IN PICTURES: Meet the official candidates of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines 2024

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

Sep 27, 2024 09:54 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• During the special presentation, Ma. Lourdes Chiong De Leon of Quezon City and Denzel Royce Chang of San Juan City were chosen as Darlings of the Press.

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Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines 2024 official candidates 

Celebrating a decade of the Filipino-Chinese culture and values, a new era has emerged as the newest batch of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines 2024 takes on the challenges of becoming the ambassador and ambassadress of the Fil-chi community.

During the press presentation held at the Glass Ballroom in Okada Manila, last  Sept. 13, 12 male and 11 female hopefuls, came from various schools and backgrounds, ranging from athletes to professionals strut the runway as they represent their community.

As part of the remarkable celebration, reigning Miss Chinatown 2023 Jercy Raine So, also made an appearance during the press presentation. Showing off her elegant beauty in the crowd, Jercy also took the time to piece advice on the aspiring candidates of MMCP 2024. 

"As cliche as it may sound, my advice to you is just to be yourself and enjoy the moment because people, will love who you are. As a Filipino-Chinese, we're unique and authentic, we all have values, and we saw the best of both worlds in the Philippines and Chinese culture," Jercy said. 

During the special presentation, Ma. Lourdes Chiong De Leon of Quezon City and Denzel Royce Chang of San Juan City were chosen as Darlings of the Press.

Here are the official candidates of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown 2024.

Female candidates 

Eliza Nicole Adviento - Antipolo

Krizle Ann Leung - Baguio Benguet

Shi Jiajia - Binondo Manila

Khane Mikkel Ko - Dasmarinas 

Jemme Zavdielle Tan Del Rosario - Las Pinas

Maya Hong Sales - Makati  

Alicia Logarta - Manila 

Cindy So - Ongpin

Jamila Clarise San - Pasay

Maria Lourdes Chiong De Leon - Quezon City 

Allyson Jade C. Flores - Valenzuela 

Male candidates 

Wilburt Hans Yan Wei - Antipolo

Darwyn Albert Tanya Mendoza - Binondo Manila 

Jefferson Rufino - Cabanatuan 

Jude Gamalie T. Del Rosario - Las Pinas 

Kimho Cotaoco - Manila

Laurenz Ding - Pasay

Robert Lawrence Guido - Pasig

Wilhelm Hendrick Tan Wei - Quezon City

Denzel Royce M. Chang - San Juan

Juan Luis A. Zandueta - Rizal

Ralf Lim - San Miguel Manila

Neron Zach Teng Mendiola - Sta. Mesa

Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines 2024 Candidates in photos: 

Female

Eliza Nicole Adviento - Antipolo

Krizle Ann Leung - Baguio Benget

Shi Jiajia - Binondo Manila

Khane Mikkel Ko - Dasmarinas

Jemme Zavdielle Tan Del Rosario - Las Pinas

Maya Hong Sales - Makati

Alicia Logarta - Manila

Cindy So - Ongpin

Jamila Clarise San - Pasay

Maria Lourdes Chiong De Leon - Quezon City

Allyson Jade C. Flores - Valenzuela

Male Candidates 

Wilburt Hans Yan Wei - Antipolo

Darwyn Albert Tanya Mendoza - Binondo Manila

Jefferson Rufino - Cabanatuan

Jude Gamalie T. Del Rosario - Las Pinas

Kimho Cotaoco - Manila

Laurenz Ding - Pasay

Robert Lawrence Guido - Pasig

Wilhelm Hendrick Tan Wei - Quezon City

Denzel Royce M. Chang - San Juan

Juan Luis A. Zandueta - Rizal

Neron Zach Teng Mendiola - Sta. Mesa

Mr. and Ms. Chinatown welcomes its new president

Continuing her father legacy, Vanessa Agbayani-Lo was also appointed as the new MMCP President during the event. 

"I'm very honored to come forward and continue the legacy of my father Wilson Ngo-Agbayani, his vision has not only shaped our organization's success but also its lasting cultural impact on the Filipino-Chinese community. I am committed to continuing his vision, and ensuring that our organization continues to inspire," Ms. Vanessa said. 

Vanessa Agbayani-Lo 

Embarking on a new era of MMCP, the organization now upholds a new motto, "Rooted in Culture, Elevated by Elegance."

According to Ms. Vanessa, this new batch of candidates will be the visual example of their motto. 

"This batch of new candidates is the new era, we will show you our purpose in a very elegant way, and we will stay to our culture, we will continue to promote our Filipino-Chinese community," she added. 

Aside from the newly appointed MMCP President, the organization will be migrating to a more digital aspect as it gives them an idea of how the candidates can establish their online presence as well as discover how they can use the digital age as their platform. 

Kyline Alcantara on viral video of her and Kobe Paras: I don't need to explain

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

Aug 29, 2024 03:25 PM

  

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Kapuso actress Kyline Alcantara (Facebook) 

Kyline Alcantara is in her unbothered era.

It seems that she just couldn't care less as to how people see her nowadays.

Note that the Kapuso actress is being romantically linked to basketball player Kobe Paras. 

It all started with them being sighted together and repeatedly so.

Just recently a video of them seemingly being cozy made it to Tiktok.

In it, Kobe is seen singing, while Kyline enjoys herself sitting on his lap.

The sweetness between the two is evident.  

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At one point, Kobe was seen kissing Kyline's shoulder.

Kyline was asked about it in an interview with Lhar Santiago for "24 Oras."

She said, "I feel like it’s my right to not answer or to answer questions…to deny nor confirm anything." 

Making herself clear, she added, "I don’t need to explain myself din naman po to other people. Whatever they see is that’s what they’re gonna get."

"As long as alam ng pamilya ko at yung mga close kong mga kaibigan, my loved ones, what’s really happening behind cameras…I feel like I don’t owe the public any explanation naman po" Kyline continued.

Zoomers' Season 2 brings more drama from Zoomkada

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• “Zoomers” Season2is directed by Kevin Alambra, with creative producer Theodore Boborol, and written by head writer Carmela Abaygar and episode writers Carol Navarro, and Airic Diestro.

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The cast of 'Zoomers' Season 2

A new season means a new story begins, as trending loveteam Harvey Bautista, Criza Taa, and their Gen Z barkada encounter more drama for "Zoomers" Season 2.

During their media conference held at 9501 Restaurant in ABS-CBN on July 1, Harvey mentioned his excitement to explore the upcoming season's new challenges.

"Very thankful kaming lahat na nandito na kami sa media conference ng season 2. It is very exciting that we can continue the stories of the Zoomers. I'm happy that I'm with Direk Kevin and the rest of the cast," Harvey said.

(We are all very thankful that we are here at the media conference of season 2. It is very exciting that we can continue the stories of the Zoomers. I'm happy that I'm with Director Kevin and the rest of the cast)

Harvey also added that the response from the audience online has helped improve more on playing the role of Jigs.

"Reading yung tweets nung audience from season 1 may mga insights sila na hindi ko naisip, bilang artista ni Jigs. So seeing the response online did impact my performance on being more careful sa approach ko kay Jigs," he shared.

(Reading the audience's tweets from season 1, they had insights that I didn't think of as an actor of Jigs. So, seeing the response online did impact my performance on being more careful in my approach to Jigs) 

The cast and directors of 'Zoomers' Season 2

As per Criza, she expressed her gratitude for the people who supported their first season.

"Sobrang nagulat din kami since first time namin ni Harvey bumida sa series. As much as nag-eexpect kami nandoon pa rin yung gulat na mamahalin pala ng tao yung ginawa namin together," she said

(We were also very surprised since Harvey and I starred in the series for the first time. As much as we expected, there was still the shock that people would love what we did together)

In the newest season, the Gen Z barkada spend their last summer together before they head to college. Jiggs joins his first directing competition in hopes of winning the cash prize for Hope, who continues to find ways for her to pursue college.

Meanwhile, both Tanya and Kokoy will encounter problems with love. Tanya must decide between entertaining her old fling, Faye (Kei), or her new best friend, Juniper (Hadiyah Santos).

Kokoy will also have to level up his moves to make Mika fall in love with him as her childhood friend, played by Argel Saycon, returns. Atom will also face a ghost from his past as he meets Dino (Luis) in the resort. At the same time, he also gets an opportunity to be closer to Beth (Zabel Lamberth).  

“Zoomers” Season 2 is directed by Kevin Alambra, with creative producer Theodore Boborol, and written by head writer Carmela Abaygar and episode writers Carol Navarro, and Airic Diestro. The series’ first season was directed by Chad Vidanes, who now serves as a line producer in the upcoming season.

Adjeng not feeling pressured by new generation of artists

After releasing several singles last year, Adjeng couldn't be happier to release her debut album finally.

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

May 22, 2024 08:17 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Her debut album is a heartfelt expression of her experiences, conveyed through honest songwriting, authenticity, and unwavering passion for the craft.

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Adjeng (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Having been in the music industry for almost a decade, singer-songwriter Adjeng continues to thrive. She consistently releases new music and delivers captivating performances at concerts.

During the launch of her album "Unravel," held at the Red Rhino Restaurant in Ortigas, the 45-year-old singer shared that she does not feel pressured to compete with the new generation of artists.

"I just keep moving forward. I just surround myself with excellent people. I like sitting at a table where the conversation is interesting. I don't mind the pressure, basta let's just be excellent," Adjeng said during the roundtable interview. 

(I keep moving forward. I just surround myself with excellent people. I like sitting at a table where the conversation is interesting. I don't mind the pressure.) 

After releasing several singles last year, Adjeng couldn't be happier to release her debut album finally. Drawing inspiration from personal milestones and events, Adjeng reveals her vulnerable side of this project.

"I think about this album as a gift. I think about what happens in the unwrapping. That's why using the word "Unravel" is such a strong statement, but it also gives me a lot of opportunity," Adjeng mentioned.

Her debut album is a heartfelt expression of her experiences, conveyed through honest songwriting, authenticity, and unwavering passion for the craft.

She also mentioned that being in a broken state helped her to delve deeper into her feelings regarding songwriting.

"When I found myself broken-hearted, that's when things started to get deeper when it comes to songwriting, and you know what? I loved the fact of the brokenness, lalo ka pa lang mahuhulma. Because when I got my heart broken, that's when I started writing," Adjeng added. 

(When I found myself broken-hearted, that's when things started to get deeper when it comes to songwriting, and you know what? I loved the fact that in the brokenness, you can only be molded more.)

Adjeng’s newest single off the album, ‘Still Kilig,’ is a love story in its own right - one where Adjeng sings about her loving relationship with her husband and how it continues to unfold as the years go by. “‘Still Kilig’ is a song I wrote and composed during the recent FILSCAP Songwriting Camp Year 5. 

It also marks the first time I got to work with keyboardist and music producer Gino Cruz, who arranged the song. It shares my take on my marriage's recipe for kilig," she gleefully shared. More than just a recipe for excitement, it also sheds light on the ups and downs of a long-term relationship and how to keep a marriage thriving after all these years.

Bing Velasco, mother of actors Patrick and Cheska Garcia, passes away at 70

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The news of their mother's demise was confirmed by their eldest sibling Pichon Garcia through social media.

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(L-R) Patrick, Pichon, Bing and Cheska Garcia (Instagram) 

The mother of Patrick Garcia and Chesca Garcia Kramer, Maria Celeste Dahlia "Bing" Velasco, passed away on April 20.

The news of their mother's demise was confirmed by their eldest sibling Pichon Garcia through social media.

"To those who knew, loved, and cherished every moment of our mom’s vibrant and beautiful personality. Final wishes, messages, and service will be on April 26, Friday 7 p.m.” wrote Pichon.

Bing's remains will be interred at Arlington Memorial Chapels on Araneta Avenue, Quezon City on April 23. The memorial service will be held on Friday, April 26.

Cheska also took the time to post on her social media account a long tribute to her mom. She posed a series of photos of her mom with her siblings, and kids.

"I will miss you so much, Mommy. I love you dearly! I am grateful for all the precious days I spent with you. You were there for all the important events in my life, and you were also there just to hang out, relax, and talk about anything and everything under the sun. I will miss those moments, Mommy!," Cheska wrote in her post.   "I will miss holding your hand or walking arm in arm-with you. I will miss your lovely scent; you always smelled so good. I will miss your smiling face! I love you, Mommy," she said.heska's husband, Doug Kramer, also paid a tribute to his mother-in-law by recalling the moment they went to Europe and she got lost. But it was a core memory for him saying, saying how happy they were to grant Bing's dream trip. He then appealed to the public to give their family the time to grieve.

"The best mom in law anyone could have!The OG, the coolest grandma, the funniest, and one who never runs out of chika because she knows all the issues on fb (Facebook)," Doug ended his post

Rhian Ramos takes on women empowerment in advocacy film 'Miss Probinsyana'

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• At the screening of her advocacy film "Miss Probinsyana" at the Metropolitan Theater on March6, Rhian believes that giving women the same opportunities as others is a big deal for her.

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Rhian Ramos (Facebook) 

Kapuso actress Rhian Ramos portrays a strong representation of capable women in modern society.

At the screening of her advocacy film "Miss Probinsyana" at the Metropolitan Theater on March 6, Rhian believes that giving women the same opportunities as others is a big deal for her.

"I feel that women need to fight for each other, create ways for each other. I feel that whenever you are in a position of power to help another person you should do it. I believe if I'm gonna rise, I wanna take everyone with me. If I achieve anything in this world, I want all of us to shine," Rhian said.

Inspired by the true story of Marjorie Aviso, who is also the producer of the film, "Miss Probinsyana" follows the story of Marge (Rhian) who embarks on a transformative path to create change in her province.

Set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the film explores Marge’s pursuit of empowering her fellow Filipinos through the world of information and communication technology.

According to Marjorie, choosing Rhian to portray her role in the film was her personal choice.

"She took it to the next level. Iyong portrayal niya sa role, she embraced it. I was lucky to be watching the first few scenes and I was like, ‘OMG, this is me. Rhian exemplifies me very much. I think it’s very important. Iyong portrayal niya ng character that brings life and brings a lot of importance to the reality of the film," Marjorie said.

(She took it to the next level. Her portrayal of the role, she embraced it. I was lucky to be watching the first few scenes and I was like, 'OMG, this is me. Rhian exemplifies me very much. I think it's very important. Her portrayal of a character that brings life and brings a lot of importance to the reality of the film) 

Rhian Ramos (left) and Marjorie Aviso (Facebook) 

Rhian said preparing for the role was challenging for her since the film tackles the corporate world.

"There's a lot of professional speak that I'm not used to, professional terms in companies I'm not used to in saying or hearing of. I also educated myself a little on mental health. This also touches not only on the challenges of the professional world but also psychologically for people," she also said.

She added that prior to making the film, she wasn't aware that people from the province don't have the same opportunities in work and education.

"Before doing this movie, there were so many untold stories na hindi rin ako aware kung gaano ka-limited ang options outside of the main cities like Manila, Cebu, or Davao. Hindi ako aware na para bang ito lang ang options mo for the future. It's also like you're not free to dream. I hope a lot of women watch this and fear not the freedom of whatever they dream of," Rhian added.

(Before doing this movie, there were so many untold stories that I wasn't even aware of how limited the options outside of the main cities like Manila, Cebu, or Davao were. I'm not aware that these are your only options for the future. It's also like you're not free to dream. I hope a lot of women watch this and fear not the freedom of whatever they dream of)

Rhian Ramos in Miss Probinsyana 

Rhian also mentioned that portraying one's character makes her empowered as a woman.

"When I'm acting, it takes me to another place. I know when I'm in the zone and I know if I'm not. And when you get those magic moments, it really feels amazing and that's basically what I'm doing my whole life. When I get good feedbacks also from people in what do, I feel most empowered, too," Rhian said.

"Miss Probinsyana" is directed by Jenny Pearl Bautista-Ninalga, written by Eligio Ninalga Jr. and JP Ninalga and produced by Impact Media Convergence, Inc.