Shell-shocked and stoked at the TMNT Turtle Up! (Day1)

I am still rocking and shell-shocking the house down, showing off my ninja moves as I simply cannot shake off the awesome experience of being this year's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' Turtle Up event and party host with Nickelodeon for it was totally tubular and tu-good-tu-be-tru!!! It was simply TURTLE-Tacular to bring the house down with Raph, Leo, Donnie and Mikey! This year, I got to be April O'Neal or should I say April O'Yeah! Loved my yellow top, but excuse my fat turtle shell of a tummy... But who cares, I am friends with the Ninja Turtles! Yeah!!! 

As a child, I have always loved the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in fact and now as a mum, it's just become a lot more fun as my kid loves it 4 times more than I did! Check out my boy who was ten times more excited than I was. And trust me, I was SOOOO Excited! Here he is on the way to the event, first as Michaelangelo, and then Donatello... 

 And now, check out my very own little Raphael! A true TMNT kid just like me! 

And check out this other cute little Raphael I met there too... so many cute turtle boys there! Ninja Turtles unite! See you all for Day 2!!! It doesn't get more TURTLE-tastic than this! 

 

- Marylaine Viernes, Events Host & Ninja (Click Me)

My PAN-tastic Big Screen Adventure!

A friend flatteringly remarked on my birthday that I don’t seem to be ageing to which I retorted that it was because "I ate fairy dust for breakfast..." (although I cannot say the same now as I am becoming stouter by the day and so I need to get my diet and exercise act straight). And just imagine my excitement upon learning that fairy dust was actually the secret of Captain Blackbeard’s might, strength and youth, in the movie, PAN! I still cannot get over the thrill after watching PAN last night, thanks to Warner Brothers and 20th Century Fox Philippines, who invited us to the premier night screening of this delightful film, which was truly special to me, for it had the two essential elements that for me make a memorable film: Spirit and Heart. This truly stirred awake the child in me who believes that someday, I will be able to fly!

First of all, the baby Peter was just so adorable and as this lad grew into Peter, he was absolutely a lovely boy who was perfect for the part! His lovely eyes are like the mermaid lagoon which can drown you in its brightness, beauty and depth! And I can definitely say the same for the rest of the cast, especially Tiger Lily (Rooney Mara), the mermaid (Cara Delevigne) and Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman). And while I agree that even Captain Hook (Garett Hedlund) was definitely not how I had expected him to be, he was well cast and endearing, getting me hooked! This movie mounted this classic villainous character into a whole new light that I actually appreciate and admire Hook now! And… I totally need to be Tiger Lily this Halloween!

Best of all, I absolutely loved the Christian undertones as I am a sucker for everything relatable to the Catholic faith. Apart from the classic religious subjects such as “true love,” “sacrifice,” or “free will and its consequences”, I was gripped with themes like how Peter Pan was the prophesied boy who shall return to free his people when the time is right… how he grew up in poverty and hardship… that he was half man, half fairy… and most of all, that he was the son of Mary… I am sure that there is no explanation needed there!

 ***

I enlist all of you to catch this high-flying, ship-sailing magical journey before they sail back to Neverland and Never return! It will most certainly awaken that part within us – the little boys (or girls) – who, like Peter Pan will remain young, hopeful and faithful. All you have to do is to fly to the theaters (by thinking of happy things) and it doesn’t get any happier than this movie! Believe me when I say that every bit of this movie is magical! Take the family along because this adventure is so much PAN! I mean, fun!

- Marylaine Louise Viernes (Click Me) 

Glam up and go: Our Pink-tastic Runway Party with Barbie!

I am still buzzing with doll-light (delight) as I recall sharing the stage with Barbie girls from all over the country who answered the call to glam up and go sashaying down the pink carpet! Yes, Barbie girls unit once more for another memorable party with Barbie! Check out my #BarbieSquadGoals photo: 

PAINT THE TOWN PINK. Yes, Pink is the new red, and it is also Rad! Barbie girls came and conquered - in their cute little Barbie heels, too! 

BARBIE STEPS. Yep, the world is our runway and we can conquer the world with each small baby Barbie step... you just have to always step up, keep going and be better than you were before! 

One small step for Barbie... one giant leap for Barbie-kind! Yes, Barbie girls the world over are kind, helpful, sweet, smart and optimistic! The world loves Barbie girls!!! 

PINK POSITIVE. It was good, pink vibes all over! All of our Barbie girls who walked down the runway shared the biggest glowing smiles! Ah, it's so wonderful to live in a Barbie world! 

PINK UP THE PIECES. Yes we had so many awesome games, most of these involving pink trinkets; here Barbie girls got to design their very own Barbie tees and brought home glam prizes! 

PINK HAPPINESS IN A BOX. Got my dose of happiness boxed in today! It's not everyday that you get to be Barbie, and so, I am happy to share my honorary Barbie doll pose at the Photo Box: 

BOX OF 3S: Check out my Barbie crew... who says you cannot have three Barbie dolls in one box? Spell F-I-E-R-C-E! You KEN be anything you want to be, with Barbie! 

PINK PLATFORM. Just check out the cool set-up before the event began! The Toys R Us Girls Fair is magically fabulous! Loved the tiara arch that made the Barbie girls feel like runway royalty!

 

- Marylaine Louise Viernes (Click for more Pics)

Celebrating my memorable birthday with Thomas and Friends!

I spent every day of this week with a-TRAIN-aline (adrenaline) rush, as it had been so fantastic turning a year older - but still staying a child-at-heart! I greatly believe that my son and my work as an events host really keeps me young at heart and spirit and hopefully I won't look as old as I really am, too! May the good times remain and become greater!

This year was indeed special - for I celebrated the eve of my 17th birthday alongside Thomas the Train aka Thomas the Tank Engine's 70th birthday at the SM Mall of Asia! (Yes, I am only 17! Alright, fine... It's my 17th birthday for the 12th time!) I spent the day hosting with my son and his adorable little friends as they choo-chooed along the fun tracks with Thomas and Friends! We played games, listened to stories and even sang Thomas a Happy Birthday song!

Above: These adora-boys aboard the story express... and below I play more games with the kids and hope that I didn't disappoint them in my Train Conductor outfit... though I do need to lose weight otherwise, I will soon be Miss Mary Topham Hatt - the Fat Female Controller! 

And here I am below with the adorable Fat Controller, Sir Topham Hatt! 

Lastly, Thank you so much to my wonderful Richprime Global Family and welcome back, Ms. Julie! Glad you are once again Fisher Price's beautiful, hard-working and dedicated brand manager! 

Lord, Thank You for giving me another year of life and the chance to become better than I was before. I am grateful of Your endless mercy that even with the mistakes I've made, you have blessed me with so much more, and make me hopeful that I can look forward to a brighter Life with You and the people You bring into my life who let me feel Your Love. Bless me and my family always that I may be able to do what I love to do, and be enriched in all aspects, and protect us from all evil as we grow in You. Lead me closer to my dreams each day, and remind me always that I am nothing without You. Amen.

- Marylaine Louise Viernes (Click for more photos)

Tears, triumph and fun: one unforgettable journey in 'The Martian'

As expected, Warner Brothers Philippines presented another masterpiece, with the movie adaptation of Andy Weir's phenomenal novel of the same title. It was one beautiful journey that spoke of courage in adversity, life in barrenness, and hope in tragedy. Astronaut-Botanist Mark Watney (Matt Damon) rouses after being hit during a terrible storm and finds himself left behind to withstand the elements solo through the SOLs (term for 1 Martian day / cycle). 

This movie was magnanimous with scenes that tugged at the heart, and on another scene, the movie would make you laugh so hard thanks to the hearty, unexpected puns in between; it was inspiring the way Watney became the epitome of the superior creation, Mankind: that we are meant to survive, transcend our situations, and most of all, that we are created not just to exist, but to live. 

And I don't know the extent of the story's reality (as I have never been on Mars) but I found it enthralling that almost during the premier night of The Martian, news about discovering water on Mars also catapulted into the media hemisphere! I guess we will never know but some things we don't really need to know in this lifetime; what we cannot go on without is seeing this movie! Of course I won't go spoiling this amazing cinematographic blockbuster rocket ride for you all, but you need to see this riveting movie for yourselves! Go beyond Earth and watch this now!

Lastly, The Martian made me realise how important Math and Science are: the two elements that make man so advanced (such as building aircrafts, venturing into intergalactic missions, and heroic non-gravitational interception awesomeness - let me see you try to beat Mark Watney, Tony Stark!) and at the same time, these beautiful concepts form the very basic cornerstones of man's humanity and survival. So much depth in such a lofty, imaginative and well-written plot.  

Get your tickets now for one out-of-this-world experience that leave you crying and smiling at the same time... before they fly back to Mars! Don't go SOL-o, take the entire family with you for one memorable and lovely big screen journey! Thanks again Sir Francis Soliven and Ms. Mae Vecina for always inviting me! Check out MAE V. and MAY V. posing below with the Martian potatoes... and... Mae the force be with you!!! 

- Marylaine Louise Viernes

A shower of love and surprises at the Smart Parenting Baby Shower 2015

I am more than blessed to be part of this year's Smart Parenting Baby Shower, held at the luxurious Discovery Suites where over a hundred moms and moms-to-be came for an afternoon of adventure, proving that no baby bump is too heavy to prevent their loving mommies from participating on empowering activities while infanticipating!  

I met Mr. Aya Laraya who had the most humble presence and spoke unassuming words. But when he grabbed the mic as one of the main speakers, he proved that he was indeed one of the country's greatest financial minds! Speaking in a very straightforward and sometimes comical language that blew us away, he opened our eyes toward the errors and missed opportunities when it came to investing. A breath of fresh air from throngs of insurance agents who claim to be "financial advisors," he helped me reform my take on saving up for my son. See, I like seeing his savings account grow (proud to say he has a hefty amount in the bank, partly his earnings when he was about 1 year old, appearing in  J & J TV commercial, and mostly thanks to my diligence in collecting monetary gifts  from his godparents every year) but now, with my son's blessing and his own words spoken in his sweet six-year old voice, "Mommy, sa Ayala Corporation na lang," we are now gearing to get him some shares in one of the country's biggest and strongest companies.

Also met Ms. Aiza Tabayoyong, Life Coach extraordinaire! She made me and most of the mums there realise the mistakes and shortcomings that we have as moms, but we can always better ourselves for our kids! 

I even openly shared how I am too much of a permissive mom, but now, thanks to her opening my eyes, I am striving to be more of a democratic mother; because even my son's best friend believes that I am one of their playmates! And so while I want to pinch and kiss his cheeks when he asserts his royal bratty-ness (which I adore and find so cute) I have realised that it is time to shape him, otherwise his "sense of entitlement" and the fact that he always gets away with things might become inimical to his character and ultimately, his future. So here I am below with my little boss, future shareholder of major companies here in the Philippines! :-) 

Every minute of the meaningful and fabulous event was truly a blessing! So happy to be part of this, and I look forward to growing in every aspect, thanks to these amazing experiences, both as a professional and as a mom! 

From the bottom of my heart, I thank Smart Parenting Magazine and the exceptional Summit Media events team for trusting me with events especially with themes closest to my heart! 

- Marylaine Viernes (Click for More Photos)

A Date with Hilarity: Mike and Dave need Wedding Dates, the biggest comedy flick of the year!

Laughing the night away. Where do I begin exactly in my review for 20^th Century Fox’s latest flick, ‘Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates’? I hadn’t laughed this hard since the last comedy film we saw, Vacation, also by Warner Brothers & 20th Century Fox Philippines.

When good girls go bad. Basically, this hilarious film is top-billed by one of my favourite teen pop star growing up, Zac Efron (who I can never see the same way again), along with funny sexy gal Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza and Adam Devine who plays Efron’s brother in the film. These two handsome, troublemaking brothers find themselves landing hot ‘good girls,’ like how their parents wanted, all thanks to their ad that had been so successful it went viral. But just when their parents thought that Mike and Dave, finally having dates along could keep them out of trouble – guess again, for paradise has never been in trouble like this before! As soon as Mike and Dave arrive with their dates, the woes started brewing sooner than you can say 'espresso', leading viewers to the most white-knuckled pile of the funniest scenes that make you feel like you’ve been hit train after train of laughter – and yet you walk out of the movie house wanting more!

True colors. In a nutshell, underneath that exhilarating hilarity comes the recurring theme at the core of all successful movies: that love, especially for family, prevails. All we need is to be true to ourselves, to accept each other in spite of our flaws. Sometimes this task is hard enough – given the pressures all around us – expectations of society and in this case – in the movie – the expectations of Mike and Dave’s parents to sober up their act for the sake of their sister’s wedding.

Absolutely had a crazy good time. Plus loved the fact that this advance screening was held at the very luxe Uptown Mall Cinemas in BGC! So much fun in store for everyone and don’t forget to bring your special someone too; as this film can get as sultry-raunchy-hot as it is a-breath-of-fresh-air-funny.  Thank you so much 20th Century Fox for such a good time, and of course the pampering session for the media guests too; such a sweet pre-movie treat! Whether your status is single (or double), married or open relationship (or "it's complicated"), make sure to watch 'Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates' today or miss out on the most hilarious big screen adventure of your life!  

Marylaine Louise Viernes events host website (www.marylaineviernes.com)

Marylaine Louise Viernes events host portfolio (www.marylaineviernes.org)