Stressful, Creepy and Totally Crazy: Watch BACKROOMS on June 3!

CreaZion Studios International and A24 brought the highly anticipated movie "Backrooms" to the Philippines. Got the chance to watch it on an Advanced Screening event at Megamall's SM Cinemas this evening, and it did not disappoint!

First off, it immediately gave us that 90's vibe folks love. We got to feel how it is viewing stuff through a VHS tape.  Fair warning, the flow of the movie would be quite torturous for claustrophobics. While it remains a slow burn (on some instances), it's super immersive like you'd feel like YOU are in the story. You also get conditioned that you are safe at times, then get your heart racing when you least expect it. I'd liken it to a psychiatric session, driven by various emotional baggage (of the characters), then a little tense... a little scary... inside a furniture store in the middle of nowhere. 

Then folks just find themselves inside a weird room, that slowly just becomes smaller, tighter, creepier, which you don't even know how you even got involved in it. I like the premise, the way things were introduced, and the manner it became scary (sometimes without blood and gore). 

It's stressful, interesting, and got lots of jump scares. You'll catch folks screaming in the cinemas (go ahead!). One minute you're okay, then get unaware you're already trapped a room you're unfamiliar with. It will be double hard for folks to even spoil this movie because much of the story remains psychological. Folks would ask if what's happening is already crazy, or is it just you? 

By all means, experience all of these by watching Backrooms which will premiere on June 3 in Philippine cinemas. This will also be shown in other Asian regions. Are you scared something might happen to you?! Don't let your curiosity lead you here! Or you'll be sorry! 

It's one heck of a creepy movie (an expected Kane Parsons masterpiece). The rush will keep you going. Just don't say I didn't warn you though! This gets a strong 4/5 cows 🐮🐮🐮🐮.

The Backrooms BREAKOUT Experience

Took a Sunday off and got with some of my blog friends to experience BACKROOMS at the 5F of ShangriLa Plaza mall in Mandaluyong City.

Yes, this is a new BREAKOUT room created by CreaZion Studios International and A24. It's a limited one that will only exist from May 23rd to the 7th of June that features the scary and viral horror movie set to be shown in Philippine cinemas on June 3, 2026. They want you to feel the experience felt by the folks in the movie and for horror fans, this is something you should look forward to ahead of the much awaited movie in June. 

The room is not that complicated, and if you're pretty experienced in these Breakout rooms, you'll manage to get ahead of the pack. Remember though, to make sure to look for clues how to get on to the other task, which is a pretty familiar thing in these activities. Is it scary? Maybe, but of course, we can't spoil things like that! 

The Backrooms Breakout themed room can be accessed by buying tickets at Shangri-la Red Carpet Cinemas via the box office which can get one person in Breakout too (only for this room). If you're a group or more, you need to purchase another ticket as it is per person. You can reserve for it for 24 hours by going through their customer service channels (breakout.com.ph, from 11am to 8pm or mall hours). 

The film is directed by Kane Parsons and star Chiwetel Ejiofor and actress Renate Reinsve (who's got an Academy Award and one from Cannes). So if you want to experience this, take that tough stance and see if you can get out of the room before it's too late! 

Singapore Based NurtureRN Set To Hold "NOW Expo Asia 2026" in June

OFW's are said to be the new heroes of the country as they have consistently contributed about 8-10 percent of the country's GDP. A huge chunk of this are medical professionals, nurses and they've been praised as the best in the world. 

About two years ago, Singapore based NurtureRN saw the need for these professionals to be guided, armed with the right knowledge, utilize innovations, and create meaningful connections to further their career goals. It's why they made the move to hold a first of its kind trade exhibit and launch, a platform that could take you to that path called "NOW Expo Asia 2026" (Nursing Opportunities Worldwide Ecosystem Expo) specifically to target over 5000 stakeholders, to help and answer their concerns.

To do this, they also partnered with TrueProfile and DataFlow, the masters of professional credentials verification. They also have sought talks with National and Local Government Units to address, educate the greater majority of their audience including students, educators, including those who are in the workforce and ones who are seeking for opportunities here and abroad. 

Here's our coverage on video as we talked about the details of their event:

"NOW Expo Asia 2026" will happen on June 26th to 27 at the SM Megamall Megatrade hall on mall hours. Admission is FREE so there's no reason for you to not be there for this event created especially for Nurses, medical professionals, students and their families.

They won't be taking NO for an answer. If you've got a concern too that you think needs urgent response, they will hold live sessions, talks from experienced Nurses who are based in the US if specialization is something you're planning to do. This is a continuing goal for them so after the event, they would also welcome folks to get in touch with them via their socials and official website https://www.NOW-EXPO.com. Schedules will be posted soon!

Majestic Views, Art and More at the Santa Maria MUSIC and FILM Festivall

The Sierra Madre mountain range has once again been the talk of the town as it played a part in slowing the track of the recent Super Typhoon. This starts from the province of Cagayan to the south in Quezon, but did you know that the Santa Maria Music and Film Festival (SMMFF) is also happening here? I distinctly remember the 2023 run when they featured various films, musical acts while nestled in the great outdoors! With the  theme "See What Others Can't" they've managed to celebrate year after year with the 2025 edition happening at the founder Jennifer Maliwanag's family mountain property in Santa Maria, Laguna (which is also part of the range). 

It's pretty remote and atop clouds in the morning, but this didn't stop them from featuring even more participants this year. Imagine, having 39 films from 17 different countries Australia , EU, Canada, South America, the US and a few from Southeast Asia) all to be showcased in this year's SMMFF. All of which are being celebrated, and to make this platform be their voice, and allow us to experience their different stories (and See What Others Can't). 

Quarter Finalists include Cotton Candy by Jesse Klick of USA, To Be Anders Widmark by Peter Östlund of Sweden, Image Dance by John Dawson also from the USA, First Refusal by Courtney Sanello from the USA, American Pot Story: Oaksterdam by Ravit Markus & Dan Katzir from the USA, Reborn by Ken Izumisawa of Japan, Castle in the Air by Jess D'Aguanno of Australia, Clout Chaser by Lubomir Atan of the USA, The World of UConn Stamford’s Campus Library by Dorian Robinson of the USA, Inspire Me by Geoffrey Fighiera of France, Chance Encounters by Hasi Eldib of Canada, Guiding Light by India Anne Mitchell of the USA, Life in Tandem by Joseph Litzinge & Mia Grimes who are also from the USA.

This will happen on my birthday December 6th from 4-8:30PM at the Santa Maria Open Air Cinema located at 143 Summit Barangay Pao-o in Santa Maria Laguna. If you want to experience it, visit their official website santamariafestival.com and register for a seat. It'll be one awesome day to see and feel music, film under the sky and stars!

This is organized by Jennifer Maliwanag (Festival Director), Rex Lopez the Producer and Creative Lead, and Jerico Maliwanag a Film Creator and Communications Lead for this year's SMMFF.

Big Screen Dreams: Coco Martin, Matti, and Monteverde Team Up

When I got invited to this event, we weren't told about who's coming on stage but pretty much got clues with the shirts of the people filming it, they all had CCM printed which makes us believe it's a Coco Martin event. There were 3 chairs in front though so just seeing that made me realize it was something big, and true enough they came out with guns blazing.

One is an iconic director, of OTJ fame, Erik Matti, the other is a big producer from the Monteverde clan, Mr. Dondon Monteverde and of course, the biggest action star of this generation, producer and director Coco Martin. They plan to do 2 huge film projects for Coco particularly "MayPagasa The Battles of Andres Bonifacio" and "OTJ: Maghari" which will be under Reality Studios and CCM Productions.

Sir Dondon told us that this was sealed on the sidelines after some talks happened at the death anniversary of Mother Lily Monteverde a few months ago. He says "The death anniversary of my Mom started all of this. Losing my Mom was a huge blow to the industry. We always wanted to work with Coco and we've met in events with it behind our minds. It was just an opportune time to start talking, showing him other projects. He didn't like what we presented him at first, but when he knew about these two films (not included in the discussion, he just wanted it to happen!"

Direk Erik Matti had huge success with the OTJ franchise and Coco always wanted to be part of it. Direk Erik shares "Maghari is the story of Joel, the Tatang of OTJ. It's a 90's themed movie of him protecting his family. MayPagasa The Battles of Andres Bonifacio is a historical bio, and it is scary to do because it is based on that. Ours is different, we're bringing it to the future and shooting it in a modern way. It's all about what is happening now in the country." 

Coco was smitten with the thought of doing an OTJ installment and told us "When I watched OTJ, I honestly was waiting, waiting to be cast in a film like it. I required my staff to watch it (before doing Batang Quiapo) and I hoped they notice me. I asked myself and said maybe I wasn't enough, because they weren't calling me. I was silent, and thinking they were not considering me because I didn't have potential, so I tried to do one myself (his shows) but got so busy with my series. One day, they informed me that they wanted to talk about it, I told them I was waiting for this to happen. I know how folks have been appreciating Filipino films that they made, they pitched a few projects with me but I told them I was a fan of OTJ and Buybust. After that, I talked about a historical film, then they talked to me about a project they wanted to do about Bonifacio. They thought I was a fit in these two projects they didn't talk about initially."

He added "Now that we're together, we just needed to make it bigger for a global audience. This will make a mark in the Filipino film industry. I'm also working with the best, and this IS an answered prayer! We can't wait to release this in 2027!"

Here's the whole press conference on video:

Giants Coco Martin, Direk Erik Matti and Dondon Monteverde actually has plans to do more, so this is just for starters. When I asked about challenges, Coco was severely optimistic that all these projects are possible, he's always had that positivity in all his projects since he's successfully done it. He attributes most of it because of this optimism, and since they plan to release this internationally, they need your support once it comes out locally. With an internationally acclaimed actor (tons of indie films on his belt), Director (familiar with Filipino film projects released worldwide) and the best production outfits this country, these projects are pretty much a done deal. 

I just can't wait to see it! 

A Different Miss Asia Pacific International This Year

 

Certainly, this year's Miss Asia Pacific International pageant felt so different. Last October 8th, Cebu Coliseum became the venue for the crowning of this year's queen, Isabela Fernandes of Brazil. Her advocacy on education and sustainability proved to be a huge factor in her gaining the crown. 

1st Runner Up went to the Philippines very own Anita Rose Gomez while 2nd, 3rd and 4th Runner Up posts went to Bowomrat Maneerat of Thailand, Jana Jannsens of Belgium and Delilah Almira Wildboer of the Netherlands. These ladies showcased not just their culture, but the individual causes they support in line with their own stories and the event's theme #HERStoryAblaze. These ladies also competed for their National Costume, Swimsuit and Evening Gowns. The special awards went to Bowomorat Maneerat representing Thailand for the National Costume, Anita Rose Gomez of the Philippines for the Best in Swimsuit and Isabela Fernandes of Brazil for the Evening Gown. They gave the Miss Photogenic award to Danube Kangjam of India and the Peoples Choice to UK's Anne Gomes.

This year also marks a new set of women representing the best of the regions, they're named Continental Queens. For the Americas, Michelle Whilar Lazarte of Peru won it. For Asia Aisyah Amini of Indonesia got it. For Europe Delilah Elmira Wildeboer of the Netherlands got the crown. For Africa, it went to South Africa's Bejandri Lourens while for Oceania was awarded to New Zealand's Hannah Leigh Cross. 

A Heartfelt Advocacy

All 43 delegates have experienced the 6.9 magnitude earthquake in the province of Cebu (Bogo City). Instead of the usual fanfare, the queens took part in relief efforts and took to streets and shelters, joined several partner NGO's, private entities to make sure they got to comfort those ravaged by the calamity. They were also in the Operation Smile gala when it happened, and it was heartwarming to see them helping during that time. They're definitely beauty queens with compassion, took their gloves off and cared for those in need. That made it all different this year, the pageant had lux and elegance, but it was being human that mattered most. Seeing that was certainly precious!

ACG Set to Hold FAST FORWARD 2025 International Tax and Investment Conference

The Philippines is set to be the host of the International Tax and Investment Conference dubbed "FAST FORWARD 2025" aimed to promote ESG investing in the country. For those who don't know, that stands for Environmental, Social and Governance, a way to evaluate sustainability and ethical impact of a company.

The conference will be very instrumental in this discussion and encouraging more foreign investments in the country. March 26 will start panel discussions, exhibits on local products and the ACG Global Awards to recognize champions and advocates of sustainability. Lead Convenor for this event is Mon Abrea, the CEO of Asian Consulting Group who's tax reform advocacy has moved mountains in the region. To date, ACG has over 191 Billion pesos of savings from BIR cases of their clients. Dr. Bing Limjoco Head of the Philippine Franchise Association and Franchise Asia will be Vice Chairman of this event.

The event will also mark the launch of Mon Abrea's newest book "Re-imagining the World Without Climate Change" which includes real world studies of FAST industries who follow ESG principles, proving it can be done. The press conference also was graced by the one and only Madame Loida Lewis, who was given honors before she left for New York. Young entrepreneur and actress Bea Binene also shared why she trusts ACG and how ESG efforts have made her even trust the firm more in managing her tax and businesses to this date.

Here's the press conference in its entirety!

If you want to join FAST FORWARD 2025 you may email them at itic@acg.ph or visit their website itic2025.helixpay.ph if you want to secure a slot to the event.

The Philippine Coffee Expo 2025 "Charting New Frontiers" Slated May 9-11 at SPACE One Ayala

Filipinos love for coffee is not surprising. If I'd ask you how many cups you've had for a day, you would probably lie to lessen the guilt or just throw in a number and call it a day. We are after all the second largest coffee consumer in Asia right after our neighbor Japan, because those cups of coffee in the morning gets counted too. Our coffee culture is undeniable, and the industry is still growing. The strong market actually has issues, supply isn't enough locally. Surprise, surprise!

Recently, they launched the 2025 edition of The Philippine Coffee Expo which they labeled as "Charting New Frontiers". This will happen on May 9 to 11 at One Ayala's events facility called SPACE which is directly accessible from the Ayala MRT Station in Makati. The media conference was arranged by Perdem Hay Marketing Solutions Inc. and their sponsors Gourmet Farms Inc., the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat, the Department of Agriculture's Philippine Rural Development Project and National Project Coordinating Office, the kind people from Easy Brand PH (who's got awesome products btw!), Eighty Plus, Top Creamery, and the folks from Curve Coffee Collaborators too.

The event will also house the annual Philippine Coffee Quality Competition where they choose the best coffee beans and recognize the farmers that produce it. They also recognize the folks in between, who make sure those who get those beans from the land they came from to your coffee cup. They follow strict guidelines to make sure they acknowledge those who have merits. Exhibitors include Lasa, Cavite State Polytechnic University, Food inc., the good people of Cordillera Coffee, Agnep Heritage Coffee, Cafe Vera, Ciento Cookies, Milestone Coffee + Kitchen, D'Baristroe, Drip Kofi, Messy Summers, Subtle Coffee, Agkafetta Coffee, Cafe Sartog, and more. If you are planning to put up a cafe, or simple trying to source products for it, this would be the best event you could go to. They also had different artists do Coffee Art, which was so nice to see done live!

There will be local and international resource speakers, Coffee and Story Sessions, exhibits, business connections, cupping events, several pop up cafes on site, international specialty coffee exhibitors, Barista and Roasting competitions too.

 

Ms. Brenda Claver the PCG Director for Audit  says "I've been doing talks in different regions, from barista, supplier, and just about everyone in organizing this event. Coffee is a source for comfort, and the Philippine Coffee Expo has been an occasion to come together to share our expertise. Bringing the world together, from our exhibits, demos, it will be a feast for the senses. We have roasters,  equipment manufacturers to showcase the latest products in the coffee world. It's not just about coffee, but community, to promote and work together in an environmental way, spreading the love for coffee."

 

 Philippine Coffee Guild Chairman Mel Garcia says "Coffee is part of my research, this is more than just celebrating produce, but beyond that, it's an industry that involves producers and consumers deeper than the usual. We have members across the chain, even educators and enthusiasts who are members. Composer of those that represent stakeholders, public or private, and we are an organization that represents the industry and its members. The first one was in Davao in 2022 and we promoted farm entrepreneurship. We are going around the country and did it in World Trade Center, and now we are the highly accessible One Ayala and their SPACE. Foot traffic was great, and we had to beg off some attendees because there were so many folks coming in. We need to look beyond the industry, the sheer number of is visibly growing, but perhaps, not really maturing. With your help, we want to use our platform that would be able to help us. Some of our sponsors are here. Help us to tell people that our market needs to mature. We need to address volume, an entire ecosystem, this great venue will house a multitude of regions and represent their provinces. This would be a great place for you to get first dibs and network with like minded individuals, and surely baristas will fight for their place. They will be judged with world class criterion, in this annual coffee competition. You could see how  lives have changed with it."

 

Here's the press conference on video, please enjoy!

 

 

 

  

He adds "We are recognized by DTI and have SME's, Pop Up Shops participating. They are leading brands that you would be good to talk to about the industry and various sectors."

 

As you can see, this is just the tip of the iceberg. We have yet to discuss a lot about the Philippine coffee industry and its promising future. If you would want to acquire tickets to the event, please visit their official site philippinecoffeeexpo.com and register there.