Regal's PROJECT BABY Mirrors Modern Families and Unconventional Relationships

Watched the movie PROJECT BABY of Regal Entertainment Inc. This is directed by Eric Quizon, who had their premiere night at Eastwood Mall Cinemas. This stars multi-faceted actress Sue Ramirez and rock icon Rico Blanco. They also had Matt Lozano (who wasn't there because of work), Arra San Agustin, Yasser Marta, Alex Calleja, Kimson Tan, Christian Ty, Charuth, Drei Arias, Jonathan Perez, Jazzil Sarinas and the living vampire Ms. Alice Dixson. 

The plot is interesting because it delves on genuine relationships, modern ones, and the concept of parenting. Does it need to be perfect? Does it need to be planned? Or maybe have the heart involved? 

Would you do it for the sake of relationships? Pro creation? Or weigh things of what's moral or not? 

There is also a kid involved in the story where you have to understand whether the parents are taking on the responsibility or not, or firmly follow the contract?

Then it also gets complicated, finding the right mix of doing right, listening to opinions of friends, family, the bio father and her own thoughts.

This would all be answered in the movie PROJECT BABY. Will she succeed in actually making a baby? A Boy or a Girl? Do they need to do what is right? or will they live in sin and break all the rules of love and relationships?

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I'd gladly rate this a 4/5, it was a bit stiff in the beginning but became more au naturelle later on the story. Aside from the main stars, you'll love the character of Matt Lozano who's funny and fluffy in all the right corners. The story is going to be the main selling point, you would want to know what would happen next. It's cute, not complicatedly told, and a very happy material to watch. Though it's the first time that they've been paired on screen, you can feel how they wanted to encompass emotions, including that much needed kilig we always ask for. 

It's now showing in theaters nationwide! Go watch it today!

DigiP|us Gets 3 at 60th Anvil Awards

The who's who of public relations gathered together at the 60th Anvil Awards. Think of it as the Oscars of communications and public relations in the country. Getting a nod from these folks certainly means a lot especially for campaigns run in companies that significantly impact the community and industry. Well the folks from DigiP|us Interactive didn't just get one but 3 honors. A Gold Anvil was given to DigiP|us for their rebranding campaign called "DigiP|us Reimagined: Pioneering Fun, Technology and Community". They also got 2 Silver Anvils for 2023 DigiP|us Integrated Report and the B!ngoP|us Foundation "FutureSmart" initiative aimed to empower through education.

For their rebranding campaign and their efforts in making entertainment accessible, they have worked with Landor, a global brand specialist. They also used an integrated report framework for the 2023 Integrated Report to show where they are heading in the years to come. It has made them even eager to deliver value for customers and the communities they serve. They also concentrated with IT in the FutureSmart program to contribute positive change, all part of their social programs.

Congratulations on these recent achievements! Head on to their official website to know more about it.

Comedy, Love, Relationships and Second Chances on MMFF 2023 Entry BROKEN HEARTS TRIP

 

Giving you tons of laughter and a couple of heartstrings is this upcoming MMFF 2023 entry called "Broken Hearts Trip" to be shown on Christmas day.

The theme of the movie lies in the characters who's part of the LGBT community, 5 individuals who are trying to find their goals on money and love. Though this will be telling much of the hurt, the sacrifices, the change in people, these are the huge factor why the film was actually chosen for MMFF 2023 according to the Director Lem Lorca.

The film stars Christian Bables, Direk Andoy Ranay, Petite, Iyah Minah and Teejay Marquez. The movie also includes award winning actress Ms. Jaclyn Jose, Jay Gonzaga, Ron Angeles, Argel Saycon, Marvin Yap, Tart Carlos, Amold Reyes, Kevin Posadas and runway fairy extraordinaire Sinon Loresca.

Christian Bables adds "We promised to make people happy and wanted them to realize something about their pain and their broken hearts, and healing. I did my best as an actor, and with the grace of God, thank you, and if I didn't get the best actor trophy, I'd be glad to see the deserving one win it. I hope we both get recognition for the hard work and we also would love if we do good in the box office. I really appreciate learning the best worth ethics from Jaclyn Jose, I believe the best actors don't want to get that pressure from her. She's a very good listener, it doesn't matter if one is new in the industry because she will give you what you need in the scenes, she's that generous and great."

Direk Lem Lorca says "Broken Hearts Trip really had some things broken in the process, it's how we heal and the characters have different ways of finding a cure. Yes, it won't be solely solving their problems in one way, they are hurt, sad, angry and even hiding their feelings. We will take you for a ride when it comes out in Christmas."

Here's our video coverage of the event, please enjoy!

 During the press conference, I personally asked them about their personal experiences. Knowing they had their fair share of first love, breakups and things they've learned, Direk Andoy Ranay shared how he was in love with an older chap who after breaking up, was able to remain friends til today. Christian Bables on the other hand talked about young love, where he had a falling out with a lady who was already working while he was only starting out. They broke up in a cab, where he got the surprise of his life after being informed that he was "the other guy" in the relationship. Petite reminisced about the reasons how she and Amir broke up, and when she knew that she was already into the fantasy, joking that after they broke up, still had to send GCash after that. Iyah Minah on the other hand shared how she felt like a woman, she was treated like one, even when she hadn't transitioned yet. She was young, but it was the first time she experienced love and romance. She's still thankful that happened.

Becoming part of the MMFF 2023 final list isn't an accident for this one. The trailer alone gives that interesting story that's not just going to give you laughter from start to finish, but a whole new reason to believe in love, relationships, even second chances. The movie comes out on Christmas Day and will have a showcase internationally in January, please stay tuned for that especially those who are in North America. For those who are in the Philippines, make sure you've got Broken Hearts Trip as part of your MMFF 2023 Holiday watch list. It'll be doubly fun if you get your family and friends with you, after all, a happy movie won't hurt especially during the Christmas and New Year's Day. They promise you, it'll be fun with the right amount of love in between.

This is produced by BMC Films and Smart Films.

SPARKS CAMP - First Queer Dating Show in the Philippines

Is dating difficult these days? Have you been looking for that certain spark? Be ready as 10 single guys gets the ball rolling in the country's first queer dating reality show called "SPARKS CAMP". The show will be premiered this Wednesday at Black Sheep's YouTube channel and yes, netizens have certainly noticed.

I've seen how people reacted on Twitter, some thirsty for conversations. At the helm is Director Theodore Boborol who has been part other hit shows like PBB and MMK among others. Patrick Valencia and Daniel Saniana also wrote the script. Patrick has done "Hanging Out", "The Third Party",  hit web show "Hello Stranger". Daniel on the other hand did "Sila Sila" apart from his other works. Hosting the show is Ms. Mela Habijan who's been a stern supporter and part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Director Theodore says "We are very excited to let you see the show Sparks Camp, I hope you enjoy the show and hear who you are rooting for in the camp."

Mela says "Happy pride! This is the first queer reality dating show, it's difficult for the community and hope this sparks conversations especially in the queer community."

Here are highlights from this evening's mediacon, enjoy!

People will love the cast, as campers Dan, Nick, Gabe, Justin, Stanley, Karl, Aaron, Alex, Bong, Nat will be trying their luck in finding the one who will give them that spark. This is part of the throng of content that ABSCBN is putting out on YouTube, make sure you watch and take part in the conversation. Remember, May 24 at 8pm, in Black Sheep's YouTube channel.

Patrick Valencia in the end adds "This is our labor of love and hope you spread the word, thank you!"

PS. Got the chance to see the first episode, which you shouldn't miss so you get to know the guys before they try to see if there's real spark!

DAVID LICAUCO and SHAIRA DIAZ Does Open Relationships in WITHOUT YOU

Ever felt curious about having yourself involved with 2 or more people? It's happening a lot these days and this is something what the movie WITHOUT YOU is tackling this coming February 15th. This project under heavily missed OCTOARTS FILMS stars man of the hour David Licauco and gorgeous actress Shaira Diaz.

This isn't the first time that the two are being paired as the ShaiVid love team started in a TV series a couple of years back and got immortalized in a 2019 movie made by famed director Joel Lamangan. It was about millennials and this time, they're discussing a very matured subject like OPEN RELATIONSHIPS. David Licauco recently had remarkable success playing Fidel in the hit show "Maria Clara at Ibarra" while Shaira Diaz also confirmed a Book 2 for "Lolong" where she plays Elsie Dominguez.

This entailed they had to also level up in the acting department because it wouldn't be easy to tell the story without being a sexy. This is the reason why even David's Mom didn't want him to take the project, but felt he had to make the decision so he could start taking on roles that could challenge him as an actor. Shaira on the other hand laughed a little as she was totally on board because she's already twenty something but still doing "pa-tweetums" roles on screen, she felt she needed to change her game now because obviously, this isn't a romantic comedy.

 

The two will also be joined by beauty queens Riana Pangindian (Miss World Philippines 1st Princess 2021) and Dindi Pajares (Miss Supranational Philippines 2021) who will both play a vital role in the lives of these two.

 Here's what happened during the press conference:

For those who want to see David Licauco and Shaira Diaz in a different light, WITHOUT YOU is certainly going to make you want more. Their pairing has been proven in the past already, and now that they have booming separate careers, wouldn't it be interesting to see them in a more matured state? This was made by Director RC Delos Reyes under OCTOARTS Films and will premiere in February 15. Make sure you support this if you love their recent roles on TV!

Jeric Gonzales Releases New Single HIHINTAYIN KITA

That good looking tall guy with boy next door looks and fit physique just isn't stopping in his game. Jeric Gonzales just recently released his new single "Hihintayin Kita" (I'll wait for you), a sad ballad written by Direk Louie Ignacio for the movie he's also in (which will come out soon). It was written specifically for it and was inspired by the story, it was only while they were working on set that Direk said he'll be singing the theme song for it, so he was quite surprised.

Here's our interview with Jeric this afternoon, enjoy!

While I was talking to him, he distinctly remembers the time when he did the front act for legendary David Pomeranz when he did a concert in Quezon a few years back. He also mentioned how he always make it a point to connect with the women being paired with him so when they do intimate scenes, he wouldn't cause them to be uncomfortable when they're with him. He also affirms that he doesn't fall in love with the beautiful women being paired with him as he's very professional. I'm so glad hearing that.

Anyway, if you're a fan or just want to hear new music, check out Jeric Gonzales' music on streaming platforms available worldwide. He's a very nice chap.

ULAN : A Weird and Haunting Love Story

ULAN is a new movie produced by Viva and Hooq. It’s their first venture to movie production, but definitely not the last. This movie is well made, let’s get that out of the way. Pinoys have this little known saying that the reason it rains even if it’s sunny is that there’s a pair of “Tikbalang” getting married. A “Tikbalang” is a mythical creature, half man, half horse. Though the general reason for the tale is that even the heavens cannot stop LOVE from happening. 

Jennifer from Hooq says “HOOQ has been here since 2015 and this is our first Hooq original to be theatrically released. We have a fabulous partnership with Viva and we have other films with Nadine in our system. We will be seeing one of it tonight.” 

She had relationships, fell hard on most of them, found another one, wanted to become hopeful about love and try to be at it again. She learned lessons, finding herself in the same situation, falls with the Prince Charming, then does it again anyway. Then came along a not so perfect guy, who read her stories, found it engaging. This street smart guy may be the next guy to love, but it’s told doing common everyday things. Then flashbacks have really weird interpretations, you’ll stop and be poking fun, but that part I really appreciate because it’s artsy. Albeit not really boyfriend and girlfriend in real life, Carlo Aquino and Nadine Lustre can get you in their relationship, be involved in it and make you invested in it. Then they will surprise you with a twist. You’ll hate him for it. 

Nadine Lustre surprised us at the advanced screening of her movie ULAN at the Podium Directors Club

Carlo is indeed a great actor, so is that young Maya in the film. Nadine is the perfect story teller, you’ll be hopeful for her plight all throughout the movie. Will she succeed in finding love she deserves? Or will the heavens be a hindrance? 

You should watch this film in Cinemas nationwide starting March 13. Hooq and Viva really did good. They should make more of these stories. 

CHANGING PARTNERS in Cinemas Today

Just saw Changing Partners today and boy was I impressed. The hit cinemaone originals entry that talks about LOVE got it's needed commercial run tomorrow and a premiere night with the four artists Jojit Lorenzo, Agot Isidro, Sandino Martin and Anna Luna.

Now the good thing is I'm looking at this movie like a regular spectator, as I havent watched the PETA production or when they showed this at the CinemaOne originals festival last year. The reason I said this needed a commercial run is because this is one spectacular representation of a world class production. Albeit casting lesser commercial appeal stars, it has greatly been able to tell the story of 4 relationships. All along I thought the narrative might have been given away at the trailer already but no, you need to see it on screen how they meticulously tied these gay, lesbian and May December affairs. The obvious message they would want to send is that love knows no gender, but really I think it's more than that. They treated each persona differently, and each individual may or may not ne affected by what the partner is doing. I am most impressed on how the material basically has said bluntly what a person should say in a situation, like if it does happen in real life it would have meant relationships would all go to shambles.

As writer Vincent De Jesus puts it, “Love can be overrated, the story is about my personality with humor, I am weird that way. It’s about relationships, friendships, how complete strangers become complete. We try to tell the story with truths and see how it plays there. We hope people would watch this film for just the mere goodness of the material, we are nervous but excited for everyone to see it!”

Here’s a video of our interview with the writer and some of the stars of the movie.

CHANGING PARTNERS will be shown to the public tomorrow at leading cinemas including SM. Check out and see why it’s the most talked about film and why it won awards at the CinemaOne Originals festival last year. It definitely is worth every minute. If there would be some improvements I'd like to happen, it's those dizzying camera shots during the first few miniutes of the movie, aside from that I loved it. I'd give it 4/5 cows.

Hurry and watch it before you get old like a banana.

KUMAGCOW

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The Women of Camp Sawi

This film has been connecting to this generation in a massive way. For those who have loved, hurt, lied upon and are still in the process of healing, Camp Sawi is but a refuge set to be a cure to the lifelong mystery of "how to move on". The cast is an ensemble of equally interesting women who had in one way or another had gone through struggles themselves. How do they play the role of these women? Is there some weird connection with their real life personas? Or is this a dream? Or is it just their past haunting them too? Here are some snippets of their interview during the presscon a few weeks ago. I saved this in case they were doing the premier night already (which was a while ago). I didn't get to go because of the rain, but here's some of the things they said about this film and about their lives that might interest you. Just a few things that I picked up!

"I think I've been very cautious after that failed relationship, I was thinking we might talk, and get back together. I went back to who I was but a little smarter because I know what to do already. My character is in love with Dennis and it's really a good thing to have a small part of yourself in the role so people would still recognize that it is you, and how you are as an actress. I hope there really is a Camp Sawi because everything else has a cure, it should be the same with those who are brokenhearted including your friends." - Bela Padilla

"You'll enter a bitter phase. But you'll later realize all that lacked in that relationship, learn to fill it up the next time I do have one. It's normal. It's going to make you stronger. Taking him out of the equation felt like life had no meaning anymore, I needed to find myself after I was blinded and I needed to know who I am as a person, to love yourself and never require a compromise. Being an actress, it works when I don't bring things like these to work. I understood myself more and make the character not that expressive. You get to know people here because there are no cellphone signals, you really need to talk and it's healthy. Camp Sawi is something that I did for myself. I explored, and I got to know about the country, and more of myself." -Andi Eigenmann

"I need the most important people in my life to tell me what I did, what I need to do and what I should do the next time. I feel I can now conquer anything in a relationship. I am stronger now. I feel it's a part of me, I know how to act like the person because I personally did went through that. I'm sure everybody had a heartbreak. We're often asked about opening a real Camp Sawi, they wanted it to come true and they have the actual are still there." -Arci Muñoz

"I don't want to get the character as close as what I experienced in real life. Hers is a different world than mine, the only similarity is probably the capability to love, but the rest are made like what I do in theater." -Kim Molina

"We also did a dance number and fit into the role of those who are in the "sawi" situation. It went a little viral, it cures everything when you're sad. It was fun doing that!" -Yassi Pressman 

Camp Sawi will be shown on theaters this August 24, 2016. It's a stellar cast and moving on just mean helping others so you can help yourself. Mall shows will also happen in different malls, follow their official page to know more. I bet you're itching your hands to know how to really move on.... and judging from the people who watched it earlier, it's a good one!"

KUMAGCOW
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The Story of Us Grand Presscon

We're at the Grand Press Conference of the Kim Chiu - Xian Lim starrer "The Story of Us" today. Xian and Kim looked as sweet as ever! They first thanked and asked the press to spare space on their columns for the show and told us about the overwhelming feedback of netizens and the Filipino viewers til now.

The Story of Us is also going to have mini stories in between the life of Tin and Macoy, the continuation will be in radio (via DJ Chacha's show) and digital properties of ABSCBN. They're also asking inspiring stories from the OFW's, the public as they will feature them in the show. Mico Del Rosario also mentioned that because of the performance of Zaijan Jaranilla and Alyanna Angeles in the show, they will be also doing a full program for them, doubling good news.

Kim says "This is fun because people can really relate to the characters of the show. Every Filipino would realize that this is also their story. Tonight's episode will have me stay in a motel because of a discount card, funny but it's something that happens in reality. My character wants family first before going into love and relationships. We had fun in New York, Tita Zsazsa cooks for us early in the morning to prepare breakfast and clean the house even if we had a whole day of shooting. It was so cold there, omaygash, Xian tries to keep us warm with ear mops, hand warmer, and coffee. We didn't really like the weather in Central Park as it was dead cold! Every nice place in New York, you'll see that all in the next few weeks. We even rode the free ride to Staten Island and saw lady Liberty"

Xian says "Macoy is a very driven person, he's got a lot to prove like me. We met a lot of people along the way and they tell their stories on how they survive everyday. It's very relatable but when you see Macoy I hope you also see his struggle and learn from it. I love shooting in Times Square, even if it was difficult because there were a LOT of people. Filipinos there even were taking selfies while we were shooting, we felt very welcome because after obliging fans, they give us Pizza too! We were very happy!"

Meanwhile to answer a question about their current status, Xian proudly says "I'm not ashamed to tell people how much I love her, but I have to protect her. "Nagmamahalan kami".

Direk Richard Somes adds "Everytime they have moments, I think the magic is there. We have Xian and Kim to thank for that."

The Story of Us shows on the same slot as OTWOL, which they replaced after it ended a couple days ago. This is part of their primetime.

KUMAGCOW

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