PUREGOLD OPMCon 2025 Makes History: OPM Generations Showcased!

I'd be lying to you if I said I didn't despise going to the Philippine Arena because 1, it's too far, 2, travel is too tiring, and 3 if the artist is worth it. I reckon it's the same sentiment for almost anyone from Manila right? Well the folks from PUREGOLD got me thinking because as members, they'll be giving us VIP treatment plus a lineup of artists that NOBODY in the right mind could ever resist. Imagine, the BIGGEST acts in Filipino entertainment all in one place. The boys from SB19, girl group BINI, top band Sunkissed Lola, vixens G22, rising KAIA, artists Skusta Clee and talented Flow G in one stage made me say a resounding YES as soon as I heard it. Whatever hardship I'll be experiencing traveling there will all be worth it just as long as I see them all.

As you can see on the top photo, I'm a silent A'Tin and have that guy Ken as my bias. But no, that doesn't mean I don't like the rest, because I do. There's a reason why, because they've continued to represent the country, and really, they've made us all proud! This goes the same with the other groups in the list, and I just can't believe it happened. Plus, there's more. 

BINI with James Reid

KAIA

Sunkissed Lola

G22 was so hot!

Flow G

Skusta Clee

They did a collab too!

When SB19.went out, everybody just lost it!

The finale song was super sweet, a fitting end to see them all singing one song!

At the event, they also surprised us with other iconic artists that performed with them. Names like James Reid, Rico Blanco, Mayonnaise, Yeng Constantino shocked us. . . then went on and did collabs with each other. It was really crazy, but crazy good. I felt I was witnessing history, thanks to Puregold who put this together out of their own pockets. They also had free stuff given away by their partner brands like Nestle, Nescafe, Koko Krunch, Chuckie, Tide, Safeguard, Cream Silk, Surf, Champion and Colgate. There were more but I didn't get to see them so they will remain unnamed haha! 

PUREGOLD OPMCON 2025 was certainly one for the books! It made history, seeing them all in one place was just a dream come true. Whoever says there was a group or fan war must be crazy. They're literally friends, and I'm sure this is not the last time that PUREGOLD is doing this. Thank you PUREGOLD!

QC Councilor Alfred Vargas Dedicates Recent Accomplishments to Manager Lolit Solis

QC Councilor Alfred Vargas just graduated from the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP). He attained GWA of 1.028, and was recognized as class Valedictorian, even given the Dean’s Medallion in this very same course.  

As you may know, the showbiz industry is still grieving with the recent passing of Lolit Solis, manager to the stars and prolific entertainment scribe. She is also Councilor Alfred's manager for over 21 years, which is why he was extremely emotional upon accepting it. 

During his speech at the UP Film Center, he didn't forget to dedicate his accomplishments to Ms. Lolit, cried on the podium and said "This is for you!"

He also gave thanks to his wife Yasmine and kids Alexandra Aryana, Cristiano and Aurora for the insurmountable support and sacrifice during this period. He emphasized how love and compassion plays when doing urban planning for a city. He also egged his classmates to do the same, with kindness, as it plays a crucial role with planning urban dwellings. He adds "It would be quite meaningless if we be unconcerned with others. We shouldn't abandon these principles and do what is right. We can't be blind or numb about the lies, corruption and poverty because it is a reality. It's not enough to use our hands, we need to use our hearts, and compassion. That and good governance will bring social justice and bring dignity for those living in the state."

 

He also stated how important their roles are in looking for solutions to address overpopulation, the housing shortages, lack of infrastructure, issues with the environment, health, safety, education and inequalities. He reiterated the importance of listening to the needs of the public, of every sector, especially the marginalized ones before executing plans in the industry. This is something that he has learned early being a public servant. He also cited the Quezon City Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) wherein it has bore fruit, with the passage of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act when he was still congressman of the same district. He encouraged them to use what they learned from the course to improve lives of those living in their city, one area at a time.

After his undergrad degree in AB Management Economics from Ateneo in 2002, Master’s degree in Public Administration from UP Diliman’s National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) in 2021, he now plans to accomplish a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning at the same institution. Dedicating this to his late manager was an apt act, Ms. Lolit would have been mighty proud of his accomplishments as she was when she was still with us.

MMG Set To Release Original RUN TO YOU Single This 4th of July!

Mark Michael Garcia is turning a new leaf in his career. The very talented man who won "Tawag ng Tanghalan" as the Ultimate Resbaker a few years ago literally got stuck in limbo when the pandemic happened just when he was about to lay plans for his career and music. This year, he's sporting a new moniker as "MMG", which makes sense as it feels more catchy and current. Aside from that, he just got the nod of composer songwriter Allan Rich who did Whitney Houston's "Run To You" single for the movie "The Bodyguard". Together with Jud Friedman, they gifted him the rights to release the actual original song this 4th of July in streaming platforms worldwide. They caught him performing his James Ingram medley on the internet and was impressed, they got in touch and yes, the rest is history! 

We heard him a few days ago and by any standards, he's magnificent! Together with the single release, he's going to have a concert entitled CODE NAME: MMG which will happen on August 2 at the Samsung Music Hall in SM Aura BGC. He promises to perform new songs and covers that you might not have heard before. This is produced by Chef Jeng Sy Flores who also owns Heavenly Desserts by Chef Jeng and District One Gastrolounge in BGC. 

Here's what happened at the press conference 

 

Tomorrow, please tune in to Cornerstone Entertainment's channels as this heavily awaited single will be shown there. 

I'll update this post with the actual RUN TO YOU (alternative version) so you could witness his great work. By the way, he won a Best Male Vocalist award in the US, and some talk of him joining THE VOICE USA is also in the works. I'm sure he's going to blow the competition away!

Congratulations MMG!