BEA ALONZO, DANNY TREJO + Hollywood Stars on 1521: The Quest for Love and Freedom

It's coming and for those who are eagerly awaiting this action romance movie called "1521: The Quest for Love and Freedom", you're in for a treat!

We got to talk to the producer Francis Lara Ho a few days ago at the Viva offices in Ortigas, Needless to say, he addressed a few things including the noise surrounding the movie and the participation of actress Bea Alonzo + her manager Ms. Shirley Kuan. He was with 2 other Filipino actors Vic Romano and Larissa Buendia who also shared with us their experience playing Udong (the brother of Bea in the film) and Humamai (the Queen).

The Arduous Task of Casting

When they were finalizing characters for the project, they had to choose the one to play Magellan between Andy Garcia, Danny Trejo, and another actor in the US. It was Danny who immediately gave his feedback as he resonated well with the persona of Ferdinand Magellan. The legendary man and actor who did hit series Machete understood why there was a need to tell this perspective since western movies have profiled both Lapu Lapu and Magellan quite differently.

Vic Romano and Larissa Buendia had to audition through the various casting calls they did in Manila. Though there was lockdowns in place during that time, they had to find ways to get there in time.

For Bea Alonzo, she was always a dream to work with for Producer Francis Lara Ho. She knew her track record and wanted for her to play Diwata on Day 1. Her work in the movie was stellar. He was apologetic and said "I don't know if she will have the chance to see this or hear what I'm about to say, but I really admire her, she's a stellar performer. There were some times during production that I tell her how great she is. When she is on set, she doesn't only know her part in the film, but even know and memorized everybody else's lines. That's how professional she is. I hope she gets to hear this, I apologize... because of my limited knowledge and experience as a first time producer, I made some calls that somehow didn't help her portray her character. I take responsibility for that, I really hope she accepts my apology. It wasn't really my intention, as it has always been my dream to work with her. She has always been my first choice. Her character wasn't offered to anyone else but her. We have reached out to her camp several times, and I'm sad because you saw the success it had in the US where big people lauded it. I got quite sad about that time when someone interviewed me, because it became a controversy, when the purpose of that interview was to promote the film. Ms. Shirley (Bea's Manager) is a family friend, she's not my enemy, and she spends time with my family when she's in the US. I want the nation to know we're not enemies. We've known each other for 3 or 4 years. I also want to apologize to Ms. Shirley. It was never my intention to make the relationship like this. We are preparing tickets and formal invitations for them for the premiere."

Shooting the Film

Larissa Buendia shared how she worked in this film. She says "This is my first full length feature film, so getting the role got me really excited. It was always a dream of mine to visit Palawan, it was a dream destination and it was beautiful as I'd hope it would be. It was wild, I regret not being able to roam around much because we shot this in an island, but I do plan to go back there some day. This project was a dream come true, I got to work with Danny Trejo. He's humble, down to earth, almost like a child like aura about him. I'm so excited I'd be able to post our photos together since we're now promoting the film. Ms. Bea was so professional, the tenderness and strength she exuded in this film was proper for Diwata. It's something I'd never forget. My cast mates were all so nice to me as well, as an introvert, they never made me feel I'm alone even if I dread meeting new people. They're family now. I'm so thankful we got to bond and experienced this."

Vic Romano shared how frogs on the set was fun as he says "I'm in Viva projects, but this one is a dream because it's a Hollywood project. In the auditions, I was in a locked in taping in Baguio and couldn't go out because of it. I got notified to go to Marriot, but couldn't go out because of restrictions. I messaged and got word that there will be day 2, I went there 3am, took the bus, to get there on time at 2pm. The script was also in English, so seeing the day 2 auditions with so many people was scary. When I went there, I just did the scene and interview. I just went out and went back to Baguio to work again. That's how hecting things were. I haven't reached Baguio yet but I already got word I got the part. I was shaking. I'm just happy and thankful. We got to Palawan, but I found out Danny Trejo was part of it. I didn't know his name, but knew his face since I watched his movies. When I saw him in person, I thought he was a giant on screen, but we had the same built and I was excited to do scenes with him later on. He always asked about who the Filipino actors were and I told him about them."

He adds "One scene had rain, mud and a village involved. The frogs were so noisy that we couldn't film, and Danny Trejo kept on looking for them because they always did it after the rain. He even slept on wood planks, get stepped on, but didn't complain. He also played a lot with the kids on set, you'll never see him much with the adults but he kept playing with the kids all the time. When you don't see him on set, that's what he instantly does."

Hector David will play Enrique who is Bea's love interest in the film. The guy is a legit POWER RANGER (Green Samurai, and part of Megaforce) and was seen in the Percy Jackson movie (Lightning Thief). Michael Copon who plays Filipino hero Lapu Lapu is also a POWER RANGER (Time Force) and was part of One Tree Hill, and As Good as Dead. The film also stars Costas Mandylor, Maricel Laxa, Sol Eugenio, Floyd Tena, and Eren Kereci.

Here's the interview we had with them on video, please enjoy!

This film has already won 4 international awards and is going to be screened in the Philippines on June 5. There will be a premiere night, which I hope fans would support since it's been a while since we've seen a Hollywood film where 95% who worked on it is Filipino. If you want more information about the film, visit 1521movie.com. 

A Brilliant Boracay Summer with Andrea Brillantes, Kyle Echarri and Brilliant Skin Essentials

Boracay was suddenly even more brilliant as Star Magic artists Andrea Brillantes and Kyle Echarri went ashore for Brilliant Skin Essentials summer event. This was hosted by the brand's queen and CEO Ms. Glenda dela Cruz. The event last May 19th also was the perfect time to introduce their newest brand ambassador and some new products which is part of the new line.

Ms. Glenda says "We call this a Brilliant Summer, and honestly, I am overwhelmed by the amount of support we are getting. Thank you all for making this possible. Even if they say that the hot season is over, we're still celebrating summer!"

She's continued to give really great incentives to brand partners and this time, she flew over 300 franchise owners, distributors and guests. They also had Andrea Brillantes and Kyle Echarri entertaining them all in the evening with song and dance numbers. Andrea mentioned "Brilliant Skin has been something I use since I was 15, and I know it's effective." Kyle added "Being with this brand makes me feel like I'm with family, which I'm sure even you would attest to! (and points to the crowd)."

Then they launched their new products particularly Brilliant Sun Professional Sunscreen, Hello Melo Drinks (a drink with collagen and vitamins), and Hyper Hydra Pressed Powder (which is available in different shades).

Andrea was also renewed as their endorser this year. She looked so happy during the event. Later in the evening, they raffled off prizes like Handheld Fans, TCL 55 Inch TV's, iPhone 15 Pro and cash to lucky guests. If you want to know more about their products, just search for @missglenda on social channels as they post all their products there.

What a Brilliant Summer!

Opulent Design Concept Launches DOLCE & GABBANA CASA (with HEART EVANGELISTA)

It was hot, humid, but it never stopped some of Manila's who's who to flock to the Ground Floor of Greenbelt 5 as Opulence Design Concept launches Dolce&Gabbana Casa. The event was graced by owners Gerry Sy and Jinky Tobiano-Sy who welcomed guests at the pop up store and floral installation.

This is also a collaboration by events stylist par excellance Gideon Hermosa, and of course, seeing them in real life just made a couple jaws drop, not surprised. He also made these different sections be inspired by D&G Casa muses Tessa Prieto, Interior Designer Chat Fores, Fashion Designer Rosanna Ocampo and our love Fashion Icon Heart Evangelista. The one they showcased is part of both the Sicilian Cart and Mediterranean Blu Collection, made to depict Italy's colorful island Sicily and the sea it faces in the Italian region.

The items they showcased is part of the Sicilian Cart, Mediterranean Blu Collection, made to depict Italy's colorful island Sicily and the sea it faces in the Italian region. They also had Leopardo and Zebra which is why they had animal prints and figures on plates, cups and saucers, pillows, robes, towels and just about all their home accessories.  

Here's our event coverage on video, feel Italy and enjoy!

 

If you're looking for some of the pieces, you can visit Opulent Design Concept main branch or the pop up store in Greenbelt 5. It'll be there for some time so go if you're raring to. Needless to say, it's so nice out there, and I'm so glad they're bringing in the posh brands in the country. Filipinos deserve nice things.

Sunshine Cruz is the face of THIOCELL

Celebrity Mom, actress, entrepreneur and supposed vampire Ms. Sunshine Cruz was just announced as the face of the new THIOCELL Lozenges. This is manufactured by Brady Pharma Inc and comes in a lozenge form. This is made by the same people who produced different dermatologic and cosmetic products, and is part of the aurolab group. This new form makes it easy for people to have it carried around, take and absorb better making all its contents beneficial as t contains Selenium (anti oxidant), Vitamins C (for good bones, cartilage, skin and blood), Vitamin D (for reduction of inflammation), and Vitamin E (against aging, arthritis and better eyes). They've spent 7 years of research and clinical trials before releasing this into the market, and Sunshine has personally tried it (not to whiten, but the benefits and nutrients she's getting from it).

During the press conference, Sunshine shared how she's been through a lot of sun exposure because of the nature of her work. She says "I absolutely trust the people behind THIOCELL. I love to sleep and stay at home, but if the work would require me to go to locations, I keep an open mind to take one everyday to make sure I get daily allowances I need. Together with that, I work out, I box a few times a week. I also work on my self, always with self love. If you expect people to love you, you have to love yourself first. I also do facial procedures when I feel the need to. I also have a very simple skincare routine, basically just removing my makeup, cleaning up with soap and water, then moisturizer or non oil based lotion in the especially in the eyes because that's where people see you age. Plus lots of sleep, because if you lack that, you will see it on your skin. My kids probably followed it while they're growing up, they see me take care of my skin when they were growing up. If they have small blemishes, I tell them what to do to take care of it. They're all girls, and I think it's an advantage if their Mom is a little vain. I don't want to see my kids not taking care of their skin."

She also brags that taking THIOCELL is easy because you can do it anywhere, any place, any time. She might have a lot on her bag, but makes sure she has space for it whenever she needs to go out. She also takes it every morning. THIOCELL has done the legwork and spent a lot on R&D so you could take it safe and fast, even at home. Here's the press conference a few days ago:

It's got research to back it up, so if you want it, you can get them today at WATSONS stores, Mercury and various pharmacies/stores nationwide!