Bianca Umali - Village Pipol January 2019 Issue

VP/TRAVEL
TRAVEL TO YOUR
HEART'S CONTENT
THIS 2019
BY KARLA MAE DOMINGO
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT
VP/LIFESTYLE
SPC UNVEILS WINNERS
OF SHARP LOVES YOUR
FAMILY VIDEO MAKING
CONTEST
VP/ENTERTAINMENT
THE PROBLEM WITH
PENN BADGLEY IN
'YOU'
BY LORD HARVEY MONTEROSO
VP/SPOTLIGHT
ANDRÉ BROUILLETTE
IS THE MULTIRACIAL MAN
OF YOUR DREAMS
BY SHAWN KLIFF SACAL
www.villagepipol.com | 1

VP
EDITORIAL
#VPTEAM
EVOLUTION
RED ENTERTAINMENT, INC., THE COMPANY THAT PUBLISHED THE 1 ST
FREE ONLINE AND PRINTED NEWS MAGAZINE IN THE PHILIPPINES,
VILLAGE PIPOL, WAS ESTABLISHED ON OCTOBER 2007. #CHEERS!
New year signifies the continuation of our long journey towards our desires. All spirits are
hopeful, putting their best assets on their welcoming fete to this annual change of calendar.
The wonder of seeing everyone in light and loud tone makes every January a refreshing season
for beginnings and embraces. Of course, the enthusiasm and excitement will always be there,
giggling and blushing.
To start this year right, our first cover for 2019 features the admiring old soul of Bianca Umali.
With the current flow of showbiz, she is defying the norms. She is a fighter, fearless and firm
in breaking boundaries in her craft. Moreover, her passion and resilience has made an indelible
mark to those around her that she has become a marvel in her own right.
PUBLISHER RICHIE DE QUIÑA
GWYN CRISOSTOMO
MANAGING EDITOR JOHN LUKE CHICA
PR & MARKETING MANAGER JOSH AUSTRIA
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JIM REYNOLD ZAMORA
DIGITAL MANAGER PHILIP ANDAYA
LAYOUT ARTIST FRAME RIVAS
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT LARA TOLDANES
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
PHOTOGRAPHERS
VIDEOGRAPHER
MAKE-UP ARTIST
STYLIST
HAIR STYLIST
LORD HARVEY MONTEROSO
SHAWN KLIFF SACAL
RUTH KARLA DOMINGO
GIA CATIMBANG
JOBO NACPIL
KENNETH TANGONAN
RXANDY CAPINPIN
VINCENT SY
NATHAN FEROLINO
JOHN PAUL DIZON
NELLY SEGIRL
As we grew older and wiser, we have learned to appreciate things more than its shallow
representation. Everything has its own purpose and the challenge to find each significant path
will bring satisfaction to our hearts. Do not be afraid to take the risk of following your desires.
This year is for you!
Let's welcome 2019 with high hopes and numerous goals. Be the best version of yourselves!
“Innovation is change that unlocks new value”
Village Pipol – The Evolution of Advertising!
Richie de Quina
PUBLISHER
RED Entertainment, Inc.
Unit 419 & 420 One Oasis Hub B Building M,
Ortigas Ext. Ave., Brgy. Sta. Lucia, Pasig City 1600
For Inquiries:
(02) 218-8683 | 0917-844-5981
info@villagepipol.com
info.villagepipol@gmail.com
www.villagepipol.com
MEDIA PARTNERS
A PART OF RED ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
2 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol

TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT
www.villagepipol.com | 3

VP
TRAVEL
TRAVEL TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT
THIS 2019!
by KARLA MAE DOMINGO
This new year, it’s time to focus on yourself and what
you desire the most. Get rid of self-doubt and that
pessimistic attitude of 2018. Embrace the great
opportunities ahead, the people who love you, and the places
you are yet to see.
We know that your social media feeds are now swamped with
“goals” articles here and there. You might consider this piece
one of them but our intentions are pure. We are declaring 2019
the year for you to travel to your heart’s content. Remember
that bucket list of yours you always hide and neglect to fulfill?
Pull it out and let’s start checking off one by one!
1
Seoul, South Korea
Going here wouldn’t just be about the oppas or the phenomenal boy/
girl groups, it will mean that you finally live your daydreams. Admit
it or not, at some point of your life you wanted to wear a furry coat
and strut on the streets of those you watch in teleseryes! Am I right?
Don’t worry, we are all guilty.
2
Bali, Indonesia
You’ve seen Eat, Pray, Love right? I don’t know about you but I am
a fan of temples and serene places. Bali is the perfect spot for you
to hibernate! Experience oneness with nature through the calming
breeze of their surroundings, the beaches, the villas.
4 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol

3
Taipei, Taiwan
Asia is rich with picturesque areas. Even though filled with business
districts, Taipei is a go-to for tourists who still want to get away. Most
of the prominent influencers today shoot there for instagrammable
posts because the bright lights are to travel for!
4
Bangkok, Thailand
Again, if you’re fan of temples and the Asian experience, go to
Bangkok! They have a handful of featured areas that will make you
forget about the stress at work or at home back in the Philippines.
Plus, their shopping districts will let you snatch cool pieces without
breaking bank!
5
Batanes, Philippines
Of course, love our own. Batanes may be underrated but its beauty
will leave you speechless. The hills for sure will give you the chills!
Over the years, this place has been featured in many independent
films and has captivated an abundance of adventure seekers. Should
you follow that wanderlust, make Batanes among your top list!
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT
www.villagepipol.com | 5

VP
FOODIE
CHILL NIGHTS, WINGS, AND RIBS:
EXPERIENCE BRAD
& PIT’S RIBSHACK
by LARA TOLDANES
hen the hustle and the bustle of the
day get the best of you, you will
W seek comfort in good food, good
music, and a good place. However, with the
jam-packed restaurants and bars in the Metro,
finding a space to breath may be difficult.
Brad & Pit’s Ribshack can offer you more than
just a sumptuous meal but also a chill night
filled with smooth beer and soothing songs.
Located at a residential area in Kapitolyo, Pasig,
you may think that it’s only an ordinary eatery.
But once inside, you will experience the tropical
and whimsical vibe of the Cuban-inspired
restaurant.
The ambiance inside Brad & Pit’s will transport
you to the Caribbean. With the displays of old
Vinyl records, old bottles, and phrases written
on the black-painted walls with chalk, you’ll
feel nothing but nostalgia that tugs a relaxing
feeling. The tables and chairs are made of
hard woods and steels, the ones used typically
at the diners by the beach. Laid back nights
for drinking calls for a good music, which are
delivered by live performances in the corner of
the restaurant.
With their affordable price and delectable
meals, you’ll find yourself coming back to Brad
& Pit’s. Munch in all of your favorites in one
plate with the Super Combo meal. It comes
with the Original Ribs, Carribean Wings,
Pomadoro Pasta, and rice. The smoky yet
tender ribs will satisfy your palates, along
with the dulcet wings, pasta, and rice, surely
deserved the ‘perfect combo meal’ title. You
can also select from their Ribs Combo, Wings
Combo, Steak Combo, Braised Beef Combo,
and Tuna Combo. The Tuna Combo is a must
try. Grilled tuna belly paired with corn and
carrots, you can choose either Barbeque or
Cream Sauce. The latter complements the
tender and juicy grilled belly tuna, so we’ll
recommend this one.
Up for some cold beers? Dynamite Sticks,
Calamares, and Torched Cheesy Mussels are
best paired with chilled drinks. The Dynamite
Sticks will give you just the right kicks,
the spiciness tugs with the melted cheese
inside. A little bland, but the tenderness of
the Calamares and the right sauce will keep
you reaching for more. The Torched Cheesy
Mussels comes in two variety of sauce, the
regular cheese and the tomato cheese sauce
with a teeny tiny spiciness in it. Both are equally
appetizing.
If you are looking for a place to fill your hungry
stomach and tired minds, Brad & Pit’s is the
place to be. Visit them now at 35 E Capitol
Dr, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City. Open from
Monday to Sunday 11 am to 12 midnight. n
6 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol

VP LIFESTYLE
SPC UNVEILS WINNERS OF
SHARP LOVES YOUR FAMILY
VIDEOMAKING CONTEST
Sharp Philippines Corp. (SPC) has been part of
the Filipino households for more than 36 years,
highlighting its legacy of bringing convenience
and comfortability. Before 2018 ends, SPC
wants to honor every Filipino family, who has
been part of their successes through these
years.
Sharp’s Loves Your Family Video-Making
Contest, the second phase of the SPC’s
“We Love Philippines” campaign, recently
announced their lucky winners from hundreds
of entries nationwide. Each entry showcased
impressive creativity and heartfelt message,
which greatly represent their love for their
families and loved ones. The said contest
began last November 15 and ended last
December 15, 2018.
There are total of 10 winners of Sharp 45-inch
4K LED televisions, three (3) winners of french
door refrigerators, and 100 winners of rice
cookers!
Headed by PR and Marketing Head Amor
Golifardo, the winners were judged based on
their creativity and smooth story telling.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Follow Sharp’s official social media accounts for
more updates!
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT
www.villagepipol.com | 7

VP
COVER
BIANCA
UMALI
A MARVEL IN HER OWN RIGHT
In show business, where talent is slowly becoming saturated and where fame is the
sensationalist’s paradise, artists must spark own fires. With the current situation, Bianca Umali is
defying the norms. For a life often dictated by others, she is writing her own narrative.
WRITTEN BY SHAWN KLIFF SACAL & LORD HARVEY MONTEROSO
CREATIVE DIRECTOR JOBO ANTONIO NACPIL | PHOTOGRAPHER KENNETH TANGONAN | VIDEOGRAPHER VINCENT SY
STYLIST JOHN PAUL DIZON | MAKE UP ARTIST NATHAN FEROLINO | HAIRSTYLIST NELLY SEGIRL
SPECIAL THANKS TO GMA ARTIST CENTER, WILFRED E. VILLARUEL AND ZOOMBURST STUDIOS
8 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol

W
hen you look up at the sky, you
cannot help but wonder how big
it is. Its reach is so wide and its
possibilities are endless that there is no other
way but up. For celebrities, the sky is the limit
-- their stars hang high up in the heavens for
everyone to see. Their luster shine as heads
lean up to them. From a supportive fan base
to a growing social media presence and from
brand endorsements to an overall exposure,
these stars constantly find ways to leave a mark
in a diverse industry.
Suit & Pants: Rodel Brinas
With the current situation, Bianca Umali is
defying the norms. For a life often dictated by
others, she is writing her own narrative. Born
a fighter, she is fearless and firm in breaking
boundaries in her craft. With a voice that’s
loud and clear and a presence that resonates
among her peers, she definitely stands out. The
budding pressure to become her own individual
never seems to shake her determination. Her
passion and resilience has made an indelible
mark to those around her that she has become
a marvel in her own right.
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT
www.villagepipol.com | 9

“I don’t really mind [the pressure]. I mean, yes.
Na-fefeel ko yung pressure, but I don’t take it as
something I have to dwell in because I think that in
everything I do, I always give my 1000% best.”
She says this so matter-of-factly with a straight
face that you know she’s being true to herself.
With her phone on one hand, a handbag on the
other, and her pet Pomeranian named Boop in tow,
Bianca looks like your basic millennial teenager in
her natural environment. But wait for her to speak
and tell her story, and you’d fall for her charm.
She’s eighteen years old but she talks like she’s way
beyond than that.
“You’re not the only person who said that. Marami
kayong nagsasabi na, ‘Hindi ka 18.’ They say I’m
like a 35-year old when I talk. I think it’s because
of the experiences. I grew up independently. I’ve
been self-supporting [since I was 10]. I’ve been
supporting my cousins as well. And my family na
rin. Kumbaga, I learned things the hard way. Ganito
ako kasi wala akong choice kundi maging ganito.”
Floral dress by Mariane Perez
She faces the camera like she’s about to erupt in
flames. Her eyes tell her story, and her glow gives
off big woman energy. Having grown up under the
limelight, it’s clear that Bianca Umali is a star. She
modeled for a diaper brand way before she spoke
her first words, she acted in TV shows long before
she knew herself. If anyone can project an entire
story with one glance, it’s her -- and there’s so much
more where that came from.
10 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol

BEYOND THE LIMELIGHT
A new year opens with a splash of Living Coral. It
awakens the dormant emotions in us and urges to
embrace our humanity with this therapeutic direction.
Invigorating but never overpowering, Bianca is an
embodiment of such an energizing color palette. Not
only is she a breath of fresh air, there’s more to her
than meets the eye. You would know when someone
is being true to themselves -- you can feel it from the
words they say, to the things they do. For Bianca, her
genuine desire to leave an impact in the industry and
the people she meets is electrifying.
Born as Maria Isadora Bianca Soler-Umali, she has
been paving her road by doing commercials as early
as 2 years old. This ultimately led her to become one
of GMA Network’s budding talents. One could say
the limelight was destined to shine on her. Working in
her element has helped her propel to greater heights
and acclaimed roles in TV series including Once Upon
A Kiss, Wish I May, Mulawin vs. Ravena, and Kambal,
Karibal among others.
Digging a little deeper, despite the glitz and glamour
of being a celebrity, Bianca is like any other girl. In
reality, she sums herself up as "loka-loka". She adores
dogs having Juno and Boop, and indulges in sketching
and painting on her spare time.
When asked if she could imagine another version of
herself apart from her career, she sheepishly shook her
head. She shared that she grew up doing what she’s
doing now -- acting has always been her thing. What’s
happening now is that other forms of art gravitate to
her in her spare time. She expressed her interest in the
possibility of pursuing Fine Arts if she goes to college
because she likes making things with her hands. Her
meticulous nature makes her good not only as an
artist but also as someone in the creative arts field.
But growing up under the public eye, she learned how
to compromise her wants and desires. She knows she
can excel in acting, so she’s hitting it off from there.
“I think it’s a matter of discipline. It depends on how
you manage not only the things you have to do, but
also yourself. It’s not easy having almost everyone’s
eyes on you, on everything you do. And it’s not easy to
balance your priorities and work. Everything depends
on how you manage yourself -- your thinking on how
you take the positives and the negatives.”
Bianca admits that she still has no long-term goals in
mind yet. She just moves along and takes what she’s
given. The universe, in her opinion, is unpredictable
even with meticulous planning. One should expect the
unexpected.
Top: Stradivarius;
Pants: Forever21
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT
www.villagepipol.com | 11

Top & Skirt: iamwearingpaul;
Trench: Zara
12 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol

RELENTLESS BELIEVER
To call her brave would be an understatement. The life she
had is nothing close to being easy. Bianca lost both of her
parents at an early age. Her mother lost the battle with breast
Family Is Her Greatest Love
cancer in 2005, while her father of heart attack in 2010.
Rather than wallowing in despair, she used these experiences
All the things Kim has done in the twelve years
to fuel her slow but steady rise. She draws her strength from
as a Kapamilya actress have been for her family.
her grandmother who is her superhero, and everyone else
She's gone through a lot at an early age and her
who loves and supports her. Speaking with the depth of a true
family has been with her ever since. They have
warrior, Bianca doesn’t regret anything that has happened in
been her inspiration for a lot of decisions she’s
her life and wouldn’t, for once, change anything. She believes
made in her life and career. With the way she
nothing happens simply by chance. There is always a reason.
talks about her family and how her eyes glow, it
Seeing the rainbow amidst it all is a meaningful reminder of
is clear how much she loves them.
how storms are a part of the story, as much as the sunshine.
“They have been my anchor,” she said as she
“Ang lagi kong sinasabi whenever I lose something or when
described her family. “Kasali talaga sila sa mga
something unexpected happens, you shouldn’t stay in one
desisyon ko. Hindi pwede na hindi.”
corner and cry yourself out and dwell in the pain. It’s when
you fall, you stand up and move on. And doon mo makikita
In a way, loving has been Kim's greatest asset.
yung happiness, doon mo mahahanap yung peace and
The way she loves her work and her family is
yung contentment. ‘Tsaka, kahit na sobrang sakit nung mga
a testament to that. With so much going on,
nangyayari, once na ma-achieve mo na yung acceptance,
she also learned that loving too much can be
mamahalin mo lahat ng mga flaws mo. Mamahalin mo
painful. She guards her heart and she does not
lahat ng mga bagay. Even the people who did you wrong,
allow herself "..to fall agad kasi natakot na eh."
mamahalin mo sila lalo, once ma-forgive mo sila.”
She said it with a smile, but it is clear that Kim
has learned and that she’s stronger now.
As a piece of advice for people who have gone through
difficult times, she has this to say:
Kim believes she had to take up more
challenging roles -- roles that bring out a
“Masakit ‘yon -- losing people. And it’s not easy. But it still
version of her the public doesn’t always see.
depends on how you think. It depends on how you handle
She knows that growth will not happen if she
your situation. Kapag nalulungkot ka, yes, sige, namnamin mo
stays with the same kinds of roles. A part of her
for a while. But don’t stay there. Because, really, promise, I’ve
decision to show her strength as an actress was
been through it. It’s not nice.”
accepting her recent movie.
Surely enough, a diamond is never the precious gem that it
She read somewhere before about what her
is without the trials of fire. Going through a rough patch has
next big move would be, and it has definitely
made her wise beyond her years. Her secret formula? Her
stuck with her. She has done rom-coms, period
faith. She exclaims that she owes all her accomplishments to
pieces, pure comedy, and horror. She believed
God, His power, and His timing
it was time to do something new. When the
opportunity came knocking on her door, she
grabbed it. One Great Love is a movie she topbills
with Dennis Trillo and JC de Vera. It’s the
first time she has worked with both men and
the story was what pulled her in even more.
When she read the script, she realized it was
the project she was looking for. What’s next
for Kim Chiu? She finally answered with a love
scene.
“You will definitely see a different Kim in One
Great Love. You will see things na 'di ko pa
nagagawa ever sa isang project. Magugulat
na lang kayo. Ako nga nagulat din. Nung napreview
ko yung movie, I was like ‘Ako yan???’
Kakaiba pero relatable sa lahat. Working with
Dennis and JC was fun. It was like seeing GMA
and ABS working in one film, and it was nice.”
Wardrobe: Sheena Alsree
Accesories: Jacatel
Floral dress by Liza Padilla
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT www.villagepipol.com | 13

HER HEART IS UNSTOPPABLE
Each day seems to unfold for Bianca.
Underneath her evident older sister persona,
lies the most tender and beautiful soul. She
is currently in partnership with World Vision.
She recently celebrated her 18th birthday with
the organization and flew to Marawi for a citywide
outreach program. There, she spent time
with the families in the war-stricken region.
Since her induction as a youth ambassador for
education, she has been an active advocate for
children’s well-being, ending violence against
them, and reading.
“I, somehow, find satisfaction when I see the
smiles of the elderly and the children. Kapag
nagsasmile sila, it just melts my heart. And ‘yon
yung reason kung bakit lagi kong hinahanap
yung advocacies. Baka ‘yon siguro kasi yung
purpose ko in life. It’s to make people happy, to
help [people] and to inspire them. Kasi I grew
up with my lola and cousins, and we’re all girls.
And sa’ming lahat, ako yung pinaka-ate. So
lumaki ako na ate ako sa maraming bata. [So]
now, isa sa mga motivations ko in inspiring
children is gusto ko maging ate -- hindi lang sa
bahay namin, pero sa buong mundo.”
People who have gone through a great deal of
pain and mourning do become the strongest.
And it is in her loss that she found the will to
make people feel good about themselves. She
knows what it’s like to be at the bottom, so
she has made it a point to uplift everyone else.
That’s Bianca Umali’s strength -- her heart.
With so many things that transpired in 2018,
life-changing is precisely how she describes the
months prior. It was the “steepest rollercoaster”
in terms of the times she stumbled and fall but
continued to move forward. As for resolutions
in 2019, she wants to keep on being a beacon of
inspiration and happiness to many. Additionally,
she is steadfast in her promise to read a
hundred books. This is the fifth year she has
pursued such a feat.
Bianca notes that she’s a bibliophile -- someone
who is passionate about the printed book. She
has nothing against e-books but there’s no
replacing that “new book” smell. Each book
smells differently and each page has its own
distinct scent. She then brings up that each
person has its own story to tell. Each person is
a book waiting to be read. In her time with her
advocacies, she has met people from all walks
of life. Each person a page of this book of life,
each page so necessary to grow.
Blazer: Bershka;
Turtle Neck: Stradivarius;
Pants: Forever21;
Brooch: Vintage;
14 | VILLAGE PIPOL
MNP @villagepipol

AUTHENTICITY IS POWER
Age is but a number for Bianca. Opportunities are
endless, if you’re fearless to take it. To strike while
the iron is hot and to give it your all. Now, in such
a delicate chapter, she offers the wisest lesson on
coping with pressure.
Undeterred by the demands of showbiz, Bianca
strongly holds into discipline to keep herself in
check, and to bring balance between work and other
priorities. She is, in several ways, an open book
herself: what she projects onscreen is a reflection of
who she genuinely is. Being comfortable in her own
skin allows her to empower women and the youth
clear of any inhibitions. She is convinced how this
generation must learn to disconnect and reconnect to
what truly matters to be the future that they are meant
to be.
“Hindi ko mapopoint out isa-isa kung ano [ang] mga
dapat natin baguhin because I believe na dapat natin
baguhin lahat. Today is so different. It’s super different.
Ang gusto kong sabihin is maybe it’s time to reset. Or
like, it’s time to think again about how we are now.
I noticed today na andaming nag-aaway, andaming
gulo, andaming opinions, andaming misunderstanding.
When we forget na, sometimes, the things we say are
not even important anymore. We have to reset.”
For someone so young, Bianca has enough teeth in
her bite. She walks her talk and struts her ideals. She
knows what she believes in and does what she can to
make those happen.
Top & Skirt: iamwearingpaul;
Trench: Zara
“We can be better. We can if we want to. We can if we
will. Kasi if we wait? No one’s gonna do it. It’s also one
of the things I believe in sa mga advocacies ko. Like, in
helping. Kasi lagi ko iniisip kung hindi ko ‘to gagawin
ngayon, kung hindi ako tutulong, sino ang tutulong
sa kanila? Kung hindi ako makikinig sa mga bata, or
‘don sa mga taong may mga gustong sabihin, pa’no
natin malalaman? Kasi I know no one would listen. So,
in every [time] we want to change, it will always start
with you. So if we start with you, that’s when everyone
will follow.
A vision worthy of emulation, Bianca slowly finds her
own ground in an industry that’s ever-shifting. Her
reach has slowly widened and her possibilities have
become clearer. Like the tide, the path she chooses to
take rises and falls. Like the wind, the opportunities
come from every direction. However, holding to her
own truth, she surely knows the way. Bianca may be
an actress for most of her life, but her journey has just
begun. With a heart so full of passion, she is exactly
what the industry needs. Her genuineness backed
by her desire to be more than just a pretty face sets
her as an example for her generation. The smiles she
gets from those who draw her as an inspiration are
testaments of her achievements.
Her light shines brightly among the constellation of
ever brighter suns. Her spark is a fire that’s every
glowing.
The sky’s the limit for Bianca Umali. n
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT
www.villagepipol.com | 15

VP
SPOTLIGHT
SWEAT PANTS AND SHIRT, BERSHKA; SNEAKERS, ZARA MAN
Andre Brouillette
THE MULTIRACIAL MAN
OF YOUR DREAMS
16 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol

JACKET, FOREVER 21; PANTS, UNIQLO; SNEAKERS, ZARA MAN
Fairy tales do come true. More often than not, it could mean a “rags
to riches” story. However, for us, it's being in the midst of a real-life
prince. André Brouillette seems to come straight out from the pages of
a storybook with his classic side part and pompadour.
WRITTEN BY SHAWN KLIFF SACAL
PHOTOGRAPHER | RXANDY CAPINPIN
ASSISTED BY | ANTON VAZQUEZ
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT
www.villagepipol.com | 17

SWEAT PANTS AND SHIRT, BERSHKA; SNEAKERS, ZARA MAN
Aloha! Like the Big Island, this knight in shining
armor came sweeping in like a huge tidal wave.
He's hard to miss with eyes that speak right to
your soul and a physique that would melt you on
the spot. Although fresh in the industry, right off
the bat, we know André is here to stay.
PATCHWORK OF CULTURE
You might have guessed it already. André is a
native of the Hilo, Hawaii. Yet, his stark beauty
has an intricate history behind it. This worldclass
model weaves countries together being
half-Filipino, a quarter French and German. Nani
kōkī (supremely beautiful), to say the least.
His Filipina mother, born in Pangasinan, wished
for a better future. With her husband who is
a U.S. national, they decided to move abroad.
Undeniably, there's more that connects us than
what brings us apart.
18 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol

LEAPS OF FAITH
The voyager in André longed for more. As a result, he
traveled to Japan to learn their language. As fate had a hand
on it, he was scouted by an agency a month after to see if he
had a knack for modeling and acting.
"I love to create a feeling through the camera from my
acting. I wish to encourage people to never give up on
their dreams, put in the work, and dream big," to which he
responded with vigor.
This gave him his first taste of the limelight. At the same
time, he also starred in a show of NHK, a television channel
in the country. Being a fast learner, André began speaking
fluently in Japanese in a matter of a year.
SHIRT, OTTO MONDI; TRENCH, BERSHKA; PANTS, H&M; SHOES, CONVERSE
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT
www.villagepipol.com | 19

20 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol
JACKET, FOREVER 21; PANTS, UNIQLO; SNEAKERS, ZARA MAN

CONNECTING TO HIS ROOTS
Consequently, this sense of wonder led him to
the Philippines. Initially, he was only supposed
to shoot a short film The Scarf for about a
week. The daredevil in him realized it was a
great opportunity to move back home. He sold
most of his belongings to start anew in Manila.
SHIRT, UNIQLO; JEANS, ZARA MAN; JACKET, FOREVER 21
"Some advice I would like to give my younger
self is heartbreaks and mistakes happen, learn
from it and be more wise. Also, don’t be afraid
to take a risk. Those who are willing to take
risks are the ones willing to make it to the top,"
remembering how far he'd come.
Indeed, fortune favors the bold. André has
recently entered the Pinoy Big Brother house
as its new batch of adult contestants. He sees
this as a favorable chance to get to know what
it truly means to be a Filipino.
If all goes well, he plans to use his mother's
maiden name Javelona for his screen surname.
He considers Brouillette as hard to remember
and to pronounce.
Despite being a combination of different
backgrounds, it would always show how our
fighting spirit is with him. The entertainment
world is about to witness an icon unfold.
His debut marks a new generation that
seamlessly ushers and benchmarks a fresh set
of standards. Looks on point, talented, and well
calibrated throughout, what more can we ask
for? He was made for this.
André is gaining traction and there's no
stopping him. From here on out, his future is
written in the stars. He is what we've been
waiting for. In fact, the rest of us and the world
are ready for him! n
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT
www.villagepipol.com | 21

22 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol
SHIRT, ADIDAS; PANTS, UNIQLO; SNEAKERS, ZARA MAN

VP TECH
SAMSUNG GALAXY J4
PLUS REVIEW:
SLEEK STYLE AND PERFORMANCE ON A BUDGET
by GIA CATIMBANG
Samsung has always made waves in the mobile realm
for being a pioneer of good style and performance
while remaining in the borders of affordability. The
Samsung Galaxy J4 Plus (stylized as J4+) is the newest
smartphone in the J series which showcases good looks
and nice performance.
BUILD QUALITY & DESIGN
We were impressed with how the images turned out when
used for daylight photography, with good shadows and
vibrant colors using the rear and front camera.
charging port, the Galaxy J4 Plus’ speaker is unusually
located just above the power button.
Regardless of where the audio speaker is positioned, we
did not like how the sound turned out when using solely
the phone’s speaker.
However, nighttime photography is not the Galaxy J4 Plus’
strong suit. Prevalence of noise and shakiness somehow
degrades image quality but retains the same brightness
and color vibrancy nonetheless.
UNDER-THE-HOOD PERFORMANCE
But thankfully, the Galaxy J4 Plus features the Dolby
Atmos sound effect. This feature revamps the audio quality
to produce an immersive, 3D sound that works wonders
with a pair of earphones or a Bluetooth speaker.
The Samsung Galaxy J4 Plus features a slim metal and
glass unibody design that is reminiscent of stunning highgrade
smartphones.
BATTERY LIFE
Thin bezels surround the Galaxy J4 Plus to put emphasis
on its 6-inch screen. Samsung also opted for an in-display
home button for the latter purpose.
On the flipside, the Galaxy J4 Plus presents a glossy,
plastic-made back panel housing the single-lens camera.
Power and volume buttons are located on the sides, while
the headphone jack and charging ports are at the bottom.
The Galaxy J4 Plus is also available in three different
colors: Black, Gold, and Pink.
DISPLAY QUALITY
The Samsung Galaxy J4 Plus brandishes a 6-inch True HD+
Infinity display with 720x1480 pixels resolution,
The display has good brightness levels and is still visible
under direct sunlight. When used in the dark, its brightness
levels prove to be comforting when used minimally.
The Galaxy J4 Plus also offers the blue light filter feature
that reduces eye strain, very fitting for a screen-full
smartphone.
AUDIO QUALITY
Unlike the usual smartphone where the audio speaker is
located either on the top side or at the bottom beside the
The Samsung Galaxy J4 Plus is equipped with a 3,300
mAh battery, beating the Galaxy S8 and S9’s battery
capacity. The device also supports Power Saving mode for
longer-lasting battery life.
Enabling the Power Saving mode in mid setting extends
the J4 Plus’ battery life exceptionally.
It’s enough to make it last for 2 days without charging.
Which makes us wonder how much longer can it last in
maximum Power Saving mode?
Although blessed with enduring battery performance,
the Galaxy J4 Plus sadly does not support Adaptive Fast
Charging. Average charging time ranges from 2 to 3 hours
until the battery reaches 100%.
CAMERA
The Galaxy J4 Plus features a 13MP rear camera with
f/1.9 aperture and LED flash while its 5MP front camera
brandishes a f/2.2 aperture and LED flash.
The device comes with the Android 8.1 Oreo update and
equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor
and also features dual SIM and 4G LTE support.
The Galaxy J4 Plus can deliver daily tasks such as
messaging, video streaming, and social media surfing, but
struggles when it comes to multitasking. The device seems
to buffer whenever you try to reply at a chat head while
browsing the internet at the same time.
Surprisingly, the Galaxy J4 Plus provides sluggish to nearseamless
performance when it comes to gaming.
We tried playing PUBG with the J4 Plus on medium
settings. While gameplay remained within 20-30 framesper-second
plus the slight lags, the Galaxy J4 Plus’ quadcore
processor and 2 GB RAM still managed to deliver our
chicken dinner.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, the Samsung
Galaxy J4 Plus is a mustchoice
for consumers
who are looking for a
budget smartphone with a
modern flair in aesthetics
and average hardware for
casual everyday use.
We recommend the
Galaxy J4 Plus for those
who prefer wielding big
screens over pocket-sized
smartphones.
The Samsung Galaxy J4
Plus is available nationwide
for P6,570.00 to P8,680.00
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT
www.villagepipol.com | 23

VP ENTERTAINMENT
THE PROBLEM WITH
PENN BADGLEY IN 'YOU'
by LORD HARVEY MONTEROSO
…is hands down the show's greatest strength. Penn Badgley
has a way of bringing out the best in creepy New Yorker
boys. If that didn't sound right, then I may have gotten your
attention.
ONE AND ONLY YOU
YOU is a psychological thriller series that treads between
the thin lines between love and obsession. With social media
becoming a window for anyone to have a peek at your life,
no wonder it's easy to stalk anyone with the right amount of
desire.
Based on the book by Caroline Kepnes of the same name,
YOU fairly sticks very close to its source material. As the
series creators promise that YOU will have the same themes
and same flow, they intend to change things up a bit, add and
flesh out more character. They want to please the fans but
also want them to be thrilled much like new viewers.
Apart from the solid acting, a gripping plot, and a good pace,
YOU has got it going. It's a show so worthy obsessing over,
that its 10 episodes will be a binge-friendly breeze.
Penn Badgley is known for his role as Daniel Humphrey in
the hit CW series Gossip Girl back in 2007 to 2012. In that
show, Penn played a rather sarcastic New York outsider who
secretly wanted to be part of the his peers in the NY elite.
He was in love with the "it" girl Serena van der Woodsen, and
even created the online persona known as Gossip Girl in her
honor.
Now, Penn seems to play the sarcastic outsider so well that
he brings it out effortlessly in YOU as Joe Goldberg. Unlike
his portrayal in Gossip Girl, Penn serves as a downright
creepy New York book store manager who falls in love with
a customer named Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail). This
love, however, escalates to a obsession and that's where the
thrilling story picks up.
VP NEWS
MEET THE BEST
SMARTPHONES
OF 2018 AT THE
#GIZPHONEAWARDS
by GIA CATIMBANG
2018 continues to be a fruitful year for mobile tech as
GIZGUIDE names the best smartphones of the past year in
their annual Giz Phone Awards last Jan. 12 at the DC Super
Heroes Cafe.
From the best entry-level smartphone to the smartphone of the
year, take a look at the winners of the 2018 Giz Phone Awards:
2018 Giz Phone Awards: Plaque List
Best Ultra-Budget Smartphone 2018:
Cloudfone Thrill Boost 3
Best Budget Smartphone 2018: Cherry Mobile Flare S7
Best Entry-Level Smartphone 2018: Xiaomi Redmi Note 5
Best Affordable Mid-Range Smartphone 2018: Honor 8X
Best Mid-Range Smartphone 2018: Pocophone F1
Best Affordable Premium Smartphone 2018: OnePlus 6T
Best Flagship Smartphone 2018: Huawei Mate 20 Pro
YOUR NEXT OBSESSION
Psychology Today points out that delusions are
"fixed beliefs that do not change, even when
presented with conflicting evidence".
For Joe Goldberg, the idea that Guinevere Beck was
in love him the moment she walked into his bookstore
looks to be a clear sign of erotomania -- a delusional
disorder where someone believes that another person is
in love with them. This person of interest usually comes from
a higher social class or of popularity.
Unlike some psychological disorders, delusions usually do not
impair daily functions nor behavior. People who suffer this
may look normal as long as their delusional themes are not
stimulated.
Penn as Joe is spot on. You wouldn't know if you want to root
for him or not. He is witty and brilliant. He seems to know
what to say at any given time. His sarcasm doesn't skip a beat.
His good guy charm oozes of him naturally. And that's why he
plays a homicidal outsider to the brim -- because it seems so
unlikely that he'd be a killer. Until bam! He's on an obsessive
killing spree for the one he loves.
LOOK BEHIND YOU
With the rise of social media, cyber-stalking related incidents
have gone up. Based on 256 cased from a report made by
WHOA (Working to Halt Online Abuse), 60% of women and
40% of men in the US reported to have experienced being
cyber-stalked. YOU certainly hits a social nerve that people
seem to relate with.
The show presents a socially relevant issue that is visually
appealing. Adding characters that are relatable and grounded
in actual human interaction, YOU may have come at the best
time.
2018 Giz Phone Awards: Special Awards
Editor’s Choice Best Budget Smartphone 2018: Realme C1
Editor’s Choice Best Affordable Feature-Packed Smartphone 2018:
Cherry Mobile Flare S7 Plus
Editor’s Choice Best Gaming Smartphone 2018: ROG Phone
Editor’s Choice Best Smartphone Innovation 2018:
Vivo In-Display Fingerprint Scanner
2018 Giz Phone Awards: Editor's Choice
Best Budget Selfie Smartphone 2018:
Cloudfone Next Infinity Pro
Best Selfie Smartphone 2018: Vivo V11
Best Affordable Camera Smartphone 2018:
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5
Best Camera Smartphone 2018: Huawei Mate 20 Pro
Best Local Smartphone 2018:
Cherry Mobile Flare S7 Plus
Best Affordable Gaming Smartphone:
ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1
Best Gaming Smartphone 2018: Pocophone F1
Best Affordable Long Battery Life Smartphone 2018: OPPO A3s
Best Long Battery Life Smartphone 2018: Huawei Mate 20
Best Productivity And Multimedia smartphone 2018
Samsung Galaxy Note9
Best Design Smartphone 2018: OPPO Find X
People’s Choice 2018: OPPO A3s
2018 Giz Phone Awards: Main Award
Best Smartphone of 2018
Huawei Mate 20 Pro
As the show places us in the mind of Joe Goldberg, we hear
his snark comments, his ramblings, and inner ramblings in
the form of voice overs. This form of story telling works quite
well for the plot. What better way to know what an obsessed
stalker thinks than to hear them as they play out.
Penn's signature voice seals the deal as he delivers his lines
so well. He may been born for this kind of characters if I say
so myself.
YOU shows us that love and obsession are two sides of the
same coin. Visually glorious and intense, the series paints a
familiar social problem without romanticizing it. It plays out a
serious truth in our society beneath its fictional premise, and
makes sure that we’re siting at the edge of our seats. With the
brilliant Penn Badgley in the center of this gripping tale, I can’t
wait for season two.
The first season premiered on the cable channel Lifetime last
September 9, 2018 in the US and internationally on Netflix
last December 26, 2018.
GIZGUIDE Editor-in-Chief Peter Jan Icogo
Giz Phone Awards Hosts: Kim Vargas and Rhijean Sarenas
Peter Icogo, GIZGUIDE’s Editor-in-Chief, couldn’t be more
happier of what smartphones have achieved in 2018.
“We saw a lot of game-changing products. A lot of design
changes, the screen is getting bigger and better, phones are
getting faster, battery life of most phones are now longer,
charging time is faster, and the cameras are much better,”
Mr. Icogo said, applauding both the high-end and entry-level
segments of smartphone innovation.
“It’s our responsibility to acknowledge those that we really
loved and that’s what happened here.”, says GIZGUIDE’s Neil
Jimenez on GizAwards’ possibility of branching out to other
categories. “baby steps muna,” he added.
24 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol

TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT
www.villagepipol.com | 25

26 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol