Sunday, July 31, 2016

Polo Ravales, Going Greek Na sa Hercules!



“Going deeper into my study of the play, I am starting to realize that it has powerful lessons that a lot of the teens today can learn from specially when it comes to going through important journeys that lead to one’s destiny. I am so proud that I am part of this play that can make a difference,” says seasoned actor Polo Ravales, who will essay the lead role of the Greek hero.



If you think that you already know everything about the legendary man-god, think again. Fullblast Productions, the most exciting entertainment company today founded by the core members of Young Artists Production, is mounting an edgy take on our favorite Greek mythology character with the play Hercules: The Valiant Warrior of Thebes in September featuring the very talented Polo Ravales as lead actor.  The cast also includes Natasha Cabrera, Ronah Rostata, CJ Flores Marin, Paw Castillo, Fatima Cadiz, Hutch Perales, Jhay-R Baccol, Francelle Fetalvero, Jovito Bonita, Jasper Jimenez, Jasmin Salvo, Ren Medina, and Tina Dela Cruz.



“My vision for the play is for it to be able to tackle the not so familiar dimensions of Hercules. I wanted to zero in on his quest for his self-actualization by looking closer at the reasons of his actions and also the key players in his life,” says acclaimed actor Riki Benedicto who will take the helm of the direction of this production. 

Musical Direction and original music by Erwin Lacsa, one of the members of Ryan Cayabyab Singers.

Eljay Deldoc, who has written so many materials for Virgin Labfest/ Teatro Tomasino, is the playwright of this production. He believes that the people will see a very different story-telling of Hercules because it focuses not just on Hercules alone but puts special attention to the role of the other characters. He is very much excited to showcase these other characters who will provide the right triggers to Hercules’ greatness. More than that, he is also very proud about how relevant the lessons of this play are to the people they want to watch it: college, high school and grade school students. The main actor of the play also shares that view.





Catch this exciting new production on September 15, 16 & 17 at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM & & 7:00 PM at Star Theater, CCP Complex.  Sponsored by DMV House of Acting & Performing Arts, Brand Republic, Ellen’s Skin Care, N. TAN Dental Office, Headway Vera Salon, Garage 88, Sining-Lahi Alumni, Dental First, Secosana, Yakult, Dr. Pangpasma, Faces & Curves and Legato and Produced by JMJ Events and Production.


For tickets, please contact 0917-5643718, 0917-8294503, 0927-7515726 and TICKETWORLD at 891-9999.



Saturday, July 30, 2016

The Whitney Houston Show 2016: Live in Manila at the PICC, Plenary Hall on August 27



The astounding tribute show taking the world by storm! A fun and heart-felt concert dedicated to the incomparable Whitney Houston. The Greatest Love Of All: The Whitney Houston Show celebrates the magnificent catalogue of hits that Houston made famous during her 30 year career. The 2 ½ hour concert and stage show includes hits such as 'How Will I Know', 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody', 'Where Do Broken Hearts Go', 'Didn't We Almost Have It All', 'I'm Every Woman', 'One Moment In Time', 'I Have Nothing' and of course, 'I Will Always Love You' and many more.

Starring the breathtaking voice of Belinda Davids live in concert featuring the full production show from the US. Direct from sell out shows across Europe, plus a full band, dancers and theatrical effects, this show is not just a brilliant tribute but a spectacular concert experience in its own right and should not be missed!

In the wake of Whitney Houston's tragic passing in 2012, her timeless music and awe-inspiring voice have received renewed appreciation from her legion of long-time fans and garnered a new generation of admirers who appreciate Whitney's unique voice, undeniable talent and pervasive charm as a welcome contrast to the artists prevalent in today's contemporary music.

In preparation for such an anticipated show, and in respect for Houston's legacy, Showtime Management dedicated over 12 months to perfecting this production and finding the right star. After conducting over 15,000 auditions in 12 countries, accomplished South African vocalist BELINDA DAVIDS was selected to pay reverence to Houston with her carefully crafted renditions.

Don’t miss this critically acclaimed once in a lifetime live show of a tribute to a woman who has long been an icon of pop music and vocal ability, The Greatest Love Of All – The Whitney Houston Show Tour 2016 on Friday, August 26th, 8PM at the IEC Pavillon, Cebu City and on Saturday, August 27th at the PICC Plenary Hall, Pasay City, Manila.

Presented by DMC Philippines, in cooperation with Gotesco Group Of Companies, and Gruppo Group Of Companies. This event is also brought to you by Hotel Jen, the official residence and Novu hair. Special thanks to our media partners: NET 25, Eagle Broadcasting, RMN, 558 DZXL, 774 DWWW, Radyo Agila,  90.7 Love Radio, 95.5 Pinas FM, 96.3 Easy Rock, 97.9 Home Radio, 101.1 YES FM, 107.5 Wish FM, Business Mirror, Peoples Tonight, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Manila Concert Scene, Philippine Concerts, and  When In Manila. Tickets are now available at SM Tickets (www.smtickets.com) and Ticket World (www.ticketworld.com.ph) outlets.


Monday, July 25, 2016

50 Milyon Peso Indie Production na Ignacio de Loyola, Palabas Pa Rin!


Photo shows lead star Andreas Muñoz at the opening of the costume exhibit, ongoing at Gateway cinema lobby until August 2. For more information, check outfacebook.com/ignaciomovie.


An inspiring epic film has been made about the amazing Iife of Ignacio de Loyola better known as St. Ignatius, founder of the Society of Jesus. The movie entitled Ignacio de Loyola chronicles Ignatius’ transformation from a brash young soldier to a man of God. It is a production by the Jesuit Communications Foundation (JesCom), the media arm of the Philippine Jesuit Province and co-presented by the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific and One Meralco Foundation. Ignacio de Loyola was shot on location in Spain, the home country of St. Ignatius.



In the cast are Spanish stars Javier Godino who starred in the Oscar Best Foreign Film El Secreto de Sus Ojos, Isabel Garcia Lorca of Desperately Seeking Susan (that starred Madonna), Pepe Ocio of the film Camino and Julio Perillan of Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Twenty six-year old Spanish heartthrob Andreas Muñoz plays Ignacio de Loyola. Director Paolo Dy was so thrilled to be working with a stellar cast. “There were days during the shoot when I would tell myself that I must be the luckiest director in the world to be working with such a high-quality cast… I am so happy that they were able to bring so much life to the film. I don’t hesitate to say that they brought so much magic to their roles.”

Topnotch filmmakers comprise the Filipino production team. Director Paolo Dy has made short films that have received praise in the US. Also in the crew are award-winning cinematographer Lee Briones Meily and award-winning sound engineer Mike Idioma. No less than acclaimed musician Ryan Cayabyab composed the musical score performed by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra and the Ateneo Chamber Singers.



Although an independent production, the design of the film is first-rate. Meticulous research and careful crafting were employed in making the costumes and sets. More than 400 period costumes were used and these were all sewn by first-time costume designer Juvan Bermil and his team. Additional costumes were created by designer James Reyes. It took the production design group headed by Leo Velasco, Jr. six months to make all the sets and props. Some of the costumes are on display at the lobby of Gateway Cinema until August 2. The exhibit also features scenes from the movie. 



Ignacio de Loyola also utilized the latest in CGI, sound mixing and visual balancing to come up with a stunning, world-class film. It is the first Filipino production to use the Cooke Anamorphic/i lenses which give the film a sharp, subtle and smooth look. The Cooke Anamorphic/I lenses that  Ignacio de Loyola used was one of only three complete sets that were in existence at the time of filming.

Last June, the first cut, work-in-progress version was unveiled to a group of religious in the Vatican. The special screening was attended by the members of the Secretariat for Vatican Communications as well as Catholic Media. Also in the audience were the Jesuit General Rev. Fr. Adolfo Nicolas, SJ, the Superior General of Saint Paul de Chartres and his council, and Fr. Antonio Spadaro SJ of the Roman Jesuit publication La Civita Cattolica who said, “I like this film so much… It is very well done. Thank you for your work!”



For Fr. Emmanuel “Nono” Alfonso SJ, head of JesCom and executive producer of Ignacio de Loyola, completing the film and showing it for theatrical release is a big blessing. He says, “When we started this project more than five years ago, we didn’t know the magnitude of the film. We were naïve! And ambitious!” he chuckles. “But support poured in and many continue to help us: friends, donors, benefactors, Jesuits from different parts of the world… all of them believe in the film’s message about change, forgiveness and the love of God.”



Ignacio de Loyola opens in Philippine cinemas on July 27. For updates, check out facebook.com/ignaciomovie and follow ignaciomovie on Twitter and Instagram.

CINEMAS SCREENING AT:

METRO MANILA
Alabang Town Center
Century City Mall
Commercenter Alabang
Eastwood Libis
Fairview Terraces
Festival Mall
Gateway Cineplex
Glorietta 4
Greenhills Promenade
Market! Market!
Newport
Powerplant
Robinsons Ermita Manila
Robinsons Magnolia
Robinsons Galleria
Shangri-la Plaza Mall
SM Fairview
SM Manila
SM MOA
SM Marikina
SM Megamall
SM North-The Block
SM San Lazaro
SM Southmall
Trinoma
Uptown BGC


LUZON
BICOL
SM Naga
Ayala Legazpi
CAINTA, RIZAL
Robinsons Metro East Cainta
Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall
CAVITE
SM Bacoor
LAGUNA
Solenad Nuvali Sta. Rosa
SUBIC
Harborpoint
PAMPANGA
Marquee Mall
PANGASINAN
Robinsons Calasiao

VISAYAS
BACOLOD
Robinsons Bacolod
SM Bacolod
BOHOL
Island City Mall
Screenville Island City Mall
CEBU
Ayala Cebu
Robinsons Cebu
SM Cebu
SM Seaside Cebu
ILOILO
Robinsons Iloilo
SM Iloilo

MINDANAO
CAGAYAN DE ORO
Centrio
SM Cagayan de Oro
Limketkai
DAVAO
Abreeza
Gaisano Davao
Gaisano Tagum
SM Davao
GENERAL SANTOS
KCC Gensan
SM Gensan
ZAMBOANGA
KCC Zamboanga


*Text from the press release and photos are from PR as well as official page

Queen of Indie Films Ms. Baby Go, Backer ng Mister United Continents 2016




            It was a night to remember. Mister United Continents 2016, a male beauty pageant organized by Blue Circles Events and Managements, was held at Tanghalang Pasigueño last July 22. The theater has never looked more spacious with the overwhelming number of attendees. The event also had the backing of BG Productions headed by Ms. Baby Go as one of the major sponsors. Three of the judges aside from the “queen of indie films” came from the said production outfit, namely: Romeo Lindain, Neal “Buboy” Tan, and Dennis Evangelista. Another major sponsor is the hit noontime show of ABS-CBN, Showtime.



            The parade of the 17 finalists from around the globe kicked off the competition. The first batch of special awards like Mr. Friendship, Mr. Health and Wellness Spa, Best in Advocacy Presentation, Mr. Online Presentation, and Best in National Costume, the latter having been won by Le Ngo Bao Viet of Vietnam.

            A video of their activities at Alaminos, Pangasinan was shown including a courtesy call to city mayor Arthur F. Celeste as well as a zipline adventure at Governor’s island. Quezon Island, another one of Pangasinan’s Hundred Islands, became the venue for the contestants’ kayak race and banana boat ride.



            After a very hip dance production number of all the guys involved, the second batch of special awards were handed out. These included Mr. Sundance, Mr. Fashion Exchange / Best in Sports Challenge, Mr. Pierre Marcel, Mr. Uncle Cheffy, Darling of the Press, Mr. Resort Wear, Mr. Hundred Islands, and Best in Swimwear. Grand slam winner for this segment was Mark Redfearn of United Kingdom, who bagged all the three awards not mentioned: Mr. Fraganza, Mr. Principal Beauty, and Mr. Eurotel.

            Bulilit Diva Felicity gave an intermission number prior to the handing out of the final batch of special awards which were Best in Talent, Mr. Photogenic, Best in Li-Ning Sportswear, and Best in Resort Wear. After that, the Top 13 contenders were announced, then another child performer, Noah Anderson, showcased his singing prowess. The “Chinito Heartthrob” of The Voice Kids gave his rendition of “Just Give me a Reason” which reverberated through the entire theater.



            The top 7 contenders were then selected and each was given a corresponding position after they sashayed wearing barongs. The new Master’s Division which aim to include middle-aged men (31-42 years old) gave victory to Vietnam’s Nguyen Hoang Tuan, who was named the Master United Continents 2016. His prize was $5,000 in cash among others. Mohit Singh, Mr. India, is a yuppie electrical engineer who took home the coveted title of Mister United Continents 2016.



            The Philippine representatives Joseph Cruz Franco (QC) and Joser de Leon Sinfuego (29) both made it to the Top 13 at least. This is the 2nd year of the pageant. A source mentioned that allegedly, one of the sponsors, Ms. Baby Go, plans to organize a beauty pageant of her own. This will be an exciting new venture for BG productions if this pushes through.


Monday, July 18, 2016

Virgin Labfest 12, Nagtapos sa Isang Marriage Proposal!



Sa bidyo sa itaas courtesy ng "Marte" director na si George de Jesus III, makikita ang namumungay na mga mata ng GTF (Gantimpala Theater Foundation) actor na si Yutaka Yamakawa habang nakatitig sa kanyang iniirog na si Adriana Agcaoili (na taga-GTF rin at kilala bilang Bem).



Kasali sa VLF 12 si Bem (leftmost sa larawan), sa "Hapagkainan" na bahagi ng Set D. Ang nabanggit na set ay ang nagsara ng one-act play festival noong ika-8 ng gabi, ika-17 ng Hulyo.



Dahil nakuha ang matamis na oo ng kabiyak, maraming well-wishers si Yutaka kabilang na ang ilang beterano sa industriya.





Sunday, July 17, 2016

CineSB 6 ng Benilde, Number 1 Short Filmfest Nga Ba ng Pilipinas; Anino sa Likod ng Buwan, Ipapalabas Sabay sa June 20 Opening sa mga Sinehan

       
 

          The 6th Edition of the CineSB independent Film Festival shall be held from 18 to 29 July 2016 at the DLS – CSB School of Design and Arts Building.

          Cinesb is a fast-rising collegiate independent film festival in the Philippines showcasing the best efforts of Benildean students. It has grown to highlight the finest indie works from the regions as well as other schools.  It also aims to exhibit several film competitions and festival that encourages young filmmakers across the Philippines to explore their unique ideas and fresh perspectives through the creative world of filmmaking. Cinesb promotes the Filipino experience exercising the filmmakers’ wholeness and imaginative aesthetics.



             Each year, CINESB features a variety of film events as follows:

THE CHAIR: The Chair is a competition of the finest BenildeFilm theses. 
TWENTY QUATRO: An Inter-School 24 hour guerrilla filmmaking competition. INDIE ANI: A showcase of the outstanding short films coming from different schools in the NCR region. 
HARVEST MOON: A film exhibition for undergraduates’ short film projects. CINEREHIYON: Exemplary filmmakers from Luzon to Mindanao showcase their masterpieces.



             Aside from the competitions and showcasing of films, CINESB also has forums.
Forums that will tackle Independent Philippine Cinema Funding, Documentary Filmmaking, Cinematography & Production Management.Film professionals will delve into different aspects of being a filmmaker whether it be indie or mainstream.

This year as they celebrate their 6th anniversary, they’re going beyond what is expected as Cinesb6 (six) introduces what is thinking outside the boundaries.





For more information, you can get in touch with our CineSB Advertisement and Promotions Officer, Miss Hann Marcelino at hannmarcelino@gmail.com or call 09055809446.



*DAYTIME screenings are for free while the feature films screening at night can be watched for an affordable 150Php cost. Student price is at 100PhP.

** The festival runs until July 28. A separate post will be made regarding the rest of the screening schedules so stay tuned

***The controversial Anino sa Likod ng Buwan is opening in Gateway and Gaisano cinemas as well on June 20 but it is more affordable if you watch it here


Tuesday, July 12, 2016

12th Cinemalaya Opens This August at the CCP; Expands to Cebu



The 12th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival will be bigger this year as it expands its reach beyond Metro Manila to Cebu City this August.

In Metro Manila, Cinemalaya opens at its main venue on August 5-14 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and at satellite venues at Ayala Cinemas in Greenbelt 3 and Glorietta, Makati, Trinoma, and UP Town Center, Quezon City, and Nuvali, Sta. Rosa. In Cebu, Cinemalaya will run from August 9-14 at Ayala Mall.

This year's festival, which carries the theme "Break the Surface", marks the return of the Full Length Feature category. Nine entries will vie for the Cinemalaya Award, namely: Ang Bagong Pamilya ni Ponching by Inna Miren Salazar and Dos Ocampo, Dagsin by Atom Magadia, Hiblang Abo by Ralston Jover, I America by Ivan Andrew Payawal, Kusina by David Corpuz and Cenon Palomares, Lando at Bugoy by Vic Acedillo, Jr., Mercury is Mine by Jason Paul Laxamana, Pamilya Ordinaryo by Eduardo Roy, Jr., and Tuos by Derick Cabrido.

Ten entries will complete in the Short Feature category. These are: Ang Hapon ni Nanding (Nanding's Afternoons) by Rommel Tolentino, Ang Maangas, Ang Marikit at ang Makata by Jose Ibarra Guballa, Bugtaw by Noah Del Rosario, Butas by Richard Cawed, Fish Out of Water by Mon A.L. Garilao, Forever Natin by Cyrus Valdez, Get Certified by Isaias Herrera Zantua, Mansyong Papel by Ogos Aznar, Nakauwi na by John Relano, Patrick Baleros and Luis Hidalgo, Pektus by Isabel Quesada.

Cinemalaya will offer the following sections this year: Festival's Best, Asian Showcase, Documentaries, Tribute to Francis Pasion, and Cinemalaya Institute Showcase. The Cinemalaya Campus, a major component of the Festival, will be held on August 9-10 at the CCP Little Theater. The Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, which is considered the longest-running independent film competition of its kind in the ASEAN/Asian region, will have its 28th run during Cinemalaya.


For more information about Cinemalaya, visit www.cinemalaya.org, www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and the Cinemalaya Facebook page or CCP Media Arts at telephone number 832-1125 local 1704-1705 and the CCP box office at 832-3704.

Saturday, July 9, 2016

The Menace of an Unbridled Youth: An “American idiot” Review

            


            Green Day’s songs in the pop-punk genre often allude to situations that paint the youth’s subconscious diaspora from responsibilities. Their songs are not just about sex, drugs, and rock n’roll, they also revolve around insomnia, politics, apathy, and even suicide.




            Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt formed the group in 1986, 5 years before the Gulf War ended. The latter event caused the youth’s disillusionment with what they were taught and Green Day’s songs, which reeks of lyrics dealing with the feeling of numbness and just living every day to pass the time, were the perfect anchorages for dashed hopes. Together with other punk bands from California which are Sublime, Bad Religion, The Offspring, and Rancid, they were credited for the revival of the majority population’s interest in punk rock. However, their popularity declined from 1997 until their next breakthrough came.





            In 2004, they became a commercial success once again with their American Idiot album topped the charts. This led to an initial show in 2009 when the songs from the album were strung together to form a sung-through musical about three youths in a quarter-life crisis who feel they can take on the world in a snap. In 2010, the show officially opened on Broadway and went on to win two Tony Awards that year.




            One of the most memorable bits from the musical’s Philippine premiere is Johnny’s (Jason Fernandez) somber stroll in the city while exhibiting very believable emotional catatonia and singing Boulevard of Broken Dreams. As a first-timer in theater, he does a decent job but his fellow theater neophyte, Basti Artadi (as Johnny’s alter-ego St. Jimmy) does a better one. His presence commands authority and he moves with the agility and gait of a mountain lion, which is quite a challenge considering the set pieces are reminiscent of an unfinished construction site, steel pipes and all. Yanah Laurel (as Whatsername) noticeably had a "less angsty" take on the character, which added a different dimension to the scene. Instead of the usual attack which was portraying the character as someone who hurls insults at Johnny in an attempt to retaliate because of his hurtful letter, she was portrayed as a woman who accepted the fact that she just can’t win over St. Jimmy and she might not be the best thing for him after all.




            This was also the first time that the LED screens, which featured really crisp and stunning backdrops (visuals by GA Fallarme), were used in a way that made them cohesive with the performance instead of drawing eyes to them and distracting from the actual performance. The energy of the ensemble is electrifying but quite still need’s push in mirroring the youth’s rage. Another facet of the production which deserves praise is the crisp audio quality even though the venue, Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater, is packed and there’s a bit of drizzle outside.





            With a simple storyline which ends with the three learning their individual lessons, it is easy to misconstrue the musical as shallow. One has to listen carefully and get into the words to get the gist of the character’s internal struggle. Director Robbie Guevarra revealed during the first show that he envisioned the three leads not just to be literally Americans, but Filipino-Americans. What could be more radical than that?





            American Idiot is staged by 9 Works Theatrical in partnership with Globe and will have its last show tomorrow July 10, 8p.m. at the Bonifacio High Street Ampitheatre. For ticket inquries, you may contact Ticketworld at 891-9999.




Friday, July 8, 2016

EXCLUSIVE: Allen Dizon, Inaming Mas Bugoy siya kesa Lando



Cinemalaya 2016 is just around the corner. One of the feature length entries is the Allen Dizon-starrer Lando at Bugoy. The award-winning actor summed up his experience in shooting the film by Vic Acedillo, Jr.

“We had our shooting in Camiguin and stayed there for a week. 10 days yung shooting. Naenjoy ko yung group ni Direk Vic and naenjoy ko yung community, yung place. Aside from that, iba yung malayo ka sa sibilisasyon, malayo sa polusyon, malayo sa lahat. Andun ka lang nakastay for that film, so, mas nafocus ako. Mas gusto ko yung acting ko dito sa Lando at Bugoy kasi more natural, more realistic at it’s a story about a father and son so mas nakakarelate ako sa story.”


Allen was also the lead in Iadya mo Kami, a Mel Chionglo oeuvre which premiered in the Philippines recently The said film was shown in various countries first. He won in the Best Actor category of Ireland's 4th Silk Road Film Festival for his performance as a priest trying to stay true to his faith in a corrupt town.

Allen has four children comprised of three girls and one boy. “So pag anak-anak ang pinag-uusapan, medyo mabilis akong makarelate.”




(On playing Lando) “The character of Lando…he’s an illiterate. Kumbaga, wala siyang pinag-aralan pero strong yung personality niya and si Lando, hiwalay sa asawa. Namatay yung asawa ko at may anak kami, si Bugoy, si Gold. Ang istorya nung tatay, gusto niyang makatapos ng pag-aaral yung anak niya kasi nga hindi siya nakapag-aral, so, etong anak, tamad siyang pumasok. So, ang ginawa nung tatay, sinabayan siyang pumasok. So, nag-aral din ako dito. While yung anak ko tamad mag-aral, sabi ko sa kanya, sige, kung tamad kang mag-aral, ako na lang mag-aaral. Sabi niya, sige mag-aral tayo pareho. So, nag-aral kami pareho. So, yung story parang it’s more about education. Sa panahon ngayon, mas nagfofocus yung mga bata sa education, not for anything else. Not for barkada…yung kabataan ngayon nababarkada, napapariwara sila, nag-aano ng drugs, ganun. So, itong story ni Lando at Bugoy, maraming makakarelate na mga bata tsaka mga magulang, di ba?”



(On his study habits as a child) “More on Bugoy ako nun *laughs*. Bugoy kasi is…bugoy ang tawag nila sa mga pasaway, ganyan. Actually, hindi naman sobrang pasaway pero part of my childhood, part of being a student, being a lalaki, di ba? Gusto mong inexperience mo lahat eh, ineexplore mo, nakikibarkada ka, sumasakay ka sa kalokohan kahit na alam mong mali. Hindi ako genius when it comes to studies eh. Ano ako, more on barkada-school-barkada, ano lang, tama lang. Hindi ako yung seryosong nagrereview yesterday, pag ano lang, exam.”


(On his children’s academics) “Actually sila, Lando na sila eh…more yung self-discipline nila as students. Kasi, before, nasa ano sila, nasa international school. So, mahigpit yung mga teachers nila tas madaming projects, madaming assignments. Pero, hindi mo pa rin maalis sa kanila yung pag-uwi maglalaro muna, manonood muna ng TV bago gumawa ng assignments…so, ganun talaga, di ba? Lahat naman naranasan nating maging bata. So, ako naman, as long as ok naman yung mga grades nila, hindi ko naman pinangarap na maging cum laude sila o salutatorian sila o maging ano…as long nababalance nila yung pagiging children nila, naeenjoy nila, at yung pag-aaral, hindi nila pinapapabayaan, yun lang naman yung importante.”


(On Acedillo\s directing style) “Si Direk Vic, ok siyang kawork, napakacool. Open siya sa ideas. Open siya sa mga suggestions. Open siya sa…kung hindi ka satisfied sa ginawa mo, kung gusto mong take two, take three, pwede sa kanya. Kumbaga, open siyatsaka masarap siyang katrabaho kasi para lang kaming naglalaro. Para lang akong bakasyunista dun. Para lang kaming pamilya na magkakasama sa isang bahay na dun lang…after shooting magkwekwentuhan. Tas kinabukasan, early morning nga yung call, sabay-sabay kumain, sabay-sabay aalis ng bahay. So, magaan ang trabaho naming kasi nga ako kasi as an actor gusto ko dire-diretso yung shooting eh. Andun na kami. Andun na lahat. Hindi yung shooting ngayon. next week, shooting na naman, kinabukasan pahinga.”







 *Photos were taken from the actor's FB page as well as the film's official FB page

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

All About Dee: Jimmy Dee Introduces His New Models and His Songbird

            


            “I’ve become a superstar…an international superstar, entertainer, and because of some wise investments, I went from a very very poor kid, to a very very rich multimillionaire. Now, I’m not saying that to boast my wealth. I’m saying that because I have the means to turn anyone into a potential star,” Dee confidently announced.





            The 2nd Miss Body Beautiful – Parade of Beauties was held at Merci Bar and Resto, Timog Ave., Q.C. It started at 8 o’clock and the first performance was by the Dee Girls wearing their trademark Chamorro Dance outfit. Garlands of ivory-colored flowers adorned their foreheads while colorful ones hung above their hips. Varnished coconut husks suspended by thin strings of the same dark earthen color covered their small breasts. These girls are Lea Ibañez, Nicole Nasayao, Tin Oco, Mary Rose Romualdez, Mariane Brenda Bordador, Jay Burbano, and Glyza Ibañez. Dee is very hand-on in choosing the girls based on their talent, charisma, and physique.




            The dance originated from Guam, where Dee hails from and where he has his Jimmy Dee’s Paradise Beach Resort-Bar in Tamuning. In the eyes of French explorer Louis Claude de Freycinet, the dance had Hispanic influence because of the brightly-colored parts of their outfits as well as the air of festivity similar to the Mexican Montezuma dances that were imported by the Spaniards. The coconut shells were a Filipino accent and not a Hawaiian one, as the latter popularized hula skirts.





            So who is Jimmy Dee and why does he have a certain attachment to the Philippines? In 1989, he became the Ambassador of Goodwill to the Philippines. A portion of the then-Governor of Guam Joseph F. Ada’s Dec. 7, 1988 letter read: “The concert is part of a Guam-Philippines Goodwill Friendship Tour by Mr. Dee and his entourage of entertainers and dancers. I am sure that his trip there will be mutually beneficial for our peoples and for relations between Guam and the Philippines.” This was addressed to the late Hon. Corazon Cojuangco Aquino.





            After the girls lit up the room with their vibrant energy, the Dee Supermodels’ turn came to show off their fit physique and strut along the catwalk in their dazzling dresses. These lovely ladies are Sue Saturday, Maricar Garcia, Santiara Basa, Camille Tugna, Anne Castillo, and Kimberly Buenconsejo, Karen Mae Testibia, Shaira Amat, Lizelle Jaramilla, Kemmee Buenaventura, Nikka Manuguit, and Kimiko Samante. Aside from the Dee Girls, another performance was from Jimmy Dee Productions newcomer JL Salvador who beguiled the audience with her Whitney Houston audience piece, I Will Always Love You, as well as other songs which showed her vocal range.





            Dee, who knows a lot about networking since he was involved in multilevel marketing companies before, says he plans to bring his talents to Las Vegas and all over the world.