MMFF 2023 Entry "KAMPON" Starts Unusual Scaring on December 25th

MMFF is certainly a venue to watch a multitude of genres, and with that comes Quantum Films' entry called KAMPON starring Derek Ramsay and Beauty Gonzales, will be shown this Christmas day along with 9 other entries in the festival. The movie is about the depths of love, divulging secrets and fear brought about the unknown. They're a couple, "reproductively" challenged and was trying to conceive for over 8 years. A child suddenly appears and claims to be Clark Martinez's (played by Derek) daughter. The material has been in worked on for years, and has been so good to have landed the 4th during selections, so they meticulously worked on cinematography, scoring and it's effects, you'll love how it will look like in cinemas. This is the first time Beauty Gonzalez is doing MMFF 2023, and the addition of Zeinab Harake to the cast will get this a fresh take on just your usual other woman role. It was fun to see her talk about her character after the press conference. 

Derek says "We never seemed to have problems on the set, Atty. Joji doesn't sugarcoat things, and I like that. If she doesn't like what you're doing, she will tell you and call it out. When she is happy, she tells so and encourages us."

Asked about his personal life he says "Right now me and my wife are also trying to conceive a baby, so I need to really be hands on in taking care of the wife and hopefully a baby. We will focus on that and try, sad we lost the baby on a trip in Spain. She is okay, I am a little off, I just worry."

About Zeinab, Derek adds "Zeinab? I couldn't believe she was a first timer, she went straight to character and she delivered in our scene, we had to bite lips, slam me on the wall."

Beauty says "They really take good care of me and we did scenes as fast as we could so there wouldn't be discomfort for both of us. You can ask my husband or Ellen, we laugh about these things."

Here's our video coverage of the media conference this afternoon.

Being part of the first 4 films announced this MMFF 2023, Atty. Joji of Quantum Films knows that they have a really good film in their hand. They are now going to battle it out with 9 other entries in the festival, but with confidence, they hope to offer this project that has been made with quality in mind. It has already been part of a film festival in Portugal, which they also proudly announced during the press conference. This is also somewhat a comeback film of Derek Ramsay who said he couldn't say NO when it's Atty. Joji asking him to make a movie. I also find Zeinab's character quite an interesting one, albeit her first time in a project like this, she got the nod of her fellow actors. Beauty as always delivers, the interaction between her, the kid Erin Espiritu and Derek Ramsay would be a fun way to showcase their acting chops, perhaps win them a coveted Best Actor, Actress, or Child Star award in the process. Make sure you make this as part of your movie watching lineup this Christmas. 

 It just screams good, hopefully you'll end up doing that too. 

One Awesome SPARKLE Grand Fans Day

Had so much fun at the #SparkleGrandFansDay at the SM SkyDome in North Edsa Quezon City. The event was hosted by Rain Matienzo, Migs Almendras and the bubbly Angela Alarcon.

Alden Richards also appeared at the event and said "It's been a yearly tradition to do this, and this is our way of giving back to every Kapuso fan who supported us and hope this serves as a Christmas gift. I would like to also take this opportunity to invite everyone to support us in our upcoming show Pulang Araw with David Licauco, Barbie Forteza and a lot of other Kapuso artists. Also, please support every entry in MMFF 2023, especially those who have Sparkle artists in them this December 25th."

Jak Roberto also opened the show, charmed his way with a song that was loved by everyone at the SkyDome, they must be anti silos scholars like me. The Sparkle Teens also got to the stage and danced a few numbers, sang a few love songs as some of them are being paired now. Their PPOP group CLOUD7 also performed their original song, it was fun, they were very young, but pretty good stuff.

It was so touching to see how fans were able to also perform with their idols at the event

Sparkle Leading Ladies #Sparklegrandfansday2023 

Also, #TeamJolly was a staple. I like their songs too, perfect for making the fans kilig in the afternoon. They had several artists I've never interviewed so it was really fun to get to know them a bit through this event. 

Lucky fans also didn't go home empty handed as they also got to give away prizes from their sponsors like Beautéderm, Robinsons, Demplus, Goldshine Pharma, HONOR, Dirt Bug Sun, Jimms, Kedds, Penshoppe, SM North Edsa, Park Inn by Raddison, Hobe, Savoy Hotel, and so much more.

Congratulations SPARKLE! This was so much fun!

JIGGY MANICAD Joins TV5

Looks like network wars are becoming a thing of the past as various talents from different stations become part of others in the news and public affairs sector. Just recently, TV5 announced their newest anchor, internationally awarded journalist Jiggy Manicad. He's bringing with him over 20 years of reportage experience as he becomes part of TV5 news assets and Frontline Pilipinas.

He was welcomed by Ms. Luchi Cruz Valdez who knows how his experience could up the ante of TV5's brand of reportage because much of his work always need to get to the bottom of things. He joins the illustrious names of existing veteran anchors and reporters with the likes of Cheryl Cosim, Julius Babao, Ed Lingao, Lourd De Veyra, Kaladkaren and Mikee Reyes among others. Just imagine the number of shows they'll be doing in the next couple of months because of the sheer talent and how deep their bench is, perhaps documentaries, investigative journalism, crime reports and more. 

It will be done with the brand that TV5 has always been able to deliver, with courage and accuracy. Here's to more of Jiggy Manicad in the Frontline! Make sure you follow their social channels and their digital assets because this will be big! 

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!