LADLAD PL, STRAP and VERDE Creatives Issue Statement of Support and Call for Action

A few days ago, we got to participate in a talk amongst some of our trans sisters, Ladlad Partylist, Verde Creatives, STRAP, and Commission on Human Rights, about the real issues they go through in life, and even in death which have marred their gender identity, done personal or otherwise especially by media practitioners and government workers.

Using their preferred pronouns should be fundamental, and while I don't forget this part when I write, a lot of tabloid and newspaper writers and editors continue to do that which not only feels hurtful for them, but severely invalidating. 

This is why Verde Creatives, STRAP, Ladlad Partylist and trans organizations have issued a statement about this. It's time we change things to not only promote inclusivity, but put respect especially for transpinays. Not to force, but to consider and put a spotlight and give what is due them. 

In 2025, oppression has no place in society. I'd like to send my support for not jus their cause but simply their human rights. I am also for the passage of the SOGIESC Bill, which has been filed over 26 years ago. That's an adult, and they only ask for equal rights, nothing special, which is mind boggling to say the least.

The talk was certainly a nice venue to explain procedures, on media, social media and the choices we make. I fervently hope people would NOT turn a blind eye about what they are fighting for. Be aware of Live/Dead names, understand that Transpinay lives are also human lives. All they ask is to be treated as equals.

A Plea to Get Movie Goers Back to Cinemas: SRR Evil Origins Showcase Stars for MMFF

Just got out of the Gateway cinemas to cover the grand press conference of Shake Rattle and Roll Evil Origins, a Regal Entertainment entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival. The producers Ms. Roselle Monteverde and Atty. Keith Monteverde went up on stage and told us about this big project and how it was mounted despite several challenges in doing another Shake Rattle and Roll movie. 

They required it to be not just different, but connected as far as episodes go. They needed 3 writers and 3 directors to do this and separated them like period films, one takes place in 1775, 2025 and 2050. They also had an ensemble of actors to portray the various characters included in the film. During the press conference, they introduced themselves and expressed how thankful they were just by being part of the iconic horror franchise. Speaking of iconic, one of the films original actress was making a comeback particularly Ms. Manilyn Reynes (who appeared in the Aswang episode of the second installment). Popular loveteams JMFyang, FranSeth is also a part of this film, which would be a litmus test to see if they'd carry the film in its entirety. People were screaming in the cinema with the mere mention of their names, not surprised and hope this equally means they're going to rush to theaters this Christmas too.

FranSeth felt pressured to do good especially since they were able to surprise folks with last year's MMFF entry from the same production. This project is also one of many movies that Richard Gutierrez will be doing with Regal, so staty tuned for the next ones to be released soon. Ms. Annabelle Rama and Zion was in the audience to support him, a touching sight (as I was at their back during the talk).

Here's what happened on video:

While the movie and the rest of the entries are preparing for battle on Christmas Day for the Metro Manila Film Festival, their goal always has been to make sure people would go back to pre pandemic levels of people watching local films. They have the material, the star power and production that can do good, and they hope you'd give them the attention they deserve on MMFF season, and beyond on digital!

ION PEREZ and VICE GANDA are Fitting Endorsers for BELLE DOLLS

I've been covering Beautéderm events for a while now but this has been the most secretive event so far that I didn't know who the new Belle Dolls brand ambassador would be til the last minute. 

Belle Dolls has been a really bullish health and beauty drink brand under Beautéderm corp and I've personally consumed bags of the Beauté Secret Collagen Juice Drink (Strawberry and Lychee flavor) and the Beauté Secret Stem Cell Drink which the new personality will endorse, no other than the Unkabogable Superstar Vice Ganda. Her husband Ion Perez on the other hand will be handling Beauté Secret Black Coffee and the Beauté Secret Healthy Coffee which has Caramel Macchiato flavors in it. 

These products have healthy ingredients that would take care of your gut health, skin, aid in mental clarity, and your lovely nails. The coffee line also has stevia for sweetener, and is healthy which Ion wants so he could take care of himself and Vice too. 

Ms. Rei Tan talked lengthily about how even before this endorsement came, she and Vice have been working together to make sure those who have no access to education will be given the opportunity to go to school and finish their courses. Ms Rei and Vice are very passionate about it, and if this means they'll be helping less fortunate kids gain education, they would be glad to do so. Vice has been taking notes of people who genuinely care for others and he's seen what Ms. Rei has done not only to those who are in the north (as a proud Ilocana) but also those in Pampanga since Angeles City is where the Beautéderm Headquarters is located. Vice also knows how genuine Ms. Rei is because of the several instances they worked together, without any hitches or issues. 

Ion on the other hand may have been nervous knowing about this endorsement, but he became very comfortable because of the fact that owner Ms. Rei spoke Kapampangan, a dialect that they too used in Tarlac where Ion is based. Ion is super into healthy stuff, and told the press that he's been encouraging Vice a lot by changing her lifestyle especially getting enough sleep and watching what she eats and drink. These days, they are prioritizing themselves, because they realized they wouldn't be able to help others if they don't take care of their own health.

Ms. Rei knows that Vice and Ion are real genuine people, and exactly would represent their Belle Dolls brand. She also lauds them for being so confident and very ready to motivate other people using their influence for good. It's also their authenticity that she admires, which she finds on and off camera. With the brand, they could now start seeing the benefits of products where Filipinos would have careful choices and find it available all throughout the Philippines.

Congratulations to Ms. Rei, Belle Dolls, to Ion and Vice too! It just fits like a glove, definitely!

VIBEPH Powers 38th Awit Awards

The recent 38th Awit Awards was one for the books. It's the most excellently produced awards show I've ever seen in recent years. This was powered by the same folks who produced VIBEPH which is under MQuest, an entertainment subsidiary of the MVP Group. When they announced their partnership with Awit Awards and PARI (Philippine Association of the Record Industry) a few weeks ago, that was when we knew they'll be working with them for the Awit Awards. This is also presented by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Awit Awards remains as the premier award giving body to honor OPM artists, songwriters, Producers, industry pros and music professionals. Ours is a rich and diverse one, so with a multitude genres, it's just apt to recognize them during this evening. 

Hosts of VIBEPH or Vibe Jocks also hosted the event, with their fun banters and fun chat in between, it made the long hours bearable. But the Purple Carpet started getting full with OPM artists, they were so generous in posing for photos. I had so much fun being their in the afternoon!

As expected the internationally acclaimed PPOP groups SB19 and BINI got much of the awards, including individual awards for the boys since they have other singles made, my bias FELIP included! SB19 copped Best Global Collaboration Recording (with Gloc9), Best Rap Hip Hop Recording, Best Cover Art and Best Music Video. BINI got People's Voice Favorite Album and Group Artist, and Best Dance/Electronic for the single Salamin Salamin. 

Usual suspects Ben & Ben, Lola Amour, Cup of Joe, Dionela also won awards, plus special ones for rock god Ely Buendia and Viva head Vic Del Rosario. Congratulations to PARI, MQuest Ventures, VibePH, PCSO who all helped make this happen. It was so nice to see Regine Velasquez and that tribute to Ely Buendia, can't wait to see your next partnership!