TNT Boys Bravely Staging Concert at the Big Dome

World phenomenal Filipino boy group TNT boys Francis Concepcion, Mackie Empuerto and Kiefer Sanchez is braving odds as they stage a concert in historic Araneta Coliseum this November 30 at 8pm. This is produced by ABSCBN Events, TNTV and Star Events whom are all under mother company ABSCBN. It is properly called Listen: The Little Bigshot Concert.

Touching scene: the TNT Boys are also donating an amount to Bantay Bata 163, a foundation who cares for abused and abandoned kids.

Mind you they have already performed for world leaders including Duterte, Papua New Guinea’s Peter O’Neill and last week’s President’s Star Charity with Singapore’s Halimah Yacob. They will be also performing with world class Jed Madela, funny comedienne K Brosas and their Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids fellows Chun Sa Jung, Esang de Torres, Krystal Birmner, Marco Masa, Noel Comia Jr., Onyok Pineda, Sheena Belarmino and viral Taylor Swiftie Xia Vigor. Aside from performing in the Philippines the 3 also did absolutely crazy in Little Bigshots US, UK and Australia. 

If they had a concert of their own Keifer wants Beyonce to be in it, while Mackie wants Sarah Geronimo, Francis wants Arianna Grande

Now make sure you get your tickets at Ticketnet.com.ph or 9115555 because they’ll be belting out their best at the Araneta Coliseum. 

This is just the beginning.

KUMAGCOW 

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Italian Cinema: From Venice to Manila Starts November 14-18

They took some films last year to the Philippines - and this year, they are making it even better.

Why Venice? It is important to take the spotlight because the Venice International Film Festival was done in 1952, the first ever international film festival. This year is also the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and the Philippines. They did a successful one last year and this year they plan to do it in 3 different cities as they showcase 9 films like Una Famiglia, Ammore e malavita, Hannah, The Leisure Seeker, Il Coloren Nascosto Delle Cose, Brutti e Cativi, Gatta Cenerentola, Il Deserto Rosso and Novecento which will be shown in discounted prices of only Php 150 so it could accommodate more people. It will be shown in Central Square in BGC, Greenbelt 3, and in UP Town Center which students and film aficionados will also be able to take advantage of.

FDCP’s Lisa Diño says “It is expensive and almost impossible for them to bring these selection of films to our country. We also see different kinds of animation, we need things like these from different parts of the world. We understand we have the opportunity to grow beyond the 100 years of Philippine cinema. We have films out there but only in festivals, we need to have opportunities to watch these films so we can learn how to do it on the world stage, it’s only Php 150 and I hope people take advantage of these beautiful award winning films.”

Pailo Bertola who will be also teaching the graphic effects masterclass says “Thank you for the opportunity, thanks for the chance to teach students about graphics and effects and working even without a big budget which will help a lot of indie film makers. (FVX Design) The masterclass will be held in UP Diliman, at the School of Design and the arts of St. Benilde and at the Cinematheque of the Film Development Council of the Philippines. We will teach also the business side and commerce.” Aside from him, Davide Mancori and Franco Eco will teach sound engineering and cinematography from November 12-14 in UP, Benilde and FDCP in Manila.

Now you have the chance to see it all, you have to go to the masterclass from 12-14 and watch the films from 14-18, go do yourself a favor and up your game in film making.

KUMAGCOW 

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The Executive Lounge Restaurant at The Malayan Plaza

Luxury Private Dining is much of an experience that everyone should get. I’ve been in quite a few but this one which happened a few nights ago was pretty special. It was amongst food blogging industry friends set at the Malayan Plaza Hotel’s 33rd Floor. The setting reminded me of an upscale atelier but without a designer this time. It was us, the Executives of the hotel, the Chef who was cooking a storm in the kitchen and a couple of servers who made sure we were comfortable while we dined.

The place is apt for private dining. The table was set for a little over 10 people, daisy art on the napkins, table runner ran from end to end with gold accents and trims, plus faux candle light here and there. It was pretty stiff and quiet on my side whilst it was a little crazy on the other, but we didn’t mind.

We all knew this 10 course dinner was going to be epic. 

The canapes arrived while we were stationed in the holding area, one had chopped eggs and mayo dressing, the other was more on the savory side with mushrooms. It was nice.

The appetizers comprised of the Quesillo Con Tomate, Chorizo Pamplona and Manchego, Adobar con Carne and Tuna Tartare - all served in one plate. Saying it’s a mouthful is an understatement. The Quesong Puti was the perfect pair for the fresh tomatoes, herbs and garlic. The chorizo felt quite good with the salty manchego and the ligjt drizzle of white truffle oil, it is so addicting to tell you honestly because me and truffle are like brothers, we are very good together LOL. The Adobar con Carne though wasn’t as soft as I wanted it to be, perhaps a little over done or might not have rested, but the flavor profile is there, it was a bit heavy that I’d consider it part of the main course. The Tuna Tartare was good though, very light and you could really feel a little kick (tad smoky) prolly because of the paprika, chili and wasabi they put on it.

This is the Almejas Mejillones con Escabeche. It's clams and mussels with croutons and a broth made of stock and wine, plus a few herbs. It is very light, but a perfect way to start the meal.

The Basil and Honey Mule was not too strong, just right to accompany the slew of strong flavors they introduced us with. They pair drinks with your dinner components so expect to be a little fun that usual if you get hit.

Some good things off the menu include this Talakitok con Misono which is Jackfish and Tuna sashimi with misono jus, their own fresh salsa and beet paste. I adore white fish with wine, this is more on the savory side. 

Their version of Callos was topped with mashed potatoes, my blogger friends and I was trying to find bits or maybe slices of chorizo but the chef did a spin on it and only included the flavor. It had tripe but almost none of the stench, so this is okay.

Love on a plate, this is their best dish that evening called Shitake Wagyu Bar. It's Wagyu beef grilled to medium doneness, infused with Shitake mushroom flavors, herbs and more. It was earthy and savory, felt deep because of the flavor profile they wanted to achieve means watching the cooking process like a hawk, the right temperature and all that drama. It was well worth the wait.

This is the Chef's Bourbon Plate. It's main ingredient was Dragon Fruit, chopped up with orange fruit, like, pear and bourbon cream. I guess they didn't flambe it anymore because the flavor profile they needed was already in the cream, it's a light dessert, not too sweet just as I like it.

For the sweet tooth, the Chef made this Arte De Remo. It's like an oaty revel bar made with cream cheese, oats and dessicated coconut. It was nutty and special which I guess came from crushed pistachios??? So if you love sugar, this would be the better choice. 

The Malayan Plaza has 4 function rooms available on the 32nd and 33rd floor of the building. It's a nice place to hold your banquets, cocktails, events and intimate dinners. If you would like to experience the same thing we had, go call +63 2 7060055 and ask for available slots on schedules. Things fill up immediately so if you're planning for that next birthday dinner, proposal, or just small family gatherings, give them a call okay?

Thank you Chef Aldrin, the GM Ernie Baclayon and thank you to everyone at the Malayan Plaza for re-introducing to us The Executive Lounge. I will be back for more to look for that Wagyu steak and the light desserts. 

Au revoir!

KUMAGCOW

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Maja and Zanjoe Does To Love Some ”Buddy”

Funny and so confident with their answers, we asked questions to Maja Salvador and Zanjoe Marudo, as they tell us a little more information when they made the upcoming movie TO LOVE SOMEBUDDY. It’s a story about two best friends going to that next step in falling in love, a plot that may have been said so many times but they say theirs is a different story.

Here’s part of their interview, sorry there is a nutjob who used his monopod in front.

Maja Salvador said “This would be nice to set an example for friends who would like to go that extra mile, to go the next step and love your best friend. It’s a nice feeling if it works; because it is uncommon to be with someone you are extra comfortable with them. In line with Blacksheep’s very millennial market, this would be something fresh because we haven’t really done anything or paired up, I was wishing for an MMK episode but this happened, when this was offered it was a little crazy because Zanjoe’s schedule is not fitting the bill, I guess it all worked out in the end and it was meant to happen. I could say it may be a best friend movie, but every best friend has a story. I hope we get that same vibe, the happy feeling. Every time we do things we are asked about the artists we work with, when I was asked about this film, I said yes, even if they were hesitating to ask me about it, I said it’s okay and I don’t mind even if they try to connect that past story.”

Zanjoe Marudo says “I am scared but excited because it is a new pairing. It’s easy to do it with Maja because she makes it easy, together with the creatives and Direk, they have crazy ideas and it’s chill on the set. I could call this MajesZ, the dancing duo! I am so happy for the previous projects, I am not thinking of any pressure since they have done quite well with the CarGel movie. Everyone waited for that and we too wanted to see it. Finally they did it and Blacksheep made that film, this would well be a good thing to follow that since they were able to do good in that film.”

Jason Paul Laxamana the director says “The situation is hilarious, this is a story that may have been told so many times on Philippine cinema but for those who have already seen it, it’s very funny.”

I haven’t watched this yet but judging from all the projects of Maja Salvador, this would be a nice team up on screen aside from seeing them merely bonding in events. This is their first try on screen, a good director and fun to see how it all ends. Zanjoe loves Maja’s teeth, while Maja loves Zanjoe’s feet, go see if it’s possible to fall in love with your best friend.

KUMAGCOW 

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