KAI MONTINOLA Appears at the "HEARTS AND BELLS" Event in Megamall

My favorite cake brand is ramping up their stores with an even bigger look as "Hearts and Bells" unveiled their newest branch at the 2nd floor of SM Megamall Building B in Mandaluyong City. One great thing was PBB Teen housemate Kai Montinola was gracing the event (we had the pleasure of meeting her in previous occasions) and it was certainly lovely to know that she's here to support them and give a huge thanks. She personally met with the owners Mr. Reynold and Marita Laddaran too.

For those who don't know, Hearts and Bells actually was responsible for the actual cake that Kai had during her debut (18th birthday) which is why she really see it fit to be present during one of the brand's biggest event this year. If you're familiar with the brand, they usually have those square kiosks and fridges but now are sporting a bigger, new look. They've been able to grow to over 15 branches over the years and have a very loyal following because of their buttercream cakes, which are not too sweet and tastes so good! 

Cakes by Hearts and Bells (photo from their FB page, edited by me)

The folks from Hearts and Bells had Kai cut the ribbon for their newest branch. People from all walks of life suddenly packed the area, trying to take a glimpse of the PBB alumnus, Star Magic artist and the new store. We had the pleasure of talking to Kai after the event, and we got to talk about a few things regarding her recent endorsements, shows, music and future plans. She was gorgeous, very eloquent, very smart too. 

Kai says "They were the ones who made my cake during my debut, to return that favor and thank them, I am here today. Even if they've been very quiet, they've grown as a brand and now have 15 branches all over the country. I love that they're not showy, not commercial, I love how they do business and I'm glad I'm here."

Talking about her recent wins, she attributes it to PBB and her journey there. She adds "My biggest achievement though is just being able to push through, not really the title that I've achieved, but with all the challenges that came my way, I am glad I am still here. Add to that my first album, and my first MMK appearance, I can say I'm still ready for more."

She also feels elated on how brands have continued to trust her and became their endorser. She's very new in the industry and felt her dreams are starting to all come true. To be chosen by these brands, she feels honored and validated. She also feels the good kind of pressure this brings and hope to become better at it and her craft. Though she feels that she still has a LOT of things to learn. She chooses the brands that are the same with her morals, also tells us how thankful she is for the team that supports her career.

Here's our whole interview with Kai after the event:

I would like to take this bit and say thank you and congratulations to Hearts and Bells on their recent achievements. Be assured that I'll continue to order my Mocha flavored cake from you guys every occasion that I can. Thank you also to Kai for being so nice that afternoon, and for letting us interview her after the event. Really appreciate it! Here's wishing more success in the coming years as your star shine brighter! 

QC Councilor Alfred Vargas Dedicates Recent Accomplishments to Manager Lolit Solis

QC Councilor Alfred Vargas just graduated from the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP). He attained GWA of 1.028, and was recognized as class Valedictorian, even given the Dean’s Medallion in this very same course.  

As you may know, the showbiz industry is still grieving with the recent passing of Lolit Solis, manager to the stars and prolific entertainment scribe. She is also Councilor Alfred's manager for over 21 years, which is why he was extremely emotional upon accepting it. 

During his speech at the UP Film Center, he didn't forget to dedicate his accomplishments to Ms. Lolit, cried on the podium and said "This is for you!"

He also gave thanks to his wife Yasmine and kids Alexandra Aryana, Cristiano and Aurora for the insurmountable support and sacrifice during this period. He emphasized how love and compassion plays when doing urban planning for a city. He also egged his classmates to do the same, with kindness, as it plays a crucial role with planning urban dwellings. He adds "It would be quite meaningless if we be unconcerned with others. We shouldn't abandon these principles and do what is right. We can't be blind or numb about the lies, corruption and poverty because it is a reality. It's not enough to use our hands, we need to use our hearts, and compassion. That and good governance will bring social justice and bring dignity for those living in the state."

 

He also stated how important their roles are in looking for solutions to address overpopulation, the housing shortages, lack of infrastructure, issues with the environment, health, safety, education and inequalities. He reiterated the importance of listening to the needs of the public, of every sector, especially the marginalized ones before executing plans in the industry. This is something that he has learned early being a public servant. He also cited the Quezon City Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) wherein it has bore fruit, with the passage of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act when he was still congressman of the same district. He encouraged them to use what they learned from the course to improve lives of those living in their city, one area at a time.

After his undergrad degree in AB Management Economics from Ateneo in 2002, Master’s degree in Public Administration from UP Diliman’s National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) in 2021, he now plans to accomplish a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning at the same institution. Dedicating this to his late manager was an apt act, Ms. Lolit would have been mighty proud of his accomplishments as she was when she was still with us.

Helping Cops and Their Families Through PNP OLC Foundation Projects - Ms. Mary Rose Marbil

We had the opportunity to talk to Ms. Mary Rose Marbil, wife of PNP Chief Rommel Marbik a few months ago. She explained to us briefly the initiatives of PNP OLC Foundation Inc. which has now continued to do projects involved in health, family and aspirations of those who are in need while in service. She used to work for private corporations but now use her skills to better organize the foundation to push their shared vision for uniformed and non uniformed personnel, and their beneficiaries. 

As of now, they are putting emphasis and help for those suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and various kinds of cancer which comprise over 80 percent of their beneficiaries.

Aside from that, their LAB (Love and Blessings) Virus program provide monetary support and needed health kits for those who are under 17 Police regions which she also relentlessly tries to visit on a regular basis to make sure their health concerns get addressed to this day. 

She also worked with the Quezon City LGU to put up the Child Development Center inside Camp Crame for Early Childhood care for those who are working under the government arm. They are also pushing for upgrades of medical facilities inside the camp, to better serve their community.