See ANNE HATHAWAY Differently in MOTHER MARY

Just had the opportunity to watch MOTHER MARY, the Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel artsy psycho drama thriller made for the cinema by David Lowery. This will be out in Philippine cinemas on April 22, but I'd love to tell you more about it before you'd dive in on the movie.

Anne plays the role of MOTHER MARY, an artist that's like a cross between Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, who went bonkers and stopped in the middle of her success, and tried to find out what's making her lose track of her life. The film is like a hodgepodge of poetry lines + a visual feast of music, fashion, boldness, curses, artistry, confusion, weirdness, on being lost, style, fantasy and gore. Michaela Coel plays top fashion designer Sam, also MOTHER MARY's best friend and go to person for everything she wears on tour. The movie concentrates on their relationship, on finding out why she couldn't see that former spark that made her who she is as the pop star. This film is very cerebral, might scare some of how deep it is. You'll be a little uncomfortable on some scenes but I think it is essential on how it is presented. You'll hear some music from this generation's pop stars, intertwined with the story. My favorite line was when Anne's character said "I'm being dressed by everyone but it doesn't feel like me" and then Michaela replied "Tell me what you are feeling and I'll make that into a dress!"

It's a fashion spectacle, like fitting in a whole day of the Met Gala into the screen. It may take a while to get digested, but you'd be glad they took time to do it. I love Anne Hathaway in her previous roles, but this persona is certainly different even compared to her other dramatic roles. 

After seeing it, I get it. You'll also get to question your understanding after a few minutes which I think is the whole point of this movie. You won't be sticking to your realities, and might ask yourself very often (OMG WT* DID I JUST WATCH!). 

This is produced by A24 and released in the country by Creazion Studios International. I'd give a strong 4/5, and might suggest this for more mature fans of Anne Hathaway. It ain't Princess Diaries alright. It's like a living long form fashion editorial which I love. Go watch it!

JOSEPH MARCO at his PEAK, Celebrating His 3rd Year with HANFORD

Took the trip up north to cover the contract signing of actor/model Joseph Marco. The well loved man is on his third year with Hanford. 

The contract signing was witnessed by Dr. Victor N. Te the President, Ms. Sincerely C.Te the Executive Vice President, Ms. Sheena Ann Te-Tan the Vice President, Ms. Angelica Sangco the Sales And Marketing Manager, all of Mansfield International Incorporated. Present in the occasion was Ms. Katherine M. Liclican the President/ CEO of JKast Management Productions, Inc. (Joseph's management).

Dr. Victor N. Te welcomed us to the occasion. He said "This is the 3rd time we are signing Joseph Marco with Hanford. He is very intelligent, capable, dashing, fun, fearless, fresh, genuine and handsome. He's also very personable, quick witted, radiant, stylish, talented, unique, versatile, wholesome, has an x factor, youthful, and zesty. He is special, and our collaboration with him will have great success!"

Joseph replied "They chose to believe in me and that means everything to me. If you invest in me, I give back, I will always do my best. It's about comfort, confidence, and this is what Hanford stood for. For believing in me once again, thank you so much!"

Here's our conversation with him after the contract signing with the executives of Mansfield International Inc., the entity that owns HANFORD.

Joseph added "With HANFORD, every year our connection grows deeper. They made me own my craft in terms of the business, they really teach me the ropes. When you're given difficulties in life, you discover so much with yourself. Every year, I prepare a lot for them and the campaigns they include me in. I am bulking right now, last year, it took me months to get ready and I learn a lot doing that including nutrition, food, my lifestyle and working out. Soon, I want to have my own designs and I think it's the perfect time to do that. It's been amazing to spend 3 years with them, I am thankful, grateful and it's a powerful to be with a brand that trusts you. I feel like I'm at my peak, when you reach maturity, most of the distractions are muted. Right now, I don't waste time anymore so I make sure to work out and watch my diet. I have a personal cook, she cooks for me, it's part of the process because I want to challenge myself, to improve this time, stretch myself in setting the bar high!" 

Asked if he's wishing for anything, he says "I really think that the most valuable things in life are family, friends, self fulfillment, and finding your purpose. I am just grateful that I've passed that phase. When you learn how to be content, it's amazing. Always maintain your mental peace."

Congratulations Joseph Marco! You're killing it, and we can't wait to see what HANFORD is planning for your campaign this coming 2026. So far, it looks amazing from here!

Better Banking Rewards with Security Bank

 

Had a lovely morning at Shangrila Mall's atrium yesterday as Security Bank had all their people celebrate in "Ready, Set, Redeem!" which is a launch for their #BetterBankingRewards platform as part of their credit card perks. I think it's special because they really have designed it in a way where cardholders would be able to earn points easier, use their points with flexibility and enjoy the rewards conveniently instead of just being stagnantly there. With appealing promos and partner merchants as huge as the Mastercard network, you'll get to see and feel how rewarding it is to have one.

 

At the Shangrila Mall, they had different stations to exchange points into miles with different airline companies (You can exchange your existing rewards points from Security Bank to the preferred airline and buy the needed tickets you want. For international or domestic flights, partner airlines are accessible on the app), taught folks to also use it for hotel stays, had us watch Will Dasovich spend it like actual money to change his wardrobe, styled for a flight he's having in the afternoon. It was like using the points as convenient as cash. The #BetterBankingRewards is accessible through the Security Bank app or the website. Simply register and redeem rewards in over 100+ partner brands listed there. Whether you enjoy a day in a spa, flying, shopping, they've got lots of options for you to enjoy without spending a dime, just your points of course!

 

Rahul Rasal EVP and Retail Head of Security Bank says "Welcome to our partners, to Mastercard and Security Bank family. How many are married? Not Married? Do you believe in happy wife, happy life? A resounding Yes, but happy husband doesn't matter. I went on a vacation once, but had to call my bank to increase my limit, the kind person said it's okay, we can redeem your points to get you a room upgrade. That's when I felt the importance of rewards, you can do this on flights and hotels, and in a lot of merchants. We hope you too get a rewarding experience with Security Bank."

This doesn't only apply here, but internationally (so use your points and exchange them with other loyalty points smart!). You can also monitor your points spending in the same place. This convenience makes it a #BetterBankingRewards experience so if you apply for a Security Bank Credit Card today, you get to earn points like a pro. No wonder they've won awards for it! Head on to securitybank.com to know more.