A Reformed ANTHONY JENNINGS: Stars in Crazy KYUKYU Ramen 99 Brand Film

It's been a while since we've seen Anthony Jennings. The actor might have faced real life challenges in the past few years, but being a good man after that time surely has given him opportunities he deserve. One of which is an endorsement for popular ramen chain brand KYU KYU Ramen 99 which has now amassed over 95 branches, and still continue to grow. Their formula is knowing what they serve (learned to make ramen), making sure everybody could afford it (whether you are a CEO, day laborer or what not) you can afford their 99 peso ramen. 

Anthony being the endorser for this brand also added his acting chops as part of the Kyu Kyu Ramen 99 fam. They released a new commercial to be used for their digital platforms, made by the folks by GIGIL who's known for doing out of the box stuff. 

Talking to them (the executives) and Direk Lester Pimentel felt like knowing how they made this brand into a very successful venture. But what hit me the most is their genuine care to make sure each bowl they put out can be consumed by every Juan. 

Here's what happened during the press conference:

The Brand Film really caught my attention, and surely people will too. It is weird to say the least, but weird fun as the creatives are known for. If you happen to catch these on their social media platforms or on TV, you'll probably have the same reaction as I did. I'm quite familiar with their work, but I bet you'll see why Anthony Jennings fit the bill. He's funny, good looking and very pleasant to see on screen. The brand knew he's the perfect guy to wear the bowl (and the crown), and use it for ramen too. 

Congratulations Anthony Jennings! Your work really speaks for you, undoubtedly one of the most underrated actors in the country. I hope people will love you even more after this gig. Because the way you presented it, they're about to run to KyuKyu Ramen 99 stores and get those bowls for themselves. It's comforting, and makes you feel you deserve one at the end of the day. 

JOJO MENDREZ Rendition of OPM Classic "YAKAP" Lauded by CLAUDINE BARRETTO and Director Ronald Carballo

The country's one and only "Revival King" Jojo Mendrez is at it again as he releases his own version of the OPM classic hit song "YAKAP" originally done in 1979 by Junior aka Antonio Barretto Morales, a Spanish Filipino singer and actor based in Madrid and written by George Canseco. 

Popular YouTuber Director Ronald Carballo dubs this as something hair raising, deeply exciting when he previewed it on his online show DireKwentuhan with Ronald Carballo. He told Jojo how he felt this version was something that he could feel from the heart, and would resonate during this generation. He also mentioned how much this has recall, and relatable for ordinary folks. 

Jojo laments "You've got to be in the mood to sing songs like these, but initially, we thought this wasn't going to be released. I didn't have the voice or appetite that time to work on it, but I got to do the first few lines and managed to do it after that. I know of a Charice Pempengco version, but this arrangement is different. After recording, we had to re-do some of the lines and perfect it with the help of Jonathan Manalo of Star Music."

He adds "They have plans and so many songs to do in the pipeline. It just takes time because of the meticulous ways of recording it. I feel their love and care when we brainstormed about it. This includes the work we did with Tamis ng Unang Halik originally done by Tina Paner."

Jojo also furnished a copy of the song to Optimum Star Claudine Barretto, who immediately sent her reactions and love for his rendition of the song. Here's the screenie of that shared on socials: 

Loved by his friends, the media and pinoys who adore his OPM versions, he's also excited to announce that the track is now out on streaming platforms. Just search for his name Jojo Mendrez or the track title Yakap on platforms today.

The Backrooms BREAKOUT Experience

Took a Sunday off and got with some of my blog friends to experience BACKROOMS at the 5F of ShangriLa Plaza mall in Mandaluyong City.

Yes, this is a new BREAKOUT room created by CreaZion Studios International and A24. It's a limited one that will only exist from May 23rd to the 7th of June that features the scary and viral horror movie set to be shown in Philippine cinemas on June 3, 2026. They want you to feel the experience felt by the folks in the movie and for horror fans, this is something you should look forward to ahead of the much awaited movie in June. 

The room is not that complicated, and if you're pretty experienced in these Breakout rooms, you'll manage to get ahead of the pack. Remember though, to make sure to look for clues how to get on to the other task, which is a pretty familiar thing in these activities. Is it scary? Maybe, but of course, we can't spoil things like that! 

The Backrooms Breakout themed room can be accessed by buying tickets at Shangri-la Red Carpet Cinemas via the box office which can get one person in Breakout too (only for this room). If you're a group or more, you need to purchase another ticket as it is per person. You can reserve for it for 24 hours by going through their customer service channels (breakout.com.ph, from 11am to 8pm or mall hours). 

The film is directed by Kane Parsons and star Chiwetel Ejiofor and actress Renate Reinsve (who's got an Academy Award and one from Cannes). So if you want to experience this, take that tough stance and see if you can get out of the room before it's too late! 

Project Baby Star SUE RAMIREZ Loves Kids, Believes in True Love

Sue Ramirez has been in the industry for years now, and the roles have certainly shaped her into a more well rounded actress capable of doing any character, any intensity, and we're not even surprised by her caliber.

A few days ago, we got to interview her for her film called Project Baby under Regal Films. This is together with an ensemble cast and rock icon Rico Blanco. What we've seen during the talk is how nervous they were acting with one of their idols, and that includes Sue too. She's actually celebrating her 16th year in the industry, so it has been a journey for her. She auditioned as a singer but was made to do acting roles a lot more instead. She says "I would like to explore more to be a singer, and I'm always game for anything. I'd love to do Rock and Roll, I used to sing a lot on karaoke with my family and have varied preferences, I enjoy it a lot including rapping."

Sue Ramirez has 8 Dogs. She says "I yearned to take care of a kid and I wanted to do it early on, that's why I have 8 dogs because I took care of them like my own children." (hence the topic really connects with her).

She adds "My Dad had a stroke when we were swimming, and when we went home, I saw my Mom from Day 1 take care of him, that's when I saw what True Love is. I saw that everyday for 11 years."

Talking about the film, it's about an empowered woman, a girl boss who wants to have a child. She is not keen on relationships but she wants to do wanted one, she had to find the perfect Daddy and need no involvement for a man in her life, sort of a one time thing, and want to make sure the kid grows up with her (as Sandy). She also says she didn't feel it was hard to play the role because she can really take care of kids, and personal experience having a good partner. 

Project Baby was actually something different, but she could do it. She mentions "This was pitched to me last year but I really wanted it to happen with Eric Quizon and Direk Joey Reyes who wrote the script. The concept was timely and doesn't only talk about the woman, but the man's perspective. Rico told me it was the hardest topic that men go through."

Sandy (Sue's character) is also going to be an extreme freak, complete with PowerPoint presentations just so she could send her point across. Stay tuned for that scene!

Here's the whole media conference on video:

This film will be in theaters on June 10th (their premiere night will be on the 9th). Prices for tickets have been reduced so a lot of people can watch it! This is directed by Eric Quizon and written by Direk Joey Reyes for Regal Entertainment. 

Go try different things if you haven't seen a Filipino movie yet, I feel this is special.