Mallari's PIOLO PASCUAL, JC SANTOS Might Bag MMFF 2023 Acting Awards

It's Christmas Day and what better way to enjoy it but by watching MMFF 2023 entries at SM North EDSA. The streets there were pretty weird as there was no traffic. I had a hunch that people may have not flocked to cinemas, and as soon as I alighted from the car, the mall was full to the brim.

The lines were crazy, there were people in the actual ticket booth (about 20), but right across was the actual line (because SM prepared seating for them) and it was almost 50-100 people, even more as the day progressed. For those who would want to watch movies, I would suggest you get tickets online so you don't have to line up.

I've watched a few entries already, but the recent good reviews about the film MALLARI just got me interested in seeing it. Piolo Pascual in the lead role was a given. I wouldn't want the reviews to influence me, but reading how they've described this as a technically excellent made film right at the get go, I had to be extra observant on how they executed it. His role was a little difficult because he had to play a Mallari from 3 different generations. One is from the Spanish times, the other would be in the 40's, and the modern one too. Piolo's ability to do the 3 different personas was something he had to really prepare for so watchers could differentiate them from the other. Aside from that, they had to also scare people in the theaters, and you'll get attempts right from the very beginning of the film. Piolo Pascual's character is pivotal. He's the anchor wherein much of the journey through time happens, but you have to watch out for several characters that are also going to be involved in the conflicts introduced in this film.

When the movie started, they stopped a few minutes in because PIOLO PASCUAL went in the actual theater!

 

It would be happy to note that JC Santos' performance here was just AMAZING. When you look at him throw lines and tremble in various scenes, you can feel him across the screen. We don't want to spoil things, but just look at him every time he's on frame as each little nuance and appearance would matter. Their story structure is interesting because you wouldn't have to be a scientist to know what would happen if they suddenly get their timelines intertwined. Yes, there will be time travel involved but unlike cars on Back 2 the Future, they had a special way of doing it. Aside from that, you'll have bouts of ghouls, monsters, and legendary beings from Filipino folklore. The story after all is based on real events, but mighty glad to see a rich interpretation of it.

It's not all horror, not all drama, it delves on family, revenge, the tendency to wreak fear with different kinds of people. They put this together quite nicely. I even felt proud seeing Warner Brothers in the opening credits, I'm sure they see something special in Mentorque's entry in MMFF 2023. Now it's your chance to see this in cinemas. Don't just stay at home and do nothing, grab your friends, your family and try MALLARI out for size.

There's a huge reason why it's getting sold out in cinemas yesterday. The story is interesting, and with Piolo and JC's superior performance, it'll be a tough one to battle out with the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor categories. 

They might just get it.  

The film also stars Janella Salvador, Elisse Joson and Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz. They will be great contenders as well.

Go watch them all!

FOODPANDA to Hold "Pau-tastic Event Ng Taon" Year 2!

If you're a foodpanda delivery partner, you're going to love this event coming on December 20 at the Globe Circuit Event Grounds in Circuit Makati. It's the second year of the "Pau-tastic Event ng Taon" where over 2000 men and women Ka-Panda riders are expected to come from all over Metro Manila, North Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. This is their way of showing their appreciation for the modern day heroes, for a dose of entertainment and some really huge prizes!

Aside from the activities they lined up on this date, they are also giving participants to watch concert artists like Salbakuta, ALLMO$t, Yeng Constantino, 6 Cycle Mind, and Rico Blanco. They will also bring their services like government agency partners like Pag-Ibig Fund, PhilHealth, plus a few sponsors PepsiCo, Selecta, New World Diagnostics, Motivo, Caltex, POSH, Juanlife, Jollibee, and the Generics Pharmacy among other partners.

This event will also be stremed via foodpanda riders FB page, pandaridersPH on TikTok so those at home or on duty could watch the event. The pandaPatrol Hub On Wheels will also be there so participants could claim foodpanda merch and give service for those who need their Rider Support Express.

I hope in this way, riders know how important they are in the business.

URATEX Celebrates 55th Year with World Record and Meaningful CSR Efforts

Uratex Philippines just celebrated their 55th Anniversary by breaking a Guinness World Record for the largest Human Mattress Domino. The fun didn't end there as it was part of their CSR initiatives. Those 2,355 mattresses actually went somewhere after the event, particularly to different charity organizations in different parts of the country.

Their CEO and President Mrs. Naty Cheng mentioned "We've already given to 40 charity institutions during our 40th and 50th year, we've checked and saw that their mattresses were still in good condition. We opted to give even more to a different set of foundations so we could continue to help others."

The beneficiaries include actual orphanages, community hospitals, Muslim communities, homes for the elderly, non profit organizations and those who are in need. This also made them help in different locations like Cebu, Agusan, CDO, Batangas, Metro Manila and nearby cities. They provided to those who need it most as it aligns with their corporate values. Their founder Robert Cheng always reminded them to not stop til they get every Pinoy a comfy and affordable mattress. Wouldn't that be a nice future?

Recipients also were quick to thank the corp for going above and beyond of just being a business. Some of them conveyed how grateful they are that they wouldn't have to sleep on the ground because they got the mattresses now. That I think is even more meaningful than the world record, and certainly a good way to celebrate their 55th year!

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 :)