Popcorn News Picks Jan 15 To 28: Baguio’s First Volkswagen Foodtruck Park, Donald Trump, Miss Universe, Hamilton, And The Oscars

The first month of the year 2017 is about to close. It is important to be in the know of what has transpired thus far. Pilipinas Popcorn brings you the latest and most relevant issues of the last half of January.

Rachel Ann Go Will Play Eliza In Broadway Phenomenon ‘Hamilton’

Tagged as “U.K.’s Favorite” in Broadway, it is confirmed that Rachael Ann Go will play the role of “Eliza” in the West End production of the hit hip-hop musical “Hamilton.” In a feature by ABS-CBN, Rachel is ecstatic at the result of her audition most specially that she was able to meet highly-acclaimed Lin-Manuel – Hamilton’s creative genius.

Rachel auditioned for the role while she was in New York for the reprise of her “Miss Saigon” stint. She will be joined by fellow Pinay, Christine Allado, who will portray Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds in the said musical.

Baguio City’s First Ever Foodtruck Park A Success At Calle Uno Food Hub

On January 27, the first Foodtruck Park of Baguio City opened at the Calle Uno Food Hub. Foodies of the Mountain City had a good time in the soft opening. Everyone got their fill of great food cooked from the Uncle of all cars – the classic Volkswagen beetle. A total of six food outlets served hefty and scrumptious creations that is right for a foodtruck haven.

Donald Trump is Inaugurated as the New President of the US

The global community followed the Inauguration Day of Donald Trump as the 45^th president of the United States.  The first significant event of Trump’s Inauguration was the service at St. John’s Episcopal Church. He then had coffee with president Barack Obama. After that Inauguration Ceremony followed at around 11:30am where Trump was sworn into office at the US Capitol. At 3:00 PM, the Inaugural Parade took place after the traditional luncheon. To gracefully end the historical event, President Trump attended two official inaugural balls and The Salute to the Armed Services Ball.

In contrast, after Inaugural Day, a Women’s March transpired in Washington on January 21. Although some perceive the march as an anti-Trump protest, Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation America says that it is really about sending a “strong message to the incoming administration  that millions of people across the country are prepared to fight attacks on reproductive healthcare, abortion services and access the Planned Parenthood.” This event is a direct response to Trump’s promise to defund the reproductive health organization because it performs abortions.

The Philippines Buzzes about Miss Universe

The nation has been buzzing about the 64^th Miss Universe for months now. In everything that is happening with the pageantry, one distinct fan favorite was the unforgettable photo of Miss Universe Australia and Cadet Cabili when the candidates visited the City of Pines on January 18. The photo was shared numerous times because of how Cadet Cabili gazed, and not just looked, at the beautiful Miss Australia.

On a national level, Derek Ramsay speaks up against Miss Philippines Maxine Medina’s bashers. In an article with Pep, Derek “slammed” netizens for all the negative comments that keep surfacing about Maxine and the Miss U pageant. In his Instagram post he frankly said, “Stop the bashing! We should be proud of this beautiful and accomplished Filipina.”

Also in the news, Enrique Gil took a selfie with Miss Costa Rica and to that, Liza Soberano says, “It doesn’t matter to me.” The rumoured couple has been in the limelight recently due to their affectionate exchange of gifts as well as upcoming movie projects. As soon as it was posted, Enrique told Liza right away and she didn’t mind it at all. When asked about joining the Miss Universe pageant in the future, she simply replied, “It’s not really my thing.“

‘La La Land’ Garners 14 Oscar Nominations

“La La Land” has done it again. With a total fourteen nominations in the 89^th Academy Awards including Best Directing, Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay, the musical ties the record held by “All About Eve” and “Titanic.” Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling also received nominations for Best Acting. Further, other films with Oscar nods include “Moonlight” and “Arrival” with eight nominations each. Jimmy Kimmel is set to host the said Oscars on February 26. For the full list of nominees, click here.

Kylie Padilla and Aljur Abrenica Announce Engagement

When the social media got into a frenzy about the pregnancy of Kylie Padilla, news of her engagement with Aljur Abrenica soon surfaced. Pilipinas Popcorn earlier reported that Aljur was disappointed with how Kylie’s manager, Vidanes Celebrity Marketing, made the announcement on Instagram before they did. Aljur stressed that the engagement happened first even before the pregnancy.