Claire Delfin Media Presents: Luv U Pet

We've met a really good bunch of people from LUV U PET, the new pet show that premiered last week on GMA News TV. At The Farm in BGC, we talked to the hosts Jamie Fournier, Lestre Zapanta and their producer Ms. Claire Delfin. 

Ms. Claire is a seasoned broadcaster on GMA. You've probably seen her in different programs and news shows on the same channel.Now, she's ventured into something that is pretty close to her heart. This spurred from time she met Lestre Zapanta who's also known to be the Pinoy Dog Whisperer. Aside from having a very interesting life story, he's gone through a lot of things before he became who he is today. Jamie Fournier on the other hand is a DJ and I've seen her do some shows on Sundays in RJ. She's like a staple in my home because my Dad takes over the TV when they're playing 60's songs in that station. Ms. Claire told us they got her to put a balance on the show. Jamie provides that inquisitive regular pet lover point of view so the show won't turn behavioral science even if they'll delve into that too. By the way, this is primarily a pet show so they won't be just talking about cats and dogs. Some way, some how they'll also talk to people who have exotic ones as well. 

Ms. Claire says "I'm the humble Producer of the show. We're very grateful for Nelson Canlas for organizing this, and The Farm for offering their place to hold this intimate event. This is Meg Penloza which is our Executive Producer, she's part of countless shows on GMA. Here's our Segment and Episode Producers RC Formales, Marielle who are also veteran producers in the same network. I'm very happy to also introduce to you Jamie Fornier and Lestre Zapanta. Lestre is the dog behavior expert and he's got a strong following in the Philippine dog and pet community. I think we still have a lot of things to improve as far as the perception goes in pet ownership and that is what I think we should address too. There is more to be a pet owner, which is why we made this. 

We will be doing more features about all pets including Askals and Aspins. It's one year in the making, a long time where we sat down and made the concept. It was easy to produce but it was a little hard to find sponsors, more so for new producers like me who independently finance the show. We're glad that Pet Express joined us and they're going to have they're own segment on the show. We've also partnered with Francis M Clothing company, Chevrolet and other minor sponsors. I have other plans for more shows but I think the most abused segment of society is pets. It's still far from the ideal level of understanding, that there is a sense of responsibility for owning them. I've seen it myself and experienced it. I believe when you want to promote love, show and teach it, you should show the positive light of it when seen on TV so there would be positive reinforcement. It's not just those kids who get bitten when shown in news programs on TV. The other shows that we have are still there but this is going to be our first show to be aired on GMA News TV. 

It's Lestre whom I saw in Brigada (a former show) about dog behavior interventions and the response of the public was a little overwhelming. There is a demand for information so he was the one we thought of when this materialized. It was supposed to be reporters together with him but we couldn't because of limitations in GMA News. Nelson helped me find a person to harmonize the show, to put some light, a different dynamic in the show. I'm a little revolutionary, so we found someone good for the show. Her credentials, her image, she's a teacher and it's a big thing to pull this off so we had to have her here rather than an already established celebrity.

There are 10 Million households who have pets, so you see the potential of the show. This is for them to understand more about our dogs, We just need someone to understand how we should practice it and have real people be trained, not just their pets. We try as much as possible to be encompassing in the variety of animals and we're showing more real soon. We're showing how to take care of pets and we'll present the information in our culture and setting so you're going to understand it easily." 

"We'll incorporate the dogs that used to live on the streets to pure breeds and see how we can see how we are in a pinoy setting. I just had to intervene so they know how to read their dogs, to pull obedience on them. I learned this for years, I've learned this because I wasn't well off and because I had a broken family. Dogs behave as to what you want them to be, don't name your dogs that would be opposite their breed, temperament or persona. Unconsciously, they take the behavior as accorded by their name. The get spoiled, they bite people because the owners do it for them. I get bitten once a year too but it's not because of the dogs, but because of the owners reacting to their pets, that's where people usually get in trouble. They need to observe their pets and know when and how to stop them from misbehaving by properly leading. Some dogs behave on the first session, but what's really harder is to train the owners. That is the bigger problem. The moment they shift the way of interacting with the dog, that's where they change the memory. If you train them to do something and wait for it, the dogs would understand. There should also be more laws for the welfare of the pets as I know how hard their work sometimes. Just like you, I don't want to see my dogs suffer even on commercials. We'll discuss a lot of them on our show." Lestre Zapanta adds.   

When asked if she gets overwhelmed by all of these, Jamie says "Not really, because I'm really learning as well. I have a dog and I've got a lot of things I learn from the show, and also learn a lot from Lestre. Exposure to him and how he treat his dogs, I'm being trained. He even told me that I'm the hard kind of person to train, that I have to bear with my own pet. I'm one of the pet owners who probably have dogs who would just bark when others would be just quiet on the side. I don't know how to do it with Chase (her dog) but by the end of it he says I'd be able to do it with my own dog." which seems quite promising.

Good thing there are companies like Pet Express, Francis M. Clothing Company, and other sponsors that would help them achieve this. Oh,before I forget, thanks to them I got to taste the burger over at The Farm (in BGC 4th Ave, which I think serves only purely organic food) and the yummy Belgian Chocolate cake of Honey Glaze Cake (09228279848/09209525166).




It's something new, something experimental but if you think about it, it all makes sense. This program will help countless pet owners around the country. It will make it easier for them to properly take care of their lovable cuddly furballs who are just as loved as family. 

Here's their official music video!

Luv U Pet shows on GMA News TV (Channel 11) every Saturday from 4-4:30 PM. It's the only pet show on TV now, you better watch it!

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Lee Min Ho for Kyo Chon Philippines

I love Korean Fried Chicken. It's the way they prepare it, the way they cook the chicken and the way they have their endorsers here in the Philippines. The brand is currently expanding aggressively in the country but has almost a 1000 stores in Korea. It looks like Pinoys are now being more adventurous when it comes to food, and they see us as a huge market. Basically, they're just giving us what we want!

They're already in the USA, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and USA. Kyo Chon wants us to have the healthiest fried chicken possible so they're using the freshest ingredients, healthy canola oil, and brush those wings, thighs, legs with their special sauce before frying to perfection, no rush so they get the full flavor. They don't use MSG too which is a good thing, if they're chickens taste good already without that, imagine how painstakingly they do it in the kitchen to make it this good.

I wasn't able to go to this event because of other commitments but I wasn't going to let this pass because as we know, Lee Min Ho is here! I got my Minoz friend to take photos of the event, so if you enjoy Kyo Chon's food, you'll even enjoy their endorser, right Oppa?!

The event was also hosted by Sam Oh

Seen in this photo is San Juan Vice Mayor Francis Zamora, Ms. Keri Zamora and their son.

Executives from Kyochon, from Philippines and in Korea

Some lucky fans got the chance to meet and greet Lee Min Ho, and his body guards of course!

Lee Min Ho being congratulated by Kyo Chon Executives for his successful show in the Philippines.

I loved the part where he said he missed us and bid good evening to everyone in Filipino!

Then he had to say good bye, and he'll be returning soon!

Lee Min Ho will also be starring in Gangnam Blues that will be shown on theaters tagalized since Viva and SM has co produced its release here. Watch it in specialty Asian Theaters in major SM Malls come March. Aside from that, he'll still be endorsing a lot of products in the Philippines and perhaps we're all going to have a chance to meet him in a bigger gathering real soon. I hope the Minoz find this one exciting reason to go to Kyo Chon Restaurants in Metro Manila. Come and get the best Korean Fried Chicken which they warn is highly addictive. 

Hope you also enjoyed the photos of Lee Min Ho while he's here in the Philippines. I'd like to credit the photos to my friend Karen, a full blooded Minoz who took the time to go to Greenhills and cover for me. She wants to stay anonymous I guess but really, THANK YOU! 

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Ruffa Mae, Candy, Ate Gay, Gladys and Kim Idol: 4 DA BEST + 1

It's going to be a riot when you experience 4 DA BEST + 1 this 2015. This has been in the helm of Director Andrew De Real for years now and this time they've got a new set of comedians and comediennes including an international tour later this year. This is also the first time they are making it a full continuous scene so you wouldn't be left hanging and laugh without stopping, that was the promise of Andrew De Real.

They will also delve on current events and maybe event create characters off of that. Ruffa Mae is going to be the sexy siren cum other woman, whilst Candy Pangilinan becomes the legal wife, Ate Gay will be the mashup queen and Gladys Guevarra will belt it out, it's good clean fun but of course I don't think they'll be holding back since it's all live!

The first show will be at the Music Museum on March 13 and 14 but they'll be having tons of shows elsewhere in the country and even an international tour. They're all excited to go to the US also and for first timer Ate Gay it would be a dream to go there to perform for our kababayans. Candy also says when you're tired and you see OFW's approach and ask for photos, you just can't say no because you need to give them what they deserve as they've worked hard for what they pay for in these shows. Ruffa Mae admits this thing is pretty new to her, but she's glad that she's working with veterans in the industry. Gladys on the other hand is pretty happy with the combination and she knows how much 4 DA BEST has been able to provide countless shows outside the country and she's ready to even do whatever it takes to make them happy. Consequently it's also Gladys' birthday and this was a welcome gift. 

Director Andrew De Real says "When we started he was only 21 and I tried it with Arnel Ignacio. Broadsheets said it was a comedy bar and that started a couple more establishments. I also taught a lot of people even behind the stage and if there's a chance, perhaps a school would be put up but for now we're going to build finds for it.

The cast thanked everyone for supporting them and they promise to make it a fun night for the best people that will watch their concert. March 13 and 14 at the Music Museum! Tickets are also sold on SM Ticket outlets and in Music Museum too!

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Bea Binene for Verifit: Admits Breakup with Jake Vargas

We went to the launch of Verifit Slimming Capsule, a supplement that promises toned arms, slimmer waistline, firmer abs and butt. The capsule contains a great amount of L Carnitine, Green Tea Extract and Collagen. Some other products only contain one or two but with the collagen in this mix, you'll have even younger skin.

Their new endorser is Bea Binene. Admittedly she says she has to work on certain parts of her body and with the help of Verifit, it will be easy. The thing doesn't make her "do it" untimely which is what other capsules do. With the inclusion of collagen, her skin will become better, younger looking too. 

Aside from that, just like any diet you should also have time for workout. Verifit also has 500 mg of L Carnitine so you are not really shortchanged. You get your money's worth when you buy it off Mercury Drug. By the way, it's also got something in it that suppresses hunger. If you take something in, you'll only eat less of it so it's going to really help you lose weight.

Unfortunately, on this event, she finally admitted that her relationship with Jake Vargas ended a few months back. She also said something when she was asked when and uttered "Let's just say that I started the year only with my family".

It's a nice day to say things about Verifit but today, it's also a sad day for #JhaBea fans that are hoping still. I wish them well and as with the words of Bea, they're currently enjoying their time off. I hope they would be able to still patch things up some way, some other day. The 2 years and 10 months they've been together isn't a joke. It wasn't a mutual decision also because Bea told the media that "maraming nanggugulo at maraming nagpapagulo" (a lot of things that are complicated and people that are making it complicated). 

Let's leave it at that.

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Kapuso Instadate: Ken Alfonso, Janine Gutierrez and Elmo Magalona

Here's Part 2 of our Kapuso Instadate Night!

Then this guy came in. Ladies, hold on to your panties for Ken Alfonso.

He's the new guy in town. He's not just "a pretty boy", but he's a d@mn good singer. Ken Alfonso has been in the industry for just a few years. He's a product of famed beauty queen maker Mercator Artist and Model Management and now co managed by GMA Artist Center. He told me that he used to work for a pharmaceutical company, I uttered Med Rep? He said "Yes" and we laughed because I got that vibe from him. I have a lot of friends who are in the same field, I think they have pretty good looking guys there and I'm not surprised he got discovered. Anyway, I felt at ease talking to Ken.   

"I started with tons of commercials with Mercator and luckily last year I was offered this last August so I had to quit my old job. I'm a part of the afternoon series "Kailan Ba Tama Ang Mali" (i.e. How can something so wrong be so right?) and it's my second show after Dading (which I now remember he played the man who used to push Bejamin Alves to do a lot of things!) where I played Martin. This time in KBTAM it's going to be different because it's actually not close to my personality. I'm going to be the one to always push Dion Ignacio to do not so good/evil things. So in essence, almost all the conflicts will actually start from me (then he laughs it out). I'm like the fire starter. 

In KBTAM, I want the people to take away that if once in your life, you should try and do something that would ultimately make you happy. Even though we're going to get other people in trouble, or situations, at the end of the day you should do something for yourself and make that decision. Right now, I haven't had the chance to do that. I'm not committed to anyone, I'm very single. I'm glad there are brands who trust me to model for them like Uniqlo, and they sponsored my travel show. I hope my hosting and travel thing goes a long way because I see myself headed there."

Ken Alfonso is pretty new at this but he's making headway with cover songs, new shows and more appearances in events elsewhere. He's doing a good job, but I bet he can do even more. I hope GMA keeps him very busy. He's got the body of a demigod and perhaps, someday he'd be able to use that to his advantage when the right show comes. I hope I get to see him too in the next few months for news of new shows, that'll be a good thing.

Then we went to the sweethearts! Here's Janine Gutierrez first!

The first time I got in touch with Janine Gutierrez virtually was during the Bench Universe fashion show a couple years back. Like then, I felt she was very kind, very humble and soft spoken. Even on this evening where we were going to talk to these stars, she didn't know I was the one who sent her some runway shots back then, but I told her about it now LOL. Anyway, we've met a couple of times already because of their hit shows and this recent one called More Than Words whom she still is with the love of her life Elmo Magalona. Although very tired, they still had the gusto to attend this Kapuso Datenight with us so I kinda felt so bad they didn't get enough sleep because they ended pretty late the night before (read: Wawa hay!). 

When I asked about the last taping of More Than Words, Janine says "Actually we have another taping day on Friday because we still have a lot of scenes, they added more I think so there, we had to do more. I'm super sepanx in general. I learned so much from the show, everything was so unexpected. I thought we were going to be on preprime but it turns out we were at the primetime slot. Aside from that, the look of Ikaw wasn't really planned to be like that. We just taped one day and I looked very ordinary, but they said we had to re-shoot, and do it again. They changed my look, they changed everything. This show was like random things that just came together in a way. I believe that everything happens for a reason and it's just so fun to note that it all worked out quite beautifully in the end. 

We also super appreciate the efforts of our fans. They really let us know that they like the show, and really that's where we wanted to be... to know that our effort get appreciated by other people who watch it, where they also take away something good from it." 

When asked about what she learned from the character of Ikay, she said "You should be confident, you should stand for your principles. Ikay is a very strong person, whilst I'm shy and non confrontational. So now, I kinda realize that it's okay to fight for things as long as you're not stepping on someone else's toes, and as long as you're not hurting anyone in the process." and I totally agree with her!

Then here's the guy she (and everyone else) adores! Elmo Magalona!

If there's a word I can genuinely describe Elmo, it's super mabait! (good mannered). The English translation wouldn't even suffice. I know I've only seen Elmo only a few times but when we talk, I get the vibe that he's very sincere in everything he says, the way he looks at you actually speaks, and you could continue talking and get lost because it's like he's looking at your soul. I might be getting ahead of myself here but that's what I felt at this time. Poor Elmo didn't get enough sleep after his taping (4 hours or less) and he was apologizing if he looks a little bit tired (because he was) but he knows they're almost at the end of the show in a couple of days, and that was the sad reality too.  

When asked how he was "I'm good, I'm good, kinda tired because we came from taping and finished late, so my day is just starting. I got to sleep maybe...5 hours, so it's like my day is starting pa lang."

I asked "How do you think has the whole show impacted everybody?", he said "Of course it's big because this is in prime time. The pressure was also big because it was our first time here. We learned a lot though because there are tons of veteran actors also in the show. We just took our time to learn a lot from them. My character is kinda bipolar, he's kinda sensitive but he never thinks about the other persons feelings too. He met his ex accidentally but he didn't really know what happened in the first place. Later he learned, it was the heart condition. Then she went off again without explaining things so that's one of my characters frustrations. It feels like he's oversensitive, but he's also warm hearted when it comes to the person he loves. Story wise, I learned that if you get this kind of amnesia, even if you don't remember who they are or what they do, when you see them, when you look into their eyes, they're kinda familiar to you. It's possible to say that even if the mind forgets, the heart will never do." insert "nganga" action here LOL!

I couldn't even fathom how deep these guys are. For what it's worth, I like Elmo for who he is and how he's still so kind - and got his feet on the ground after all these years. He's still the same boy you knew for years now, with some improvements of course. I bet he's not just being admired by his fans for his looks, I think it's more of because he's the kind guy who connects with you, and you can't teach that in any school.  

Thank you so much to Relik Tapas Bar in the Fort for having us. Thank you also to GMA Social Media team for making a very fun event so we can tell how human these stars are to ordinary people like us. I almost felt like spending a few hours with them was fun, I wonder how their own loved ones must have enjoyed being with them their whole life. I hope I was able to tell this story with justice, just like the rest of my entries. I also hope readers get to at least enjoy the tell all, straight from the artists' mouth! :)

 

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Kapuso Instadate: Enzo Pineda, Stephanie Sol, Juancho Trivino and Ashley Ortega

If you had the chance to date a GMA star during Valentines day, who would it be and why? What would you ask them? How would you feel if they were right in front of you? Well, we just got the answers to those questions when the GMA Social Media Team arranged these gorgeous hunks and ladies an intimate night with us bloggers. It was really fun to get to sit down and talk with them after all the shows they've done in the Kapuso network. I'd really want to get to know them behind these glamorous facade. Well okay, this isn't really a romantic date. We're starting with one of GMA's good looking guys Enzo Pineda.

 I've interviewed Enzo in the past and I can say he's a good friend. It was kind of easy to talk with him since he's very open and doesn't make a fuzz about him being a celebrity and all, he's really humble.

When I sat down with him, he was in character. He made me comfortable by getting Nate into the picture. It's his character in More Than Words which is ending this week. During this week, his character is going back to the picture and he'll be with Ikay again as he got drunk during some scenes. He'll be shocked about the change of Ikay and it's a very funny scene. He says "It's something hard and emotional for Nate. He's a type of guy who would give everything for Ikay. You've seen how his love developed for her and there's like a 180' turn into someone that's loving and caring, but still maintains that attractive bad boy look that everybody loves with his character. Nate is someone who has a hard exterior, but has a soft heart. I did have a phase when I was the bad guy but I like that. There's a transformation of the character and I like it because the viewers react on my character, it makes them think.

I do have movies that are coming up, definitely indie but it's more of an acting piece. I'll be going around the Philippines again so I have tons of regional shows starting next week, please don't forget also that I have another Bench campaign that will come out pretty soon. After More Than Words, I'll be training again for my first Triathlon, hopefully summer I'd be able to compete. I've done Aquathlons, a couple runs, I hope I'd be able to that in the next few months. I want to do that race on my birthday, I want a marathon, it's good that I keep myself very occupied when I'm taking a break from work. That feeling is good, it's that feeling of constantly achieving something.

When asked about his girlfriend and how I see them so happy on Instagram, he says "Ever since, I've been very serious with girl friends. I like taking relationships seriously. I'm really happy and I'm so lucky to really have someone like her." now isn't he sweet?! Awww Nate, oh Enzo, you are awesome!

Next one's the beautiful Stephanie Sol.

Steph is such a sweetheart. Whenever we meet on events, she never fails to say hi and acknowledge me when she can. She's also in several shows on GMA but when I asked about it, she was a little sepanx about it, of course it's More Than Words. "Last taping day was yesterday, so it was like two scenes for me. It was fast but it was very emotional. We had all the units together, we had the cast together, we prayed and said our good byes during the company call. It was a sad day for me, but I know all good things must come to an end. We do seldom meet but the production and cast is like family, we have dinner together, we watch films together, we even have a Viber group and we're very close. I don't know how we'll still keep in touch but I'm sure we're all going to have that in the back of our minds. We might have different schedules, so that's hard. They haven't told me yet what plans they have for me but after the show, I'll get their feedback and wait for meetings. I hope I did get to impress them with what I had to offer during this show.

I'm co managed by Artist Center and Ms. Becky Aguila. We haven't really have spoken about it but she really takes care of me. She's very hands on, spot on because she watches us. I want Belle to be remembered in the show as "Rebellious for a Reason", and hope that with her in the show people would still appreciate her." Steph adds. For what it's worth, I think Steph is a diamond in the rough. She's a very promising actress and she's just starting. I hope GMA continues to give her more breaks especially this 2015. A change of character? Perhaps real soon, but for now we're happy about what she's doing. I hope she also finds a pairing with someone too.

Then we got to the table of Juancho Trivino.

Ladies love him. I'm not surprised. Juancho Trivino is around 6'1, well built, a bit moreno and everything that a person who would categorize a perfect guy with "Tall, Dark, and Handsome". I bet underneath all that is a chiseled german physique and a soft heart somewhere. He's got a very positive demeanor but he could switch into a tough guy if he wanted to in seconds. That I think is what would make him a good actor. Am I too assuming? No, I don't think so. I just felt it that evening when I got to talk with him a little better.

"I'm still in Bubble Gang, and yes I was surprised they let me sing in that show (I saw him in Istambay). The feedback was great but now, I'm going to do a new youth oriented show that will be called InstaDAD. It's going to show on Sundays and will be something like Teen Gen. I'm going to be here with Ashley (whom I'll be featuring in a little bit) and this is a new pairing. Ashley is really nice, we've got so many things in common and I find her really really pretty. We've known each other even before the show. I didn't hesitate accepting this show, I'll be here with Gabbi Eigenmann and he'll be the Dad of three girls. In the social media age, this show will be part of that enlightenment of reality. It'll be like a modern day Dad. I want to be an example on this show, that even if I'd end up doing something really bad in the show, I'll be showing how to be a good son, a good brother too. It's going to start with Ashley and me having a relationship. So people really should watch out how things happen, as I'm really excited about it!" he says.

Then we got to talk to Ashley Ortega.

Well this is officially the first time I'm seeing Ashley Ortega. I thought I've seen her before but I realized just now that it was only for a former series Dormitoryo. She was with other GMA stars and I learned that night that this is their first official pairing.

I got her to introduce herself so we get on to what they're doing. At first glance, I thought she was a bit older but heck I was surprised that this girl, is only 16 years old! "I started showbiz 2 years ago. I started in Philippine Fashion Week and that's where they basically discovered me. I was younger back then and walked for SM Kids two years ago. I wore clothes for tweens, auditioned and got in regularly through that. I'm currently managed by ICONS, Bebong Munoz and Artist Center. Right now, I'm in KBNTAM or "Kailan Ba Naging Tama ang Mali" playing the sister of Max. I didn't know it was going to be this big and felt it was only going to be on the sidelines, but when I read the script, I had so many lines and so much exposure, which was nice! So I'm so happy. 

Then I got to InstaDad also, which is a youth oriented show. There's a lot of twists here and there plus they got us to play something like rich kids (that you may consider a little spoiled!) of Beverly Hills. We have tons of hashtags in regular conversations so it's really going to be fun, and a lot of people would really be able to relate especially the teens. We even have our own instagram where we're going to post actual things we're doing in the show. There are nerds, jocks, different kinds of personalities. Our Dad here is Gabbi Eigenmann and with the three sisters, three different personalities, I'm little Ms. Perfect but one day I'll get pregnant, so that's where the story is going to start. That's also the place where Juancho will come in. I haven't really worked with Juancho yet but I've been able to go with him in workshops. He's a very nice guy, good looking. If you're asking if I'd like somebody like Juancho, like more than friends, (pwede naman she says) yes of course because the guy is very kind and he's very well educated too." then I wished to see more of her in other shows in the same channel of course. She's very pretty and I think I like her! If Juancho and Ashley become something else soon, they would really look good. 

 

To be continued:

For Part 2 of our series (Ken Alfonso, Janine Gutierrez and Elmo Magalona), just swipe right for the next story on your phones or click on this link!

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