Development Plans for Tagaytay Highlands Bared

Thursday, February 13, 2025


The famed mountain resort and leisure destination Tagaytay Highlands just rolled out its plans for the 1,200 hectare property. This land that sits on Cavite, Laguna and Batangas which still asks to be developed further, this is where Highlands Prime Inc. comes in, they're the subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings.

The plan includes to put the property filled with commercial establishments, provide services for its residents, space for recreational activities, but still keeping it sustainable. It's going to further improve the mixed use plan they have for The Highlands, Midlands, Midlands West an Greenlands which are districts of Tagaytay Highlands. I remember staying in The Highlands a couple years back which was filled with Swiss looking chalets and log cabins, filled with pine trees, a panoramic view of the mountains, something unbelievable to see often for folks from Manila.

The Midlands on the other hand will be paradise for Golf lovers as their Midlands Golf Club will draw in fans of the sport but still offer a place of refuge with stunning views of Taal Lake, Mount Makiling and forests along the lake. Luxury villas, a place to camp out, plus a long stretch of residences that promote health, wellness, while nestled in the mountains. Midlands West on the other hand will have open parks, so you get a mix of modern amenities and nature. The Greenlands remain eco friendly, wide and apt for outdoor activities which will remain this way for a long time. They will foster conservation efforts to maintain the natural beauty of the property, with a goal to reach a million trees before 2044. As of now, 490,000 sits in it. There stands more for future generations, and this is just the start for Tagaytay Highlands. There's more low density condominiums being developed so each resident would experience that mountain resort living they've dreamed of.

This is just the start for Tagaytay Highlands.


COW

Ricky Lee's "PARA KAY B" Gets Stage Run This March

Wednesday, February 12, 2025


Super good news for those who adore Ricky Lee's works, as LA ProdHouse and Fire and Ice Live! takes the best selling novel "PARA KAY B" to theaters this coming March 14 to 30 at the Doreen Black Box Theater, ARETE Wing of the Ateneo De Manila University. This is a stage adaptation of the well loved story (stories that is) that talks about love, romance and some hurt in between. Surely this will be a very interesting take on something a lot of people were able to relate to even after years of its inception.

We got to talk to the stars of "PARA KAY B" plus producers Ice Seguerra and Liza DiƱo-Seguerra this morning about the show and they're equally excited to see it, here's our video coverage! 


This is created for the stage by Ejay Castro Deldoc (a Palanca awardee) and directed by Yong Tapang (who's done remarkable production in the past). They also are partnering with Tunog at Liwanag sa Teatro. But there's certainly more interesting things to see in the show.

5 women named Bessie, Ester, Sandra, Irene and Erica divulge their life stories with a front row seat to their different kinds of love, relationships and realities. They had us see a glimpse of it, and it was crazy... crazy good.

Ice says "Different people, different ways of looking at love. Some are fools, some believe in forever, some remain cynical. Do you believe only 1 out of 5 people get a happily ever after?"

National Artist Ricky Lee pronounced "To tell you the truth, out of the multitude of novels I had, this is the best selling one up to this date. I made this in 2008, I suppose people like to read something that would give them pain. I think if they're too happy, it wouldn't be as adventurous. I think if its more painful, they could remember and carry it more. I've seen and heard people read it multiple times, pick it up when there's a typhoon, to read it all over again."

It's interesting, feisty, and fun to see it on stage. If you would want to see more of it, go see "PARA KAY B" at the ARETE in Ateneo De Manila University. People loved the novel, and surely, you would love the things they plan to execute at the theater. See if you'll get to be one of Lucas' characters, relate in it in so many ways.

Tickets are available via Ticket2Me.net or the app with the same name if you wish to watch the show.


COW

Spend Time with Family and Watch "BUFFALO KIDS"

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

 Just got off the cinemas after watching this new animated movie called "BUFFALO KIDS". The name itself made me happy because of its affinity with cows, so I'd like to thank the good people from Nathan Studios for brining this into the country. I knew it was special because they always bring something different when it comes to movies.

This Valentine's season surely wouldn't be just for pairs, but for the whole family. So if you are looking for an activity this week, this family film will surely touch your hearts. First off, it's a journey so you get to feel that adventure right from the start. The characters are also interesting because they are immigrants from Ireland who went to America in hopes of reuniting with their Uncle Niall. When they didn't get to see him after they went down the ship, they journeyed far and beyond to find him, and that's where they found Nick. Nick is special, a paraplegic, so he couldn't talk or walk, but the two (Tom and Mary) treated him as a friend and equal. This would teach kids to do the same, unadulterated kindness, something that should be taught early on. He's also an orphan, but in the movie, he gets to be a hero (or is he?) just like anybody else.  


Kids would also love a glimpse of the great outdoors, the western scape, some historic element of the gold rush, the original settlers (Indians). They will also teach kids not to judge just because of looks, race, skin color or features.

KUMAGCOW loves this not just because it's a really nice film, but because of the COW/BUFFALO element. So make sure you plan your week with the kids, take them to cinemas this coming February 12 to see BUFFALO KIDS! Because if I enjoyed it, they will too!



COW

Jun Lana's "Anino Sa Likod ng Buwan" Gets Theater Run at PETA

Sunday, February 09, 2025


Director Jun Lana has already proven that the Filipino talent in film is world class. His 2015 film called "Anino Sa Likod ng Buwan" which he wrote as a budding screenplay writer at 19 already drew accolades for him internationally. And yes, it's celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year which means a proper change would be the best way to do it.

Today, they gave us an opportunity to see a theater adaptation of it in bare form. After a grueling 4 month intense prep, they got us ready for this drama and sociopolitical piece starring theater actors Elora Espano, Ross Pesigan and Kapuso Prime Star Martin del Rosario. Edward Benosa, Denise Esteban and Vincent Pajara will be their understudies, you will get to catch them on different dates. This is Directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio who's also not a stranger in the theater scene in the Philippines. The play is produced by IdeaFirst Live which is a new theater arm of the IdeaFirst Company.


"Anino Sa Likod ng Buwan" is a story that revolves around the lives of Emma, Nardo and Joel. Emma and Nardo are husband and wife, and because of some matters regarding war torn villages and them becoming evacuees, they had to seek refuge in a house near an army barracks where they met Joel. They became friends, and then things got complicated along the way (Of course I can't spoil that for you!). They have remained loyal to the plot of the film, and I think it felt a bit more raw when these guys did it on stage (which I felt was better). Because of the distance (from stage to crowd), you'll feel involved in much of the conflicts they'd dish out on scenes. And we're not talking about simple family drama here, but more of the armed struggle and how their lives have been affected by it.

If you also remember the film, there are going to be some raunchy scenes... and the theater version didn't hold back on that. While it was necessary, it didn't get smoke screened as it was an inevitable tool for either advancing their self interests, love, or just plain lust. You'll certainly have to expect some twists and turns, and even those who didn't get to watch it, would understand and make their own assumptions about each character they play. This is intended for mature audiences, and would probably spark conversation about how it still mirrors society today... even if the story was made a decade ago.

Adrian Alandy was there too (he played the original Joel in the film), and it was certainly nice to see him enjoy the reprisal of his character and the theater version of it.

Direk Tuxqs says "This is just a bare bone, stripped down version of the show. We will be showing this at the PETA Theater on March 1st and perform 4 times a week til the 23rd of the same month. You will see the full production with bells and whistles there. We couldn't wait to share it with you as we've been preparing this for over 4 months. We hope this preview would provide more excitement for those who wish to see it soon. We have poured our heart and soul into it."

Direk Perci Intalan added "Thank you all for coming tonight, our official run will be in March, and tonight's performance marks a significant moment in Direk Jun Lana's journey. We are celebrating the 10th anniversary of it. It is still a groundbreaking film, from an international premier, this is part of what we are doing at IdeaFirst Live. Thank you Direk Tuxqs and our playwright Jun Lana. It has come full circle, from winning in 1993, it is back on stage to resonate even more with audiences. We hope you were moved and challenged, this is our debut production with IdeaFirst Live!"

Direk Jun Lana says "If you liked the movie, please tell your friends, your family about this play. We hope more people would be able to see and enjoy it. It is relevant because of what is happening in the Philippines and around the world."

Here's what happened at the press conference this evening:

While this is Martin del Rosario's first foray into theater, he didn't even stutter in any of his lines. This is also quite lengthy, I'd reckon they probably have nightmares seeing a deck of paper when their scripts were given out because it all happened in one take in the movie, it's probably going to be as complicated and even harder to do since they had to project a bit on stage so the people at the back would feel the same as the ones in front. 

I am quite impressed, a drama that could get me interested that long must mean they've got something good up their sleeves. They also plan to do a Die Beautiful play soon, it's good, and it'll be even better when the curtains go up! If you want to purchase tickets, just search via the Ticket2Me app or bit.ly/aninobulkbuyingpackages for bulk purchases. You won't regret it!




COW