In Sync With Kathniel

Sisterakas presscon held at ABS-CBN

During the Star Cinema presscon for Sisterakas this December, the main cast was all present to promote the movie, including our favorite teen loveteam Kathniel. Habang nag-pe-presscon siyempre I couldn't help but observe the two teens (Stalker mode lang ang peg haha).

Sharing Some Kathniel Love

Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo at the Star Magic Ball 2012

Unless you've been living under a rock or without electricity this past year, chances are you've already heard, seen, supported and fallen in love with the teenage loveteam phenomenon known as Kathniel. No need to exaggerate because undeniably, their fan base is one of the fastest growing in the country today. Whether it be sold-out fans days, numerous endorsements, fan-sponsored block screenings and successful TV ratings, patok lahat yan basta connected sa Kathniel. So regardless kung Kapamilya, Kapuso o Kapatid ka, malamang aware ka sa maugong na balita about hot teen stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. 

That Daniel Padilla Mystique

 

So what is it really about Daniel Padilla that makes him so swoon-worthy?

Honestly, when I first met DJ last year at a photoshoot for StarStudio magazine, I really didn't expect that the tall, lanky guy dressed in slim-fit pants and leather jacket would end up being 2012's showbiz "It" boy. He was shy and short with his answers then. Kasama kasi niya Daddy Rommel niya and his siblings who came to watch. Along with his older brother who entered the PBB house. During that time, hindi pa maugong yung balita sa kanila ni Kathryn Bernardo and "Kathniel" was unheard of dahil she was still paired with her Mara Clara loveteam partner Albie Casino. Except for a small role in Gimik 2010, the name Daniel Padilla was still basically unheard of.

 

Nung nag-start na yung Growing Up in 2011, DJ's fan base slowly started to grow in strong proportions. Not only did they have a strong presence online (his Twitter account @imdanielpadilla already had more than 800,000 even before the show started). His followers rivaled that of then more popular Kathryn Bernardo, which meant na kahit wala pa yung loveteam, certified heartthrob na talaga si DJ!

Subic in Two Days or Less

Although I was once a self-confessed city rat, I have now discovered the joy in finding new adventures whenever I travel, whether it be out of the country or even just outside Metro Manila. One of the easiest places to go to during a long weekend (or even on just a regular one) is Subic Bay, Zambales. I've gone there on spur-of-the-moment day trips, long weekends and even on a week-long hiatus when the time permits. Commuting there is no issue as Zambales is a popular bus route. But whenever I get the chance to go by car, the views on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac-Expressway (SCTEX) is always one worth seeing.

It's been a long time since I last headed far North. One of my closest friends used to be based there but they have since moved abroad, which gave me less reasons to frequent the place. I arrived in Subic on a Friday, a little after 6 pm and was hoping to find a hotel right on the Baywalk area. Unfortunately, almost all the places were booked (because of the Bonifacio day weekend and a kayaking convention). But it wasn't a real bother because in Subic, there are a multitude of hotels, inns and resorts to choose from in the area. I ended up finding a gem of a hotel on Dewey Avenue, just one street away from the Boardwalk! It was called Mango Valley although it didn't look very promising on the outside, but once I saw the room, it was at par with 5-star hotel level (especially the beddings). I even got it at a good Subic rate ($30) because they had a Oct-Nov low season promo. Aside from the flat screen TV, king-size bed, and fridge, there was lots and lots of moving space! The bathroom itself was big enough to be a small room which would definitely appeal to anybody (especially claustrophobes like me!).