For Pinoy Contestant Lara Pearl Alvarez: Motherhood Not a Setback for Circle, Corporate Ambitions

Wazzup Pilipinas!


“The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition” is scheduled to premiere next month, and already, it has ONE fans abuzz with excitement.

The unique take on the iconic reality television show produced by Asia’s largest martial arts organization is a slight departure from ONE’s usual content of hosting martial arts extravaganzas.

Among 16 “candidates” chosen to participate in the competition is Lara Pearl Alvarez, a single mother born, bred, and based in Baguio City, Philippines. Alvarez recently talked about her experience participating on the show, and why she wanted to join “The Apprentice.”

“I just wanted to give my son a better life, that’s what compelled me to try and audition for The Apprentice. At the time, I didn’t really imagine I could get in. But I was determined to give it a shot. So when I got the news that I was accepted, I was in shock. I just couldn’t believe it. But I was super happy I got in, and from there, I was motivated to succeed,” said Alvarez.

“Participating on the show was incredible. The production was top notch and it was nothing like I had ever experienced before. Getting to visit Singapore and see the way locals live, see the beauty of the country, it gave me a deeper sense of pride for my own country. It gave me hope, not just for my own life, but for everyone else as well with all the difficulties we’re dealing with today. I definitely learned a lot from my time in the boardroom.”

When Alvarez got pregnant by her then-boyfriend at 22, it wasn’t exactly what she had planned for her life. Like many of her colleagues at Team Lakay, Alvarez had trained to become a martial artist, learning the discipline of wushu and wanting to compete.

The child’s father ended up abandoning Alvarez even before the boy was born. But with the help of her family, Alvarez took on the enormous responsibility of being a single parent.

With incredible determination, Alvarez didn’t let the circumstances keep her pinned down. She constantly worked to improve her situation. Fast-forward to present day, and Alvarez can’t wait to relive her time on The Apprentice, which she says will be an experience she will remember for the rest of her life.

“Flying to Singapore to film the show, it was my first time leaving the Philippines, my first time getting on a plane to fly out of the country. And to be joining a globally acclaimed TV show, I can say I was pretty mesmerized by the whole ordeal. It was a little overwhelming, but I was excited. At the same time, I missed my son terribly. I had never spent so much time away from him, nor left him in the care of others. I tried not to let it affect me, but every time I thought of him, it would bring me to tears,” said Alvarez.

“I’ve been through a whole lot, and everything I’ve done so far is for my son to have a better life. Up to now, I still can’t believe I was on The Apprentice. I’m glad I took a chance. It’s made me a stronger person, and a better mother today. I’ve gained more confidence in myself. I think I’ve proven that being a single mother is not a setback. It is far from a setback. It’s a blessing because I was able to push myself harder. It gave me the strength to push past my limits.”

“The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition” is touted as the toughest version in the show’s history, consisting of both business and physical challenges. The franchise itself has aired in more than 120 countries around the globe. The first season of ONE Championship’s spin on the reality show premieres in March and consists of 13 episodes.

Alvarez was one of 16 selected from a field of thousands of applicants to compete for a US$250,000 job offer to work directly under ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

“The Apprentice really showed me what’s possible in my life. I’ve definitely grown from the experience. It’s opening up a lot of doors that I just couldn’t see before, a lot of opportunities. Now I’m excited for what the future holds,” said Alvarez.

“I can’t wait for people to watch it. Many of my friends have shown their support for me. Since the trailer aired, there has been a lot of excitement. I’m thrilled I get to talk about it now and I have a lot of stories to tell as we go along. I know fans of both ONE and The Apprentice are going to love it.”

#CancelDarrylYap: Tililing is not worthy movie to be appreciated

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This Darryl Yap is the same "guy" behind VinCentiments. Not surprised why it exploits "crazy" and "uninhibited" just to make some noise.

If his strategy as a movie director is to create a buzz about his film, yes, it's working. But respect those people who are working so hard to fight for this cause, and those people who are struggling with it.

Don't support #Tililing.

Liza Soberano is a BS Psychology student --- which therefore signifies the knowledge she has towards her areas of expertise. Thus, attacking her by your minuscule proficiency in psychology is really bizarre.

Asserting that the poster, title & the incorrect facial expression as something creative is something I cannot stand. It pains me to see people normalizing ableist language. + she doesn't have the #TILILING

mentioned.

Darryl Yap needs to apologize for doing this piece of shit and his work has always been rubbish but this ludicrous caricature of people with disabilities is extremely offensive.

This is a poster of a k-drama that deals with mental health. I really like how this poster promoted PBIO.  Mental illness should not be misinterpreted through movie posters that depict mental illness negatively.  

I stand with Liza Soberano  I thank her for defending against the use of ableist language.

Now that the trailer is out...naahhh. Exag naman. It looks plain...and it was mentioned in the trailer what "tililing" meant. May mura at paghubad rin. Same formula from their short videos. Nothing new.

There are different degrees of mental degradation. I don't think one poster can encapsulate all those cases. I think the whole purpose of the poster is to catch attention and not necessarily make a mockery out of ment disability. But for those sensitive to see such, it maybe because they either have friends, families or relatives with the sickness.

Really horrendous stuff exploiting plight of mentally challenged persons (MCPs)! To extent using horrific faces of movie’s actors to promote it!  Have we gone to the dumps to be insensitive to MCPs?  Oscar Winner “ One Flew OCN” set trend in dealing with MCP issues! Que horror!

Why can't movie producers hire RPsys or RPms to be consultants to prevent this kind of portrayal? It should be mandatory and the PAP should recommend it to the association of filmmakers.

Well, if it was attention they wanted, then, they surely got mine—but not in a good way.

if "tililing" is "continuous ringing of a bell," wouldn't that equate to tinnitus rather than crazy? 

Then I've been crazy for over 30 years (too many heavy metal rock concerts in the 80's) but more likely my BP meds and a regular jolt of cannabis tends to keep my inner ear swirling, so i've made peace with that 5,000 hz tone.

In the Philippines, though, 'tililing,' which is Filipino for bell, is also metaphor for someone certifiable or exhibiting psychotic symptoms like auditory hallucinations (like hearing a non-existent bell in your head).

And the audacity of people who keep on congratulating them for getting good traffic for using a very sensitive topic and admitting that the poster was made for publicity, that is something you shouldn't be proud of but there's this vincentiments page, shameless. 

Mental health professionals are fighting so hard to improve the system and common understanding related to mental health, and this so called "director" pokes fun about people with mental health challenges? 

Yes, I am offended.

There's wide spectrum of mental health disorders—and faces of actors w/ eyes popping & tongues sticking out, is distasteful & an egregious misrepresentation of those with different symptoms & diagnoses.

That poster just painted mental health issues with a broad,  stigmatizing brush.

This poster of this movie directed by Darryl Yap is offensive, insensitive, & callous.

This satirical illustration makes a mockery & a caricature of the plight of people suffering from mental health issues.

Mental health is no laughing matter.

IT IS NOT A JOKE! 

I'm not against the movie, it may or may not be an eye opener for everyone. There is a 50-50 chances, yet, I am against the poster itself. Masyadong insensitive for those who are fighting inside battles, for those who are mentally challenged. 

Hindi kasi pang-Comedy ang mental health issues. Masyado ng normalized, dahilan para lalong humina ang loob ng dapat humingi ng tulong dahil sa mapangmatang lipunan. Masyadong seryoso ang topic para magkaroon ng katawa-tawang poster. Seeing the trailer, they really made it into a comedy of sorts. Disappointed.

Dusit International continues Middle East expansion with its first hotel in Kuwait

Wazzup Pilipinas!


Dusit Princess Mahboula Kuwait is slated to open in 2023.


Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a hotel management agreement with Al Fajer International Holding Company, a Kuwait-based private real estate company, to operate the Dusit Princess Mahboula Kuwait – the first Dusit-branded hotel in the country.

The new hotel will comprise 180 hotel rooms and 70 serviced apartments under Dusit International’s upper midscale Dusit Princess brand. The property is located in the Mahboula district, an industrial and commercial coastal area just 25 minutes by car from boththe city centre and Kuwait International Airport.

Slated to open in Q4 2023, the new property will be equipped to meet the needs of both transient and long-stay guests, including associates of local oil and gas companies seeking comfortable and convenient lodgings near their places of work. The property’s serviced apartments have been specifically designed for families.

Alongside an all-day dining venue, a specialty restaurant, and a lobby lounge, the property will offer a swimming pool, a 900 sq m gym equipped with the latest fitness equipment, and Dusit’s signature Namm Spa providing a wide range of wellness therapies and treatments.

Four meeting rooms with capacity for 120 people, and a ballroom accommodating up to 350 guests, will cater to the local corporate and events market.

Situated overlooking the Arabian Gulf just south of the Fintas district, the property will also put guests within easy reach of popular local attractions such as Al Kout Mall, Kuwait’s largest waterfront retail and leisure destination; and Kuwait Magic, a large beachfront mall with an indoor amusement park.

“In line with our strategy for sustainable growth, which includes expanding our presence in key destinations in the Middle East, we are delighted and honoured to bring our unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to Kuwait for the first time, and enlarge our footprint in the region through this signing,” said Mr Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “Prior to the pandemic, the Kuwaiti government stated its intention to dramatically increase the role tourism plays in the nation’s economy, and we are confident that the country will continue to grow as a destination for both business and leisure when the world is travelling again. With Dusit Princess Mahboula Kuwait set to open in Q4 2023, the property will be well-positioned to tap into both markets, and we look forward to making it a resounding success.”

Mr Taleb Hussein Ali Jarraq, Chairman of the Board, Al Fajer International Holding Company, said, “Our mission as a company is to contribute to the sustainable development of Kuwait through distinctive projects that champion quality, affordability, and diversity. By combining Dusit’s signature Thai-inspired gracious hospitality with local hospitality customs and traditions, Dusit Princess Mahboula Kuwait will certainly offer unique guest experiences in line with these values. And we are confident that, under Dusit’s management, the property will deliver enduring value to the Mahboula community at large.”

Dusit’s portfolio now includes 340 properties operating under six brands across 15 countries. In the Middle East, the company currently operates seven hotels and is on course to open two more this year.