Philly Chit Chat

Movie News, Stallone Sightings, Eagles Around, and more gossip

What a beautiful day Saturday turned into. I hope you were out and about enjoying it. I headed to South Street’s Spring Festival, those photos will be popping up everywhere tomorrow. Then I went to West Laurel Hill Cemetery for their annual Derby Party. You’d think it’d be creepy to have an event in a cemetery, but they have a very nice event space, and the cemetery is also an arboretum as well, and the trees are in full bloom.  Let’s get to the gossip..

Seasoned character actress Jennifer Butler is in the move The Nomads, which is filming here in Philadelphia. Yes another movie besides Creed. We actually have 3 movies filming in town right now – Creed 2, The Nomads and Untitled Female Driven WW II Spy Thriller starring Sarah Megan Thomas, who also filmed Equity here, which is about to become a TV Series, congrats to Sarah who was born in the Philly area.  Jennifer is with Tate Donovan, who you’ll remember I wrote about last week when he was spotted at Hop Sing Laundromat

Speaking of films M. Night Shyamalan stopped by CBS3Philly Thursday and filmed additional scenes for Glass, with news legend Ukee Washington playing himself. Last night Night was sitting court-side with Zach Ertz at the Sixers, but that didn’t bring the luck. Bummed, but hey we really didn’t think they’d get this far, and I’m delighted.

“Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” Michael Buffer, an American ring announcer for boxing and professional wrestling matches was on set this week with legendary referee Kenny Bayless, known for his catchphrase which he says to fighters before the bell rings  “What I say you must obey,” were on set for Creed 2 as they filmed scenes at The Liacouras Center

Thursday night Sylvester Stallone had dinner at Barra Rossa at 10th and Walnut. He’s here with owner Dan Morris.

Wednesday Stallone stopped by Foot Locker on Chestnut Street to buy some running shoes, to the delight of the workers. He posed with them and even did a shadow boxing video.

Last week Eagles new tight end Dallas Goedert and his parents stopped by DelFrisco’s this week for dinner.
Padua Academy will welcome Roma Downey as the 2018 Women of Achievement honoree on May 2, 2108, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. The event was Emceed by Pat Ciarrocchi. Rooted in the Catholic faith, Padua Academy offers young women a transformational college preparatory education, challenging them to live Christ-centered lives of leadership and service.

Congrats to Monica Malpass for being featured in SJ Magazine and for her

walk on The Runway for CHOP’s Daisy Days on May 1. Check out more photos from the event on Philly Voice.

Speaking of service Tony Luke’s is giving away FREE Chicken Cheesesteaks to all Active Military every Friday in May. Check out their website for locations

 

HughE news. I recently decided to return to Fox29 Good Day after contributing to CBS3Philly for about 10 months. I loved my time at CBS3Philly, but really missed my Fox29 family as I had been there for 6 years. No matter where I would go in Philly, even yesterday on South Street, Fox 29 viewers would tell me how much they loved my work at Fox 29.  So going forward I will be contributing to Fox again with photos and content, and occasionally appearing on the show. I don’t think I realized what an exclusive to one station meant, and had to turn down some things because I was in an exclusive. I’ve been used to sharing my stuff with everyone, it’s always been my mantra. I’ve come to learn that every media outlet has their own audience, and some of it over laps. Going back to Fox allows me to pop up at other stations when the moment arises ie car driving down the Art Museum Steps, celebrities I’ve photographed in Philly and the occasional times I’ve traveled to the Big Apple to participate in 6ABC trips and my yearly sledders on the Art Museum Steps shots for Cecily and Adam. Even with all the snow this year, we didn’t get enough snow for a shot. Thanks again to CBS3Philly for the opportunity. I’ll miss my photo column, I did some great work there.

Boyds Clothing Store Celebrates New Concept Opens

Philadelphia luxury store Boyds, an iconic Philadelphia Clothier celebrated their newly unveiled women’s ready-to-wear, handbag and shoe department section

which is now located on the entire first floor and mezzanine level on April 12, 2018 at their Chestnut Street location.

In an interview with the Menswear Industry Magazine Boyds owner Kent Gushner said “We’re repositioning women’s on both the first floor (9,000 square-feet) and the mezzanine (4,000 square-feet). It will be a dramatic setting with all new cases, fixtures and lighting, juxtaposing old and new: light contemporary cases and fixtures will contrast beautifully with our classic architecture that we are retaining.” (Source)

Fashionable guests enjoyed lite bites and cocktails as they checked out the renovated modern, well lit space which now features a light and airy staircase in the middle of the room replacing the heavy looking marble one, which leads to the mezzanine level where you’ll find shoes and bags.

Gone is the heavy marble stairs, and columns. Now there’s a great open floor plan for shopping. This photo doesn’t do it justice, but the room was a glow in the most beautiful white lite making all the colors pop

Including these cool Judith Leiber purses.
The classic Boyds Men’s Department is now located on the 2nd, with all tailored clothing to the third floor, divided into two venues: luxury/classic and young/contemporary (suits in that section will open at $595, and the department will have a different vibe and its own music). 
with the women’s taking over the entire first floor

and shoes and more purses on the mezzanine floor

 

Check out these media outlets to see if you’re photo is there:

CBSPhilly

PhillyStyle Magazine

Check out the NYTIMES for an article on the newly, don’t call it renovated more like conceptualized Boyds Clothing Store

Then go back to the future and see what they did in 2005 in PhillyMag

You Still Have Time To Vote For Your Favorite Charity 

Go teams go! On April 30 th at 11 a.m., NRG hosted a pep rally to introduce the three nonprofit finalists for NRG Gives, the company’s crowd-sourcing charitable program. NRG employees will join Swoop and the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders to officially announce the three local nonprofits vying for a grand prize of $100K.

 

This year’s nominees, selected by NRG employees are: Canine Partners 4 Life, College Possible Philadelphia, and Red Paw Emergency Relief Team. Now it’s up to the public to choose the $100K recipient. $20K and $10Kwill be awarded to the 2nd and 3rd place nonprofits, respectively.

 

For more information, visit: nrghomepower.com/nrg-gives

 

Michelle Obama and Friends Celebrate College Signing Day

Michelle Obama and her celebrity friends celebrated the fifth College Signing Day which honors Philadelphia students for their pursuit of a college education or career in the military, at Temple University on May 2nd, 2018.  Nearly 8000 students filled the The Liacouras Center to hear inspirational speeches and enjoy entertainment from todays hottest stars.

Great job co-hosting by Sixers biggest cheerleader Christian Crosby

 

Richard M. Englert, Ed.D. President, Temple University and JoAnne A. Epps is executive vice president and provost of Temple University.

Chill Moody and Donn T perform for the crowd

Then there was the parade of colleges
I went to CCP to get my paralegal degree, and now I’m here.

 

Camila Cabello,

Supermodel Karlie Kloss with local students who participate in her STEM program – Kode With Klossy

Jay Wright, Villanova NCAA Championship coach introduces Superbowl champ Malcolm Jenkins.

Kelly Rowland leaps onto the stage with exuberance

Mayor Kenney, William Hite, Philly Schools Superintendent, guest and Quest Love

Bradley Cooper tells the crowd he attended Villanova before switching to Georgetown. His mom attended Temple University, and was backstage.

Michelle Obama with Rebel Wilson, Robert DeNiro and Bradley Cooper

Bradley is so friendly introducing himself on stage as Michelle rallies the kids wearing this springs popular fashion – a denim jacket.

Celebrities are just like us – Eagles superstar Malcolm Jenkins gets a selfie with First Lady forever Michelle Obama

It was a great day for students in Philadelphia as well as the next generation of leaders

The Margarita Rumble Benefited The Travis Manion Foundation

Sorry folks for missing Monday and Tuesday. I’m so slammed with the social season. Thanks to Mike Hirata for shooting the Margarita Rumble this past weekend, check out the photos below…..

Craft Hospitality hosted the popular Margarita Rumble to Philly this past weekend at Schmidt’s Commons.  16 of the best bars and restaurants competed for the title of the Best Margarita in Philly.

“Following the huge success of the Margarita Rumble in New York and London last year, we are very excited to extend this event to Philadelphia! We jumped at the opportunity to partner with the Travis Manion Foundation to bring together the community, and create culture in Philadelphia through our margarita competition. Craft Hospitality is one of the leading hospitality and experiential companies in the world, creating fun and engaging experiences to be shared with one another,” said Ashley Avino, Production Manager at Craft Hospitality.

Kicking off at The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons, dozens of mixologists created delicious drinks for guests to sample the best margaritas, and vote for your favorite!

A DJ kept the crowd bamba’ing through the evening as partygoers had three afternoon sessions to choose from
The Margarita Rumble partnered with the Travis Manion Foundation as the charity of choice as it’s dedicated to strengthening and uniting America’s diverse communities. “TMF really allows me to organize amazing communities and happily share my skills and experience with my military career,” says Charlie Elison, Northeast Region Program Director.”

I’m passionate about bridging our civil-military divide, being a reminder that our nation continues waging our longest wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I’m truly privileged to work with families of brothers and sisters in arms who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice and to honor the legacy of those we’ve lost in combat.”

Check back Thursday for this weeks Philly Chit Chat Gossip….

 

Sunday ChitChat: Creed 2, Draft Choice, Engaged & Charitable

Good Sunday, I had a few precious moments to walk around my neighborhood on Friday between events to check out the latest movie set of CREED 2, which was filming in my neighborhood of Fairmount. I came across this beautiful street adjacent to the Eastern State Penitentiary –  Beechwood St. in full cherry blossom bloom. Spring has sprung, altho not today. So bundle up and head to East Passyunak Avenue for Flavors on the Avenue today, and a cute craft show.

Speaking of Creed 2, filming commenced at Eastern State Penitentiary just after sunset. Inside the historic, haunted prison, space was created into a Russian disco complete with the co-star of the movie – snow painted on the ground.

Filming ran until the wee hours of the morning with the Drago father/son Dolph Lundgren and Florian Munteanu partaking in the scene- A dim light was shining over the set, which I could see from my balcony.
Michael B Jordan was spotted at PHL in the afternoon grabbing a plane outta here for the weekend.

Did you know there are actually THREE FILMS shooting in Philly right now. One stars Sarah Megan Thomas, born right here in Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA. Megan has filmed two other notable movies in our area “Backwards”, with James Van Der Beek . Then there was the successful women empowerment movie “Equity” starring Anna Gunn, James Purefoy, and Alysia Reiner. Now filming what is currently titled: Untitled Female Driven WW II Spy Thriller, which just spent a week filming at the Art Alliance on Rittenhouse Square.

Also in town filming is “The Nomads” about an inner city Rugby team.
Star sighting: Tate Donovan was spotted Hop Sing Laundry on Wednesday night. He’s in town filming The Nomads directed by Brandon Eric Kamin and co-starring Tika Sumpter

Congrats Temple U football standout Leon Johnson on being picked up by the Denver Broncos

Earlier this week Leon Johnson took a group of students from Roxborough to the NFL Experience in NYC as part of the Fund for Philly Schools program

Creed 2 Update, Biden Gives Good Face and Hello Riley Rado-Kaplan

Hello PhillyChitChat readers, what a week. We are in the middle of a very busy Social Season. On Sunday I will post links to where all the photos went in my various media outlets. In the meantime here’s a little Philly Chit Chat Gossip

Congrats to our good friends the Kaplan’s as their grandson is born –

Baby:  Riley Rado-Kaplan
Born:  4/5/2018
Weight:  4lbs, 10oz.
Health: Wonderful (even though 4 weeks early and small)
Despite “peanut” size, has big feet, big hands and lots of dark hair (just like the father)
Father: Stuart Kaplan, 36 yrs old
Mother: Sarah Rado, 33 yrs old
Grandparents: (Absolutely Thrilled!!!) Harold and Carol Kaplan
Mother, Father and Riley are all doing well.  Grandparents are ecstatic!!

Speaking of chips off the old block, Sylvester Stallone welcomed daughter Sistine Stallone to Philly last week and gave her a tour of his old stomping grounds the Italian Market, as well as stop at the Rocky Statue to the delight of tourist. I suspect he’ll be stopping there again soon to film scenes. Tonight Creed 2 is filming at Eastern State Prison, as well as Rembrant’s nearby – it’s a Russian nightclub scene, look for the painted snow on the grass again.  Rocky won’t be nearby though, he’s off this week and part of next week – do expect to see Michael B Jordan and Tessa Thompson though.

Last night Creed 2 and Michael B Jordan filmed at Max’s Cheese Steak in North Philly. And by last night I mean all night long until this morning they were filming scenes inside and outside the famed spot. Kevin Hart may have made a cameo in the film as well since there’s a mural of his face on the front of the building at the 2nd floor level

Speaking of faces Joe Biden was in town on Tuesday night. The former Vice President  was honored at the Only In America Gala supporting the National Museum of American Jewish History at the Bellevue! At the event The Palm Philadelphia General Manager Julie Sloviter and former PREIT Executive Chairman Ron Rubin presented Joe Biden with his framed Palm caricature. (Photo Credit The Palm)

Guests also enjoyed music from Idina Menzel and students from the Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP).They sang her big hit “Let It Go” from the movie Frozen. She also sang Defying Gravity, from Wicked. Check back on Sunday for links to this event as well as the half dozen parties PhillyChitChat *the whole team, shot this week. Thanks, don’t forget your umbrella!! Best wishes HughE

Friday night Manyunk rolled out the red carpet on Friday night for the Spring 2018 Launch Party for This is it with Cheldin Barlatt Rumer which was held at One Nickel CoWorking – The Nickels Building (thenickelsbuilding.com).

This is it TV is a daily, digital video series that celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit by interviewing and promoting small business owners and entrepreneurs. This daily program can be seen Monday through Friday at 10am EST by logging on to Facebook.com/thisisittv – for more information on this digital series log onto ThisisitTV.com. 

Nyzia Easterling, Cheldin Barlatt Rumer, Evangelista Batista,  and Asia Anderson.

Diona Murray and Shirleen Beard

Nate Parker, Wahida Mohammed, and Isaiah Dupree

Dejah Davis and Aziah Thompson

Suzanne Taylor, Majet Reyes, and Brenda Kiss

Cheldin Barlatt Rumer and Taquan Allen.

Taquan Allen, Kianna Papaleo, Lady Delrio, and Francisco Sandoval

 

Theresa Iannacone and Najah Haskins

Kayla Schwartz, Brian Liebesman, and Debra Walker.

DJ George Marable

Suzanne Taylor, Majet Reyes, and Brenda Kiss

Asia Anderson and Jim Bauer.

Michelle Dunk, Jennifer Robinson, and Weatta Frazier Collins

 Dejah Davis

Aziah Thompson

 

Three Fun Events This Weekend -I’ll be at Flavors on East Passyunk

East Passyunk Avenue presents its second annual Flavors on the Avenue street festival featuring five blocks and six hours of food, drink, music, shopping and free family fun.

East Passyunk Avenue presents its second annual Flavors on the Avenue street festival featuring five blocks and six hours of food, drink, music, shopping and free family fun.

 

More than two dozen of the region’s best restaurants will fire up street food, small plates, signature dishes out in the street, on Philadelphia’s restaurant row. Look for some of Philadelphia’s biggest culinary names (Chefs Nick Elmi, Joncarl Lachman, Lee Styer, Christopher Kearse) to serve right outside their front doors.

East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District presents Flavors on the Avenue street festival on Sunday, April 29, 2018, from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The city’s first big restaurant festival of the spring will feature five blocks of street food, seasonal sips, craft beer, live music, sidewalk sales and free family fun – from Broad to Dickinson streets.  Over twenty-four award-winning restaurants, cafes and bars will bring their signature cuisine outside under the blue skies. Craft beer, signature cocktails and wine will pour from select restaurants out on the street, as well as inside the new Founders Brewing Co. Tasting Tent. East Passyunk Flavors on the Avenue is free to attend and open to all ages. Food will be specially priced between $3.00 and $6.00 (average) and be pay-as-you-go from individual restaurants.

“Flavors on the Avenue is East Passyunk’s signature food festival and our largest event of the year,” said Executive Director Pam Zenzola. “We invite the region to come hungry and experience the culinary talents of Philadelphia’s top chefs and restaurants. Flavors on the Avenue also showcases the diversity of our constantly growing food scene – with everything from old school gravy joints to new up-and-comers like Barcelona Wine Bar, Pistola’s Del Sur and Redcrest Fried Chicken. Bring the whole family for a full day of food and drink, plus music, activities, arts and shopping. See you on the Avenue!”
Ardmore Antique and Vintage Market returns to Rittenhouse Place at Lancaster Avenue on Sunday, April 29, 2018, from 8:00am to 5:00pm. The Ardmore Initiative, in partnership with Phila. FleaMarkets, is proud to bring back this bi-annual event that includes antique vendors from the tri-state area featuring a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, vintage and estate jewelry, clothing and accessories, antique furniture, vintage home furnishings, lighting, glassware, pottery, primitives, and much more.

New for this year, look for free family fun activities, crafts, music and the grand opening of Common Space. View vendors atwww.DestinationArdmore.com.

Free to attend and open to the public. Rain date: Sunday, May 27, 2018.

Fresh off the success of the inaugural Philadelphia Beard Festival (PBF) last April, and adding
title sponsor WAHL, the Philadelphia Beard Festival looks to continue its growth in year two. This year the festival
is being held on Sunday, April 29th from noon to 6 pm at the The Schmidt’s Commons in Northern Liberties. Beyond the epic beard contest sponsored by WAHL that judges contestants in 12 different facial hair categories, there will be last years hit Bearded Speed Dating for those lovers of bearded gentleman. Beyond just “The beards” the festival will entertain guests with AXE throwing from Bury the Hatchet, local craft beers, whiskey & spirit
tastings, a mobile cigar lounge from The Traveling Tobacconist, outdoor games, LIVE acoustic music from local
favorites Tino & Ashley, food trucks, beard product vendors and more. You can purchase reduced tickets in advance
at their website http://www.philadelphiabeardfest.com or just pay at the door the day of the festival.

Other events coming to The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons

Craft Hospitality is bringing the popular Margarita Rumble to Philly.  Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. Join as 15 of the best bars and restaurants compete for the title of the Best Margarita in Philly. Kicking off at The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons, dozens of mixologists will shake it up while you sample the best margaritas, and vote for your favorite! A DJ will keep you bamba’ing through the evening. Partygoers have three afternoon sessions to choose from when buying VIP or general admission tickets. VIP admission means early access one hour before the fiesta really kicks off!

Use code fiesta, to get $16 off!

******************************************************************

Spring Makers’ Market and Local Libations Garden
Saturday, April 28, 2018
10:00am to 6:00pm
The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons (1001 N. 2nd Street)
Presented by The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons
www.theschmidtscommons.com

 

 

PRDC Properties with Space & Company Host Liberty Square Showing

On Wednesday, April 18, 2018 PRDC Properties, in partnership with Space & Company hosted a twilight event to celebrate the opening of Liberty Square’s model home.  Invited realtors, brokers and press were treated to cocktails, canapés and tours of the newly completed townhome.

Liberty Square- an architecturally significant 43-unit townhome community in one of Philadelphia’s fastest growing neighborhoods. Located at the intersection of 5th and Wallace Streets,

Liberty Square is a seamless blend of comfort, innovation and luxury living in the heart of Northern Liberties.

 

Shimi Zakin, Atrium Design Group and Mark Kane, SVP, Senior Relationship Manager and Team Leader at Republic Bank – Philadelphia & South Jersey

Designed by renowned architect Shimi Zakin of Atrium Design Group, these townhomes feature +/- 3,100 square feet of ingeniously designed space with three and four-bedroom open floor plans, one-two car garages and finished basements.  Home highlights include gourmet kitchens appointed with PorcelanosaÒ cabinetry and upgraded Bosch appliances;  luxurious master bath complete with oversized shower, designer tile and elegant freestanding tub; Juliet balconies and rooftop terraces offering breathtaking views of Philadelphia’s evolving skyline.

Michelle Burns Mchugh, Coldwell Bankers and Julie Welker, Coldwell Banker

PRDC Properties is a full-service real estate developer and builder specializing in the transformation of underutilized real estate into vibrant resident and commercial communities across the region.

To learn more, visit PRDCproperties.com

Christina Henck , Marianne Scott and Laila Reilly

 

 

David Perlman, President PRDC Properties  and Brandon Morrison, PRDC Properties

Liberty Square pricing begins at $724,900.  Phase one homes are scheduled for June 2018 delivery with phase two completed by August 2018.  Additional details can be found online at PRDCproperties.com/LibertySquare.