Marvel at Lights, Sights and Kind People at KAWIT, CAVITE This Holiday Season!

I've been in this side of the South a couple of times, but wasn't able to see the actual Aguinaldo Shrine in all its glory. Yes, I've been in Kawit, Cavite last week. Honestly, it was so much fun to have been able to veer away from Metro Manila, and see the actual thing we read in history books. For those who don't know, Kawit, Cavite is home to Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the new Republic under the Malolos Congress. To say the least, this part of the world is quite historic. His involvement in the Spanish and American War was quite huge, and has won several times, recorded over years. 

Today, the municipality is led by Mayor Angelo Emilio Aguinaldo. He is the great grand son of the former President. His namesake was certainly a thing that could pressure him, he was quite aware of it. Though with what leadership and service he provides his people, his personality is quite different. He was so humble and very shy with interviews. What's quite unquestionable is how he's loved by Kawiteños, I've seen their faces light up when talking about him and how they are all eager to share personal stories, experiences on how they were helped by him in one way or another, in their most trying times.

Since it's also Christmas, they hold events at the Aguinaldo Freedom Park where the bronze statue of the former President is located. It's on horseback, and quite massive to be seen by all. This lies in front of the famous Aguinaldo Shrine, where the country's first flag was raised. It was astounding to see the balcony or window immortalized in books and legal tender. While admiring that, we were toured inside the home, the original structure, same wood over a hundred years could tell tons of stories. 

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The Aguinaldo Shrine at Kawit Cavite

The Kawit LGU has made this place light up in recent years. If you saw what I saw during the evening event, more than the lights they installed and fireworks, I was super surprised at the mere number of people who flocked the park. That place is huge, but Moms, friends, their whole families were in tow... with pure smiles on their faces. It was infectious, they fancied light installations set at different colors and speed. They also had lots of light tunnels where the kids run around and took lots of selfies. Various forms of Santa Claus, Butterflies, things that both the LGU and the Mayor wanted so people could celebrate in this place for FREE during the yuletide season. Same reason why even the nearby towns go to the Aguinaldo Freedom Park as well. Just take a look at the actual Aguinaldo Shrine at night, as they also lit up the place with a 3D projector. They were also mighty proud about their churches, I was honestly envious seeing all that!

Here's our interview with the Kawit, Cavite LGU. Meet Mayor Angelo Aguinaldo's Mother Konsehala Armie Aguinaldo, Konsehal Alvin Bunag, Municipal Administrator Engr. Rey Santos, and Kawit PIO Lead Mathew Juganas.

The Aguinaldo Freedom Park and Aguinaldo Shrine just looks so different at night!

They even have the finger heart, symbolizing their triple A goal of #AlagangAngeloAguinaldo, where one exudes Puso (heart) and Malasakit (concern for others).

Well loved Diocesan Shrine of St. Mary Magdalene, concert during the Kawit Christmas lighting ceremony with Kapuso Singer Nef Medina, various artists and Konsehala Armie Aguinaldo.

The very shy Mayor Angelo Emilio Aguinaldo, obliged us with an interview. He was very proud of his hometown, and wanted to make known how much of a destination this would be during the Christmas season.

I've seen the reason why they love the Mayor, he goes over and beyond what's expected of him. He knows his mandate, and makes sure every sense of the word "service" gets to the people of Kawit, Cavite. It's no surprise why "sana all" comments abound his FB page, because a LOT of people should be inspired by his story. I would have never thought about visiting Kawit in the past, but THIS has indeed change my mind. It's not just history, but its people that make this place GREAT!

If you want to see the display, it turns ON at around 6PM. They are extending hours til 12AM since it is already December. Thank you for the opportunity to see your beautiful place, and experience how kind people are in Kawit, Cavite. For your convenience, I have embedded a map so you can go there during holidays. Please enjoy!

Thank you Mayor Angelo and Ganiel!

Can't wait to see more of Kawit, Cavite soon!

Robinsons Hotels and Resorts Introduces 4 Keys To Ortigas Business District

Ortigas has always been a place for business, and has thrived over the years. Change has always been happening in it, and the tourism, travel and hotel industry is part of that. Recently, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts showcased what you need to be here, not just for business, but bond with friends and family with 4 of their unique properties.

The Westin Manila just opened in March this year. Theirs is a property that is centered on wellness, and if you are up to it, staycations are highly encouraged. The holidays (and their Paskonstelasyon celebrations) are also going to be fun as they've got the Green and Bright theme executed in their offers. They have Holiday feasts for Lunch and Dinner, the famous Westin Holiday High Tea, several Holiday Hampers filled with Organic Food and sweet treats. They also have boutique pastries you can take home in your own home celebrations, plus their signature Rudolph The Reindeer Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cake which you can only get at the Westin Manila, or a mini version if you are cutting back on sweets. I love the ambiance there, with 303 rooms, function rooms and a ballroom, you would certainly love to stay there for the holidays. Soon to open are restaurants including a rooftop bar with a Spanish twist. Their GM Alexander Dietzsch would welcome you there!

Maybe this huge Sisig would convince you. GO stay at Ortigas' iconic hotels!

 

Their other property called GO Hotels and GO Hotels Plus have several offers for the holidays including 40% off on their various locations. They also have the new RHR Gift Card available in different denominations so you can give it to your friends and family as gifts too. With GO 24/7, you can check in anytime and check out of the hotel for a whole 24 hours after. You can also book in advanced via GO365, they also have people available online to answer your questions, now that's convenient!

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If you've gone into a conference, meeting or stay in the Ortigas district, chances are, you've probably done them in Crowne Plaza or Holiday Inn. These icons have lots to offer especially during the holidays. Crowne Plaza's UNBOX activities plan to combine business and leisure. If you book a room with them, it might come with a special gift where you could get discounts in Xin Tian Di, 7 Corners Restaurant, more discounts on future stays, or even free ones on your next dates (which they raffle off). Go stay with them and Holiday Inn Manila Galleria during the New Year's eve as both hotels have a Countdown Party at special rates, with more surprises up their sleeves.

Pretty good showing over at Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, which I hope I'd get to personally stay at soon. Now you're informed.

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.