On June 10, during the launch of the Rolling Stone Philippines Social Club, some of the most prominent figures in local film, music, and journalism gathered together for an evening of fine dining, exceptional Glenfiddich whisky, and conversations that flowed long into the night.
Among the night’s guests were acclaimed filmmakers JP Habac (Ex Ex Lovers, I’m Drunk, I Love You), Martika Escobar (Leonor Will Never Die), and Petersen Vargas (Some Nights I Feel Like Walking, A Very Good Girl). They were joined by celebrated musicians like Wolfgang’s Basti Artadi and The Itchyworms’ Jugs Jugueta, as well as actors such as Gabby Padilla (Uninvited, Billie and Emma) and veteran broadcast journalists like Rico Hizon and Karmina Constantino-Torres.
But what exactly was on their minds? And what did they have to say about dining out, dream dinner companions, and go-to drinks? As the evening’s conversations unfolded, Rolling Stone Philippines caught up with a few of them to pick their brains and hear their unfiltered takes.
Gabby Padilla
Padilla gained recognition for her roles in films such as Samantha Lee’s Billie and Emma, Jopy Arnaldo’s Gitling, and Mikhail Red’s Eerie. She most recently won the 2024 Cinemalaya Best Actress Award for her powerful performance in the Filipino-Japanese family drama Kono Basho.
Who’s your dream dinner guest?
Floy Quintos.
What’s your ideal dinner playlist?
I have a Spotify playlist called “Girls Just Want Dinner Parties.” There’s no specific genre, but there’s a lot of soul, funky songs, and soft jazz. I like throwing dinner parties for my friends, so this is what plays.
What’s your go-to drink?
A filthy, filthy gin martini.
What do you hate about dining out?
I’m more of a dining-in person because I like to customize my dining experiences for me and my guests.
What’s your hangover cure?
I don’t get hangovers.
JP Habac
Best known for directing rom-com hits like I’m Drunk, I Love You, Sakaling Maging Tayo, and Ex Ex Lovers, Habac has rafted heartfelt stories that blend humor and emotional depth. Recently, Habac received the Best Director Award at this year’s Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival for the drama, Olsen’s Day, starring Romnick Sarmienta and Khalil Ramos.
Who’s your dream dinner guest?
Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt.
What’s your ideal dinner playlist?
It’d be called Gay Plus. A lot of Sylvester, and lip-syncs from Drag Race.
What’s your go-to drink?
Ginger ale, gin & tonic. Safe.
What do you hate about dining out?
Ang feeling na… kapag nag-overstay na ko.
What’s your hangover cure?
Dalawang Biogesic.
Karmina Constantino-Torres
As one of the longtime anchors at ABS-CBN News Channel, Constantino-Torres has developed a career built on incisive interviews and an unwavering commitment to press freedom. In 2022, she was honored with the Marshall McLuhan Fellowship for Excellence in Journalism, recognizing her dedication to investigative journalism.
Who’s your dream dinner guest?
My lolo and lola. And my dad. They’d have a lot to say about the country today.
What’s your ideal dinner playlist?
A lot of BTS, mixed with some ‘90s hits.
What’s your go-to drink?
Aperol spritz and a whiskey sour.
What do you hate about dining out?
I’m an introvert, so I like the comfort of staying in.
Martika Escobar
Escobar is known for her cinematography work on projects such as When This is All Over and Cross My Heart and Hope to Die, and for music videos for artists such as Ace Banzuelo and Zack Tabudlo. Her directorial debut, the comedy drama Leonor Will Never Die, won the Special Jury Award at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and the Amplify Voices Award at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.
Who’s your dream dinner guest?
Ang lola ko.
What’s your ideal dinner playlist?
“Pale Blue Eyes” [by The Velvet Underground]. Songs like that.
What’s your go-to drink?
Gin and tonic. Very simple, pero may times sa life ko na it was an Aperol Spritz. Sa bahay, I prefer red wine… if I want something strong, mojitos. Whisky sours, too.
What do you hate about dining out?
Not hate, kasi with dining out, it feels like it’s special. But lately I prefer dining in, kasi I’ve been learning how to cook.
What’s your hangover cure?
Korean jellies.
Petersen Vargas
Vargas is known for directing dramas such as Some Nights I Feel Like Walking, 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten, and the blockbusters A Very Good Girl, starring Kathryn Bernardo and Dolly de Leon, and Un/Happy for You starring Julia Barretto. His filmography has steadily marked him as a notable voice among today’s filmmakers.
Who’s your dream dinner guest?
All my idol filmmakers.
What’s your ideal dinner playlist?
Cottage-core, girly, indie songs. Sila Clairo, Boygenius…. Mellow vibes lang while eating dinner.
What’s your go-to drink?
Negronis. There’s more, but I’m kind of drunk. But yeah, the bitter the better.
What’s your hangover cure?
Sleep for the rest of the day.
Basti Artadi
As the lead singer of the rock band Wolfgang, Artadi became known for his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, helping define the sound of Filipino rock in the 1990s.
Who’s your dream dinner guest?
Ozzy Osbourne — but Ozzy from the ‘80s, when he was on everything and fucked up. Or maybe Noam Chomsky, because it might be a delight just watching him eat. One could be a very normal dinner, and the other… Anything could happen.
What’s your ideal dinner playlist?
Maybe a little bit of new wave, a little bit of ‘80s rock, maybe some reggae… Oh, wait! Van Morrison. Forget everything I said. The entire Into the Music album.
What’s your go-to drink?
A scotch on the rocks. I’m not picky about brands. I like a good gin. If it’s a beer, Heineken Silver.
What’s your hangover cure?
Really greasy Chinese food. Or drink two Tylenols and a big jug of water the night before.
Jugs Jugueta
Jugueta, best known as the co-lead vocalist of the rock band The Itchyworms, has left his mark on the national music scene with his distinctive vocals, clever lyricism, and knack for crafting catchy, emotionally resonant songs. Jugueta is also a host on the noontime TV staple It’s Showtime.
Who’s your dream dinner guest?
Paul McCartney. Maybe at his peak.
What’s your ideal dinner playlist?
My wife used to be a big-time radio host, and she has impeccable taste. She has this playlist called Daily Delicious, and it’s got all these easy listening, indie songs. I love it.
What’s your go-to drink?
Whiskey. It used to be draft beer.
What do you hate about dining out?
We love dining out. We love the social part of it, but I think it depends on who’s at the dinner table.
What’s your hangover cure?
Coffee. Black. All day.
