The freedom to choose what to use for your skin is something that I treasure, and so does 103 million other Filipinos. These days, we've had the opportunity to travel and discover things that are apt for Asian skin. We've seen the resurgence of Korean derm products, one of them is The Barum, a brand that has been recently launched in the Philippines. This is exclusively going to be distributed in the country by The Glow Atelier.
Their philosophy lies in "Proactive Skincare", something that is fully scientifically approached, to not just act on issues now, but starting on making the skin resilient. They have products to make sure it's equipped before things happen. The Barum addresses a lot of it with Radiance Renewing Systems via kits specifically formulated from marine sponges, to help regenerate skin cells. It also hastens peeling, the R2 HS Implant Kit and Spicules does that. They also have the Crystal Clear PR Ampoule that has PDRN created from salmon (skin/extract), and promote collagen creation. The Radiance Renewing R1 Acid Kit on the other hand is for acne treatment and oil control. It's got Salicylic and Glycolic Acid. They also have Blue Jewel Azulene line that cools and reduces redness after sun exposure.
Here's a few things they discussed during the event:
If you would like to experience it, or become part of the business, take a trip to The Glow Atelier (who exclusively distributes this in the country). Looks promising, but still, they strongly advice to seek professional consultation (with a doctor) before using these products. That's exactly what they prefer you do and I applaud them for that. You may ask via their social channels about the availability.
A pioneer in slimming services in the country since 1985, Marie France is celebrating their 40th anniversary.
When I got invited to this event, I was thinking of the thousands of men and women who have undergone their services; and how it has ultimately changed their lives.
They've been known to do scientific and non surgical weight loss programs, with some of the best looking celebrities proving how effective it is, and each of them get armed with confidence, the knowledge to take care of themselves because at the end of the day, they truly deserve it.
The corporation started small, like any other business, but with their name on the line, they made sure to develop their services by working with the best in the world. Marie France Group of Companies now also has Svenson, Facial Care Centre and pioneered the best slimming, health and wellness offerings the country has ever seen.
Who would ever forget the time when one of the country's brightest stars Ms. Dawn Zulueta graced a huge billboard back in the days. While making blockbuster movies and appearing on local TV, she made sure that she stays on her best shape with Marie France's help. She also looks like a vampire, as she didn't look like she aged, and people loved her for that. This time, she's going to be with Marie France together with her daughter Ayisha who's obviously inherited her good looks, turning to the same place to take care of her skin especially since she's also had breakouts like any teen of her age.
It was heartwarming that the love and care continues after all those years. They're trusting the same people who made their life journey easy, the folks from Marie France.
Here's a glimpse of the event:
What's more touching is that, some of the women that have been with Marie France also went to the 40th anniversary celebration and told us their stories. Some are single, some are married, some have kids, but every single one trusted Marie France. It has changed their lives for the better, as I am too now that I am having treatments with the hair experts from Svenson. I've just started, and I can't wait to tell you how it has been a great journey with them. Their corrective measures made me realize I've been ignoring a lot of things when it comes to taking care of my hair. My friends on the other hand are availing services from Facial Care Center, and they have been loving each day. Can't wait to have sessions with them too.
I am so happy I'm one of the thousands of individuals who's life has been touched by Marie France, and I'm sure if you'd try it one of these days, that you will see the value of it too. Congratulations to everyone at Marie France, and I say, cheers to 40, and more years of taking care of us!
This 2025 MMFF, an entry by CINEKO Productions and Quantum Films will touch on the topic of relationships, love, and walking away. Angelica Panganiban and Tom Rodriguez will play the role of Angelica and Tom, a married couple who's life is about to collapse, breaking their hearts, and their two daughters. The other couple played by Zanjoe Marudo and Solenn Heussaff, want to fight their annulment procedure, and being with his son Elio played by Zac. Then found themselves inside the office of a lawyer, Atty. Lombridas played by the iconic Eugene Domingo.
Finding themselves in the same boat, they got to stand on trial, telling some of the hardest things they've ever experienced while in the circumstances of their respective partners, and end up connecting, because they've been through the same things too. They began rebuilding themselves, helping each other overcome their trauma, but does this mean they're meant for each other?
Eugene Domingo "This film is sincere, no hysterics, just telling a story. It's an honor for me to do a film like this, we have a relationship because I am the real Ninang of Angge. She gives a little, it doesn't have to be overdone, a little talk, you'll feel it because she has been through a lot."
Chris "It's the way they throw lines, when I wrote this, I couldn't imagine how it would feel like in real life. It's been 3 years since we conceptualized this, about annulment, and the issues of legalities, no resolve of suggesting, but fair depiction of it, and balanced."
Angelica says "If you watched it, you'll like how characters tell their story. When I read this, I needed to be the voice of those who are seeking freedom, and we deserve that. I prepared for this because you really have to get to know the character first, it's easy because I'm working amongst friends too. I often suggest things, and they were receptive. Z and I have worked together so many times so it's comfortable to work with him. She didn't have to fight an annulment, but it's how she tries to find herself.When I was being given roles, I just couldn't feel things. Of course I want the life I have right now but I needed something that could make me come back with a project, something that could fire passion. I got text messages from both Atty Joji and Direk Chris. When I found out the cast, it was just the schedules that we talked about. This was really worth it. I started slow, they guided us in the first 3 days, but I wanted to do best because I miss this craft a lot. I wanted to prove so many things because I have experience. I needed to attack differently. My husband was happy and supportive, had to take breaks because I live in Zambales. This made me go out to Manila for a couple of days. Being with Uge was also warm, I feel good being with her on set "
Zanjoe says "When I read this, I knew how we were not husband and wife, but we were going through the same thing. Being a Father, and Husband, it's going to be more natural to connect with my character. It doesn't undermine marriage. I focused on emotions, because most of it is Ivan's family and how they are leaving you. I had to attack it on the day of the shoot, because it needs to build up naturally. I love how you know something will happen on scenes even after rehearsing it, it's a surprise every day."
Tom says "Celine and Ivan is relatable, but I tried to approach it as a human being even if I don't understand why. Even if love was depicted wrong, it's not a gimmick, it is a story that happens a lot in the Philippines. I feel fortunate because I got through a divorce which is relatively quicker. I was eager to accept this role. Atty. Joji is my Mom, this material was good but when I read it, it's something you wouldn't just leave on the table. I had to find the character."
Nico says "Being a child in an annulment, I went through it personally. This encourages you that in every ending, it gives someone else a fresh start."
Here's the video of the Mediacom this afternoon:
This comes out on Christmas day together with other entries of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025. Make sure you catch it with the other films because this looks like an Angelica Panganiban masterpiece, she could get a Best Actress award for it. It doesn't matter if you're single, married or not. The film encourages you to think, start a better life with someone else or your own.
Screenings (the advanced ones) have already begun for the movie musical "Nasaan Si Hesus?". It is a story about folks, their community and their unending thirst to find the reason for their existence, slated to show in SM Cinemas this December 3rd, nationwide!
It was cool to see several iconic 80's and 90's stars be part of the cast. It's a musical, so the caliber of singers must fit the characters of the original stage production. From Janno Gibbs, to Rachel Alejandro, Geneva Cruz, Jeffry Hidalgo (I almost thought they would complete Smokey Mountain), comedienne Ms. Marissa Sanchez, the well loved vixen Salome Salvi, Ms. Via Antonio, Chloe Jenna, Cecil Paz, new stars Rachel Gabreza and Giani Sarita. Not to mention multi awarded actor Bembol Roco and musical mainstay Jerald Napoles.
Much of the songs were made by Mrs. Lourdes Pimentel (Bing for her closest friends in the industry). This is also directed by Dennis Marasigan (including screenplay). The project is an adaptation of the original work done by Ms. Pimentel and Nestor Torre who wrote and directed the piece.
Much of the story delves on a community trying to find answers on everyday struggle. They eventually find out how God took care of things, and how it changed their lives. It's also interesting how they managed to show how faith comes into play, not just having someone to believe in but how blessed they are despite their circumstances. This film is the handy work of production firms Balin Remejus Inc and Great Media Productions Incorporated. If you want to know more about it, follow the social channels of Great Media Productions and Management (especially on FB). It's time you see how talented Filipino singers and actors are, and this might be a sure fire way to prove how faith helps in anything.
Try to find yourself in the characters, and connect with it!
