KALEL, 15 Shows On Theaters Today

Fresh from their win at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival for Best Director, the film Kalel, 15 will be shown on theaters today on theaters nationwide. Elijah Canlas is the young lead actor for this project and yes, he has gotten the admiration of several members of the jury and the audience during their premiere night at the same festival. The story revolves around a 15 year old student who is  a Son of a priest and is HIV positive. 

“Working with a large cast of mostly very young actors he has made a film which feels deeply -rooted in the everyday lives of its characters. His film pulls away from the sticking-plaster from the wound of the AIDS epidemic among young people of the Philippines and exposes the terror and violence that this crisis imposes on them. It’s a passionate and concerned film about lives we never see in the West.” – Jury comment, Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival

They let us in on some things that happened during the shoot, Elijah shared “The production made an alter account for me and it had tons of followers the next day. It had my body shots but it had stickers so it didn’t show me. I had to lose weight, no abs, just an ordinary boy. I had to eat two apples for two or three weeks. If the scrip calls for it and I trust the director, I will do anything. If Direk Jun is shooting it, I am good. I just finished “He who is without sin” with Enzo Pineda and that will show soon. I am thankful Ms Jaclyn has been so good to me, also Tito Eddie Garcia. They are on a different league and caliber, it was just an honor to have been able to work with him. He advised me to always be early, learn the script and always be kind to everyone on set. It’s what I do now as an actor, I will forever be grateful for that advise.”

Director Jun Robles Lana also shared some of his future plans and adds “We are talking about a movie, perhaps a modern version of macho dancers. For now there are no plans yet, maybe with the same cast and a different script. We’ll have to see how it materializes soon. I am so honored to have been able to win the Best Director award in Estonia. I hope this resonates with people, but it was an entirely different audience and I was so surprised about their reaction. You would need to understand the reaction of his parents, his community and how society accepts him. He will tell his story, his secrets, if it comes out or not. I am grateful to have the honor of working with Eddie Garcia, I have had many opportunities to work with him and I haven’t seen anyone of his caliber.”

He adds "From the time I presented this project at the 2014 Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum, the story has evolved into a more complex narrative.  After years of research and interviews, what started out as a mere tale of secrets and scandal became an examination of youth culture, particularly young people in peril, and a society that cares so little about them… On the surface, the movie is about a young boy’s struggle to belong and embrace life’s complications. But on a deeper level, it is about all of us, our search for meaning in a world where the very institutions we’re supposed to look up to are weighed down with hypocrisy, dishonesty and deception.”

Here’s a short interview we did a few days ago.

Kalel, 15 will interest you about the plight of teens with HIV, their lives and the stigma attached to the condition. It is something that teens should watch, to educate, hopefully even the generations who still think and take things lightly. Go watch it on theaters today December 18. This is under Cignal Entertainment, Octobertrain Films and The IdeaFirst Company. Cast also includes Elora Españo, Cedrick Juan, Sue Prado and Gabby Padilla. Go see it for its merits!

UNIQLO's Give The Gift of LifeWear

It's the holidays and what better way to spend it than shopping right? Well no, our friends from UNIQLO had a different idea. Today we were with kids from Bantay Bata 163 and the SOS Children's Village so they could experience the same, shop for their own gifts provided for by Uniqlo as they Give the Gift of LifeWear. Funny as it sounds, I haven't heard of it until today. Apparently, they have been doing this since they have set up shop in the Philippines (around seven years) and they bid this as an annual event. A pretty way to give back to the community.

I kinda snooped in on their activity, seeing them choose essentials such as shirts, shorts, sweats, underwear and socks had me felt so happy they are doing this. As you may know, some of them are neglected, abandoned or victims of violence and these organizations are helping them live normal lives. To ultimately be productive and independent. Good thing there are private corporations that are helping them too.

Kids were all super happy about their hauls, I could imagine, they have new clothes now which they can wear not just for the holiday season, but the whole year round! 

As part of the treat, lovely Lea Salonga sang a few Christmas songs for them. Jose Mari Chan followed suit and gave a duet with the Disney princess, ahh it was just like listening to a concert, I'm sure the kids felt so loved!

Thanks to the volunteers, the Uniqlo staff who helped them to choose their outfits. There were about 120 of them but it was organized, I'm sure next year there would be more. Keep this going UNIQLO! It warms my heart knowing you are also doing this in different communities in the country but you're not even saying you do. Bless your heart!

Oh and for those who would like to help, Uniqlo also collects old but usable clothes which they give to far flung communities, you should do that if you have extras. It goes to good people.

 

BRIA Expands In More Cities Nationwide

Finding a house these days is easy. Making it a home is another story. It has to have a lot of things like schools (so your children can study), a church (so you can thank HIM for all the blessings), a workplace (so you wouldn’t have to travel too far and be in traffic all the time) and a community that thrives so you and your family can live peacefully, and happy.

Good thing BRIA is now expanding to more areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. To date, they’ve got about 50 projects in different towns and cities in the Philippines. This is why they’ve attracted a lot of people from professionals to home owners, living harmoniously as neighbors. They have always stood by their promise of quality and affordability. As they know it is the perfect formula to build a home, which is happening all over the country.

BRIA communities are flourishing and developed in Luzon (Bataan, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and Camarines Sur) also in Visayas (Samar, Leyte, and Negros Oriental) and in Mindanao (Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Davao Del Norte, Davao Del Sur, South Cotabato, and North Cotabato). See them for yourself in different cities and ask why they chose to be there. 

They have eco-spaces,  recreational facilities like basketball courts, to form bonds with community members. Aside from that, they also care about homeowners safety and security, BRIA developments have perimeter fences, guarded entrances and exits. They also have 24/7 CCTV coverage in important areas.

You can have your very own BRIA home and lot for as low as Php 1,897 per month. They also have flexible payment methods through bank financing and Pag-IBIG fund. You just have to choose from BRIA’s lot packages. The Elena is a 22-square-meter unit on a 36-square-meter lot. The Bettina,l is a 44-square-meter unit on a 36-square-meter lot and Alecza, a 36-square-meter unit on an 81-square-meter lot. If you prefer, you can opt for the compact 24-square-meter condo units which BRIA also has.

They are still growing, so make sure you ask how you can own one too! Call them via (0966) 277 5944, or like their “Bria Official” Facebook page or their IG and Twitter account via “@TheBriaOfficial”. It’s all there!

Worry Free Holiday Dinners from Chef Laudico GUEVARRA’S

I know this holiday season is getting you all crazy. Everyone is just in panic mode because you haven’t done your groceries, you haven’t gone over or done your Christmas shopping, and oh... you haven’t prepared your menu yet for Christmas eve Noche Buena and Media Noche for New Year. I’m here to tell you about a fix for that, because no other than Chef Rolando Laudico and  Chef Jac Laudico is whipping out their favorites for your Christmas feast!

Only Guevarra’s has been able to put a lot of effort on Filipino food done the right way. Ones that are au naturelle, strictly enforcing no MSG to food, making everything from scratch with only the best ingredients. I have had the opportunity of experiencing that during my birthday weekend as I had a lot of people at home. I didn’t want to tire mom as she’s been working hard these past few days putting up our Christmas Tree and ornaments so our home looks ready. How can you not love this scrumptious, Pork Bellychon.

This came to my house fresh, piping hot from the oven, all still crispy and yes, it’s made of dreams! It’s got the right amount of spice, hints of lemon grass and definitely not salty. The Lechon Sauce was sent on a separate tray which I prepped on separate bowls so everyone on the table would have a share. I put in a few teaspoons full of chili because I like it spicy! I sliced off the meat, it was already all boneless so I didn’t need to do so much. All you have to do is out white rice on a plate and serve! They know how to do lechon, and this one had crispy candy like skin, plus flavorful meat that permeated all throughout the length of the pork. If I could only have this everyday and not get wide, I would gladly do so! Oh and the rest of the lechon became good Lechon Paksiw made by my Mom the next day! (Make sure you consume this as soon as it gets to your home, you wouldn’t want cold lechon right?!)

A birthday wouldn’t be complete without cake. I am quite simple to please and yes, my favorite flavor is mocha. Their version is not overly sweet which I adore! I am trying to cut down on sugar so these days when I can, I can’t let a slice pass! I hurriedly put this on a cake display and had it for dessert. The mocha buttercream made me close my eyes a few times, I love you Chef Jac! Hehe! I have fed a little over 8 people and still had more food the next day. We didn’t even have to cook, we just ordered it off Chef Laudico Guevarra’s, and it became Handaan Kahit Saan!

Now it’s your turn to make your lunch, dinners all hassle free. Time your deliveries in parties so you get it fresh, hot and fast. Mom had a grand time without worrying much about the menu because everything in Guevarra’s have always been so good! They also have Beef Kaldereta, Kare Kare, Roasted Chicken Sinampalukan, Party Spaghetti, Pansit in different forms, cakes in different flavors, so just sit and just enjoy the holidays! 

These guys know what they’re doing, and it’s so good! Call them via 027051811, 027051874, 09173112222. Never worry about Christmas dinner again!