Latest news with #Isabela
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Justin Baldoni Responds To Isabela Ferrer Allegations
You know Isabela Ferrer from her performance in last year's It Ends With Us. And you also know that It Ends With Us has been at the center of a very lengthy legal battle primarily between the film's lead, Blake Lively, and director and costar Justin Baldoni. Now, People reports that Isabela, who played the younger version of Blake's character in the film, recently filed a rebuttal in court responding to Justin's attempt to subpoena her regarding his and Blake's legal dispute. According to People, Justin's lawyers followed up the attempted subpoena of Isabella with a motion claiming she wasn't responding to the filing. This has now prompted Isabela to file a rebuttal. In the rebuttal, she alleged that Justin "engaged in bad faith tactics" and alleged his motion claiming that she hasn't responded to the subpoena was filed 'for improper purposes and with the aim of harassing' her. People later reported that, on Aug. 18, Justin's legal team filed a response to Isabela's claims, alleging that her "opposition is primarily an inappropriate attack upon Mr. Baldoni and his counsel relating to matters not before the Court and irrelevant." In response to a prior subpoena from Blake's legal team — which Isabela has since cooperated with — Justin's legal team is also asking the court to issue an order that both his and Blake's legal teams not use "any communication to, from or concerning Ms. Ferrer, or any testimony from her, in any manner in this action" to "satisfy Ms. Ferrer's apparent desire to avoid involvement in the litigation and trial." You can read more about Isabela's claims here, and Justin's response here. We'll let you know if there are any updates to this story.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Justin Baldoni's team fire back at Isabela Ferrer
Justin Baldoni has accused Isabela Ferrer of making an "inapproriate attack" on him. The It Ends with Us actress alleged the film's director had been "harassing" her with attempts to subpoena her in his ongoing legal battle with co-star Blake Lively, and his lawyers hit back in a new court filing on Monday (18.08.25). According to documents viewed by People magazine, lawyers claimed Isabela's opposition is primarily an inappropriate attack upon Mr. Baldoni and his counsel relating to matters not before the Court and irrelevant" to whether the 24-year-old actress should be served a subpoena. Justin's team said they had subpoenaed Isabela for "documents that she either neglected to produce or were not requested" in a subpoena Blake - who is suing her director and his production company Wayferer Studios for sexual harassment and retaliation - served the actress in February. The 41-year-old actor-and-filmmaker also objected to the notion that serving Isabela with a subpoena constituted him "harassing" the actress. And his lawyers argued Blake "should not be permitted to obtain discovery from" Isabela while she and and her legal representatives allegedly "frustrate all effort by the Wayfarer Parties to obtain the discovery critical to the preparation of their defense." Justin's lawyers have asked the court to consider ordering both parties to avoid using "any communication to, from or concerning Ms. Ferrer, or any testimony from her, in any manner in this action" to "satisfy Ms. Ferrer's apparent desire to avoid involvement in the litigation and trial." The filing also noted Isabela had "expressed her gratitude to Mr. Baldoni, stating that she had 'an incredible experience' and praised him for creating 'a comfortable, safe space' for her" in messages to Justin after she finished filming the movie. However, the actress' lawyers had claimed in their motion on 17 August that "some of the text messages Ms. Ferrer sent Baldoni were very positive and included the types of comments one would expect from a young actress to make to the director and producer of her first feature film." Isabela - who portrayed a younger version of Blake Lively's character Lily Bloom in the 2024 romantic drama - had alleged that when she came to request Baldoni's production company, Wayfarer Studios, pay her legal fees, she didn't receive anything and was allegedly told she would have to 'relinquish control of her response to the Lively subpoena to Wayfarer.' Her lawyers stated in the court documents: 'From that point forward, Baldoni has tried to manipulate, threaten, control and otherwise act inappropriately towards Ms. Ferrer." They added that it's 'yet another attempt to manipulate the press, to create havoc on a young, up-and-coming and talented actress and to violate this Court's policies on the publishing of non-party personally identifying information.' Her team accused the filmmaker of bullying behaviour. They said: 'Ms. Ferrer has already had to resist Baldoni's inappropriate conduct in connection with her response to the Lively Subpoena. 'Unfortunately, the Motion is just the latest in a broader pattern of conduct by Baldoni to bully Ms. Ferrer. 'While Ms. Ferrer will faithfully comply with her legal obligations under any subpoena, summons or court order, she obviously will not be intimidated or extorted by any party to otherwise participate in the proceedings.' Isabella has asked the court to "deny the Motion in its entirety and impose appropriate sanctions against Baldoni." Blake's attorneys previously claimed that two of her female co-stars in It Ends With Us had agreed to testify about their own experiences with the director on the film, though the witnesses were not named at the time. A trial is scheduled to take place in March 2026.
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Rome-based Filipina Kate Gatpandan shines as runner-up in Miss Philippines-Earth 2025
For Kate Gatpandan, the glittering stage of the 25th Miss Philippines – Earth wasn't just about gowns, lights, and competition—it was about faith, perseverance, and representing the communities that shaped her. The Rome-based beauty, who proudly carried the names of Batangas City, Ilagan, Isabela, and the Filipino community in Italy, made an inspiring run in the prestigious pageant held Aug. 10, securing place in the Top 10 and finishing as runner-up in the international competition's silver anniversary edition, aptly themed Silver Lining. 'This chapter of my life, my first-ever Filipino pageant, has been nothing short of His grace in action,' Gatpandan said in an exclusive call interview. 'From the very first step on this journey, I have kept one truth in my heart: God's plans are always greater than mine.' While she may not have taken home the crown, Gatpandan's journey was a triumph in itself. Behind her was an entire village—mentors, designers, friends, and family—who believed in her vision and advocacy for Mother Earth. She credits her success to her national director, Cheryl Delgado; pageant mentor Ricky Ramirez Abad; Q&A coach Jesus Peñaflor Jr.; catwalk trainer Rodin Gilbert B. Flores Angelo Mendez; her close circle of supportive friends from Inspire; and renowned Filipino designers Val Taguba, Fundador Cardenas Blaza, and Bepz Joseph Torres, who dressed her in creations that married elegance with purpose. She also praised on her social media account, the artistry of photographers Markraymond Martinez, Ben Anthony Bagalihog, and Alexander John Fong, as well as hair and makeup artists Marienel Agawin and Zedrick H. Eleponga, who ensured she stepped onstage ready for every spotlight. 'To my family, relatives, and friends… your prayers, words, and unwavering belief in me were my armor,' she said. 'To everyone who voted, rooted, and stood by me, you made me feel like I already had the crown.' Her gratitude extended to Carousel Productions, headed by Ramon Monzon and Lorraine Schuck, for trusting her skills and advocacy. 'This sash may not be the crown yet, but it is a promise… the rise of a braver, wiser, and stronger Kate,' she added. While the pageant chapter has closed for now, Gatpandan made it clear her story is far from over. With poise and conviction, she will come back and left a promise hanging in the air: 'One day, in God's perfect time, that crown will be mine, and it will be for all of you.' Miss Joy Mayanne Barcoma of Bacoor City was crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2025. (Alona Cochon)
New York Times
08-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
‘I turned around and Angus burst into tears'. The stories that explain how much the Club World Cup can mean
When Botafogo striker Igor Jesus deflected a shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma in the Paris Saint-Germain goal, there was an eruption of noise inside the Rose Bowl — and more than 2,000 miles east in Philadelphia. Not from Botafogo fans. These were fans of their Brazilian rivals Flamengo, whose red and black hoops had taken over the city in anticipation of their match against Chelsea the following day. Advertisement Rather than groans of discontent at their Rio de Janeiro neighbours causing the biggest upset of the tournament so far, however, there was singing. 'We are big rivals from the same state and city so I wasn't signing for Botafogo — I was singing for my team,' says Isabela, who was watching with her husband Bruno and dozens of Flamengo fans in the Lion Sports Bar's watch-along party. 'We were very surprised how a Brazilian team won over a European winner. It gave us the belief that if they can do it, we can also do it.' Less than 24 hours later, Flamengo had put Chelsea to the sword with three goals in the space of 21 minutes to seal a memorable comeback, powered partly by the majority support they had inside Lincoln Financial Field. It was the 24 hours that the tournament needed if it was to have any hope of overcoming the skepticism around its very existence. This Club World Cup has meant many things to many people, but all four Brazilian clubs making it to the knockout stage of the tournament — two of them featuring in the last eight — has represented something more fundamental. It has been about reclaiming respect, as the nation of five World Cup wins who pride themselves as the spiritual home of football. 'I'm sure that teams look at Flamengo and Botafogo in a very different way now,' says Isabela. 'I have a friend who messaged to say she feels like a world champion because they won the Copa Libertadores and now beat the European champions. 'It means more to us as we don't have the chance to be rich and famous. We have a chance to show our football and get respect for Brazil. Europeans don't really care but the idea of a world champion is very important for South Americans.' Many European managers and players have complained about the calendar placing too much strain on their players and saw this tournament, held at the end of a long season, as an inconvenience. The $1billion (£732million) prize money pot has helped win the attention of the European clubs, but the tournament has still to prove itself as the pinnacle of the sport. The extreme temperatures and the pitches have the regular focus of the European lens, but for many clubs from other continents, even though their time may have been limited to the three group games, there have been moments that have captured what being on the world stage means to them. A barber crosses for a trainee PE teacher who heads into the bottom corner. He is jumped on by a community football coach, before being swamped by a stockbroker, a real estate agent, a Coca-Cola salesman and a middle-school teacher. It was a goal scored by a merry-band of part-timers that etched their name in history having earned a 1-1 draw against Boca Juniors, Argentina's second-most successful club and one of Diego Maradona's former sides. Advertisement It was the coalescence of 21 years of existence, 200 games of qualifying over the past four years and personal sacrifice, leading to a 'controlled explosion' inside a private bar in Nashville later that night as the 100-plus group of friends and family joined to celebrate late into the night. Auckland City's presence at this tournament had been used as a stick to beat the tournament with after they lost 10-0 to Bayern Munich in the second game, but they held Benfica until the eighth minute into added time of the first half before the floodgates eventually opened and then won that point against Boca Juniors that no one gave them any hope of salvaging. The scorer of the equaliser in the 52nd minute was Christian Gray, a PE teacher. In most cases you would presume there will be children running around with Gray's name on the back of their shirt for years to come, but that is not the reality in Auckland, New Zealand. The league is not professionalised and, with other sports more dominant, attendances tend to amount to little more than friends and family. Most clubs do not even manufacture replica shirts. It is more likely that his celebrity will grow more in Buenos Aires, where supporters of River Plate are using him to poke fun at Boca's inability to beat a bunch of amateurs. There was no moment in the tournament that better captured the spirit of football and its role as an emotional release valve than when every member of the squad hounded Gray. While it was a myth that some players missed this tournament due to not being able to get time off work, 12 of them had to miss OFC Champions League games as they had to prioritise their leave for this tournament. Each of them has a unique story of how they came to be there on the world stage. Gray is from a lineage of New Zealand sporting royalty. His father, Rodger, the team's security attache at this tournament, was the former national team captain with 39 caps. His mother, Sandra, is a netball legend who is now a prominent coach, his aunt Margaret was a New Zealand hockey international and his uncle Thomas won New Zealand's equivalent of the FA Cup twice. Advertisement It did not look like he was going to follow in their footsteps. Having moved to Wellington at 13, the high school coach advised him to move back from striker and play at centre-back like his old man had. Gray had spent most of his first season at Auckland out injured and it looked like he might be released. He remained, but has suffered from vertigo, believed to be related to an issue with the proteins in his inner ear, and even missed the two warm-up games in the U.S. due to a groin injury. For him to be the man who scored the decisive goal gave the story another underdog layer, but for Auckland's general manager Gordon Watson — who has been involved since 2011, not long after the club's inception in 2004 — the celebrations at full time brought home the sacrifices so many made to achieve this one result. Auckland has strong Croatian roots and so for Mario Ilich, whose journey began with sister club Central United aged five, it was a proud moment for the team. Then there is Angus Kilkolly, the striker who has played over 150 games and scored over 70 goals, but has had to play through double tragedy in his personal life. His brother died suddenly two years ago and his dad passed away from pancreatic cancer last year, but he was so determined to help this generation of players get a result that would mean they would be regarded in the same way as Auckland's 2009 and 2014 teams — who won five games against professional teams. 'At the final whistle I went to celebrate and I turned around to see Angus standing there and he just burst into tears,' says Watson. 'He is normally not too emotional but he was crying his heart out. I hugged him and said his dad and brother were watching, that we're all his family and this was his and this team's moment. When I think of sacrifice and endurance and character I think of Angus.' How the $4.5m earned for their participation is split is yet to be decided. As Oceania's sole representative, their future is also up in the air as the confederation are planning a new professional league, backed by FIFA with funds of up to $10m. It would help ensure they can put forward the strongest candidate in future Club World Cups, but Auckland will struggle to find the funding to sustain a professional team so have not put forward an application at the moment. Advertisement Regardless of where they will be playing domestically in the coming year, The Flying Kiwis — the official New Zealand national team supporters group — are organising a banner to be unveiled at their international game against Australia in September to acknowledge the team they regard as 'everyday heroes'. Had you been in Orlando for Mamelodi Sundowns' first game or in Miami for their final game, you would barely have been able to notice a difference in mood. After the 1-0 win over Ulsan, one of just two victories for any of the four African clubs registered at the tournament, the scenes were jubilant. And after the frustrating 0-0 draw against Fluminense, which denied them progression into the knockout stage, the scenes were still joyful. You would not have known whether Sundowns had succeeded or not, such was the noise and colour in the stands as the players walked over to engage with the South African fans who had travelled to support them. With their hands placed on the shoulders of the man in front of them, the players put one foot out in front and tapped in unison as they formed a train to dance and sing a routine that has become a staple. Then the counting began, from one to 10, before they chanted the words 'Haka Matorokisi', which means 'hook the carriages together'. For Sundowns it is an expression of their love and togetherness, in keeping with their club motto 'Ubuntu-Botho' which means 'a person is a person through other people'. Even though they had narrowly fallen short of achieving what they set out to do, to be depressed was to hide from the world who they are and the pride they feel. Sundowns were arguably the best team not to advance to the knockouts as their 'shoeshine and piano' style drew praise from Thierry Henry. Sundowns' yellow jersey and rich tradition of flamboyant play has earned them the nickname of 'The Brazilians' in South Africa. For many the captain, 35-year-old Themba Zwane, embodies what Sundowns' polished, imaginative football stands for. From a township in which four-vs-four street games were played for money that allowed him to eat — these were areas reserved for non-whites who lived near or worked in areas that were designated 'white only' — Zwane has gone on to be Sundowns' most decorated player in a dominant era since being taken over by billionaire Patrice Motsepe. Advertisement As a Brazilian, Sundowns' forward Arthur Sales is familiar with the samba culture of his homeland, but his year in Pretoria has opened his eyes to a new culture. 'It was different for me as we dance before and after the game, but it is beautiful,' he says. 'We sing about confidence and our family. Before and after it is about celebrating, but when we lose it is about respect. The fans stay with us and we stay with them. 'When you have the possibility to win and you don't, of course you feel sad. But when you play well you understand that you have given your 100 per cent.' Al Hilal vs Manchester City, a proxy for Saudi Arabia vs Abu Dhabi in the soft power stakes, is not the most romantic fixture, but there is a distinction to be made between Gulf States using sport to improve their image abroad and genuine fans for whom this experience has been a long time coming. It is temping for Europeans to look at the heavy investment in the Saudi Pro League by the state's sovereign wealth fund, PIF, and conclude that they are trying to manufacture a football culture from scratch, but the celebrations in Orlando when Al Hilal beat the English Premier League side 4-3 in extra time proved that theory wrong. A sea of blue came streaming through the concourses and down the escalators as their fans chanted 'ole, ole, ole'. Some waved flags, some rode on shoulders and, over the noise, dozens tried in vain to call back home where the sun was just rising. Saudi Arabia's ambitions to rapidly become a force on the global football stage can be dressed as a classic case of sportswashing, but for the travelling fans, estimated to be around 15,000, this was a seismic moment as their club achieved the biggest victory Asian football has ever registered over a European club. For Yousef Alanezi, it was a week he could not have dreamed of when he moved from Riyadh to Tampa Bay, Florida, five years ago. His team, Al Hilal, albeit the most successful Asian team in continental history, had drawn with Real Madrid in their opening game and were now facing Manchester City in the last 16. Standing outside Camping World Stadium before the game with his friend and their three sons all kitted out in the club's blue and black stripes, the excitement was palpable. 'It's been an amazing experience. I used to go to all the games in Riyadh and we would have 60,000 for the big matches,' he says. Advertisement 'I understand that people aren't used to Saudi spending money on football, but we have a passionate fanbase. Football is our biggest sport. 'We just never thought for a moment that we would be playing against Madrid and City in the same week, so this tournament has been great to show that we are better than people think.' Asked who their favourite Al Hilal player is and the kids struggle. Not so much when it comes to Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, but a result like that could change it. 'Because they have grown up here they know all the English teams' players, but we've started them young with Al Hilal so hopefully that changes as more players move and more games become available to watch. 'Hopefully in four years' time we can have three teams here.'
Condé Nast Traveler
23-06-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
Casa Bajura Bed and Breakfast — Hotel Review
Why book? For a colorful and breezy getaway to the less-visited western region of Isabela. With a no-frills feel, this sandy and bright B&B is walkable to a quiet beach for surf and play. A stay here feels like like a vibrant and warm welcome to fresh flavors and a whole lot of local love. The colorful outdoor dining area at Casa Bajura, in Isabela, Puerto Rico Courtesy of Jessica Chapel Up the stairs to your room, find poured-concrete walls with holes that bring in sea breeze and birdsong. Jessica Chapel Set the scene In the laid-back northwestern town of Isabela, Casa Bajura is an airy bed-and-breakfast, just a short stroll from a quiet, local, surf-forward beach. The property blends seamlessly into its lush surrounding environment—its design as fluid and natural as the tides that shape the coast. After check-in, the friendly and creative owner, Javier De Jesús Martínez, accompanied me on a walk to the beach and pointed out the circular formations carved into the rocky coastline by the relentless rhythm of the waves. Upon asking me if they looked familiar—I realized the hotel's design intentionally echoes these rounded coastal shapes, with similarly formed openings in the poured-concrete walls of the property that bring in light, sea breezes, and the gentle songs sung by seemingly-content local birds. The backstory Casa Bajura was born from a collaboration of passionate Puerto Rican creatives. Years of planning, designing, and crafting resulted in a transformative space opened by De Jesús Martínez, and stands as a testament to Puerto Rico's rich cultural, architectural, and environmental heritage. After years of development, from 2017 to 2024, the hotel officially opened its doors in July 2024, ushering in a new era of intimate, intentional retreats in the laidback Isabela region. The rooms Each of the eight rooms and suites at Casa Bajura tells a colorful story through art, architecture, and design. Whether you're in the Playa Jobos Suite with its airy queen bed and signature artwork by Rafael Trelles, or the Pozo de Jacinto Loft, where local artistry by Antonio Martorell and Ludwig Medina adorn the walls, every space offers sweet pops of color—a vibrant ode to Puerto Rican culture. Given the concrete walls with rounded holes that reach out to the exterior of the buildings, each room is designed with cross-ventilation in mind, cutting down on the need for air conditioning. With the pampering of modern comforts such as Wi-Fi and AC—the keyword here is 'comforts.' No matter the room in either of the two buildings, a stay at Casa Bajura feels like being welcomed home. The Playa Jobos Suite, with a queen bed, is perfect for two guests; the Playa Montones Suite bursts with vibrant art by Antonio Martorell and Rafique offers another queen bed for two guests. In the Poza de Teodoro Suite, you'll find calming designs and art, also ideal for a cozy stay for two. For those seeking more space, the Pozo de Jacinto Loft and El Acantilado Loft both offer a queen bed, twin mezzanine, and sofa bed, accommodating up to four guests in style. Finally, Las Dunas Suite ensures accessibility with a wooden terrace, a spacious layout, and a thoughtful design that merges functionality with style. Food & beverage While Casa Bajura doesn't have an on-site restaurant, it offers a fully equipped kitchen in each villa, ideal for those who prefer to whip up their own meals. As for breakfast, De Jesús Martínez is often there whipping up the freshest of breakfasts—with love—for his guests who sit 'together.' The bright pink sliding door adjacent to the kitchen is left open, where guests sit adjacent one another, loosely chatting over coffee and awaiting the colorful simple dishes from De Jesús Martínez, himself. Otherwise, Isabela's local culinary scene bursts with flavor, offering fresh seafood and authentic Puerto Rican dishes. The neighborhood/area Located in Isabela, a vibrant town known for its stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere, Casa Bajura is perfectly positioned for exploration. The beauty of this coastal area is undeniable, and it was only amplified the next morning as I embarked on a 20-minute walk to Uma's restaurant on Jobos Beach, where I had the chance to chat with the friendly instructors from Moku Surf shop next door before diving into an exhilarating surf session in the warm, turquoise sea. Steps from the beach, hotel guests dips in the ocean or explore the nearby coastal cliffs, rainforests, and farmer's markets alike. The service The heart of Casa Bajura is its local feel—to which De Jesús Martínez is dedicated not just to hospitality but to ensuring each guest has an authentic, personal experience. There's no concierge or larger group of staff, but once you've arrived, you'll understand how that's unnecessary here. From curating local excursions to sharing stories of the region's history and culture, De Jesús Martínez or his partner offer advice that serves as a gateway to the vibrant life of Isabela. Eco effort Sustainability is embedded into the Casa Bajura's DNA. Standout features across all rooms is the integration of sustainable design elements, like native landscaping visible from every window, to which the eco-conscious design ensures minimal environmental impact while maximizing the connection to nature. Some of the most notable efforts include natural cross-ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning; energy-efficient lighting, and the use of native plants—such as beach grapes and bromeliads, in the landscaping. Local materials, like native stone and custom concrete block brise-soleils, further reinforce the hotel's commitment to regenerative travel and sustainability. Accessibility The Las Dunas Suite is the hotel's ADA-compliant room and designed to accommodate those with mobility challenges. This suite features wide doors, a ramp for easy access, an accessible bathroom, and ground-level access to the pool and gardens. It's a thoughtful touch that ensures all guests can enjoy the hotel's tranquil atmosphere. Anything left to mention? Casa Bajura is a curated experience for those who crave authenticity, creativity, and a true connection to Puerto Rico's natural beauty. Make it a point to chat it up with the owner and the locals—it's there you'll find the best of the island's recommendations. In the less-visited west, the space offers a launch pad to travel with curiosity. Learn about the local way of life, indulge in the quiet, and fall into the romantic retreat—whether alone, or with a partner. It's for those looking to disconnect from the everyday and immerse themselves in the spirit of the island. There's also a large outdoor swimming pool that lights up in pink and purple colors at night. With some floats and easy access to watch, the space has grown abuzz with traveling kids and families, too.
