Last Monday, the usual lunchtime crowd at SM Megamall was surprised that their favorite Filipino restaurant at the basement of the mall was closed. Not permanently, though because the dining facility was merely having a press do to introduce “Ang Blockbuster Bida ni Kuya J.”
The private event might have driven diners away only on that day but there were others who chose to take a peek at the Kuya J’s “blockbuster bida.”
And when Kapuso star Iya Villania came out from a curtained off corner to introduce, first Kuya J’s president, Winglip K. Chan who talked about the success of the Cebu-based restaurant, Jericho Rosales, people crowded the doorway of the restaurant for a glimpse of the Kapamily actor.
Rosales is the official brand ambassador of the chain.
Chan, before Rosales was introduced to the members of the press, spoke on what makes a restaurant a blockbuster hit.
He said, “Well, for one, it has to have mouthwatering food that you’ll love even at first bite. Two, the staff should be very welcoming to the extent that you’ll feel like you’re family. Three, the ambiance of the restaurant is warm and cozy, as if it were your second home. And four, it has to have a star that can captivate the hearts of every Filipino. Just like Kuya J Restaurant.”
Kuya J, one of the fastest rising Filipino restaurants in the Philippines that offer delicious Filipino food in a homey atmosphere, Chan said, has its “bidang” endorser, Jericho Rosales.
Without a doubt, Jericho or Echo, as he is fondly called, is one of the best actors in the country. He was, and still is, responsible for making many Filipinos shed tears while watching his shows on TV screens or movies with him as a lead actor in theaters. He is a versatile actor and can can paly any role. In fact, he still wants to portray a lot of characters outside of his comfort zone. This just goes to show how passionate Echo is with his craft.
But aside from his celebrity persona, Echo also wears a lot of hats.
When he wants to chill and ride the waves, he paddles his way as a cool surfer. When he wants to share the sound of his heart, he straps on his guitar and plays as a singer-songwriter. When he wants to toy around with his vintage cars and bikes, he puts on his collector snap-back. And when he wants to sharpen people’s style in his barbershop, he trims his way into a sleek entrepreneur.
Now, coming from his recently concluded teleserye, Bridges of Love, in which he played the role of a brother, Echo still continues to be the “Kuya”. But this time, it’s not only for one, but also for everyone.
Come to think of it, Echo very much echoes a Kuya. He’s the type whom you’d love to spend time with because he likes to have fun and always gives off good vibes. Plus, every time you’re with him, there’s not a single dull moment because his wholesomeness and wittiness is very entertaining.
On top of that, if there’s one thing that is very Kuya about Echo, it’s his trait of always putting his heart into everything that he does.
And that’s because he wants to reach out, inspire, and touch as many people’s lives as he can through his exceptional talents. It’s really no wonder that Echo is the perfect Kuya for the brand.
So, how will Kuya J Restaurant be a smashing hit? Well, let’s just say, like Jericho, it has all the makings of a superstar. And we all can’t wait to try its blockbuster dishes.
Howie Severino is Journalist of the Year
Metrobank Foundation, Inc. named documentarian and GMA News TV anchor Howie Severino one of the winners of the 2015 Search for Journalists of the Year (JOY). The award, given every two years, honors Filipino journalists that have contributed to nation building and set an example for the profession.
Severino was an award-sinning reporter on the print medium prior to moving to television in 1997. He was editor-in-chief of GMA News Online from 2009 to 2014.
He did a series of documentaries on Jose Rizal shown in schools and inspired Ilustrado, a bio-drama series on GMA Network on the life and times of Rizal.
“I am so honored by this award because it recognizes my entire 27-year career in journalism. But I am also very humbled because I know that TV journalism more than any other kind of journalism is a team enterprise,” says Severino. “Anything I have ever achieved in TV is also the product of the talented and committed professionals I am lucky enough to work with.”
During the formal award ceremony on Oct. 22, the three winners will each receive a cash prize and the Pamukaw medallion designed by Jun Vicaldo, a winner of the Metrobank Foundation Prize for Achievement in Sculpture (MPAS).
They will also be conferred the title “Metrobank Foundation Fellows in Journalism” and will be given the opportunity to share their expertise and experience through lectures in Metro Manila and other regions of the country.
The winners were chosen through a process conducted by the Probe Media Foundation. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales chaired the panel of judges composed of members Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista; Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Chairman Dr. Patricia Licuanan; Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin; and Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation President Carmencita Abella.
Severino also serves as GMA Network’s vice president for Professional Development, one of those responsible for developing journalism standards and policies for the network.
Fellow GMA Network journalists Jiggy Manicad and Malou Mangahas were awardees in the first edition of the Search for Journalists of the Year in 2013. Mangahas heads the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.
MTRCB Chief inspires DMI members
Atty. Eugenio “Toto” Villareal, Chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), recently spoke at a mini-Matalinong Panonood seminar with members of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate International (DMI). The event was held at the Liezl Martinez Hall of the MTRCB building on Sept. 7.
Atty. Villareal enjoined the association of Catholic women to wear the so-called “parent’s hat” and promote audience sensitivity, particularly in regard to the vulnerable sectors such as children, women, elders, and persons with disabilities.
Meanwhile, fueled by its mandate to “empower and protect the welfare of its stakeholders towards media literacy,” the MTRCB continues to mount “Matalinong Panonood” activities for every Juan and Juana.
On the heels of the successful “Values Formation Family Day” opening at Amoranto Multi-purpose Theatre on Sept. 12, the MTRCB will conduct two more seminars on Sept. 24 and 26, all through the initiative and support of the Quezon City government. The MTRCB will also continue to walk its talk at Amber Business Center Ortigas on Sept.19, and at the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Diocesan Shrine and Parish in Antipolo City on Oct. 29.
“We have been going by groups to various provinces, schools, dioceses, and other organizations on a nationwide information campaign. We believe that the ratings and classification system, anchored on age-appropriateness of particular content, will serve no purpose if it is not understood and effectively used by the audience,” Villareal said.