Women, Power and Money: PUSOY on VIVAMAX

Just got off the advanced premiere of the film PUSOY starring Vince Rillon, Angeli Khang, Baron Geisler, Janelle Tee and an ensemble cast. The popular card game isn't actually that known quite as much elsewhere so having this in a movie intended to be shown in film festivals had me a little worried. It might not be able to get that part of the game understood. Though between that concern and how this could be an interesting story line, Director Phil Giordano had us all at the edge of our seats and left us all asking, what would happen next?!

This is an action, drama, suspense film but set in the Philippines. Vince plays the role of Popoy, a very doting son. Married but still in the home he grew up in because he couldn't make ends meet as he supports his folks, his wife and kid too. Under circumstances that he couldn't control, he had to work for a gambling lord (played by Baron Geisler, an intense man at that). He takes commissions doing favors and finishing rivals in the dens they go to. Janelle and Angeli's character on the other hand are card sharks, and if you put two chicks in one bowl... the claws come out. That starts a whole other conflict not just in the game, but their relationships.. and their lives changed. 

Here's our coverage of the private screening on video, enjoy!

I wouldn't want to spoil things for you, but definitely... a lot different from the usual Filipino flicks we see in cinemas. The material was worked on successfully by Direk Phil Giordano and Direk Brillante Mendoza. This will be shown this May 27th on VIVAMAX so make sure you download the app and subscribe to see this and other titles on their library. The film also had a tough premise, if you had no choice... would you do something illegal if lives were at stake?!

You can purchase subscription credits via online stores, if you're up to it, you'll definitely love the story.

These are exciting times!

OPPO Teases PH with Find X5 Pro 5G

There's so much appreciation for good things, so when OPPO had us do a physical event... I couldn't wait to see what they had in store for us to see this evening. I had an event in the morning and planned to go home and dress up, but plans changed and just shopped for it instead. I haven't seen a lot of blogger friends covering, but that kinda changed.

In a nutshell, OPPO is letting us experience one of their newest flagship phones in the market called OPPO Find X5 Pro 5G. The phone is special as it employs 80W SuperVOOC Charging, 1 Billion Colour Bionic Display, plus ColorOS 12.1 powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 which is a processing monster. 

To tell you honestly, I would probably buy something like this just on aesthetics because when I saw how it looked like face value, I was impressed. The modern design, the shiny exterior (you couldn't even take photos of it as light was reflecting from it in Glaze Black). They also have this in Ceramic White version, which I both dig.

The newest phone has 12GB RAM, 256GB ROM, QHD (3216x1440) 92.7% screen ratio display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The camera is 50MP F/1.7 aperture, plus 50MP Ultra Wide Angle Camera at F/2.2 and macro support. They also had a 13MP Telephoto Cam with an F/2.4 fixed focus for far subjects if you need it. The front camera is a 32MP F/2.4, you can take all the selfies and be left satisfied. I've tried some of the features like slow motion, dual view (lovely for vloggers), stickers, time lapse, portrait mode, among other things it does. It's capable of shooting up to 4K, you've got room for that in storage so those movies you plan to make with it would become really convincing.

Sad News: Unfortunately this event was just done for us to experience it. This specific model won't be released in the Philippines as they're concentrating mid range and the different series they have. Though they might be able to do it if clamor comes so ask if you feel like it... especially on their social channels because they do listen to customer feedback.

Fun to also see our boy Bret Jackson who's still got a lot of music in the pipeline. I've been missing this guy a lot since we haven't seen each other for years. He's got a few singles out and some under him and James Reid's Careless Music. It was also fun to see OPPO's executives saying hi over cocktails, it was a really fun night... thank you OPPO! :)

New Spot: ARCANA LOUNGE

If there's something that is lacking in San Juan City, it's the fact that there's really a scarcity of good bars... but here's good news. ARCANA LOUNGE finally has opened and we've got first dibs on things they offer.

Ambiance: I think I've seen this being worked on a couple months ago when a couple workers went outside and pat dust off their clothes... and I saw a new sign put up in front, I stopped and said to my self, this is interesting! When I entered ARCANA this evening, my eyes were certainly drawn on the copper clad ceiling. I felt they did this on purpose so you get to feel how large the room was. The place could seat 50-60 people (maybe more) and tables were arranged for groups of 4 or more to fit friends, family. The back side had a long bunk chair and the others were upholstered thick, pretty comfy to be seated for hours. They also had fresh flowers, dropped in several places. Design wise, it reminded me of a little mix of modern, industrial and art deco. There's a sense of it being posh, their attention to detail was astounding.

The Bar on the other had was built differently. The racks are filled to the brim with different kinds of booze as they serve hard drinks and cocktails. The bar is all clad in gold, black, aimed to complement the restaurant interior. It also has their huge logo, intimidating to look at but once you know the bartenders, you'll love them instantly.

Gourmet Nachos -Warm nachos with hearty chili con carne topping. Fresh and complements Gin, Tequila based drinks.

Purple Sour - Something they whipped up to surprise me, this was refreshing and perfect to start the evening.

Buffalo Wings - It had the flavors, not too spicy... make sure you eat it while it's hot!

Sisig Rolls - A different take on the usual bar chow. Like a mix between Filipino and Vietnamese. Again, make sure you consume while it's hot.

Truffle Pizza - One of my favorites that evening. It had the right amount of cheese, crispy crust and truffle permeated all over the top.

Sliders - If you need something filling, the sliders would surely do that. It comes with fries, which I think was also laced with a little truffle.

Fra Diavolo - Fresh pasta with shrimp, cheese and lemon on the side.

Steak Fried Rice - I liked their version, like the other items I mentioned earlier, eat it while its hot.

USDA Rib Eye Steak - They made it the way I like it. Medium, still has the right amount of fat (which I love) and buttery soft still. I would even love to have seconds. I would go back for this in a heartbeat!

Prawn Thermidor - For prawn lovers out there, here's your fix. You may have this shared but I doubt you'll do because it's cheesy good.

Lamb Rack - For those who would want something a bit more lean, get the Lamb rack. They cooked it perfectly... I'd assume this would be for those special date nights or "treat to self" days.

ARCANA LOUNGE maybe new, but fret not as they've got some seasoned Chefs and Mixologists behind all their counters. They plan very well, and honestly, the ambiance is a huge selling point. If you have guests, friends or family that need to be given a classy dinner, something to drink afterwards, this is the place you should be looking for. A plus is that they also customize drinks, just ask the friendly bartender what you prefer so they could whip up something for you.

ARCANA LOUNGE is located at the Greenhills Promenade's second level. You may enter through the stairs from Music Museum or the one on the left door of the mall's old door. I enjoyed my time there and surely, I'd be back for more!

Luxury Living with Brittany's New Condominium Towers

If you're looking for a place with true cool breeze, outdoor decks, lush gardens that promotes peace and tranquility... that's exactly what Brittany Corporations new condo towers offer. They think about how you can take refuge, with your wellness in mind, as they continue to build and develop several properties down south.

Brittany is the luxury residential arm of Vista Land and Lifescapes, Inc. and they've made strides in making sure that if you choose to live in their projects, you'll get a lifestyle that promotes holistic wellness, much like Crosswinds.

The new towers at Alpine Villas

Crosswinds is a huge 100 hectare land that is tucked away from the busy city limits of Tagaytay. They built several towers, Swiss Chalet style houses developed in lush forests where you'll feel you're in another country as the weather changes. It's the perfect place to take a walk, not too hot, not too cold, enough to get you appreciate the smell of fresh pine trees, other worldly architecture you only see in movies or the Swiss alps. Crosswinds has been transformed in the last few years, and now has retail concept stores, new amenities around so you don't have to go elsewhere if you're at the enclaves all year.

Encompassing 2.8 hectares of Crosswinds is Alpine Villas, a charming enclave consisting of mid-rise towers in the style of Swiss chalets that are surrounded with charming European-inspired cafes and restaurants. They built towers Bernese, Blanc and Brienz so each resident would enjoy majestic sunsets, views, as it is 540 meters above sea level. Imagine the cups of coffee you'll enjoy as you sit in tables right outside, and the memories you'll make forever.

Recently, they built a new one called Biel. It's a 9 storey condo tower with 58 units. You can choose between studio, one bedroom spaces, two bedroom ones, or ones with balconies in different measurements (30 to 90 square meters). This costs around Php 9 to 31 Million per unit, but with the amenities like gyms, exercise spaces, parks, pathways, green gardens, views, that are priceless. These are units that can make you feel that you're re-connecting with nature. The lush vegetation, quiet surroundings, would take your meditation sessions to a whole new level. This would be perfect as a second or vacation home for those who would want to escape the city.

It's also got CCTV and security working 24/7, following safety precautions and guidelines set by the LGU so the community remains safe, with less worry... so you can enjoy the time with family, friends, all day. You can also choose this as an investment, as every sane person would want to experience this for a few days, months, even years. Brittany also has properties in Portofino which you can find in Alabang. There's also La Posada in Sucat Paranaque and Georgia Club in Sta. Rosa, Laguna if you want to experience the same luxury elsewhere too.

If you want to know more about it, visit their official website www.brittany.com.ph or their social channels by searching Brittany Corporation.