Big Screen Dreams: Coco Martin, Matti, and Monteverde Team Up

When I got invited to this event, we weren't told about who's coming on stage but pretty much got clues with the shirts of the people filming it, they all had CCM printed which makes us believe it's a Coco Martin event. There were 3 chairs in front though so just seeing that made me realize it was something big, and true enough they came out with guns blazing.

One is an iconic director, of OTJ fame, Erik Matti, the other is a big producer from the Monteverde clan, Mr. Dondon Monteverde and of course, the biggest action star of this generation, producer and director Coco Martin. They plan to do 2 huge film projects for Coco particularly "MayPagasa The Battles of Andres Bonifacio" and "OTJ: Maghari" which will be under Reality Studios and CCM Productions.

Sir Dondon told us that this was sealed on the sidelines after some talks happened at the death anniversary of Mother Lily Monteverde a few months ago. He says "The death anniversary of my Mom started all of this. Losing my Mom was a huge blow to the industry. We always wanted to work with Coco and we've met in events with it behind our minds. It was just an opportune time to start talking, showing him other projects. He didn't like what we presented him at first, but when he knew about these two films (not included in the discussion, he just wanted it to happen!"

Direk Erik Matti had huge success with the OTJ franchise and Coco always wanted to be part of it. Direk Erik shares "Maghari is the story of Joel, the Tatang of OTJ. It's a 90's themed movie of him protecting his family. MayPagasa The Battles of Andres Bonifacio is a historical bio, and it is scary to do because it is based on that. Ours is different, we're bringing it to the future and shooting it in a modern way. It's all about what is happening now in the country." 

Coco was smitten with the thought of doing an OTJ installment and told us "When I watched OTJ, I honestly was waiting, waiting to be cast in a film like it. I required my staff to watch it (before doing Batang Quiapo) and I hoped they notice me. I asked myself and said maybe I wasn't enough, because they weren't calling me. I was silent, and thinking they were not considering me because I didn't have potential, so I tried to do one myself (his shows) but got so busy with my series. One day, they informed me that they wanted to talk about it, I told them I was waiting for this to happen. I know how folks have been appreciating Filipino films that they made, they pitched a few projects with me but I told them I was a fan of OTJ and Buybust. After that, I talked about a historical film, then they talked to me about a project they wanted to do about Bonifacio. They thought I was a fit in these two projects they didn't talk about initially."

He added "Now that we're together, we just needed to make it bigger for a global audience. This will make a mark in the Filipino film industry. I'm also working with the best, and this IS an answered prayer! We can't wait to release this in 2027!"

Here's the whole press conference on video:

Giants Coco Martin, Direk Erik Matti and Dondon Monteverde actually has plans to do more, so this is just for starters. When I asked about challenges, Coco was severely optimistic that all these projects are possible, he's always had that positivity in all his projects since he's successfully done it. He attributes most of it because of this optimism, and since they plan to release this internationally, they need your support once it comes out locally. With an internationally acclaimed actor (tons of indie films on his belt), Director (familiar with Filipino film projects released worldwide) and the best production outfits this country, these projects are pretty much a done deal. 

I just can't wait to see it! 

Experiencing PANDA PLATES: Flavors of the World in Quezon City

 

Manmaru Japanese Restaurant, Pandan Asian Cafe took out their best dishes!

There's often a discussion between friends and family where to eat, but I think this doesn't happen often in Quezon City. Here, we've got choices, choices that you don't have (I kid!). Oh how I love being in my hood, and people know it. Imagine, you can feel like you've been around the world just by going through several restaurants in Tomas Morato. This is the experience done courtesy of the folks from foodpanda. They properly call it PANDA PLATES: Flavors of the World in Quezon City. Hold on to your seats because this is good! 

Chili's Tomas Morato had Half Slab of Ribs, Truffle Burgers, Molten Chocolate and Salmon.

 

As you can see, Quezon City did not disappoint when it comes to food from around the world. We also went to BASTA Cafe in Kamuning, pick ups from Dulcinea in Tomas Morato, had deliveries from Amici in the Scout Area and end with a feast at CHILI's in Tomas Morato. You can literally walk to these establishments but might take a while in some of them. Good thing we've got the foodpanda app to ease the burden on folks during this rainy afternoon. 

The Quezon City Tourism Department's Ms. Yasi Jorge told us this is one of the city's best culinary destination and they're glad that foodpanda is doing it here. It has been a vibrant way of showcasing food culture, tradition and innovation. Every street offers new flavors, a new story, and great experience. They're happy to be a part of the gathering that makes food from this place shine. There's a lot of home grown restaurants and establishments in this place and they're raring to welcome guests even more. Added it's a culinary capital that is worthy to be explored. This gives emphasis to give support in everything local. The dining culture is alive and thriving in QC, and definitely more to explore!

Ms. Jade Legazpi foodpanda's Senior Account Manager also shared how they'll be launching promos specifically during Quezon City's founding anniversary. This was on October 12th where they gave up to 20 percent discount on QC restaurants, so make sure you follow foodpanda's social media channels so you wouldn't miss promos like it in the future. foodpanda's Jerome Mangahas also awarded winning participants in the days event. It was really fund and we didn't go home hungry, thanks foodpanda!

Can't wait to have another one of these food crawls happen soon!

A Different Miss Asia Pacific International This Year

 

Certainly, this year's Miss Asia Pacific International pageant felt so different. Last October 8th, Cebu Coliseum became the venue for the crowning of this year's queen, Isabela Fernandes of Brazil. Her advocacy on education and sustainability proved to be a huge factor in her gaining the crown. 

1st Runner Up went to the Philippines very own Anita Rose Gomez while 2nd, 3rd and 4th Runner Up posts went to Bowomrat Maneerat of Thailand, Jana Jannsens of Belgium and Delilah Almira Wildboer of the Netherlands. These ladies showcased not just their culture, but the individual causes they support in line with their own stories and the event's theme #HERStoryAblaze. These ladies also competed for their National Costume, Swimsuit and Evening Gowns. The special awards went to Bowomorat Maneerat representing Thailand for the National Costume, Anita Rose Gomez of the Philippines for the Best in Swimsuit and Isabela Fernandes of Brazil for the Evening Gown. They gave the Miss Photogenic award to Danube Kangjam of India and the Peoples Choice to UK's Anne Gomes.

This year also marks a new set of women representing the best of the regions, they're named Continental Queens. For the Americas, Michelle Whilar Lazarte of Peru won it. For Asia Aisyah Amini of Indonesia got it. For Europe Delilah Elmira Wildeboer of the Netherlands got the crown. For Africa, it went to South Africa's Bejandri Lourens while for Oceania was awarded to New Zealand's Hannah Leigh Cross. 

A Heartfelt Advocacy

All 43 delegates have experienced the 6.9 magnitude earthquake in the province of Cebu (Bogo City). Instead of the usual fanfare, the queens took part in relief efforts and took to streets and shelters, joined several partner NGO's, private entities to make sure they got to comfort those ravaged by the calamity. They were also in the Operation Smile gala when it happened, and it was heartwarming to see them helping during that time. They're definitely beauty queens with compassion, took their gloves off and cared for those in need. That made it all different this year, the pageant had lux and elegance, but it was being human that mattered most. Seeing that was certainly precious!

GARY V Ready to INSPIRE on his US Tour!

There's no stopping Gary Valenciano as he takes on his "Gary V Inspired US Tour 2025" forward this month. After finishing his judge duties in the recent IDOL Kids season, he's ready to take the experience in 5 US cities particularly Temecula Pechanga on October 12th, Cache Creek Resort on the 17th, Cypress Texas CFSID Visual Performing Arts Center on the 19th, Hilton Hawaiian Village on the 26th in Honolulu, and Dale Halton Theater in Charlotte NC on November 2nd, a really hectic month for Mr. Pure Energy. 

He's already done sold out concerts in New Zealand, several cities in Australia, and he's taking the inspirational music in other countries toon. Mind you, he's been in the industry for a little over 40 years and people continue to love his songs, its message and how exciting it is to see him perform on stage.

 

Philippine Airlines has been flying him non stop to these destinations and fans are expected to flock down these venues as tickets become sold out quite early. If you want to be part of it, take the trip down memory lane and visit his website garyv.com/tour to know more about his performances. He's as excited as you are because he wants to reconnect with those who are in the US, and honestly I've seen him perform at a recent event, he's just on a different level!

Take the chance to see him now!