STARPRENEUR Bazaar at the Fifth at Rockwell

I saw a lot of smiles coming out of vendors from this event. I couldn't blame them because aside from the fact that this is a full bazaar, it's certainly a way to prove that there's a lot of potential for MSME's in the country. This is the STARPRENEUR Bazaar held at the FIFTH at Rockwell in Makati. This is organized by Bela Padilla and Filipino entrepreneurs Ms. Lanie Tañedo and Mr. Dennis Valbuena. If you are familiar with the brand Bela by Bela Padilla, they are the same folks who started her cosmetic, product and perfume line with her a couple months ago. This time, they're working with young Hollywood star and PH showbiz royalty Iñigo Pascual.

Iñigo says "It's something that I wanted to do for a long time. I've dreamt about it since college but I never got to finish my course in entrepreneurship. I've been involved in acting and music, and I wanted something different from that. Before I met them (Ms. Lanie Tañedo and Mr. Dennis Valbuena) I really wanted to start something but I didn't really know what to do and where to start. They showed me the ropes on how to start a business. They also showed me technology because it's different now. You really have to learn what's on trend, and for me, they really are the ones who guided me."

He adds "A lot of the products we have in herzy. is mentholated, and if you just got out of the shower, some complain from the heat, and they're already perspiring. I wanted folks to still feel fresh and clean after trying our products. The difference between men and women is, we want everything to be simple, less fuss, when you try it, it's really nice and smells good. It's easy to use and carry around. The ingredients are also natural, I even styled my own hair with it, and admit that sometimes men are even more vain about hair. We hope you love these products! I hope you love the Brow Serum which they initially designed to grow and nourish hair, last minute, we thought of using it for the brows because people often ask me about it. This was named after my Grandfather, we just turned the Herzig into Herzy to make it easy to pronounce."

Mr. Dennis Valbuena replied "We really appreciate that. Now that you've learned from us, it's your turn to guide others about the business. He was very hands on. We saw his potential right from the start."

At the event, they also took time to talk to entrepreneurs about their businesses and how they started. It was a very nice way for other entrepreneurs to learn from each other and perhaps network so they could also improve their businesses. The Runway Atelier also got their cute models on stage sing and walk for the event. Seeing kids there was super cute!

Here's a short chat we had with him at the venue:

 

 

Meanwhile, I have also managed to use the herzy. products this week and so far, I'm loving the herzy. Hairstyling Stick the most. Like him, I've got pretty wavy hair which gets uncontrollable after a few hours. It made my dilemma of looking well put together easy because you can get rid of those frizzy fly away hair in just a few seconds with it. The herzy. Body Wash not only smells good, but a bit minty. It feels fresh even in the hot afternoons in Manila. They've really made a very promising line of products designed for men (that can also be used by women). Best of all, men don't have to smell like flowers LOL.

 

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There was a bit when Inigo Pascual sat down and talked to other MSME's. The chat included Mr. Dennis Valbuena of DL Wear Private, Mr. Nio Siggaoat and Ms. Valerie Lim of beauty brand Ready.Set.Glow (RSG), Twin CEO's Mark and Spencer Elimanco of LINKIT (who introduced high tech calling cards), Ms. Audrey Ong of Sweet Kamote, Ms. Jana Berenguer of J&A The Label (of TikTok fame, you should check out their story), Ms. Rich Garceron and Mr. Jed Homar Sison of Anytime Fitness Hemady Branch (whom you might want to check out to have no excuse to go to the gym) and Ms. Elvira and Eleanor of Thermomix.

The event also featured Dani by Bela (fragrance of Dani Baretto under Bela Padilla's brand), Bela by Bela, The Runway Atelier, AY Clothing Shop, Get Spotted, Sweet Kamote, Kittly Manila, Show Idea Mayumico, iWhite Korea, Hiraya Pilipina, Pan de Carpio, Prints FX and Signs, Miruku, Duchess The Label, alas hot sauce, FizzStop, Nutral, Developers HideOut, Luka's meat products, and a lot more.

The STARPRENEUR BAZAAR was so much fun, and I hope folks not just the consumers learned a lot from the business owners who shared their stories on stage. Congratulations to Bela, Ms. Lanie Tañedo and Mr. Dennis Valbuena. Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeves this year and beyond!

"Love Beneath The Stars" Shows on iWantTFC

We all adored the movie "The Boy Foretold by the Stars" and that thing moved me. It represented a whole lot of people, who are still capable of love and yes, I was so happy to see the characters of Keann Johnson and Adrian Lindayag develop something out of it.

The budding relationship of Dominc and Luke continues in the new sequel Love Beneath the Stars which is a digital series to be shown on the iWant platform. I had the pleasure of watching the first episode last August 9th. To tell you honestly, I had high expectations because I really loved the movie. I'm tough as a stone but I cried in several scenes (in the movie) and the series, took the role of filling in the gaps for content because if you're looking for details, this fills it up A LOT. 

The class jock and endearing effeminate lover was surely going to rock the catholic school. Add to that the complexities of bigotry, the conservative ones, bullies and close minded peeps who will bring unwanted opinion on a relationship of two people. The series will also showcase a lot of things you didn't notice. You call yourself supportive, an ally, but it doesn't match with what you think, say or do. This evidently would encourage change, and I'm excited about the next episodes which will be shown on the same platform.

 

Here's part of the blog conference earlier this week. I didn't quite had the chance to ask questions because of time constraints and the amount of people that were equally excited about the show. So here you go, enjoy!

 

The series doesn't make you feel you burdened to change your beliefs, it just shows you what's happening around you and YOU have to decide what you need to do. Keann and Adrian seriously delivered in the acting department, and with a few scenes, you'll surely be hooked and feel for their characters. 

Love Beneath the Stars is the kind of show that doesn't hit you with a ton of bricks, but slowly takes over your heart in several acts, finds that small glistening hope that you see beyond labels and prejudice, to see what it is... nothing but LOVE. If you want to watch it, download the iWant TFC app on android and iOS. Aside from that, you can also watch it on Android powered Smart TV's where it is compatible. Streaming will start on August 16. I'll surely watch the other episodes, I heard they're making this in 6 parts. This is written and directed by Dolly Dulu who also appears on the video above.

I hope this doesn't break out hearts.

VICE GANDA Tops Highest Grossing Movie Star List

Our friends over at LionheartTV just came out with a listicle about the highest grossing movie stars from 2010 to 2021. On top, remains the one and only Unkabogable and Phenomenal Box Office Star Vice Ganda. During this period, he had a whopping 20 films of which he was the lead star in 11 of them. The movies Vice made just kept breaking the next one and in that span of time, he's gotten to work and partnered up with other movie stars and film outfits of which had twists in the script so movie goers had a different one to watch each year. You can just imagine how much people got to watch and enjoy each time Vice had to come out with one and take it to another level every time.

These days, Vice is seen hosting the hit show Everybody Sing! on ABSCBN's different digital platforms and A2Z free to air Channel 11. We all stay at home and watch it on weekends to see Vice's different outfits, hair, and personify an icon each episode. Vice also was able to talk to a lot of people, asking about their life stories and how they have been able to survive and work during the pandemic. Aside from that, communities and people from the same industry get to win cash prizes and help each other while singing their favorite songs on national TV. 

Vice also appears in her daily afternoon stint on "It's Showtime!" and have had the opportunity to do concerts, bring that to other parts of the world. This year isn't going to be a time that Vice would stop because she's doing one that's timely and even more fun. It's called GANDEMIC VICE GANDA: The VG-TAL Concert slated this July 17, 2021 at 9PM. VIP Tickets are also sold so you can have a special meet and greet session with Vice right after the show. Separate zoom links will be sent to you by the production after purchase so if you're looking for the ultimate Vice Ganda experience, go and get it on KTX.PH. Now don't be sad if you have something to do on that date because they'll have another one the next day July 18, 2021 at 11PM. 

Vice never stops giving more fun and laughter in a very opportune time where we need to forget about the stresses of life. Not only that, Vice is teaching the general public, even those at homes about LGBTQIA+ causes and normalizing talk about preference, gender and pronouns to change the old psyche. It's why he was quite viral on Twitter and seeing how the community also appreciated Vice's efforts was something laudable. 

 I can't wait to see more of Vice, especially on the concert! Oh we know, Vice is just starting!

The Boy Foretold By The Stars

Do you believe in fate? Do you believe in soulmates? Do you believe that somewhere out there, there is someone intended to love you? In some ways, I do.

Those questions are pretty hard to answer. However, I've had the privilege of talking to some really smart people who are trying to tell you a story. It's called "The Boy Foretold By The Stars". This is a Filipino BL film starring Adrian Lindayag and Keann Johnson. We also got to talk to the director of this film Direk Dolly Dulu. 

This is quite interesting as it is set in an all boys Catholic school. That alone is quite crazy as a venue for an LGBT themed story (for some), but obviously it happens. One is a straight guy and the other an effeminate boy.

Adrian Lindayag plays Dominic, an honor student, achiever, straight A's and doesn't believe in fate or stars.

He told us about how he got into the film and says "I was invited by a friend who told me his friend wrote a script and told me to audition. I was taping Kadenang Ginto and I asked for permission. Good thing we filmed quite near in ABS CBN. I knew when I read the script that I was Dominic. I worked with Keann already and it was easier because of that. Yes there will be kissing scenes, people should note how good Keann is and I trusted him. I really was feeling kilig when he looks at me. I believe he's a nice person, he listens to me when I have issues, I can be myself when I am with him."

Keann Johnson plays Luke, a jock, sports man, and does everything by flipping a coin. He says "I got this role back then when I was celebrating things with fans. When I learned about it, I knew it was a different role and push my limits. It takes two to tango and I feel if it wasn't him it would feel different. I feel really kilig when he gives me things, no awkwardness whatsoever. It's 2020 and people are very understanding, if I'm going to introduce him to my parents I will be bold to do it. I feel he would always ask about his future soulmate, not just career, he's more into finding love. Honestly, the guy is very open to men or women, maybe a pansexual, I learned no one could tell you who to love, but with all your heart."

Direk Dolly Dulu says "I was waiting for the festival to start but it took too long for Cinefilipino to do screenings. I was a little down because we finished this ahead of time, even ahead of the BL wave in the country, but it just wasn't being shown. Jodi asked me about it and then CineFilipino finally decided that they would do things next year, the material was getting old but now that people are craving for it, we knew we had to do it now. This film was written in 2016 and I'm glad a lot of people trusted us, I am so thankful for that. I took it from personal experience, from a one act play of which I was trying to get over someone, I just changed names. It was formed way before the movie, I had to do it in a higschool setting. The casting was really for Dominic as it required a feminine guy doing it. It was hard to get actors who would just do it, I got a legitimate one. Getting Keann on the other hand was a no brainer because we had to get someone who looks good and was willing to do it. I had to do auditions for his role and had to make sure they jive when they are together."

To give you an even better understanding on why I'm so glad I did this interview, here's what happened during the blog conference, enjoy!

Adrian was a ball of energy, very nice and easy to talk to. He's very articulate, snaps humor into conversation and hella fun. Keann (aside from being extremely good looking) was cerebral, takes nibbles to understand questions thrown at him and gives really smart answers. Even if this was the first time I talked with them, I felt I was amongst friends, which is why I enjoyed this blog conference. I haven't felt that way in a while. I have seen the trailer, and these two are very effective, I'd mistake it is real... which is why I am so excited to watch this on theaters soon (or virtually)!

The Boy Foretold By The Stars is produced by teleserye queen Jodi Sta. Maria under Clever Minds Inc., The Dolly Collection and Brainstormers Lab. 

Coming soon!

Vote For Your Idols and Win a VIVO V5Plus!

Now this looks promising. Have you ever though about helping your idols get that chance to help their chosen charity? Well yes, this is your chance to do it and you can even win a brand new VIVO V5Plus after doing it. Sounds easy? Well it is!

All you have to do is vote for your favorite local celebrity who took their V5 Plus selfie shots in the @vivophil Instagram account. Make sure you follow them there too! As of now, Sue Ramirez is leading the perfect selfie race by 7,756 votes. Loisa Andallo, Jane Oineza, Andrea Brillantes, Maris Racal also are tough contenders so make sure you get your votes cast because they want to help charity organizations of their choice too.

Jesse Mendiola, Yeng Constantino, Miles Ocampo and Enchong Dee can still get them a run for their money. Money for charity that is, and you can still help them win this as long as you cast votes on the @vivophil IG account. 

Oh and before I forget, Erich Gonzales needs your support too. She might be going through a rough time now but she also wants to help. We can do this right? A single vote counts as 1 peso for Habitat for Humanity so poor marginalized communities would be able to get their own houses, as shelter has always been a necessity. Join the Perfect Selfie Cup today.

KUMAGCOW

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TV5's Rising Stars Philippines - QC Auditions Now Ongoing!

It's here! It's big and it's going to take the Philippines by storm! RisingStars Philippines, the country's biggest and grandest talent competition is now holding auditions all over the Philippines to find out who among the 100 Million strong Filipinos would be the ultimate singing superstar - and we were at the Quezon City auditions last Sunday at the Cinema Floor of Trinoma Mall (4th Floor), North of Edsa, in Quezon City.

RisingStars Philippines is also going to be televised on Kapatid Network TV5 from February 28 to May 3, 2015. They will also be holding auditions all throughout the country including far flung barangays so there's no excuse if you would like to be discovered in this competition. They also have released the RisingStars Philippines App that is available on the Google Play Store for free. Just choose the songs and you could already have your entry be included among thousands expected to join this through regional contests. Aside from that, you can also opt to join through their website RisingStars.ph if you want to do it through laptop or desktop computers right in the comforts of your home. Else, you can do it via these recording booths in major malls and landmarks nationwide.

Again, this specific one for Quezon City can be found on the 4th Floor of Trinoma Mall beside the cinemas. All these entries from Metro Manila will go through a series of screenings, then eliminations, then a semi-finals event. The top 7 semi-finalists will then have a live singing battle on February 1, 2015. If you get to be the top 2 there, you'll be seen on primetime telecast on its airing via TV5. Don't forget to check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Risingstars.ph.

Ogie Alcasid during the launch ot TV5's newest shows.

The show by the way is going to be hosted by no other that OPM President himself, Mr. Ogie Alcasid together with the Philippines' very own Miss Universe Venus Raj. You will also be treated with stories and happenings in the back stage by Mico Aytona, so whatever they're going through during the competition, you'll see it like what reality shows are on TV5. It's going to be exciting, just bring out your secret Karaoke moves and who knows, you might win something big that could ultimately change your life. 

There's no reason why anyone in the Philippines wouldn't join RisingStars as it gets you to join them via so many channels in the RisingStars.ph arsenal. Come join them through the Recording Booths too if you can't do it with your phones and tablets. There will be more of this real soon in your Barangays as well. So what are you waiting for? Come be part of the biggest and grandest singing competition in the Philippines. Come and be that Rising Star!

For more information about their program:

Rising Stars Philippines

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.Risingstars.ph

Derrick Monasterio Celebrates Birthday with QC Typhoon Victims

We went to celebrate the birthday of hunky Kapuso actor Derrick Monasterio in a community located at Tatalon, Quezon City. It's one of the most depressed areas in the metro and yes, I have to say there were shanties made of light materials which made most of the community's populace. They were also typhoon victims and I know the place is usually flooded when it rains hard in QC. I haven't been to places like these for a while now so I was a little shocked, but kept it to myself. I guess, just like any other individual, Derrick feels that no matter what they do or do not have... they have the right to be happy. So he went there to share his blessings and entertain them too, rightfully to which... he was surprised to see a lot of them that afternoon in the Multipurpose hall to celebrate with him. 

To host the games, we had Tess Bomb taking care of that. She was really fun and spontaneous as usual. She was really fun and the mom's and teens who were there really enjoyed her antics. Derrick's Mom was also there to say thanks to everyone who went there. She also shared some things about saving up for the rainy days and making sure they don't forget to assure their families of the right education as it's the only way they can ensure their future.

Derrick's Mom wished him the best for his career and continue to help people no matter how big or small that is.

On His Self Titled Debut Album: James Wright

Say hello to good looking James Wright!

We got to spend an afternoon with one of GMA's newest artists James Wright. You might mistake him for a full foreign chap but no, he's a half Aussie - Pinoy who lived most of his life in Hong Kong. His chiseled and sculptured physique would pass off as a model or action star no? Though he's heavily concentrating on his singing career now. If you don't know it yet, he's the one who sang "Sana'y Ikaw" for the Marian Rivera and Alden Richards starer Carmela.

Nothing beats a positive attitude. Happy and wanting more projects soon.

James says he's so happy that GMA Records took notice of him. He is managed and taken cared of by one of the most noted composers in the country Vehnee Saturno. His album was launched May 25th during Sunday All Stars. I loved how they did the number with Aljur and Mark, but still James stood out pretty obviously. He also knows he sounds really close to Christian Bautista, a little twang and his foreign accent would give him away. 

In fact, he really is a nice guy. He says he's very romantic too. He adds "I might not come across as a very romantic person but I am. I even watch romantic movies like The Notebook, A Walk To Remember etc.". This would be a nice thing to know for those that may think he's a very ASTIG guy. He's got a soft side that'll be very attractive to some girls I know.

"It's like an emotional escape and I can just be myself when I'm singing. As for admiring other singers. I don't want to admire anyone but I don't wanna be "mayabang". I want to admire myself to push myself and not to become that person. Everyone is different. This album is my leap off point. We've been planning this since November last year. It was a pop song before, but GMA said they wanted it to be a teleserye kind of song." He also attributes his biggest break with the former reality show "Anak Ko Yan" and Carmela. During the show, it was just me. Hong Kong is a very aggressive country; and that aggressiveness might have come across as an anti hero during the "Anak Ko Yan" days but that wasn't the deal. It was good though because it gave the show flavor rather than just putting cutesy people on the show. This was his answer to me when I asked about how his character was shown during the finals. I watched it. :)

About singing "That's what I have to show everyone but if there's an acting opportunity why not. I take risks" he adds.

 As of now, GMA might be planning a lot for him. He says he's going to lined up with contrabida roles first; and he doesn't mind because he knows even contrabidas can become heroes later on. When I said that the reason might be is because he looks chiseled, buff and so strong, he says no and said because "mukha daw akong mayaman" and we laughed off of that. :) I tell you, people who have that much humor, means they're also smart! Now how can you not love someone as good as James Wright? :)

If there's more things to hear from James, the album contains 5 songs. Aside from "Sana'y Ikaw", “Babe”, “Ikaw Yon”, “Kung Hindi Ikaw” and “Ako’y Sa ‘Yo”. His aim is just to create beautiful music. He doesn't care that much about top singles but wants you to feel and relate a lot with his songs. As long as you guys do, then he says he achieved his goal as a singer. Mind you, he still hasn't "fully" grasped Filipino, but he did these five songs beautifully. I bet his dream to be an artist in "Hollywood" would be really close. His voice live during that afternoon was even better than the album so just imagine.  

The self titled album of "James Wright" will be available at all major record bards nationwide. There are also digital copies that you can purchase through iTunes and other digital download spots online. Trust me, you'll love it just like my family did.

For more information about his album:

Official GMA Artist Center

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter

Half Sisters: Thea Tolentino, Derrick Monasterio and Andre Paras

It was a pleasant day to see the stars of upcoming series "Half Sisters". Thea Tolentino who won the second installment of reality show Protege and lead star of Pyra: Ang Babaeng Apoy, plus the hunky lead of many GMA series Derrick Monasterio and promising new comer cum basketball star Andre Paras talked with us during a luncheon in Kimono Ken, Tomas Morato in Quezon City.

First impressions, Andre is so tall, articulate and very accommodating. He wasn't as shy as I expected him to be as he was friendly and didn't bat an eyelash answering questions. He really thought about each one first before blurting out something. His charm might have fallen in his ability to communicate with a very gentlemanly demeanor which I think comes from his right upbringing. He's starting right and this project will be something that'll test how much he's learned during the small workshops here and there.

Derrick even thought he was going to be a little hard to be with but was surprised how funny this guy is. It even came to a point that the Director Mark Reyes had to put them in different places just to stop them from playing antics against each other. That part failed though because the guys still went to the ladies tents later on. Somehow, they already gelled early in the making of this series. Andre plays Benjie Castillo who plays a college jock who's also part of the basketball team. Rich kid but not an anti hero - you'll probably see their characters have a love triangle and or become a foursome during the story. Find out how complicated that is for him and the sisters. That'll be an interesting take on his character.

Barbie Forteza Excited for "Half Sisters"

We saw a very bubbly and perky Barbie Forteza at the GMA Studios a few days ago. This is my first time to see her in person and I must say I already know why people love her. Her stints in various GMA shows like Stairway to Heaven, First Time, Pilyang Kerubin, Tween Hearts, , Nita Negrita, Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin, Luna Blanca and Anna Karenina made her who she is right now. She's done well in these shows which is why GMA is trusting her with another one together with Thea Tolentino (of Pyra), hunky Derrick Monasterio and new boy Andre Paras. The show is entitled "Half Sisters" which is another melodrama that'll be shown worldwide on GMA Pinoy TV. She's excited about the first episode which they have already done taping and says you should watch it so you get to understand the plot of the story. They are sisters but have different fathers, but they won't know yet until after some time. This explains the different treatment between her and the other sister. She plays Diana Alcantara on this project and pretty much, you'll find her in different hardships as she finds out who she really is... and maybe find the answers to her questions.

Speaking of which, Barbie Forteza will also be seen on a weekly webisode on GMANetwork.com named "Barbie in Bloom". It'll be shown either late June or first week of July and she'll be answering some of the most toughest questions thrown at her from social media. She was really game and didn't bat an eyelash on most of them but extremely giggled when the questions were more about her ultimate crush Dennis Trillo. I couldn't blame her though because she's so right about the things she admires about the Kapuso leading man. More so when Dennis Trillo himself wanted to have a project with her, that made her scream a couple of times during this interview.

She also gave time for her fans that afternoon. She did some fansigns for those who also communicated with her online on GMA's channels. In the interview, she mentioned the biggest challenge she's encountered so far... which is just being game all the time. She wants to be bubbly, presentable and pleasing all the time and wants to do this on and off cam. Even if she's tired, she makes it a point to publicly be accommodating. She owes this much to her fans and it's her way of appreciating everything. She also said she'll try to never be late because she wants to get the habit of being professional... something she learned by the likes of veteran actresses Cherie Gil etc. As for her bashers, she just keeps an open mind and reads them still in social media. If it'll help her in the future, she takes it as it is. There will be more of these questions answered like these when you watch the webisodes.

Barbie Forteza is excited when this shows on June 9 right after Eat Bulaga. This is a real case so you'll surely believe the plot according to Barbie. Her character is not the typical heroine who gets beaten up but a woman with sheer eagerness to fight. She fights because it's right... Thea Tolentino was a little soft but she says they worked together to make it even more intense. This is directed by Mark Reyes. Some of it is being filmed in a correctional facility but finds the people quite good there. She found a whole community and was surprised that they were all so nice. She's also going to be seen regularly in Sunday All Stars and she hopes to do the rivalry episodes with Bea Binene. She finds that very challenging and was so glad she got to work with very talented people in that bunch.

She's a pretty girl, with a very promising career already. Make sure you don't miss any episode of "Half Sisters" 2:30 PM weekdays on GMA! 

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter