Just got off the Puregold "Nasa Atin Ang Panalo" Thanksgiving Concert. This wasn't just a showcase of Filipino talent, but a call of sorts for fans to stay away from negativity. See, the boys and girls from BINI, SB19, SunKissed Lola and Flow G probably have seen some toxic fans pit them against each other, but what they don't realize is that they're all good friends in real life. I absolutely love how they took time to address that during the event, and why it is important to support each other rather than try push out people from the pedestal. After all, OPM Artists should always lift each other up, the entertainment they provided that evening, was short of AMAZING!
Before the show, they had front acts from KAHEL, ESAY and Letters From June. Part of the reason why they are doing this is because of Puregold's 25th Year Anniversary. They are also almost 500 strong as far as stores go, imagine, they only started with one at Shaw Boulevard a couple years back. It's a proud moment, and this concert is the ultimate way of them giving back. This is to thank you for the years of supporting them, by bringing together the BIGGEST acts in the OPM industry.
I had goosebumps once BINI went up on stage. Their demeanor, their happy disposition was certainly contagious. They reiterated how Blooms and A'Tin's should remain positive and support each other. I totally agree!
Then they surprised us during the Salamin Salamin part by having SB19's Justin perform with them. It was crazy to see that happen! Then during SB19's performance, all the ladies from BINI joined in during the GENTO number. Seeing them do that just sealed the deal, it felt so right, "Nasa Atin Ang Panalo!" indeed!
More photos and videos are going to be posted on the Puregold social channels, make sure you follow them for the actual music videos they are going to be in.
If you want to see the performances, check out @kumagcow on TikTok and follow our channels because if it's happening, it's on KUMAGCOW.COM!
Do you have a specific memory of your interaction with Alden Richards? I do, let me tell you about it before I start this story.
He was already popular at that time, and as a blogger covering his events, it was doubly hard for me to separate work and being a fanboy of sorts. I was also super shy to ask for photos with him as some part of my brain think it's unethical (in some way, I think it still is).
Security was tight, and I've wanted to ask him for a simple video greet for my twin cousins in the US who were even more die hard fans of this boy. I quickly asked him and he obliged, but he got called to go out for photos.
Since this is was an event, he was asked to go outside for more pictures. He went out and I thought, oh... it's not gonna happen anymore because he was being asked to go out too after the event. He stopped mid way and went back inside because he remembered that I asked for a favor. He gave me a short smile, and did the video greeting I asked for, I never forgot that moment. My cousins and I were so happy of course!
See, there are tons of these small things happening in between press conferences and fan meets, but I can tell from the times I've been able to talk to him.. that he is genuinely a very nice and kind person. I'm sure a LOT of people would say the same. Why is he blessed? Why is he so successful? I think his kindness and selflessness plays a BIG part of it.
Alden's personal friend Father Jeff officiated the thanksgiving mass at his new bar, STARDUST
The successful shows and subsequent movies tells how much he's adored by many. He's also got a film this month for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 with the one and only Megastar Ms. Sharon Cuneta called "FAMILY OF TWO" and we're all raring to watch it. It'll be shown in theaters on Christmas Day, make sure you support him by watching the film. It's got lots of scenes where you'll find comfort, as it talks more about FAMILY, relationships, and you won't have a dry eye in sight.
A few days ago, he invited us for lunch at STARDUST (located at 58 Jupiter Street in Makati). This is a thanksgiving event, a thing he does annually. It's an opportunity to talk to him, so of course I went. He's always done this for different people, and a lot of fans think we're not worthy, I understand, but he really wanted to do this for us (I felt that). We didn't even know that HE owned the place... yes, this is Alden Richards very own bar. He's got some private partners, but bares they are somehow his mentors who wants to teach him the ropes in running businesses. In a way, he's diversifying his portfolio... and we're certain, this will be a good place to go and have fun in the evenings.
STARDUST is pretty nice. It's got comfy velvet laden seats, bar stools and tables where you can park a few drinks on a single night. The bar is huge, and the variety of drinks they serve is equally humongous. They have specials (which your bartender can serve), and food is marvelous. The display reminds me of a galaxy, with lit LED's in a dark sky, you'll feel like you're in space after a drink or two. It definitely feels cozy, I could reckon it being like a speakeasy and perhaps, a little bougie. The lights reflect much on the wall, the lobby laden mirrors and the disco balls in different sizes. It was monochrome heaven, and the glistening lights are not bothersome, you just feel relaxed, and be in the opportune time to listen to music.
Speaking of which, Alden shares how they have spent much of their capital with sound equipment. The bar can actually project sound quite loud, but not bother any of your conversations. So if you're amongst friends, peers or family in this place, you don't have to shout. That's some technology applied in acoustics, and that's something they wanted to do in this place. It's a plus in my dictionary.
Here's our full interview with Alden Richards which happened right after the thanksgiving event he held for the press:
I'd like to take this bit and say THANK YOU to Alden Richards for always being so nice whenever we see each other. Same goes to Sam, Ms. Roche and the entire SPARKLE Artist Center fam who welcomed us there. For those who would want to experience STARDUST, you can get in touch with them via 0917-167 5800 or email them at reservations@stardust.ph so you can hold your parties there.
Congratulations on the milestones Alden! I'm sure you'll be achieving more in 2024. Watch out for his international projects, his upcoming directorial debut, and the project with Anne Curtis. Sub to my YouTube channel if you feel like it :)
Just got off the thanksgiving virtual party of the film Dito at Doon starring Janine Gutierrez and JC Santos under TBA Studios. In it we got to talk to the cast and the people behind the film, seeing them reap the fruits of their labor, they've really had tons of support from their fans and industry friends. During the last presscon, we were with Ricky Lo asking questions, sad that he's gone. The event started with a pause to commemorate the journalist who also supported the film.
Direk JP Habac says "My only birthday wish is that more people would be able to watch the film. The experience in the cinemas is really different, if this would be shown there, there would be a bigger chance to be seen by people, you get to see how they react, interact with other movie watchers, hopefully we can do that."
Yesh Burce says "Thank you to everyone who watched Dito at Doon, to everyone in the press who have shared their thoughts about the film. I'm sure there will be a lot of people that will watch the movie after this event."
Lotlot De Leon says "Janine already knows what she's doing, she has planned her life, I'm happy with that. She's old enough to make decisions on her own and she is doing it at the right time. I'm proud to see my daughter grow into this business, there will be more projects with TBA and I'll be looking forward to that."
Victor Anastacio "I'd like to thank TBA Studios and the streaming sites we got worldwide, we also thank the press for all your help. This film has hope and it is relatable, we didn't imagine that this will happen to all of us. This is how we experienced things and we showed hope amidst the circumstances. I think I appreciated it more because it's not just a traditional romcom, it's like the pandemic is another character, which makes sense. You can't plan everything, you have to be open, and make the most out of it."
JC Santos says "I am truly grateful for TBA who took care of us, I am happy to have been part of something that was created during the pandemic. We are happy to see those who have seen the movie and gotten lots of positive feedback about the film. I've found home with TBA. My favorite scene was the harana scene, they're taking it to the next level there and it's like offering a piece of your soul. It's one of the things I wanted to see again. This film is important, in this time and age, hope is all we have as we all are in survival mode. I mean it's a different feeling inside the cinema, I still want to see my armpits that huge on screen. I think it's a different thing that people feel when you see that, you have no choice but see it as a spectator, I miss that feeling. I think it will be different when you see it there. I enjoy my work as an actor, I went from my community to UP and doing acting jobs on screen. It's a good feeling not to have sleep, that's when I get challenged more, this is so much fun. The people are great, and I enjoy the whole process. When I accept projects my first question is... have I already done this role? because that's where it starts. I have had to decline a few projects because I was advised by my Manager, and because of circumstances that are beyond my control, and it's different in festivals. This one is different, it's kinda like a disaster movie. When I probably have a hand to finish this, perhaps I'd like to see my character be happy and be home with his family, not to spoil it, but I'd like to see him happy there."
Janine says "I hope to really make another film with TBA and I've always seen several of their movies. To be able to do this and in this story, I felt all the support of the press and I can't thank you enough. You really did stand along with us during our promotion. I have many favorite scenes, but I love how it ended. I was shocked to see that part because how it was edited. It's different. The film projects hope, TBA took risks and chances to produce a film despite the situation, and as seen on the film's performance, we're hopeful it is viable to have movies be watched even at home. It's different in movie houses, and a different experience to watch at home, but yes I hope to achieve what JC Santos get to have when its shown on cinemas. Rejection in the industry is so hard to still accept, I still audition, I have a certain sense that they have control over your future, but I chose to stay because I know I needed to stick it out, to do my best, do the things that make me closer to my dream and I'll get there. Accepting roles also depends on the script, to the people I'm working with. In this film, I just said YES PLEASE when I heard JC Santos and JP Habac. I'm happy a lot of people are appreciating it. If I'd be choosing where my character ends, I think it would be good if she just doesn't close doors or the possibility of welcoming another person, another love. I'd be happy already if she does that."
Now if you haven't watched DITO AT DOON yet, it's something that'll make you wonder about OUR current situation and the relationships we build and keep. Stream it on Upstream, Cinema 76, Ticket2Me, KTX.PH and globally via TBAPLAY on the Google Play store. Go install it and see why people are asking for part 2!
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