WILBERT ROSS and ERIC EJERCITO on Korean-Filipino Produced Film "THE GUARDIAN"

Good news to those who love KDramas, action flicks and worthy series as the film called "THE GUARDIAN" will be shown this September 2nd in cinemas nationwide. This film by Jeong Jang-Hwan stars KPOP Idol Nam Woo Hyun, Park Eun-Hye, Han Jae-Suk, our very own Yassi Pressman, Wilbert Ross and Eric Ejercito. 

This is produced by GV Labs and Will Studios of Korea, and Ovation Productions, Parallax Studio, Robosheep Studios and Viva Films of the Philippines. The film will be distributed by Noori Pictures in South Korea and Viva Films here in the Philippines. In a nutshell, this is BIG!

What's good is that this film is entirely shot and made in the Philippines which means we are more than capable of doing it. The film tells a story of a son (played by Nam Woo Hyun) who sacrificed going to the Philippines to be with his mom who then got kidnapped by Korean gangsters. He needs to save her within 48 hours, a feat that may prove to be difficult within that time frame.

Actor Eric Ejercito says "They work on Korean time and they accomplish everything they have on paper. It's a different system but Filipinos could adapt to it. I've done a few action films but we switched with Wilbert, I did the romcom part. We are both nerds and we got to bond off cam. I am also very organized going to this character because it needs a month long shoot, I prepared for it. We also had them try Filipino food, sisig. They had fun here "

Wilbert says "In the action role, I had to go to Davao but I couldn't because I had to train for it. I worked out and did training, had to push my self because I had no martial arts background. The action sequence went smooth. We went out with the Korean actors, even though there was a language barrier, we got to let them experience night life. The character was new to me, I always play dumb roles but being a villain was so much fun."

Here's the media conference on video:

Producers Wesley Villarica of Parallax Studio Inc. and  Micah Fernandez of Robosheep Studios just confirmed today that the film will also be released by Lionsgate for international distribution. They also shared some appreciation on both sides as they learned a lot on this opportunity to not only line produce, but become actual producers of the film. They also mentioned some issues regarding some issues with other LGU's (which they kept secret) who made the production experience miserable. Good thing Quezon City gave them help, a place to do their work more liberally, and an LGU that really cares when they needed it (permits and locations included) which they hope won't happen if they plan to do movies here again soon. Yes, they plan to do more of these productions now that it has been done. Hopefully, it'll be easier to do (with them in the cast maybe?) but who knows, they might be making one already. 

THE GUARDIAN will be out on theaters this September 2, make sure you watch and support them! 

Mentor Mike Launches Books on Life, Entrepreneurship with Purpose

Mentor Mike aka Dr. Michael V. Maranan, LCB, MMLSM, DBA, DHUM just got his books released. It's a collection of his experiences in the lines of building businesses, education and mentoring. He is the man behind Windfreight Express Total Logistics Incorporated and 88 Sunfreight Express Corporation, and is its President and CEO. He wears many hats as a licensed Customs Broker, Professor, Public Speaker and Entrepreneur. He also got his DBA in Thames, and his Master's in Logistics and Supply Chain in PCU. He also got his Honorary Doctors of Humanities from United College of Brazil, plus a recognition from Lyceum Batangas as an Outstanding Alumnus. It has always been his dream to have education accessible for all which is why he wants to educate, empower and inspire others especially those who are already good at their craft (professionals and leaders). 

His Books: 

From Eight to Infinity: Secret Stories and Lessons from the life of Dr. Mike Maranan is more of a memoir, where he explains his experiences from when he started to the time he was leading corps. 

Confessions of a Licensed Customs Broker is about how to weave through the complicated world of customs brokerage. He gives practical ways if you are doing a venture like his and will show you have leadership, perseverance, discipline and faith could help you make it a successful one. 

The Business That Fits You and the Tagalog version "Ang Negosyong Swak Sayo Challenge" on the other hand will give you excellent entrepreneurship advice, and how to sustain trend driven businesses so you can make it into a long term one through building practical plans and framework. He wants it to be understood and digested easily by Filipinos and dedicate it to aspiring ones including importers, exporters, pros and students across the country. It won't be just theoretical as he made sure to include his real life experiences, tells you straight what would be profitable or not. Show you the ropes too. 

Here's some clips from the event a few days ago:

The event was also graced by some of Mentor Mike's celebrity friends who swear by the practical tips they got from the books he put out. 

The books are currently available via his website mentormikebooklaunch.com or his social media channels. You can also expect the release to be done in digital shopping apps and platforms very soon. 

(Photos and videos on this article are from Rain de Ocampo of Raincheck, covering for KUMAGCOW.COM)

Making Milestones in 2025: Forest Lake

You certainly can't stop a bullish run as Forest Lake Development Incorporated made 2025 their biggest year yet by recording a whopping 5.5 Billion in Sales Production. That's a 45 percent jump from the year prior, thanks to the countless Filipino families who have put their trust in them. This stems from their service with compassion, accessible memorial care and dedication of the men and women of Forest Lake according to their CEO Alfred Xerez Burgos. 

Aside from that, they've got a 20 percent revenue growth amounting to 3.26 Billion and a net income of 20 percent sans tax (789 Million), figures they've also been surprised with and gained SEC's trust to expand capital stock (initially 1 Billion, now 4 Billion pesos!). 

This will translate to even more facilities starting with their columbariums, Churches, Parks, and services which makes their Total Memorial care possible in years beyond. This is a milestone they proudly announced, to hopefully touch on their corporation's value. 

To date, they now have 42 memorial parks across the country plus over 41 partner funeral homes in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. These are all peaceful venues of families who want services that are hassle free, compassionate in the most troubling times of their lives. Visit forestlakeparks.com to know more about it.