I AM U on iWant Review: First 4 Episodes

I  just watched the first 4 episodes of #IAmU and though it had the Mea Culpa feel at first, it didn't dwell on melodrama or unnecessary scenes. The pacing was pretty fast and though there are some of the main characters na mas maikli yung screen time, you get an idea of what drives them in terms of their relationship with Elise.

The narration of Julia Barretto is really an eargasm because it has so much conviction and it does have that "sharp" quality that existed SA narration NG 'Gossip Girls', na I think was director Dwein Baltazar's inspiration pati na Rin Yung setup SA campus. May feels din siya NG 'Riverdale' and 'Elite' where the problem is not just rooted SA present generation but may be the ghosts of the pasta which started with a prior one. May be ha. Malay natin. 4 episodes pa Lang.

But, I guess the main mystery that drives the whole narrative began at the end of the first episode. Does Elise really exist after the fire? 

At Ang Isa ko pang malaking tanong eh, kelan darating Ang next batch? 4 episodes pa Lang Ito.

Zeinab Harake Pinagpilian Sina Kathniel, Lizquen, at Jadine

Sa latest video niya, ang social media personality dahil sa tagline niya na "arat na" at may 4 millions followers na Kung tawagin ay 'Zebbies' eh nakipagcollaborate ulit sa Team Horror led by Jomar Lovena aka Bosskillah.

Namili sila ng isa sa 3 popular loveteams at ang Kathniel ang final choice nila kaya kumuha sila ng mga eksena from their films starting na the The Hows of Us at Barcelona.

Wagas na preparation behind the cam siguro ang ginawa ng dalawang YouTubers na sina Zeinab Harake at Bosskilah sapagkat one take lang sila at kuhang-kuha nila ang bigat ng mga eksena with matching tears.

Mahilig ka bang pagtawanan Ang kakaiba SA iba?

Pelikula ni Jay Altarejos tinanggal sa Sinag Maynila Film Fest

Matapos ang grand presscon last week ng Sinag Maynila Film Fest 2020, nagkaroon ng announcement ang naturang film fest kaninang 7pm, na hindi na kalahok ang pelikula ng direktor na si Jay Altarejos.

Maraming nagulat sa biglang pag-pullout ng pelikula dahil hindi raw ba ito nakita sa screening pa lang. 

“Walang Kasarian Ang Digmang Bayan” ay anti-Duterte film na pinagbibidahan nina Rita Avila, Sandino Martin, Arnold Reyes, at Oliver Aquino. 

Matapang ang pelikula lalo na sa trailer pa lang nito na may linya si Rita na “Ako mismo ang papatay kay Duterte!”

Sa inilabas na statement ng Sinag Maynila, sinabi nila na:

“After thorough review, found that there is substantial deviation from the submitted and approved script and that the film is no longer a faithful representation of the approved screenplay.”

Ngunit narito naman ang pahayag ng publicist ng pelikula na si Josh Mercado.

Tumawag daw sa kanya ang direktor na si Jay Altarejos tungkol sa pagtanggal ng pelikula bilang official na finalist sa Sinag Maynila Film Fest. Kwento n’ya, pinatawag ang direktor noong Huwebes (February 20), mga bandang alas singko. Pinaginitan ni Brillante Mendoza, ang festival director ng Sinag, ang pelikula ni Jay dahil sa mensahe nito. Katuwiran ni Mendoza, may mga tumawag daw sa kanila na investors ng Solar, ng Sinag na nagpahiwatig na hindi nagustuhan ang mensahe ng pelikula. Binigyan ng options si direk Jay. Pinapa-reshoot din ang ibang eksena. Mukhang noong presscon pa lang ng Sinag, hindi na nagustuhan ni Mendoza ang film lalo na ang trailer at ang pagsusuot ni direk Jay ng t-shirt ng ABS-CBN. Noong nire-review ang pelikula, hindi raw pinanood ni Mendoza ang buong film. ‘Yan ang mga nakuwento n’ya sakin. Kilala naman natin si direk Jay na may pinaglalaban ang pelikula. Walang makakadikta sa kanya. Gusto lang n’yang magkwento. Magkwento na makatotohanan. Lagi pa naman s’yang nananalo ng awards sa Sinag. Ngayon, mukhang mainit sa kanya si Brillante.

FILM REVIEW: James and Pat and Dave

This writer expected this to be a "fanfare" film at first, meaning that it exists to cater to the whims of the Loinie (Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte) fans as well as those of its "prequel", Vince, Kath, and James starring Joshlia (Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto) as Vince and Kath, and James (Ronnie Alonte) as the third wheel in 2016. However, this film is a lot more than meets the eye.

The film had some kind of prologue depicting James' self-destructive path after his rejection, ending up in a basketball fight, and being quite a jerk, ends up getting "exiled" by his mom to his Lola O's (Odette Khan) resort, where he has to learn how to work to earn his keep as well as improve his people skills by working with a team and under a supervisor, Pat (Loisa Andalio), an aspirational breadwinner whom meets under really awkward circumstances.

Loisa is really the gem of this film. She's able to be effortlessly comic especially when she sings her favorite song in the film. She was also able to make the audience feel that loss of self-worth in that crucial scene that many cried along with her.

Though Ronnie has yet to show a significant improvement when it comes to his acting chops, most of his key scenes are with Loisa, which worked because they do have good chemistry together. My favorite is that water scene which was unexpected. Donnie's character felt a little underwritten because I wish there was more to his motivation than just to be the third party but because of his natural acting ability, his eyes were enough to convey his emotions sans words.

What I like best about Theodore Boborol's direction in this "sequel" compared to the previous film is the pacing. The supporting cast members Odette Khan, Bodjie Pasuca, et al. were perfect for their roles and even newcomer CJ Salonga as Pat's brother was able to deliver. Awra Briguela as her best friend is funny as usual but his comic timing is mroe precise here as opposed to his previous films where there is a feeling of trying too hard to make the joke work. A blast from the past is an icing on top in making this film come full circle.

The movie reminds us that even though we feel that we are unembraced, that we are the third wheel, or we are always on the sidelines, there will always be at least that one person that we are most probably unaware of, will always choose us, and it is not restricted to romantic love.

The film is almost on its second week and is still showing in cinemas nationwide.

Running Man Philippines on GMA 7 Cast Leak?

2 days ago, Glaiza de Castro tweeted a photo with the caption "Tapsikret × Running Man. Lol."

One of those who visibly retweeted the post was Starstruck 7's First Princess, Lexi Gonzales, who can also be seen in the photot with what looks like Korean executives, as well as other Kapuso Artists.

Identifiable artists in the photos are Paolo Contis, Betong Sumaya, and Kakai Bautista. 

Two days ago, it has been announced that SBS Korea officially entered into their first partnership with a Philippine Network via the Running Man franchise. 



Running Man Philippines will have the same mechanics: hosts and guests will compete to reach landmarks in the fastest time possible. 

The original cast was supposed to be here in the country for a show a few days ago but that was moved to June 21, 2020 and is still going to be at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Rappler's headline stated that Running Man Philippines is slated for 2021.

Kuh Ledesma Talks About the Holy Spirit and her Diva2Divalentines Concert Tomorrow February 13

"I don't compose. I give titles. I'm a concept person," Kuh Ledesma clarified regarding her artistic process when it comes to song creation. She said she doesn't get an artist's block anymore because of the Holy Spirit and it has also allowed her to create paintings to glorify God even if she did not have any formal lessons.

She surely is very active at present because tomorrow, February 13, she will be performing alongside fellow powerhouse singers Zsa Zsa Padilla, Nanette Inventor, and MitchV  This will be a dinner show at 7 o'clock in the evening at the Manila Hotel Tent. During the one-on-one interview, she stresses the importance of taking care of one's body as a performer. "If your body is weak, you will not be able to give your best," she shared. She also has nothing but praises for her fellow artists.

On Mitch Valdez and Nanette Inventor: "They are surefire entertainers, meaning, if you bring them along, siguradong tatawa ang tao, hindi palpak."

On Zsa Zsa Padilla: "Zsa Zsa is very professional. She comes on time. She memorizes her songs."

When it comes to her faith, she can talk the whole day about it. Even though she hasn't seen a demon possession herself, she did day that there are people who just looks like really angry individuals to a normal person, but actually they have already been "demonized" and you can see that in there eyes.

"There is disturbance in the spirit kaya nagkakasakit ang tao. I don't believe in cancer," she steadfastly declared. "A lot of times people get cancer because there is a presence of sin in life."

Originally, only Kuh and Zsa Zsa comprised the Diva 2 Diva show which first premiered in 2002. It has been performed in different countries like United States, Canada, and Australia.

This time around, their set will comprise of Broadway hits as well as love songs from varied generations. 

There are still a few tickets available and you can avail them by calling Ticketworld at 891-9999,or visiting www.ticketworld.com.ph, or contacting Headline Concepts at 09178139065. The night after which is February 14, they will be performing 8 o'clock in the evening at Clark Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom.

Centerstage NG GMA 7 Pinakaba si Alden Richards?

"Hindi po mawawala Yan [kaba] eh. Kasi pag nawala yan, masyado ka nang confident, masyado ka nang tiwala sa sarili mo. Parang for me it's the death of an actor or a performer in whatever field," pakli ni Alden Richards nang tanungin kung di na ba siya kinakabahan sa limelight dahil bahagi siya ng Eat Bulaga at All Out Sundays.

Isa siya sa hosts ng bagong show na Centerstage ng GMA 7 na magsisimula ngayong February 16 kung saan ka-tandem niya si Betong Sumaya magpasaya. Ito ay napapanood every Sunday sa primetime slot. Kasama as panelists ang nagbabalik sa Kapuso network na si Concert Queen Pops Fernandez, ang seasoned composer-arranger na si Mel Villena, at ang powerful singer na si Aicelle Santos formerly with La Diva.

7-12 years old ang edad ng mga kalahok from all over the country at depende SA performance nila ay magmomove sila forward o backward. Ang goal siyempre ay makarating sa center stage. 


"Overconfidence comes from being too full of yourself, yung feeling mo kaya mong gawin lahat. So, pag wala nang kaba, wala nang growth," dagdag ng binata.

Tutulungan ang panelists ng isang lupon using their fan voting capabilities to help them decide kung sino ang karapatdapat pero sa mga hurado pa rin ang final sey.

Meron ding psychologist on the set para iensure ang mental wellness ng contenders pati ng parents nila as they face each other every Sunday sa Centerstage ng GMA 7. Ang show ay ididirek ni Louie Ignacio na siya ring naghelm ng Sunday Pinasaya.

Cornerstone and and a Viva Artist Win Big Despite Odds in the 1st Philippine LEAF Awards

2020 seems to taking off with a blast for Cornerstone Entertainment. Not only do they have an upcoming concert on the 14th headlined by Rachelle Ann Go at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, they also bagged a number of major awards in the first installment of this multi-genred award-giving body for live performances.

Erik Santos and Yeng Constantino's 'Extraordinary' bested concert formidable well-applauded shows last year like 'Iconic' and 'The Songbird and the Songhorse', bagging the award for Outstanding Performance in a Concert by a Duo/Group.

John Prats, who has only been directing concerts for more than 2 years, has received positive feedback for his style and it is obvious that he will be directing more shows because he bagged the Outstanding Concert Director award.

Alisah Bonaobra who made songs recently under Viva Records bested more recently popular bets Janine Berdin and Jex de Castro, bagging the Outstanding New Artist award.

The 1st Philippine LEAF Awards was held at RCBC Theater, Makati City last February 8. The ceremony, dubbed as Tertulia at Parangal, started promptly at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Below is the complete list of winners:

MUSIC CATEGORIES


OUTSTANDING NEW ARTIST
       ALISAH BONAOBRA

OUTSTANDING VOCAL ENSEMBLE/GROUP
                  EPHESUS/TRIBU
(Sweet Samaniego Buchanan/Terence Guillermo,
Margarita Roco, Stephen Hotchkiss, Red Nuestro, Onyl Torres)


OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN MUSIC LOUNGES
     JEAN KILEY
 (Bar 360, Resorts World)


OUTSTANDING REGULAR PERFORMANCE IN MUSIC LOUNGES (GROUP)

        DRAYBERS 
 (Bar 360/Resorts World)

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN A CONCERT BY A DUO/GROUP 
       EXTRAORDINARY
 (Erik Santos & Yeng Constantino)


OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN A MAJOR CONCERT
                 GERALD SANTOS
 (The Homecoming Concert/ The Theater at Solaire)
and
                ANTON DIVA
        (Shine/Cuneta Astrodome)


OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN A CONCERT 
                     DULCE
 (Magnificat Concert/Antipolo Church)


BEST CONCERT DIRECTOR
              JOHN PRATS
 (ExtraordinarY/ Erik Santos/Yeng Constantino)



OUTSTANDING FILIPINO CULTURAL CONCERT
         REMINISCENSES
 (EPHESUS/TRIBU/RCBC Theater)
and

   MAYNILA, Maalaala Mo Kaya
 (Plaza Amado Hernandez, Tondo, Manila)

OUTSTANDING  MUSICAL/CONCEPT  REVIEW SHOW
                             CLUB MWAH


                                  
GOLDEN LEAF AWARD
FOR EXCELLENCE IN THEATER ARTS EDUCATION
                             RICARDO ABAD

                                             
GOLDEN LEAF AWARD
FOR EXCELLENCE IN DANCE EDUCATION
                        SHIRLEY HALILI - CRUZ



GOLDEN LEAF AWARD
FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE FIELD OF MUSICAL PERFORMANCES 
                          DULCE

GOLDEN LEAF AWARD
FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE FIELD OF  ART ADVOCACY IN MEDIA 
                          PABLO TARIMAN


                                 
GOLDEN LEAF AWARD
FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE FIELD  OF ART  ADVOCACY IN MEDIA
                      AMADIS MA. GUERRERO

                                
GOLDEN LEAF AWARD
FOR EXCELLENCE  IN THE FIELD OF ARTS MANAGEMENT
                      CHRIS MILLADO

                               
GOLDEN LEAF AWARD
FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE FIELD 
OF CLASSICAL DANCE PERFORMANCE
                  LISA MACUJA - ELIZALDE

                             
GOLDEN LEAF AWARD
FOR EXCELLENCE IN FESTIVAL MANAGEMENT
                   FRED ELIZALDE

                                 
LEAF PRESIDENTIAL AWARD
FOR EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC RELATIONS IN ARTS AND CULTURE                                                     JOSELITO TOOTS TOLENTINO
                                                                
                                     
LEAF PRESIDENTIAL AWARD
FOR ADVOCACY IN THE MERGING OF CULTURE
AND THE ARTS WITH NATION BUILDING
               CECILE GUIDOTE ALVAREZ

                            
                        
LEAF PRESIDENTIAL AWARD
DIRECTOR FOR SPECIAL EVENTS
               PETER S. MACROHON

                             
                                        
 LEAF PRESIDENTIAL AWARD
 AS A FESTIVAL CATALYST/ORGANIZER
            GOV. SAMUEL GUMARIN
                   (Manggahan Festival 2019)

                                           
  LEAF PRESIDENTIAL AWARD
  FOR EXCELLENCE IN FESTIVAL CHOREOGRAPHY
                   ROMEL FLOGEN


LEAF PRESIDENTIAL AWARD
FOR EXCELLENCE IN FESTIVAL MUSIC COMPOSITION
                 LUCIEN LETABA

                                                   
 LEAF PRESIDENTIAL AWARD
 FOR EXCELLENCE IN FESTIVAL MUSIC COMPOSITION
                           for the Karatong Festival, Dulag, Leyte
                                   MAYOR JOY QUE

THEATER CATEGORIES                                          

 OUTSTANDING FILIPINO MUSICAL
  NOLI ME TANGERE (The Opera)

                                        
 OUTSTANDING PLAY
 KATSURI
          
 OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL  
 SHIELA  VALDERRAMA -  MARTINEZ
 (Passion/Philippine Opera Company)

 OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
 VIEN KING
(Passion/Philippine Opera Company)

                             
OUTSTANDING CULTURAL GROUP
UYAT ARTISTA
(Angeles City, Pampanga)

                
OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR FOR SPECIAL EVENTS
RODEL MERCADO
PESA 70th Anniversary)

             
OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR                                             
RIKI BENEDICTO
(Alyas July/Dulaang Filipino/CSB)

           
OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR FOR A MUSICAL
JOSE JEFFREY CAMANAG
JERRY SIBAL
  Noli Me Tangere (The Opera)
                       
OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR FOR AN EMERGING  PERFORMANCE ART
JAYSON GANTAN PABALAN
 Mural/CLDCAS/Jocson College
                      
 OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE FOR A MUSICAL
 SPRING AWAKENING
 Ateneo Blue Repertory) 

          
OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE FOR A PLAY
MANILA NOTES
(Tanghalang Pilipino/ Japan Foundation)

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS
IN A FEATURED  ROLE (MUSICAL)
CARLA GUEVARA - LAFORTEZA
(Ang Huling El Bimbo/Resorts World) 

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR
IN A FEATURED  ROLE (MUSICAL)
JUANCHO GABRIEL 
(Spring Awakening/ Ateneo Blue Repertory)


OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE CAST FOR A MUSICAL
SPRING AWAKENING 
(Ateneo Blue Repertory)


OUTSTANDING MUSICAL DIRECTOR
HERMINIGILDO RANERA
(Noli Me Tangere, The Opera/J&S Production)


OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS
MISSY MARAMARA
(Stop Kiss/Positive Space/Music Artes)



OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR
ROEDER   CAMANAG 
 (Ang Dressing Room/Dulaang UP)


OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS
 IN A FEATURED  ROLE 
 STELLA  CANETE
 (Ang Bahay ni Bernarda Alba/Dulaang UP)


OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR
 IN A FEATURED  ROLE  
 NORMAN PENAFLORIDA
 (Nakakapagpabagabag/Artist Playground)


OUTSTANDING EMERGING PERFORMANCE ART
TAO PO
 (Rise Up/Juana Change Movement)


OUTSTANDING  PERFORMER IN AN EMERGING PERFORMANCE ART 
 MAE PANER
 (Tao Po/Rise Up/Juana Change Movement)

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION FOR CHILDREN
SLEEPING BEAUTY 
 (Kids Acts Philippines Inc.) 
and

HANGGANG ISANG ARAW 
(UP Dulaang Laboratoryo)


OUTSTANDING SCENOGRAPHY
Nia and Anwar/The Whale Shark Tale
 (Gloria’s Fantasyland/Dapitan) 


OUTSTANDING  SPECIAL EVENTS 
IMBUKADA
(Belison, Antique)


OUTSTANDING SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR
RODEL MERCADO 
 (70th Anniversary, Federation of  Electrical Suppliers)

DANCE CATEGORIES


OUTSTANDING  DANCE PRODUCTION
 PANATA AT PANALANGIN
(Sinukwan Kapampangan)


OUTSTANDING CONTEMPORARY DANCE GROUP
LOCSIN DANCE WORKSHOP
(Davao City)

OUTSTANDING CULTURAL DANCE GROUP
Community  Based
 KALILAYAN FOLKLORIC DANCE TROUPE
 (Catanauan, Quezon)

OUTSTANDING CULTURAL DANCE GROUP
 School Based
 UST Salingawi Dance Troupe

OUTSTANDING CULTURAL DANCE GROUP
Professional 
SINDAW Philippines


FESTIVAL CATEGORIES

OUTSTANDING RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL
SUBLIAN FESTIVAL (Batangas City)

OUTSTANDING CULTURAL/HERITAGE FESTIVAL
FIESTA REPUBLIKA
(Malolos Bulacan)


OUTSTANDING  AGRICULTURAL FESTIVAL
BAMBANTI FESTIVAL
 (Isabela)


OUTSTANDING FESTIVAL ORGANIZER
GOV JOY BERNOS
(Abrenian Kawayan Festival, Abra)


OUTSTANDING FESTIVAL DIRECTOR (MINDANAO)
VAL LOZADA 
(Kaliga ‘Tu Sur/Tandag, Surigao del Sur)


OUTSTANDING FESTIVAL DIRECTOR (LUZON)
NILO AGUSTIN
 (Bambanti Festival/Isabela)

OUTSTANDING FESTIVAL DIRECTOR (VISAYAS)
RUDY REVECHE
 (Bacolod City)


OUTSTANDING  FESTIVAL CHOREOGRAPHER (Luzon)
STEPHEN BIADOMA
 (Abrenian Kawayan Festival/Abra Bangued)


OUTSTANDING  FESTIVAL CHOREOGRAPHER (Visayas)
VICTOR HAO CUENCO 
(Buyugan Festival/Cebu)


OUTSTANDING  FESTIVAL CHOREOGRAPHER (Mindanao)
GEORGE KIMBOY
(Kulintangan Festival/Datupiang Maguindanao)