Turning NURSES to MOVIESTARS: "SIGLO NG KALINGA" on PNA's Centennial Celebration

Just got off the MOA signing of "SIGLO NG KALINGA" at the Philippine Nurses Association grounds this evening in Benitez Street in Manila. It was officiated by PNA officials, executives of Dr. Carl Balita Productions (CBP), Director Lemuel Lorca and nurses from around the country. This evening was all about the life of Anastacia Giron Tupas (AGT), the founder of PNA and how they are making headway in producing the film showcasing the dedication, service, passion and professionalism of Filipino nurses worldwide.

Governor Melvin Miranda, the current President of the Philippine Nurses Association says "Thank you to our past Presidents, and to regional leaders present here this evening. When Dr. Balita threw in the idea of doing a film, we were looking on how the life of AGT will be appreciated. Anastacia and her legacy in PNA is inspiring, at this day, we can inspire more Filipino nurses and connect to generations of them, and I'm glad they appreciate our endeavor to hopefully be learned from grassroots level; especially to nurses, and learn our mission and core values. We appreciate the partnership, thank you!"

Dr. Carl Balita also announced that national artist for film RICKY LEE as consultant for the film. For this project, he wants to put together the best of the best in Philippine cinema. He says "I am also considering Rocco Nacino, Kuh Ledesma, Princess Punzalan, Carol Banawa, different artists who are real nurses, and let them do cameos so we can concentrate on nurses we will get in the casting call. Angeli Bayani will be conducting workshops, as she's an internationally acclaimed actress. In other words, I want our nurses to be involved, also in the poster making and theme song writing contest. I believe we have very talented nurses, and we might ask Kuh Ledesma to help us in singing the song. The film will be seen on May 2023, and target international film festivals and I promise you we will have them in different festivals like Sundance, Toronto, and major film festivals. This is the best film I will ever produce, and I'm challenging everyone involved to do their best as well.

Dr. Carl Balita adds "I want this to be a legacy film to be watched by the public so they would understand the heroism involved in our line of work. We need to communicate the call for the cast, we need them to be part of the film. All of whom need to be nurses."

They are doing a casting call specific for nurses 20-60yo, registered who would be available for a shoot (2 weeks straight) with a 5 day acting workshop on October 12-20 from 10am to 12pm and 1-4pm on zoom. They will also be doing a Theme Song and Poster Making contest for the film depicting the work of Filipinos worldwide and the life of Anastacia Giron Tupas, the founder of PNA. You may send entries before November 26, 2022, you may email drcarlbalitaproductions@gmail.com for more details. This is also in celebration of PNA's Centennial Anniversary, a historic and momentous occasion.

If you're a nurse and want to be part of this, you know what to do!

The Party Continues at Salvatore Cuomo & Bar Philippines

Joined a few friends in the blogging scape a few days ago at Salvatore Cuomo and Bar in GF Uptown Parade in BGC. It sits at the corner of 9th Avenue and 38th Street and is frequented by party goers this side of town. On Saturdays, DJ David Ardiente takes the lead and plays awesome songs that could be enjoyed by Millennials, Gen XYZ's and just about anyone who just wants to have fun.

Moscow Mule

Sangria

Espresso Martini

Aperol Spritz

Aside from the usual fare (of beer, wine and hard drinks), they've got really mean cocktails like Espresso Martini, Moscow Mule, Sangria, Aperol Spritz which you should definitely try.

I could picture this place as a launch pad for other bars around the area but I'm pretty sure after a few rounds of cocktails in this joint. you'll never want to leave and just enjoy the night with friends and family here.

Brushchetta Porchetta

Carpaccio

Now to make sure you don't drink with an empty stomach, they've got several pizzas and antipasti you can enjoy while you hold your cocktail on your other hand. It's a great conversation starter, there are several single people right across the bar for that. This place gets pretty packed on the weekends so make sure you get here a bit early if you have dining plans. They also have a really mean Truffle Pasta, I didn't get to see it on the table anymore because it was that good.

Don't be sad as it'll all be a blur when you get home (don't drink and drive of course!). This place has good food, good drinks, just bring the companions or see people there. Take the trip to one of the hottest spots in BGC, and make that night an epic one at Salvatore Cuomo and Bar.

K-LOVE: An Homage to Filipino KDrama Love

Filipinos are so passionate about a lot of things, and during the pandemic, they've been glued to TV sets and monitors just to watch their favorite K-Dramas. This love, is going to be showcased on a new series called K-LOVE, with stars Iza Calzado, Jake Cuenca, Sue Ramirez, Isabelle Diaz and Gabby Padilla.

This will be exclusively shown on the VIU platform and is created by VIU Originals. It's for K-Drama fans, made by fans and for the fans. It all makes sense on how the lives of Filipinos 20-30 years old will be mirrored in this story when they get to see their relationships, how they love, their disappointments,  and how close the story lines of K-Drama shows are in their lives. The fandom of Korean dramas, Hallyus surprise even the actors, when they discover their closest friends, their families all have their own show obsessions.

According to the writer, this is fan fiction as she is a fan of several shows herself. She was inspired by Star Up and Reply 1988. Here's part of the press conference this afternoon.

Iza Calzado, Jake Cuenca, Isabelle Diaz, Sue Ramirez, Gabby Padilla shares their experience making the show. 

K-LOVE will be shown on the VIU app starting October 14 and will be shown in other countries where VIU is available. If you're a K-Drama fan, lover or a silent one, re-live the kilig by watching the series on that date.

There will be previews which you can watch even without signing in on the platform, go do it now!

Take Another Look: Heritage Hotel's Riviera Café

The Riviera Cafe has a selection of dessert items, the Mango Graham is highly recommended!

Heritage Hotel has been something that I usually just pass by going to and from other landmarks like Mall of Asia, MOA Arena or hotels in the area. This 4 Star hotel sits at the corner of EDSA and Roxas Boulevard which is a prime location. Back in the 90's they've had the privilege of being the primary destination for food adventures since the buffet here is legendary, probably one of the firsts who have done it in Pasay City. This is my first visit inside the hotel. I haven't thought about this being a dining destination because as a commuter, it's pretty dark outside. When I went inside, I was at awe of the interiors. To tell you honestly, I didn't know it was this nice. Heritage Hotel definitely deserves another look.

RIVIERA CAFE has been renovated and spruced up recently (and it's now open to the public!). Executive Chef Patrocinio Obia was mighty proud about how things have changed in recent months. For starters, the buffet used to be very dark and the renovations were pretty much a chance to brighten things up. Riviera Cafe will still be homey, very Mediterranean in style; but now modernized with a few light fixtures reminiscent of cafe's. Their menu now boasts of over 21 stations, bringing international flavors and Southeast Asian flair to the buffet. I could tell how passionate he was in making changes, and the other Chefs delivered quite well during service.

The spread was huge, and they've got plenty of dishes to choose from. I had a tiny bite of what I think would be good first before I concentrated on the best ones. Yes, I always had a gameplan when I visit buffets, and Riviera Café was absolutely lovely.

Salads stay cold and crunchy, served with different salad dressings on the side. Note how small servings they have on the station, they do that so you get food freshly cooked each time.

Fancy cheese? I like the funky smelling ones, don't judge!

The Grilling Station had different seafood and meat all skewered up

See that Beef Sate on the top left? They had to refill that plate because of me, it was that good! It was lightly grilled and smothered with peanut sauce that was a bit crunchy. It made a lot of difference!

The Laksa Station is something that you should take a vacation in. They make the Laksa from scratch, the shrimp flavor was intense and this was undoubtedly everyone's favorite that evening.

Carbs? They've got the pasta station waiting. Just let them know what sauce and pasta variety you want, they'll cook it right in front of you.

They've got Hainanese Chicken, I like the roasted one. You would need to put sauces on the meat if you choose the other poached or steamed variety.

They have Lechon and Crispy Pata, I would pass on the sauce as it was too livery (if there's such a term).

For those who love Japanese rolls, they've got a multitude of options laid on the mirrored plates. This was quite filling.

Dimsum had Chicken Feet, I like it.

Siu Mai was also freshly cooked, not overly steamed because it was probably made the same day.

I don't need to convince you with the Beef Sate, it was my personal favorite!

Finish the meal with some seasonal fruits, just to feel healthy about all the grilled food you ate lol!

Heritage Hotel's Riviera Café deserves another look, another try. With the changes they implemented on the buffet, the amount of people they can accommodate in the floor and guest rooms, this would surely be a good place to dine in for those special occasions and events. They're also HALAL Certified and has been the go to place of Malaysian and Indonesian Embassies for meals and meetings. If you want to reserve a table or their venues, call 0288548888 and press local 7355 or 7357. Trust me on the Beef Sate, it's one of my favorite places now to dine in. The buffet costs Php 1,188 and is currently open Thursdays to Saturday Dinner, and Sunday Lunch.

You can also stay in Heritage Hotel's many rooms. They are planning to renovate those as well. Now you've got more reasons to go there!