Several Actors Shine on GMA's "PULANG ARAW"

I've been trying so hard to keep mum about this series, I'm talking about GMA's biggest series yet, "Pulang Araw".

See, I think I've heard about it a few years ago and thought that it was going to be shelved. I'm so glad to be proven wrong today as it does the world TV premiere, right after it's launch through Netflix a couple weeks ago. 

When I heard of the story, I really felt how quite promising it would be. Delving in history, the war, the Japanese, and the personal/family complications... there's just a lot of things you can pull off from that. 

Here's a video of the red carpet event:

Then there's the artists portraying the role. Coming from the very successful "Maria Clara at Ibarra", GMA wants a continuation of the #BarDa pairing so they got David Licauco and Barbie Forteza in this show. Then a little about 10 years ago, they already told Alden Richards about it. This is also the first time he is being paired with Sanya Lopez, so there's a lot to see where their stories would go.

 

The first episode I could say had no SHORTCHANGING in the acting department. Since this is a backgrounder, the young versions of these four gigantic stars of GMA would take the spotlight. Aside from them, this is the time you'll notice how underrated RHIAN RAMOS is as she plays the mother of Barbie and Alden's characters (Adelina, Eduardo). Rhian Ramos as the mother of young Alden and Barbie is EXCEPTIONAL. She's feisty, didn't hold back raising arms for her son and daughter who got beat up, teased and bullied by other kids. She's a gem in this series albeit short-lived, it was enough to showcase who she IS as an actress. I'd give her a trophy today just for that, and I'm not even joking.

Aside from Rhian who stole the show (first episode), another person decided to tell us during the preview that he's a force to reckon with. His name is Aidan Veneracion, whom I often see in workshops under Ms. Ana Feleo (with or without reason, he comes voluntarily). Albeit new to the business as a Sparkle Teen, he's really outstanding in the first salvo. Another star is Cassy Lavarias who played the young Barbie Forteza. She has this innate charm to pull you in on her struggles. She cries like a legendary actress, but she's still a child... so imagine the things she can do in a few years. Heck, she'll give a lot of veterans a run for their money. She's that good. They could be the reason you'll love PULANG ARAW on the first episode, and  follow these individual stories through.

Here's the press conference on video, please enjoy!

 Here are some of the other stars to join the show!

See, this is not normal. I could just have seen the first episode to be just another episode, but no. PULANG ARAW deserves the attention NOW and in the next few episodes. The sweetness of relationships, friendships, and nationalism, mixed with the star power of the lead stars they've managed to put together in one show, how can you not love a story like this?! 

You need to watch the show, PULANG ARAW is now streaming on Netflix. The episodes will be out early in the platform, a few days before the one shown on TV and GMA subsidiaries. You don't need to deeply think about the story, you just have to have the heart to love it just like what they did to the people in their lives and this story. Imagine if it's going to be Alden, Barbie, David and Sanya's turn, they actually were phenomenal in the short instances they appeared in the first episode (Alden made the war scenes in the forest quite a visual feast!)

Make sure you watch it, because as far as I'm concerned, it's one WELL MADE series that deserves to be seen. It's realistic, excellent graphics (especially the planes during the war), funny in some places, and you'll love how.. in a way, shape or form, impress you even if you don't like it. It's that impressive!

LEO ALMODAL Does Nature Inspired Show at OKADA

Leo Almodal is no stranger to couture gowns and suits. I've seen several pieces he's put out with some celebrities in events I've been... and covered. This time, it's his grand 65 piece collection that he's showcasing at Okada's Grand Ballroom. Sure enough, he didn't disappoint onlookers with jaw dropping gowns worn by some of Manila's most gorgeous models, beauty queens and celebrities.

If you didn't get to catch the show, as always, KUMAGCOW.COM has it covered. Please, enjoy!

Leo's fashion show was obviously nature inspired, with exquisite couture pieces right from the start. You'll see how he tries to outdo his first creation with another one, equally merging earth, sea and air elements with flowy, fluffy textile adorned with crystals and gems at front and back.

We were also surprised with the participation of the sultry and talented actress Sanya Lopez. Max Collins was also fitting to open the show, I didn't really recognize her until her second outfit because everything looked ethereal, they looked like goddesses walking on the runway.

Aside from them, Arci Munoz, Ara Mina, Herlene Budol, Drag Race PH Winner Captivating Katkat, beauty queens Jamie Herrell, Michelle Gomez, Gazini Ganados, Yllana Marie Aduana, Maureen Montagne, Emma Tiglao, Jennifer Lloyd, Tracy Maureen Perez, Ingrid Sta. Maria, Krishna Marie Gravidez and Ghene Latugat showcased more of the gowns in different parts of the show. Several noted models carried them all so well, we all drooled from start to finish.

 I do agree with the producer when she mentioned that Leo Almodal is a genius. This collection has shown how talented this Filipino designer is, and seeing that this will also be done in other countries (as we speak) will be fitting as he gives only the best in his designs. You should take note of the Blue Sea Slug like gown, the Gold one that opened the show and the Red Rose colored one before the end of the show. Those are standouts, and my personal favorites!

Congratulations on doing this heavenly show Leo! After seeing all these, I'd be honored to wear a suit from you! 

CATHY VALENCIA Celebrates 18 Years in the Business

Whenever I hear her name, I remember countless artists, celebrities that have been able to experience the Cathy Valencia Advanced Skin Clinic. Results that you can't deny, which is why she's still the premiere name to trust in the industry. Recently, they celebrated their 18th year in the business. It was also her birthday, so she threw a thanksgiving party for her most loyal clientele, her celebrity endorsers and the media a few days ago.

The Cathy Valencia Advanced Skin Clinic has been doing skin and aesthetic services since 2002. They now have lots of products available in their clinics designed to maintain, enhance, improve and nourish your skin. We had a grand time there, seeing them bond over games and entertainment numbers was super nice to see. Celebrities like Kitkat, the gorgeous Jessy Mendiola, Marco Gumabao, Enchong Dee, Sunshine Cruz and her daughters, the lovely Sanya Lopez, Tita Anabelle Rama, sweethearts Loisa Andallo and Ronnie Alonte went to the event, to wish Ms. Cathy a happy birthday, and tell us about the various services they love in their clinic.

Here's a few things we talked about on our video interview:

Jessy Mendiola also shared how she plans to make a comeback in 2024!

Marco Gumabao also shared how he was able to love someone like Christine Reyes quite naturally.

Sanya Lopez also shares why she doesnt meddle with Jak Roberto's relationships

Loisa Andallo and Ronnie Alonte also talked about their good friends KathNiel and how they took the breakup news about their friends.

 

Here's wishing Ms. Cathy Valencia years of success with her skin clinics and products that help people change their lives, and bring back their confidence!