10 Reasons Why You Should Watch THUNDERBOLTS

I've asked myself a couple of times, I didn't get to answer why. One, I wasn't quite familiar with the superhero group even if I was a big fan of films from the outfit. But when I heard that THUNDERBOLTS was in SM Cinemas this month, I saw Filipinos lined up like clockwork. This is a film by Marvel Studios, spread by Disney in theaters, and I got more than what I bargained for. 

1. Thunderbolts had really good actors. Even though I didn't know most of them, one thing they didn't lack is the ability to convey emotion, Florence Pugh, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, David Harbor, Wyatt Russel and Sebastian Stan all made it easy to digest because characters were believable, funny at times, and easy to relate to. It's like you know them even though you really don't know them.

2. Florence Pugh as Black Widow is different, but I like her take despite of us being a more Scarlett Johansson fan. While new, she took this on like a pro so you'll see her as a bored working assassin from Russia. Trained and gifted as a kid, she becomes her own persona. She doesn't become a hero overnight and this is her movie (even though they're a group).

3. Bucky is back, Sebastian Stan gains a suit and played politics as a day job. By no means that would hamper him from becoming the Winter Soldier that he is. He is still explosive as ever. That iconic arm of him gets clowned by fellow heroes, and this isn't an exception. You'll be reassured though that he's got it all together. He's more matured, and I love it.

4. Lewis Pullman plays Bob. Just Bob. You need to see how he changes. He's extra. But he's just Bob.

5. Director Jake Schreier had a brilliant vision. Executed it well, and doesn't need a forensic scientist that these things are connected. There will be various times you'll see Easter eggs in the middle and end credits scene like what normal Marvel movies do.

6. David Harbor is an absolutely adorable human being. His character might be funny most of the time, but that's where he's going to just chuck you with his ability to pull heartstrings. Then attempt to make you cry, he's going to do a remarkable job in doing it.

7. Wyatt Russel's version of the US Agent is a tiring and frustrating one. He reminds me of a Taco. Watch out for his story. 

8.   Hannah John Kamen as Ghost wasn't given much of an interesting scene although this counts as her origin of some sort. Maybe she'll be in future MCU scenes where we'll get to see even more of her abilities. Maybe she was too hard to edit in. 

9. It ain't a filler, I think it's a necessary prelude to something big. 

10.  It was able to pull its own weight. It might have mentioned bigger ones but it's a story worthy to be known now. Definitely deserves to be seen in SM Cinemas, because it feels different. It wouldn't really make justice if it's just seen in a computer/phone screen if you want to stream.

NASHIE BOY BONUS

 

It's also a great movie to watch with friends who equally love the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I met Nash Aguas, his wife Mika Dela Cruz, Nashies Admin Philip, my neighbor Rai and actor Andre Garcia (whom I also haven't seen in a while). Man, I couldn't hug them but I miss them a lot. Nash is different, but still the same humble guy I've met back in the day. So proud of him and his achievements. It was also my first time to see Mika in person, super cute couple. Ugh, this moment made the movie even more special!

CATHY DOLL Holds #WhatADollDay at SM North EDSA

The gorgeous people from CATHY DOLL Philippines made the SM Beauty space even prettier with a #WhatADollDay event. This was done for folks who love the brand and onlookers that would want to get first dibs of their newest CC Cream line and new products together with influencers Toni, Echo, Cha and Dior... and a surprise guest they revealed later on, the Asoka Challenge Queen herself Lenie Aycardo.

This is the first time I was covering a Cathy Doll event, and I used to see them in different BL series that I watch especially those from Thailand. They're extremely popular, and with good reason, because their products really do work. It also doesn't cost much which makes it possible for them to be used for a greater demographic. It was so nice to see the brand also puts importance in being inclusive hence their endorsers. No matter what orientation, shape or form you are, Cathy Doll products are made especially for you.

 Now for those of you who missed it, don't fret because I've got it on video! Check this out!

 

Jericho, Dior, Toni and Cha, the faces of Cathy Doll in the Philippines

Supportive fiance Hajie Alejandro, Lenie Aycardo and Cathy Doll executives

Jericho and Dior took time to introduce the Cathy Doll CC Lip Serum and Cathy Doll Get Set Go Browcara. They have these in different shades and scents, and can be used if you are either fair or brown skinned. I'd be surprised how confident Jericho was during the talk and how he showed it doesn't make you less of a man if you are using cosmetics these days, as they say, it's already 2024! Dior on the other hand taught how to apply the browcara, as some of you may know, it'll make your brow appear more pronounced but not leech like. It looked good on them and it was applied in a few minutes. Men need perfect brows too.

Toni and Cha on the other hand put importance on the base foundations, powders and concealers. Aside from skin prep, you need to have the right shade for those dark spots. Being fair or morena, Cathy Doll has several products for you like the Cathy Doll Vitamin C Ampoule Powder Pact Press Powder, Cathy Doll Vitamin C Ampoule Concealer and the Cathy Doll ACNE CC Speed Oil Control Powder in Translucent form. You can use these products to make sure your makeup not only stays, but won't crack on you in the long run. It also covers imperfections on the skin, without it feeling heavy at all.

Lenie Aycardo talked in front to tell how she was able to use Cathy Doll products even for the Asoka Challenge which she was famous for. She's a long time user and was surprised with the new ones that they launched on this day because they previous ones were already apt for the different looks she made on the video. She also shares that it doesn't need to be expensive in order to get quality make up, Cathy Doll has different ones for different skin tones and if she could do it, so can you!

Right now, I'm slowly checking what products I could use for my daily regimen since I need to take care of my lips specifically. These new lip serums and tints would be quite handy to carry around especially for events that I cover and go to. 

Congratulations to Cathy Doll Philippines, SM Beauty and their team for making sure that women, men and everything between would have options. This launch just solidifies that!

4th IMPACT Welcomes Fresh Start: Releases New Album

 

When I heard Mylene, Almira, Irene and Celina was out to release an album, my 4th IMPACT fan heart was so happy! After their successful stint in X FACTOR UK Season 12 which catapulted them to worldwide fame, they're still looking for that spark to start off their own, original music, and a journey made of the same dreams they started with years back. Th launch happened at SM North Edsa Skydome in Quezon City, The Philippines.

The album only has 5 songs, but well worth every minute it plays when you stream online or spin on CD where available. Singles include "Distorted", "All at Once", "Round and Round", "February", and "Hate That Girl".

In 2023, announcement of their departure from their previous management shocked a few, but instead of drowning in the past, the girls went down hard as independent artists and did all the legwork needed to make this happen. They spent time working with the best of the best in the industry, same people who made music for Jennifer Lopez, and popular KPOP artists. 

Although there were a lot of sad anecdotes and realizations mentioned in the press conference (where they all kept it real), they had each other, their Mom and Dad to make sure they wouldn't give up the dream to represent the country in the international music scene - and still get to where they want to be. Since the debut single has been released in the US last year, they want to test the waters with these songs and see what resonates more with their audience. This also personifies their deep perseverance, something they're mighty proud came naturally as sisters. Even their management of tasks felt like everyone was volunteering and fit their skills like a glove.

Here's our video coverage of the press conference this evening

They rightfully dedicated this new album to the DREAMERS (their fan group) as they made them realize how they made 4th IMPACT inspired all these years (instead of them being the inspiration). Their faith in the 4 ladies made them hold on to that dream no matter what hardships they encounter.

I liked that in the end, Irene told the press how they knew that this isn't a continuation of what they've been doing in the past, but a true start because as far as artists are concerned, they definitely deserve to have that opportunity. They're hard working, still think about folks, and each other. They've been in so many roads, taken lots of detours, but is still hungry to be where they deserve to be. 

Up there, with the stars!