Marites Allen: Letting it Be, Letting it Go in the Year of Wood Dragon

It's almost 2024, and yes, we're raring to know what would happen to us in the Year of the Wood Dragon. In Chinese Zodiac, Dragons have the innate ability to lead, yes they are born leadeers. If you're raring to get a kid these days, this is the opportune time to do it. Dragons are also diplomatic, but they can be very funny if needed too. They have the ability to do good in business, they also don't hold back giving, the generous ones get the perks.The Queen of Feng Shui Ms. Marites Allen gave us a few things to look forward to in the Year of the Wood Dragon.

The essentials of course are all in the Almanac and Planner that they have available for 2024. It's a collectible, hopefully will have value in the near future. They also announced the Feng Shui Conference on January 14, 2024. There will also be a Chinese New Year Bazaar on February 7-9 plus more activities on February 9 as we countdown to the Year of the Wood Dragon. Here's our video coverage of the event last month, this is the media conference and launch of the books!

Dogs need to be careful especially in relationships, while Monkey Dragon and Roosters need Communication for the year but before that, make sure you do something for yourself. Risk taking and technology based businesses will be better for you. Rats on the other hand need to enhance their wealth, go get charms that would be able to help you with that. Tigers have to be open to receive abundance and miracles for the same year. For the Rabbits, this is a year of transformation so go change up when you desire it. Snakes need to be careful as illness might come. Monkeys have vibrant energy to spend, so does the Roosters. Dogs need to also change up, like jobs, looks and even your bedrooms. Horses might have a great year of wealth last year, but this year you need to enhance it. Other details will be on the books they will release for this year.

 

 Her son Kirk Allen also introduced us to an AR feature on these books. You can scan it with the Marites Allen app and an egg will appear. It's like Pokemon, and will crack on Chinese New Year, so I'm looking forward to what it'll look like on February. There are tons more to look forward to, so make sure you get tickets to the event especially on the Feng Shui conference where things will be explained in detail. Charms and books will also be available in those events, make sure you're there!

 I'd like to take this bit and thank Ms. Marites Allen and their team for having us that afternoon. It's a nice way to see peers in the industry, and friends too. Can't wait to see what's going to happen in the Feng Shui Convention come 2024! 

Yes, it's going to be a year of letting it be, and letting it go, what or who do you have in mind that need to do this?

MMFF 2023 Entry MALLARI Holds Fan Conference in MALL OF ASIA

The MALLARI fever is on as they hold a big mediacon and fan conference at the Mall of Asia Music Hall this December 1st courtesy of the folks from Mentorque Productions and their new distributor partner Warner Brothers Pictures and Cleverminds Incorporated.

The film is part of this year's Metro Manila Film Festival entries which is highly coveted. This stars Mr. Piolo Pascual who plays the role of Father Juan Severino, a Filipino priest who met his untimely demise through the hands of the Spanish colonizers because of his acts. The event will also be graced by Mentorque Productions President John Bryan Diamante, lead stars Piolo Pascual, Janella Salvador, indie king JC Santos, Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, hunky Ron Angeles, Tommy Alejandrino, and a throng of actors in this real and semi fictional story of a priest that lived in the 1800's. He is said to have victimized over 57 people before getting stopped as the earliest recorded serial killer. Even older than Jack the Ripper.

Piolo says "For me as an actor, it's hard, but the difference of the characters were already described. The production value really was my consideration, the time I read the script, I already knew how big it was."

Gloria Diaz says she loves working with Piolo and adds "I love him, he is so nice. He is so maappeal. The director is a little tense, I am insecure with the new director so I always ask. The location, rain and distance was far, I had to do this of course."

Direk Derick says "Our set is fun, it's so easy to work because everyone was good vibes. The day 1 was severely difficult because we shot the ending first. I had questions about the way we shot this because it was very challenging to do 3 different personas and do it right away."

Janella says "The reason why it's called a curse (love as a curse) is because you want to do everything for the one you love, but I don't believe in that much."

Here's our video coverage, please enjoy!

 

This is Directed by Derick Cabrido who's dedication is unquestionably proven in this film. He showcased different timelines, periods that is not a usual topic in MMFF entries. Fans who love horror will surely love this offering, and international audiences will have a treat watching this horror flick on Christmas day. If you want to know more about MALLARI, visit Mentorque on Facebook  and @mentorqueproductions on IG.

Check Out These New Products at POTATO CORNER

The last time I was able to go to a Potato Corner branch was yesterday at Mall of Asia. The line was super long, not just because of the well loved French Fries and all it's flavors, but because YES, there's something new at our well loved potato brand!

These are new combos called Snack mix. Your well loved Potato Corner Flavored Fries now have a few things served with them. One is the new Corn Dog. If you've loved them at fairs and carnivals, you can get them anytime of the day at Potato Corner branches nationwide. It's golden brown and crunchy on the outside, but quite soft in the inside. It's also got a beef hotdog inside for some protein fix, it's quite filling, so don't give up on those fun afternoons in your neighborhood or the malls because there's lots more things to celebrate with Potato Corner.

They also have Super Chicken Pop, which they introduced during the pandemic (2020), good ol chicken nuggets with special crunchy breading, served hot and sprinkled with Potato Corner flavors. You can mix them up, pair one with the other, and it's quite convenient to carry around to let other people envy you (I'm sure you've experienced that! Ha!). You can get them today (started November 23rd), so if you're lovin them fries, there's more reason to snack on them even more!

Inaugural Santa Maria Music and Film Festival Slated December 2

 

Looks like all roads lead to Santa Maria, Laguna as the first ever Santa Maria Music and Film Festival happens this December 2, 2023. "Bayan ng Santa Maria" as known to most of it's inhabitants, is a developing municipality in the south possessing some of the most unparalleled views of magical Mount Banahaw, Mount Cristobal and Laguna de Bay. 

Performers will include the Santa Maria Dance Troupe (the town's pride!), acoustic phenoms Miro Valera and Jeff Bolivar who will have a few sessions in between films. The festival will be showcasing 7 short films that will be done from 3PM to 7PM, all from different categories. Over 20 short film entries were sent to FilmFreeway.com then shortlisted to 13, then 7. These are entries from all over the world made by students, amateurs, directors, film makers and content creators which certainly would be interesting to see.

Out of all the entries, these 7 have been selected for the festival:

The Vibe Operator
Bitter Brownies
Life Savers
Searching for Chunk
Till the Music Stop
Dream On
I Can Do Anything: A Letter to Burning Man

The location for the event will be at the top of Sierra Madre, so moving to and from the tent venues will involve a little hiking. They also highly encourage for you to bring refillable bottles/tumblers for water at refilling stations for hydration. No plastic bottles please!

For those who plan to have accommodation or want to know about transportation arrangements, please check their website https://www.santamariafestival.com/planyourvisit to know more about the festival. Tickets are free but register first via https://www.santamariafestival.com/events/santa-maria-music-film-festival-2 as seats do run out fast.

Tip: Take lots of photos, bring cold weather protection, enjoy the art installations and different spots at the Santa Maria Music and Film Festival. Bring friends and enjoy movies, music, culture and art all in one place! 

This event is supported by Wearzitee, The place will also be housing World Cup Cafe soon. See you at the festival!