. Although not that fast, it was okay for the small things like browsing and Instagram. I wanted to stay there for work but I had to attend another event on the same mall on the lower floors so after brunch I left in a jiffy.

What caught my attention was that most of the foreigners opted to stay under the sweltering heat of the sun. They didn't mind it was super hot that day and just got hydrated by drinks and perhaps took advantage of our tropical weather to get a tan while they're there. Makes sense though.

I ordered this Orange-Carrot juice which the server recommended. It was very refreshing, not too sweet, and you still get that legit orange juice taste on every sip. I think it's imported boxed orange juice though, or maybe fresh (since it's also available), I couldn't tell. A bit pricey but considering the heat outside, it's something you would think you'll need.

I thought this was chicken, but apparently this is their version of Potato Wedges. It's more on the sweet side, but I do like the variety rather than just spuds on a plate.

This is Shakshouka. It's a middle eastern egg and tomato based dish. The star here is the egg of course and is served a little runny so you can put it on your bread like a spread.  It reminds me of the Italian bruschetta, but this is vegetarian with the exception of the egg of course. They love this in any meal as part of their starters. Pretty good.

This is Eggplant Melanzane. To me, it looks like the Greek Moussaka with none of the cheese and cream. It's very nice to see something vegetarian that's this good. I think this is my personal favorite and perhaps when they come out with breads (I heard they are really soon) this would be something that would be perfect for that.

This is their Chicken Steak. It's a hearty version of Chicken Barbecue, butterflied. It's very savory. I also like that this comes with an option of potato wedges or mashed potatoes and their side salad. You basically get this as a complete meal perfect for lunch or dinner. I love the small crispy parts and how soft it is inside. If you like barbecue, you'll love this healthy plate.

 This is their signature Chaplin Pizza. The ingredients are fresh, although I found it a little unseasoned. I did put a generous amount of salt and pepper (which they had on the table) and it was okay after that. What's good is that they have a "Make Your Own Pizza" section on the menu where you can choose the ingredients and have it ordered like that. Still, they had very healthy options for toppings so you're not gonna miss out on the veggies even if it is pizza.

My friend and I had this for dessert to end the meal. She also ordered another one just so we could see the best sellers. The first one is my personal favorite, the Chocolate Souffle. I liked the flavor and how deep the chocolate is in every spoonful but, there seems to be some presentation problems. I like my plate pretty, and if it's a souffle, at least have it risen properly and not all broken down like a mush on the bottom. I was so glad that they were very receptive about comments of their food since they just opened. The Napoleon was so good, I like the flaky crust crisscrossed with luscious caramel and the dollop of cream on the side. Then the last one is the Triple Chocolate Mousse, it went missing after around 5 minutes and I don't know where it has gone. Maybe it just vanished.

Chaplin Cafe is located at Century City Mall's 4th Floor. You can access it through the Kalayaan Avenue side of the mall to get breakfast even if the mall isn't opened yet. It's the perfect meeting spot, but I'm just telling you. Yes, it's worthy to go to for a visit, or do your work. They've actually got pretty good coffee too so if you're around the area and it's a little early, go give them a visit. It's a little pricey (for Pinoys but not for foreigners) but considering the upscale ambiance, the vegetarian choices, the good food, I think it's worth it. There you go.

For more information about their restaurant:

Chaplin Cafe

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

https://www.facebook.com/chaplin.cafe.philippines