Birthday Boys Jak Roberto, Mark Herras and Christmas fun with GMAArtist Center

If there are artists that were blessed this 2017, one of them is actor Jak Roberto. After a lot of episodes in different programs and iconic roles landing him in primetime slot, you may as well consider him as one of the new bankable stars in the network. He's blessed because we watched him grow not just as a star, but a person. He remained very humble despite his success, and we the bloggers are never surprised because we love him dearly. Now he's part of upcoming show Contessa together with goddess Glaiza De Castro. So we asked about it during his birthday celebration prepared by GMA Artist Center.

Jak Roberto says "Contessa will have a really epic story of revenge, me included as I help her rid of her enemies. It's more of an action drama and I have worked with Glaiza in different projects. I'm glad that I haven't been tied up with one loveteam so I don't get any breaks. I didn't expect to be surprised during a taping, we were really busy but I felt there was something going on, I really appreciated her effort and the people from Tadhana." 

"I guess we might have our own individual projects and very busy but I appreciate how she made time for me (talking about her sister Sanya Lopez). That's just on another level. Sanya and me, we talk about how our lives has changed now that we are on tapings most of the time... we seldom meet at home so we are taking a break these holidays. We are going to be with family and not so much of traveling. I also had a day with kids this year, it was really heartwarming. To see cancer patients, they organized it all, I really wanted that to happen. I also want to buy a new pickup because I need it for work. If I had the free time I will try to rest, eat in a buffet, just to relax a bit. I need that."

You deserve all these things Jak, and we wish you nothing but the best and more success in your future shows!

Then we got to also see birthday boy Mark Herras. The Bad Boy of the Dance Floor was in a good mood, I love this guy to bits especially because I'm a Mark Jennylyn fan. They've always been so nice to me and treated me like a friend, I consider them one because after all these years, they haven't changed.

We asked him what his plans were for celebrating Christmas and what he would want as a gift to himself. The birthday boy answered briefly:

"I don't usually go out during Christmas because I want to just celebrate with family. I like shoes, I also like perfumes, I like Diesel's BAD. I ordered on a website and it arrived. I didn't go with Wyn in Bolivia because she wanted to concentrate on the competition. Wyn is a little lacking in self confidence, she didn't want to join initially and when she saw her competition they were all tall and beautiful. She had her dream, she wanted to prove a point so she really danced her way to their hearts. I was really hoping she would win and I didn't have any idea how it would feel like in Bolivia. She was nervous, but she won it. She needs to complete her reign, and we now seldom meet but I completely understand. I am super proud of her, I shouted at her during the Bench show. She is a different person on stage. After everything that happened to me, she helped me gain my confidence back. She always checks on me when she can help me with a lot of things. She's just there for me, everytime. If ever, I would be completely okay to be with her in a show. A romantic comedy, or a dance show, we would be able to whip out things. We are now very open to people, I was always with her and I laughed when she was asked in her Bolivian show guesting when she was single. During and after her win, I know she would be really asked a lot. I want the roles of Gabbi Eigenmann, something like that. Because it's like really colorful, and perhaps do other things that I haven't really done before. I see my path, I want to do roles good. I haven't known any Starstruck activities yet but if ever I would be asked to experience that again I am okay. I know I miss Sunday shows, my fans too. I get tired sometimes but I guess crowds get me going."

He's got shows coming up on GMA and I will still support this guy, he's a very nice man. Mark will surprise you in an upcoming show that they can't divulge yet during this time of the interview so I can't wait for that!

By the way, both of the birthday events and our Christmas party was hosted by good friend Joshua Jacobe of Top One Project. He's on a roll and is very confident already. I can't wait to see his star shine too. 

These guys from One Up on the other hand joined us to celebrate our annual Christmas Party with GMA Artist Center. Albeit not complete, these guys performed a couple of sons to keep us entertained during our small gathering. They are very game, they didn't mind the ruckus happening in our party and were all so nice. For that, thank you One Up!

I would like to take this bit and thank everyone who made this event possible. Thank you GMA Artist Center for all that you do for us bloggers, we know how much you have worked the whole year and how difficult some of us are lol, but despite that you remained so nice everytime. Thank you to all the sponsors of this party also Goldilocks for the cake! 

We can't thank you enough!

KUMAGCOW

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CASA IBARRA Opens In Pasay City

I couldn't count the times that I've been able to cover events, donned birthday parties, debuts, weddings at Ibarra's party venues and pretty much enjoyed their food too. Just recently, they invited us over to see CASA IBARRA, a new 2 floor events venue in Pasay City. It sits right across the Coral Way entrance of Mall of Asia Arena. I could see it from across the street and has got ample parking right beside it. The place can hold around 280 people for the two ballrooms down stairs, and around 350 on the more grand room on the top floor. 

Let me show you around!

This is the side of the structure, the first photo above is the facade of the building. I've heard on the elevator that this was supposed to be built about one and a half year ago. Though I think they needed the extra time to spruce up the place, it felt all new when we got inside.

You'll be greeted on the first floor by this humongous painting which they actually commissioned from a Filipino French painter named Olivia d'Aboville entitled Homage to Monet. This looks absolutely stunning in real life, you can see people even took photos with it. Sweet!

This is the first floor which can be divided into two rooms. They can hold two events at the same time with no problem. One of the rooms have an ordinary staircase while the other has this one which actually lights up in different colors. It's a touch that they took a lot of time to construct. It looks amazing, they have their own designers that would set up the place for you because they want it to be all hassle free. These rooms are called Alegria and Hermosa.

If you look up, you'll see a modern Filipino designed ceiling and wall treatments that use a lot of wood on the second floor. The second floor houses their office plus the huge ballroom they call Sala de Amor which you'll see in a bit.

This is their office on the second floor wherein they hold cake and food tasting sessions for those who want to actually get their services. With the kind of food that they served that night, you would want to do this for fun. Let me show you their unbelievable menu.

They had this huge steel pan filled with the freshest catch in the ocean and thick crunchy rice in the bottom. Paella ala Ibarra anyone?

This one is for the KETO diet lovers out there, the unicorn of the Philippines... scrumptious LECHON!

If that doesn't work, you've got Pan Roasted Beef Shanks and Roasted Pork Belly

They've also got tons of hors d'oeuvres so if you're picky, don't worry at all!

From plated meals, to formal dinners, to exquisite desserts... Casa Ibarra obviously can bring it!

They also have a section on the front of the building where you can hold small ceremonies, a small wedding, no problem! This place is overlooking the actual street and the other buildings in the area.

For the piece resistance, they lead us to the largest ballroom called Sala de Amor. This place can get 350 people in a party and make a grand entrance with that huge fairy tale-esque stairs in the center. Now I'm sure they can accommodate any party you're planning to do this 2017 and beyond!

The Ibarra group has got 5 properties now in their belt namely the Bella Ibarra in Quezon Avenue, Ibarra's Garden in P. Faura in Manila, Plaza Ibarra in Timog Avenue in Quezon City, Villa Ibarra in Tagaytay and this new one called CASA IBARRA in Coral Way MOA Complex in Pasay City. You may call them for Catering by Ibarra's too via 5229999 and 9226868. If you want to book an event or reserve it for special occasions, just call them at 9861107, 9949448, or their mobile number 09165868897. You may also visit their official website at www.ibarraspartyvenues.com.ph if you want to inquire about prices. Make your party hassle free by calling them today please! :)

Thank You! - How Did You Celebrate Christmas?

How did you spend your Christmas? =)

Well I spent it mostly at work. I know, most of you probably think I'm crazy. Don't worry about me I didn't get depressed or anything. I've been in the business for 10 years and I think I got over that a long time ago.

I'd like to take this bit first to thank everyone who greeted me on my birthday. You guys know who you are. And for those who didn't get to do that, well screw... I mean bless you hahaha!

Christmas celebrations started for me in the office. I got my team to come out from their shells and go to Q Bistro in front of the Podium Mall in Mandaluyong. Remeber my review about them HERE? Well they've got a Roast Beef buffet which we tried out on the weekend and it was mighty perfect for us and my team's families. Think about this huge slab of meat that melts off the bones, plus a menu that is the envy of everyone in Manila. Why? Check this out!

Pork with gravy, pinoy tacos, bruschetta, Asian spring rolls which I absolutely love.

The Asian Spring Rolls had fish on it. So I really had seconds and thirds. The fish with cream sauce was nice too. I'd skip the cream if I was in a diet but I'm NOT haha!

The Salad bar was heaven according to my foodie friend Gian of BossandMe.com. I had some too with the jicama and carrots. Their salad dressings? I LOVE!

Plus I love the soup too. They provide freshly cracked pepper like clockwork because they know it is going to make everything extra better! Visit them if you have some time. I highly recommend their place because its cozy, perfect for intimate dinners or business meetings.

I also made my Christmas stay at home by bringing out a couple of bottles of Daphne Home Scents. They came out with this limited edition Green Forest Pine that spreads the scent of the same tree; perfect for this season. I love every bit of it. 6 rooms, plus our living room all have this! =)

Plus I also had several sent to my relatives as gifts. It's only 380 Php on Bench and Dimensione stores nationwide. I love how it's also boxed elegantly. Truly world class products here.

And I'm still lovin it!

Then I met up with friends for dinner at BGC

We are Engineers, different courses. Some are ECE, EE, CE, ME and me CoE. We've ravaged time and trials like everybody else but what I like about them is when I spend time with their families. They are good friends. Some of them are my inaanaks :) So happy to see them once every year.

These guys (in black and white) are my bandmates in college. We've been through a lot. Now their husbands, wives also tag along so we are kinda growing. :)

Relatives from here and abroad came to our house to celebrate my Grandpa's 112th birthday. He ain't here anymore but we have continued meeting on the same date every year. Missing him a lot. :(

Last night, we still were in a festive mood and celebrated with family in Tagaytay. My brother also arrived from Ireland and he's here til middle of next month. We'll be making memories like we used to. 

From my home to yours, I hope you guys get to celebrate with the people you love. I know things will be greater next year. Thank you to everyone who supported me this 2012. To the celebrities I know, may your careers flourish because as far as I know all of them have been good people. To the PR companies I dealt with this year, they have been so good and even sent me some goodies this Christmas. Thank you so much for that. For the friends that I've made in the blogging world, thank you, you know who you are. You guys made my 2012 so great. I hope we continue to do more things this 2013! We're worth it! :)