Our good looking boy Arjo Atayde is now officially Quezon City's 1st District Congressman as he took his oath at the EVM Convention Center at Central in Quezon City. During this momentous event, he was with fellow congressmen, respective city councilors, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto and lovely Mayor Joy Belmonte. The inauguration was officiated by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and was witnessed by Arjo's proud father Art Atayde and gorgeous actress Ria Atayde (Arjo's sister). Ria also took Bible Bearer responsibilities for the occasion.
Arjo has garnered over 112,457 votes in Quezon City's 1st District, an overwhelming win that composed almost 67% of total votes from his constituents. Congressman Arjo also has hit the ground running (and working) as he also filed several bills he always talked about even before the campaign trail.
For starters is HB 457 that aims to declare Quezon City asn the Film and TV Arts capital of the country, HB 458 which aims to upgrade existing QC Gen Hospital into a Medical Center, HB 459 which is a bill about occupational safety for artists and workers in the movie and TV sector, HB 460 that is a bill that prohibits discrimination against genders, expressions, and its penalties (SOGIE), HB 461 which is the magna carta for Barangay Health workers, and lastly the HB 462 with the aim of putting up the Philippine Virology Science and Technology Institute and appropriate funding for it.
Hopefully, these would all be met, amended, voted on and passed in the congress. He's most probably planing on delivering this fast, and put those which he plans to prioritize this term done not just for his constituents, but the Filipino people. He also met recently with Mayor Joy Belmonte to align with her programs, I bet that's a pretty good start.
Congratulations Congressman Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde! I wonder how this will affect his acting projects and international career, but more excited about how his public service pan out in the next few years.
It looks like school season is back and with that, we've got to have inspiration to make the youth study further, so the good looking guys of SB19 obliged and made the afternoon extra fun as Acer Philippines and Adidas partner up to bring the A game this season. Think of this as a treat to the hundreds/thousands of A'Tins that weren't able to go to the Mall of Asia central atrium. Happy? Haha!
I'm starting to think that I've become a PPOP fan boy as the Philippines continue to showcase some of the most talented groups in the country. Recently, I was invited to a KUMU event as they got my personal favorite girls Calista, and groups G22, Dione, Press Hit Play, VXON, 1ST.ONE and KAIA.
Calista's Anne, Olive, Dain, Denise, Elle and Laiza were all smiles meeting the press and fans, they prepared mighty good for the short performance they were gonna do during the event. Clad in femme fatale pop outfits, they were like special candies, sweet and lovely! After their very successful VAX TO NORMAL concert last April, they still managed to do rehearsals together. Honestly, I was impressed with what they showcased in Araneta Coliseum last April and hope that they'd bring the concert in other countries after that. It was world class, best of all, it's dedicated to frontliners which have been boldly doing their job during the pandemic. Artists like the talented Yeng Constantino, dance princess AC Bonifacio, hearthrob Elmo Magalona, popular actress Andrea Brillantes, the incomparable Darren, and good looking dance phenom Ken San Jose performed there as well. Here's a short interview with Calista during the KUMU signing:
Partnering with KUMU will not just give Calista the ability to entertain with games, songs, dance and performances, but real time talk with fans who would want to connect with them on a personal level. I imagine them getting to know the girls and their personalities, all the more reasons to stan them especially when these ladies want to inspire people. The girls also surprised me when they answered that they're not in the PPOP industry to compete with other groups, but to become a force that brings people together so they could both bring honor to the country. And as I mentioned earlier, they were really eager to do that by planning collaborations in the coming months, they also have several events lined up where they will be performing with the other groups which makes this even more exciting!
Exciting times for Calista together with Tyrone Escalante Arist Management and KUMU
Aside from these ladies from Calista, we also got to talk with G22, a pop group under Cornerstone Entertainment Inc. They were a charming bunch of ladies, very eloquent and I love how they've got serious pipes when they performed during the event. They present a different flavor, and had a sultry kind of vibe.
G22 from Cornerstone Entertainment
Sorry for the background noise as we were in a real coffee shop when this interview happened, but this is the first time I've gotten to talk to them, they could pass beauty queens bar none.
DIONE on the other hand got me cackling a bit, like their outfits, their personality was actually very colorful. I love how playful and game they were answering questions from the press. Joyden, DK, Clara and Ella were just so nice, they'll surely go places. They're also excited about what will happen on the KUMU app because they've only had a couple of events where they get to talk to their fandom called TALI/ES, and this just gives them an avenue to interact with them more because there will be instances of chatting with them personally on the app.
Here's a short interview with them that afternoon:
PPOP Girl Group KAIA on the other hand banked on really good rap lines. The vocals are all impressive, which goes to prove that Filipinos are a force to be reckoned with in singing. Their style is swag, and I like how varied things are in the PPOP girl groups, each has a different thing to present even if they are in one venue. This is a win for fans as they've got a lot of groups to enjoy in the platform.
The fierce ladies of KAIA
Angela, Charice, Alexa, Sophia and Charlotte also has a single called BLAH BLAH which I had so much fun hearing during the event. They sang live and judging from their previous videos, they've improved so much by leaps and bounds. I'm glad there's more talented artists like them in the country, we're not being shortchanged by KAIA. Their music is so much fun and danceable!
These good looking guys are from VXON, Cornerstone Entertainment's boy group
If good looks were a crime, these boys from VXON would be in jail for a long time. I think some of them are actors too, so basically they're all triple threats. They also write their own songs which is a plus in the artistry department. They have sacrificed a lot and looking at their performances, they're doing so good. I wouldn't be surprised if Vixies would be screaming their lungs out when they perform on stage, these are golden boys. C13, Sam, , Patrick, Vince, Franz would gladly do that for you.
These guys are called 1ST.ONE
Style wise, I could liken them to JPOP groups, but they're definitely Filipino. Some of them rap, sing, and boy, can they perform. Ace, Max, Alpha, Joker, J, Jayson, Gift also have different personalities, but they gel as a group. The pandemic was quite tough for them just like with the other groups but they knew they had to stick together in order to succeed. They're continuing to learn the ropes and happy that they now got to perform with other groups, I think their strong suit is vocals. Joining KUMU made them grateful for all the opportunities that are given them especially now that restrictions are easing and performances on stage are coming back. They're raring to get to the top, hungry for it and if talent would be the measure of that, these boys would be up there!
Press Hit Play Meet Press Hit Play's Charles, Yuuki, JP, , Zi.O and Sev
Very nice and humble guys, they thanked KUMU for giving them and the rest of the groups the platform to showcase their talent and provide entertainment for Filipinos here, and the rest of the world. I'd mistake them for crooners because their singing voice would be the type that would make ladies legs become jelly, but their dance routines are equally good. They're very excited to interact with fans as they couldn't do that for several years because of COVID restrictions. They write their own songs, so it's very personal. Tell Me is out on streaming platforms so if you love them, might as well stream it today!
I love where this is going, we've got talented artists showcasing their talents to be seen in the world stage. The difference I guess PPOP is giving now through this is the "connection" as we're mostly known to be emotional people. That really sets us apart, and I'm glad these ladies and gents are thankful for the opportunity thrown to them.
You may download the KUMU app on the App Store or Google Play Store today. It's free!
There's no other opportune time to celebrate freedom and self expression than this PRIDE month. Just like the colors of the pride flag, each one takes proper representation, so you can be yourself, and express in many ways without judgement of fear from any oppressor. Just like as Globe always says, "Atin ang Mundo!" (the world is ours!)
Make the celebrations worthwhile by getting involved in the community, join volunteer groups and participate in projects initiated by various LGBTQIA+ orgs and causes you believe in. Don't fret if you're single, the GlobeOne app has restaurant vouchers (if you try spinning the wheel) so you can date yourself at Kraver's Canteen, Flowerstore and more!
If all else fails and you don't wanna go out, have a party at home and stream Pride hits from Mother Monster Lady Gaga, Madonna (if you are not married by this time lol), or Cher if you're retired, I'm joking of course! Any track that makes you empowered, proud and eager to spread charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent would do.
If you want to spend the day with bae, go binge watch your favorite BL, GL or LGBTQIA+ series on Netflix, Viu, Amazon Prime or iQIYI. You can subscribe through Globe and watch KDrama series, Hollywood movies all day! Check this for starters https://shop.globe.com.ph/entertainment-subscriptions
Don't forget your LGBTQIA+ content creators on YouTube especially the local ones as they thrive on your support. Be it an ally or part of the community, there's so much love to spread around and it all starts with you!
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