MMFF Entry CULION Launches OST and Music Video

This movie feels so special for me because in a way, I got involved in it so personally after visiting Culion a few months ago. I was able to talk to its residents; and see for myself what the place looks like, how the people feel now that the island is getting attention now that an entry to the Metro Manila film festival is named and being told for the world to see. It is now becoming evident that people look at it now at differently, to hopefully give the former Hansen’s disease colony a new light, as it deserves to be the new destination for tourism, for business to flourish and perhaps get the spotlight it deserves; because it is just so beautiful. 

The film just recently launched it’s official soundtrack and music video sung by Ms. Joanna Ampil, a heavily awarded Filipino singer who has performed in Broadway and London’s West End in different musicals. It’s called “Kundimang Mahal”, which music was done and composed by Felipe M. De Leon Jr., Lyrics by Michael Coroza and produced by Francis Salazar specifically for the film. The music video also includes some of the participation of its cast members Yam Mercado, Denise Nayve and Mike Liwag. They also included some of the scenes of Culion the movie in it so you kinda get a glimpse of what you’ll be expecting come December 25.

Ms. Gillie Sing the Executive Producer says “This afternoon this reminded me that this is the first presscon after we got accepted in MMFF. This is also going to be the launch of our MTV which includes our much awaited theme song, thank you so much for your support.”

Broadway star Joanna Ampil says “I am very honored to have been able to sing this song entitled “Kundimang Mahal” composed by Felipe De Leon with lyrics by Michael Coroza. They gave me the story behind this song and the lyrics. They also have me insight about the movie, that’s where I saw the connection too.”

Meryll Soriano says “We treat each other as sisters, we do what we can and we are blessed as actors that we could do something of this magnitude, to be there early, we had time to bond before the shoot. We got used to prosthetics after the third day, but the shoot had challenges because we had a typhoon during the filming. Our mindset changed when we got accepted in MMFF.

Joem says “I am overwhelmed that I got to do a lot of films with high caliber actors. It was all casted, I did my best and I have a flexible schedule to do films. It just went in sync for Judy Anne, for Iza as well. We are in the stage of being happy, the pressure is off and we are celebrating for people to see this. We want them to see the story of the island and its people."

The Producer Madame Shandi Bacolod says "We gave them the possibilities, the pros and cons. It’s been a tradition (to have more family friendly movies do well at first then the heavily awarded ones second), but there is a market for people who don’t know about it. There is a story, we are tapping even government agencies like DepEd to have their students learn about it. To approve and get permits in the local government took a long time and we presented the script with the church, the mayor, the people, we will do the world premiere in Culion on December 14. That is what we promised them.”

Mike Liwag says “Honestly I am so grateful and thankful to be part of this. I have seen their work and I look up to them, this is my biggest film project and I have had advise doing these scenes. I am excited to see this.”

This song feels so painful, but it still exudes love, passion, quite nationalistic. It's an apt representation of how these all happened during war, how they remained triumphant despite what was happening that era. All the more, Culion is something you should watch this Christmas day during the Metro Manila Film Festival. Stay tuned for updates during the world premiere on December 14 as I will be there. 

Hopefully, you won't see me crying while I'm there.

Locally Super Fruits Out Now!

After doing quite well with their other flavored coconut water line and juices, Locally just came out with a new line of Super Fruits recently, and yes... I loved them all!

Wondragonful, Passiontastic, Mangosteencredible all named after a play with fruits Dragon Fruit, Passion Fruit and Mangosteen. Honestly I thought it was not going to be as good as I thought it would be, or maybe I was expecting it along the line of the sugary sweet ones you often buy in stores, but boy was I wrong. Nutrition facts indicate they only have 11 grams of sugar per serving so this isn't as sweet as those things you see in the same isle. It's naturally tasting, it's like having the actual fruit in your glass, in a drink form. It was amazing! 

The secret lies in the way they sourced these fruits. The Dragon Fruit are mostly from Central Luzon, the Passion Fruit is from Quezon- South Luzon area whilst the Mangosteen are all from Davao, the food basket of the country. It was like all liquid gold, but these things have a lot of benefits because they are considered super fruits. The Dragon Fruit enhances digestion, the Passion Fruit improves insulin sensitivity. The Mangosteen helps boost the immune system. You're simply getting some of the most nutritious fruits inside. You don't even have to buy a whole lotta fruit to get it.

My personal favorite is the Passion Fruit and Mangosteen, they're all gonna make me healthy. I just got a few of them in my fridge right now. I'm gonna have to take a close watch as everyone at home loved it. I might not have enough to last the whole week.

Anyway, you should go get them fr leading groceries and supermarkets because it only costs 120 on retail. Have you tasted it already? What do you think? :)

Boy Abunda Endorses AMA OEd Master's and PhD Programs

AMA was a dream school since the 90's. Everyone who wanted to be in the IT school if they wanted to work in the industry. They have long been the institution that only provides that, because these days they've already grown to be a full blown University offering different courses to Filipinos here and abroad. As you may have known, they have been offering AMA University Online Education for years now via amauonline.com. In a recent study, around 38% of college graduates earn more than non college grads in the country. Being equipped with a diploma gives a better chance for an individual to land a good paying job and yes, they have been able to produce graduates here and around the globe by providing courses apt for OFW's and ordinary joes, so really there is no reason not to get proper education these days.

AMA University Online Education also offers Senior High for new enrollees, ALS passers and trasferees too. It gave a lot of people access to education even in the comforts of their own home. Today at a press conference in Greenhills, they just announced the availability of AMA OEd Master's and PhD programs with their new spokesperson Dr. Eugenio "Boy" Abunda. Oh, and before I forget, he's going to be part of the academe. The affair was also witnessed by AMA Department heads and executives, members of the media and tons of TV stations.

AMAOED CEO Christopher Satulan adds "Welcome to everyone. We are happy he accepted to be our endorser, when we started 5 years ago we didn't know how this would be accepted. Today we understand how Filipinos have the hunger of finishing their education and also further it. We are so glad Dr. Abunda is going to be part of it."

Tito Boy Abunda as most friends and colleagues call him, has a Bachelors degree in Communication Arts from PWU, and earned a Masters of Arts degree and also conferred a Doctorate Degree for Philosophy in Social Development.

Tito Boy says "When I started hosting I didn't finish my studies, I forgot that I had no diploma because I was busy working. I promised this to my mom and dad, I graduated a few years after and I went for my masters after a few years. I was supposed to interview in Cebu when I had to defend my thesis. My adviser and I met in a bar because it was the only thing open that time. During that time I had the luxury of having an adviser. I was questioned a lot about it and I agreed with their observation back then, and I wanted to do the corrections that same instant. They agreed and I continued, they gave me my grades and I passed. For my Doctors degree, it was super difficult because it was consultative. Defending that, had so much of a burden. In AMA you can defend it online. In my experience it was scary and sacred, it had to be new and included maternal love as a tool. It got me broken, I almost backed out, but I realized I had to finish it as a last step. I didn't even need to because I had a good job, I just came prepared and the experience was embedded in my system. I continue to bear that until now. When they spoke to me after that defense, Dr. Manalili told me I was going back to my core. To be aware about the presence of my parents in my life. He was happy I defended it, but he wanted the spirit of my work to show because it was maternal love. I encourage everyone to go for it, even if I talk about showbusiness or social issues, education can broaden your perspective about everything. You start from not knowing, and that journey is education. This can give it to you at your pace, and at the end of it you will carry it til the end. Thank you for the opportunity."

Ms. Mikah Colingo the Sales and Marketing Head for AMAOED "We have a series of programs in IT, Computer Education, BA and Public Administration. Doctorate degrees for IT as well..The usual TOR, Diploma, is needed... it is affordable. It could cost around 4k per subject. It depends on the units."

No matter how young you are, wherever you are in the world, as long as you have access to the internet, you can learn at your own pace, get that AMA OEd Masters and PhD programs from AMA University. If you have inquiries about the courses and fees, just go to amauonline.com and chat with their representatives. They also have email and social channels, all you have to do is ask. Is it time for you to further your career? Finish that degree and get a masters/PhD? The time is now!

Macao Imperial Tea Opens 100th Store!

We're spending our morning at Macao Imperial Tea's celebration of their 100th store in the Philippines and what better way to do it but by occupying the whole Entertainment are of Robinsons Manila. They call it Macao Imperial Tea: 100th Store Bash. As you may know, this brand is under Fredley Group of Companies which is the same brand that handles NABE Japanese Izakaya, Mitasu Yakiniku and 107 Co-Working Place. They have long gone from their humble beginnings at their first branch in Banawe.

Today they also have offered the public the Fredley Elite Card which can give you reward points, twice your load, free original milktea and a 3% cashback after purchase. The event was witnessed by Vice Mayor Lacuna and Faraday Go VP of the Robinsons Land Corporation. Alvin Ong of Fredley Group of Companies says "This is our way of thanking the public for their strong support. We are now looking forward to new heights, more stores in the country soon! Thank you for celebrating with us today! Our story comes from the passion over great food and drinks. We want to be a place where family and friends converge, this is our 100th store in the country. Our brand is the leading the milktea market in the Philippines. We listen, relate and connect, we continue to do various CSR initiatives and this event is our huge thank you to everyone who made us successful. There will be more things to come, we are excited to have 200 stores in 2020. Thank you and good morning!"

They have also guest Vloggers Mimiyuuuh and Benedict Cua, tons of other influencers and Up Dharma Down performing on stage this afternoon. There are also tons of games which you can join so you can win bear cups, tons of other things from Macao Imperial Tea. I got my goal of having a photo with the gigantic Macao Bear :) that made me smile!

Now head on to Robinson's Place Manila for this three day fair. Make your Macao Imperial Tea dreams come true!