The Red Whistle Project

I'm a budding Fashion Photographer; but that's not my day job. I envy people who do this professionally but I'm so happy I still get to do high fashion shoots in my spare time. I'm inspired to say the least with some of the country's greatest Fashion Photographers... with the likes of my Sensei Xander Angeles, Boss Niko Villegas teaching me the tricks of the trade; I became so passionate about what I'm doing. I think differently because of them; and in the process discover why I had this passion behind the lens too. In an industry like ours there are only a few of them that admire; one of them is Niccolo Cosme.

There is no contest to what he can do behind the lens but what I was most impressed was the thought of him and quite a number of people doing something else. I admire his work to say the least but I met him for different reasons a couple of days ago. It wasn't for a workshop or photography lessons but it was for a cause that was very dear to him. In an off the wall pub called Blackbird in Makati, he and a couple of activists for this cause took the time to talk with us about how and why they support The Red Whistle project.


Have you heard of The Red Whistle?


The Red Whistle

I knew someone a few years back. He was a friend I barely knew but HE WAS A FRIEND anyhow. I didn't know where he lived or what his work was because we usually meet at places like The Fort, Makati or QC amongst some of the poshest club in those cities. We had common friends, went out with different people; but I knew he did sleep with some of them (according to their accounts). Foreigners or local it didn't really matter but he did really kinda went ahead of me since I laid low a couple of times. Then like a thunder roaring one day he suddenly stopped partying; he did it cold turkey.

Fact is, his lifestyle was almost the same as mine. He was a good friend and we were kinda close given the situation... even though we barely knew each other. He opened up to me one day and said he was HIV+. He acquired it from having multiple partners and unprotected sex. Honestly he didn't even know where he got it from. It was a sad day for both of us.

Though he passed away a year ago (August 2010) I didn't think he wasted his life for nothing. I didn't fail to be there for him when he needed me. I tried to help him out in one way or another. He was lucky though that he had very supportive parents, friends and family. But it's not a pretty picture all the way. It didn't end like what I imagined it would be but I'm so proud he fought for it till the last day. He made sure a couple of our friends know the consequences of doing it. It was so close to me, I wouldn't want to even confront the thought or let my other friends know then. Believe me I had smart ones, but I think telling it straight to their face didn't hurt either. They needed it!

It was the same case with Niccolo Cosme. He had a friend who passed away from it too. It was that true to him; the situation and the reality... that's why he's so passionately supporting this cause. The Red Whistle project wants each and everyone of us to Blow Now and Blow Harder. The Philippines report about 6 new infections recorded every day and this wasn't the case a few years ago. This is very alarming. That friend, family member or loved one might get it soon, it knows no title or status... it's no joke! If you and I take the necessary steps to make everyone raise awareness about this it can snowball into something bigger. Your community, your people would know about the circumstances and learn from the experience of individuals who really had it. It was a wake up call for him and he knew he had to do something about it. You should too!

It's time to STOP it now! We need to SPREAD awareness! NOT the VIRUS!


Survivors

We even got the chance to listen to one survivor. He's survived it for 7 years and continues to help people to understand what it means to have it first hand. He's spent 4 years in the Philippines doing this. He's fighting one thing after another. Although he understands, he tries to educate people one by one in order to stop the stigma, the ostracism. He wishes to see people who have the virus be seen still fit to work. Most of those who acquire it are breadwinners and people must realize it's not a curse. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to learn about it.

We need to inform more people about this cause. I strongly support The Red Whistle. I would like to enjoin private and public corporations to do their share. Niccolo Cosme just held a headshot clinic, he's been doing this for three years. He's using his craft to spread awareness to help this cause. It's been very good mileage for the project but we need all the help we can get!

There is a need for more donors and on the 31st of August The Red Whistle will be holding it's first Charity Auction. Be at the Bonifacio High Street at 9PM. It's time you do your thing, it's time you make a difference.

P.S. I had 2 extra whistles and a Blow Hard packet from the event. One went to a Gay friend who slept with a record 250++ men. He was informed of his duties to spread awareness. The other went to a female friend who works in the adult entertainment industry. That's GRO to some of you guys. They are happy I got them into it and no matter how indulgent they are in what they do, they'll always keep this in mind! Their active lifestyle doesn't exempt them from the reality that this is TRUE. We all must do our share so make sure you do your part NOW. Blow NOW, Blow HARDER!



P.S.#2 Special thanks to Blackbird who hosted us in Makati, you can visit this quaint resto if you love good music, grub and cold beers. The iced tea and nachos are to die for. They've got lots more in the menu so you should check them out! Kamagong Street in Makati has never been better! Go there or be square!

===============================================

For more information please like them on Facebook!

The Red Whistle

Blackbird Makati

Credits to ORANGEMAGAZINETV.COM for the photos from the event! :)

My Neighbor's Wife

Meeting celebrities is by far one of the greatest perks that I enjoy while doing these coverages but I barely get to know them because their schedules are pretty hectic. This particular day was different because I get to talk to them quite longer, ask them near personal questions too. Ladies, I know how you sometimes secretly want to meet the man of your dreams, but since I'm a little busy these days I'll tell you something about another guy in your list (hehe no pun intended!) I felt so ugly beside them LOL. You know who I'm talking about?!

Maybe this would help you recognize him!

Jake Cuenca stars as Bullet in this upcoming sizzling movie about love, marriage and understanding relationships called My Neighbor's Wife.

My Neighbor's Wife

The title alone mars your soul with infidelity connotations; but there are lessons to be learned in this film that you can only find out if you watch it. Jake Cuenca answers some tough questions under the scorching hot sun last weekend when I visited the set of this movie. He plays the role of Bullet. Jake relates to the story of the role he plays because his own family started young too. His parents had him when his Mom was 19 and every time he acts, he makes this as his personal motivation. It was hard for his family; just like in some of the scenes... and it was good that Carla Abellana was able to completely empathize in Jake's character to play as his wife. He didn't have any hard time working with her and even if they work in different channels he was so glad that ABSCBN allowed him to work with other artists from GMA/TV5.

Douglas Quijano was always on his mind; while he's on the set he knew Tito Dougs would have been so proud that he got to do this. Regal Films was one of the biggest things Tito Douglas wanted Jake to be with and he said the same with other big artists. He wanted him to grow artistically, be famous and achieve a lot in his career. He wanted also to make this movie before his contract expires with the film outfit but he continues to be hopeful that this will not be the end of it. He still wants to work with bigger stars like Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon etc. or some of the pillars of Philippine cinema.

Jake Cuenca answers some questions about his past relationship

He still reminisces with Tayong Dalawa and its success and he's very thankful that the series has gone a long way here and abroad. He's gonna have another project with ABSCBN (probably with Shaina Magdayao) soon but cannot divulge details. He still wants to work with the the best in the movie and TV industry. He wants to work with different people and feels that the sheer ability to do that is a measure of his success. Regal Films and Star Cinema has been very good to him and he does credit them for working out differences for the sake of the movie industry. He had so much history with his current film outfits and personally asked his management to gear towards more artistic roles. He's very confident as an actor. In his spare time he wants to pursue either a football or sports career. He's glad that his work allows him to be very athletic. He even lost ten pounds just for an MMK episode. He worked also with one of his football inspirations James Younghusband in an upcoming commercial with Master Sardines. He wants to play in professional tournaments. Eventually he wants to play for national team, specifically Futsal for the First and Second league. He is indeed a very nice lad and talking with him was easy.

Jake Cuenca talks about the movie and the challenges he faced in making it

Jake Cuenca does method acting and portrays his roles according to what is needed in the script. He works well with actors from his previous projects so this was nothing different. Since Jake and Carla are husband and wife here, Carla wanted to portray this role inspired by her own Mom. Jake was very comfortable with Carla right from the get go; but with the kid in the film... he admits he gets to only bond with him during the shoot; and that was a little challenging for him. A nine year old kid from the show Futbulilits plays this role. Kissing scenes for them were a normal thing, they already lost count how many they were and that's how comfortable they were. It was easy because when they arrived shooting the film they already acted like they were husband and wife. The wife Carla plays had problems staying at home and staying "fun" because she had to be a normal wife and mother. Jake on the other hand plays a playboy/non matured character. The marriage they belong to was getting boring and that's where they had problems. While Carla stays at home Jake owns a bar so there was always an excuse to still go out. Bullet, Jake's role was like a friend to his son, but was pretty distant to his wife since he thinks she matured too fast. The ending was very interesting he said so you should definitely watch it.

On His Past Relationship


He was asked about having his former partner join Bb. Pilipinas (he didn't even know that she did want to join) and said he would be happy with that. Jake says she's the best girlfriend anyone could have but says the reason why they broke up was "what her reasons were..."; he just agrees totally with it and sees he's kinda at fault. He was very humble and a little apologetic about it when asked. Quite admirable.


Seeing Carla Abellana


Carla says she's available as long as Mother Lily wants to make movies with her. She was bubbly and game even if it was really hot while on the set. She says acting maturely and the whole drama was part of her challenges in this film. She plays husband to Bullet; and as Jasmin she compares that Jake's and her role in this movie are well off than the other pair of Lovi Poe and Dennis Trillo. Though a little different they both have relationship struggles to go through. There are comparisons you might find very amusing and some a little off putting.

Carla Abellana is very pretty in person (I admit I was mesmerized! heheh!). This is to date her first daring role. It tested her limits and didn't hold back later on when the Director put her at ease. She admits though that she did have to think twice but in some point in her career she had to overcome her fears. Trusting Director Jun Lana was easy and says she asks him about her discomforts and easily suggests other acting methods which she surely treasures. There were no moments of awkwardness with Jake Cuenca and she thanks him for being so supportive and caring. When asked what she liked about the two lead actors in this film she said Dennis Trillo was very silent, the mysteriousness was actually part of his charm. Jake was the opposite because he was spontaneous and lively. There were no dull moments working with him. You can evidently see that on scenes.

She had very deep dimples, that's one thing I adore!
She was gorgeous and very down to Earth!

The Director

Director Jun Lana has produced some of the best shows in GMA and after talking with the Actors and Actresses in this movie they always have high regard for him and his craft. It was unanimous when they said he's the best one there is. He's excited that this movie will be shown on September 14. He's been very happy of the media hype this movie has been getting and hopes that everyone gets to enjoy resolving problems about marrying young. This is the main topic. How can you go wrong with award winning actors and a very good story? says Director Jun. They did not holdnback in showing skin too since they see it apt for the roles.

Working With the Cast

Direk Jun Lana said he only had some small difficulties. He was a little hesitant with Carla Abellana in the beginning because he didnt know how far he can stretch her acting wise or how daring can she go. He knew later on they could do it because they already talked about it on set. He had to also push Lovie Poe to do a lot of things out of the norm. He didn't want one thing to happen with her which is to be predictable on screen. Dennis Trillo and Jake Cuenca on the other hand was really great from the beginning, he just wanted them to do their best as always in portraying the role. He knows Dennis has already established his acting abilities even before so he considers him quite a veteran at this. Apart from the love scenes, he wasn't too happy with the weather either. This is his current passion project. He wants this to succeed even more than the other ones he made for the film outfit. Director Jun Lana in my opinion is very competetive and in some way would always want to make this film better than the last. That's a good thing in my books. People may think he is so strict but he is actually very approachable in person.

Director Jun Lana in action!

Sorry I didn't get to talk that much with Lovi Poe and Dennis Trillo. They were a joy to see and be with even for a short while. I'd probably be able to interview them next time! You would need to watch the movie on September 14th, 2011 to find out how their bits would play against Bullet and Jasmin. Their roles would come from a different perspective so make sure you drop by theaters to watch em!

I'm sure you'll learn a thing or two about love, the grueling stuff people go through friendship, marriage, betrayal and relationships. Thanks to everyone at Regal Films for accommodating us on the set! You guys are awesome!

To end this, here's the trailer! Watch this!

Capisce?!


=============================================

For more information about the movie, like them on Facebook!

Regal Entertainment Inc.

An Evening with Honorable Senator Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan

I'm no expert in Philippine politics nor military knowledgeable or inclined; but I realized I had so many things to thank for when I got the chance to talk to one heck of a great leader... the Honorable Senator Gregorio Ballesteros "Gringo" Honasan.

First time to see him. I was really nervous because I sat right next to him! :)

I never get to talk to people I voted for in the last elections and this was officially a treat for me. I kept asking myself the same question, whilst heading over to the venue. What should I ask him? Would he find my questions intrusive or complicated? How would I ask him about certain issues without holding back? I was put to ease by everyone who made this possible, his whole staff made it easy for us and didn't tell us a single thing not to ask about... it was no holds barred. I felt so good when they told me that.

He didn't hold back explaining everything. Even hard issues in the past!

In hindsight I actually only asked a couple of questions, he already had the mind to explain to us about the controversies or issues with the government we didn't dare ask. That's how open he was right from the get go. The Coup de etat, the jail time, his relation with the officers, the rebellion, the Oakwood mutiny all seemed to be a nono to ask but he went ahead and did answer them. It was idealism and his profound wishes for a better regime and country for everyone + more that made him do some of the things he did in the past. He was an officer and a gentleman, now that he is a Senator and more he said he's already made milestones and accomplishments that he didn't get to do before. He got to help a lot of people in a "general" scale, from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao; he realized the laws he get to pass in the plenary affect countless lives... plus generations to come. Isn't that admirable? IKR?!

Actually, he understood why he's still being tagged by irresponsible media and government officials every time there is something rebellious in nature that happens in the Philippines... though we laughed it off; it was really preposterous! How in the world can one man do 9++ coup attempts and all the other officer disgruntlement's all by himself... some government officials who pointed an accusing finger at him really need to get checked in on mental institutions IMHO.

The Honorable Senator Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan

Unlike Other Lawmakers

This interview was getting all serious and we got to know how much he cared for the less our less fortunate kababayans. Did you know squatting is decriminalized now? Did you know he extended the rent control law? Did you know he did a lot of things for Agrarian reform, Land use and its proponents? It might be so simple to you guys but believe me a LOT of people benefited from it. He did all those things and more; but you probably didn't think of it that much when you voted the last time right? I did my research and got my vote for him counted because as a citizen of this country I always thought that in order to legitimize each concern that I have I need to do my part. I'm glad to see my vote wasn't wasted. Ask yourself this question next time when you put someone's name on the ballot, will he be worth it?! Mine did.

On His Personal Life

I didn't want to just stay with the serious issues really and since this was a once in a lifetime opportunity I wanted to know about him in a more intimate way. I knew some things courtesy of my Dad and Uncle about the Senator and his musical affiliations in the past. You probably didn't even know that right?! LOL Senator Gringo also almost didn't remember either but I guess some of the names I mentioned suddenly hit a chord and named names like Spanky Rigor, Pepe Smith, VST and other ones I didn't quite know coz you and I probably weren't born yet. It was so refreshing to shy away from politics. He now remembers a couple of things from that era... and I agree those were really the good ole days.

He's not choosy per se with the food he eat but he needs to trim down a little he said so he's sticking to healthy choices these days. He values communication and knows the power of social media. He is a twitter user and at the age of 63 and he's a cool Grandpa to begin with. Today he wants to have all our resources to be equally distributed. He wants solid government programs that turn into good things that people will feel. This light talk about the music industry, bits and pieces of graduating from the PMA, militarism was turning quite good. He also said something about that controversy about answering back to Jim Paredes on Twitter. I think the Senator was right though. He said these life threatening situations like being a soldier isn't a joke. He was apologetic about bursting out like that later on. He contemplated after that incident that social networking has brought the best and worst in us. True, true!

Land use and it's sustainable development is his priority bill. He wanted to do something like "equating" land use. He admits that the country has been exploited too much by the US and China too and I totally agree with him on that. What's ironic is that even if they did these things we still tried to help em. China already made structures on the shoal/Recto bank but we didn't do crap. 9/11 would have not happened if US only listened to our intelligence information, they didn't know that! Those are facts but he's quite optimistic and hopeful about our country and he'll continue to do his best to make efforts reforming the country's defenses, the PNP and AFP through laws.

The Senator candidly tells stories about him at home

I felt that he's got nothing to prove now that it's his 12th yr as a Senator of the Republic of the Philippines. With an accomplished and a reputable resume to boot; we asked about a regular day in the Honasan household. His grandchildren occupies his morning (that alone already counts as a workout he jokingly said *whilst chases around the kids*). Getting married was his happiest memory together with the ousting of Marcos in 1986; he's family oriented, very romantic to his wife and wants to do a lot of things until now. He believes that the right to life is prime, whosoever gets killed in Mindanao is as important as the one in Manila; honor is next.

These days he enjoys reading and exercises as much as he can to manage his weight. He watches movies (Transformers etc.). He also designs furniture, paint and carve wood. He takes care of bonsai trees and believes he's got a green thumb. He sometimes love to pretend he's listening to other politicians nonsense. He's got advise about women too: Love them unconditionally, don't try understanding women because it would be pointless. Senator Enrile btw is like a father to him. He loves listening to new songs too from Amy Winehouse, Mic Jagger, The Beatles and appreciate more of his life through music. Isn't that nice to know?! :)

He loves practicing Kendo these days and makes sure this is a part of his regimen. He's a national champion for combat shooting and a very good skydiver. He lead professionals in ASEAN years ago too. He wants people to know that the greatest unexplored part of the Philippines is his hometown Sorsogon. A swim in Donsol Sorsogon is bliss! he says. He loves seeing and touching those gentle giant whale sharks. He agrees that we have so many things to be explored in our own country and people should really take a look at them soon!

In a nutshell, I was really inspired to ask questions because talking and listening to him was indeed a pleasure. He's a soldier, a rebel, an artist, a lover, a good looking guy like me (no pun intended hehe) among others; but best of all he's a great law maker and public servant. I'd like to take this bit and thank Senator Gregorio Honasan and his staff for being so nice to me that evening. He inspired me to make smart choices and tell the people I love about how to choose someone to have the heart serving my countrymen. I hope this wouldn't be the last time that I'd get to talk to such an honorable gentleman. I hope my readers get to do the same thing and make sure they research (if possible talk to them) first before they support someone in the next elections. I just did. =)

Primetime Princess Kim Chiu on My Binondo Girl! Showing on August 22!

Kim Chiu stunning in her Francis Libiran outfit and Louboutin shoes.
Stunning indeed!

Kim Chiu is undoubtedly the Princess of Primetime television. Hit after hit she continues to reign night time viewing here and TV sets with TFC abroad. Now comes another feather in her illustrious hat in a series called "My Binondo Girl". True enough it's difference with her other projects were evident in day 1. Initially we thought it was Zanjoe Marudo on the tarpaulin but they told us it was actually Kim Chiu! Really?! OMG!

See why we thought it was Zanjoe on the backdraft? IKR! :))

It's a story of a young Filipino Chinese gal named JADE that tried to gain the respect of her Chinese Dad who wanted only his son not knowing he already died years ago. To do this, Kim Chiu had to play the role of a guy promptly named YUAN in order to initially get her Mom and Grandma out of jail then it snowballed as the Dad introduced him to society as his son. This is where the conflict begins.

Kim said she really had a hard time learning how to play the role of a guy but she's been blessed that there are several veteran actresses in the cast that guided her. They did not hold back in giving her recommendations on how to deliver because all she wanted to do was to make this comeback TV show at par with the other successful shows she's done with ABS CBN. I asked her about how she feels some of the fans are still not that happy about Gerard and her parting ways but she said she can't please everybody. She is still very good friends with him and he supports her in whatever she does, just knowing that means a lot to her so it's not all a loss. That's good to know and I hope some of the sad fans find good in that. She said countless times that she is willing to work with him again. She also supports Gerald's show in the same channel.

She really had fun shooting with 3 of her leading men in this flick. Jolo Revilla was extra giving and generous to everyone in the set she mentions. Xian Lim was so nice and they had a great time in their Hong Kong-Macau shooting days. She specially loved the friendship she has now with Matteo Gudicceli because she took advantage of their Cebuano heritage, they talked for countless hours and people almost went out of place because they stayed speaking in that dialect for a long time while shooting. She's excited for everyone to know that this will come out soon on ABSCBN this August.

Make sure you put your remote controls to rest after switching to ABSCBN on August 22 in primetime television! This will be the day where My Binondo Girl will rule this timeslot am I right or am I right?! c^^,)