World Class Filipino Acts Headline "Countdown to Celebration" NYE Show at SOLAIRE

I've been at Solaire North during Oktoberfest and the start of the Christmas Season, and yes, I've been overjoyed with their way of celebrating every occasion. This New Year's Eve is going to be different because it will be so much BIGGER, as the show will be headlined by world class Filipino acts, reality show champions and an international multi awarded singer songwriter.

Christmas season is in full swing so there will be performances by the Regina Coeli choir, the Ambassadors of Christ Chamber Singers, OPM hit makers The Company, The Leading Ladies who will perform at the Oasis Garden Cafe, and the jazz trio calle Baihana. During Christmas eve, home bar Waterside will be having the Bellissima Party Band. For those who are dining over at Finestra Italian
Steakhouse, you will be entertained by the talented Jenny Garcia all month.

Santa will also be stopping by for the kids come December 24 and 25 while you get in the mood for more Christmas music with the UP Singing Ambassadors plus the Quezon City Performing Arts Development Foundation Inc. Choir evenings at the Atrium of Solaire North.

At the Ultimate Solaire New Year's Eve Party, the one and only Lea Salonga, Concert King Martin Nievera, Bituin Escalante will be with you at Solaire Resort Entertainment City. At Solaire North, you get the chance to see NeYo, the Jabbawockeez, my personal favorite quirky dance group Avantgardey, Beast House and DJ Soda. There will also be performances by BGYO, Billy Crawford, DJ Mars Miranda, Kat DJ and more. If you see this the apt way to welcome 2025, you can get tickets via Ticket World 0917114 7317, or 0999954 5922. You can calso inquire via 8888-8888 or their website solaireresort.com for more information about these events!

A Journey of Grief, Acceptance and Relationships with Cinemalaya's KONO BASHO

 

 

When I first looked at the entries for Cinemalaya this year, I took interest in this one. It was just fate when we had to take the trip down south to watch KONO BASHO, produced by Project8 and Mentorque Productions, written and Directed by Jaime Pacena II. One that talks about grief, acceptance, building or re-building relationships.

Kono Basho literally means "This Place". The story is about two sisters who met during their biological father's funeral in Rikuzentakata, a city in Northern Japan. For those who don't know, this city has been ravaged by the huge earthquake and tsunami that hit the Iwate prefecture in 2011. In a sense, they really haven't fully built things like how they were, but are now experiencing something even more tragic... plus the feeling of awkwardness because the sisters really didn't know much about each other.

Ella is Filipino via her Mom with her Japanese Father, whilst Reina is born to a Japanese mother (one that was kind and understanding). Friction between them was quite a lot, young women that were both damaged by their past, circumstances and distance. Rikuzentakata might have symbolized what they went through in the story, they both lost their Dad, with unequal memories of him because Ella never experienced life with him.

This starts their journey together, in a partly civil, kind, but definitely torn in a lot of ways. It's great how the director never forced the conversation in Filipino or Japanese. It felt natural, and fitting. You could feel their pain, their longing for love, and how much they wanted to find it from other people, and hopefully, with each other.

This has depression and all the things related to it. They also gave a glimpse of kintsugi, an art form of pottery where they use gold to put broken pieces together. It symbolized how fragile they were. They will take you in on that story, where you continue to hope if they'd be able to fix it. It shows their spirit, their community, and how you could move on from heartbreaking parts of your life. 

Gabby Padilla isn't new to the business, and she showed how one could carry intellectual and emotional conversations like a light switch. You could say much of the conversation revolved and evolved around her, but it was done with intricacy, understandable diction, as she played an educator in the film. We asked her about her experience shooting the film especially since there's a language difference the actors had to endure. Her previous films actually helped!

As for the level of distraught you'll get from the film, Director Jaime Pacena said that they actually had a different treatment. You'll learn more about it as you watch the film. Even if the topic was so serious, it still felt quite refreshing to the eyes because the views there, were all just amazing! This is also the comeback film of Dan Villegas, one of the finest cinematographers in the country. 

While the Japanese cast (especially the Mother and Reina) performed quite remarkably in this film (I've seen their previous projects and even shows on NHK), Gabby was up there with them. If you've got the opportunity to catch this film while Cinemalaya is still there, you should. I think they're planning to have this released internationally, and by the looks of it... they're certainly qualified. Those wide indoor and outdoor shots, photography alone, is crazy good.

Congratulations to the men and women who made this film, you should definitely have this be exhibited in festivals elsewhere!

Japanese Condo Living in Taft: Kizuna Heights

I've been recommending a lot of places to live in and sometimes it just is getting a little expensive to do because instead of just plainly recommending it, I'd mostly be contemplating to do investments instead LOL. Why? Because sometimes you get the nitty gritty details that are just too attractive to pass on. Case in point is Kizuna Heights, an urban residential mecca right in the heart of the university belt.

As the name suggests, it's a Japanese inspired condominium project that's situated in Taft Avenue. This place is very near De La Salle University, College of St. Benilde, UP Manila, Letran, Adamson, so it's pretty good for families with students in tow. It's a great place tor receive your next course or do graduate studies if you're looking for opportunities like that. It's also near business establishments, churches, banks, and the cultural district of Manila.     

Ms. Teresa Tumbaga the property Division Head says "Living here is like taking part in Manila's rich history, you get to visit parks, iconic places because of its close proximity to Kizuna Heights. The address is highly sought after, and we are giving the chance to live in an urban metropolis, and have a life that they deserve at this address."
 

If you're looking for investments, you know where to go! Visit their official website vistaresidences.com.ph/properties/kizuna and their social channels to get more information.

SKYGARDEN Set To Release First Single Under GMA's altG Records

If you haven't caught their videos yet, you must go and check SKYGARDEN on YouTube to see how these 3 Japanese guys (Ryo, Iwa and Hiro) ended up in the Philippines. Today, they announced signing with GMA's altG Records (an arm of GMA Music) and will be releasing their first single called KOKOA in digital platforms this coming September 1st. They've been doing a lot of covers on YouTube, Facebook and social channels . They have been also gaining attention in recent months because of their hit long form videos about pranks, their efforts in doing Fiilipino things, and also pretending to be BTS in some of their videos which has gained millions of views.

SKYGARDEN signs with GMA's altG Records and releasing their first single KOKOA

I've met them this afternoon and they're a pretty fun bunch of guys. During the pandemic, Ryo saw his 2 best friends who lost their jobs and struggled with their mental state in Japan. It was then when he bought two tickets for them to bring them to the Philippines so they could experience the culture, and how it is to live here. They ended up adoring Filipinos, their couldn't believe how some of the people they met were generous, welcoming and kind despite their economic stature. This is just one of many reasons why they now choose to live here, and now they're not just content creators, and chose to make their brand of music. 

 

If you get to listen to KOKOA, you'll see how it is a bit of a JRock experience, with the choice of using Filipino for the lyrics. So in a nutshell, it's a combination with Japanese rock with OPM. It'll remind you of those intros and outros of anime shows you've been watching online. It's something they are heavily influenced with. With their success, they plan to actually put it to good use and do a lunch movement, it'll be like CSR programs to feed those who can't by adopting schools. Aside from that, they plan to still continue to create content together to make sure they pay back those who supported them all these years.

Here's our conversation at the mediacon this afternoon.

They're funny, good looking and pretty driven about what they want to do in the content creation industry and music. They're in it full time and plan to do more of it in the next few months. You'll definitely see more of them in radio, different shows, online to promote their new single, which they hope you'll love. You can already pre-order it on Apple Music buy buying it now, then it'll alert on September 1st when you can play it. For the other platforms, you can start purchasing it on the same date. I like how they mentioned how supportive their parents are with their chosen careers. They really wanted them to follow their passion. This is under altG Records of GMA Music.

Congratulations Ryo, Iwa and Hiro. Keep on doing what you love!

New JapaNice Stuff from 7-Eleven

I've had so much lovely meals from 7-Eleven especially when I was still in the corporate industry and had to run, finish my meal in under thirty minutes. It is so convenient and I must say, they've slowly rolled out different ready to eat food, even fresh vegan offerings to make sure you're getting good meals every day.

Today is a special day as they expand their international menu with Japanese selections as they launch the 7-Fresh Japanese Rice Snacks which includes Salmon Mayo Onigiri, Tuna Mayo Onigiri, California Maki and Mixed Maki. These items are seen in Japan konbini stores and other Asian countries, now they're making it available in the Philippines so we have choices in over 1,600 7-Eleven stores nationwide.

I'm already looking forward to have the Salmon Mayo and Tuna Mayo Onigiri. This has been something I've been eating every time it's on the menu of any Japanese restaurant I go to. The 7-Eleven version has 2 flaps on it, just take the packaging off and eat up, it's one of my favorites. If you fancy maki's, they've got everyone's favorite the California Maki, for those who prefer different ones, you can get the Mixed option. Best of all, it only costs Php 50 (55 for the Salmon Onigiri). It's cheap, but they use quality ingredients for it which means YOU benefit from it. Don't go hungry in the office, school or at home because you can take this out. 

So guess what's for dinner tonight! :)

Authentic Japanese Sandwiches at 7-Eleven

I thought I've seen it all, but no. See, looks like 7-Eleven stores are now offering Japanese Sandwiches with their 7-Fresh Fuwa Fuwa line and I'm excited to visit the store near my place. They say it's authentic.

This is now available in Luzon branches (understandable because they wanna serve it fresh). Take for starters the Tamago Sando that costs Php 65, it's very popular in Japan conbini stores (convenience stores) and I've seen people get obsessed about it. This in the shelf? I'm pretty sure it'll be out of stock soon. This one in the country use Fuwa Fuwa brand of Japanese milk-egg bread slices that makes sure every piece is fresh, high in protein and selenium, with 0% trans fat so you won't be getting fat with that.

 

They also have the Chicken Katsu Sando (Japanese style Chicken Cutlet sandwich) which can be good for snack or lunch, then paired with 7-Eleven's City Cafe Coffee. It's only Php 75. These authentic Japanese Sandwiches are made by 7-Eleven and partner Nippon Premium Bakery Inc. (makers of Fuwa Fuwa) and it'll be available in select 7-Eleven stores today! If you want to know more, go to 7-eleven.com.ph/whats-new today! 

The Seasons Residences: Japanese Living In Manila

Japanese living in Manila!? Yeah, that’s exactly what they want to do. The developer Sunshine Fort North Bonifacio Realty Development Corp and Federal Land Inc has just partnered with Japan’s leading firms Nomura Real Estate Development Co. Ltd. and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. and this will bring to light an iconic property called The Seasons Residences. What this would mean with their remaining towers Natsu, Aki and Fuyu is that they’ll be having units that are world class, innovative and armed with Japanese technology which INAX will provide. They will also have a Mitsukoshi Mall which will open in 2021, that’s good news!

Thomas Mirasol, COO and GM of Federal Land Inc. says “As we aim to have a modern lifestyle, we look to Japan. Despite their modern way of life, they have a rich culture and regards to mother nature. This is one of Federal Land’s biggest projects and we are bringing Japan’s Nomura Real Estate and Isetan Mitsukoshi Mall in the Philippines. Today, we also welcome INAX, to enable our residents to live and set the bar higher, premium living in the Seasons Residences. May this partnership grow, bring convenience to our residents in the property.”

Alpha Ang of LIXIL Philippines says “Even in today’s modern age, this is a relationship that goes over water use. We are harnessing it to improve our household products, for people to have healthier cleaner lives. As you all know INAX improves lives, bringing forth experience that embodies Japan. We are honored to have comfort, reliability that our customers expect elevating standards of premium living.”

As these properties get filled with the most discriminating residents who want premium living personified, these will all happen as construction is going on. If you want to know more about it, or if you’re interested, give them a call via 8359-6756 or email them via invest@federalland.ph or visit their showroom at 7th Ave corner 34th Grand Central Park North BGC. It’s all there!

UNIQLO Outs 2020 Jeans and EZY 2 Way Stretch Ankle Pants

The new UNIQLO 2020 Jeans and EZY Ankle Pants are all up to be available at nearby Uniqlo branches. I’ve been waiting to see what lengths they have done with the Uniqlo Jeans line as they’ve promised a more sustainable way of producing them a couple of years back. The goal was to start it in 2020 and I think they’re making headway as production of stone washed items and laser technology rolled out for distressed textile. 

With that, folks at Uniqlo had us preview UNIQLO 2020 Jeans and the EZY Ankle Pants via styling sessions with Pam Quinones and Bea Constantino. The Uniqlo flagship store over at Glorietta 5 was turned into a showcase of their Spring Summer pieces. 

Cheska Legata says “Uniqlo is crafted for everyone. Pam and Bea will be styling a few people today. We will have a preview of our modern UNIQLO Jeans and the EZY pants can stretch horizontally and vertically.”

Bea says “When you are in the creative field you have to be comfortable, you need to move around, belted or pleated as they are very flattering. Uniqlo also has innovated the jeans, it’s tapered, very chic even on men. The EZY Jeans hold the sweat but is breathable, you can go to Poblacion and out. We also like the parkas, easy and lightweight. You can be casual, but still classy. You can wear em for different occasions.”

Pam says “There are rules but we always can break them. Nice shirts that have no lining can be paired with jackets and pants which you can still wear in this weather. There are so many ways to switch from corporate to party wear, pull up a sleeve, unbutton a shirt, change shoes and you can go from work to twerk in a jiffy. I usually bring 2-3 pairs of shoes in the office. Removing blazers and use accessories, necklaces, wear a bright lip, it changes your look.”

Go check out the pieces at your nearest Uniqlo stores because they’re quite nice even in the PH weather. 

Japanese Vixen Naho Oue Desires PH Showbiz Career

My fondness of Japan stems decades of my curiosity about their country. It may have been a decade of Korean Pop culture but we can never discount artists that come from Japan too. They have a different aesthetic, their beauty regimen is also different, so when I got to meet Naho Oue this morning, I had a lot of questions to ask.

She’s a successful businesswoman in Japan. She’s in the country initially to put up a center for stem cell treatments and regenerative medicine. She’s planning to do that in the next few months, but in hindsight, she saw the opportunity to do what she’s passionate about. She wants to have a path of career much like Ryan Bang who even if she’s not a Filipino national, she wants to entertain, be part of the very colorful world of Philippine show business. She’s doing the legwork now and started to learn Filipino first, which she hopes she could master in a few years. She candidly tells us how she fell in love with the Philippines. (Interview was in Japanese but her interpreter helped out conducting the small chat)

Ms. Naho Oue says “When I first came here, I went to the slums of Tondo and Smokey Mountain area, I instantly fell in love with the kids there. I do feeding programs about twice a month if I’m not busy. I am just a conduit of people who wanted to help (from Japan).”

She adds “I do have plans of putting up a restaurant as I already have one in Japan. Maybe in Malate or Trinoma if it happens. Maybe for now while I am waiting for spaces to be available I’ll go put up before Christmas season. Same with the Stem Cell and the regenerative center which I hope will happen soon.”

With twinkle in her eyes she exclaimed “I love Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo! I have been long wanting to enter showbusiness in the Philippines. Daniel is so pogi! I love him! If I get to be known here I would be better off getting funds from partners because I really want to help kids in Manila. The celebrity status would really help too. I want to learn Tagalog, currently I am doing 1 hour classes everyday to do it. I learn a lot on the internet too. I really love to enter showbusiness and perhaps replicate Ryan Bang’s fortune. I am 26, in Japan I have also modeled a little and I see the opportunity to do that and more is very nice here. I plan to also put up the stem scell clinic here in Quezon City and perhaps one in Makati. Stem cell injections are just some of the usual things we do in Japan. It will be named Dia Lumina here in the Philippines. Stem cell treatments have been very popular in your country but the one we are offering will be very different. Actually, some of the stem cell procedures being done here is banned in Japan; but the one I am bringing in is better. It will be based on human stem cell. Right now as a beauty regimen, I only use stem cell oil. With stem cell, you have to be 18 and up but if you are younger and have skin problems, it can be a cure. It is expensive but in the US it could be even double the price. I don’t know if that accounts on why even if I eat everything I don’t get fat. I love nilaga, adobo and lechon.”

About the difference between pinays and Japanese women, she shares her observations that “Filipinas are very hard working, Japanese women tend to stay at home when they get married, they rarely use make up too.”

About the center, she adds “I will be bringing in Japanese doctors who will do training for the local doctors and staff here. They will need to stay a while and do it so the local ones will be at par or even hopefully even better than them in Japan.”

“Speaking of skills, I also plan to put up a skills school and perhaps try to also find them jobs in Japan. From carpentry, beauty, things like that. I brought my Mom here too so if I do have commitments she can personally take care of him (her cute son). Hopefully he’ll be studying in an international school here in the Philippines.”

Naho Oue will be guesting in several local shows and entertainment news outlets very soon. Hopefully, she’ll get to charm you with her antics, she's pretty, but in some way despite the language barrier, she was very funny and fun to talk to.

GUNDAM Shirts Now Available at UNIQLO

It's another day, another reason to love UNIQLO. The well loved Japanese brand has been bringing nostalgia via their super awesome UT brand which has done partnerships with different animation studios from DBZ to Naruto to ASEAN art pieces, designers, tons of other minds that contributed to it's success. I loved the Mickey Mouse Blue collection that it became my staple for everyday wear but this time, they're bringing to life another favorite robo anime, GUNDAM. This is in celebration of their 40th year! 

For men who didn't grow up, this is the best news as they could get to choose from 8 different designs containing different collages of the show's scenes. 

At the Glorietta 5 branch (biggest in the Philippines), they even got the Gundam bust on display. Of course I didn't let this pass without a selfie.

I like this design the most but you'll probably like the unicorn (which most had that day), though I felt this one was special because it was monochrome and had some of my favorite battle scenes. The shirt also had this Mobile Suit Gundam line on the bottom left side of the shirt and the back is filled with Gundam jargon (first generation robots) and a unique patch. It was the coolest!

I am now ready for matured roles and definitely, I'll get the other designs as soon as I get the money to pay for it figured out. Thanks to the UT line and people from UNIQLO who value our love for everything GUNDAM.

Now go give yourself a favor and head on to your nearest UNIQLO branch because this is so popular, they may just run out of stock! Oh my gawd!