MMFF 2024 REVIEW: The Kingdom - Alternative World, Same Problems

Finally, there is the concept of an alternative Philippines used as plot for a movie, though seems ambitious, is a promising way to diversify the stories we do with our films. Cinema is a great way to express these theories and make them into a good entertainment material, that is why I would say that The Kingdom starring Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual is groundbreaking and my most anticipated film for the Metro Manila Film Festival.

With the premise of having an alternative Philippines that was never colonized and continued up to the modern day really is an interesting thought. Though that there will still be some influences but not as integrated by being under the colonial powers.

The Kingdom brings me to love our rich culture which we can tell in a new light. It has the best in production value even down to the smallest details, and if you are a history and culture nerd, you will definitely geek out. One of the most interesting "what if" stories of the country yet will also face similar conflicts and struggles. The Kingdom of Kalayaan prevails but deceit and an unjust system remains.

Sun Life's Play for Life: A Game of Choices Makes Financial Choices Fun and Educational

We have to admit that learning about finance and investments is not easy to learn and understand. But Sun Life just made something that can make it fun yet educational as it is made into a board game called "Play for Life: A Game of Choices." This unique game integrates the fun of playing and taking up roles with the goal of reaching financial goals but also has risks that can hinder or stop them in winning in life.

The game was officially launched on July 6, 2024, at Conrad Manila with Sun Life brand ambassadors Piolo Pascual, Matteo Guidicelli, and Sarah Geronimo, who also shared their insights about how important it is to make informed decisions for a brighter future.

REVIEW: Mallari - Let Loose the Serial Killer!

I feel that Pinoy horror and thrillers are making a comeback in Philippine cinema, and for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 we actually have two, one is Kampon and the other one is MALLARI which stars Piolo Pascual. This movie is made by  Mentorque Productions, and for a first in a very long time will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

From the title Mallari, it is a different take about the notorious first recorded Filipino serial killer who is also a parish priest, Severino Mallari. Though it does not take place exclusively on the original time period. For this movie Piolo Pascual will take on three characters in different time periods all leading to the same family and the secrets that they hold.

Along with the serial killings made by Padre Severino Mallari, there is also an element of the Pinoy mystic creatures and witchcraft which also adds to the complexities of his character. Actually the mystic elements to the film overtook the grim reality of the serial killings which the story is primarily about. Though if you would look at the accounts of the killings of Mallari, the motivations for the killings were more of getting rid of the scums of the earth or which is like acting like a vigilante in the night. 

Mallari Brings History and Horror For MMFF 2023

For this edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival, Mentorque Productions introduces a unique film that deals with horrific history with MALLARI. Based on the real-life story of the first documented serial-killer in the Philippines, Fr. Juan Severino Mallari, which also has been talked about on the internet due to its very complicated situation.

Piolo Pascual will play three characters in the film from different timelines but linked to the same Mallari giving the story more complexity and also people who also revolves around the gruesome murders. Writer Enrico Santos shared that the project started in 2018 and took years in research and production started in 2022. 

Replacing Chef Chico - Stories of Food, Love, and Fire

I was surprised that Netflix has not yet have their own original Filipino series until now with the release of Replacing Chef Chico which stars Piolo Pascual, Alessandra De Rossi, and Sam Milby. This series is directed by Dan Villegas and written by Antoinette Jadaone brings food and love in 8-episode course.

We might recall several similar series or movies with the theme of the show, yet it does stand out with how it plays with the premise of romance, Filipino food, and the ensemble that contributes to the flavor of the show. 

The show shares the story of the restaurant named Hain and how the head chef Chico (Sam Milby) struggles to keep it afloat and to prove itself as one of the best restaurants in Asia. His sous chef Ella (Alessandra) tries her best to serve the best story-inspired dishes which Hain is known for. Raymond (Piolo) comes as a consultant of the restaurant to observe and help Hain to regain its glory.

A Recipe for Romance: Netflix Unveils Stunning Key Art for ‘Replacing Chef Chico’

Are you ready to stir up some romance in the kitchen? Netflix has just served up the intriguing main key art of its forthcoming Filipino series, Replacing Chef Chico.

Replacing Chef Chico marks a significant milestone as Netflix’s first Filipino-produced series. It stands as a testament to a new era of exciting local content on the streaming giant, underlining the growing influence of Filipino storytelling on a much bigger scale. 

The newly released key art provides an enticing peek into the heart of the series. At the forefront is Chef Ella, reaching into a pot with a ladle in hand, while the two men—Chef Chico and Raymond—gaze at her intently, hinting at the love triangle that’s set to captivate viewers throughout the series. 

The stellar cast of Replacing Chef Chico includes Sam Milby (A Family Affair) as Chef Chico, Alessandra de Rossi (What If) as Chef Ella, and Piolo Pascual (My Amanda) as consultant Raymond. Each character brings their unique perspective to the table and is driven by different motivations as they try to breathe new life into Hain, the restaurant.

‘Replacing Chef Chico’: First Filipino-Produced Series Puts Love on the Menu

For Filipinos, romance and food make a sizzling combination, and the first local Netflix production in a series format serves up a zesty love triangle set against the backdrop of a high-end fine dining restaurant. 

Replacing Chef Chico is the brainchild of director Dan Villegas, assistant director Joi Bayan, and showrunner Antoinette Jadaone. It stars three of the biggest names in the local entertainment industry — Piolo Pascual (My Amanda), Alessandra de Rossi (My Amanda and What If) and Sam Milby (A Family Affair). 

Filipino actor Piolo Pascual stars in the music video for Cheats’ new single “Hakbang”

Watch the official music video of Cheats’ “Hakbang.”

Award-winning actor Piolo Pascual stars in the music video for Cheats’ melancholic new single “Hakbang,” the first single off their upcoming third studio album.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Quark Henares, the black and white visuals find Pascual dealing with a nervous breakdown in his own apartment, while the band members of Cheats are in the background, trying to cope with the challenging times by acting relaxed and normal.

The music video ends with the Filipino actor joining Cheats in a dance sequence choreographed by PJ Rebullida.

Piolo Pascual joins the Poten-Cee family

Poten-Cee strengthens its immunity proposition with the addition of the multi-awarded actor and health enthusiast

Multi-awarded actor, singer, and health enthusiast Piolo Pascual joins Poten-Cee Vitamin C’s family of A-list brand ambassadors as the latest endorser of Poten-Cee + ZN and Poten-Cee + Zn Advance, the brand’s newest variants.¹

It is an endorsement that has long been waiting to happen, what with Piolo sharing a surname with the company’s founders and owners. While there is no relation, Pascual and the PascualLab Family share one thing in common – a love for life and passion for health.

SunPIOLOgy On Its 11th Year Brings More Exciting Events

SunPIOLOgy is back again for its 11th year and still growing with a lot of activities meant to encourage more Filipinos to engage in healthy living and stay active throughout the year. Now more than a decade, the events under the SunPIOLOgy brand together with SunLife Philippines continues and always supported by its ambassador Piolo Pascual.

When SunPIOLOgy started, they initially had running events and when the years progressed they added new sports like swimming and cycling. For this year they will have a new event called the SunLife Virtual Run.

Piolo Pacual Now Endorsing Herb-all Amazing Pure Organic Barley

It is a given that Piolo Pascual is a brand magnet and influential endorser, and with his physique and health is greatly maintained with regular workouts, healthy diet and supplements that works well with him. With a lot of things on his plate right now along with acting, he also a singer  model and producer.

Now adding to the long lists of endorsements, Piolo prodly comes forward as the offcial endorser of Herb-all Amazing Pure Organic Barley distributed by IAMWorldwide. The brand is a emerging direct selling company of food supplements with a wide array of products for health and wellness.

Another Great Year For Piolo Pascual

I couldn't believe that Piolo Pascual will turn 40 next week, and he still has that charm like when he started showbiz. Take note that the girls who first fell in love with him are mostly mothers now and still in love with him even up to today. He has been one of the biggest stars of the Kapamilya Network and has been very active and loyal to the station. 

Though many people say that age will take a toll on celebrities as a new batch can easily replace them. But is is indeed different with Piolo which has been in the industry and now joined by his son  Inigo who is starting his own path for showbiz. 

Piolo has maintained his charming physique all these years and beyond the aesthetics of showbiz, he is doing it for the sake of his own health. As an endorser he never fails being part of big brands in the country, and one of them is the insurance company Sunlife.

Another Fun Night At HOOQ Hangouts With PIOLO!

As we loved the first HOOQ Hangouts weeks ago with some episodes of Legends of Tomorrow, we now move on to another free screening of HOOQ Hangouts still happening at Globe Iconic Store with the spotlight on Filipino Films.

#LovePinoy was the theme for this movie night with the screening of "Every Breathe You Take" starring Piolo Pascual and Angelica Panganiban. What made the event special is the special appearance of Piolo who watched along with the viewers.

#LOVEPINOY At Second HOOQ Hangouts

HOOQ HANGOUTS, the biggest outdoor cinema event series from HOOQ, returns this Friday, September 23, 2016 to give its loyal subscribers another unique and memorable viewing experience and spread some Pinoy love.This time, HOOQ showcases its massive catalogue of local movies with a screening of the Every Breath You Take, starring Piolo Pascual and Angelica Panganiban. 

Majoy (Angelica Panganiban) is a romantic who desperately waits for her true love to finally come while Leo (Piolo Pascual), a bigtime sales executive in the real-estate business, is a career-driven playboy who does not believe in love at all. The two meet by accident on a Valentine’s Day, after Majoy’s failed date. She deems Leo as her destiny, she has never been surer that Leo is the one for her. Leo thinks otherwise. But as they find themselves growing closer to each other, the crazy and seemingly accidental events surrounding them seem to put their lives in danger! Unbeknownst to them, people are after them, determined to ruin their budding relationship, and will stop at nothing to get what they want! Will Leo and Majoy’s magnetic feelings for each other surpass the deeper dangers that face them? It all began as a fairy tale – but will the outrageous circumstances ever allow them to achieve their happily ever after?

Piolo and Crizal® get into life’s moments

What if, in the middle of your routine eye check-up, you ended up face-to-face with Philippine leading man Piolo Pascual?

Watch and share the surprised reactions of patients during a vision screening set up by Essilor’s flagship brand Crizal® on https://youtu.be/-E6BiMaz5gc.

The new video is part of the brand’s campaign to encourage patients and customers alike to stay present in every experience of your life – or, better yet, to create your own precious moments with the clear vision that only Crizal® can provide!

Crizal® lenses are available at leading optical shops and through eye care professionals nationwide. For more information, visit Essilor’s website at www.essilor.com.ph.

Her MAJAsty Concert Brings Regal Entertainment

Maja Salvador has proven a lot this year, along with the teleseryes she had, the albums she launched, and the tour she had with her co-stars like Jericho Rosales who she worked with "Bridges of Love". She also had her sophomore album under ivory music which is also a big hit. She currently stars with Coco Martin in in "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" that gained 39.4% National rating on the previous Kantar Media, Maja proves more of herself beig a performer as she is ready yo set the stage o fire on her second concert with MAJAsty.

“ON THE JOB” Hits Philippine TV This Sunday On Cinema One

The Philippines’ number one movie channel and top cable channel, Cinema One, will be the first to premiere the award-winning crime thriller “On The Job,” happening this Sunday (June 29) during the channel’s Blockbuster Sundays movie block at 8:00pm.

“On The Job,” which was directed by Erik Matti, stars Piolo Pascual, Gerald Anderson, Joel Torre, Joey Marquez, Angel Aquino, Shaina Magdayao, Empress, Leo Martinez, Michael de Mesa, Vivian Velez, and Rayver Cruz in some of their grittiest roles to date.

This stellar cast plays out the story of four men struggling to survive and to make a living for themselves and their loved ones. Two of these four are former prison inmates who are hired as contract killers. One of which is Mario (Joel Torre), otherwise known as “Tatang”. He intends to finally go straight when he is granted his parole. The other is Daniel (Gerald Anderson), a younger inmate and Mario’s apprentice, who is set to replace him as the top hired killer. Their story finds itself interlaced with that of two law enforcers and investigators, Joaquin (Joey Marquez) and Francis (Piolo Pascual), who are tangled in a moral conflict. As the story plays out, the stakes climb—and these two groups, trapped somewhere close to the fine line between good and evil, inevitably collide.

New Series "Hawak Kamay" Reaches Out To The Modern Day Filipino Family

How much can the life of a drunkard and aspiring musician change when he finds himself left with the responsibility of acting as a father to three adopted children?

This is what ABS-CBN’s newest family drama, “Hawak Kamay,” will be taking on as it hits TV screens to reach out to modern day Filipino families.

The series is set to take off with acclaimed actor Piolo Pascual at the helm, who will be making a much-anticipated return to television drama following the success of his movie “Starting Over Again” earlier this year. Piolo stars in “Hawak Kamay” along with three of the country’s most powerful child stars, Zaijan Jaranilla, Andrea Brillantes, and Xyriel Manabat. The series will also introduce Grand i-Shiner Yesha Camille, who was under the mentorship of Piolo during her stint in the second season of the Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp.

Cast of Kapamilya Show "Hawak Kamay" Had Family Day At Hospicio De San Jose

ABS-CBN’s newest family drama “Hawak Kamay”, soon to be part of the Primetime Bida time block is now in the works and they are making it a very inspiring show by first giving back to people with a Family event held at the one of the oldest orphanage and charity center Hospicio De San Jose in Manila.

Just in time for Manila and San Juan day, they set up a large party held at the covered court of the center. Here the orphaned and special children, elderly, volunteers and staff live in the community in the island in the middle of the Pasig River. With sponsors and partners who provided gifts for the kids and elderly, food and sweets for lunch, photobooth and activities like a magic show and a bubble showcase to give entertainment to all who attended.

REEL DEAL: OTJ

OTJ (On The Job) is a film by Erik Matti that has been to Cannes and soon to be shown here in the Philippines with Star Cinema.

Starring Gerald Anderson, Joel Torre, Joey Marquez, Angel Aquino, Shaina Magdayao, Empress, Leo Martinez, Michael De Mesa, Vivian Velez, Rayver Cruz and Piolo Pascual. This high-octane action movie breaks the usual romance and comedy films that makes up Pinoy cinema today. Also another masterpiece by Direk Erik Matti after "Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles". 

In Philippine cinemas August 28, 2013!

Produced by Star Cinema & Reality Entertainment

Like the official page on Facebook at Facebook.com/OTJMovie