Glaiza, Yasmien, Kris, Elmo and Janine for the GMA Rockeoke Night

Sunday, November 02, 2014


I'm not a singer, nor am I the greatest performer on stage. So the thought of going to a Rockeoke Night was just something not the nearest thing in my mind. GMA had bloggers invited to Selda Dos, a place around Visayas Avenue... making all my nightmares come true haha. I thought it was just going to be some binging and drinking but when we arrived and saw a stage in front, I said WHOA. Oh no, we're going to sing. I immediately settled and pretended no one would see me if I'm just going to eat in a corner or something, but no.. they whispered to my ear... hey you'll be singing with Kris Bernal later, be ready. I just said "Oh no!"

Stars from GMA suddenly came one by one. They said hi, everyone was gorgeous that night. We sat down and interviewed them one by one. It was pretty hard because aside from that we had to celebrate the night and break the ice by having them sing on stage for the Rockeoke part of the evening. Check out gorgeous vampire Glaiza De Castro.



Then check out when awesome Yasmien Kurdi and gorgeous Kris Bernal took the stage.



We had so much fun. I'm not going to show the video of me singing of course. I also had the other people delete videos where I'm singing, or else haha!

Kris Bernal

I love Kris Bernal. It was quite noisy when I interviewed her but we survived it. We talked about her show with Dennis Trillo and Rocco Nacino called "Hiram na Alaala" (Borrowed Memory). It's been faring very good in ratings and I guess that's part of the reason why they're ending the show in the other station. 

Kris says "I'm okay and I'm happy. We really have to perform quite well in ratings because we've worked hard in this show. If you only knew how much pain and anguish I've thought about just to cry buckets of tears for my role here, I had to make it my motivation. Almost every taping, I have to cry. I cry almost every day and it's kinda draining. I get the emotions from the character and emotions from everyday life. I haven't experienced getting married or getting that much heartbroken but I easily get attached to friends and I get motivation from that instead. The good feedback I get from social media and everyone I know makes it all worth it. That part is very fulfilling. 

Working with Dennis Trillo was a dream, just the thought of having this MHL star and working with him on his next project made me very thankful. He had a choice of working with any actress but he chose me. That point alone made me very thankful. I always see him give 100% and I had to go where he is and I get a lot of good feedback from people. 



Dennis is actually very quiet on set perhaps because he's doing "method acting". I couldn't talk to him, I was too shy and sometimes we only meet when we have a scene. Sometimes I get intimidated but I think he felt that. Today, we get very comfortable and bond while in the shoot. 

I easily can get detached to my character. Sometimes when I get depressed, I actually save it so I can use it for a scene. I don't think about it until I need it there. I don't like the feeling but I can use it on scenes, sometimes I also get drained but I always do my best. I have zero love life, but I do have a lot of suitors (then we laughed) but for now, I am so picky because I don't want relationships that would just waste both our money and time. I want someone that I could spend my whole life with. I don't just go to dates, I choose them wisely now. The perfect date for me is being happy the whole day, I go out with friends, I pole dance and I work out. I escape through books too so I read a lot when I'm at home. 

The scenes now on "Hiram na Alaala" will be more conflicted. I already fell in love with Dennis Trillo's character because all the good things I see with the character of Rocco before was already with Dennis. All his memories, all his traits, I wanted that with Dennis. When Rocco comes back, that's where I'll get very confused. This Ivan will have Otep's persona, I will not know who I'll choose because I've already fallen in love with Ivan. If there's a choice and had my way, I will choose Otep over Ivan, because I want to have the original one."

Kris, thank you for bearing with me while I try so hard singing with you on stage. I got too shy. Thank you for the experience! We rock! :)


Yasmien Kurdi

Yasmien Kurdi was very pretty that evening. She's doing Mother roles now much like her compatriots in GMA. She's happy to work with new ones in Yagit more so because she sees these kids are very promising. She thinks so highly of them and wants to see in a few years how they will fare when they get more matured. "Yagit" is directed by Gina Alajar and Yasmien says "I've worked with her numerous times as my mother on shows and she's so naturally caring with the kids and us who are in the show. She doesn't stress us out, she's cool and chilled. She's good vibes all day because that's the environment that will also be good with the kids. It's a little hard shooting this show because we always get flooded in the location, even our tent gets affected. It's stressful and trains go by every now and then. It's all good though, I've prepared quite well and enjoyed this experience. The kids are all very good, they don't complain about things too much because the crew and the Director takes care of them.". "Yagit" replaced hit show "Dading" on GMA Afternoon Primetime. It was awesome singing with you Yasmien! Hope you get to record a few songs again this year or perhaps early next year.  She's doing voice modulation therapy and making a different technique in the future. She'll have Filipino love songs in the pipeline. She's also got great plans for her kid if ever they plan to have her in showbiz. You're really doing good.



Speaking of albums and Dading, one of my favorite interviewees was there. Glaiza De Castro just arrived from her "Vampire ang Daddy Ko" (My Dad Is A Vampire) series that's shown weekends on GMA. She's back in the show and promises several more good scenes on the comedy series. Aside from that she's planning to release an independently produced album called Synthesis which she's planning to do real soon. 

She says "Vampire ang Daddy Ko" for is a little refreshing, at least I won't be doing drama for a while and do more challenging things in comedy. It's been a while since I've last taped an episode for them and I'm still trying to catch up. Aside from that, I'm busy with Sunday All Stars and I'm focusing on my album which I've long wished to be launched. We're still promoting it and printing more. It's a long process and I'm not in a hurry. I want to be sure with everything because it took me years to make this happen. The making also took a long time, it's got 8 tracks mostly originals. I have some songs which I also wrote with my friends. It's a personal one, finding your passion, pursuing dreams, heartbreaks, the typical things that a person of my age goes through. Although I'm not sure what genre it is, this is a fusion of my influences so I don't want to box things and keep it eclectic. I made some of the songs 4 years ago, as an outlet, as I was influenced by The Sundays. 

My friends were helping me a lot and I had to learn how to do this by collaborating with other people. Along the way, we recorded, we jammed, all the songs we've done on this album is very personal. This is what I've been doing in the background all along. I wanted to do this. Synthesis came from Benjamin Alves, a concept where all my friends helped me with this. Angelica Panganiban, Alessandra De Rossi, even Chynna Ortaleza helped me make songs and artworks for the album. It was just a cool term, it represented all the works from different people and I am producing it. I am just the one putting it together but the content is mostly done in collaboration with my friends. It's hard, and it's a journey. You'll see what we've arranged to include in the album, I've also got one in a music video. We're trying a lot of things and it's going to be personal also for the people that will hear it. Your passion, your calling, you will feel that the will of the Lord will happen."

Glaiza is very multi faceted, she's doing it all. I wish her all the success in her future endeavors and I hope we get to be invited when her album gets launched. Thank you Glaiza!



My Twitter exploded the moment I posted a photo of these two love birds. Yes, Elmo Magalona and Janine Gutierrez have admitted it already. I'm extremely happy for these two, more so for their fans who have been waiting to hear the obvious. I haven't really interviewed them quite seriously in the past, it was more of promoting some brands they endorsed and I hoped to get something from them this evening. 



I asked them about their upcoming show "More than words". Elmo answered "It's a brand new show that would make you fall in love and giddy because it's very light and very much a romantic comedy. I think they saw something different with us and that's why they planned to back the pairing. We came from Villa Quintana which was more of drama and very heavy. On this one, our characters will be very different especially on the part of "Ikay" played by Janine Gutierrez. It's really very different."

Janine added "We've shot only a few days. The story is very different, especially our characters who are in a wholly different situation. Isagani and Lynette was where we were used to. Our scenes had so many funny moments, and the romantic ones too. I'm excited because we get to spend more time together as a pair as compared to Isagani and Lynette who only met when there's trouble in the family.

Janine also thanks everyone who also gave her good feedback on her stint in Ms. World but as for joining the pageant, she's really not thinking of doing that in the near future, nor is it anywhere near her mind. She says "Right now it's really not in my plans, I'd rather focus on my career and on the show. I'm not really into pageants. It's something new for me, I don't have any blog but I know how powerful blog are. Since my character is not that popular in school, I get to do my fantasies inside that blog and have it published on a regular basis. That's where I get to meet my ideal guy, I created this fantasy world. I enjoy making my dream boy Hiro."



Elmo says "Hiro is the young man that Ikay created in the show. Was he just a fantasy or was he a real guy? We don't know, that's the confusing part that you should watch out for in the show. There are parts where you'll see him in a dream sequence and it's funny when it comes true. That's the forte of our Director, something romantic and something funny... something light and a joy to watch. There's always the pressure because we are going to be in the primetime block. It's a different experience all in all. I'm so happy that we're together in this follow up show, it doesn't happen everyday."

Janine added "It's different also because we also got to record songs. I'm happy because I get to be with Elmo who's really used to doing this. (Elmo interjects saying how beautiful Janine's voice is then they laughed) It's fun and I'm so happy that we were given the chance to actually sing the theme song for this show. Plus, it's an original song. Not that song in the early 90's."



Elmo is so happy that they get to work with Leni Santos and Rey PJ Abellana who was a pretty good pairing also in the 80's. They will also be working with veteran actress Jaclyn Jose. There will be a lot of them in the show that will have a little blend of their own love stories, so they hope a lot of people would be able to watch it. I asked how they feel about their fans who are over the top when supporting them,  Elmo says "Yeah I know, from events, from online support, they're always there to participate and make the events themselves. We didn't really expect that to happen. That's really not our goal to begin with but seeing them support us since we started, it feels good that they continue to support us." then I asked why Elmo seems to be bigger and bulkier now, he joked that he'll be in magazines soon and perhaps he'll show a little skin/get more topless in the show. Then we all laughed.

It was a nice evening to spend with Elmo and Janine, they were really fun to chat with. I really hope I get to talk to them more in the coming weeks and see how they feel the show is faring. It'll be a hit for sure. Thank you so much to GMA Social Media for everything! You know who you are! :)


COW

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The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's "2015 Giving Journal"

Saturday, November 01, 2014


The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's "2015 Giving Journal". All photos on this article are from CBTL and not mine.

I was supposed to be here and missed it big time. The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf just recently held the launch of their "Giving Journal 2015" a few days ago in CBTL Bonifacio Global City. I know some of you probably have this in their system already to at least get one of their journals, but remember this has something to do with them giving proceeds to Real Life Foundation and other non government organizations in various communities. For those who don't know, Real Life Foundation funds LIFE scholarships where some of our  poor but deserving scholars are given material and financial assistance so that they could finish high school and college degrees. They also take part in doing Life Coaching so exemplar good record mentors help scholars with values and skills that they'll need to succeed out here in the real world. Life means Leadership, Integrity, Faith and Excellence. They have already been able to assist almost a thousand scholars and over 200 college graduates. This means your cup of coffee went a long way to service those who need it. 


Ana Gonzales headed the activity

Proudly showing their accomplished artworks using copper wires.
During the launch, Fashion blogger and entrepreneur Ana Gonzales facilitated a workshop making art out of copper wires. I've seen some of the things she's done like the personalized hangers she's sold in Bazaars and I wanted one for my closet. To make things more interesting with their brand new spanking giving journal, the CBTL people and Ana got them to think of a word that would best represent what they would wish for in the coming year, or perhaps a word that would best represent their personality and have that imprinted on the copper wires. 

Mind you, these guys were really serious about crafting. I've seen really good ones from the shots I got from CBTL.

Just look at Jeman of OrangemagazineTV and you can feel how painstakingly he's bending those copper wires to form his favorite word in the world, ORANGE. He's going to get this done and put it on his 2015 Giving Journal so it would look unique just the way he likes it.


Participants of the workshop began making their own artwork early. Different people, different meanings, different words went on their head. This 2015 is going to be better, and they're going to make that a reality by starting with the Giving Journal 2015. I do hope people getting their journals this year know the value of it. Together with their goal of having personal fulfillment, professional growth and stronger relationships, I hope they know that this small gesture of giving back and sharing with the community would make them feel so much better inside. 


The promo has started last October 25, 2014 and will run up until January 11, 2015. Promo ends 60 days after that. Make sure you get your 2015 Giving Journal now!

COW

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EXCLUSIVE: Ella, Nash, Jane and Diego for BUM Black Army


It looks like a great day to celebrate something from BUM. Yes, the street wear brand has made their own Black Army to surprise these artists and their followers with looks that they can wear when they're out on the streets, or just keeping cool colors while in school. Now I know you've seen the exclusive behind the scenes for Ella, Jane, Nash and Diego for the holiday collection here but I'm sure you'll enjoy what I have left for the Black Army.



Not everyone was on the frame so while Jane Oineza was shooting some things for her own line with BUM (Oh yes she does have one!) Ella Cruz and Nash Aguas was role playing. Ella was like asking for Nash Aguas' autograph and they ran around the set like kids. So every time they have a shoot for BUM, they are having fun!

Then we checked out Jane Oineza's photo shoot. Surprisingly, this isn't like the other shirts she wore because this time she's having skirts and more classy tops for her own line.


A lot of love, a lot of attention to detail. I know BUM has definitely thought of this way before Jane Oineza probably came out of the PBB house. The skirts, the sleeved blouses looked very expensive on her even though it only costs a couple of hundred bucks. The material is amazing, you guys should check these items out in BUM stores nationwide soon!



Jane was a little tired during the shoot because she haven't had that much sleep yet I was informed. It's pretty good that she's kept busy because that's exactly how ABSCBN could help her and her family. Her fun Mom was there too, always to show support for her and BUM. Her glam team, even the photographer Ash Reginald Evasco made sure it won't show on camera, being meticulous as possible so you can see how gorgeous Jane is.


I also like this jumpsuit that they had on the last few shots. It looks good on her, and I'm sure it will look good on you too. Dressing up should be easy, nothing complicated, and BUM can get you there.


On the other side of the studio, they were already preparing the shots for Nash and Ella. Of course, Nash had a LOT of time to play around on the set. As you can see, Ella was very behaved. Well not really LOL!




You'll probably see some videos posted on the BUM Facebook page that won't just contain behind the scenes shots by the BUM crew, but by Nash himself. He was very interested about how the videocam worked so he's asking for a new iPhone 6 Plus for his birthday! Paging BUM! LOL. They also had a small talk with Rai Lacoste to see where they will be with the direction of the shoot. He wants the peg to be a little close to edgy, classy streetwear. Then again, Ella and Nash had to play around the set again.

They were that playful around the set!
Then we had Nash do some stills for the BUM Black Army Collection.

DSC_0148

Then we also got Nash and Ella to pair up in some of the shots.


I'm sure you'll see a lot of these in the upcoming months going to one grand celebration coming real soon! I'll be there to cover it too!


Please continue to support Nash Aguas, Ella Cruz, Diego Loyzaga and Jane Oineza everytime they have a campaign with BUM by buying stuff that they endorse. Do it also so that they will still have these guys and gals future campaigns. The billboards are all over EDSA and Manila so if you want to see more of BUM's Black Army. Hope you love them all!

COW

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Experience Sonos, Bose and the New Deezer Now!



It's old hallows day and what better way to celebrate but by remembering our favorite artists who's faces we never really see when they perform because Deezer just made a true blue playlist specifically with a "Masked" theme. Deezer has music editors in different countries so this special playlist is filled with musicians from East and West. If you haven't seen it yet, they've got Slipknot, Deadmau5, Hitchhiker (South Korea) and our very own Tanya Markova from the Philippines. Isn't that a great way to start November? If you want to check the playlist, go to Deezer here.


Aside from that, Deezer has just announced their acquisition of the leading on-demand talk radio service called Stitcher. Stitcher will be integrated in Deezer globally next year and this means that they will not be only filled with 35 Million music tracks but is now complete with podcasts, radio shows and streaming services. There is a bigger market in the US for Stitcher but they are now going to offer this worldwide. Deezer users now reach 16 Million and this would be a very big audience that Stitcher can be part of, much like their music services too. Noah Shanok, Chief Executive Officer of Stitcher says "We look forward to continuing to evolve our offerings and delivering the most complete and best digital audio experience for listeners everywhere.


Audiophiles would have a grand time knowing also that Deezer has also announced a global roll out with Bose Corporation. It will spark the time to also bring Deezer Premium Plus to the US. It's an exclusive deal that only can be done through purchases of Bose SoundTouch™ and SoundLink® products. They will also be adding special customer features and benefits including a discounted subscription on Deezer Premium Plus. Deezer Premium Plus is the advertising free streaming music service and they can get it 50% off the regular price a month through this offer. All Asia-Pacific markets that has distribution of both Bose products like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines can avail of this. To find out more about the discounted prices for your market check out the Deezer Bose Page here. I haven't had a chance to handle this Bose speaker yet but I would love to have one soon!


Deezer also rolled out their new user interface recently and I am really loving it! The recommended tracks from editors around the world takes the stage so you wouldn't have to think of what to play whenever, wherever too. They also got the FLOW function highlighted which would take random songs out of the 35 Million tracks on their database based on your own taste in music. They check out your playlist and intelligently pick them according to that. There's also a new sidebar, welcome screen and a ton of new features you just have to experience after downloading Deezer off the App Store, Google Play or for your laptop computer.


 Aside from Bose, Deezer has partnered up with SONOS, one of the world's best brands in high end audio hardware. This will also be the launch of Deezer Elite, the first High-Resolution Audio (HRA) music streaming service that will be available for use in SONOS equipment available since September 15th, 2014. Crisp sound and a whopping 35 Million tracks to choose from, how can you go wrong with sound quality this heavenly!

 “Deezer has built a global audience of over 16 million people by meeting the many needs of music consumers. Audio enthusiasts no longer have to choose between a streaming service and high quality audio, with Deezer Elite they can have both for the first time,” said Tyler Goldman, CEO of Deezer North America. “We are focused on super-serving the needs of underserved market segments to continue to grow the music streaming category.
 

There are more things to Deezer than the obvious music, it's even integrated in the world's finest names in audio hardware. They also are keeping your Deezer interface fresh, easy to use and some services free so everyone can use it. Download Deezer now and experience how it is to be with the best there is in the business. Of course, you must have it with SMART the country's biggest network!

COW

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Beauty Scents "Crazy" Sale!



Hey guys! Remember that Beauty Scents store I told you about a few months ago that opened in Paseo De Sta. Rosa? Well they're running a promo from October 30th to November 2, 2014. They're calling it a CRAZY SALE because they're basically selling them on prices dependent on the volume of the perfume.


If you don't know the place yet, just enter the Sta. Rosa toll gate and follow this map so you can get to Beauty Scents in a jiffy!


Begin your journey and find your favorite scents in one store. I'm still using my Issey Miyake that I got from that store and I'm loving it. There are also Bulgari bottles available which I'm sure you'll really love. Check out my article about Beauty Scents here so you can get an idea about their perfumes, colognes and cosmetics. Thank me later!

COW

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