8 years ago, around this time of the year, Alex and I cooked for our respective partners- Yssa & Paolo.
Keiko if you’re reading this, yes, your mom dated a lesbian. lol.
It was baked chicken and we forgot to season it so it was bland and I vowed to never cook again.
Tonight we celebrate this memory and the internet because I cooked garlic herbed chicken and 1. Herbed it, 2. Seasoned it and 3. Perfectly baked it.
That, my friends, is what you call *progress*
After many weeks (and what seems like months), we finally got our first Christmas tree. We don’t like to buy things and tried our very best to look for a second hand tree but weren’t so lucky and ended up with this beaut. It cost a pretty penny too, so this is the only Christmas tree we’re ever going to have, as much as I am concerned.
I had always imagined this day in my head- setting up our first Christmas tree with my husband, drinking hot coco while Christmas songs played in the background but the truth is, the starts of it were pretty… Unmagical.
I realized that I did not know the first thing about setting up OR decorating a tree, that the damn Christmas balls weren’t even strung and that all that glitter fall out was going to haunt me for the next 2 years of my life.
Sometimes the worse part of being an “adult” is realizing that you don’t know the first thing about being an adult.
I realized this while setting up a tree. 😂
But in all that chaos, we played some jazz Christmas music, Paolo made us coffee and it slowly started becoming the Christmas experience I had in my head. Sure it took me 2 hours to string each ball but we finally have a tree and I am actually very happy.
Oh, and I finally deleted the hscebu website. I don’t know why that made me very sad.
This afternoon as Paolo and I were walking into the condo I said this to Paolo-
You know, I actually did not realize that ever since we started living together, I’ve been really happy to come home. That means a lot to me because I spent so many years never wanting to go home.
I am grateful for this life. Thank you for this feeling, Lord.
Also, please let this hang over go away.
Come “ber” months, aside from the frenzy that the start of Christmas season brings, the launch of Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl has also become a much-anticipated event.
Ginebra San Miguel calendars have become a staple in neighborhood sari-sari stores, mini groceries, barbershops, and laundry hubs. In recent years, the Ginebra San Miguel calendar has turned into a sought-after Christmas giveaway, appealing mostly to consumers and fans who want to add the special merchandise to their collection of celebrity souvenirs.
For 2020, Ginebra San Miguel recently introduced lovely Kapuso actress/TV host Sanya Lopez as its newest Calendar Girl during a festive media launch held at the Novotel in Quezon City. The world’s leading gin brand revealed Sanya Lopez as “The Island Girl” with the calendars set amidst some of the country’s most beautiful islands as backdrops.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be chosen as Ginebra San Miguel’s 2020 Calendar Girl. I feel excited and nervous at the same time. To be part of Ginebra San Miguel’s history, to be entrusted with this role as a brand ambassador and to be the newest addition to the Ginebra San Miguel family is a huge blessing,” says Sanya Lopez.
Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) officials General manager Emmanuel Macalalag, National Sales and Marketing manager Allan Mercado and Marketing manager Ronald Molina formally welcomed Sanya Lopez in a grand ceremonial toast during the launch featuring her own Ginebra San Miguel cocktail called “Sanya’s Island Mix”, a concoction of pineapple, buko juice, and gin.
“We chose Sanya Lopez as our brand ambassador because she embodies what Ginebra San Miguel represents – courage, passion, optimism, and never-say-die spirit. Sanya is truly ‘ganado sa buhay’ as she worked her way up to become one of the most recognizable faces in the entertainment industry today,” says Molina.
All of the six calendar layouts will be made available soon.
RISING STAR
Since being discovered in 2012 by the late German “Kuya Germs” Moreno, GMA star builder, Sanya Lopez has treaded the path to being a serious actress taking on roles that showed off her acting prowess including her portrayal of Hara Danaya in the TV remake of “Encantadia” and in her recently-concluded series “Dahil sa Pag-ibig”. She will soon be seen opposite Superstar Nora Aunor in the film “Isa Pang Bahaghari” directed by Joel Lamangan.
“I consider the challenges and struggles that I went through in life as motivation to never give up in pursuing my dreams. It is my family that inspires me to be ‘ganado sa buhay’,” relates Sanya Lopez. “For me, when you say ‘Island Girl’, you see a woman who is strong and independent,” she adds.
As Ginebra San Miguel’s “Island Girl”, Sanya Lopez will be joining the “Ginuman Fest” tour, the gin brand’s annual series of music festivals that brings together gin lovers around the country as One Ginebra Nation.
To prepare for her Ginebra San Miguel calendar girl shoot, Sanya Lopez went on a no-carbs diet. “I only ate fish and chicken. I also did a lot of cardio workouts, mostly running, muay Thai and boxing,” she shares.
She was, likewise, thrilled to be photographed by one of the country’s most talented young photographers BJ Pascual.
A LONG-STANDING TRADITION
Inspired by the hit US TV series Charlie’s Angels, the Ginebra San Miguel Super Angels, which eventually evolved into Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl had popular beauty queens, models and actresses grace its calendars since it was started in 1988.
Ginebra San Miguel’s first calendar girl was model/TV host and now fashion designer Monina Tan, who posed in the calendar ala Marilyn Monroe.
After their respective reigns, beauty queens who posed for the calendar were Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Anjanette Abayari (1994), Binibining Pilipinas-International Alma Concepcion (1995), Miss Asia Pacific International Michelle Aldana (1998) and most recently, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach (2019) with the theme aptly called “Center of the Universe”.
Sexy stars Janna Victoria (1999), Patricia Javier (2000), and Aubrey Miles (2003), were a hit in their sizzling calendars while singer Geneva Cruz (2001), ex-teen stars Rica Peralejo (2002) and Angelica Panganiban (2007) surprised the public by shedding their sweet images in the calendars.
Actresses Belinda Bright and Maricar de Mesa (2004) were the first calendar girls to appear together, while Marian Rivera owns the distinction as the only actress to become a Ginebra San Miguel calendar girl twice, in 2009 and 2014. Long-time best friends Anne Curtis (2011) and Georgina Wilson (2013) have also been calendar girls, along with Ellen Adarna (2015), Arci Munoz (2016), and Myrtle Sarrosa (2018).
Like Sanya Lopez, other Kapuso stars who joined the ranks of these popular celebrities were Maureen Larrazabal (2005), Iwa Moto (2008), Krista Ranillo (2010), Solenn Heussaff (2012), and Kim Domingo (2017).
GSMI is the producer of heritage brand Ginebra San Miguel, which is celebrating its 185th anniversary this year. Ginebra San Miguel is a 14-time Gold Quality Label awardee of the Monde Selection International Quality Institute, the world’s most prestigious body that recognizes the highest standards of taste and quality in the food and beverage industry.
Other GSMI products include GSM Blue, GSM Blue Mojito, GSM Blue Pomelo, GSM Blue Margarita, GSM Premium Gin, Don Enrique Mixkila, Antonov Vodka, Anejo Gold Rum, Vino Kulafu, and Primera Light Brandy. For more details, like the Ginebra San Miguel official Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/BarangayGinebra or log on to http://www.ginebra.com.ph.
(Photos taken from Monsters The Musical IG page. Screen capped cuz I’m a G.)
What can I say about Monsters The Musical? Well, since I’m at a complete loss for words, allow me to borrow my friend, Alem Garcia’s words- “the show in one word was FLAWLESS.”
As we all know, Monsters The Musical is a musical play about being brave. With hints of it having an #LGBTQIA centered synopsis where of course, #LoveWins, my ignorant self thought that it would simply just be about that and nothing more but believe me, it was more than “just that”. And then some.
This modern love story which was beautifully written and directed by THE Sir Jude Gitamondoc cleverly uses our ever loved and cherished Cebuano talent, Cattski‘s, music to add an unexpected twist and new light to her songs that we 90’s kids grew up with.
If you need a refresher to her music- catch it here. If you haven’t heard her music yet, you can thank me later.
With an amazing cast that added so much life and character to the story and songs, Monsters The Musical was familiar; it was our kind of funny; it was heart warming and more importantly, it felt like home.
But I would have to say the star of the night was definitely Jacky Chang. As a seasoned singer, I always knew she could sing but it was her acting skills that blew me away. Her portrayal of Bea, a strong willed yet troubled woman, is what truly captivated the crowd together with her magnetic chemistry with co-star, Trixie Alturas, whose acting also really captured our hearts. Trixie’s powerful vocals and amazing stage presence has me eager to see more of her in the upcoming months and years to come.
Of course, Marlon Tansengco and Von Saw‘s performances did not go unnoticed. They were all very, very good actors and I truly wish I could go into detail about their characters and why I love them so much without going too much into too much detail and robbing you of the experience of learning the story so I will just have to leave it at that. for now?
Overall, Monsters The Musical is a beautiful production with so many components that made it great. The acoustics were top notch, lights & technicals world class (hi Justin! I’m a fan!), the set design was straight to the point & no frills and while there were a couple mic issues, they were surprisingly resolved quite smoothly.
Monsters The Musical may be positioned, somewhat, as a modern love story but I still feel like it is a very classic love story (in it’s own ways). It talks about love between friends, family, one’s self, facing our most inner demons, being brave and honestly, I can’t imagine anyone who couldn’t relate to it.
I had an amazing time watching Monsters The Musical, I laughed; I cried; I pondered on my life and how precious yet fleeting every moment is and I feel like I came out of it a better person and for this experience, I am truly grateful.
As I end this review, I would like to commend the Cebuano theater community and supporters for our unwavering support for the arts. The Center Stage of SM Seaside was packed and every one in the audience was so amazing & behaved- not that I am surprised but I would still really like to congratulate us, as well. Cebu is ready for more productions like this and I am looking forward to us taking on bigger projects and taking our talents to a wider audience.
Congratulations to MDF Productions for a more than successful first production, Sir Jude Gitamondoc, Cattski, all the cast and crew.
I am looking for more runs! I also think that Jake’s character could get his own spin off. hahaha.
xx,
Issa G.
Sometimes your husband’s ass can smell really bad and that gets him banned from sitting beside you on the couch.
That’s it, that’s the blog
Calling out all theater lovers out there, a special musical is coming very soon to Cebu City!
Brought to us by the very talented Cattski & Jude Gitamondoc together with Margo Frasco of MDF Productions, a beautiful story is about to unfold right before our eyes this November 16 & 17 at the SM Seaside Centerstage.
Monsters the Musical is not your typical love story but it’s a story that needs to be heard. Tackling subjects such as LGBTQIA issues and other similar issues, this play is meant to encourage everyone to #BeBrave in every aspect of their life. Plus, it features 25 of our beloved Cattski’s songs and this is also Sir Jude Gitamondoc’s directorial debut!
PRESS RELEASE
Cebu, Philippines – Monsters the Musical is a coming-of-age love story centered around two friends, Bea and Elle. The show explores the intricacies of a relationship that spans years, beginning in childhood, developing in adolescence, and peaking in their family and professional lives. Bea and Elle discover themselves through each other, and confront and battle their internal monsters together.
With an all-Cebuano cast, crew, and music, the production is Cebu’s gift to her people packaged as a musical marvel that expresses what it is like to be truly brave. It marks the directorial debut of Jude Gitamondoc, whose previous work on Siddhartha is well-known. He is a professional songwriter, record producer, two-time recipient of the Awit Awards, and two-time recipient of the Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs TFC Choice Award. He is also the Grand and Second Prize Winner of the 28th Cebu Pop Music Festival. A man with a with a true love for Cebu and its artists, Jude embarks on this endeavor along with fellow Cebuanos, songwriter Cattski Espina and producer Margo Frasco.
Featuring 25 of Cattski Espina’s songs as the navigating force, Monsters the Musical is also a journey through her body of work. The show puts a new spin to her well-loved originals that encompass her more than a decade-long career in the music industry. As the songwriter of these songs, she says, “It will be completely new and something that hasn’t been done in Cebu before. It is an experience that I cannot wait to see.”
Monsters the Musical is Produced by Margo Frasco, CEO of Cebu’s local delicacy empire Titay’s and founder of MDF Productions. While overseeing their family company, Titay’s, Margo’s heart has always been in the performing arts. Her compassion to contribute to the community motivated her to plant her baby project, MDF Productions, with Monsters the Musical as its pilot production. It is a reflection of Margo’s advocacy for and faith in the Cebuano arts.
Monsters the Musical is slated to be on stage on November 16 and 17 at SM Seaside Centerstage with a matinee show at 2:00 PM and a gala show at 8:00 PM. Ticket prices are at Php 350, Php 700 and Php 1,000. For ticket reservations, message their Facebook page at m.me/monstersthemusical.
I’m personally super excited for this play because I think it’s high time we started talking about issues like this.
I’m a strong believer in staying true to ourselves and being able to love whoever we want, without fear and without shame and I think everyone else should, too which is why I support this play soo much.
I can’t wait for November 16 and will definitely let you know how the play goes for those who are curious about it so stay tuned!
xx,
Issa G.
Imagine waking up, struggling to get moving, braving through your daily commute, stopping by Dunkin’ Donuts to get that much needed caffeine boost. Then as if you’re still dreaming, Piolo Pascual is standing right in front of you, giving you a free cup of Dunkin’ Coffee and filling you with all kinds of good vibes you never saw coming.
This is not a scene from a movie but the experience of some very lucky people during the annual Dunkin’ Coffee Day last September 6, 2019. Now on its third year, the event aims to spread more good vibes to the people who get their usual coffee fix at Dunkin’ Donuts.
Making this year’s Dunkin’ Coffee Day extra special was a visit from Piolo Pascual in three Dunkin’ Donuts stores. As if seeing his heart-melting smile wasn’t enough to wake anyone up, the Philippines’ Ultimate Heartthrob gave out free cups of coffee in Dunkin’ Donuts Strata, Fisher Mall Quezon Ave. and BGC 25/7 branches
Meanwhile, the rest of the nation celebrated Dunkin’ Coffee Day by proclaiming “Half Half Hooray!” That’s because for a medium hot or iced Dunkin’ Coffee, they only had to pay P25 or 50% off the original price of P50. Needless to say, customers lined up to get their fill of that Dunkin’ Coffee Feelin’.
If you missed this year’s Dunkin’ Coffee Day, don’t fret because this event will come back even bigger and better next year. In the meantime, you can still get your daily dose of good vibes from a cup of highquality Dunkin’ Coffee in all Dunkin’ Donuts outlets nationwide.
See you there!!
xx,
Issa G.
It was magical. It’s been magical.
I was told to get a lot of sleep because I haven’t been much lately. It’s been nerve wracking & stressful but not this part- I am already proud of the work I have done and the work I can put in and that I WILL put in. I do not question that.
I am proud of the content and the advocacy behind it and my heart, now I can only just sit back and see how the world takes it. But beyond that, I will not question if I worked hard enough for it or if i am good enough to do it. I’m not gonna stress myself out like that. I just need to work hard, work smart , pray and trust that God will give me what He thinks is best for me. I’m ok with this. It is settling.
I’m so excited though. If I’m being completely honest. I am soo excited. I’m probably more excited about everything that’s happening more than getting married. I know that sounds weird but I say this because now I can finally be married. I can finally just do the things that make me happy and excited and maybe this time I can be happier.
So we’ll see what happens tomorrow. For the first time in a long time, I am excited about tomorrow.
Issa Talks... Alot 