JULIA MONTES and PINKY TOBIANO Launch Swiss Proli Night Gummies
Thursday, November 06, 2025
TOPAKK: An Intense Action Masterpiece with ARJO ATAYDE and JULIA MONTES for MMFF 2024
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Why you'd ask? Simple, it wouldn't feel the same if I'd watch this simply on digital or streaming platforms. It gives a different vibe, of almost 2 hours of intense, violent, brutal, savage, rough and aggressive scenes all put together by Director Richard Somes, same guy who brought you OTJ, Ekis, and more eccentric action films in Philippine cinema. You've got that a bit expected yeah, but the topic, intimacy of describing PTSD in a structured military environment and how people suffer all throughout their life is something else to think and talk about... this was a venue to know more about it and they've managed to put that in the story.
Julia Montes is an action star. Gone are the crying drama princess roles she's been in the past years, because she is as intense as anybody on that set. Her knack for conversations complemented each and every single time she'd want to take revenge, throw a punch, smash someone's f4ce on the metal platforms just to make sure people felt her intensity to love them dearly. She definitely did not shortchange with the physical requirements that this role entailed or required, and you'll root for her. She's got a cause (that involves Kokoy De Santos) and it makes her hunger for changing her life inevitable. With the help of Arjo's character, their once not so connected lives begin to complement each other. You'll know why when you watch TOPAKK.
Here's what happened at the red carpet premiere!
You'll see some of the roles may have been brief, but don't be mistaken, all of these are essential. Congratulations also to stars Enchong Dee, Kokoy De Santos, and the ensemble cast (especially the bad guys) who performed well. You'll love this so much for the cast, the story line and it's cause.
This has had lots of rave reviews abroad, bringing this home was serendipitous, had a lot of promise, and they'll give you what you asked for. This is super apt for this year's Metro Manila Film Festival, it gives us viewers the OPTIONS we deserve. The R18 rating I think is because of the violence and gore, but the R16 version won't feel like it ain't enough. This also stars Vin Abrenica, Cholo Barretto, Bernard Palanca, Ms. Maureen Mauricio, so there's more to the story.
If you miss action movies, want to see your favorite actors do different things from the usual, you need to see TOPAKK. This and other entries in the MMFF 2024 are so good, but you definitely should have this on your list because you'll have your action thirst be extinguished, you get to feel you're part of it and feel tired because you've been in the middle of the scenes all along. Congratulations to Nathan Studios, Sir Art, Ms. Sylvia, Gela, Ria, and Arjo for such an amazing piece. Here's hoping they get a nod come awards night because from the looks of it, they do deserve it!
Though there might be some flaws in effects and story, forgivable. They still got the message across and sustained it's intensity all throughout the film. For Arjo, Julia Montes, and the sheer brutality this presents, it made me still choose this film to have 4 out of 5 Cows. 🐮🐮🐮🐮
TOPAKK Comes Home for MMFF 2024
Saturday, December 07, 2024
It was hot, humid, but everyone was in a celebratory mood over at the TOPAKK press conference in Quezon City. Greeted by a different sounding Basti Artadi performing on stage, I was like "Wow!" because of how b4d 4$$ it was, it felt like a dream for me. Then they started the presscon.
We had the pleasure of actually being on location when they shot TOPAKK in Rizal for the finale scenes. Just looking at it back then, I knew this was going to be something special because it will bring back a genre that was sorely missed, plus we get to see multi awarded actors on screen like Cong Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Sid Lucero, Enchong Dee and Kokoy de Santos.
They also had Levy Ignacio, Bernard Palanca, Paolo Paraiso, Vin Abrenica, Cholo Barretto, Julio De Leon, Ivan Carapiet, Jeffrey Tam, Gerard Acao, Michael Roy, veteran character actress Ms. Maureen Mauricio, Elora Espano, Claire Ruiz, Anne Feo, Bong Cabrera, Manu Respall, Rosh Barman, Victor Medina, Ivan Rivera, Ian Lee, Nico Dans, Yian Gabriel, Raquel Pareno, Precious Laingo, Kayley Carrigan and Geli Bulaong to complete the ensemble cast for this film. Mind you, this has been showcased and raved about in different film festivals internationally. This year, it's going HOME to the Philippines and will be shown on the 50th Anniversary of Metro Manila Film Festival. This feels like fate to say it frankly.
Direk Richard Somes is one heck of an action film director. The quality is certainly for international consumption, and he didn't shortchange with regards to set design and hard knocking scenes. What's a bit of a let down though is the rating because this is R18 outside SM Cinemas while those who want to see it in SM can do it on an R16 rating. This has heavy fight scenes and very bl00dy encounters so we kinda understand why it's rated that way. Though I would suggest you do the R18 version so you could get the full experience of the movie. Don't worry though for the R16 because you will still learn and get the story.
Nathan Studios producer Ms. Sylvia Sanchez isn't worried about it though because they're giving movie goers real good options. Aside from Nathan Studios, they are working with Fusee and Strawdogs as producers for this project. Hopefully to make more of these (a sequel no?). Some of the people who saw the movie that evening told me this is a material where Julia Montes really excelled, though she's been doing action stuff on Coco Martin's TV series, she is more hands on in the scenes. She's going to be in really physical fight scenes which she's never done before. This is more raw, and Julia with Arjo means it's got emotional scenes will be there. They also had the army spokesperson at the press conference praising them about how they portrayed the Filipino soldiers, TOPAKK will certainly be a good thing to watch if you're thirsty for action films this year.
This is the opportune time for you to watch TOPAKK, it's international release name is Triggered. You've got to see why critics have been raving about it. Hopefully, this picks up awards in this festival too!
ARJO ATAYDE Praises JULIA MONTES in Action Film TOPAKK
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
This has been under the wraps for quite a while since they've been looking for an international release for this film a couple months back. They've secured it but kept mum about who had the rights for distributing this new action flick called TOPAKK starring Congressman Arjo Atayde, the very elusive Julia Montes, very talented actor Sid Lucero. This is Directed by Richard Somes who also did several films and TV series on ABSCBN. We sat down with them after a grueling shoot that afternoon while marveling at their real cuts and bruises which they got from the scenes they did that day.
Arjo says "JM was supposed to play this role but he wasn't available because of a series he's involved in. TOPAKK is about a guy who has PTSD, in a nutshell, he's a little crazy. But really, if you have this condition, it doesn't automatically mean you are crazy, because there might be reasons why you act a certain way which will be shown on the film. This also talks about how there might be no support system in the military. This is quite a very well thought out concept by our Director Richard Somes, I just feel so lucky to be on board and able to work with some of the best actors and actresses in the country."
@kumagcow Some behind the scenes look at TOPAKK with @arjoataydeofficial #JuliaMontes and Sid Lucero #tiktokshowbizreporter #EntertainmentPH ♬ Tuwing Umuulan - Moira Dela Torre
With Nathan Studios, Arjo adds "We do talk about it with the whole family. Before the pandemic, my Mom was really looking forward to putting out quality content by having a production company of our own. This was born out of passion, and Nathan Studios was already involved in Catleya Killer before this project, and much of the projects are under post production, hopefully they will all come out soon. As much as possible, we want to tap the international market first before showcasing it locally. Because I'm in public service, Nathan Studios is handled more by Mom. For creative inputs, suggestions, we try to come up with that. It's a blessing to also work with great directors because they also do that. Richard Somes is a brilliant Director, and he's so intense! He doesn't just do lip service, as you can see during the shoot he's doing everything including stunts and shows us how its done. You'll see him on set and getting wet too, he's not all talk, he knows what he wants and if he sees it on screen that a punch is awkward, you'll have to do it again."
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| Sid Lucero and Director Richard Somes for TOPAKK |
He also talked about working with Julia Montes and says "Some actors often say that you'll see a different person here, but you will see a different kind of Julia. The character was specifically made for her, and she had to do a lot of new things in this movie. She really brought her A game, I have worked with her in a series before and I can say, she's going to blow your mind when you watch her in this movie. There also won't be a romantic angle between us, which is something new because it doesn't rely on a love story which is often seen on Philippine cinema. I'm telling you, what she's done in this movie is just over the top. We're so lucky to have Julia in this film!"
We also got to talk to Director Richard Somes and brilliant actor Sid Lucero, who gave us more insight about how this film was made. Listen in!
Filipino Film TOPAKK (Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes) Gets Hollywood Sales and Distribution
Wednesday, November 09, 2022
After making a huge impression on MIPCOM Cannes weeks ago, Nathan Studios Inc. just secured the nod of Raven Banner Entertainment which is a Candian production company for global sales and distribution. After successfully doing the screening for Cattleya Killer in France, this adds another great acheivement for the new production company of the Atayde Family (also Sir Art and Ms. Sylvia Sanchez), not surprised by the amount of talent in that.
This is an action thriller film starring Arjo Atayde and lovely Julia Montes, furthering their craft and foray to the international film market. Also in this film is Sid Lucero, fine looking Enchong Dee, and the gorgeous Ria Atayde.
This film is co produced Wilfredo Manalang of Fusee, Director Richard Somes of Strawdogs Studio Production and Fernando Henna of Toronto based Theo and Atlas Productions Inc.
Director Richard says "This is different as Topakk discusses violence which we see in reality in any part of the world. More of an action picture, and this is a Filipino take on the genre made for the cinema. I want to showcase the talented throng of Filipinos especially the very talented Julia Montes and Arjo Atayde. We are also doing the legwork for next year to see what we might possibly do in continouation of this setting. They'll also see stunts, and several ailments people get mentally. You'll see how he's going to rescue while going through hardships in life. You'll see them perform in an entirely different level, apt for local and international audiences worldwide!"
This is just the beginning and hopefully, as we get more interest with the films we make in the Philippines, it'll be better for the industry. Stay tuned for more updates about this and future film projects on this site.
MEGASTAR Sharon Cuneta Joins FPJ's ANG PROBINSYANO on their 6th Anniversary!
Tuesday, November 09, 2021
If you've been hooked with FPJ's ANG PROBINSYANO all these years, the biggest MEGA twist will be happening very soon as the MEGASTAR Ms. Sharon Cuneta joins the action drama series.
Ms. Sharon sat down with Gretchen Fullido and said "This was an easy decision for me, when they sent me messages, Coco pitched the story to me and it was a no brainer. I was just a little nervous because I had to be there everyday. Aside from that, this is the biggest series in the country. My family is equally excited to see me in the show. I am so thrilled to be part of this. I've worked with the cast previously, so it's a big factor to be part of this especially when FPJ is my best best friend in the business. This is my tribute to him. I accepted it right on the spot, it was really a dream come true. I'm in the position to say just rest, but it's an honor for me to be part of the cast. The concept was just something Coco had dreamed of one early morning, I was informed when I was in the US and he requested I appear. He was just coming out about the story and he's excited. It's connected, I'm grateful for that and I can't wait to be in Ilocos for the locked in taping. I have experience in doing in bubble tapings, and this is a lot like it because when I made the movie revirginized, this was something like that. I think I'm older, wiser, the character has really good twists and turns, I can do anything just as long as it's not bold (she jokes). We'll have flashbacks, it's different in TV, I have yet to find out what'll happen in the smaller screen, it's just a different platform. I had to cram in shoots because it's how Olivia Lamasan, I'm easy to work with especially if we have reliable scripts. I'm okay with changes and it'll be more drama for me this time. This is more mental than physical, I wake up really early and the preparation took weeks, we're gearing up for a bigger challenge in our life. FPJ and I used to call each other clatput, it's a term of endearment when I was wearing a wedding gown in the middle of a field. He taught a lot of things to KC, the late night phone calls was memorable too. He called me one night just to brag in a sari sari store he used to go to. I miss that, I learned a lot talking to people because that's what he does in real life, it's why he's called King. The biggest stars I've worked with are the most humble, the ones with air, are not here anymore (she kids). He was a good person, humble, kind, very funny. When he drinks beer, I was running off but he would catch me. FPJ also talked to Robin, Daboy, and told the leading men to be gentlemen with me. I had a Father, a Friend, a protector... he was a knight and shining armor in showbiz."
She adds "Coco had a different touch. I am very proud for honoring FPJ in this series. I think it'll be a really long back story, I can't confirm what relationship we'll be having. I will be starting taping very soon, and this will be different because Coco will also be directing. He's got a really good creative team, it's a different way of telling the story because earlier in the story conference, it surprised me, surprised all of us! I used to do MMK but it was super hard to do a morning to morning shoot and the stress of memorizing and crying in long hours was crazy. Osang told me they've worked in best situations in FPJAP, I'm glad they implemented this change of working 12 hours max. I will give my best, I will work hard for this. To Coco, my cast members, Julia Montes, they've got a role to do. They've amazing to see how dedicated, very young, but this show has been number one for 6 years and he's doing very well. He dreams about the show, and to see how committed he is exciting. I can't wait to discover what else is in store for the viewers of the show."
Ms. Sharon Cuneta will be in FPJ's ANG PROBINSYANO really soon. She was also welcomed to the show by Creative Director Coco Martin, ABSCBN COO of Broadcast Ms. Cory Vidanes, TV Prod Head Laurenti Dyogi, and Dreamscape's Entertainment Head Deo Endrinal. These are really exciting times!
The New Glee Cast in the Philippines and Coke Mismo!
Thursday, June 13, 2013








I don't want to disturb you, here's a ton of photos for your viewing pleasure!
YOT - Your Own Time Interchangeable Watches!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Coco Martin, Julia Montes: A Moment In Time
Tuesday, February 05, 2013
UPDATE! Here are the photos I promised!
Bench Universe: The 2012 Denim and Underwear Show - Part 3
Friday, September 21, 2012
Now here's something you would like to see.
He's Rayver Cruz, sorry but I don't know why it looks a little deformed here. It must be something but he actually looked fine when he's facing the front. Is it just me? Can you guys tell me about this?
Now let' take a look at the original, and first endorser of BENCH
After all these years, Richard Gomez seems to have outdone some of the young ones. Heck he's even showed his body, and abs to boot. For those who probably loves matured ones he's probably perfect no?
See what I mean?
Now they all lined up after that. Looks like they are preparing for the finale....
I thought it was gonna end but I was wrong, Julia Montes came out!
Then some performers on stilts came out. The guy in the center was even more flamboyant than the women in this part. I just forgot their name but they are actually a foreign performing arts group.
The background was constantly changing but I love the part where they were playing with Jellyfish and the white things mimic sea anemone. I couldn't believe how they made this happen! Bench is outdoing itself every year!
The dancers from LA was superb too. I've seen them up close in the Cotton On event. They were pretty special, and you know they were hand picked to do this!
Then she came along :)
These AMATO people must have been blacksmiths in the past. I've never seen such detailed work on metal pieces for fashion. Excellent job!
Then the Semerad brothers arrived... they were clad in FurneOne1 designs of course!
Then of course Aljur Abrenica was next!
He was so overwhelmed with the screams, then he just took down his pants to the delight of the girls and gays =)) They screamed even louder!
Sorry he was too far from where I was so I wasn't able to take a clear shot. I know you guys wanted one right? haha
Okay, now there were some models also who walked in this bit but they were a little far from where I was so I wasn't able to secure clear shots like him above.
Then, the princess of horror films just came out in a giant sea anemone.
Ladies and gentlemen, the gorgeous LOVI POE!
There you go!
Now they went up the stage again and did a final walk...
Then Dingdong Dantes came along.. nope he did not walk... he came out on a huge BOAT!
Unfortunately he didn't come forward on stage so no photos of him up close, he must have forgotten that part.
I forgot her name but she sang live on stage, she's a FilAm who prolly joined a contest somewhere. Can anyone identify her for me? thanks!!
Then it was time for Michael Cinco...
Then perfect bodied Tierry Vilson came in and made BORTA the word for the day LOL
Then we went back local with Shaina Magdayao
Then they happened to have Mike Tan also there too...
Jolly Jessie Mendiola was there too
Then Aaron Villaflor also went to the stage
Here's Borgy Manotoc throwing stuff to the audiences.... he seems to be having fun!
And then my crush arrives... I LOVE ALLISON!
And then there's Georgina Wilson
For more updates about the greatest stars endorsing for BENCH
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