JM DE GUZMAN and SUE RAMIREZ Define Love Differently in LASTING MOMENTS

Took a break from events and watched a movie premiere last night as one of my favorite actors JM De Guzman and talented actress Sue Ramirez star in a Director Fifth Solomon project called Lasting Moments. This is under PASSION5 Studios.

Before we went to the red carpet, we took the chance to interview them and Director Fifth bared how it was a little problematic to release a film like this because of the recent line of foreign films that are showing also in the same dates they planned. They had to adjust and had to compromise doing it in July 30th to make sure enough theaters could carry them, not the fault of theater owners as he said. 

Direk Fifth told us "The struggle of Filipino films is obvious, to see change, we need to talk about it so we could see what we need to help the industry, and its workers. I want to throw the question on how we can compete with foreign films. I understand the business, the malls on how they choose things where they could earn. We need the government help to not only survive, but have ample screens to show our work. We hope they could trust us, July 30 is going to be the date we are showing our work, this is a call for help. Lasting Moments needs to be seen."

Here's a glimpse of the red carpet where several friends of the lead stars and director also supported. We saw several Drag Race Philippines alumni and rumored Slaysian Royale cast. There were also several influencers and artists at the venue, and watched with us later in the evening.

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I've watched Fifth Solomon's previous films and I must say, this has definitely outdone those. He also wrote this, and evidently, this has been researched a lot because of the several things you would see in the movie. He took time to establish characters, but they'd give reasons later on about sudden outbursts between JM and Sue's roles. It questions your tenacity, of what lengths you would do when it comes to love and emotional impediments. The film also takes a jab on how one would quantify happiness, contentment and one's ability to measure it. 

Sue says "The topic is very sensitive, it's about silent battles. I hope people would be able to relate and understand this is a crisis. I hope the weight comes across the screen and the character. I'm so nervous, but the deeper meaning will be shown when you see the film. This is really a good film and we enjoyed making it, I hope people would go to theaters because I'm nervous if it didn't have days on the theaters."

JM says "I didn't really have a hard time doing this because I did a lot of research and I'm working with Sue. It's going to be relatively easy to understand what they are going through, without spoiling.. it's about remaining with the person and love. Sue doesn't act, she lives the character."

Here's the press conference on video:

JM and Sue really took their characters to heart. You'll have a bout of trying not to cry when they show closeup shots of them on screen. If there's a flaw, probably audio because there were several instances when I heard lengthy supposed quiet times that had high pitched sounds interfering (either from the movie theater or the actual edit).

Again, LASTING MOMENTS will show in theaters this July 30th. JM and Sue are phenomenal actors and there's no question, films that include them must be seen. See why folks beside be cried on some scenes. Congratulations to the cast, Direk Fifth and PASSION5 Studios!

AI Powered VISION EXPRESS Opens BIGGEST Flagship Store in Mall of Asia

Leading eye wear retail giant Vision Express just opened their newest flagship store at the 2nd Floor Entertainment Hall at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. As of date, they have over 80 Vision Express stores all throughout the country and their success has been driven not just by doing well curated designer eyewear, but using AI technology to further enhance their services. 

 

Vision Express CEO Ms. Neelam Gopwani says "We have our new AI driven Virtual Styling Studio that can check your face shape, your colors and can pick the best pieces for you so your experience is better, easier. No more guesswork if you are overwhelmed with the eyewear displays because it can choose for you. We also have a really cool machine called Vision Plus which can check hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes risks from your eyes and do it in 30 seconds. It can give you a full scale report, and recommend through AI what you can do for your health. We're so proud of that technology. We started this about a year ago, we are taking advantage of that. The value of your eyes and protecting it over time. At the moment the Virtual Styling Studio is exclusive in the Mall of Asia branch, and we plan to roll it out in other stores very soon. It curates and customizes it for you."

Here's our interview with Vision Express CEO Ms. Neelam Gopwani

They have a dedicated section for Ray Ban, and have the largest collection of eyewear from them.

If you are a fan of brands like Loewe, Gucci, Mont Blanc, Prada, Miu Miu, Tom Ford and so much more (40 brands), they have already selected pieces that would best fit you by curating the eyewear selections. They did the best sellers world wide, you will find the perfect pair for you. This store also warm, very comfortable and has lots of seating. It's very chic and minimalist which makes it more attractive even from the outside.

I looked around and tried to find the perfect one for me, I seldom find eyewear that would fit me because I'm literally a big guy. Lo and behold they have Mont Blanc on the shelves which fits my style and size. I love the first one on the left, so if in case I'd get prescription glasses soon, I'd be glad to do it in that pair. I bet you'll find one easy when you visit their stores too.

See... it looks good on me!

If you are looking for hard to find ones, the latest model of eyewear from the reputable and premium brands, Vision Express is the place to find it. 

SEGUNDA MANA Set To Hold 3 Day MEGA BAZAAR 2025 at TRINOMA

Looks like stars are taking out their well loved things and outfits to make sure you get the chance to have it, but proceeds will support youth education and in some way, you'll practice sustainability when you participate in the MEGA BAZAAR 2025 at Ayala Malls TRINOMA's 4th Floor at the Cinema Lobby this coming June 6-8, 2025.

This event is under Caritas Manila which is the social arm of the Catholic Church and it'll include donated goods to finance the education of countless guys and gals who benefit from the program. Some are pre-owned and some are brand new, and as someone who frequent thrift stores, this is something that I've been looking forward to all year.

I took several plushies the last time and this year, celebrities and companies will be participating to get their apparel, home products, all donated to fund the Youth Servant Leadership Program. They also are partnering with Caritas Margins that does projects with marginalized communities and micro businesses, you can be sure this is inclusive too. They are also getting help from PMG, one of the country's leading marketing agency to get the message out there, and also organize the event.

Father Anton CT Pascual the Executive Director of Caritas Manila dubs this as the new way of giving. By buying these goods, you are repurposing and helping causes like education and the environment. But be reminded, this will only happen for 3 days, make sure you drop by early so you won't run out of items in the store! The event will be graced by Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, and celebrity donors include beauty queen Winwyn Marquez, hearthrob Donny Pangilinan, Jiggy Manicad, Donna Cariaga, Jackie Lou Blanco, Suzi Entrata-Abrera, Maxene Magalona, DJ Robin Sienna of Love Radio, Mr. Fu, Imago Band, Stephanie Sol, Kapuso singer Julie Anne San Jose, Gretchen Ho, Camille Prats, Ms. Jamie Rivera, Ariella Arida, and Blackwater Elite Players.

This is the handy work of Caritas Manila who has been doing charity work since 1953. If you want to be part of their efforts, you can donate or participate in this event. Yes, you can drop off donations too during this 3 day event. You may check their official website caritasmanila.org.ph or their social channels Segunda Mana on FB and TikTok.

The Effectiveness of Promotional Products

 

In a time where digital ads are in every handset, there's nothing more personal than something that you can hold. A branded merch not only get you loyalty, but practical use that can remind you who cares during these times. It can also get you more than enough brand recall, a perfect tool for marketing especially in the Asia Pacific region. 

You can evidently see it's impact particularly in countries like ours, in Indonesia, India, Vietnam, where GDP rates remain bullish despite outside factors. Products like these can also increase name recall, positively associate your brand and give you a high chance of a return customer. 

This is where the 38th Corporate Giveaways Buyers Show come in. It's the biggest of its kind in the country, and on July 2-4, you can get all of these products from top suppliers so the next time you would give something to your patrons, they won't be tired from those notebooks and pens you often give away, because if there's something that this event can provide, is VARIETY. It has been an annual event, and super successful in connecting suppliers to intended managers, decision makers and marketing professionals. They'll get you to discover your well loved gifts that you would often only see in other countries. 

It's important, and ensures you would connect with the right audience. You can certainly get the professionals handle it. If you want to go, simply register via corporategiveaways.com now and send your intentions. They're officially back!