Movie Review: Flotsam The Movie

I had the privilege to be one of the first to watch Flotsam the movie in full at the La Union Premiere at CSI Mall La Union last October 24, 2015. To top that, I met the cast and crew and partied all night at Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel where most of the movie was filmed. 

CSI Mall La Union Movie Premiere

Selfie

Flotsam the movie is a rom-com filled with relatable hugot lines. The characters face real-life dilemmas on love and surfing. The film stars Solenn Heusaff, Rocco Nacino, Mara Lopez-Yokohama, Franco Daza, Carla Humphries, Marc Abaya, Zack Varkaris, Jun King Austria, Barbara Miguel, Adrian Cabido, Gerard Garcia, Anja Peter, and introducing Julia Quisimbing with local actors Jeff Ortega and Lemon. Despite their celebrity status, they were the friendliest and the most down to earth!

Their characters represent a member of your own group of friends. For example: Allen - the nice guy / gentleman; Lemon - the comic relief; Jamie - the risk taker; and Mia - the life coach / the loyalist. You’ll laugh, raise an eyebrow, blush, and cry on the unexpected pairings that defined the 8 different love stories in the movie.

Kiddo Cosio

#TeamWhatsUpDagupan (from left: Luis Miguel, Jec Mabasa, Mike Miguel, Lovely Grey, Mike Fernandez, Simon Vistro, Edxxer Valenzuela)

At Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel

I can somehow relate to Kai (Solenn), she goes to San Juan, La Union for a work project with Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel. But it's obvious to her best friend, Mia, that something’s bothering her. Kai eventually decided to stay until she figures things out by herself. She escaped the stressful wedding preparations and left her fiancé in Manila a few months before their big day. She then meets Tisoy (Rocco), the local bartender.. the rest you have to watch until the end! Tisoy & Kai’s love story is my personal favourite. It’s just so heartbreakingly good!!! Here’s one of my favorite lines: (Kai to Tisoy) 
“You make me feel alive. He makes me feel safe.” 
Cue in Flotsam OST ‘Seagulls’! Haha.

Our team with Rocco Nacino

With our crush Mara Lopez-Yokohama

Mara Lopez-Yokohama is so cool, she’s a pro-surfer you guys! She’s my #WomanCrushWednesday or better yet woman crush everyday! Haha! 

Oh, watch out for the mystery girl. She’s worth the wait! We didn’t know Kate Moss has a twin and it’s Julia Quisumbing! She’s so lovely, no air of arrogance, only her sweet smile and beautiful personality. I’m looking forward to seeing more of you in the biz!

I applaud Zack Varkaris for effortlessly playing the totally smitten foreign actor in Flotsam. His acting debut and you won’t even realize it. He’s written a novel while in England and on again with another one soon. You promised to send me a copy Zack, don’t forget!

Jeff Ortega plays the womanizer/chicboy in the movie like it’s all natural! But on a serious note, we won’t forget your 5-minute drink – FlotJet. Like WOAHHH! Angelo & Marie were right about complimentary drinks.

Franco Daza yow the man! Haha Joncy must be really proud.

Anja Peter, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned! Power slap!

Lemon, Lemon, Lemon is a breath of fresh air! He’s meant to be on the big screen. In person? He is the coolest, awesomest, everness! I was told he is the current president of a certain surf club in La Union. He is a well-known pro-surfer in La Union even before Flotsam the movie, guys.

It's been my honor to meet the real-life Allen as well! The legendary Philippine Surf Lifestyle photographer, Sneaky Sniper Allen Aligam! Thanks for your suggestions on where to eat at 2AM!

Direk Jay Abello thank you for following me on Instagram! Haha! Thank you for this film, we see your passion, we believe in your vision therefore you have our support!

The movie also features original music by Surfernando Marcus Adoro, Mia Sebastian, Kiddo Cosio, Joncy Sumulong, and Bo Bismark. Nice meeting you all!

With #FlotsamTheMovie heartthrobs

I can't sleep for days aaahhh fan-girling!!

Lastly, Rocco Nacino my love. Hahaha! I'm super happy seeing you for the third time and the fact that it’s in this beautiful surf town in La Union makes it even better. Yes Tisoy, I will STAY. Haha! 
Everyone, watch the movie! Rocco will break your heart with 'that' smile, that look in his eyes.. the longing, the acceptance..  My gosh, I cried a river! Hope to see you again soon Rocco!

Overall, it's a feel-good movie.. It will make you want to go to San Juan, La Union asap -learn to surf, meet people, find peace and quiet, heal your heart. It's a magical place! The next morning, I went surfing for the first time and I will tell you all about it on my next post.

To all of you who are reading this, what are you waiting for? Support indie films and experience La Union on the big screen. It is important that you watch it on these dates: November 4, 5, 6, 2015! Because cinemas usually pull out indie films on weekends to give way to bigger international movies. To those who are in Pangasinan and La Union, the movie is now showing at CSI The City Mall Dagupan and CSI Mall La Union. Follow these pages for movie updates, schedules, and more exciting news: Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel, CSI The City Mall Dagupan, CSI Mall La Union, What's Up Dagupan, LVLY GREY. Special thanks to Mr. Jeto Seen and to #TeamWhatsUpDagupan for the non-stop laughter and pigging out. Let’s do this again!

xxx

Hotel Review: Hotel Le Duc - Dagupan City, Pangasinan

So, last month we celebrated the birthday of my dearest Louise and I wanted to share with you my thoughts on the hotel we stayed at. Hotel Le Duc is a one-year old lifestyle hotel in Dagupan City. It also stands as a training hub for the Hospitality Management students of Lyceum Northwestern University. I say it's a minimalist haven, well-maintained, chic and cozy. 

Our room

Desk, TV and Rest Room

Upon arriving, we were greeted with a smile by the friendly staff - from the guard at the entrance to the front desk officer. I booked a reservation beforehand through phone so as to avoid hassle especially because I'm with my Mum who doesn't like waiting. The porters were a big help carrying all our stuff - luggage, giveaways, gowns, and other props for the party. We booked the De Luxe Room with one Queen Sized bed, bedside tables, cabinet, desk, flat screen tv, two chairs, a toilet and a shower with heater. With our things in place, we still have room for more. The bed can fit two adults and a child, well it still depends. The sheets are clean and fresh, same as with the towels. There's no mini fridge in the room but you can ask at the front desk. The in-house restaurant is not yet open but, hey, more options for you since there are more than 5 restaurants and cafe within 100m reach. You can choose from Texan, Chinese, Mediterranean, modern and traditional Filipino cuisines. They can deliver it to you in a few good minutes, call the front desk officer for assistance.

Compiled snaps, these videos originally appeared on my live Snapchat Oct. 5-7, 2015

Follow me @lvlygrey

Hair and make up was also done in our room on the day of the event. We even had photo shoot in the hotel. (Will add those photos as soon as it's available)

There's enough room for hair and makeup artists & photographers - the veranda helped a lot

We had an undisturbed beauty sleep before the party and a much needed rest after, all at the comfort of our hotel room. Overall, we had a hassle-free stay at the hotel. Excellent service from the staff for being alert and very patient, the management for being organized and open to our requests and suggestions. If these suggestions were to be executed and operations run smoothly, Hotel Le Duc will definitely be number one in Dagupan in the years to come. Grey approves!

Check out Hotel le Duc's Facebook Page

Tapuac District, 2400 Dagupan City, Dagupan, Philippines

Contacr Number: +63 75 515 8684

E-mail Address: hotelleduc@lyceum.edu.ph

Price range: ₱

Lang Leav in Singapore

More than eight months after I met 'Love & Misadventure' author Lang Leav in Kinokuniya Singapore, I still feel giddy with excitement every time I look back at that moment. I'm full of admiration for this wonderful person. Lang Leav was born in a refugee camp in Thailand, they moved to Melbourne when she was five and now based in Sydney with her beau, author Michael Faudet.

I've spent considerable amount of my time in a bookstore more than anywhere else back in SG, being surrounded by books and people with mutual interest felt like home to me. When I heard the news that Lang Leav's doing a promotional tour for her (then) latest book "Lullaby," I've decided I will see her in the flesh.. I will get my book signed.. & nothing's gonna stop it from happening. Not even when it rained cats and dogs on the day of the event!  

Dad and I ran a few errands, then he drove me to Orchard. He handed me fifty bucks and wished for a lovely time with one of my favorite authors. I head straight to Coffee Beans and Tea Leaf for a cup of hot chocolate. I'm an hour and a half early so I bought a card and wrote an appreciation letter for Lang, while also waiting for my good friend, the sweetest, kindest, awesome-st ate - Ate Althea Fernandez-Chua.

At last, the moment we've been all waiting for. Lang entered the room with a gracious smile. She's sweet, quiet and gentle.. just like a lullaby. After a few questions from the eager crowd, I asked Lang Leav if she could please read her dedication for Michael: 

For Michael,

I love you, I do -

you have my word.

You have all my words. 

I asked Lang Leav to read her dedication for boyfriend Michael Faudet! Omg, I died ❤️😍😱

A video posted by Lovely Grey (@lvlygrey) on Nov 29, 2014 at 12:34am PST

#FANGIRLING 101 

Biggest smile + a love letter in hand

Queued up for the second time around...

For this HUG <3

Inked!

H-A-P-P-I-N-E-S-S

This I will never, ever forget! It's been truly a magical day, meeting the person who brought poetry back to our lives in this day and age. Anyway, the real MVP is of course my Dad. For the tender loving care, encouragement, all the efforts, and the fifty bucks! We eventually called it a day after a scrumptious Japanese dinner. Thanks Pops! Thanks Ate Althea! Thanks Kinokuniya! Thanks Lang Leav! Thank you UNIVERSE!

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Seeties Intern2Play

I learned about Seeties Intern2play program in one of the Facebook posts of my good friend Senyorita Myx. Since I've just come back here and nothing's really keeping me busy at the moment, I've decided to join in the fun. I submitted my CV, answered a few interesting questions on the site, got shortlisted, and interviewed via Skype. A confirmation e-mail arrived two weeks later stating that I am officially one of the twelve Seeties interns from all over the country! Oh yes, we have representatives from Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Rizal, Manila and Pangasinan. Finally, it's time to meet my fellow interns and our mentor Zuzanna Chmielewska - a known Polish blogger. We spent an afternoon getting to know each other at Cafe7Gram in Greenhills. We've exchanged stories and quizzed about certain facts about our hometowns. Most of my fellow interns are still studying, a number of them from De La Salle and U.P., just to name a few. I'd say it's worth my five-hour trip from the province to the big city! 

I am now in my 4th week of internship and I am totally enjoying this fun experience. I especially love getting to know shop owners, their stories, and aspirations. Download Seeties app today! Discover hidden gems and enjoy awesome treats. Seeties is a mobile app perfect for foodies, travelers, tourists and locals who are always in the lookout for the best places to shop & dine! Plus, users get promo updates and can also write and upload their own recommendations. Seeties is available in six Asian countries: Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan and the Philippines. 

(From left to right) Patrick James Son, Rae Cañero, Ara Vergara, Juvy, Jessamine, Janina David, Ia Coca, Bria Vergel de Dios, Thomas Bienvenida, Sharry Lagmadeo, Rica Aquino, Lovely Grey and Zuza

Thomas and Sharry

Thanks for this photo Rica!

Patrick and Rae

You can download the app for free!

First batch of #SeetiesPH Interns

Follow me @lvlygrey

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"NABLOS" Art Exhibit

Biskeg Pangasinan is back with yet another successful art exhibit in celebration of the Philippine Independence Day entitled "NABLOS" which is a local term for the act of breaking free. The opening reception was held last Saturday June 20, 2015 at Liongoren Art Gallery, Tapuac District Dagupan City where I also met Patrick B. Fernandez, a self-taught artist who was inspired by exhibitions in Dagupan City's Pista'y Dayat Festival. He graduated from the Pangasinan State University with honors and has held various positions in corporations and local government before deciding to become a full-time artist and art instructor. Fernandez was a finalist in the 2009 GSIS National Painting Competition and a Semi-Finalist in the LRT Art Competition 2009 before being voted as the president of the Dagupan Artists' Circle and the AAP Dagupan City, Pangasinan Chapter. He is also one of the four founding members of APATIRA. I asked Patrick to give a message and a piece of advice to all aspiring artists and here's what he has to say,

"For young aspiring artists... its not easy to push a career in the arts.. passion is not enough to get you through.. you need dedication and hardwork to perfect your craft and master your creativity.. To be true artist is not just to learn the skill to draw or paint but to have the Discipline to create wether there is an urge or not. Artist live in the bliss of creation and should not stop creating arts even if inspiration comes or not."

There will be new art exhibits every month and it'll be open to public, follow Biskeg Pangasinan, Artcetera and my page LVLY GREY on Facebook for updates.

'Coming Out' by Cherry Lynn Aquino (leftmost)

'Paglaya sa Kabigatan' by Kevin Vila (left); 'Earnest Endeavors' by Ma. Grace Carpizo

'We started a joke' by Frenk Sison (left); 'Malaya' by Jojit Solano (Right)

'Conspicuous Mind' by Mark John Macaraeg (left); 'Let's pretend that everything is all good' by Patrick Fernandez (center); 'Pahinga' by Pemee Legaspi (right)

Laters!

x

ColorManila Dagupan 2015

I woke up at 5AM and arrived at the CSI The City Mall grounds just in time for the 10k runners to start and for me to find my friends. After a few Hi's and Hello's from everyone, I found myself third wheelin' with Ezer and Shayne. Main goal here is to cover the event for my blog, run and have fun, and so I did! Okay, I walked. Brisk walking, it's totally the same thing guys! Haha, kidding. But, I was happy to see that a lot of people participated. Students, barkadas, serious runners, foreigners and balik-bayans alike. Along the way into our five-kilometer run, we were greeted and cheered on by the members of the University of Luzon Drum & Bugle Corps. How nice of them! Incoming runners were welcomed with 'color throws' in every 2 km reached, and if I remember it correctly, the first color throw was green, followed by blue, then yellow, pink and purple. Paramedics and police officers were also there circling the grounds, always ready for anything. Good job guys!

 Each of us were given a color packet after the run, we're supposed to throw it out in the air all at the same time. One must choose whether to film it or jump in with the rest of the crowd. I chose the latter and was engulfed in colors! It's like a massive rainbow unicorn fart except that it actually didn't smell, and the foldable shades that came with the race kit didn't defeat its purpose. Color Manila assured that the color powder used are all certified non-toxic and free of any heavy metals. It's also easy to remove, just follow the step by step instructions shown at the end of the program, or you can watch the animated infographic about it on Color Manila's Facebook Page. 

Of course, the best part is when the DJ brought the house down with awesome dance music and pretty sick mix. I tell ya, everybody's still pumped up for the after party. The people, the music, the energy.. Man, we were killin' it back there. It's evident to everyone's faces how colorful the event had been. Ye, seriously. Both literally and figuratively speaking. Haha! 

I am so looking forward to joining more color runs in the future, maybe in India or in Germany where it all began! This has surely been one of the main highlights of my summer!

Photos by Kristian Fajardo Enriquez

Not sure if patronus charm or a pair of angel wings from Victoria's secret haha! #colorthrow

With Jeto Seen

With #TeamWhatsUp | Photo by Jec Mabasa

Photo by Simon Vistro of What's Up Dagupan

Special thanks to my Ate Mica of Senyorita.net and Jeto of CSI Malls for the invite. You can find more photos and videos in What's Up Dagupan's Facebook Page.

xx

LUPAM! | An Exhibit of Self Portraits

I am back in Pangasinan and just in time for Dagupan City's Bangus Festival too. I have a lot of activities to do here on my list this summer, and one of them is to visit this local art gallery I've heard so many good things about. Even though quite new in the area, Liongoren Gallery's previous exhibits together with Biskeg Pangasinan Art Collective had been all a success. This shows beyond doubt the amazing talents of our local artists, I happen to know a number of them too (Hello Kat, Rhen & Ma'am Grace!). So today, at last, I was able to attend the opening reception of LUPAM! An Exhibit of Self Portraits and I must say I am very, very impressed. Aside from the brilliant art works on display, there was poetry slam and a live band to complete this awesome experience. Kudos to everyone who put the event together. And oh, I heard that the next exhibit will be as exciting as this one so watch out. Follow Artcetera and my page LVLY GREY on Facebook for updates.

 LUPAM! Exhibit is open to public from April 18 - May 15, 2015. Visit them and show some love by including #BISKEG #LUPAM #PangasinanArtScene on your social media posts.

"Alter Persona" by Kat Abenoja

"Minggol" by Pemee Legazpi

Laters!

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