ALDEN RICHARDS Opens Own Bar STARDUST, Reveals Projects in 2024!

 

Do you have a specific memory of your interaction with Alden Richards? I do, let me tell you about it before I start this story.

He was already popular at that time, and as a blogger covering his events, it was doubly hard for me to separate work and being a fanboy of sorts. I was also super shy to ask for photos with him as some part of my brain think it's unethical (in some way, I think it still is). 

Security was tight, and I've wanted to ask him for a simple video greet for my twin cousins in the US who were even more die hard fans of this boy. I quickly asked him and he obliged, but he got called to go out for photos. 

Since this is was an event, he was asked to go outside for more pictures. He went out and I thought, oh... it's not gonna happen anymore because he was being asked to go out too after the event. He stopped mid way and went back inside because he remembered that I asked for a favor. He gave me a short smile, and did the video greeting I asked for, I never forgot that moment. My cousins  and I were so happy of course!

See, there are tons of these small things happening in between press conferences and fan meets, but I can tell from the times I've been able to talk to him.. that he is genuinely a very nice and kind person. I'm sure a LOT of people would say the same. Why is he blessed? Why is he so successful? I think his kindness and selflessness plays a BIG part of it.

Alden's personal friend Father Jeff officiated the thanksgiving mass at his new bar, STARDUST

The successful shows and subsequent movies tells how much he's adored by many. He's also got a film this month for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 with the one and only Megastar Ms. Sharon Cuneta called "FAMILY OF TWO" and we're all raring to watch it. It'll be shown in theaters on Christmas Day, make sure you support him by watching the film. It's got lots of scenes where you'll find comfort, as it talks more about FAMILY, relationships, and you won't have a dry eye in sight.

A few days ago, he invited us for lunch at STARDUST (located at 58 Jupiter Street in Makati). This is a thanksgiving event, a thing he does annually. It's an opportunity to talk to him, so of course I went. He's always done this for different people, and a lot of fans think we're not worthy, I understand, but he really wanted to do this for us (I felt that). We didn't even know that HE owned the place... yes, this is Alden Richards very own bar. He's got some private partners, but bares they are somehow his mentors who wants to teach him the ropes in running businesses. In a way, he's diversifying his portfolio... and we're certain, this will be a good place to go and have fun in the evenings.

Here's a short tour of STARDUST

 

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STARDUST is pretty nice. It's got comfy velvet laden seats, bar stools and tables where you can park a few drinks on a single night. The bar is huge, and the variety of drinks they serve is equally humongous. They have specials (which your bartender can serve), and food is marvelous. The display reminds me of a galaxy, with lit LED's in a dark sky, you'll feel like you're in space after a drink or two. It definitely feels cozy, I could reckon it being like a speakeasy and perhaps, a little bougie. The lights reflect much on the wall, the lobby laden mirrors and the disco balls in different sizes. It was monochrome heaven, and the glistening lights are not bothersome, you just feel relaxed, and be in the opportune time to listen to music. 

Speaking of which, Alden shares how they have spent much of their capital with sound equipment. The bar can actually project sound quite loud, but not bother any of your conversations. So if you're amongst friends, peers or family in this place, you don't have to shout. That's some technology applied in acoustics, and that's something they wanted to do in this place. It's a plus in my dictionary.

Here's our full interview with Alden Richards which happened right after the thanksgiving event he held for the press:

I'd like to take this bit and say THANK YOU to Alden Richards for always being so nice whenever we see each other. Same goes to Sam, Ms. Roche and the entire SPARKLE Artist Center fam who welcomed us there. For those who would want to experience STARDUST, you can get in touch with them via 0917-167 5800 or email them at reservations@stardust.ph so you can hold your parties there.

Congratulations on the milestones Alden! I'm sure you'll be achieving more in 2024. Watch out for his international projects, his upcoming directorial debut, and the project with Anne Curtis. Sub to my YouTube channel if you feel like it :)

FAMILY OF TWO: A Film with FAMILY at its Core

The excitement over the Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards movie "Family of Two" is but a good measure of the caliber of actors they have in the film. The accolades they have would probably have filled a room or two from their previous projects and having them in the Metro Manila Film Festival was just fate, we could say, well deserved.

Their trailer alone garnered millions of views when it was released a few weeks ago, and the strong show of support on the premiere night probably have stamped reasons why people should watch it on Christmas Day.

Ms. Sharon proudly says "Not everybody becomes my son or daughter, a few really I could say have got close. I could say Alden is one, and Coco the other. We grew even close with this project. My kids even told me that he's like me, even more than them. I totally agree, we have so much in common than what I do with my children. It is weird in a good way. It only took us two workshop dates to get acquainted. My staff even told me that he talks like me, a bit scared about the similarities. I think that's the big factor why we do get along. He's the boy version of me."

Ms. Sharon adds "I wish this Christmas, Alden gets his hearts desires... because he deserves it. He has given so much for his family and to other people. And he's a good boy, a good son. I want my son to grow up like him. I appreciate what my Mom did for me, I need her now, and I think about it. Those conflicts won't matter, spend time with them, because you cannot bring back time."

Alden says "Back in 2019, I was asked who to work with. Ms. Sharon was one of those, and I told myself, I wish to be able to work with her with this kind of theme. Like a mother and son, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do this. I will really regret if I didn't do this project."

"When I was growing up, I remember my Mom prepping my lunch boxes, waking up way ahead of me. When we were young, we often get a bit shy when parents get clingy. Some are expressive, and my character was much like me. It kind of hurts that when the time comes, you'll look for that. And that's the message of the film, you take for granted things, when I lost my Mom, I wanted to do things for her, but I couldn't anymore because she's gone. Everyone will leave us in this world, let's not be too shy showing our feelings, let's not wait for that to happen because most of you are so lucky to have family with you. This film teaches us those family moments, you need to value getting together as a family. Kids should be given roots and wings, let them fly, like Maricar and Mateo, know when to let go. When this presscon ends, call your Mom or Dad, tell them you love them, because I envy you, that I can't."

Here's our red carpet video and the actual mediacon in full.

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Cineko Productions has really a good entry this year, I wouldn't be surprised if this becomes a top grosser because of the sheer star power this has. Aside from that, a topic that is current, something that every son and daughter can relate to. This is what we need, it's about FAMILY. Feedback from the people who watched the film warned me about this being a cry session, I expect that and more. I love Family Matters and since this is Directed by Nuel Naval, it would certainly be full of emotions. They are going to be a giant, and from the looks of it, people are looking forward to watch this first amongst the 10 entries in the MMFF 2023. I know with both of them in the film, this will become a classic. Perhaps, this could be perfectly sent to festivals abroad, to hopefully have them cry about it too.

This is written by Mel Medoza-del Rosario.

Congratulations and I love you Ms. Sharon and Alden!

Broken Hearts Trip: Funny with a Chance of Cry

Just got off the cinema for the film Broken Hearts Trip, an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 of BMC Films and Smart Films. This is their red carpet premiere, so the cast trooped to the Gateway Cineplex and walked with celebrity guests, media and online entities.

To tell you honestly, I got the notion that this was going to be greatly comedy content. The ensemble cast names already asked for that, but no, this is not the usual slapstick flick. As you saw in the trailers, this is a full blown reality game show aimed to change the lives of different LGBTQIA++ folks from different backgrounds. From auditions, actual game and eliminations, they all go through challenges and try to win money to change their lives. That's also where most of it is going to be crazy.

I would go to lengths and admit that I've had several bouts of tears in my eyes watching this, but I would give it to Petite Brockovich who plays Mark. Her character was quite stellar in the first half, and even though she possesses a ton and a half of funny bones, her dramatic moments hit me like a ton of bricks when her plot gets divulged. Her partner in the movie is equally intense, it's like a boiling pot waiting to spill over. It's something I felt a connection with, and you've got Teejay Marquez, Marvin Yap, Ms. Iyah Mina and Direk Andoy Ranay to choose from. Chances are, you'll feel like one of them during your watch. Everyone's eyes will get wet in one scene or another, because I saw a few people beside me cry too but with the character of Direk, Iya Mina and Teejay instead (though they'll never admit wiping it off in the dark lol). Here's our coverage at the red carpet on video!

 This might get them a chance to win ensemble award or even best supporting actress. It's not a dud, they're definitely a contender with what I saw earlier. It's got fun, laughter, very relatable characters and you'll get to learn not to judge people. After all, you don't know what they've been through. You don't need to walk in their shoes, but just have heart when you need to. Their support cast delivered too, a good platform to showcase how they didn't shortchange acting prowess in this project. I got a little sad about Christian Bables feeling a little afraid that this might not do well in the box office (which he mentioned after the movie, maybe he looked around on promos), but I beg to differ. It's PG, a place where even kids with parents or guardians could watch. Hopefully, people get to see this for its credits. It's quirkiness is it's selling point, a good LGBTQIA film made to realize that they could be anyone of you.  

The film may have been a huge surprise to be included in the list of entries, but I think I know why after watching the film. This has a lot of components in it, which may lead you frantically finding funny, but instead give you something even more than that... it has HEART.

Congratulations to the cast and the creators! You made me cry.  

The 12 Days of DureX-MAS Naughty or Nice Event

One awesome night with some of the nicest people, that's what I would describe the event a few nights ago. At the Ugly Duck White Rabbit place at Poblacion in Makati. They had us experience a different Christmas event, filled with pleasurable experiences, with the star of the show DUREX and their 12 Days of DureX-MAS. They showcased their various products, a good day to somehow break stereotypes that this doesn't get talked about much in the open - and educating people about its use. It was already fun, but they had us at the edge of our seats when the drag queens from RPDR PH went out to perform! 

There were tons of people out there from all walks of life, different generations. While we all used to squirm about talking about these in the past, I've seen a huge change in how people became quite receptive. Add to that, the entertainment that Matilda, Arizona Brandy, Miss Jade So, Bernie and Marina Summers brought to the event that evening, it was just made of dreams. If you haven't seen these queens perform, I'm telling you, you better do. Our queens were definitely world class! 

Here's a short video of what transpired that evening!

Thank you so much to the wonderful people of DUREX for having us that evening! It was well worth the trip to the center of Makati's Poblacion district, and started that needed conversation. 

Super fun!