A SPY-tacular Movie Review for The Man from U.N.C.L.E

Warner Brothers' latest blockbuster, The Man from U.N.C.L.E was one awesome ride! Its tongue in cheek and yet high-octane humour, it got me gripping my seat in excitement and laughter. Plus, with its fantastic set design (based on the 1960s spy series of the same title) and even more fantastically cast characters, the girls along my aisle - and myself - as if on cue, would swoon over Henry Cavill (maybe 'coz we won't forget that he was the hottest Superman ever and until now I wonder how anyone can have such a chiseled, perfectly manly face) and also Armie Hamer who did quite grow on me too with his charming, bright-eyed Jude Law vibe.

Napoleon Solo (Cavill), an ex-criminal turned super spy from the US (CIA Agent), and his forced and unlikely partner that won't let him run 'Solo', Ilya Kuryakin, super spy from the Russian Soviet Union! Together, they try to battle criminal elements that vow to make the end of the world closer - following the disappearance of the weapon's creator. And if you think two's company (or a crowd when you come from competing groups), think again for they are joined by Gaby (Alicia Vikander),  the daughter of the missing scientist for a triple dose of hotness. 

My favorite part (and the part I can relate to) was when Solo played WAZE to Gaby in an exhilarating ride, clutching his old-school map, fleeing death in the craziest manner! I surely would't mind trading the Waze App on my phone for Henry Cavill and his old school map minus the gunshots! Make sure that you catch this film - a classic indeed - classic dose of laughter and thrill! 

Another favorite scene - and my friends from the LGBT community almost rejoiced to - but it is not what you think. Watch the movie and see it for yourself! 

Lastly, to those wondering, U.N.C.L.E. stands for United Network Command for Law and Enforcement. It's something you and your family - especially the uncles - will enjoy!

Masquerade and Memories: Richprime Global's 35th Anniversary Celebration

I have so much to be thankful for as I look back to one of my most recent hosting gigs - for Richprime Global Inc. the largest toy distributor in the Philippines, with their flagship brands being Mattel's world-famous Barbie, Hot Wheels, Monster High and Fisherprice! 

I was so honored to co-emcee with Jess Villamor as we donned our best ball attires! Let me talk about the magic and the happiness through my fabulous snaps! Also, more photos at my latest site, thanks to my good friend at Marylaine Viernes, Events Host (E-Portfolio)

And of course, much love and thanks to Ms. Delby Bragais, creator of the beautiful golden Princess Barbie gown I wore that night. I have also started reading her book which she so kindly autographed as well, "The Purple Pig wears Red Lipstick." She is one of the country's top designers and one of the most respected elite group of image consultants. Be it planning your dream wedding, fashion advice or your way to a much-needed makeover, she is just a phone call away! Click this to visit her website: Delby Bragais, AICI CIP

- Marylaine Louise L Viernes

Movie Review: Fantastic Four

I was really blown away by 20th Century Fox and Warner Brothers Philippines’ latest film: the reboot of the Fantastic Four Franchise, kicking off with an origins theme. 

I appreciated the real-life situations of how sometimes, the best of intentions can turn into the most gruesome mistake, and also on the upside, and how the seemingly most tragic occurrences turn out to our advantage. Heartrendingly was the story of friendship between Ben and Reed, saw its eventual rut when an excited Reed coaxed Ben to join their verboten expedition which ended up in turning Ben into a monster and a killing machine as “The Thing.” I mean, everyone else got to keep their original forms, with a few irregularities they were eventually able to control, which then became their super powers. I can only imagine how Ben felt when he was unable to shift to his original form and worst - his best friend went into hiding after promising help, making one think that there are those who make it and those who pay the price to make things happen. I guess it is with coming into terms with life and who we have become, which of course we will see with Ben – in the next instalments of Fantastic Four – is what will make us embrace our potential – even if we didn’t turn out (or we did) into what we wanted to be. So instead of focusing on the realities of life beautifully rendered in a timeless, iconic superhero film, bet you didn't know that... 

* In the original 1960’s comic books, friends Reed Richards and Ben Grimm served in the World War II. But in the movie, they were good friends whose friendship was built on love for science and mystery, with Reed taking the lead, as usual, while Ben cooly played sidekick. 

* Ms. Susan Storm eventually married Reed and they had a son named Franklin Benjamin Richards and a daughter named Valeria Richards. And what's cute about Valeria is she is younger, but then thanks to time travel, she gets to be big sister! 

* In the comics, the only members of the Fantastic Four who didn’t become part of the Avengers was Johnny Storm. But isn't quite ironic how in real life - the actor who originally played Johnny Storm, Chris Evans - has moved on to become on of the most famous avengers - Captain America? Hows that for doing the Avengers-shift in real life? 

Above: My very own superhero who loved the movie so much that everyday we play superhero trivia games.

- Marylaine Viernes 

Wheels of Fun: The Hot Wheels Convention 2015

I am so glad to have emceed for the two-day Hot Wheels Convention 2015! For the first day, we had an awesome auction activity along with the Die cast car collectors of the Philippines. It was so amazing and these car enthusiasts along with Hot Wheels lovers (in different sizes and ages) came to bid for their dream Hot Wheel Super T-Hunts to add to their collections! 

For the awesome Day 2, it was bigger and fiercer for we had the much-awaited grand prix: for my hosting video, please watch by clicking on my Youtube Channel:

 Marylaine Viernes HOT WHEELS Video

And you won't believe it, but the Barbie girls came out on top of the day's two major tilts! Yes - two little girls beat the boys in their favorite game! Hundreds of Hot Wheelers came and this lady was declared 2015 Grand Prix Champion, next photo is of this other young girl who was the winner of the Hot Wheels Color Your Car Tilt. Don't they look so happy?!! 

Thank you for visiting! Here's to all of us who have to keep on driving; the road may be long, winding, scary and dark at times. But as long as God is with us, driving us in His path, then we know that we will arrive to our beautiful destination. Success, joy and prosperity beyond our hopes and dreams. For more pics of this fun event for the whole family, please visit my other hosting portal: 

Marylaine Viernes Online Portfolio

All thanks to my very longtime friend and budding E-ntrepreur (specialist in website building and e-commerce) and I will be introducing her soon! 

- Marylaine Louise Viernes 

AyalaLand Avida Serin x Summit Media Stay Tagaytay Magazine Launch

The breathtaking unveiling of AyalaLand - Avida's latest project - Serin Tagaytay along with the grand launch of their collaboration with Summit Media's Good Housekeeping Magazine - Stay Tagaytay was indeed successful and I am still overwhelmingly proud to have been a part of it!

And if I may add, as I have emceed for many a hotel & luxury event, this has to be the most stylistically chic event ever! Every inch of the even breathed the signature of Ayala: timeless luxury, class, elegance and of course, world-class quality! The units were breathtaking indeed! 

The venue was styled so beautifully, too beautiful for words, with its Southern, rustic, homey feel. Everyone (including myself) felt at home that we just wanted to stay there! I had tons of fun participating in our fab activities such as the design seminar and rubber stamp making activity with Urban Abode and Lucina, and of course, the fun succulents workshop with Smarty Plants PH. Also chatted with a few blogger friends and of course, my awesome event partners from Summit Media!

Thank you, Summit Media and Avida by AyalaLand, for believing in me. For now I will keep striving until I can finally be able to afford one of your beautiful units at Serin Tagaytay! (And have its interiors designed by one of the best in the country - Mr. Michael Magturo of Urban Abode below)...  

Marylaine Louise Viernes
Corporate Events & Party Host 

KONG-quering new heights with the amazing Mr. Francis Kong

So happy to be working with my newest events family, WildFire and my first project with them is an awesome project for Nestle, with no less than the amazing Francis Kong! You already know who Mr. Kong is; one of, if not the most respected lecturer/speaker and entrepreneur in the country, who inspires everyone with his amazing wit and accomplishments, but most of all since he walks the talk, thru his exemplary lifestyle. 

While he is such an amazing guy (with his supportive wife, Ms. Lilia Kong who is kind and equally amazing too), he and his family exude humility and glee even in the simplest things. It was a very quick shoot, and a great way to spend the weekend too! 

 Serious anchorwoman for this memorable weekend shoot... Loving my look for this project!

 The works: green backdrop and the boom mikes that later on transformed into a real studio! 

This was a very fun project and while I am not allowed by the producers to share any part of the clip here, we did snap a few BTS where I got the rare opportunity of picking the brilliant mind of Mr. Francis Kong! Below is a collection of my fave BTS starstruck/bloopers/kulitan photos: 

Thank you and I look forward to more successful projects with the amazing Wildfire team soon!

- Marylaine Louise Viernes

Truly Grateful to Total Girl Magazine

When I scream "I love Total Girl," I TOTALLY mean it. And every time I grab an issue of TG Magazine, I can't help but feel so happy and optimistic. So you can only imagine my delight of being part of this month's issue! 

Thank you TG for opening up a wonderful world for me. More than this feature (and something special to add in my portfolio as an event host), I am so thankful that after my TG Hosting gigs, I also have hosting projects with other Summit Media brands such as Good Housekeeping and Entrepreneur Magazine. 

So please hurry and stack up on Total Girl Magazine issues this month, and make it a monthly habit! Sharing my fave reads in the July 2015 issue: 

You know it! I love accessorising (and I need to, when I emcee events to stand out a bit) and another thing that I love is hearing advice from another point of view. Plus, even at this age, we encounter the same issues that hark back to when we were teens (as the song goes: same script, different cast), so reading advice from these awesome TG ladies really helps - they were truly wise beyond their years! And lastly, this page below features Patty and Sophia - two sweet Total Girls I met during my interview along with Nix and the lovely TG Managing Ed, MM De Mesa! 

I love Total Girl Forever!! Check out our fun BTS group photo with the exceptional TG team at the Summit Media Headquarters... 

- Marylaine Louise Viernes