Banking on Talented Cast, Controversial but Realistic Story: "TAHAN"

It was a fun afternoon meeting the cast of upcoming sultry, suspense-thriller movie called TAHAN, which will be directed by Bobby Bonifacio Jr. under 3:16 Media Network. Tough Executive Producers John Bryan Diamante and Ms. Janilyn Carrillo deem unnecessary to think that this would be a challenge to do while we're all going through the pandemic because the material and story written by talented Quinn Carrillo (who's also part of the cast) was already enough reason to do this film. Bryan Diamante stresses that even though this is his first venture into the production side of the industry, he's got total trust with 3:16 Media Network. His goal is not just to create a quality movies like these... but learn the ropes while he's wearing the production hat in hopes to make even bigger stories come to life.  

He says "I'm glad that right now, things are easing up a bit. People are looking for interesting stories, Quinn really made a really good script and I'm very excited about it. I know this will certainly be something that people would love to see."

I've noticed that they've gotten no shortage of passion. Seeing how eager they are to tell the story (even if there are some really disturbing subjects in the story line) you wouldn't be able to just concentrate on it because of the realistic parts that would make anyone certainly connect with the characters in the movie. Lead star Cloe Barreto says "It's not that difficult and I think I'm equipped to do this. It's actually really exciting to see that I'm going to work with JC Santos and my idol Ms. Jaclyn Jose. People are going to learn a lot from the story, this is coming from the point of view of the daughter. She's gone through a lot and it will teach people that these things happen in real life."

Executive Producers John Bryan Diamante and Janilyn Carrillo

Here's our video coverage of the story conference which includes a few questions answered by the cast. Please, enjoy!

Again, the cast includes Cannes Best Actress Ms. Jaclyn Jose, the very talented actor JC Santos, writer and actress Quinn Carrillo, Karl Medina, AJ Oteyza, former pro basketball player Mac Cardona (who was very good looking), indie queen Mercedes Cabral, the funny EJ Salamante, Joseph San Jose (who told us a very inspiring story on how he was able to land this role), Stiff  Banzon and a whole lot more.

This surely looks so PROMISING, judging from the ensemble cast, a different kind of flavor from the usual romcoms you've been seeing released in PH theaters. One can just imagine how feisty Cloe and the cast is who promised they'll be bringing their A game once the camera starts rolling for this film called TAHAN. I can't wait to see it in theaters and digital platforms; they plan to have this out soon.

We wouldn't want to miss how this unfolds!

IKEA: This Is How We Live Photo Exhibit and US and OUR PLANET Book Launch

Saw vloggers Mike and Nelly at the IKEA event

 

 

 

 

 

             

I visited the largest IKEA store in the world at the Mall of Asia grounds a few days ago, and I'm glad I was able to spend a few hours scouring for stuff that I would need in my home. Aside from that, I was there for a very important reason... it was the day where they were opening up a section of their establishment that they would dedicate for the Filipino family. See, IKEA held a photo contest a few months ago (This is How We Live Photo Contest), and the winners stand a chance to win IKEA furniture, plus a studio shoot. They also got to have their entries displayed in different IKEA collateral throughout the year . Needless to say, it was very interesting to see them all in the flesh! Their stories are all inspiring and during the pandemic, it has made them think about what matters most, which is family, friends, and the place they call home. 

Winners of the photo contest, which you'll see in the IKEA exhibit

Here's our video coverage of the event and a little tour of IKEA in the Philippines

 

US and OUR PLANET is a book by Phaidon which they worked with IKEA. It tells the story of different people who live in sustainable homes, in hopes to inspire you and families that it can be done. You may visit the "This Is How We Live" photo exhibit at the Ground Level of IKEA very near the Marina entrance (front left entrance). Admission is free so go visit the biggest IKEA in the world today!

Oh and before I forget, the rumors are true... those IKEA Meatballs are delish! Don't leave the store without ordering it!

Ken Chan's Empire: Opens Second Branch of CAFE CLAUS

Just left Greenhills Promenade while writing this piece as I've attended the launch of CAFE CLAUS at this location, their second one after putting up CAFE CLAUS in Tandang Sora QC. For Ken, this has been a pretty memorable place because his tatay German Moreno aka "Kuya Germs" used to bring him here to unwind and have fun when he was still alive. The new branch has a German Christmas theme as they wanted a different one in every branch they put up, and yes, talks are in the works for putting up about 3 more of these within the year.

 

Their Ensaymada is glistening in gold! Just one of the nice things at Cafe Claus!

Ken and his partners are ecstatic that the first branch is doing well and they've been able to study the market well even if we're still under the pandemic. Food served in this branch still has the classics but will have some special items in the menu that would represent the German them they are executing for the Greenhills branch. We talked to Ken, his partners and chefs about their future plans which seem so exciting especially for those who are in the look for a coffee shop that would make them escape reality while having a cup of joe in their shop (even for just a few hours). Here's what transpired during the launch!

My only question was, is he building his empire? Ken says "I don't know if it's an empire or not, I'm just venturing into businesses that I love, ones that I have passion in and if that means it'll all be successful in the near future, I'd love that!"

In the press conference, they also have confirmed reports about building branches in Eastwood City, Tagaytay City which will also have different themes. So if you're a fan of Ken or just love Christmas, you've got several places to go this year as they expand CAFE CLAUS in Mega Manila. They also have plans to put up one in nearby provinces, pretty soon in Visayas and Mindanao too. I suggest you get the Roast Chicken and Lasagna which is such a hit with regulars at Cafe Claus. They have mean cakes and pastries too that's not too sweet because they do use sugar free options too (perfect for diabetics like me). For those who would want to visit, just go to Greenhills Promenade and find them at the center right at the side of the escalator from the cinemas. Thank you to the super nice people at Cafe Claus Greenhills Promonade, I'll be back there real soon!

Boy Abunda Urges You to Choose #50 and Fabulous!

The King of Talk Boy Abunda always wanted to help improve the lives of the people in his hometown, Borongan in Eastern Samar. It was always in his mind, of which he wished he could do more, to help this place and nearby communities... see it develop even more as its got promise, lots of potential, even as people lived so simple in the countryside.

It's a bit complicated, but he knew it would be a missed opportunity not to do that. Everybody knows t's a very tall order to do that by himself... and he would need help to achieve that. Tito Boy saw Party List #50 "Ang Probinsyano" do work in 2019. As a representative of those who desire development in the rural, far flung areas. Watching from the sidelines, he looked into their achievements during the last 3 years, to figure out if they're party list have been true to their cause, and he wasn't disappointed. He saw how Ang Probinsyano worked hard to bring food, health essentials to isolated communities during the pandemic. They also took time to file bills in congress that aim to increase the quality and give access to education. They also authored bills that would build more infrastructure and give social services to the marginalized communities like fishermen, farmers, artisans and SME's to make them sufficient later on. They also funded projects with them in mind which Boy Abunda also found apt especially if they're in the business of changing lives of people in the provinces, generate jobs right there so they wouldn't have to depend on finding one in metropolitan areas.

This was surely something Boy Abunda have been impressed with. So when the opportunity to become an adviser and volunteer came, as a probinsyano himself, he accepted it with arms wide. He says "When I finally got to know Congressman Afred delos Santos (who is the party's first nominee) I recognized how our dreams were similar and I told him, I'm impressed with what Ang Probinsyano has done for promdis around the country in such a short time. This even with the pandemic happening. That's why I'm willing to help "Ang Probinsyano" in making sure provinces would get the help they need for a better Philippines. I know it's a little confusing in the party list system now, and this is why I'm going around telling people to choose #50 when election day comes as other parties made the list with same sounding names. It's important for them to take note of this so as not to lose a party that worked hard and remain true to their advocacy." He adds "We have to make sure that we choose #50 and fabulous!"

The party is also supported by premiere actor Piolo Pascual, JM de Guzman and social media darling Donnalyn Bartolome. Albeit the difference in age with Tito Boy, he knows how they embraced provincial life and volunteered spreading the word about "Ang Probinsyano" which is slated #50 in the ballot. They want to make sure you get the representation you deserve and help those who are in the province.