VIBE PH Knows How to Party

VIBE PH Jocks and Manny Pangilinan

Took the trip down Reliance street to visit VIBE PH as they take their awesome party at their newest place, the MVP STUDIO. It's their biggest one to date (I heard they've got bigger plans), but seeing them enjoy their new home was something I didn't want to miss. I could see the hosts excitement before the opening number and I managed to document parts of that and talk to them about it. When I asked if they were nervous about performing in the show, they told me they were more keen to give their viewers the best OPM performances they can dish out.

Elmo Magalona performed with the Vibe Jocks, they did several songs of his Dad Francis Magalona which I kinda miss seeing on TV. It's been a while since we've seen Elmo too, and I hope they get to do more with him in future shows. Aside from that, they also did a tribute to well loved all girl 90's band Prettier Than Pink. They performed the hit song "Cool Ka Lang", something folks in those younger years actually bopped with. It's so good to see them happily playing instruments again together, like a reunion of sorts and VIBE PH made it happen. 

Prettier Than Pink performing Cool Ka Lang

VIBE PH Jocks and Elmo Magalona

PPOP Group VVINK

Shaina Magdayao and JM De Guzman

Enrique Gil and Andrea Brillantes

The Juans with Vibe Jocks

We also saw VVINK perform one of their hit songs, which was young, fun and fresh sounding. They're pretty good dancers too as with any good PPOP group would do. They also had The Juans, Earl Agustin and the band Lily for the Main Vibe stage, can't help but notice because they've got lots of fans screaming their lungs out. To end the evening, they had Salbakuta on stage, who performed their hit songs. They had the crowd up on their seats, and the Vibe Jocks also did a few Basil Valdez songs which they also loved. Enrique Gil, Andrea Brillantes, Shaina Magdayao and JM De Guzman then surprised people, then promoted their two shows A Secret in Prague and My Bespren Emman. 

Imagine, these folks have been doing these performances every week (and good ones at that). They also try to do new things, play those OPM songs you love and make a huge effort to present it to you the way you love. The sheer number of talented artists each week baffles me, because production must have cost a ton to do this. New artists on the other hand can also promote their songs, it's a really nice platform for them. They also can rally their fans to vote so they could watch them on stage. It's a full blown entertainment hub, and it'll be a better one since they have a new home in Mandaluyong. It sits beside the Launchpad Building in the same street.

See, they're just starting, and soon they'll have more icons, great performers in the show. I think VIBE PH is doing a good job. I can't wait to see what they would come up with in the next few weeks, months or years!

Spark Creative Shots with the LUMOS EVOKE Digital Camera [Review]

My passion for photography started at a young age as I've seen the work of masters here in Manila. Not divulging my age, I've seen them use film for most of the time and in 2010, I picked up my own digital camera to shoot runway and lifestyle events in the city. In the past, we had to go to establishments who have dark rooms to develop shots and print on photo paper. I still have a few cameras in my arsenal but if I'd want to experiment on filters, I usually depend on post processing with software for that. Good thing there's a new vintage style digital camera called LUMOS EVOKE.

I've had several LUMOS projectors in my home to watch movies and videos in off times (and it's all too pleasurable IMHO). The brand has seriously made technology accessible, but this new camera just fits right in my alley. I'm in that era of experimenting in shots. For me, taking a photo without a "look" defeats the purpose of being a photographer. 

In film, I had to use a slower shutter speed and lower exposure to use lights and have streaks in my portraits. To achieve the vintage look was a bit of an effort because you have to combine what you use as a camera, the film, the settings and the way you develop it. Although there's some in digital, much of it depends on post processing to achieve that "look" you want to see. The LUMOS EVOKE makes it easy because it's got 16 filters built in, which means all you need to do is shoot and transfer the shot to your laptop or phone to enjoy it.

Unboxing the LUMOS EVOKE

The LUMOS EVOKE comes in a classic white box that's got the image of the actual cam in front. Aside from the unit, this camera comes with a USB C charger, a micro USB adapter, the camera strap, neck strap, a card reader, a felt wipe and the user manual.

Here's what it looks like on video:

The LUMOS EVOKE Features

This is a thing of beauty. The color of the body is simply monochrome, but you can feel how they took time to design this chap, The grip naturally fits on the hand, the flash can be turned on with one button, as this also can take 4K at 30 FPS videos. The camera can take 64MP shots, and the built in 16 filters I mentioned gives you a ton of options if you want something different to come out of it. 

The LUMOS EVOKE also has a flip screen so you don't have to put in guess work when you're shooting in front of the camera (oh vlogging would be a cinch!). I would suggest to turn on the anti shake and auto focus functions especially if you've got shaky hands. It also has sufficient battery life, which means it'll last a long while if you're covering an event or traveling like I am too. When I'm with my family, I take a lot of photos which don't end up on social media. I usually keep it on albums for personal use, and show it to those who are very close to me. With the LUMOS EVOKE I get to have artsy looking shots and do that, including those that I use for coverage for the blog (including the celebrities you love!).

Now if you're keen to own one, they've got this on promo for only Php 4,999. Take the time to visit their site www.lumosprojector.ph/evoke to know more about this camera. I've got this in my bag ready to get creative, wish you get to experience what I've been doing lately. It's awesome!

Jarlo Base, BGYO Akira Morishita, Marielle Montellano and JM Dela Cerna on Star Magic Spotlight

The recent Your Face Sounds Familiar season has just ended but that doesn't mean Jarlo Base, BGYO Akira Morishita, Marielle Montellano and JM Dela Cerna won't be busy as they become the artists featured on Star Magic Spotlight. It's an opportunity to finally ask about what happened during the show and the fun things they did in between takes. 

This is my first time to meet Jarlo but I'm quite aware about the work he does for other artists as a songwriter. Now that the YFSF show ended, he's taking his sweet time to create more music and do it himself. His music was always RnB but YFSF taught him to be more flexible. Doing other artists means realizing they can do anything they put their mind to. This goes the same with BGYO Akira who felt a little bit uncomfortable performing alone since he's always been with his brothers in a group. He also mentioned how he became the life of the party because he talks a lot, especially to the folks who often are introverts, shy or too quiet (which Jarlo was). Now you can't stop them from having fun when they're together. Check out our interview with them on Spotlight!

No stranger to singing contests, Marielle Montellano and JM Dela Cerna have made some of the viral performances in the show. Their final song "And I am Telling You" done by Jennifer Holiday and Jessica Sanchez was absolutely crazy. JM didn't only switch genders, but held that raspy fun voice Ms. Holiday is known for. Best of all, they had so much fun doing it despite Marielle being under the weather that particular day. The two are also being shipped as JMielle on social media and are quite happy being supported wherever they are in the country, where their fans follow them in remote islands without hesitation. This love is something they hold dear, and is always thankful for it. Here's more of that talk with them on video:

JMielle actually has plans to release new music and is eager to also do acting jobs of permitted soon. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as they have more things in the pipeline they couldn't divulge yet, but it will all be revealed soon!

Thank you to Star Magic for letting us interview them! Hope you sub on our YouTube channel so I could reach my goal of getting a Silver Play button :)

TV5 Brings More Shows on Primetime!

Primetime will never be the same as TV5 starts their newest shows "A Secret in Prague" and "My Bestfriend Emman". Topbilled by Andrea Brillantes and Enrique Gil, they'll be telling the lives of an OFW who's goal is to earn a living and make sure to provide for his own family back in the PH. Andrea Brillantes plays the role of Kiara as they unveil their complicated past as they showcase the beauty of Prague and the historic city. The film also includes artists like Kim Domingo, Cedrick Juan, Joel Torre, Edu Manzano, Arlene Mulach, K Brosas and a whole lot more. 

"My Bestfriend Emman" on the other hand is about the various stories of folks who learn how to forgive, and accept things. It is also a story about love, hope and one's faith. You as a viewer would need to find out who Emman is and how their story becomes intertwined with their past, it is also very emotional so there will be lots of drama included. This will also be largely talking about the role of friendship + their relationships. These shows will be premiered on Netflix this April 24th and will be shown on free TV come 27th. The cast also includes Sid Lucero, Donna Cariaga, Kiko Thompson, Elyson de Dios, TJ Valderama, and Iven Lim.

Here's what transpired at the media conference: 

Although they have worked together in the past, this is actually the first time that they'll be on screen partners. You'll see romance, drama and action set in the lovely streets and goth structures. The drama powerhouse that is JM, Shaina and Ms. Aiai brings will be making you question a lot of things, including your loyalty to your faith, the drama in your own homes and might make you question your life choices. 

Remember, it all happens this April! I hope this starts an avalanche of more shows in the network.