Several Actors Shine on GMA's "PULANG ARAW"

I've been trying so hard to keep mum about this series, I'm talking about GMA's biggest series yet, "Pulang Araw".

See, I think I've heard about it a few years ago and thought that it was going to be shelved. I'm so glad to be proven wrong today as it does the world TV premiere, right after it's launch through Netflix a couple weeks ago. 

When I heard of the story, I really felt how quite promising it would be. Delving in history, the war, the Japanese, and the personal/family complications... there's just a lot of things you can pull off from that. 

Here's a video of the red carpet event:

Then there's the artists portraying the role. Coming from the very successful "Maria Clara at Ibarra", GMA wants a continuation of the #BarDa pairing so they got David Licauco and Barbie Forteza in this show. Then a little about 10 years ago, they already told Alden Richards about it. This is also the first time he is being paired with Sanya Lopez, so there's a lot to see where their stories would go.

 

The first episode I could say had no SHORTCHANGING in the acting department. Since this is a backgrounder, the young versions of these four gigantic stars of GMA would take the spotlight. Aside from them, this is the time you'll notice how underrated RHIAN RAMOS is as she plays the mother of Barbie and Alden's characters (Adelina, Eduardo). Rhian Ramos as the mother of young Alden and Barbie is EXCEPTIONAL. She's feisty, didn't hold back raising arms for her son and daughter who got beat up, teased and bullied by other kids. She's a gem in this series albeit short-lived, it was enough to showcase who she IS as an actress. I'd give her a trophy today just for that, and I'm not even joking.

Aside from Rhian who stole the show (first episode), another person decided to tell us during the preview that he's a force to reckon with. His name is Aidan Veneracion, whom I often see in workshops under Ms. Ana Feleo (with or without reason, he comes voluntarily). Albeit new to the business as a Sparkle Teen, he's really outstanding in the first salvo. Another star is Cassy Lavarias who played the young Barbie Forteza. She has this innate charm to pull you in on her struggles. She cries like a legendary actress, but she's still a child... so imagine the things she can do in a few years. Heck, she'll give a lot of veterans a run for their money. She's that good. They could be the reason you'll love PULANG ARAW on the first episode, and  follow these individual stories through.

Here's the press conference on video, please enjoy!

 Here are some of the other stars to join the show!

See, this is not normal. I could just have seen the first episode to be just another episode, but no. PULANG ARAW deserves the attention NOW and in the next few episodes. The sweetness of relationships, friendships, and nationalism, mixed with the star power of the lead stars they've managed to put together in one show, how can you not love a story like this?! 

You need to watch the show, PULANG ARAW is now streaming on Netflix. The episodes will be out early in the platform, a few days before the one shown on TV and GMA subsidiaries. You don't need to deeply think about the story, you just have to have the heart to love it just like what they did to the people in their lives and this story. Imagine if it's going to be Alden, Barbie, David and Sanya's turn, they actually were phenomenal in the short instances they appeared in the first episode (Alden made the war scenes in the forest quite a visual feast!)

Make sure you watch it, because as far as I'm concerned, it's one WELL MADE series that deserves to be seen. It's realistic, excellent graphics (especially the planes during the war), funny in some places, and you'll love how.. in a way, shape or form, impress you even if you don't like it. It's that impressive!

Huge Changes at Tagaytay Highlands: A Different Vision

Tagaytay Highlands hold a special part in my heart because of the multitude of things that I've done with family there over the years. Back then, it was quite exclusive, privately accessible, with the country's who's who owning a plot or two.

This has CHANGED over the decade, utilizing every morsel of real estate in the area means development of properties, and the magic of living in several townships this 2024. This time, they put value in transforming communities. With focus on modern community living, each residence are well planned, managed, brought to this decade by establishing mixed use properties without taking the charm and exclusivity of it.

Now it's got the Highlands, the Midlands, Midlands West, Greenlands and perhaps more soon. This place was built on a VISION, one that has been delicately designed before things move inside the estate. From usual country home residences, it now has integrated structures that can also be used for leisure, recreation, commercial use, while maintaining vibrant and sustainable in all areas.

This is one of the reasons why it's thriving, not letting new conveniences take away what's already good and existing in the property. Adding only the things that can harmoniously blend with the needs and wants of people living here. By far, it is still one of the most sought after properties in the country. It's paradise, especially for those who want to live in the high areas. It's like having a piece of a cold mountain elsewhere in the world, but living in a tropical country, and people you love.

The place still has open spaces, where a huge part gets dedicated for it. Parts of it also see the world famous Taal Lake/Volcano, while others are for the running mountains too. This spans around 1500 hectares, where you can also enjoy outdoor activities. There are tons of flora and fauna, plus see birds in a sanctuary. This is proof that it can be done, the combination of facilities you need, but with all the things you love with nature.  

This place is managed by Highlands Prime, Inc., a subsidiary of real estate giant SM Prime Holdings. It's just one of the ton of world class properties they do on a weekend (I kid). Heard they're also raring to do a few more projects in the pipeline like Highlands Residences, Trealva, Primrose Parks, Horizon Terraces Garden Villas Scottsdale, and more soon. If this looks appealing, take a bit of your time and message them at facebook.com/Tagaytayhighlands so you can stop dreaming, and start doing. Else, you may visit tagaytayhighlands.com and get the answers you need.

Queens Honoring Queens at the Life Strong Hairfix Event

It was a time to feel beautiful and confident as hair color brand Life Strong Hairfix held their "Your Crown, Your Story" event at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City. Tons of Moms, women of all ages took time out and got free hairstyling, played games and won prizes courtesy of Hairfix.

COO of Lifestong Marketing Margaret Lee says "Hairstyling, treatments, DIY, with salon quality products is now possible because of Hairfix. It is now available nationwide, our best selling colorant is now number 1 in the market and the convenience you get with these products at home is priceless. You can now transform your hair with 18 colors to choose from, healthier hair from root to tip, all from Hairfix! It's time you take care of your crown and tell your story."

Rabiya Mateo is the current brand ambassador and she says "When I heard they were tapping me about Hairfix, I was so happy because I am a user. It's not only a great product, but very affordable too. I love the Light Brown color, and am raring to use the bold ones soon. For those who haven't tried it, it's time you take care of your hair and look good again especially now since they also have a promo of buy one take one. Give an hour or two to do simple things to look good and feel good so you radiate, and your family will feel it too."

Miss Eco Teen Philippines 2023 Francine Reyes and Miss World Philippines 2021 Tracy Maureen Perez also graced the event and shared really encouraging.. and empowering words to the Moms who were there. They also made sure they know their worth, and how they envy their resilience in raising their respective families and continue to help and enjoy their community. They also shared some of their favorite Hairfix products, of some, they have been using even before they were endorsing the product. Here's the event on video, please be kind to the photographers who were going in front (blocking your view) while we were recording this bit. :)

 

 

I was really touched when they showed 4 lucky Moms who they spoiled shopping and done with a makeover using the latest products from Hairfix. I personally like the hair colors because of the variety and how affordable it is. Let me take this bit to thank the men and women behind Life Strong who invited us to witness that. Rabiya, Tracy and Francine went up on stage and crowned them right after the reveal. That was really a touching moment. 

 

Now it's your turn to get your crown, and make that story! Congratulations Hairfix!

Crazy Lines at HONOR 200 5G's First Day Out!

 

Today is the first day of HONOR Philippines selling their best ever HONOR 200 5G and the HONOR 200 5G Pro. These two devices have been heavily awaited by the public especially since it comes with the JBL Soundgear Frames, a promo given to those who would avail of it on pre-order. It costs 9,500 pesos so it's a really BIG deal to get them this early.

We checked out their MarketMarket! stores this afternoon to see how they fare, and by the looks of it, crowds were already lining up since morning, a pretty good sign of what's about to come in the next few days for the phone brand.

Check out the highlights on this reel I made during the event :)

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A post shared by John Bueno (@kumagcow)

The same thing happened in other stores across the Philippines, which makes sense because this HONOR 200 5G that I've been using for a couple of weeks now, actually does good portraits which is one of the selling points of this phone. Surely, the AI function of it will improve in the next few days/weeks. Imagine the capabilities of removing things from images without the need of expensive software, all done on the phone.

The HONOR 200 5G retails for only Php 24,999 while the HONOR 200 5G Pro is priced at Php 29,999. You can also purchase it via Home Credit so it'll be lighter monthly. Cheers to HONOR Philippines!