Bedazzled many times over

Pocholo Malillin, VP and administrative officer of Club Mwah is now an honorary son of the city of Dagupan. A native of Malasiqui, Pangasinan, Pocholo for quite sometime resided in Dagupan City where he established himself as producer/director of cultural and entertainment shows.

Pocholo was made honorary citizen in recognition of his achievements in the field of stage and theatrical entertainment by virtue of Resolution No. 6117-2008, passed and unanimously approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod during its regular session last month.

Several months ago, he was also awarded one of the outstanding achievers of Pangasinan by the Publishers Association of the Philippines and Diwa, Salita, at Gawa magazine. He was awarded for being a “creative entertainment trendsetter.” He was one of the 15 awardees that include  Archbishop Oscar Cruz, Jose de Venecia III, DOH Sec. Francisco Duque III among others.

After years of stay in Japan where they also made a mark in the entertainment circuit, Pocholo, with partner Chris Nicolas established Club Mwah. Coming home in 2004, they opened Club Mwah at the Venue Tower on Boni Ave., Mandaluyong City.

Pocholo and Chris would not sacrifice the quality of their theatrical productions over budget constraints. They spend vigorously on props, costumes and production design. “We feel it is our commitment to give our patrons only the best,” says Pocholo. For instance in their Bedazzled shows, Pocholo and Chris left no stone unturned to make their productions exceptional.

Club Mwah pays tribute to the legendary Bob Fosse, director and choreographer of Cabaret, Chicago and All That Jazz, among others in Bedazzled 8. “It is the most lavish, most expensive at pinakabongga, of all Bedazzled shows,” says Pocholo. Also featured in Bedazzled 8 is an Indian dance with Lady Buddha Sheba with 16 hands mounted on a six-foot elephant; a Man from La Mancha spoof, among others.

Club Mwah is an upscale club famous for its spectacular shows. It is a favorite hang-out of celebrities, politicians, expats, tourists, theater goers among others. Its themed productions can equal that of Las Vegas, Broadway, Tokyo and Paris. Its Bedazzled shows continue to attract crowds since its inception. Bedazzled 6 is on stage Mondays and Tuesdays; Bedazzled 7, Wednesdays and Thursdays while Bedazzled 8, Fridays and Saturdays.

Club Mwah has been drawing legions of patrons because of its lavish, fabulous and breathtaking presentations. Its productions remain unequaled and unparalleled. Club Mwah is a recipient of numerous awards including the Global Award of Excellence, the National Consumers Affairs Foundation Award, the Asia Pacific Award and is accredited by the Tourism Department  as a  must-see tourist stop-over.

Club Mwah is located at The Venue Tower, Boni Ave., Mandaluyong City. For details, call 535-7943 and 532-2826 or visit www.clubmwah.com.

Julius gives back

Last week, Julius Babao celebrated his 40th birthday. He wanted to make the celebration more meaningful — a break from the usual celebrations he has had — by donating a whole village for the poor. But Julius knew he could not do this alone. “That’s when the idea of getting the help of my artists-friends came to my mind,” said Julius. To build the village, Julius and his artists-friends held an exhibit/auction titled Art 40 last July 20. 126 artists participated in the exhibit/auction and the proceeds will help build 30 Gawad Kalinga houses in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City.

“I believe in Gawad Kalinga and its goal. I believe that if we all do our share in helping our poor brothers and sisters, we can make this country a better place,” said Julius. Art 40 was conceived by him and his wife, Tintin Bersola Babao. Both are Gawad Kalinga volunteers and donors.

“I have witnessed the transformation of GK communities,” he said. “It’s not just the physical home that undergoes changes. Even the behavior, habits and outlook of the community improve. A squatter’s area where people drink on the streets, hold riots at night and throw garbage anywhere is transformed into a proud, dignified community.”

As for his artist-friends, Julius said, “It’s also a way for the artists to give back. It wasn’t hard to convince them to join this project because 98 percent of artists I invited immediately expressed interest,” he recalled. “By donating their works, the artists do what they do best and are able to extend their help to the underprivileged communities in the country.” He also said there is a resurgence of Philippine art in international waters as shown by the success  of young artists at auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s. “The Art community can be a catalyst for change. If we pool tall our resources, we can make this dream a reality,” he added.

Art 40 exhibit/auction runs until Aug. 8 at Pinto Gallery, No. 1 Sierra Madre, Grand Heights Subd., Antipolo City. As of last night, Tintin said, they were able to raise P2.5-M.

Happy birthday and bravo Julius!