#Jadine is back "This Time" from Viva Films

THE country’s hottest reel and real-life loveteam, James Reid and Nadine Lustre, returns to the big screen via the light, feel-good summer movie, “THIS TIME,”opening May 4 in theaters nationwide from VIVA Films.

In an interview on the film’s last shooting day, James expressed how excited he and Nadine are about doing a new movie following the highly successful television series, “On the Wings of Love,” on ABS-CBN.

Both missed acting on a film, especially since “This Time” is a lighter material compared to their first three starrers, “Diary ng Panget,” “Talk Back and You’re Dead” and “Para Sa Hopeless Romantic,” even “OTWOL.”

In “This Time,” directed by Nuel Naval from a screenplay by Mel Mendoza-del Rosario, James plays Coby, a lolo’s boy who has a childhood sweetheart, Ava (Nadine).

By some twist of fate, Coby and Ava only get to spend time together during summer. This is where their feelings for each other are tested – amidst a long distance relationship.

As James puts it, “I guess this movie, it’s more focused on the love, the relationship. It goes deeper into relationships like long distance relationship.

“I can’t say it’s more mature ’coz it’s very light. So easy to watch. Kissing scenes? Let’s see. We can’t beat ‘OTWOL.’”

Nadine agrees, “Well, this time, super light po siya.Kasi nga po summer movie siya, so, parang gusto po natin na sobrang light lang siya and GP lang.”

The lovebirds spent five days together in Saga, Japan, where some important scenes from “This Time” were shot. They enjoyed the trip tremendously, especially since it was Nadine’s first to Japan and it has been her childhood dream to see Cherry Blossoms.

“I was very happy for Nadine. It’s her first time to see Cherry Blossoms. It’s my second time. It’s been her dream since she was a kid, so, I was very happy for her,” stresses James.

What made the experience a lot more meaningful and memorable was the fact that they were featured in a popular news channel in Japan.

James recalls, “We went to eat right after the interview and it was airing on TV and then I looked and I go like ‘wait, are we in the Philippines?’ We were really surprised.”

As for new discoveries now that they’re a couple working together as screen partners, both James and Nadine say there’s really nothing more left to discover about each other.

Only one thing surprised Nadine about James, though: “Marunong pala siyang magplantsa!”

Rivalry and competition are not taken into heart, either. For his part, James sees healthy competition in the business as a “necessity.”

He then goes on to score how he and Nadine are so lucky to have such loyal and amazing fans and it is to them that they attribute their success as JaDine.


“Well, I guess we have the fans to thank for that. When they say we’re number one ’coz we have a lot of projects right now, very successful TV show, everything’s going really well, it doesn’t mean we’re better. We just have amazing fans,” James adds.

Proof of the JaDine followers’ overwhelming support to their idols are the numerous block screenings of “This Time” scheduled after premiere night on May 3 and regular showing on May 4.

After the movie’s opening day, the showbiz pair is due to leave for the US and Canada for the continuation of their highly successful “JaDinein Love” concert tour on May 12.  They will be gone for a month.

But before that, James will mark his birthday on May 11.

Plans for the celebration are still under wraps and Nadine opts to keep her birthday gift to James a secret.

“Wala naman po kasi siyang gusto,” she reasons out.

Meanwhile, lending able support to JaDine in “This Time” are some of the country’s veteran actors and actresses like Al Tantay, Freddie Webb, Nova Villa, Ronnie Lazaro, Candy Pangilinan and VIVA artists Yam Concepcion, DonnalynBartolome, Issa Pressman and Bret Jackson.

Get on a romantic high and fall in love all over again as James and Nadine’s much-awaited romantic summer movie of the year, “This Time,” opens in cinemas nationwide on May 4, only from VIVA Films.

Say "I Love You Mom" with Baskin-Robbins Rainbow Cake

Baskin-Robbins, the world’s most beloved ice cream brand, has whipped up sweet offerings to cherish the most beloved woman in our lives – mom.

For the whole month of May, moms can get a free strawberry topping when they purchase any ice cream of their choice. All they have to do is present a photo of themselves together with their child/children to avail of this ‘berry’ special treat.

Liven up your Mother’s Day celebration with Baskin-Robbins’ Rainbow Cake. This pretty piece of eye-candy blooms with colorful rows of perfectly piped rossete and can be customized according to mom’s fancy. Let her choose from Baskin-Robbins 31 delicious ice cream flavors or try the flavor of the month for May – Berry Chocolate Bliss, a luscious blend of raspberry ice cream, raspberry-filled dark chocolates, and a triple berry ribbon bursting with cranberry, blueberry and strawberry flavors.

The Mother’s Day Rainbow Cake is just one of the many customizable Baskin-Robbins ice cream cakes that spread happiness to every celebration.  Take your pick from an array of adorable designs, from fun and light-hearted to decadent and elegant.  Just be sure to order for your desired Baskin-Robbins ice cream cake 2-3 days in advance prior to store pick-up.


Let these sweet offerings from Baskin-Robbins be your way of saying “I love you mom!”. Baskin-Robbins stores are located at the Central Square and SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City; Greenbelt 5 and Glorietta 5 in Makati; Fairview Terraces and Trinoma Mall in Quezon City; SM Southmall in Las Pinas; Solenad in Sta Rosa, Laguna.  It also has a newly opened branch in Uptown Place Mall in Bonifacio Global City. For more information, log on to www.baskinrobbins.ph or check out their accounts: facebook.com/baskinrobbinsph, Twitter, and Instagram @baskinrobbinsph.

Edward Benosa surprises fans with his "Most Requested" concert

Edward Benosa is a versatile artist. That much he proved during his recent birthday concert, “Most Requested”, which turned out to be an evening full of surprises.

The first surprise was the set-up. Director Frank Lloyd Mamaril made such clever and imaginative use of the Teatrino’s very small stage. Every inch was maximized, such that there was even space for an LED screen, which enhanced the audience’s concert viewing experience. He complemented that with a well-chosen repertoire that made the most of Edward’s vocal strengths. The repertoire was varied: it went from the usual romantic pop ballads to acoustic numbers to rock-flavored hits that surprised the audience who didn’t realize Edward had it in him to do those kinds of songs.

But because the show’s title was “Most Requested”, the segment that really drew attention was the “Most Requested” medley that included “You Are So Beautiful”, “Chivalry is Dead”, “Crazy”, “The Scientist” and the current radio and fan favorite, Charlie Puth’s “One Call Away”. Edward’s version was easy on the ears and a crowd-pleaser. The audience sang along with him, since they were familiar with the song.

Also surprising were Edward’s guests, DJ Chacha and Morisette Amon. DJ Chacha made the audience sit up and take note of her musical ability when she did a duet with Edward of the OPM hit “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang.  Morissette, Edward’s co-star in the stage musical “Chuva Choo Choo” (which will reportedly have a repeat/extended run middle of this year) did a duet with him of “Sana Kahit Minsan”.

These two young voices are among the most promising of their generation, and they will definitely go places in today’s competitive music industry, either as solo artists or as a tandem.

But the night really belonged to Edward, who proved what a versatile artist he could be. Among the standout numbers were his performances of “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5 (it was part of his Maroon 5 medley) and rocker Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ‘69”. Edward also did a medley of Justin Bieber songs that included the mega-hit “Love Yourself”.

Also taking center stage were songs from Edward’s Star Music album. He performed several songs, including “Iingatan Ko”, and “Puso Kong Ito”. Of course, he couldn’t leave the venue that night without performing his biggest hit, “Di Man Lang Nagpaalam”. How appropriate indeed that he chose it to be his last song before he closed the show—or made “paalam”—to his very supportive audience that night which included members of his fan group, the Edward Benosa Loyal Supporters. Also beaming from the sidelines were members of Edward’s Star Music family headed by Roxy Liquigan, who has believed in Edward’s talent since Day One, and composers and record producers Jonathan Manalo and Rox Santos.


It seemed that all the songs in the repertoire were carefully chosen. His closing song (before the encore of “Di Man Lang Nagpaalam” was “Best Day of My Life” originally by American Authors, and indeed, that day, April 16, did turn out to be the best day of Edward’s life. It was the day that he stepped up to the challenge, joined the big leagues and proved that while still a newbie compared to othehr, more established artists that have been around for 10, 20, even 30 years, he definitely has what it takes to take the ball and roll with it. He can and will go on to build a flourishing career in the music business. He obviously has the potential and the vocal chops to do that. That much was clear that night, and will be even clearer in the months and years to come.

Put as smile on mom's face with Goldilocks Banana Caramel Cake

Its Mother's Day, its about time you spend a day or two with her. Treat her to a movie, buy her a bag, a top, shoes or anything that you know she likes, but she's shy to ask for. She deserves all the love and your time, your presence is enough to make her happy this coming Mother's Day.

Apart from being a model of selfless love and nurturing the entire family, one of the more practical roles of a mother is to ensure that everybody under her care eats well. This coming Mother’s Day, don’t you think that she deserves a treat by having it the other way around?

If the kids can plan a good meal for mom (some help from Dad would definitely be welcome), then Goldilocks has the perfect dessert to cap it off. The country’s number one bakeshop definitely had mothers in mind when they made the Banana Caramel Cake, a delicious two-layer masterpiecemade with banana chiffon cake and filled with whipped cream and luscious caramel.

Other favorites include the Heart-Shaped Choco Greeting Cake (available from May 6 to 8) and Chocolate Lollipops that are sure to put a smile on mom’s face.

Visit the nearest Goldilocks branch or call Goldilocks Go-Delivery at 888-1-999 for orders. Join the conversation on Twitter or Instagram at @GoldilocksPH, or on the official Goldilocks Facebook page

Avida Towers Prime unveils "Hidden Gems" of Manila

I am by heart a true Manilenya, I know my city like the back of my hand.  I was a typical "tambay" in the late 80s at Malate and Harrison Plaza. Yes, I am an old soul, probably the same age as your mom,  a "tita" to you. You name the streets, restaurants, and discos around Malate during those times, I would most probably been there with friends and exes. If there is one place that I would love to live in, it is "Manila" for I have fondest memories worth remembering when I was young.

 On April 26, we had a time of our lives touring Manila's hidden gems together with Celebrity Tour Guide Ivan Man Dy.  We met with him at Avida Towers Prime Taft along Taft Avenue.Manila. Before we proceed to the "best kept secret gems"  we checked out Avida Towers Prime Taft's bare and dressed up units model rooms first. The units are well suited for students,  newlyweds, yuppies and or OFWs looking for an investment in Manila.

Avida launched the third and final tower at the Avida Towers Prime Taft Sales Pavilion on April 26. Dubbed “Urban Places, Vibrant Spaces” the event features Old Manila Walks’ Ivan Man Dy as he did an interactive talk highlighting Manila, Makati and Pasay.

The walk is based on a specially-curated MAPA Prime Manila map that showcased the vibe of the property’s unique location and offer different perspectives on the best of urban living, owing to the development’s proximity to three major cities.

Ivan Man Dy

 The first stop was at UP College of Medicine, Museum of a History of Ideas, we toured the then "infirmary". I had my picture taken inside and posted it at Instagram, my doctor friend replied agad agad " Maraming multo dyan"!. I panicked but then again, I calmed myself thinking that the multos would probably not up in the daylight. My friend told me that he used the "dental chair" inside the exhibit.

 Ive been to Henry Hotel  last year for a blog event.  I wasnt able to explore the hotel during that time.  I was glad, I was able to see the old white house (finally from the walk tour) still intact with furnitures and fixtures from the late 50s or so. There were trees everywhere. We were also able to check out  Avellana Art Gallery. I had a grand time taking pictures of the stairs, vases, machuka tiles, retro stuff from the 50s. I suddenly remember the black and white movies from the 50s and 60s, vibe.

2nd stop The Henry Hotel Manila

The third and last stop was at the ancestral house of National Artist for Architecture Pablo Antonio. We had our sumptuous lunch inside the house which was turned into a garden restaurant run by his bridal gown designer daughter, Malu Veloso. You can book your lunch there via appointment. My Mother's Garden boasts of garden and ponds view and sumptuous food. The ancestral house is wide enough to sit 50 people.

Architect Pablo Antonio was declared a national artist in 1976. he designed the White Cross Hall, De La Salle Chapel, Far Eastern University, Orchid Garden Hotel, etc.

In today’s ever-increasing vibrant world, an ideal work-live-play lifestyle is hinged on having everything within quick and convenient reach, where driving passions and achieving goals means living at the center of the bustling metropolis.

At the heart of Manila, Taft is one distinct area that has never ceased to develop and constantly evolve with the demands of changing times, making it an ideal community, even for younger generations of urban dwellers.

The Taft district connects three major cities—Manila, Makati, and Pasay—serving as a gateway to some of the biggest commercial, business, lifestyle and cultural hubs in the metro.

As a center of everything in the metro, Taft has been thriving for decades, with throngs of people converging in the area daily on their way to nearby schools and markets, central business districts, commercial and cultural centers, and manufacturing and industrial areas.

Avida realizes the potential of Taft’s strategic location to a growing number of urbanites and has developed the Avida Towers Prime Taft in a secure community along Taft Avenue.

This masterfully-designed and well-appointed three-tower high-rise property will offer young urban professionals and their families an inspiring haven where they can kick off their activities or a restful refuge where they can relax. It will also be home to people who don’t want to spend hours in traffic to get to school, work, markets, shopping malls, hospitals, churches, and parks.

As the final leg of its development in the bustling area, Avida is set to launch the third and tallest tower of the Avida Towers Prime Taft. At 30 floors, the structure will be part of the Manila skyline as it provides residents in 865 units with inspired living right at the center of everything.

Urban dwellers can discover “hidden gems” within Manila which highlights the modernity, heritage and urban culture of the community surrounding Avida Towers Prime Taft. These best-kept secrets include the Museum of a History of Ideas in UP Manila, the Avellana Art Gallery and a fashion gallery of Project Runway’s Jojie Lloren inside the Hotel Henry Manila, and an ancestral house of National Artist for Architecture Pablo Antonio.

To date, Avida has 77 projects in 29 locations nationwide, comprising of more than 60,000 homes. Visit www.avidaland.com to learn more about “Urban Places, Vibrant Spaces” and to pre-register for free seats to the April 30 event.