KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad go from strangers to lovers in Hong Kong

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Estrada’s “Be With U“ music video livens up the screens with a charming romance set against the backdrop of Asia’s World City

In KD Estrada’s latest single “Be with U”, a serendipitous meeting between two unsuspecting individuals leads to a sweet journey through the beautiful bustling streets of Hong Kong. The song describes the feeling of wanting to spend every waking moment with that special someone, and in true kilig fashion, KD also stars in the music video alongside his long-time partner and fellow artist Alexa Ilacad. 

The couple, known as KDLex, has had their fair share of Hong Kong adventures, having starred in “Toss Coin” directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, a microfilm about two Filipinos meeting and falling in love in Hong Kong, a near-mirror image of this music video. What makes it more special this time around is that the ever-enthusiastic KDLex fans helped pitch in with their own suggestions on which Hong Kong hidden gems to visit!

The video follows the two as they explore the different sides that Hong Kong has to offer, the city becoming the perfect couple’s paradise. More than the usual theme parks and city dwellings, Hong Kong has a lot more for couples who are looking for unique ways to spend their time together; from spontaneous weekend getaways to longer days touring the outlying islands of Hong Kong with your treasured person, take inspiration from KD’s “Be With U” music video and plan that trip to the city!

The view with U

KD and Alexa kick off the music video by meeting high up in the sky, at the Peak Galleria Observation Deck, a spacious observation deck adjacent to the Peak Galleria mall that offers a panoramic view from Victoria Peak. Just like KDLex, breathe in the high altitude air after a shopping trip and bask in the views of Hong Kong.

The quiet charm of Cheung Chau

The two stars eventually end up bumping into each other once more on the scenic island of Cheung Chau, the perfect getaway from the usual clamor of Hong Kong with its beautiful waterfront, filled with gently rocking moored fishing boats, and seafood restaurants. The island is just a short ferry ride away, with the standard ferry taking approximately an hour to reach Cheung Chau, while the fast ferry takes between 35 to 40 minutes. Central Pier No. 5 has a ferry service that travels daily to and from the island.

There are no cars on this island as the norm is bike riding, a habit that contributes to the peaceful atmosphere of the island. Alexa was charmed by this way of transportation, saying, “I don’t get to ride bikes often, so I was a bit shaky, but KD was there to help.” She goes on to gush about the island even more: “Cheung Chau was the perfect place to take it slow on the bike as it’s very scenic and there are no cars to chase you down,” Alexa adds with a laugh. “I hope to be back soon just to relax and take the atmosphere in,” the actress concludes. Here you’ll also find everything from hiking trails to hip cafes in a culturally rich community, celebrated by the annual Cheung Chau Bun Festival.

KD and Alexa dropped by Kwok Kam Kee, the oldest lucky bun bakery in Cheung Chau, sharing a sweet bite together. The bakery is the oldest lucky bun bakery in Cheung Chau and makes approximately 30,000 of the buns sold and given away during the Cheung Chau Bun Festival. Each bun is printed with the Chinese letters “Ping On” which translates to “safety”. The bold red print is hard to miss and the filling that bursts with flavor is equally unforgettable. “The sweetness is a nice surprise and is different from other steamed buns I’ve had,” Alexa says. KD agrees and adds, “The texture is what makes it stand out. It’s really filling, nakakabusog siya, no?”

Kwok Kam Kee can be found at G/F, 46 Pak She Street, Cheung Chau.

KD and Alexa continued on their Cheung Chau food trip with the MTR mosaic wall-inspired Cheung Chau Corner where they enjoyed a yogurt drink together, as well as tasty giant curry fishballs at Welcome Food Court. Space is another cafe along the quieter side of the Cheung Chau harbor that serves different menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with affordable prices. If traditional desserts are more your thing, Wan Sing Dessert is where they serve the Cheung Chau favorite, the famous mango mochi.

“Of course, as Filipinos, we had to try the mango mochi,” KD shares. “Just like the ones we have at home, the mochi was very refreshing. Super sarap!”

Welcome Food Court is located at G/F, 150 San Hing Back Street, while Cheung Chau Corner is at G/F, 78 San Hing Street, Cheung Chau. Space is at 7 Tai Hing Tai Road, Cheung Chau and Wan Sing can be found at G/F, 5 San Hing Street, Cheung Chau.

Nothing can get more romantic than the Love Lock Wall, a maze of chain metal walls where friends and couples hang locks and heart-shaped wooden plaques with hand-written messages to commemorate their visit to the island. This is where couples can leave a little piece of them, marking this destination as a part of their love story. In fact, KD and Alexa left a little easter egg for their fans who plan to visit Cheung Chau: a hand-painted portrait of the two of them on a heart-shaped wooden plaque. The BnB The Creative Workshop is where KD and Alexa got their craft on and is also where visitors can acquire souvenirs and trinkets that they can hang up on the Love Lock Wall.

You may find the Love Lock Wall at 156 Sun Hing Back Street, Cheung Chau.

The perfect date night in Central and Kowloon

Couples looking to end the night on a high should include the Temple Street Night Market and the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade in their itineraries. Temple Street Night Market boasts Hong Kong’s diverse culinary culture, welcoming visitors with a wide range of Hong Kong-style snacks along the Temple Street Archway. After a quick bite, enter any one of the cafes, bars, and restaurants along the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade for a drink and the perfect nightcap with views of the Hong Kong skyline, Victoria Harbour, and the outlying islands of Hong Kong.

And finally, the Hong Kong Observatory Wheel is there to make the night even more special, Located at the Central Waterfront Promenade, the 60-meter-high Hong Kong Observation Wheel provides panoramic views over Victoria Harbor, a scene that would truly take your breath away. This place is a hot spot for all the romantic gestures such as wedding proposals so there’s no shortage of romance here! Couples can go the extra mile and book a VIP gondola for a more private and exclusive night spent gazing down at the city.

The Hong Kong Observatory Wheel is located at 33 Man Kwong Street, Central.

The music video ends with a sweet moment shared by KD and Alexa, exchanging love locks on Central Pier 9, against the backdrop of the glittering lights and calm waters, the perfect place to spend a quiet moment with your significant other, enjoying the view of Victoria Harbour as the Star Ferry and Aqua Luna sail by. This location is also reminiscent of another beloved Hong Kong love story as Central Pier 9 is where a number of scenes from the movie “Hello Love Goodbye” take place. 

From older couples who have seen each other’s different stages in life to those still in the honeymoon phase, Hong Kong remains as the city where love continues to bloom. And if you’re like KD and Alexa in the music video, wandering solo around the city, you may just discover that love is right around every corner of Hong Kong.

Watch KD’s “Be With U” music video here and explore more of Hong Kong’s hidden gems here.

Follow KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad behind the scenes on a Toss Coin-inspired tour around Hong Kong

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There’s no denying that Hong Kong is a charming backdrop to many love stories and tales of human connection. In the recently premiered short film entitled “Toss Coin” directed by award-winning film director, Cathy Garcia-Sampana, and starring breakout stars KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad, viewers were taken on a wild goose chase around the vibrant streets of Hong Kong.

Toss Coin follows the story of Kiko (KD) and Pia (Alexa) and an unexpected encounter that all begins with a simple toss of a coin. The two embark on a journey around Hong Kong that later unravels into a sweet and touching romance exploring themes of destiny, belief, and the courage to embrace opportunities.

While the two lead characters were busy playing hide and seek with fate, the film showcased a variety of fun and fresh attractions every traveler should experience when visiting Asia’s World City. Check out some of the locations featured in Toss Coin below.

Stroll alongside the vibrant murals in Sai Kung

In almost every frame of the short film, viewers will find scenic backdrops highlighting Hong Kong’s rich natural landscapes, remarkable architecture, and colorful murals. These elements attracted Director Cathy Garcia-Sampana greatly, resulting in several key scenes (including the opening) being shot in the beautiful district of Sai Kung. “When I first came over here, I fell in love with the place. Their artworks are so beautiful, and we’re going to feature all of them,” she shared.

Also featured in the film is the Sai Kung branch of popular Hong Kong-based coffee chain The Coffee Academics. The building is covered in murals and is a visual treat for visitors to enjoy as they sip their coffee. The IG-worthy cafe is definitely a go-to for coffee lovers looking to take aesthetic photos.

Just a 30-minute drive from the bustling city center, Sai Kung offers travelers a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. With beautiful murals everywhere you look and a picturesque view of Hong Kong’s landscape, sit back with a hot coffee and lose yourself in the beautiful district where nature and art intersect.

Explore the modern and traditional at the HKMoA and Opera Gallery

Established in 1962, the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) is the first public art museum in the city. With over 18,800 curated pieces from all over the world, the HKMoA brings together traditional and contemporary pieces that highlight the unique culture and thriving arts scene of the city.

As seen in the film, the museum is also beautifully situated by the famous Victoria Harbour, and the ever-iconic Hong Kong skyline. This choice was intentional by the Toss Coin team, Alexa shares “Every place that we’ve been to has been really beautiful, so we want to showcase the beautiful places to the audience.”

After a day of touring the diverse exhibits at the museum, check out Hollywood Road at Central for more galleries like the Opera Gallery featured in the film. The Opera Gallery is home to works by emerging and internationally renowned artists and sculptors and is sure to be a treat for art lovers on their visit.

Spend a day at M+ and the West Kowloon Cultural District

M+ located in the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary visual culture in the world. A work of art in itself, the museum stands among other iconic landmarks overlooking Victoria Harbour, with an LED display integrated into the building’s facade to display works of art.

KD mentioned how M+ is his favorite out of all the filming locations visited, “Hong Kong is super fun, going around the different locations. I love M+. It’s so nice there. It’s a place full of inspiration, and it’s really encouraging for us.”

While the film features only a glimpse of the museum, it's important to note that M+ houses thousands of works on display – representing 777 artists from over 35 countries. A trip to M+ and the newly developed WKCD would require almost a whole day dedicated to exploring its various exhibits and attractions, so make sure to set aside some time on your next visit to fully immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s engaging culture.

Showcase your creativity with the local artisans at PMQ

PMQ, previously the Hollywood Road Police Married Quarters, is a revitalized historical site that houses a variety of design and creative enterprises right at the heart of Hong Kong. This unique space is a go-to for art aficionados and artists alike and also serves as a hub for design and creative innovation.

As shown in the film, PMQ is often the location for interactive events and installations, enjoyed by visitors of all ages. On top of these events, visitors can also sign up and attend workshops by local artisans, covering a range of mediums from crocheting to jewelry-making. A hand-made souvenir will definitely make your trip to Hong Kong a memorable one.

Shop till you drop around Causeway Bay

What initially looks like any other street crossing in this final Toss Coin scene is actually the ever-iconic Causeway Bay. A popular spot among locals and tourists, Causeway Bay is the place to check out if you’re looking to shop till you drop.

From street markets and food stalls on one end, to luxury boutiques and upscale restaurants on the other, this bustling neighborhood will get you energized and buzzing to explore all it has to offer.

Like KD and Alexa, fall in love with the vibrant and dynamic streets of Hong Kong through a tour of these iconic attractions. With Hong Kong’s Arts Month and Art Basel coming up, add these locations to your itinerary for your next visit and experience first-hand the charm and diverse wonders Hong Kong has to offer.

Go on your own journey around Hong Kong and see where destiny takes you. Get inspired by Toss Coin and rewatch the short film on Viu or on ABS-CBN Star Cinema’s official Youtube channel and get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. You may also visit discoverhongkong.com for other itineraries and for the latest events and activities happening in Arts in Hong Kong 2024.

An app for heartbreak? Move on with ANIMA’s romance-comedy-drama film RESET U/I

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What if there’s an app that can cure a heartbreak? Can you move on in an instant?

ANIMA, KROMA Entertainment Inc.’s film production outfit, merges the world of apps and love in its latest romantic comedy-drama offering “Reset U/I.”

The movie revolves around an app developer (Alexa Ilacad as Adie) who helps a venture capitalist (Enchong Dee as Geo) get over his ex-girlfriend so she can get her funding. The result: two people trying to forget so they could move on, only to confront and accept the pain, and learn from the past.

“I like how “RESET U/I” is not your typical rom-com drama. ‘Yung story and journey noong dalawang characters ang ganda and how their characters develop as well. Just when I was reading it and not even thinking it was me or it was Enchong, talagang kinikilig ako sa mga lines,” said Ilacad.

Enchong shared: “I feel like every actor has a responsibility to their audience. Kailangan mong bigyan ng something new ‘yung audience mo and we’re in the service of making people touch their emotions. So eto na finally makakagawa na tayo ulit ng pelikula na mapapanood sa big screen.”

True to ANIMA’s mission to highlight new voices, it looks forward to seeing Ilacad in her first solo-leading role alongside Dee, whose charm and wit had everyone at the storycon swooning.

ANIMA had the film’s story conference, look test and table reading attended by the cast and staff last June 28. With Dee and Ilacad were Iana Bernardez, Yesh Burce, Nikko Natividad, Lance Reblando and Nikki Valdez.

The exciting storyline was written by ANIMA’s former Creative Producer, Benedict Mendoza, with Director JP Habac tapped to bring the idea to the big screen.

“To say that we are very excited for “RESET U/I” would be an understatement to express how ANIMA feels about JP Habac’s newest film with us because we’ve been developing RESET U/I since 2019,” said Kren Yap, ANIMA’s Head of Creative Development.

After working with Habac in “Gaya sa Pelikula,” ANIMA has set several more projects with the young and talented filmmaker.

For more exciting information about ANIMA and its film projects, visit https://anima.ph/.

Teen Star, Goin’ Bulilit alum and Luv U mainstay Alexa Ilacad is the BUM’s latest endorser

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Goin’ Bulilit alum and Luv U mainstay Alexa Ilacad was launched as BUM’s latest celebrity endorser in a fun-filled event held at the Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City, May 28.

Fashion is a distinctive and often habitual trend in the style in which a person dresses. Men's and women's styles blended the sensuality and expressiveness. Fashion can be a form of self-expression and a representation of one’s personality, more so for today’s teens who are brimming with youthful enthusiasm and are in the process of discovering themselves.

A clothing brand known for catering to the young segment of fashionistas, BUM keeps up with their market’s ever-evolving tastes and preferences not only by launching trendy casual garbs but by also providing them with new role models and style icons they can take cues from.

BUM has always been the brand of choice of both up-and-coming and most sought-after teen celebrities, like ABS-CBN’s Nash Aguas, Ella Cruz and Jane Oineza, and GMA-7’s Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix (who are collectively known as the “Black Army”). 

But just when you thought this in-demand style squad cannot get any better, BUM has tapped another well-loved young star, who embody the vitality and versatility of the brand.

This 15-year-old fashionista proves to be a perfect fit for the brand because she’s the adventurous type whose style can go from girly-girl to hip and rugged.

“Super happy ako to be a BUM endorser kasi I can show my versatility through BUM. Sobrang astig ng mga damit nila. Kahit lagi akong pa-girly in colorful and bright outfits, favorite ko din ’yung dark colors kasi mahilig ako sa rock eh; minsan nga feeling ko rakista ako eh! With the clothes from BUM, I can enjoy and show the best of both worlds,” Alexa says. 

That said, her favorite #OOTD-worthy BUM pieces likewise vary from the colorful girly dresses to the rocker-chic hoodies and skull-print tees to the comfy and stretchable jeans—all useful in the various roles she plays as an actress, student and normal teenager. 

Alexa’s first campaign shoot with BUM is for the “Black2School” collection, wherein she got to work with the brand’s other ambassadors, which include Nash, her onscreen partner and the other half of “NLex” love team.

Since it was her first time to shoot an edgy and fierce campaign, Alexa shared that Nash helped calm her nerves as he tried to make the shoot feel lighter and more fun for her. She shares, “Masaya mag-work ’pag meron kang ka-close. Si Nash, nakatulong talaga siya sa akin sa shoot kasi naging mas masaya ang first shoot ko with BUM.”

With the recent success of Nash and Alexa’s last TV show, Bagito, the NLex love team (which started in Goin' Bulilit) has gained more fans, who cannot wait until the two’s next project. In the meantime, fans can look forward to the couple tees soon to be launched by BUM, whose campaign will star this cute duo. A sneak peek of the collection of cute his-and-hers matching tops by BUM, with cool rib cage, skull and graphic prints, was seen in the brand's last "Black2School" collection; the campaign showed Nash garbed in a blue round neck statement tee that says "I Stole Her Heart" and Alexa clad in a matching pink round neck statement tee whose print reads "So I am Stealing His Heart."

It hasn’t been long since Alexa did her first BUM campaign shoot, and now she’s already looking forward to the next. While that is in the works, Alexa has taken it upon herself to give her fellow young girls a bunch of style inspirations by posting occasional #OOTDs on her Instagram account (which currently has about 272,000 followers). 

“Ang dami ko na ngang #OOTD na naka-BUM. Excited na ako i-post,” she quips. Now, girls, that’s something worth double tapping! BUM’s “Black2School” is available at BUM boutiques and leading department stores nationwide. 

Nash Aguas, Jannena Chan host of the event and Alexa Ilacad

For more information about BUM’s “Black2School”, visit www.bumequipment.com.ph or follow us “@officialbumph” on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.