Who is Sanya Lopez? (Encantadia's Danaya)

Who is she? Who is Sanya Lopez? Why is she Danaya?

These three questions probably resonated so loud during the grand reveal of the cast of Encantadia. The epic series that mounted some of the network's biggest stars is going to have a reboot, a sequel, and they've chosen several of their most promising stars as the lead characters for the role. Admittedly, I'm like you, I asked those questions myself. Even if I knew people from the network, I never really got the chance to get to know this particular Sanggre. I was glad we had the chance to get to know her, on a trip to SkyRanch in Tagaytay City.

Who is Sanya Lopez?

She's a simple girl with simple dreams. She started in the stables of German Moreno in the midnight show "Walang Tulugan". It was a platform that the legendary host, actor, director and star discoverer used to catapult careers of teens as he did in the late 80's. There was a lot of opportunity to learn things, to perform and be seen by the public whilst they were there and Sanya was one of them. She's the real life sister of Jak Roberto who also hailed from the same show. Jak has already gotten several shows, appearances, magazine shots, runway shows and what not. Sanya also appeared in the hit show "Half Sisters" which started the love team of Andre Paras and Barbie Forteza. She played the role of Lorna, the best friend of Barbie in the show. I personally watched that show and I didn't get to notice her that much because she was a little tamed, conservative and had to stand behind Barbie all the time.

Now that she's part of Encantadia, she was so happy to have been able to get this particular role. She auditioned for a different one during the first. She then got a call back and auditioned reading the role of Danaya. She felt she was just at the right place, at the right time. When they were announced as the cast of Encantadia, she couldn't believe it at first because in hindsight, she's really a new comer and for the network to trust her that much actually says a lot. She's hoping she could do the role well and perhaps bring life to a Danaya that would be done her way. She doesn't know how the iconic Danaya was done in the past and somehow she wanted to keep it that way because it might hinder her doing it in her interpretation of her persona, rather than copying what Diana Zubiri has already achieved during their run.

I walked with Sanya Lopez during the intimate event they held in SkyRanch Tagaytay and here's our shor but sweet interview with the Encantadia Sanggre. Listen in!

I love the part on how she takes criticisms and make it as something to improve on rather than just dismissing it. She's got big shoes to fill, we know that but she's positive to do a great job doing it her way this time. I jokingly also asked if she must have gotten the role because partly of her physical attributes (oh yes I did ask about that) but she says more than that, she's going to prove that there's more to it. Although during the interview, she wasn't put off by comments about her bumpers and all. I could feel in some way, somehow, she's even proud of it!

In a nutshell, she's really fit for the role. She's undergoing training right now, and when the show starts, you might see a completely different Danaya. One that you would see fall in love, eventually rule her people and be that responsible but feisty sister we've all loved.

Here are some snippets of our rides in SkyRanch, pardon the lameness of talking on camera. I didn't get to do that much rides because it was so hot!

Thank you SkyRanch and GMA Artist Center for letting us tag along with Sanya Lopez! :)

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Big D's Smokehouse Outs New Items on the Menu

I'm a guy who needs a good, hearty meal every now and then and I'm blessed that some of the nicest restaurants are just a stones throw away from where I live in Quezon City. I've been a regular in their Tomas Morato branch but when I was still working in Eastwood City, I was so ecstatic that they also opened a branch right above my office. Situated at the second floor of Eastwood Citywalk is Big D's Smokehouse. This is the second child, a restaurant of Chef Dino Paulo Peralta and his partners that serve southern style - comfort food. It's reminiscent of Cajun or Creole which I've loved for years and I've always gone to this place if I feel a little sad because the food reminds me of home. I mean I'd imagine my home cooking in this level and I'd love to come back to something this good when I get the urge to go out and have dinner with friends and family. I'd do this too if I'm alone. It makes you curl up by the window when it's raining outside and you're about to cry. It comforts you in every sense of the word, but I'd like you to check out the plates so you get to see what I'm talking about.

The Eastwood branch is quite big. The Tomas Morato corner Scout Madrinan branch is a bit small but generally good if you're into dining al fresco. They have an air conditioned room (which I frequent a lot) that's got a wide screen TV, cozy bunk chairs and the whole Morato branch can probably fit around 50-60 people. The Eastwood branch could probably a bit more than that as they have smoking sections, the seats in the main hall and a couple more in the loft upstairs. If you're into small parties, they can accommodate that there.  

The main hall when you open the restaurant's door looks like a saloon, southwestern/tex mex place which they designed themselves. Quite nice actually, as the walls could very well be your first conversation piece. Chef tells me they plan to spruce it up in a couple of months. Aside from that, they've told me that they're planning to open up a third branch in McKinley around June this year. That's good news for the people staying in BGC and nearby areas, at least you're going to have decent ribs down there. They've got SUPER GOOD ribs in slabs and half slabs, definitely would fit the bill.

We had our appetizers served first! This is their Pulled Pork Platter Nachos. Nothing seems to have made me lose my concentration more but when they mentioned "Pulled Pork". They spent hours on time to do this in their smokers so you get the meat to that quality where it literally falls off the bone. They separate this to strips and put on top home made chips (oh yes they make it themselves!) the usual garnish so you get that beer match going. They've got a real working bar downstairs, with tons of beer and liquor choices so you can easily order one if you see the need to.

This is the kind of thing that you would want to munch on quite slow, but turn out eating half the plate in a few minutes. The smoky pork pieces, the way they smothered it with the right amount of cheese sauce and sourcream, plus a bottle of cold beer, shall I continue? Ha-ha! This is ideally meant to be shared, so if you're in a group or being messed up with your siblings, you can save a lot in just a single order.

This one's their Chili Cheese Puff (of which we thought were just ordinary Hush Puppies). It's quite a nice idea to put in different kinds of cheese so you get that sharp, salty bite in every tater bite. I think you'll also get a hint of mozzarella, Parmesan and roasted pimiento flavor so make sure you order this if you have kids around. You know when you were kids, anything that had cheese on it was LOVE right?

Speaking of love, this was a hit with my peers during our Big D's visit. This is the Steam Pot Shrimp. While I was trying to keep my mind off the shrimp (of which I am allergic to) I couldn't stop myself because they all said the broth was so good. I could already imagine the herbs, the garlic, the caramelized onions all breaking down, sweating, simmering in an almost orange to red broth. They also added a spicy kick, making it richer, that I almost didn't see it because they almost finished the plate.

A perfect morning plate would have been hogging the title of Corned Beef with Dirty Rice. The soft, almost disintegrating, fork tender meat just tastes so fresh than those canned counterparts you have in the pantry. I love this as it's not too salty, it's cured well and the rice that comes with it is fluffy and seasoned well. If you see the one on the bottom, yes that's a hash brown because you need some more carbs with the rice. If this had an egg with it it'll be over the top, it's protein rich but still keep you full after a night shift. We love how that feels.

When it's a feast we want, it's a fest we get! Just look at the amount of protein on this spread! This ladies and gentlemen is called the Big D's Southern Platter. It's the perfect meal for me, anytime, any day! I'm a carnivore, I'm not discounting the fact that going vegan might be healthy but really, how can you not love a full slab of Ribs done hours in the smoker and grill, a mound of cut fries, grilled corn on the cob, pork chop slices, real spiced sausages, grilled chicken and a simple slaw. Imagine how each piece would land on your mouth complete with barbecue sauce spread in an almost 2 1/2 foot plank without the pirate pushing you. There are some really smart people in the kitchen to even think about this lovely offering.

They've already proven how good they are in doing real southern comfort food and these possible new additions to the menu will ease in this year. Their prices are not outrageous and I like how they painstakingly research what to serve for those who love southern cooking. I mean, if you want comfort food then by all means make it the best version of it. I regularly order the giant pulled pork tacos in this place but now they've got MORE to offer and didn't go stagnant. That to me is a good thing. 

 Chef Dino Paulo Peralta's cooking remind me of home. It makes you all warm and fuzzy. It also makes you feel that you get your money's worth because all you get from Big D's Smokehouse is real good food. Now you go and get your horses ready to visit them at the 2nd Floor of Eastwood Citywalk in Eastwood City or the 2nd Floor of POS Building in Scout Madrinan corner Tomas Morato (the brick building right across Il Terrazo). They're also planning to open one in McKinley real soon. Again, if you want real comfort food plus the best ribs in town, try Big D's Smokehouse coz it's the real deal! 

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VIDEO: This Time Premier Night with James Reid and Nadine Lustre

It's already May 4 which means you've got the chance to watch James Reid and Nadine Lustre's latest movie This Time. It's a story about two childhood sweethearts who ended up loving each other but never had a real relationship. They're also doing this with distance between them, but when things got complicated James' character suddenly wanted more. 

I don't want to spoil things for you so you have to watch it today. Please make sure you share this article to friends so they could see this video. This is what happened last night during the premier night. It was crazy, it was undoubtedly one of the most crowded events I've ever been. Not surprised though because we're talking about OTWOLISTAS and JaDines here. You can see this video on Youtube.com/kumagcow or Facebook.com/kumagcow

I already toned down the volume but the screams were just too loud! You can hear them right? Enjoy!

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MODÈLE Philippines Go-See Schedule

I hope my model friends get to see this!

PMAP or Professional Models Association of the Philippines is such a big deal in the industry that almost every model I know wants to be in it. True to form, they've launched some of the most illustrious careers, whether domestic or international, plus the current Ms. Universe Philippines 2016. So to say, they're the best there is in the industry and now they're looking for new models of influence in a search called "MODÈLE PHILIPPINES". 

The GO-SEE will be held this Saturday, May 7th at the F1 Hotel in BGC. Female models are required to wear little black dresses, minimal makeup whilst the men are required to wear black muscle shirts and jeans. You will also be required to wear swimwear for the go-see. If you see this apt for you, go ahead and contact them through 09178304300. I'll also be there to cover so you better be ready!

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PMAP

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