Filipino "Revival King" Jojo Mendrez recently expressed his wish to not have his recent interview with Direk Ronald Carballo be published on platforms on his show DIREKwentuhan (on YouTube). He feels this would affect him and his artistry negatively as some parts of the interview might have onlookers feel offensive and or uncomfortable.
He mentions how talk around his sexuality, how he got his title as Revival King, might have felt too personal to get published. He initially agreed to do the show expecting they'd talk more about his music but felt parts were a bit inappropriate, and didn't seem to align with his purpose to promote his music. He hopes this episode won't be aired, and issues be solved amicably.
Director Ronald Carballo as of publishing has not expressed what will happen to the episode, but his show DIREKwentuhan has always been about conversations with personalities in the entertainment industry. Mendrez for now will be concentrating about his music and upcoming projects, more revival hits which he hopes people would continue to enjoy.
Admitting the causes she's supporting as "Unpopular", Quezon City 3rd District Councilor Kate Coseteng is not about to let down what she sees as necessary for women in the Philippines. She is the first representative of Kababaihan PartyList which aims to be the voice of women in congress to enact laws that would benefit the public. Their Second Nominee Ria Romualdo is a registered nurse, and has sternly supported their causes in childrens health and welfare, based in Mindanao.
Kate is no stranger in creating laws as she's been a Quezon City Councilor for 3 terms, has done the same in Valenzuela City. She pushed for the creation of Quezon City University, dialysis centers, PWD concerns, and benefits for solo parents (something she is pretty well known for). She uttered unpopular because these are certain things that people don't accept, especially matters that concern divorce. She lengthily discussed this with us because of the things that women go through.
If set in an abusive marriage, it may also be physical, emotional and economical. She's optimistic it will get passed if it doesn't contain certain conditions such as "irreconcilable differences" as it is too broad to define and be accepted by lawmakers. I saw how practical she was and deal it without emotions, much like business and a numbers game rather than having just a feisty disposition. She focusing on going into it with pride, curiosity, knowledge that the causes are important. If you don't know, it is extremely expensive to get an annulment in the Philippines and it is extremely an anti poor legislation. The plan is, to have divorce be afforded by folks of any stature. She mentioned it being paid for as much as 5,000 pesos, all in. This could definitely be a game changer for a lot of women who couldn't afford the annulment process if they are abused.
The KABABAIHAN PartyList is also very aware of current issues, and would want to address working conditions for women who work at odd hours. Call Center agents, BPO, Nurses, Bartenders, Security Guards, and the likes, they feel should have a place to safely leave their kids while they are working to make a living. They want a Night Care Center to do this to also be a place for refuge for women who are victims of abuse, to also have them train for livelihood and business, also get legal and psychological help if needed. They also want to help create laws that would provide micro finance so women could put up small businesses to provide for their families. This includes financial literacy, for obvious reasons. They also want to push for reforms regarding the LGBTQIA+ sector, to provide a more general view of the equality they've been longing for. Something that they want to do with reforms, even if it means they would have to start from scratch.
Kate says "If you see the things we have on our platform are severely unpopular. It's a bit heavy to digest, but these are legitimate issues in our society. For example divorce, since we are a very Catholic nation, it's super difficult to pass laws like it. We already have passed a version in congress, but it met its demise in the senate. This goes the same with the SOGIE Bill that has already spent 24 years since its inception. Senator Miriam Santiago first did this in the early 2000's, and when asked what I could help with their cause, they answered just "respect", so we made efforts to make it less polarizing when it is sent to the Senate. This would be more like an anti discrimination act that would be applicable for all including the LGBTQIA+ community. Baby steps, we can't just promise platforms and not have progress."
Here's her talk if you want a more detailed understanding of it:
Unpopular, yes, but it feels so necessary for a LOT of people. It was super nice to hear all these from her and how passionate she wants it all to happen. Women remains a sector that is heavily under represented to this day. I know so many folks who would greatly benefit from the laws she mentioned especially with divorce for abused women.
4 people hosting a cooking show, would you watch it? Well that's about to happen as Mikee Quintos, Team Payaman's Dudut, Chef Hazel and Chef Ylyt host a new show on GTV called LUTONG BAHAY.
Direk says "They have their own flavor and personalities. Hazel does mom stories, Ylyt is technical, Dudut is comedy, while Mikee is very collaborative so she always asks what to do with our guests. It's new, and if it's not Mikee it wouldn't be like this."
Mikee says " I feel with all the projects I did before, it all starts with a character. In this one, I am only going to be doing me. I'm an empath according to my professors, and hosting this will mean I get to connect with people, bring out stories we want to hear. What I would ask will probably be what people want to ask, to humanize our artists. They are just like us and this could show that. My urge to cook is the locked in taping I had because in more than a month, I had to do everything by myself. That's when I started enjoying it, also with The Lost Recipe. To be fully honest, it's been a while since I did a show, I had a long break and I felt it. They told me not to overthink, and instead looked for new skills and had workshops for public speaking. They taught us how to host. And now I'm using that for this purpose. God is so good, I trusted him and he blessed me more."
Hazel shared "I started cooking when I was 8, and growing up in Divisoria, I always look at my Grandmother's cooking. I see them prepare, learn culinary stuff and became a Mom. I was surprised to be tapped here and asked why, I am just grateful. We have a lot to share with people, and our guests too. I am honored to be part of this."
Ylyt adds "I was just a home cook, but used my experience to do content through vlogs. I am still studying, a scholar in ISCAHM, it's very technical and my goal is to teach people what I can do. I didn't get much traction but when they chose me, I felt it is destiny. I want it to be a not so serious one, they get to learn from the guests too."
Dudut says "I know cooking is hard, I'm studying, I'm currently a home cook and cook for my friends. This opportunity makes me nervous, I asked why too, but I said, this is for me, I'm willing to learn as we get along."
It will premiere this coming Monday, 5:45 pm on GTV, go make your afternoon a relaxing one and see them cook, talk and share their stories.
