Ready Your Hearts for Himig Handog 2019

What’s up this year? Pretty good stuff. Some returnees, some new ones and among 4,000 entries, they’ve trimmed it down to 12 finalists.

I am excited about Daniel Padilla, he’s going to be collaborating in an entry with Moira in Dan Martel Tanedo’s “Mabagal”. Janella Salvador will do “Nung Tayo Pa” which was written by Rex Torremoro and Elmar Bolaño. Alekzandra Quitalig will do her own work “Alaala” while Eamarie Gilayo will do “Ikaw at Linggo”. Vanya Castor will interpret “Paano Ba” composed by Richanne Jacinto. “Isa Pang Ikaw” composed by Joseph Ponce will be sung by Justin Vasquez. Tj Monterde will be singing “Panandalian” composed by Jerome Arcangel and Cee Jay Del Rosario. Alex Gonzaga will be singing “Please Lang” composed by Michael Aplacador. Joan Da will sing “Sasabihin Ko” composed by LJ Manzano , Davey Langit will do “Simula ng Dulo” which he co wrote with composer Therese Villarante. Ferdinand Aragon’s “Ingat” will be interpreted by I Belong To The Zoo, Janine Berdin will sing “Sayong Mundo” composed by Noah Zuniga.

Hearing the stories behind the songs was just so awesome especially since most of them did this after real life occurrences, plus their very own relationships, as some of them are real life boyfriends/girlfriends.

Andrea Brillantes and Khalil Ramos for The Ghosting

It looks like Reality Entertainment is giving us another reason to be afraid and wonder as they bring us this mystery-horror film called The Ghosting. It stars budding superstars Andrea Brillantes and Khalil Ramos.

The movie is set in an asylum and Andrea had to spend some time there. Pretty rough as you may understand but they had to do this for immersion’s sake. Khalil has definitely gone strides in making his mark as a quality actor after doing several indie films. You can say this is a little bit of everything, liken to the sudden disappearance of Grace Elizaga with the Solante urban legend. Khalil’s character Ken will to save her before it’s too late. Will they be able to do this without getting in danger? I doubt!

The Ghosting will be shown in cinemas on August 28, 2019. This is Directed by Joey de Guzman for Reality Entertainment.

Serenitea Trivia Nights Tour

Serenitea has been a hit in my books. With their Brown Sugar Taho becoming a staple every visit, I’ve also convinced my whole family to love it too. Not that they needed convincing but pretty much, you can expect we’re going back. Their other milkteas and fruit tea blends are also best sellers, but the brand has since launched several food items to go with your drink. They’ve done a remarkable job and take pride in these Taiwan inspired snacks. Though just recently, they have launched the Jumbo Snacks size of the Pepper Corn, Wings, Pepper Tofu, Thai Tofu, Fries and Dip and Chicken Chops. It’s basically double the size but you get it cheaper versus ordering two of the regular sizes ones. Isn’t that neat?

Plus a new activity is popping up on several Serenitea stores. It’s called SERENITEA TRIBIA NIGHTS which will happen in selected Mega Manila branches. If you’re a couple, or going with barkadas, just get about 5 people in your team to join. Just pay 300 bucks and you’ll get 300 GC consumable for the night, a Serenitea x Sesame Street Giveaway and Serenitea merch. We tried it out for fun and winning was just in our dna hahaha!

If you win like we did, you get to take home Serenitea merchandise, 300 Serenitea GC’s with no expiry and legit Sesame Street Merchandise. It’s like really paying for your usual bill, but enjoying the game and the chance to win fun Sesame Street items! Just look at my awesome bedroom slippers!

This will happen in Serenitea branches in UP Town Center on August 22, Robinsons Gamma on August 29, Resorts World on September 5, Banawe on September 12, San Juan on September 19, Congressional on September 26, Exchange Regency on October 3, Greenfield on October 10 and Festival Mall on October 17. Make sure you register your team early (2 weeks) on branches mentioned because this will be an awesome way to have fun with friends, and your family! I think I’ll join the one in Banawe which is kinda near me. You should brush up on General Info, Hollywood Movies, Tech, Fashion, Local Showbiz, Music, Pop Culture, Food and your School Subjects. I mean, who doesn’t wanna have Big Bird, or Elmo, or Cookie Monster. I love it!

Still Human - A Film That Needs To Be Seen

Just got off the private screening of Still Human. A film made and produced by organizations in Hong Kong. It was indeed a masterpiece, starring Anthony Wong and Crisel Consunji. Shot entirely in the progressive financial district, it talks about the life of an OFW in Hong Kong and local elderly man who initially had hesitations having a Filipina maid but got to like her after a few days. It was so nice and fresh, it wasn’t an entirely depressing sob story but you will surely cry especially on scenes about family, sacrifice, and how the female lead star Crisel ended up with her character - to achieve hope, to dream with the help of her employer.

Crisel Consunji says “Went to Hong Kong and told myself I had to make a difference, I was taken aback when I saw women that are empowered that they didn’t need my help. There are many Filipinas in HK 210,000 work in the Domestic Help industry. Some to note are dragon boat rowers, accomplished photographers, mountain hikers, in spite of many odds these are breaking barriers. When I walk in central, I see people like me, but I think now is a wonderful time to listen what they have to say. This film is called Still Human. Working with a legend was blissful, he was generous, you can’t expect anything else. He is very outspoken, he wasn’t even paid for it. He said “Because it is high time we cast Filipinas as they are part of our society.” I gave them a call and auditioned, he treated the story with respect and I felt I cannot not be part of this. I did two scenes and exchanged ideas during the process and got it.”

True enough, they have been nominated in several categories, won Best Actor for Anthony Wong and Best New Performer + a Best Actress nomination for Crisel. She’s also the first Filipina to do so and they’re changing things in HK society. Anthony revered this as an acting piece and didn’t even ask for payment to do the project. This is under No Ceiling Film Productions and have yet to be commercially released in the Philippines. I was expecting less about the story, but they definitely touched me, and over delivered. This needs to be seen and trust me, even if you’re a grown man, you will feel it.

Get in touch with the artist if you are interested to do it.