“Love And Karma” Celebrates World Premiere At The Asian World Film Festival

On Sunday, November 16th, Love and Karma celebrated its world premiere to a packed house. The event took place at the Asian World Film Festival. It was held at the Culver Theater in Culver City. The romantic dramedy is based on Celeste Friedman’s award-winning book Butterfly. It introduced audiences to a heartfelt story of rediscovery. It also explored second chances and the unexpected paths that lead us home.

Love and Karma follows Alessa (Belinda Panelo), a worldly, top-producing real estate agent at the height of her career. Though successful by every measure, she finds herself longing for something more. Fresh off a tumultuous divorce, she returns to the Philippines to attend her school reunion. What begins as a homecoming quickly changes. It transforms into a whirlwind of romance and reconnection. This happens when she reunites with a childhood friend (Jojo Riguerra). Their unexpected bond sends Alessa on a journey of passion, healing, and rediscovery. Some cast members attending the world premiere were Jojo Riguerra, Belinda Panelo, Bai Ling, and Nathalia Bilboa.

For more about Love and Karma, visit the film’s page on IMDB.

A Premiere Filled with Community, Creativity, and Celebration

Ahead of the screening, Executive Producer Celeste Friedman hosted a private pre-reception for the cast and VIP guests. Manila Inasal delighted attendees with a beautifully curated selection of hors d’oeuvres and desserts, showcasing modern Filipino cuisine.

A true multi-hyphenate, Celeste also offered a glimpse of her style, with models displaying several garments she wears when traveling. You can see more on Instagram @mybontika and on Bontika.com.

The evening welcomed several distinguished guests. This included Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts and his wife, Eliza Roberts. She is an actress, casting director, and acting coach. Extra VIP and celebrity attendees included Larry Namer, Founder of E! Entertainment, singer Monica Nia, and comedian Cat Ce. Others were Mark Labella, writer, producer, and actor; actress Charis Michelson; and Infolist founder Jeff Gund.

To learn more about Love and Karma, visit BontikaFilms.com.

To view All Red Carpet Arrivals:https://bit.ly/4p4pHPt

About Celeste Friedman

Celeste T. Friedman is a visionary whose career spans real estate, retail, technology, publishing, fashion, and film. She started her professional journey in residential real estate in 1986. Then she moved into shopping center leasing. There, she developed a talent for transforming spaces into thriving community anchors.

Her lifelong love of fashion began when she learned to sew at age twelve. This passion led her to open boutique shops. Eventually, she established her lifestyle brand, Bontika. Celeste was inspired by her travels to Bali, the Philippines, India, and Thailand. She founded Bontika in 2000. In 2020, she relaunched it with a new line of reversible apparel influenced by her global experiences.

Celeste is also the award-winning author of Butterfly, a book centered on hope and personal transformation. As CEO of Bontika Films LLC, she produces stories rooted in resilience and second chances. Additionally, as co-founder of InfoWebUSA Technologies, she explores innovative digital innovations. A dedicated pianist since childhood, she continues to draw inspiration from music in every chapter of her creative life. Celeste has embarked on a mission to help others. She is offering two upcoming six-week courses: From Light to Loss and From Brokenness to Boldness.

Celeste was born in Pasay City and raised in Cebu. Her journey has taken her from the Philippines to Ethiopia. She ultimately reached the United States. These experiences shaped her deep appreciation for culture, travel, and storytelling. Across her many ventures, she remains a builder, a creator, and a believer in possibility. To Celeste, success isn’t about choosing a single path—it’s about embracing every one that calls to you.

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