Congressman Arjo Atayde Urges to Expedite Anti-Flooding Projects in PH

It's a sad, but we all have to face the reality that climate change is happening and we are getting the rut of its impact especially those located in coastlines, remote islands, plains, mountains, even cities too.

The weather has not been like what we have experienced in the past, and the existence of Super Typhoons has already broken what we all thought was already strong, not good. These days, it's not just the wind we're scared about. It's also the rain, the rising tides and ultimately, the flooding. We've been paralyzed in one way or another and this cost billions of damages, not just on property, but also lives.

We're so used to managing it, doing temporary band aid measures so it's so nice to hear someone acting on it. Recently. Congressman Arjo Atayde of the 1st District of Quezon City urging the government offices to prioritize the proper management and fast track completion of flood control projects especially in prone areas. This was said in his privilege speech on Tuesday and also proposes a Czar specifically just for that.

He utters "It's but timely to put one in the Executive branch to particularly address and ensure who will be responsible for coordinating with DPWH and MMDA. By putting a "Flooding Czar" NCR's various local government projects will be fast tracked putting priorities where it's due." He also made mention about the Metro Manila Flood Management Project that involves over 36 pumping stations, plus construction of 20 more (by October 2024), but so far only 1 has been acted upon. He also is pushing for funding from DPWH to make further studies in addressing this issue. It would also include the construction of retarding ponds in places like malls, schools, basketball courts, play areas, including the San Juan River.

Arjo also worries about his constituents like in Barangay Mariblo, Barangay Sto. Domingo and Barangay Talayan who already has experienced waist deep floods, to hopefully rid it with a more permanent solution for years to come. He also made samples out of Barangays in Bungad, San Antonio, Katipunan and Damayan who experienced knee deep floods. We are resilient people, but we should never resort to normalizing what we do during natural disasters and calamities. It cost the country 60.07 Billion last year and we should all do our part in making sure nothing bad like this would happen. The "Flood Czar" should take care of that.

Rémy Martin Presents 1738 Accord Royal at Whiskey Live Manila

Missed this event but nothings gonna stop me from telling you good news about the Whiskey Live Manila event a few weeks ago.

Rémy Martin actually launched their 1738 Accord Royal. It's a really unique cognac heavily rooted in histroy as it has been granted Accord Royal status by King Louis XV in 1738. I must say, I got a taste of in mixes at Honeycomb where they also launched an event, quite surprised how smooth it is, not pungent, just the right amount of fruitiness, oak, spicy and toasted with a bold flavor. It's definitely something that can be done in different ways, and be paired with savory food without spoiling it.

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Cointreau Philippines Ed Guzman dubs this as something for the younger market. Whiskey Live Manila has been off for a number of years because of the pandemic, this certainly made it all worth the trip to BGC. Mad props to Rémy Cointreau Philippines Country Brand Lead Myke Soon who hooked us up at the Honeycomb event. That was certainly fun!

If you want to know more about the new Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal, you may visit remymartin.com or their social channels RemyMartinPhilippines on FB, IG. You can order them now at boozy.ph or singlemalt.ph if you want to try them out!

Puregold's Heartwarming Ads Praised by Netizens

If you've been on YouTube, Facebook or different online platforms, you've probably seen the new Puregold ads with the theme "Nasa Iyo Ang Panalo" launched by them in time for their 25th Anniversary. As of this writing, they've had over 43.1 Million views and has been praised by netizens because of how it was presenting raw stories of successful stars, athletes before they were able to succeed in their respective fields.

The series include SB19's very own Justin de Dios, this generation's drama superstar Francine Diaz, lovers Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola, TikTok phenom Queenay Mercado, and our country's Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena. The ads may have had a lot of views, but what matters most is the effect it has on Filipinos who would learn a thing or two about the lives of these greats. Justin was able to inspire people about his work ethic, his hard work and how he was able to pursue his dreams despite the hardships. Francine Dias on the other hand had to really work her way up before she was able to enter showbusiness, to land roles that was able to showcase her depth as an actress, and inspire the youth at the same time. There are many more comments on these videos that have solidified how effective they've been able to put the message across.

The President of Puregold Price Club Inc. Vincent Co sees this as an opportunity to share the stories of inspiring Filipinos on their 25th year in the business. You may view the "Nasa Iyo Ang Panalo" ads on YouTube, Facebook on Puregold's official channels. They also have a TikTok account so just search @puregoldph because they also got them there.

EXCLUSIVE: Director Alvin Yapan for CALL ME PAPI

He's got over 13 films on his belt, and very well known for critically acclaimed "The Dance of Two Left Feet" in 2011, "Culion" in 2019 where we had the pleasure of covering in Palawan and recently "Hulagway" which he worked with NCCA a couple months back. This time, it's a whole different movie, his first commercial film, on a different genre which he divulges was the handy work of the late well loved producer Shandii Bacolod who also worked in this movie. It's called CALL ME PAPI, a funny "barkada" movie where 5 men from different walks of live, get their stories intertwined.

The project was supposed to be released a few years ago but the pandemic happened. This prompted them to re-think how they would finish filming, and when things relaxed a bit, another hard lockdown was placed (prolly around November 2020). But nothings gonna stop them from doing it.  This is produced by Feast Foundation and will be distributed by Viva Films.

Dr. Alvin Yapan says "What I like about this project is that some of my friends say they couldn't concentrate on looking at just one guy in the film. These guys are good looking and I think it was meant to feel that way when it was thought about by Shandii Bacolod. This was intentional, to put guys with different looks, in this generation, so they get well represented in the film. There's one that came from the province, a bougie one, a gym instructor, a waiter, a bartender and a call center agent who was forced to live with each other. This discusses what they go through with the work they do. Shandii already worked with Enzo Pineda in Utopia. We got him to audition for this film because I didn't know him prior to this. He did so well in the audition, he had presence, he wasn't nervous in front of the camera and he was pretty tall. He was meant to be part of the lead cast. Even after this film, I would really like to work with them again because of how easy we got to work together. I don't know why but I've always landed in projects that have an ensemble cast. I couldn't complain in the looks department, they also have a sense of comic timing. They also have formed the dynamics, but to tell you honestly, this was one of the most difficult films to cast because it required a lot with the actors. We've gone through a lot just to put them together." 

He adds "Royce was always a joker on set, Aaron was so lean and fits his character like a glove, Enzo was caramel, Lharby had majestic physique, Albie had the perfect abs. I had Albie read the script and when we talked later on, he really liked the role of the waiter. His story arc is a little different than the others. I'm glad that none of them were problematic on set, that when I instruct them to do things, they oblige right away. I connect more with the character of Royce, as I can relate more with what he was going through. I can't really tell much because it might spoil the film."

Dr. Alvin Yapan wants this to showcase how friendship works, how you can trust each other when times are hard, when you treat people like family. There's a lot of promise in this film, and later, we'll get the chance to talk to the cast. This by the way stars Albie Casiño, Enzo Pineda, Lharby Policarpio , Aaron Concepcion and Royce Cabrera. This will be something that will be in several parts, and designed to be continued in the future. It will depend on what would get the interest of the audience. So make sure you get heard on their channels if you want to know more about the boys.

This comes out on December 7, so see you in theaters soon!