Kenneth Cabungcal: The Gentle Guy from Negros Oriental

We are filling your September with different hot men from all over the Philippines, this time we are going to Central Visayas for our second Guy for the month, and yes we say hello to Kenneth Vincent Cabungcal of Negros Oriental. 

Photography by Jai Murcillo

He's got that gentle boy next door look and that million watt smile that will definitely swoon into your doorsteps, 23-year-old Kenneth is not just all good looks, but he's also got the brain to back it up as this 5'11" model from Dumaguete City is also a soon to be licensed Civil Engineer, finishing off his degree in one of the best university in the country, Siliman University.

Kenneth considered himself a newbie when it comes to pageantry, he joined his very first national pageant back in April in Mister Island Tourism Philippines where he placed as 4th runner up. Coming to 10th Misters of Filipinas, he worked on improving his pasarela, his body, and his Q&A. I love how he even asked for tips and suggestions for his Q&A after we did our interview, such a humble guy.

In taking care of his body, Kenneth shared that he does go to the gym more frequent now as the pageant night comes nearer and nearer as he needed to tone his body down for him to look at his best come coronation, he had also just started his diet a few months ago and in order to keep things organized he made a workout and a diet plan to follow for him to track down his body improvements. 

He also shared that he does some skin care and of course dental care as he considered his Smile as his best asset. 

Kenneth's charm made him as one of the favorites in the 10th Misters of Filipinas and winning any of the crowns at stake is okay for him for as long as he fits in to the title he would be very happy to take it. 

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Watch the rest of our interview below or in our YouTube Channel and do support Kenneth in his journey to the crown this September 17.

 

Barbie Forteza, David Licauco Returns to Primetime in "Maging Sino Ka Man"

 

Following the success of their "FiLay" team up in the hit serye "Maria Clara at Ibarra", Barbie Forteza and David Licauco returns to primetime tv as they star in the remake of the hit 90's movie "Maging Sino Ka Man" starting this Monday, September 11 in GMA 7 right after 24 oras.

The Kapuso Princess will reprise the role once played by the Megastar, Ms. Sharon Cuneta as Monique, while Pambansang Ginoo, David will be playing the role of Carding that was played by Senator Robin Padilla.  

The action-romance-drama limited series is directed by Enzo Williams, also starring along with David and Barbie in this limited series are Juancho Trivino, Faith Da Silva, Rain Matienzo, Mikoy Morales, veteran action stars ER Ejercito and Jeric Raval, with Ms. Jean Garcia. 

Louie Alaba: Mister Coffee Expert of Bohol

 

It's male pageant season once more and we are pumped up to introduce to everyone of you some of the guys that we've met in these pageants, our first stop is from the 10th Misters of Filipinas, representing the province of Bohol, we have here to open our Guy for the month of September feature, Louie Palacio Alaba. 

Photography by Jai Murcillo

Hailing from the town of Garcia-Hernandez in the province of Bohol, Louie, a former OFW in UAE where he worked as a coffee professional for a specialty coffee shop in Dubai. At 32, Louie described himself as independent ever since he graduated from college with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, he already took the role of being the bread winner of his family at a young age by becoming an OFW. 

After a decade of working as an OFW, Louie finally packed up his things and went back to his hometown in Garcia-Hernandez, but his love for coffee did not end after his stint in Dubai as he came back home bringing his love and knowledge for coffee along with him. 

Today, Louie owns his own coffee shop in Garcia-Hernandez.

At 32, Louie is the oldest candidate in this years' Misters of Filipinas, but age isn't a hindrance for someone who has a dream, he believed that being the oldest among the broods gives him an advantage as he is the most experienced candidate and he's got a life story to share to the pageant. 

If given the chance, he's manifesting to get the Man of the World crown. 

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Watch the rest of our interview below or on our Youtube and do support Louie in his journey to the crown this September 17.CDDC

A Decade of Masculinity with Responsibility, Meet the Candidates for the 10th Misters of Filipinas.

A decade of Masculinity with Responsibility, the country's most prestigious male pageant, Misters of Filipinas is all set to celebrate their 10th year of searching for the best Filipino men to represent the country in the international stage. 

This year 34 Misters not only from the provinces, but also from different Filipino Communities abroad will vie for the crowns at stake for the 10th Misters of Filipinas pageant. 

The 10th Misters of Filipinas will be crowning their new kings this coming September 17 at the Samsung Performing Arts Center. 

Meet the 34 candidates below.

1 QUEZON CITY -Nico Librojo

2 OLONGAPO CITY- Timothy Armero

3 MISAMIS ORIENTAL-Christopher Gede Samon

4 TARLAC PROVINCE-Aldrien David

5 PAMPANGA -Godfrey Nikolai Murillo

6 LAGUNA -Marvin Diamante

7 LAOAG CITY- Lloyd Figueras

8 SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA Miko Santos

9 BOHOL - Louie Palacio Alaba

10 MALOLOS, BULACAN - Drei Arias

11 ISABELA -Darwis Narollah Ismaeili

12 NEGROS ORIENTAL -Kenneth Vincent Cabungcal

13 BAMBAN, TARLAC-Jovy Morante

14 FIL COM OF TAIWAN-Jan Carlo Laumoc

15 AURORA -Herbert Carrasco

16 PALAWAN - Jaymark Omolon

17 FIL COM OF KSA-Ramm Padauit

18 NUEVA ECIJA-Jean Micaell Yabot

19 CEBU CITY- Brent Dalman

20TANAUAN, BATANGAS -John Paulo Libang

21 TALISAY CITY - Hans Christian Tarona

22 Lipa City - Allen Denmark Lina

23 TAYTAY, RIZAL -Nikko Nackaerts

24 TARLAC CITY-Hawkin Madrid

25 CALAMBA, LAGUNA-Archmylz Angel Perez

26 BATANGAS- James Harley Lajos

27 BULACAN -Yukio Koike

28 GERONA, TARLAC -RJ De Vera

29 MABALACAT CITY, -PAMPANGA Bryan Manalang

30 SAMBOAN, CEBU- Ken Bryll Catubay

31 PANGASINAN-Simeon Cayetano

32 FAIRVIEW, QUEZON CITY-Ben Espina

33 FIL COM OF CANADA -Randall Ruiz Mercurio

34 CAGAYAN -Bidge Andrada

35 SUBIC, ZAMBALES- Charlon Guanga 

 

Ruslan Kulikov: From Ruslan with Love (Part 2)

Ready for more of Ruslan Kulikov? We are giving more of him, on our last feature we had introduced you to one of our representatives in the next edition of Mister National Universe happening next year, this time we get to dig deeper on this Russian-Batangueno hottie as we get to know him more, from his fitness routines, to what makes him feel sexy, and is he single or not.

Get to know him more by reading through our interview below.

How do you keep yourself in shape? 

"I keep myself in shape through planning ng aking daily meals na dapat kainin and also kung ano yung mga hindi dapat kainin and I limit myself sa daily calories na kailangan kong kainin and also daily exercise, 20 minutes walking at jogging kasi malu lose yung body fats so kailangan medyo strict ka with your body.

Less sweets, less sodium, less lahat ng hindi kailangan for you to be able to grow more yung muscle."

Do you follow any workout routines? Any favorite and least favorite workout? 

"I have this list of program ng workouts from my coach, siguro my favorite is about sa chest kasi maliit talaga ang chest ko before and siguro yung workout na (pang)pump (ng chest), yung dumble push bar.

Ang least favorite ko is yung legs, pero naging favorite ko na sya nung huli, kailangan ko pa din syang isama kasi ang pangit tignan kapag ka medyo maliit legs mo tapos ang laki ng katawan mo, so kailangan balance lahat."

How about diet? What are the foods you avoid and what are the foods that you take? 

"More on proteins, I eat a lot of chicken, meat na wala masyadong taba and avoid preservatives, sodium, sugar, more on grains, vegetables kasi hindi talaga nakakataba kahit gaano kadami ang kinakain mo."

Favorite part of your body and part of your body that needs improvement? 

"Favorite part is chest and I think yun din yung gusto ko iimprove kasi gusto ko talaga yung firm yung chest, kasi chest shows masculinity."

Do you have any particular skin care routine?

"I have this face mist, I have my serums, moisturizer, SPF, and powder. When I go to events I have my own bag nandun lahat ng make up ko and skin care that I need."

What part of your body do you consider as most vulnerable? 

"Siguro neck, kasi makilitiin talaga ako, wala kasi masyadong humahawak ng neck ko haha."

How would you define the word sexy? 

"Clean and Neat"

When do you feel you are at your sexiest?

"After I go to the gym and also pag bagong ligo, alam mo yun pag naka tapis ka lang then haharap ka sa salamin."

Sexiest part of your body? 

"I think my legs, nung nakita nung iba yung swimwear competition nung coronation night, before that day yung preparation ko with my legs is talagang matindi, ang ganda nung projection sa screen, talagang bumagay siya sa katawan ko, siya yung nagdala for my swimwear I think, my legs."

What’s your sexiest fantasy? 

"Gusto ko magtravel magisa, to know myself more." 

 

Alternative rock band Wickermoss reunites with AltG Records

Wickermoss, the Filipino alternative rock band, is making a return to their roots as they reunite with AltG Records after 18 years.

Founded by Reiman Gesmundo (guitars) and Roger Alcantara (bass), Wickermoss captured the hearts of their fans with their melancholic sound with an eclectic mix of various influences such as pop, folk, jazz, and progressive rock.

The band’s breakthrough album “Falling Leaves,” originally released under AltG Records, contains noteworthy tracks such as “Buwan,” “Falling Leaves,” and “Letters.” This deeply resonated with their audience because of the raw emotions that came with their music.

In 2019, Wickermoss emerged from their hiatus, driven by a shared determination to delve into a treasure trove of unreleased songs. With this emergence, they also introduced their new members: Allen Lucas (vocals and acoustic guitar), Rigil Borromeo (guitars), and Karmi Santiago (drums).

 

Presenting their latest offering, “Babalik,” the band reaffirms their fondness for transforming their emotions into songs. The single, written by Gesmundo, navigates the complexities of pain, anger, and the intricate aftermath of heartbreak. It delivers a candid portrayal of the emotional journey that follows heartbreak.

“I created the song during the lockdown when I joined a songwriting workshop online. That’s the song that came out, and we played around with it as a band until it was completed. I also thought of doing something different this time because most heartbreak songs are about letting go and hoping that the other person is happy. ‘Babalik’ is more about the feelings of anger and hurt and the genuine emotions a person feels following a heartbreak,” says Gesmundo.

The reunion of Wickermoss with AltG Records marks a wonderful homecoming for the band. “Returning to AltG Records feels like a homecoming. The label’s support not only fuels our creativity but also reminds us of our purpose as musicians. We simply want people to relate to our music. We listen to music to feel that someone understands, to see that there are also others who go through what we are experiencing. Music is a companion, and we want to be our listeners’ companion,” shares Alcantara.

Catch Wickermoss and their new single under AltG records, “Babalik,” streaming this August 25 on digital platforms worldwide.

QCinema Launches First Project Market: Opens Networking and Funding Opportunities for PH and Southeast Asian Filmmakers

QCinema International Film Festival is set to provide another opportunity for Filipino and Southeast Asian filmmakers to reach a global audience as it launches the QCinema Project Market.  

The QCinema Project Market (QPM) is a platform for Southeast Asian filmmakers and producers to secure funding, expand their networks, gain exposure, develop their skills, and contribute to the growth of the international film industry. Over 15 million pesos in grants will be available.

Newly-appointed Quezon City Film Development Commission Executive Director Liza Diño-Seguerra says “In recent years, the region has shown impressive growth in its filmmaking, with high production values that rival international standards. This is evident in the diverse co produced film projects between the Philippines and SEA showcased at major festivals like Autobiography of Makbul Mubarak (IND-SG-PH), In my Mother's Skin (PH-SG-Taiwan), Arnold is a Model Student (TH-PH-SG). With QPM, we get to support projects like that from the region and introduce them to funding and one-on-one networking opportunities so we can see their stories on the big screen.”

Through this program, which focuses on unveiling the unseen stories of Southeast Asia, QCinema will present QPM to nurture the underrepresented cultures, histories, and narratives of the Southeast Asian region.  

Filipino and Southeast Asian filmmakers with projects in advanced stages of development are invited to participate. 

To be eligible to join the program, the filmmaker must have at least a draft of the full script of a feature-length fiction film project. The film must also not yet be completed by the time QCinema 2023 commences and must not be fully financed yet.

Southeast Asian directors with at least one short of feature film may apply. 

To join, filmmakers must complete an online application form complete with the logline, synopsis, director’s statement, production schedule, treatment, financial plan, production cost, and the profiles of the director, producer, and production company. Sample reels may also be submitted, if available.

Preference will be given to projects that highlight unique aspects of Southeast Asian culture and history. Films that  demonstrate potential for international appeal will also have an advantage.

Deadline of submission of entries is September 15, 2023.

Fifteen entries will be chosen to participate in the film market, slated from November 18-20, 2023, in conjunction with the QCinema International Film Festival. 

Selected filmmakers will have the opportunity to pitch to possible investors, network with possible collaborators, get mentorship, and attend workshops.

Ms. Diño-Seguerra further explains, “This program is in line with the goal to position QCinema as one of the top Southeast Asian film festivals and introduce it as a global hub for Southeast Asian cinema.”  

“The market will also facilitate more collaboration and co-production opportunities between Filipino, and Southeast Asian filmmakers, and international partners that would contribute to the growth and development of the regional film industry” she adds.

 For more information, visit the QPM website at https://qcinema.ph/grant/project-market/. 

 

Be Friends with the 25 Candidates of Mister Friendship Philippines 2023

After months of search finally the top 25 men of Mister Friendship Philippines is finally here! 

These diverse men from different parts of the Philippines will vie to be the next ambassador of friendship and unity as he will be representing one of the friendliest nations in the world in the upcoming 3rd edition of Mister Friendship International pageant.  

Who among these 25 good looking, friendly, and inspiring men will be succeeding Jose Carlo Paras this coming September 24? Meet the 25 candidates in the list below: 

  

Alangalang, Leyte: Marmita, Marc Christus 

Angeles City: Abad Santos, Aian

Bamban, Tarlac: Roxas, Rain Niel

Batangas: Marasigan, Marck Aldrin 

Caloocan City: Escano, Edward John

Cebu City: Tudtud, Vince Drexsil 

Danao City: Siaron, James Nino 

Laguna: Gaerlan, Mark Jayson

Lapu-Lapu City: Wilson Gloria

Las Pinas City: Pepito, Kevin 

Leyte: De Paz, Gabrielle Nicholas

Mabalacat City: Paviana, Mark Jervy

Malabon City: Bermejo, Kenneth Paul

Marikina City: Pacson, Christian Vincent

Masantol, Pampanga: Gadaza, Mark Joseph

Pasig City: Magdasoc, James

Plaridel, Bulacan: Alejo, Nomer

Quezon City: La Madrid, Miguel

Quezon Province: Christian Simpao

Samar: Daradal, Daphn Derxl

Sorsogon: Bonon, Micko

Tacloban City: Mark Shane Cinco

Taguig City: Carandang, Victor Jude

Talisay City: Villanueva, Melvin

Tondo, Manila: Galamay, GV Kirk

 

Gel Aquino releases heartfelt single “Ang Nais Ko”

GMA Music artist Gel Aquino delves into the depths of heartbreak with her latest self-penned emotional ballad “Ang Nais Ko,” now available on digital platforms worldwide.

 

Inspired by personal experiences and stories of heartache, Gel poured her heart and soul into “Ang Nais Ko,” a song that resonates with those who have endured pain in their relationships. In the song, she shares her heartfelt desire for a relationship that is built in love, trust, and respect.

“The inspiration for this song comes from those who have experienced heartbreak, especially women who have been hurt and become martyrs in their relationships. The main message I want to convey is that in a relationship, one should express their desires clearly and honestly, as communication is vital to understanding and strengthening a bond,” she shares.

 

 

The song has taken the music scene by storm, making an impressive debut at the #3 spot on iTunes PH’s Top 100 songs chart upon its release. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that it is the only OPM track to secure a place in the Top 10 of iTunes PH’s chart. This remarkable feat underscores Gel Aquino’s ability to connect deeply with her audience through her heartfelt compositions and powerful vocals. 

Gel’s collaboration with GMA Music has been a joyous experience. “I am so happy because Sir Kedy Sanchez (Artist and Repertoire Manager and In-house Producer of GMA Music) helped me with certain parts, how to sing them and express the right emotions. I enjoyed our recording session, and everything was just a breeze. It has been a rewarding experience because not every singer gets the chance to be noticed by a record label like GMA Music. I am grateful for this significant opportunity. It’s a dream come true to be part of GMA Music as an artist," she shared.

Get ready to be moved by Gel Aquino’s soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics in “Ang Nais Ko,” now available for streaming on digital platforms worldwide.

 

Ruslan Kulikov: From Ruslan with Love

His name means Lion in Russian and just like a lion this Russian-Batangueno who represented Batangas CIty in the recently concluded Mister International Philippines has shown that he has the heart of a lion, ready to fight and ready to conquer as he emerged as one of the Kings of the competition. He is Ruslan Kulikov, one of the two representatives of the Philippines in the Mister National Universe pageant in Thailand next year.  

Born to a half Russian father and a pure Batanguena mother, from there is where Ruslan got his good looks, this 23 year old lad who was born and raised in Batangas is a Communication Arts graduate who also works as a financial advisor for an insurance company has been a dedicated and a hard working son juggling his time for school and work, he actually just graduated last July 26 and he said he is more than ready to go full time in supporting his family, specially to his parents. 

At a young age, Ruslan had already been working to help his mom and lola for their daily needs, he recounts that time where he worked as a waiter for a restaurant in a mall in their province back when he was still studying, but now with all of his hard work is paying as he is now co-owner of a coffee shop business in Lipa City called “King’s Brew”. 

Being a breadwinner for his family wasn't an easy task for Ruslan, but he was able to make ends meet definitely this pageant king, financial advisor, and a businessman is a one tough Lion that is ready to take on different challenges that is coming to his life.