Verde Creatives Gives Back to Payatas

February was certainly a lovely month especially for the folks from Verde Creatives. They're a public relations and creative agency who's always had a knack in combining what they could do for PR and combine it with social advocacy. I've had the pleasure of working with them in several occasions, and I could see the passion burning every time they go out for campaigns, including how they care for the media too. 

This time it's different, as they took off their gloves for work and changed into plain clothed angels together with partners at community organization Munting Hiling, all for the people of Payatas in Quezon City. 

For those who don't know, Payatas was previously a dumpsite for Metro Manila and nearby cities. For years, it has been converted into communities, but still have some who are poverty stricken. Armed with their gusto to bring LOVE, JOY and SUPPORT, Verde Creatives and Munting Hiling held an event called "Verde Gives Back for Feb-Ibig" last February 13th at Payatas B Elementary School. Taking cues from their theme "All Kinds of Love!", they prepared gift bags, ice cream and more treats for folks at the venue. They also taught the concepts of universal love, family, romantic love, having dignity and inclusivity for everyone and several groups. This "Verde Gives Back" activity is just one of the many things that Ms. Bemz Benedito (their Founding Managing Director) used to do back in college, and still continues to this day. Her immersions were done in the same area, with the same people from Munting Hiling.

For them, this is now their CSR activity, which all started from that old academic requirement. She reiterates this kind of love to reach everyone, no matter what social or economical level they're in, especially those who are often overlooked. Ms. Bemz Benedito has been the previous chair for Ladlad Partylist and still continues to support LGBTQIA+ organizations til now. 

 

She also received the Global Transgender Hero award from the True Colors Fund which 80's icon Cyndi Lauper co-founded. She plans to do this service with Verde Creatives and Munting Hiling for the poorest of the poorest sector. She hopes these gestures would create more opportunities for the townsfolk, and have them gain access to help with health, social programs, food security, love, equality and more.

This certainly has helped a lot, but seeing how their efforts continue and include more sustainable ways is like teaching them to fish. It's a good thing. You are doing awesome work Verde Creatives and Munting Hiling! 

Natural Diamond Authority TESSERA Jewelry Welcomes CELESTE CORTESI

 

Beauty was all around when we arrived at the Molito branch of TESSERA Jewelry. Known for being the mecca of sourcing jewelry with natural diamonds, they've now got branches in 38 Rockwell, The Podium, Opus Mall and this one at Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang. While it's a bit far from our place, we were here to witness something really special as they collaborated with one gorgeous woman, beauty queen, title holder, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi.

She exudes confidence, talks quite eloquent, and sees this collaboration as an opportunity to make the pieces she dreams of to come true. One thing that's going to be evident with the collection they plan to do is the color BLUE. Celeste means heavenly, and that's exactly the shade of color that will be seen on the ones they plan to design and release for TESSERA Jewelry. There were a few displayed at the event, but this is just the tip of the iceberg of what they plan to do with their partnership. 

 

Celeste invests in jewelry, and she's known of Tessara even before they talked about doing this. She makes sure it goes with her personal taste and color. She also wants that lasts forever, so she could pass the pieces on to her kids, and generations after that. She's received some gifts from her boyfriend, and says it doesn't need to be all expensive. As long as it makes her confident and feel good, she's going to love it!

 

Celeste Cortesi with Tessera Jewelry CEO Carl Fider and his wife Sales Director Ms. Papat Aquino Fider

 Here's more of our interview with Celeste on video, please sub on our YouTube channel to see more entertainment and lifestyle content!

Tessera expressed how important Celeste is as they welcome her to the brand. They say she is the embodiment of grace, warmth, and they can't wait to shine with her. Congratulations Celeste! You are blessed, and remain so nice to this day! You may get in touch with TESSERA Jewelry on IG for more information about their brand.

JOJO MENDREZ Wish to Cease Airing of DIREKwentuhan Interview by Director Ronald Carballo

Filipino "Revival King" Jojo Mendrez recently expressed his wish to not have his recent interview with Direk Ronald Carballo be published on platforms on his show DIREKwentuhan (on YouTube). He feels this would affect him and his artistry negatively as some parts of the interview might have onlookers feel offensive and or uncomfortable.  

He mentions how talk around his sexuality, how he got his title as Revival King, might have felt too personal to get published. He initially agreed to do the show expecting they'd talk more about his music but felt parts were a bit inappropriate, and didn't seem to align with his purpose to promote his music. He hopes this episode won't be aired, and issues be solved amicably. 

Director Ronald Carballo as of publishing has not expressed what will happen to the episode, but his show DIREKwentuhan has always been about conversations with personalities in the entertainment industry. Mendrez for now will be concentrating about his music and upcoming projects, more revival hits which he hopes people would continue to enjoy. 

Radson Flores, Matt Lozano Headlines at Soul Of Chogokin GX-118 Voltes V Legacy Launch TAMASHII NATION POP UP SPOT - Robinsons Place Manila

 

One of the world's most noted brand in collectible figures just set up a pop up shop at the middle of Robinsons Place in Manila. Tamashii Nations has always been the go to folks for everything anime, manga, and is part of Bandai. You could evidently see how detailed their pieces are, and plus points on craftsmanship which we all got to see on their shelves!

If you're a fan of Dragon Ball Z, Ultraman, Kamen Rider, Gundam series, several anime's, you'll certainly love what they have to offer. They also gave tons of discounts for patrons and fans, plus a few launches that interested us especially the new die cast figure for Soul Of Chogokin GX-118 Voltes V Legacy. Kapuso actors Radson Flores and Matt Lozano were also there for the delight of Voltes V Legacy fans and gave them time to talk, do a few activities and signed some of the products bought on the pop up store.

Meet the Soul Of Chogokin GX-118 Voltes V Legacy. It's super cool to look at in person, and Akira san mentioned how much he took time to not only put accuracy in the model, but also be able to do the separate vehicles justice. For those asking, GreattoysOnline.com is the sole distributor for Tamashii Nation in the Philippines. They are also celebrating their 25th anniversary, and what service did they made for those who love toys and anime-manga culture. Akira san also told us that they've got lots of event exclusive models including one for Kamen Rider which he also designed. Here's the event on video, please enjoy!

   

I'm also super happy about Radson and Matt of not only landing the roles for Voltes V Legacy, but being a full part of POP CULTURE, that when Voltes V is mentioned, they will be part of that already. That's super cool in so many levels, and I hope they would be able to make fans gush not only with their looks, but geeks who continue to love the show to this day.

Congratulations to Tamashii Nation, GreattoysOnline.com and the men and women who made this event possible. They are still there until March 15th so make sure to head on to Robinsons Place Manila if you want a dose of Voltes V Legacy, more manga, mecha and anime, grab your friends, family and get those Tamashii Nation products to make yourself happy!