Ai-Ai De las Alas, Ikinuha ng Insurance ang Fans sa Sobrang Bilib sa Country Bankers

"Kaya ko sila mahal, kaya ko sila gusto, kasi, andali-dali nilang ibigay yung para sa mga nagpa-insure," sabi ni Ai-Ai De las Alas sa presscon ng Country Bankers Life Insurance Corporation (CBLIC). Ikatlong taon na niya bilang endorser ng nasabing kumpanya na limang dekada na ang itinagal.

"There have always been challenges that need to be overcome but we remain solid and committed to serving the needs of the common Filipino. Through the years we have proven to be reliable insurers by reaching out to our target market and giving them the insurance that answers their needs," ani Atty Romeo G. Vasquez, pangulo ng Country Bankers Insurance Group (CBIG).

Itinatag noong March 28, 1965, ang founding president ng CBLIC ay si Jose E. Desiderio, Sr. Ang naging pokus niya ay ang insurance needs sa rural areas o probinsiya. Noong 1960s ay masasabing untapped market ang small and medium business entrepreneurs, mga magsasaka, mga mangingisda, at mga public school teachers.

53rd Anniversary nila sa darating na March 28. Dalawa sa popular nilang produkto ay ang Classic Benefit Plan (CSB) at ang Alalay sa Buhay (ASB). Ang CSB ay nag-ooffer ng insurance protection hanggang sa edad na 96 at pwedeng bayaran sa 3, 5, 7, o ten-year period. Ang ASB naman ay nagproprovide ng renewable one-year insurance para sa mga taong edad 13-70 years old, sa halagang PhP365. Kasama na dito ang natural and accidental death benefits.

Available din ang ASB para buong pamilya o sa senior citizens. Ang ASB family ay renewable hanggang edad na 70 para sa principal insured at 3-5 family members ang coverage na ang bayarin ay PhP750 lang para sa isang unit. Ang ASB for Seniors ay para sa mga indibidwal na 71-80 taong gulang at nagbibigay ng insurance for one year sa halangang isanlibong piso.

Sa sobrang bilib ni Ai-Ai sa kumpanya, ikinuha niya ng insurance one or two years ago ang kanyang loyal fans. Ginather niya talaga sila para sa opportunity na ito.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, bisitahin ang official website nila na countrybankers.com o tumawag sa 523-8611 (life insurance) o 524-0621 (non-life insurance).

Photo credit: Cindy Salle from Facebook

THIS JUST IN: #HANGINfection MTV with Pambansang Bae ALDEN RICHARDS Airs Later February 27!

Did you know that germs can touch you, even if you don't touch them?

We all know that germs can be passed through person-to- person contact or touching dirty objects. What many of us don't know is that germs live in the air, too. If you believe that not touching anything or anyone can keep germs at bay, you better think again.

“#HANGINfection, technically known as Bioaerosols, refers to airborne germs such as bacteria, fungi and viruses that may cause skin reactions and respiratory sickness.

Bioaerosols can come from a variety of sources, including soil, organic debris, humidifiers, air conditioners, and even
farming and industrial pollution. The human body is also a source of bioaerosols: Shed human skin, coughing and sneezing can all contribute to airborne germs. These can make you sick in unexpected ways. For example, when you sneeze, most of the germs are transmitted at close range, but you need not be close to fall sick, as the smallest particles stay airborne and can travel as far as 20 meters.” says Dr. Pierangeli Vital, Ph.D. Biology (Microbioliogy), University of
the Philippines Diliman.

Good thing, Safeguard, Philippines' Number 1 Family Skin Germ Protection Soap, partners with Pambansang Bae Alden Richards to spread the word about #HANGINfection and how to fight it.

The fun part? They didn’t just make it informative. They also made it fun and nostalgic!

The "I Wash It That Way" music video gives a Backstreet Boys hit song a fresh spin to uncover the truth behind #HANGINfection. As told in the music video, #HANGINfection can reach us, including our children, even if we’re not touching anything or anyone. In short, we don’t just touch germs. They touch us, too!

“We know airborne germs are present in outdoor and indoor locations, and only Safeguard provides long lasting protection versus other soaps in the market,” says Ronaldo Puno, President of The Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc. (PAMET).

For more than 50 years now, Safeguard has been providing Filipinos their first line of defense against germs, inhibiting the growth of disease-causing germs up to 24 hours after washing.

Join Alden and Safeguard in spreading awareness about #HANGINfection! Watch and share the "I Wash It That Way" music video on Safeguard’s Facebook and YouTube. Do your share as it matters in the fight against airborne germs. As Alden stresses in the jingle, basta HANGINfection, Safeguard ang protection.

Manila Wrestling Federation Brings Back the Fun and Thrills of Pinoy Wrestling

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Pinoy wrestling is back. This time, it is bigger, braver and bolder than ever.

The Manila Wrestling Federation (MWF) invites you to an afternoon of thrills and surprises, as it introduces its cast of colorful, quirky and athletically impressive characters to the Philippine entertainment scene on Saturday, February 25th, 2018, at the UPFI Film Studio in the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City in a launch event for fans and the media titled “Open House: Level UP.”

Boasting of physically gifted entertainers in their roster and a creative team of theater, film and TV professionals, MWF is the fastest rising professional wrestling organization in the Philippines, delivering fun, family-friendly entertainment through its colorful characters and relatable, relevant stories told in athletically driven action in and around the wrestling ring.

Since its official debut at The History Channel’s “HistoryCon” in August 2016, the Manila Wrestling Federation has been entertaining crowds and wrestling fans in Manila through a series of shows at the Makati Cinema Square. In 2018, MWF is setting its sights higher, as it begins its journey into becoming the standard-bearer of professional wrestling entertainment in the Philippines.

“2017 was an incredible year for us”, shares co-founder and Commissioner, Mike Shannon. “Not only did we prove our ability to deliver the best wrestling quality in the country, we were also able to make a noise in the scene by showcasing a blend of local and international talent. This year promises a number of big and exciting changes for the MWF and we are excited to share it with our fans.”

With a number of exciting details to be announced at the event, the future of the Manila Wrestling Federation looks brighter and badder! Find out what the MWF has in store at 3 PM in the UPFI Film Studio on Saturday, February 25 th , 2018! For inquiries, reservations and ticket purchase, send a message to MWF’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ManilaWrestlingFederation.

Martin del Rosario, Takot Baka Madala ang Character sa "Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka" at Baka Mang-Rape Siya Pag-uwi

"Delikado ata 'pag dinala mo sa bahay. Mamaya pag-uwi ko'ng bahay, mang-rape ako," biro ni Martin Del Rosario who plays a very bad boy in this first advoca-serye of GMA 7 titled Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka (HKKIK). Gagampanan niya si Lawrence de Leon, college friend ng bidang si Thea Balagtas na gagampanan naman ni Yasmien Kurdi.

Si Lawrence ay may lihim na pagtingin sa kanya at serial playboy kaya magkakaroon siya ng HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) na magdudulot ng malaking problema kay Thea. Naiyak si Yasmin Kurdi habang pinapanood ang pilot episode ng HKKIK.

"Tinuruan niya ako kung paano kumausap sa puno or sa dingding," paliwanag ni Yasmin nang tanungin tungkol sa pagpasok sa character na kanyang ginagampanan. Naiyak siyang muli dahil ang tinukoy niya ay ang namayapang theater actor at director na si Khryss Adalia. Nabanggit rin niya ang pagkalungkot dahil sa pagkamatay ni Direk Maryo J. Delos Reyes na isa sa nagdirek ng pilot episode nila.

Ang character niyang si Thea Balagtas ay isang simple provincial girl na may promising career bilang isang public accountant. Maiinlove siya kay Marco Angeles (Mike Tan) na mayamang binatilyong nakilala niya sa workplace. Magiging hadlang sa kanilang relasyon ang dalawang elitistang malapit kay Marco, ang nanay nitong si Adelaida Angeles (Gina Alajar) at ang ex-girlfriend niyang si Ava Imperial (Jackie Rice).

Ang iba pa nilang makakasama sa ground-breaking project na ito ay Shamaine Buencamino bilang Magda Balagtas; Charee Pineda bilang Anna Balagtas; Ina Feleo bilang Sofia Angeles; Mike 'Pekto' Nacua bilang Tantoy Cruz; Catherine Rem bilang Olga Cruz; Caprice Cayetano bilang Angela Angeles; at Seth Dela Cruz bilang Maurice Angeles.

Layunin ng series to raise HIV awareness at ieducate ang mga manonood sa epekto ng sakit sa buhay ng isang tao lalo na pagdating sa diskriminasyon ng society dahil sa kawalan ng sapat na kaalaman tungkol dito.

Sa ilalim ng direksyon ni Neal del Rosario, mapapanood ang HKKIK bilang bahagi ng GMA Afternoon Prime matapos ang The Stepdaughters.

WELL GO USA targets Erik Matti’s BUYBUST

Well Go USA announced the acquisition of North American rights to BUYBUST, the latest from master Filipino filmmaker Erik Matti (On the Job, Honor Thy Father). 

Well Go will release the film to theaters later this year, followed by a digital and home video release.
In BUYBUST, an epic action thriller with a topical - and sure to be controversial - political component, megastar Anne Curtis stars as Nina Manigan, a rookie officer who has just joined an elite anti-narcotics squad. Rushed into a poorly planned buy-bust mission, her squad (including her partner Rico, played by MMA legend Brandon Vera) quickly finds themselves trapped in the most dangerous slum in Manila. With their cover blown and no backup coming, they must shoot, stab, slash, and fight their way out, hunted not only by criminals but also the local citizens fed up with being caught in the crossfire. One of the most ambitious Philippine productions of all time.

Dylan Marchetti from Well Go USA said, "Erik Matti is always top of class when it comes to Filipino genre films, but with BUYBUST he has truly outdone himself. If you lose your mind for an amazing action film, the last hour of BUYBUST is going to blow your head clean off... the action is best described as apocalyptic.”

BUYBUST is a Viva Films and Reality Entertainment production directed by Erik Matti, and was written by Anton Santamaria from a story by Matti. The film was produced by Matti, Ronald “Dondon” Monteverde, and Vic Del Rosario, with Executive Producers Todd Brown and Nate Bolotin for XYZ Films. Viva Films will distribute in the Philippines. The deal was negotiated by Dylan Marchetti of Well Go USA and Nate Bolotin of XYZ Films.

The Love Month February Loves Baby Go

"Last year yung 18, ngayon 19 years old na po ako," said a jovial Ms. Baby Go at her birthday party held last February 4 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas. Even though she did not choose to reveal her real age, what we do know is that generous and cheerful people can defy time a bit better than others. Her birthday is actually February 5 but she chooses to have a party a day prior for the traditional "midnight salubong".

The reference to a debutante's age was because she, in fact, never had the chance to experience having a debut, that's why she celebrated it last year. At the age of 14, she got married to John Go. She has four children by him: Jean, Patty, Pammy, and Jerome. The latter was the one who gave her flowers before she blew out the birthday candles and made her wishes.

Her birthday was to have a longer life because she considers this her new one, and for all the right reasons. BG Productions Internationals bounces back with a new force this year, with the film Almost a Love Story in the post-production process.

Another highlight of her birthday month was the recognition from FDCP during the Film Ambassadors Night held last February 9. The multi-awarded films Area and Laut were given their due recognition that night. Last year, the most visible actor of BG Productions Allen Dizon was awarded the highest honor which is the Camera Obscura award. He was present at the awarding ceremony as one of the stars of Area.

Touted as the "most awarded executive producer in the Philippine independent film circuit," Ms. Go remains down-to-earth. "Hindi ako magbabago kasi eto ako, ang akong totoo."

Dennis Evangelista, a veteran line producer, shared one of her best qualities. "Marami na kaming (with directors) naging producer pero sa kanya namin nararamdaman ang freedom sa creatives." The directors he are talking about are no less than established industry professionals like Joel Lamangan, Louie Ignacio, Mel Chionglo, Neal Tan, Jason Paul Laxamana, etc. 

Another director BG Productions is set to work with is Joey Romero. The horror film will be set in Dumaguete, which is the hometown of Ms. Go. Negotiations are also in for Lualhati Bautista's Sixty in the City. Gems of the acting industry Charo Santos-Concio, Nora Aunor, and Vilma Santos, are among those cited by Ms. Go whom she wants to work with.

She described that her basis for approving an actor or actress for her projects is not based on just having the physical edge, rather, it is having a good heart that counts. Well said, since she also engages in philanthropic work with her PC Goodheart Foundation. Last February 8, she supported a show in Music Box Comedy Bar Timog and got surprised when they wouldn't let her leave. It turns out that they were planning to surprise her with presents and a cake, since it was held a few days after her birthday.

To celebrate Valentine's with a heart, she and her team did work for the foundation to make the children of DSWD smile not more than 48 hours ago.

She revealed that the top country she enjoys going to is the United States of America. Could she be planning bigger thing like co-producing a Hollywood film? Only time and future announcements can tell. What we do know is that whatever love she is giving out to the industry, that love sure is returning to its giver.

Additional photos from Dennis Evangelista and Benny Andaya

McDonald’s shows us what it means to be a perfect pair

Some things are good on their own but even better together—just like McDonald’s Best Tasting Chicken McDo and World Famous Fries, and two of the most iconic Filipino showbiz personalities, Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion.

These two pairs were the highlight of McDonald’s latest TVC, where we see “ShaGab” chancing upon each other in a McDonald’s store and enjoying a quiet meal together—their first after a very long time.

“Strikingly, there are many similarities between our Chicken McDo with Fries Meal and ShaGab. The Chicken McDo with Fries Meal is one of our best-sellers and has truly become a favorite of our customers over the years. In the same way, ShaGab is one of the most-loved tambalans all time, truly transcending generations,” shares Christina Lao, McDonald’s Marketing Director.

And just like Sharon and Gabby, who are popular in their own right but pack a more powerful punch when paired up, Filipinos love Chicken McDo and Fries separately, but even more so when enjoyed together in one complete meal experience.

Take McDonald’s Chicken McDo, juicy, tender, and cooked to golden perfection—delicious on its own but even more enjoyable with McDonald’s World Famous Fries, made with premium potatoes that are perfectly golden on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. You’re definitely in for a treat as you double your enjoyment with this complete chicken meal experience.

McDonald’s made the ShaGab comeback possible to let everyone appreciate what a perfect pair means—whether it’s their favorite stars or their favorite Chicken McDo and Fries combination.

Enjoy the perfect tandem of the Chicken McDo and World Famous Fries while watching the latest TVC starring Sharon and Gabby on McDonald’s YouTube Channel here https://www.youtube.com/user/mcdonaldsPH. Grab this perfect pair via Dine-In, Drive-Thru or McDelivery!

The Stepdaughters Starts Later February 12 as part of GMA Afternoon Prime

How often have you tried playing the lottery and won? I bet not too many times or even none. Love, or any kind of relationship, is like a lottery. You bet something and it hurts less if you don't expect to win. But, what if you won and somebody wants to snatch what you worked for just because they think they are better than you and more deserving?

Step into a world filled with beauty, jealousy, and love as GMA Network proudly unveils its newest Afternoon Prime drama series, The Stepdaughters, beginning February 12.

The Stepdaughters is a story of two women who are both beautiful and intelligent but with personalities that couldn’t be any more different. They have always been destined to be rivals and both of them aren’t ones to back away from a fight.

Headlining this drama are Miss World 2013 Megan Young and versatile Kapuso actress Katrina Halili, together with GMA’s prime leading man Mikael Daez. 

Megan Young is Mayumi Dela Rosa. Beautiful and intelligent, she graduated with a degree in Chemistry with flying colors. She also dreams of creating her own makeup product line someday.

Katrina Halili is Isabelle Salvador. She is an only child who grew up spoiled and self-centered. She also manages her family’s makeup line, Coco Bella.

Mikael Daez is Francis Almeda. He is handsome, smart, and works as a head product engineer. He meets Mayumi and falls in love with her, despite Isabelle’s incessant prodding for him to love her back.

In the series, Mayumi and Isabelle never really liked each other, even more so when Mayumi’s mother, Luisa, and Isabelle’s father, Hernan, fall for one another and get married, making them stepsisters.

But no secret ever stays a secret, especially ones that are rooted within families. When Isabelle finds out what Hernan has done, she will do all that it takes to keep everything they have, even if it means taking down Mayumi. But Mayumi will never let anyone hurt her or her loved ones. Now both Mayumi and Isabelle will fight for what is rightfully theirs—family, honor, and love.

Completing the cast are: Gary Estrada as Hernan Salvador, Isabelle’s doting and hardworking father who remained down-to-earth even after becoming rich; Glydel Mercado as Luisa dela Rosa, Mayumi’s beautiful and loving mother who will do everything for her daughter especially after her husband’s death; Allan Paule as Mario Dela Rosa, Mayumi’s father who perseveres for his family’s future; Angelu De Leon as Brenda Salvador, Hernan’s wife who loves and spoils their daughter Isabelle very much; Sef Cadayona as Bryce Morales, Francis’ friend and officemate working as a graphic designer at the company; Samantha Lopez as Daphne Soriano, Hernan’s executive assistant; and the special participation of Dion Ignacio as Froilan Almeda, Francis’ prodigal older brother who left their home when he was young.

The Stepdaughters is a classic soap which highlights some of the most important values in life—honesty, love for family, the determination to reach one’s dreams despite the odds, and how true beauty stems from having a genuinely good heart.

The series is under the helm of director Paul Sta. Ana with the creative team composed of creative director Roy Iglesias, creative consultant Aloy Adlawan, concept creator and headwriter Geng Delgado, writers J-mee Katanyag and Kutz Enriquez and brainstormers Evie Macapugay, Wiro Michael Ladera, and Nehem Dallego.

The Stepdaughters is created by the GMA Entertainment Content Group under the supervision of Senior Vice President for ECG Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Vice President for Drama Redgie A. Magno, Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager Hazel F. Abonita and Executive Producer Lui Cadag.

Don’t miss the much-awaited premiere of The Stepdaughters this February 12 on GMA Afternoon Prime.

Get the latest updates about The Stepdaughters from the official website of GMA Network www.gmanetwork.com and official Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/GMADrama.

Kapuso viewers abroad can also catch The Stepdaughters via GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. To check the program schedule for each territory, visit their official website at www.gmapinoytv.com. 

CONCERT REVIEW: Foster the People Sacred Hearts Club Concert

Article by Eisen Lim
Photo from Wilbros Live

It was January 26, a Friday night, when Foster the People performed live at Kia Theater in Cubao, Quezon City. I witnessed a nearly sold-out crowd and excitement was clearly drawn in their faces as clock ticks by. It’s like waiting for a special someone whom they haven’t seen in ages! Then there was it! Their frontman, Mark Foster danced his way across the stage with a smile on his face, clearly happy to receive such a warm welcome back from their Filipino fans. Their last visit in the Philippines was in 2012. The band played a mix of their new and old songs. They played their old songs with a very creative way to make it sound new. Yes, they added some instrumental interludes in every shifting of the song, which made the crowd go hype. They played their old songs like, “Houdini”, “Helena Beat”, “Miss you” and “Don’t Stop”. The crowd was more the happy to sing along. I was waiting for them to play “I would do anything for you”, because it was one of my favorites. They added some Filipino songs and used it as their intro to their original music. It’s a very good idea and I liked it very much. The mixing is superb. The stage also impressed me. They had a mixture of neon lights which comes with changing shapes. It was like a kaleidoscope of colors. It had everyone dancing and jumping. It was almost 10:30pm when they stopped at the end of their song, give thanks to the crowd, and exited the stage. We all thought that it was their last song for the night which made everyone hanging and longing for more! And yes, after a few minutes, they went back to the stage to play “Pumped up Kicks” which is their hit single which everyone is really waiting for them to play. We all know that. There goes the crowd again, all hyped and turnt up. Good strategy, though. Overall, I was very impressed with their performance, and their lead, Mark Foster, didn’t fail to make everyone go wow with his voice and great performer skills. They really know how to perform live and catch everyone’s hearts.

The concert was produced by Wilbros Live, one of the leading concert producers in Asia.

Marawing Salamat: A Synergy of Fashion and Opera for Marawi

Fashion and opera are favored by those on taller pedestals in the society usually. They say that the higher you go, the more opportunity you have to help people. On April 6, 2018 at 8 o'clock in the evening, the top fashion icons and opera singers in the country will unite to raise funds for those besieged by the war in the southern city. 

Spearheading this tribute and fundraising project for Marawi are arts impresario Zardo A. Austria, former president of Fashion Designers Association Lito N. Perez, renowned tenor and co-founder of Lyric Opera Philippines Sherwin K. Sozon, and award-winning actress cum educator Lorli Villanueva. They have unanimously chosen the Duyog Marawi project of the Prelature of St. Mary's in Marawi to be the beneficiary of Marawing Salamat fundraising event.

Well-loved opera arias from Tosca, Carmen, La Traviata, Rigoletto, I Pagliacci, Romeo & Juliet, La Boheme, and Turandot, among others, will be performed for the The Best of Opera. They will be interpreted by an all-Filipino cast from Lyric Opera Philippines comprised of renowned opera tenors Sherwin Sozon, Randy Gilongo & John Glenn Gaerlan, baritone Noel Azcona, sopranos Ana Feleo, Rica Nepomuceno, Mary Patrice Pacis, Ton Ton Pascual, and Naomi Sison. Carlitos Siguion-Reyna directs while a guest American conductor Maestro William Barkhymer will lead the 70-piece UST Symphony Orchestra.

The Best of Fashion, touted as the "biggest fashion for a cause project" will be participated in by over 100 designers, artistic team,  and production staff. Zardo A. Austria provides the script and concept while joint direction will be by Raymond Villanueva & Nathan De Leon. The precursor for modern day beauty pageants, Carnival Queens (1908-1939), will be the main concept for this endeavor. The models will showcase their fabulous outfits to during the live singing of immortal kundiman and Filipino classical songs accompanied live by the UST Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, current resident conductor of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

There will also be a tribute for the opera and fashion icons. This event is presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Lyric Opera Philippines in cooperation with E. Zobel Foundation, Inc. Interested parties who wish to book their seats as early as now may do so by contacting Ticketworld at 891-9999.

FILM REVIEW: CHANGING PARTNERS

They say age is just a number so we find couples with an age gap of 15 years or more who have been together for years. But, why does these seemingly perfect relationships suddenly become brittle and just collapse in a single night? Changing Partners delve into the lives of several couples played by four characters. The genders change but the 15-year age gap between Alex (played by Agot Isidro and Jojit Lorenzo) and Chris (played by Anna Luna and Sandino Martin) remain, and so do the problems.

Unlike some people declaring it is actually about the danger of LGBT relationships, it is not. Sure, there's an Agot-Anna pairing as well as a Jojit-Sandino one but this is never about LGBT. It is crystal clear that the film points out that age as well as socioeconomic difference may greatly affect how one looks at things. Alex, already in his/her middle age, obviously values loyalty, honesty, and productivity. Chris, a young adult, is free-spirited and this carefree attitude extends to not having a stable job even though he/she is pushing thirties, forgetting to water the plants, and tactlessly bringing  up the subject of a close friend Angel again and again, much to the chagrin of the partner.

Musical veteran Vincent de Jesus was the mind behind the screenplay and the music while Dan Villegas, known for films about relationships and the heartaches it brings like his partner Antoinette Jadaone, helms the film adaptation of this stage musical. Originally titled with a subheading of "torch musical", this ran at the PETA Theater Center around October 2016. The same set of actors went on to do the movie version. Vincent also released his first album titled Songs to Slash Your Wrists By, a compilation of poetic "hugot songs", years ago so obviously he is no stranger to heartbreaks.

What I like about the film is that it dives deep into the relationship of two people without having any supporting characters, thus retaining the voyeuristic effect it gives an audience member. It also translates to another level as it mirrors what's happening in our social media culture where many people want to be onlookers most of the time even though they aren't even close with the couple concerned. This time, it us what happens behind the veil. The film takes us by the hand and shows us a happy and energetic relationship at first, and that same hand goes to our chest little by little as we see the love dwindle and question ourselves whether practicality should also be a priority aside from feelings when choosing a partner we think we want to spend our lives with and cohabitating with him/her.

What I think could have been improved is the direction. See, the reason why you make a film adaptation is so that the characters don't have to do the same things they did in the musical. The shots could've used more creativity like a close-up of the eyes, the lips, or the hands, to further translate emotion. Other than that, Dan was able to capture the spirit of the musical.

Another good subject for discourse which the film explored, albeit inconspicuously, is the power relation between people in a relationship, whether as friends or lovers, that is imbalanced because of the difference in socioeconomic status. Alex is employed in a company and although his/her position was not revealed, a scene with Chris where the latter laments being assigned to a boring position despite the former being having a high position in the corporate ladder shows the amount of power Alex has compared to Chris, the latter being just a college dropout, jobless, and doesn't have much of a high IQ. Yes, Alex "wears the pants" in the relationship. We are now left to ponder upon this concept of having someone playing the "husband" role in the relationship just on the basis of him/her being rich, well-connected, and having a stronger personality. 

A songwriter told me once that if one has a strong personality or is perceived as "stronger" in the society, then he/she should pick someone that's not so they wouldn't clash. I think this advice is very applicable to the two characters in Changing Partners. Trust and loyalty are very important and the latter element wouldn't exist without the former. Trust wouldn't be there if you can't get your partner to at least listen at to you when you really need him/her to. Looking down or looking up too much will also lead to a communication breakdown and that's a cautionary tale we are all too familiar with.

Yes, all is fair and love and war but there is always someone who gets hurt more. There is someone whose feelings are depper which cannot be measured by material objects or favors bestowed.

Changing Partners opened last January 31 and continues to screens in cinemas nationwide. It was part of the Cinema One Originals film festival held last November 2017.