How Raymond Bagatsing Became Manuel L. Quezon in Quezon's Game

"Ang sabi sa text [Raymond, we'd like to offer you a movie. Please come to the office at Kinetek Productions sa Makati.] I finished taping then at six o'clock in the morning for Pusong Ligaw and I had to be at the office at 9am. So, one and a half hour lang yung tulog ko tas one and a half hour yung biyahe so talagang pinag-iisipan ko kung pupunta ba ako," he recounted how he first heard of the film. However, it turned out that he had to audition for the role and though he was hesitant at first, he pushed through with it and eventually got to the second round, where at first he had a 90% chance of getting it should he go through the audition again but eventually they decided to give it to him since the director Matthew Rosen himself saw for himself that aside from Bagatsing's acting process, there is something in his stance which resembles Quezon.

Manuel Quezon was known to those born in the early nineties and older generation for being considered the second president of the Philippines. This was during the American occupation and the onset of World War II, where the impending Japanese occupation of the Philippines led to his exile t the U.S., where he died of tuberculosis. To the younger millennials and the Gen Z, it's either they just know he's a former president or they know him from Reddit, as someone with a swag even as he utters curse words, thanks to historian Ambeth Ocampo's writing as a source.

Bagatsing, on the other hand is not a stranger to playing historical figures. Though he's known to the younger generation for playing Jaime Laurel in Pusong Ligaw, he was able to play Teodoro Luna, a revolutionary leader who's related to THE Heneral Luna, as well as novelist-journalist and National Artist for Literature, Nick Joaquin.  "They're very different and they're both very difficult, beause they're both bigger than life," he answered when asked by this writer whether Quezon or Joaquin was more challenging to play. 

He described Joaquin as very intelligent and "wasn't totally male." He didn't want to be too effeminate or crass but still dignified. For Quezon, he knows the latter is a larger than life figure and it was "make or break for an actor." He does admit that he just knows the basics about Quezon, his presidency, Quezon Avenue having been named after him, and his love for poker. "He had a lot of dimensions to him than most people think."

He is confident that "Quezon's Game is gonna go around the world." In fact, the film, which finished shooting in 2018, received 12 citations at 2018 Cinema World Fest (Autumn Selection), a Canadian film festival, including the coveted Award of Merit. It also won top awards at the WorldFest-Houston festival last month. 

The film, which opens on May 29 in cinemas nationwide, also stars Rachel Alejandro as Aurora Quezon, Billy Ray Gallion, James Paoleli, and David Bianco. Manuel Quezon III already reviewed the film and one of the striking three scenes for him included the portrayal of the vice president then, Sergio Osmeña, by another supporting cast member Audie Gemora.

The film centers on what Quezon did for the Jews which we don't know about, how helped about more than a thousand of them escape the Holocaust by convincing the Americans that they should be welcomed in the country.

"I would rather have a country run like hell by Filipinos than a country run like heaven by Americans, because however bad a Filipino government might be, we can always change it," goes a favorite Quezon quoto. Why should you watch the film aside from the nuanced performances and to learn history? So you can check if our country is run like hell.

REMINISCENCES – A PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE TRIBUTE CONCERT ALL SET ON JUNE 11- 12

Ephesus Teatron Group Inc. proudly presents “REMINISCENCES" - A celebration of 121 Years of Philippine Independence featuring TRIBU.

The tribute concert will be held on June 11 (Tuesday) at 7 p.m. June 12 (Wednesday) at 3 pm and 7 pm at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

REMINISCENCES will feature a repertoire of unforgettable patriotic songs
of freedom, love and inspiration to commemorate the 121st Anniversary of
Philippine Independence.

Songs like Bayan Ko (My Country), the intensely patriotic Sa Mahal KongBayan (To My Beloved Country) by Lucio San Pedro, and to with even morepatriotic fervor Pilipinas Kong Mahal (My Beloved Philippines) by Francisco Santiago, among many other songs that depict Filipino heroism, will relive the music and celebrate the heroes and brave people who made this country
possible and those who defend our way of life.

These songs will be performed with passion and energy by TRIBU, a cast of world-class artists from the musical theater world featuring:

SWEET SAMANIEGO BUCHANAN
MARGARITA ROCO
STEVEN HOTCHKISS
TERENCE GUILLERMO
RED NUESTRO
ONYL TORRES
KIM DOMINIK SARMIENTO (pianist)

Act 1 describes the beautiful Philippines (land, soil, climate, animals, and people) while a medley of folk songs: Ugoy ng Duyan, Ili Ili Tulog Anay, Pen Pen de Sarapen, Bahay Kubo, Leron Leron Sinta, Pamunilawen: encapsulates the beauty of Philippine folk music. Songs originated from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will highlight the latter part of this act.

Act 2 gives way to patriotic/revolution songs Filipinos seldom hear: “Alerta, Katipunan!” was one of the songs of the revolution. It was the march used by the Kataas-taasang Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK). The piece was originally a Spanish march, and then was
adopted by the Katipunan.

Canto de Maria Clara (The Song of Maria Clara) is from one of the chapters of Rizal's novel, Noli Me Tangere.  It is a poem that depicts his feelings for his motherland and his premonition of the coming doom.

Pag-ibig sa Tinubuan Lupa, a poem written by Andres Bonifacio, is an exhortation to the Filipino people to join the crusade for Philippine Independence.

All of the songs are musically arranged by Pipo Cifra and Sweet Buchanan.

Join us in this celebration to feel what it means to be a Filipino and walk away with a sense of pride for our country.

Call Ticketworld 8919999.

FREE ADMISSION TO 11TH GAWAD BUHAY AWARDS ON MAY 28

The 11th Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards is all set on May 28, Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Makati City.

It will be open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The awards show, with the theme “Generations,” will be hosted by Carlo Orosa and Kakai Bautista, and will feature an original song aptly titled “Buhay na Buhay,” jointly composed by veteran writer-director Freddie Santos and musical director Ejay Yatco.

Philstage President Audie Gemora, who is directing the event, says, “The dream of the founding members of Philstage companies — the likes of Zeneida Amador—was to build a thriving performing arts industry. That dream is now a reality, with several theater companies having been established in the last decade. Workshops are teeming with youngsters while theaters in the campuses are vibrant. 
The influx of Broadway touring companies in Manila 
has not put a dampener on the local theater scene. 
And in 2018, we saw groups that usually stage Western musicals take a stab at staging original Filipino musicals, which is a positive trend.”

Presenters of the 23 competitive and two lifetime achievement awards will include past Gawad Buhay winners 
namely Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Menchu Lauchengco Yulo, Michael Williams, Dennis Marasigan, Jaime del Mundo, 
and National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes;  Tanghalang Pilipino artistic director Fernando “Tata Nanding” Josef; Peta President CB Garrucho; newly minted “Miss Saigon” alumni Gerald Santos and Aicelle Santos; and Joanna Ampil, who will headline the touring production  of “Cats” in November. The trophies will be designed by sculptor and longtime Gawad Buhay collaborator Reg Yuson.

The awards show will feature performances by the original casts of the nominated musicals of 2018—“Ang Huling El Bimbo,” “Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!,” “Himala, Isang Musikal,” and “Balag at Angud” — as well as tribute performances by Ballet Manila and PETA for this year’s Natatanging Gawad Buhay awardees, dance icon and teacher Felicitas 'Tita' Radaic and Lutgardo Labad, Head National Drama Committee Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Capping off the evening, and in keeping with the theme, 
will be a special performance by the “future of Philippine theater” — children of theater practitioners who are now taking to the stage, members of the Ateneo Blue Repertory, students of Trumpets Playshop and Don Bosco Tulay Performing Arts Group, and scholars of Philippine Opera Company to be coached by Sweet Plantado-Tiongson. Joseph Matheu will be the show’s lighting designer.

THIS JULIA IS ETHEREAL AND FRAGILE BUT TRANSFORMS IN "BETWEEN MAYBES"

Words by Danny Vibas
Photos by Francis Lumahan

The very sight of Julia Barretto sitting so daintily totally wipes out any feeling that it's scalding hot outside. But the bloggers in that afternoon huddle all swear that somewhere in the film Julia as Hazel in the story transforms into a sultry shocker and practically wild. The bloggers I joined (as a proxy for a friend) in that promo huddle have all seen Between Maybes at the preem night and they're all agog about what sounded to be a very intimate scene between Julia and Gerald Anderson and over another scene which had Julia mouthing words very uncharacteristic of her serene screen image.

And all those mean we should hurry to the cineplexes because Between Maybes has begun showing. Seeing the film ourselves is the only we can share those bloggers' astonishment.

The film was shot by Paul Laxamana in Japan's most serene prefecture, unarguably most refreshing for Pinoys reeling from the heat of the sun and from a controversial election.

SYNOPSIS

LOUIE PUYAT (Gerald Anderson) has been living a solitary life in Saga, Japan until his silence is broken by the arrival of HAZEL ILAGAN (Julia Barretto), a has-been actress. They develop a functional relationship where Louie checks on Hazel during her vacation. Amidst the isolation, these two lost souls find comfort in each other – but unknown to them, this brief encounter will forever change their lives.

THE FILM IS STILL SHOWING IN CINEMAS NATIONWIDE

Erik and Yeng Join Forces in an Extraordinary Concert Tomorrow May 22

Nothing beats the extraordinary. This year, witness the most anticipated musical event of the year as Cornerstone Concerts and Resorts World Manila proudly present King of OPM Theme Songs Erik Santos and Pop Rock Superstar Yeng Constantino in Extraordinary Concert tomorrow May 22nd 8pm at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Experience a breakthrough fusion of pop and rock, two icons crafting one OPM masterpiece - on one stage. This exciting collaboration promises to be a memorable night as Erik and Yeng showcase their anthems with a twist and surprise us with all new arrangements that music fans have never heard before. 

From the success of Erik Santos' My Greatest Moments US Tour, he is treating his supporters once more to a one-of-a-kind performance. Get ready to be moved with heartfelt and tear-jerking performances, that will surely take one to places. 

Yeng Constantino, on the other hand, is taking music to the next level and ready to make you feel the love with a summer vibe using her remarkable songs.

Through the years, these two OPM royalties are not just performers to look up to but as friendship goals. Erik and Yeng’s friendship attest their longevity in the music industry, an evidence of how passionate they are with their craft. No wonder, why these two remained to be the most in-demand artists of this generation.

With Erik celebrating his 16th year and Yeng, her 12th year in the industry, this milestone should be celebrated and as part of the celebration, it’s time to give back to all their supporters by gearing them up ­ for an ExtraordinarY Concert.

Directed by John Prats. Musical Direction by Marc Lopez.

Another superb production by Cornerstone Concerts and Resorts World Manila.


For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph

Reign ng Bihag na si Sophie Albert, 2016 Pa Pala Player ng Mobile Legends

"Nagstop na rin ako kasi hindi naman ako nagiging productive. Instead of doing what I have to do, naglalaro ako. It takes up so much of your time. But, naadik ulit ako this year," said the great niece of former Philippine president Corazon Aquino. Before our interview proper centered on Mobile Legends, she had a table talk with all of the bloggers during the set visit of the top rated Kapuso teleserye, Bihag. She was playing as Angela and she went AFK (exited the game before a match is finish) so she can accommodate us right away.

"Masaya magkontrabida kasi madami kang pwedeng gawin. Hindi ka stuck in a box," she explained why she accepted the role of a crazy ex-girlfriend who went so far as to kidnap the child of her ex Brylle (Jason Abalos) and befriend Jessie (Max Collins). She's not afraid of being bashed on social media and looks at it in a positive light instead, that bashing means she's effective in portraying her character since she was able to make them loathe her. "'Pag nambabash, parang flattering yun that I'm doing okay."

"Bago pa lang ako dito sa GMA, I'm in no position to be choosy. So, every time I get considered for a job, it's something I shouldn't say no to, so, that's why I do it," she said regarding what made her accept the role despite it being sexy and so far from her personality. She admitted that the role was originally for Kim Domingo but the latter couldn't do the role anymore so they called her.

During breaks, she manages to squeeze time playing the MOBA, usually teaming up with her boyfriend Vin Abrenica. The account she's using was not the one she used from before since she used to be an Iphone user and she wasn't able to retrieve it now that she's switched to Android. Her IGN has something to do with potatoes since she loves eating those especially french fries. She usually uses Angela, Esmeralda, Cyclops, Miya, and Lesley.

"Actually, yung isang game namin kanina, yung isang girl na marksman, sinasabi niya kanina, hindi pa nagsisimula yung game, hoy mga kanser kayo, pero siya mismo hindi siya nagadjust eh may marksman na," Sophie shared her encounter with a "cancer" type of player. The monicker refers to players who drag their teammates down either because of performance or because they like to be negative towards others.

She's currently rank at Epic IV when the interview was conducted about 4 days ago and she rates herself 6 or 7 starts out of 10 as a player. When asked if Alden Richards is still an active player since news articles showed he seemed to be in a squad before, she said he is.

Bihag airs from Monday to Friday at 3:25 in the afternoon.

Jane Oineza, Jerome Ponce open up about their alleged past relationship

Jane Oineza finally breaks her silence regarding the alleged relationship that she and Jerome Ponce had in the past.

The two are now top-billing the Regal Entertainment, Inc., film Finding You.

“Masaya ako kasi nabigyan ulit kami ng opportunity na mag-work together bilang ang last nga namin ay Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita (NKNKK),” referring to the 2015 afteroon teleserye in ABS-CBN.”

Jane continued, “Hindi ko akalain na mabibigyan kami ng chance kaya masaya ako.”

The young actress then shed light to claims that she and Jerome became an item.

“Hindi naman naging kami to begin with,”she clarified.

However, she revealed that she and Jerome developed a special relationship that is more than friends but less than lovers.

“Parang hindi lang nag-bloom. Parang pwede na makakarating naman sa ganon kasi nag-uusap naman kami...

“May potential pero hindi umabot don.

“I can't say kung nag-work or hindi kasi hindi pa namin na-try. Hindi umabot sa ganon.”

Jane then enumerated the good qualities she liked about her co-star in Finding You.

“Sweet naman siya as a person. Hindi ko lang maalala kung may ginawa siya for me noon. Pero as a person, sweet siya, maaalalahanin naman siya. Mabait.

“Tsaka gusto ko may humor. Kailangan mapapatawa mo 'ko, kailangan di ako ma-bored. Kailangan masaya lang.

“Yun yung mahalaga sa 'kin. Yung comfortable ako at ikaw. Ganon lang, walang pretensions.”

Though their connection did not lead to a relationship, Jane said that she and Jerome would bump into each other every now and then, since they are both artists of Star Magic.

“Hindi naman nawala yung friendship, yung communication. Hindi naman parang after NKNKK hindi na kami nag-usap at all,” she clarified.

Meanwhile, Jane is happy to be given substantial roles in movies.

“I try lagi naman pag binibigyan ako ng kahit ano'ng project, kahit anong role, ibinibigay ko ang everything ko sa role na yon, lahat-lahat pati pagkatao ko.

“So masaya marinig na naa-acknowledge yon o napapansin ng mga nanonood ng mga nagbibigay ng projects sa 'kin, na pinagkakatiwalaan pa rin ako sa next na projects.”

“And mahilig din ako mag-experiment ng iba-ibang roles na hindi ko pa nagagawa or mga challenging, yung mga mahirap,” she explained.

Meantime, Jerome was more elusive when asked about the past that he and Jane had.

When asked about this issue, he reluctantly answered, “Wala naman yata kaming... We're friends, yung lang.”

Nevertheless, Jerome confirmed that he and Jane never lost their friendship.

“Nanatili kaming magkaibigan kasi madalas naman kaming nagkikita dahil pag nagkikita kami nagkukwentuhan nang matagal, tapos nagkakayayaan lumabas with other friends.”

What is sure is that the actor got excited upon knowing that he would work again with Jane in an acting project.

“Sobrang nakaka-excite and pressured kasi the last time we worked, siya ang nagdala lahat ng eksena don sa teleserye namin. Parang na-excite na rin as well dahil nakikita ko na as matured [actors] na [kami].”

Meantime, Jerome does not mind being tagged as an underrated actor.

“As of now, kung underrated man ako, I'm really happy what I have now. Masaya na 'ko.

“Siguro kung bibigyan man ako ng ibang projects, siguro mas magiging thankful ako.

“Okay na 'ko. Wala naman ako kailangan i-react. Bakit pa ako magiging masama ang loob? I'm really, really thankful kung anuman meron ako ever since.

FINDING YOU, the big idea

What if someone who can vividly remember everything forgets a specific painful moment that keeps on curiously bothering him? 

Rich with poignant hugot lines and a relatable story, Finding You tells of a person's search for “the one” - not knowing it won’t turn out the way he expects it to be.

Social media journalist NEL (Jerome Ponce) has a rare condition called “hyperthymesia”. The opposite of amnesia, he remembers every detail of every moment he has encountered. 

As much it’s a blessing, this condition serves as a curse for Nel when it comes to matters of the heart. Coming from series of failed relationships, he never forgets all the painful experience he had. 

Good thing, his bride-to-be best friend KIT (Jane Oineza) is always there by his side through thick and thin.
Despite having exceptional memory, Nel is suddenly bombarded by vague memories that seem to curiously bring back an obscure pain - triggered by accidentally activating a mobile application called “Throwback”. His old statuses starting with “Dear You” prompt him to get to the bottom of it and be clarified with that one memory. 

Will Nel realize that the one he needs to look for is just right beside him… before it’s too late?

Finding You is a play on memories - or the lack of it - and how they affect the life even of the most stern.

Finding You is by Regal Entertainment, Inc., which also stars Barbie Imperial with Claire Ruiz, Kate Alejandro, Jon Lucas, Paeng Sudayan.

Directed by Easy Ferrer, Finding You opens in cinemas in May 29.

Follow Regal Entertainment Inc on Facebook and subscribe on Youtube Channel.

Twitter: @RegalFilms Instagram: @RegalFilms50

Love, betrayal and vengeance take the spotlight in Dahil sa Pag-ibig

How far would you go for the one you love?

Beginning May 20, GMA Network redefines the Kapuso viewers’ afternoon viewing experience with the gripping story about the sacrifices a wife would be willing to endure for the sake of her husband in Dahil sa Pag-ibig. 

The original drama is topbilled by the network’s highly-talented and promising stars: Benjamin Alves as Eldon, Winwyn Marquez as Portia, Pancho Magno as Gary and Sanya Lopez as Mariel.

Eldon (Benjamin), who works as an OFW in Saudi Arabia, commits a grave crime that eventually lands him in jail. His wife Mariel (Sanya), who is left in the Philippines, is desperate to earn the “Blood Money” that will bail out her husband. Portia (Winwyn), the wife of Eldon’s employer, is bent on putting him behind bars. Gary (Pancho), Mariel’s rich former lover, offers an indecent proposal that shakes her fidelity to Eldon.

Driven by the fears and sacrifices of every wife who has an OFW for a husband, Dahil sa Pag-ibig tells the thought-provoking tale of the temptations and difficulties that a married couple confront when separated by distance. 

Witness in Dahil Sa Pag-ibig how a shocking revelation turned the once perfect lives of the characters of this soap into a nightmare.

Joining the powerhouse cast are Sandy Andolong as Nanette, Mariel’s naïve mother; Dominic Roco as Roger, Eldon’s trusted friend and housemate in Saudi; Devon Seron as Chin-Chin, Mariel’s comical best friend; Kelley Day as Alison,Gary’s sophisticated girlfriend; Tep Tep Pineda as Justine, Mariel and Eldon’s lovable daughter; and Tetchie Agbayanias Clara, Eldon’s strict mother.

Behind this engrossing drama is the creative team composed of Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Creative Head RJ Nuevas; Creative Consultant Agnes Uligan; Headwriter Christine Novicio; Writers Wiro Michael Ladera and Marlon Miguel; and Brainstormers Nehem Dallego and Angeli Delgado.

The series is another original creation of the GMA Drama Group under the supervision of Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; Vice President for Drama Redgie Acuña-Magno; Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; Senior Program Manager Cathy Ochoa Perez, Executive Producer Arlene Pilapil.

Under the helm of esteemed Director Ricky Davao with Lore Reyes as his associate director, don’t miss the world premiere of Dahil sa Pag-ibig beginning May 20 after Bihag on GMA Afternoon Prime.

Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.

Makagago Prediction Gets All Too Real as Ai Ai de las Alas Announces She has Let Ex Battalion Go

"Na-trauma talaga ako," she turned to me with tears in her eyes full of pathos when I asked how much damage this sad occurence dealt to her. She clarified that managing Ex-Battalion has scarred her enough not just to take a break from managing artists but she does not want to manage anyone again because of the painful ordeal she went through.

"Talent ko sila, hindi ko naman sila anak. Yun ang gawain ng manager, proteksyunan sila. Parang nanay, proproteksyunan mo yung mga anak mo. Kaso, hindi ko naman sila totoong anak, yung mga anak ko hindi ako pinapaiyak," was all she could muster during the first few minutes of the interview between sobs.

For those who are fans of the group and has been following the real-life "Nanay Sabel" saga, they started being managed by her March of last year, went on to do endorsements under a clothing company and an MLM company thanks to her, and was eventually signed by Viva last June 2018.

However, even back then when their concert and film were being plan, rumors were afloat that there's a misunderstanding between them and her. She denied these during the interviews and fended them off by saying that they usually talk it out. But, it all came to a head when cancellations for gigs and projects happened and, according to Ai-Ai, they allegedly blamed her because she was giving them so many things to do. Normally, an artist is very happy when he or she is busy because that symbolizes a flourishing career but this was not the case with them.

Where does Makagago fit into all of this? Well, he's the triggerman. The "final season" of Ex Battalion started when they kind of ganged up on him during the Sunugan 2019 held last March. Both were from the "underground scene" and earned their clout via a large social media following. So, Makagago knew things people did not know, like queridas, stolen songs, and even a case of venereal disease. 

He predicted that the group will spon disband after Mark Maglasang left and even called out Ai Ai for her wrong decisioj, implying that the group will bring her trouble. Ai Ai now agrees with what he said. Yes, she is familiar with the Sunugan event and the "Skusta Leak" nick. "Si Makagago na talaga yung sumagot tungkol sa kanila para sa akin," she concurred with a slight nod. 

And life goes on for the award-winning comedienne who once gave the hiphop group an opportunityto soar.