Get ready to dance and sing with the new cast of Hi-5 Philippines!

Hi-5 Philippines takes over other edutainment programs with an all-Filipino cast

The one tv show that I love to watch with my grandson Finn is Hi-5, the award-winning Australian children's edutainment program from a cable channel. It is entertaining, educational and fun. He learns how to dance and sing with the Hi-5 cast.  The educational fun tv show for kids focus on music and movement that attracts children's attention. Hi-5 caters to a wide range of young children which tap their cognitive abilities and learning styles.

The good news is TV5 launches Hi-5 Philippines, a local version of the award-winning Australian children’s edutainment program last June 11 at TV5 studio.  The Hi-5 Philippines features an all-Filipino cast, a first for the series of franchise in Asia. The Hi-5 members are  Gerard Pagunsan, Aira Binas, Rissey Reyes, Alex Reyes, and Fred Lo, sets to bring a Hi-5 House Party in every household with their talent and interaction with kids in both English and Filipino.

A more exciting and fun-filled learning experience awaits kids and their parents as TV5  will start airing on weekdays at 8:30 a.m. starting June 15.

 The dynamic new quintet all boast of extensive backgrounds in performing arts and will now channel that energy to engage kids in music, imaginative play, social interaction, and developmental growth in a fun way.

“With Hi-5 Philippines, we are very excited to bring the world-class edutainment experience closer to more Filipino kids. This is our way of not only showcasing world-class Filipino talent, but more importantly, helping shape our country’s future generations,” said Noel Lorenzana, TV5 president and CEO.

“We are proud to partner with Hi-5 World in introducing to millions of Filipino kids a local version of this highly interactive edutainment show. We are up to the challenge of producing the show that is at par with global standards,” said Jane Basas, Media 5 Corporation president.

Launched in Australia in 1999, Hi-5 rapidly grew in popularity over the years. It has won three Logie Awards for Most Outstanding Children's Program, five ARIA Awards for Best Children's Album and five Australian DVD and Video Industry Awards, among other achievements. It was then that Hi-5 started expanding its reach by franchising the show across North America, Europe, Australasia, Latin America, and Asia.

However, this is the first time that the Hi-5 franchise assembled an entirely new cast for the localization of the show in Asia. The Filipino version of the musical group is currently one of the only two casts for Hi-5, the other one being the Australian cast.

Watch how the Hi-5 gang of Gerard, Aira, Rissy, Alex and Fred makes learning exciting and fun for kids through songs and dancing. Don’t miss Hi-5 Philippines, airing weekdays at 8:30 a.m. starting June 15, only on TV5.

Get ready to dance and sing along the new cast of Hi-5 Philippines Gerard, Aira, Rissy, Alex and Fred. TV5 proudly introduces the all-Filipino cast for the local version of the popular Australian kids’ program, which is a first for the series franchise. Hi-5 Philippines will air weekdays at 8:30 a.m. starting June 15, on the Happy Network TV5.

Take the best Malaysia selfie with #mybffxoxo and win a trip for 2 to Malaysia!

Have you been to Malaysia? If yes, Im sure you have visited the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur or explore the Batu Caves. If you are reading this and still in Malaysia, take a selfie together with the bff, partner and or bestfriend and find out at the end of the post. Or you can check your previous Malaysia selfies with the #bff and post right away.  You can be creative with your obligatory selfies, tweak and post and dont forget to put the hashtag #mybffxoxo

Now, is the best time to visit Malaysia and explore the other "must see" destinations such as Bukit Bintang, Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Aqua KLCC, Langkawi, Perhentian Islands, Mulu Caves and Mount Kinabalu to name a few.

The MyFest 2015 and Be Friends Forever campaign was launched on June 8 at Fairmont Hotel with Honorable Dato' Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, Director General of Tourism Malaysia along with the rest of the Malaysia Delegation comprised of State Tourism Boards, Product Owners, Hoteliers, Tour Operators and media guests.

In his speech, His Excellency shared, “For MyFest 2015, we aim to have 29.4 million tourist arrivals and RM89 billion in tourist receipts, leading up to our ultimate goal of 36 million tourists and RM168 billion in tourist receipts by 2020. This is part of the government’s National Blue Ocean Strategy to create value innovation through public-private partnership collaboration. To that end, I would like to invite all of you to work with each other and develop new tourism products and packages that will highlight our culture, and promote it as a tourist attraction to the rest of the world.”

The MyFest 2015 theme which focus on "Endless Celebrations", the year-long calendar is packed with festivities of every genre; such as cultural festivals, shopping extravanganzas, international acclaimed events, eco-tourism events, arts, music showcases, food promotion and other themed events.

The "Be Friends Forever campaign" complements the year-long "Endless Celebrations".  Its as easy as take your best selfie shot with the bff, post those in social network and  have a chance to win a trip for two together with your bff.

The campaign encourages travellers who have been to Malaysia to post their favorite vacation photos on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #mybffxoxo, which also qualifies them to win special monthly prizes from Tourism Malaysia, as well as the grand prize for the promotion – a three days/two nights stay in Malaysia accompanied by his or her best friend (or family member). It sure is fun travelling with friends this time in Malaysia.

“We have always believed that traveling builds more than just character and life experiences. In an eventful place such as Malaysia, you can also build lasting memories, memories that you will cherish forever especially if built with close friends and family.  In this endless celebrations theme lies a call for people to take these celebration with them long after they have returned home,” shares Dato’ Mirza

 He adds, “This special campaign inspired by the Filipinos’ love affair with selfies and picture taking, focuses on not just keeping but on sharing these lasting memories captured digitally and immortalized on social media. In as much as I would love to think that all of us here are all BFF’s, I want to let all Filipinos who have at least once travelled to Malaysia know that we consider all of them and the future generations of countless Filipinos who will take time out to visit my beloved Malaysia, as our best friends forever and my hugs and kisses go out to all of them."


With so many things lined up as well as more events and attractions being held and being put in place in this charming country, Malaysia is happy to inform Filipinos of what they can expect from their trip.

Essilor Ambassador Piolo Pascual joins inauguration of Sight Center in MCU

Essilor, the world leader for corrective lenses, recently launched its very first Sight Center in the Philippines at Manila Central University, College of Optometry in Caloocan last June 9.  The inauguration was attended by Essilor Ambassador Mr. Piolo Pascual and joined by his son Inigo Pascual and guests from media.

Essilor, launches Sight Center in the country to provide optometry students access to the most advanced and updated technology in optical studies and vision solutions. The sight center features fully equipped vision screening rooms complete with clinical refraction equipment, and access to Essilor Academy’s advanced tools and practical trainings in optometry practice.

The first Essilor Sight Center offers optometry students a venue where they can perform hands-on eyesight examinations and diagnoses in an ideal clinic set-up used by actual optometrists.

“We are happy to open our very first Essilor Sight Center in the country, with Manila Central University as our initial partner. Through this project, we hope to support optometry students in their field of specialization by giving them the opportunity to study within an ideal clinic setting, using state-of-the-art technologies and equipment in optometry,” said Dr. Emelita Roleda, Essilor general manager.

The Manila Central University-College of Optometry is one of the top optometry schools in the country. It is, in fact, the only optometry school in the Philippines recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as a Center of Development. It has been granted Level III Accreditation status by the PACUCOA, in 2011. The college currently has more than 200 optometry students enrolled who will have the privilege of using the very first Essilor Sight Center in the Philippines.
 
“We are truly honored to be chosen as the initial beneficiary of the very first Essilor Sight Center in the Philippines. Through this partnership project, we can provide a better avenue for our students to learn and master their skills in optometry using Essilor Sight Center’s advanced state-of-the-art technology,” said Dr. Aristotle Malabanan, MCU President.

According to Dr Christine Rodriguez, dean of MCU’s College of Optometry, the opening of the Essilor Sight Center is a boost to the reputation of the College as one of the best in the country. “We hope that, with the enhanced facilities and better technology that the College now offers, more students will be inspired and motivated to pursue and specialize in Optometry, “she added.

Amway launches eSpring Water Treatment System certified to meet NSF/ANSI Drinking Water Standards

Amway Scientist and Water Expert, Rob Missman

Amway launches eSpring Water Treatment System last June 10 at Intercontinental, Manila with Guest Speaker Amway Scientist and Water Expert, Rob Missman.  eSpring Water Treatment system recently celebrate  its 15th year of bringing fresh clean water to the table. The eSpring Water Purifier system is certified to reduce more contaminants of any other unit that combines UV Light and Carbon filtration. Its even safe for making milk formula for babies, and there is no need to buy bottled/purified water. You can save a lot if you are into drinking/buying bottled water everyday. The eSpring unit treats up to 5,000 liters/1,320 gallons of water between filter changes, which meets an average family's daily needs for a year.

The eSpring Water Treatment System is now the world’s number-one selling brand of home water treatment systems, based on a Verify Markets study of 2012 global sales. The study includes water treatment systems sold through retail channels as well as through direct selling. You can only avail of eSpring through Amway direct selling.

No person can survive for more than a few days without water. This is because the human body is composed of anywhere between 60% to 80% water, depending on age or gender. Our whole immune system depends on water, as it helps us fight off illnesses, helps us digest our food and get rid of waste. It is therefore of vital importance that the water we drink be as a clean and germ free as possible.

A World Health Organization (WHO) study conducted in 2012 found that about 2.2 million people worldwide die of diseases from contaminated water annually.  WHO found that specifically in Southeast Asia and Africa, yearly deaths from contaminated water account for up to 8.5% of all deaths in those regions annually.  For all our modern technology, water-borne infections remain a constant and very real threat to our health.

Industrialized countries with good water infrastructure can have issues where household tap water may become contaminated by a variety of chemicals and microorganisms. In the Philippines, there is an increasing demand for purified and bottled water, because of the impurities present in the water currently being supplied from the tap.

“eSpring™ Water Treatment System  is the culmination of 20 years of research and development”, says Amway scientist and water expert, Rob Missman.  “The eSpring™ Water Treatment System eliminates 99.9% of all water borne contaminants, while retaining nearly 100% of whatever minerals are present in the water”. 

eSpring™ Water Treatment System utilizes a patented inductive electronic coupling technology to power an internal Ultraviolet (UV) Light, this means that the unit is not plugged directly into a power source, thus virtually eliminating the risk of electrocution. The UV light works in tandem with a patented carbon blocker cartridge that is monitored electronically.  This ensures that you always know when your cartridge needs replacing.  This in turn guarantees that your water is always safe to drink.

“As part of Amway’s commitment to promoting good health, we understand the need for sustainable, clean water. We are addressing that need through eSpring.  With eSpring, Amway would like to bring back the good old days of drinking tap water that is clean and potable”. Says Amway Country Manager Leni Olmedo. 

The eSpring Water Treatment System is the number one selling home water treatment system in the world.  It is exclusively distributed by Amway, the global leader in direct selling.

Watch out for the Season 3 of the dark and haunting "Hannibal"

The dark and haunting series “Hannibal” returns for a third season, revealing the fates of characters hanging in the balance, and the continuing psychological cat and mouse games they face.

After the shocking events of the season two finale, Hannibal (Mads Mikkelsen) is on the run in Europe—accompanied by his psychiatrist Bedelia Du Maurier (Gillian Anderson)—sporting a new identity, but servicing the same insatiable appetite. As the lives of Will (Hugh Dancy), Jack (Laurence Fishburne), and Alana (Caroline Dhavernas) converge toward Hannibal again, each with their own motivations to catch him once and for all, their deadly dance turns in startling and unexpected ways.

Hannibal S3 premieres on June 9 and airing every Tuesdays thereafter at 9.45pm, first and exclusively on AXN

AXN is seen on SKYcable Channel 49, Cignal Digital TV Channel 49, Cable Link Channel 38 and Destiny Cable 61.

Style Origins takes center stage at Trinoma Activity Center

CATCH THIS SEASON’S INSPIRING TRENDS AT TRINOMA’S STYLE ORIGIN

Style Origins takes center stage as Ayala Malls, the country's leading lifestyle and shopping destination presents fashion innovations and inspired designs. Put the spotlight on selected fashion brands, designers and global icons, highlighting their craftsmanship and passion last June 6 at Trinoma Activity Center.

Style Origin—with the support of its partners The Philippine STAR; TIGER 22 media corporation and its exclusive radio station partners, Magic 89.9, Wave 89.1, Jam 88.3, 99.5 Play FM and 103.5 K-Lite; and Star World—brings to the forefront exciting fashion forecasts and retail lifestyle must-haves through grand runway shows aimed to invigorate your fashion senses as well as inspire your growing seasonal wardrobe.

Following its successful launch at Greenbelt last May 8, Ayala Malls’ Style Origin unfurls the most enchanting runway for the lifestyle destination’s legendary list of international brands and local design stalwarts in ten premier Ayala Malls. The campaign made its way to TriNoma on June 6-7 with three fashion shows, all under the direction of Ariel Lozada. 

Last June 6 at 4pm,  Style Origins presents Mensweek showcasing the collections and designs from Sassa Jimenez, Herbert Custodio, James Reyes and M Barretto back to back with with foreign and local brands in the High Street Fashion Show.

 Special appearances by brand ambassadors and personalities from the Quezon City revitalized the final show on June 7 at 5pm, featuring hip and trendy pieces from homegrown labels. With beautifully curated collections , inspiring runway shows, and a wider reach, Ayala Malls' Style Origin becomes the destination where style is not only discovered, but proudly celebrated.

Visit www.facebook.com/TriNomaAyalaMalls for more photos and brands.

Philam Life elects Axel Bromley as new CEO

Philam Life today announced the election of J.Axel Bromley as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2015, subject to regulatory approvals.

Mr. Bromley brings rich global experience to the role, after spending over 20 years of working in Eastern Europe, South and Central America, the Middle East and the Indian Sub-Continent. He also has more than 13 years of experience in the insurance industry, previously as General Manager/Country Manager in Nepal, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Ukraine.

Prior to the election, Mr. Bromley was Director of Strategic Initiatives at AIA Group, Philam Life’s parent company, which is the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group with presence in 18 markets in Asia-Pacific.

AIA considers the Philippines as a high priority market, taking into consideration the country’s booming economy and continued investor confidence. High expectations is alsoplaced on its local subsidiary, Philam Life, to take advantage of the huge potential of the booming market and continue its strong financial performance.

Based on its 2014 year-end audited financial statements, Philam Life’s total assets stood at P226.8 billion and net worth at P85.2 billion.  Total revenues was P35.2 billion, including gross premiums of P18.6 billion and investment income of P12.5 billion.

The company’s strong performance can be attributed to the shift to Unit Linked Products (ULP) which are insurance products tied to investments. These investment-linked products have since been in-demand given the market upswing. With a GDP growth of 6.1% in 2014, the Philippines remains among the top performing economies in Asia.

Philam Life’s banc assurance arm, BPI-Philam also posted strong results in 2014 with total assets of P63.5 billion, net worth of P7.9 billion, and gross premiums of P14.5 billion.

"Philam Life remains committed to become the leading provider in insurance and wealth management solutions. Our vision is to be the undisputed industry leader, in terms of scale, quality and profitability. With the support of our parent company, AIA Group, we are confident to continue providing our customers with a diverse range of products and solutions to address their real life needs,” said Mr. Bromley.

Philam Life newly-elected CEO J. Axel Bromley made a courtesy visit to Insurance Comm.Atty Emmanuel Dooc

Insurance Commissioner Atty. Emmanuel Dooc (center) shakes the hand of newly-elected Philam Life CEO J. Axel Bromley (right) who made a courtesy call together with former Philam Life CEO Estelito Madrid, Jr. (left).


Mr. Bromley brings rich global experience to the role, after spending over 20 years of working in Eastern Europe, South and Central America, the Middle East and the Indian Sub-Continent. He also has more than 13 years of experience in the insurance industry, previously as General Manager/Country Manager in Nepal, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Ukraine.


Prior to the election, Mr. Bromley was Director of Strategic Initiatives at AIA Group, Philam Life’s parent company, which is the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group with presence in 18 markets in Asia-Pacific.

"Gone Girl" Rosamund Pike is back for the Psychological Thriller "Return to Sender"

After watching Rosamund Pike from "Gone Girl", I have been meaning to see her again on the big screen with yet another psychological thriller. She's back again this time in the movie "Return to Sender" where she plays Miranda, a surgical nurse out for revenge after a brutal sexual assault in her home.

                Directed by Fouad Mikati, “Return To Sender” also stars Rumer Willis, Nick Nolte and Shiloh Fernandez.  Pike’s character, Miranda, is an epitome of coolness who lives life in an effortlessly organized way day in and day out. After some time, she finally gave in to her colleagues who set her up on a blind date.

 On the day of their meeting, a man knocked on her door, thinking it was the guy whom her colleagues set her up to go out with, she welcomes him to her pristine home only to realize that he is not the man she’s waiting for.  Miranda soon finds herself defeated after struggling to escape from her assailant, leaving her almost dead after brutally raping her.

                The devastating attack brought out Miranda’s psychopathic tendencies as she tries to befriend William (Fernandez), her attacker in prison only to plot a harrowing revenge when he gets out.  While in prison, Miranda starts sending letters to William to get closer to him and has even helped him secure an early release from prison. Despite stern warning from her father (played by Nolte) to stop her vengeful plot, Miranda and William agree to see each other constantly upon the latter’s release from prison.

                “Return To Sender” opens in cinemas this June 17 from Pioneer Films.

Enjoy "Great Little Moments" with Sensodyne and win a trip to Korea!

GSK Fights to Stop Teeth Sensitivity with “Great Little Moments” Campaign and new Mouthwash Launch:

Good dentists are heaven sent! Especially when you have teeth like mine, I have 2 dentists that I have been frequenting for the past 10 years.  When the older one is not around and or in a holiday or is busy with so many patients, I got to visit the "today's generation" dentist. They are both good dentists with light hands to begin with. They have their own style handling the patients, but both relied to one toothpaste that is Sensodyne. Since I have sensitive teeth,  I only use Sensodyne it helps me with the grinding of the teeth that I suffered at night. I woke up to a "no ngilo" teeth  the following morning, it has been my everyday oral care routine and I love how Sensodyne treated my "pangingilo" for so many years now. I got to enjoy the best of both worlds,  devouring hot and cold food at the same time is not a problem anymore.

Sensodyne, the #1 sensitivity toothpaste in the Philippines, recently launched Sensodyne mouthwash with its ambassador Luis Manzano at Rizal Ballroom C, Makati Shangri-la last June 5. Sensodyne initiates the "Great Little Moments" campaign and affirmed its commitment to create a future where every Filipino is sensitivity-free with the “Say No to Ngilo” advocacy.

Now, you dont have to look for another brand of mouthwash for your oral care.  Sensodyne with its new mouthwash gives not only the benefits of your regular mouthwash but also pangingilo relief.

 Sensodyne Mouthwash has all the benefits of a regular mouthwash like providing lasting freshening effect, and fluoride to strengthen teeth and protect against decay. It’s alcohol-free plus it gives pangingilo relief. It has two variants (Cool Mint and Extra Fresh 250mL) at Php165 SRP. The mouthwash is distributed in major supermarkets and drugstores nationwide.

"Pangingilo" is characterized by a short, sharp, shooting pain, which many sensitivity/pangingilo sufferers often choose to just endure, the discomfort caused by sensitive teeth may only last for a short period, but the emotional effects of missing out on those precious moments with your loved ones over food and drinks has a far longer impact.

“Having sensitive teeth can mean anything from getting a mild twinge to having severe discomfort that can last for several hours. It can also be an early warning sign of more serious dental problems.” said Dr. Rannier Reyes of the Philippine Periodontal Society.

Sensitive teeth occurs when the layer of enamel becomes thin and exposes the softer dentine underneath. This soft layer makes up the inner part of the tooth leading to the tooth’s nerve center and triggers the pain you feel.

Other things that can cause sensitive teeth are brushing too hard or using a hard bristles toothbrush, teeth grinding, gingivitis and receding gums.

Last year, GlaxoSmithKline, the makers of Sensodyne, the #1 sensitivity toothpaste in the Philippines which is also recommended by dentists, spearheaded the “Say No to Ngilo” advocacy where dentists, consumers and Sensodyne came together to enjoin everyone to heed the call to take action to no longer endure the discomfort of pangingilo.

In 2015, GSK and Sensodyne takes the advocacy a notch higher with the launch of “Great Little Moments” digital campaign which encourages Filipinos not only to “Say No to Ngilo,” but also share their experiences after converting to Sensodyne and how they are able to fully enjoy their great little moments sensitivity-free.

Heather Pelier, Incoming Consumer Healthcare General Manager, GSK Philippines.

“With the start of the summer season, everyone is now looking for someplace or something cool, be it at the beach, the pool or even just a quick respite from the heat with some cold drinks or a cone of ice cream, but if you have sensitive teeth, enjoying those cold treats can be a bit tricky,” says Heather Pelier, Incoming Consumer Healthcare General Manager, GSK Philippines.

“But it’s more than just missing out on food. When you choose to just endure the pain, you do it at the expense of fully enjoying experiences and social occasions that go along with it, making you miss out on those great little moments with your loved ones,” Pelier added.

The digital campaign encourages consumers to share their “Great Little Moments” in the Sensodyne Philippines website (www.sensodyne.com.ph) by uploading a photo of a moment (eg. sipping hot chocolate, eating halo-halo, etc.) they can now fully enjoy because they are pangingilo-free. Winners of the contest will win a trip for two to South Korea.

Eduardo Cimafranca, Gianina Fortun, Heather Pelier and Gikki Martija

 “For those who have sensitive teeth like me, I know you’d agree that it is not something you can just ignore. Sensitive teeth can ruin the mood of any romantic date, or stop you from enjoying those unforgettable moments with your loved ones,” Sensodyne brand ambassador, Luis Manzano shares.

Heather Pelier adds, “Our message is simple, there is no need for sensitivity to impact anyone’s life. Making a simple change to one’s oral care regimen will make a real difference. Now that Sensodyne has reached out to more Filipinos who used to just endure the pain, we want to encourage them to tell their stories now that they can enjoy their favorite food and drinks and fully enjoy the eating moments with their family and friends without fear of pangingilo.”

Don’t let the pain of sensitivity get in the way. Say No to Ngilo and Yes to those Great Little Moments!

Backroom talents in ABS-CBN’s ‘Pasion de Amor’

ABS-CBN’s new show Pasion de Amor will feature two new faces: former varsity athlete turned aspiring actor and model Benj Bolivar, and Century Tuna Superbods grand winner Mauro ‘Maui’ Lumba, who join the cast of the sizzling primetime drama that airs right before TV Patrol.

Pasion de Amor, which is directed by Eric Quizon and premiered last June 1 on the Kapamilya network,is the  story of love and revenge between two sets of siblings, the Samonte brothers (played by Joseph Marco, Ejay Falcon and Jake Cuenca) and the Elizondo sisters (Ellen Adarna, Arci Munoz and Coleen Garcia). The original was first aired in 2007 and featured Mexican superstar Mario Cimarro in the lead role.

 In this currently-airing ‘Filipinized’ version, Benj plays the best friend and co-worker of Joseph Marco’s character. “The story is, I met him at this bar called Armada na owned by the family ng mga Elizondo sisters. Si Joseph, nag-apply doon. Ako ang naging best friend niya. Matagal na ako dun sa bar, kaya marami akong alam na family secrets ng magkakapatid.”

The show is Benj’s first acting assignment since Moon of Desire, which was almost a year ago. Benj was surprised when he got the callback from the show’s staff. “Nag-audition ako, nu’ng nagpa-go-see sila ilang months ago,” he says. “Di ko nga inexpect ang callback, hanggang tinawagan nila ako at sinabing na-shortlist daw ako.”

He’s been learning a lot from his co-stars, especially Joseph Marco who, like him started out modeling until he got his big break in showbiz. He’s been advising Benj to be patient with the pace of his career. “Ine-encourage niya ako lagi,” says Benj. “Wag daw ako maiinip, and to just take it one day at a time daw.”


But Benj’s bigger goal is to eventually make his mark as an indie film actor. He dreams of doing gritty character roles like the one done by his idol, Hollywood actor Michael McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club, the Oscar-nominated film about a Texas electrician who suffers from AIDS.
According to Benj, he’d be willing to do any role or character—he’s even open to gay roles or play a serial killer—as long as what he’s asked to do is essential to the story. “Okay lang naman sa akin,” he says. “Lalo kung kinakailangan talaga.”


          Meanwhile, Century Tuna Superbod winner Mauro ‘Maui’ Lumba also wants to try doing character roles, and he finally gets his chance with his role in Pasion de Amor, where he plays a kontrabida-type role as one of several ‘goons’ employed by the Samonte brothers as they exact revenge for the death of their sister. It might not be a major role or guarantee a lot of screen exposure, but as far as Maui is concerned, it’s a step in the right direction, acting-wise. It’s what every beginner or newbie like him dreams of.

          Of course, there are still many things he longs to do to prove that there is room for him in this business. “Mahilig talaga ako sa mga action films and roles,” says Maui, who longs to prove that there’s more to him than just his good looks and hunky body. “Actually, ang dream ko, maging action star. Gusto ko sana buhayin ‘yung action genre ulit.”

Maui’s goal—aside from being an ambassador for health and wellness—is to prove that he is different and has the potential to stand out from among all the newcomers now angling for a spot in showbiz. Says Maui: “I just want to be different just by being consistent, but ‘yung roles sana, iba-iba and not always the same. I want to be challenged in different ways. Gusto ko din na ‘yung look ko, maiba sa ibang mga artista.”

          Like Benj, he’s willing to go out on a limb and take a risk with his roles and assignments. He’s excited to see what the future holds. “I really want to be an actor,” says Maui.
          He feels that all the guidance he’s received, the workshops and training he’s attended will really help him achieve his goal.  “Kailangan lang siyempre, tiyaga, and to be patient and believe in yourself,” he says philosphically. “Things will happen at the right time.”