ELHA NYMPHA Does Theater Debut in INDAY The Musical

Hearing the name ELHA NYMPHA for this interview made me so proud as we grew up in the same town. She continues to soar in the music industry, but is now is delving out of her comfort zone, taking strides in a theater piece called INDAY The Musical. This is under Studio A Productions, the same people who did Tulog Na: Musical, Makara, Kaning Itime and a few more.

Elha says "This is about family, friendship, and the people quarreling inside your homes. I was expecting to be part of the support cast but when I asked them who's playing Inday, they pointed to me. I was in disbelief, totally didn't expect that because this is the first time I'm doing a musical, my theater debut. They assured be there's going to be a lot of training involved and we started doing that in September. I won't have alternates, and the music is not new to me because I'm an old soul. I've been listening to cassette tapes often. We're doing the song of the Boyfriends in a dark way, making it a little ballad which is right up my alley. Inday is fierce, and independent." 

Here's our talk with Elha that afternoon:

 

The musical will have it's limited run at the RCBC Plaza in Makati this coming October 16-18 (but heard they opened a few more dates because they've been selling out!). Aside from Elha, they also have vocal supreme Katrina Velarde, veteran theater actors Chris Fong, Basty Batistis, Jude Gamaliel, Eunice Somintac, Cherry Morena, Jeremy Manite, Primitivo Moscare, Aina Salazar, Nicollo Gutierrez and an awesome ensemble cast. They're going to utilize songs from 70's Manila Sound group Boyfriends. To give you a glimpse, here's Elha and the ensemble cast doing one of the songs for the show:

The piece is dark, and talks about local folklore, particularly the "Mangkukulam" and the families that are connected with it. They will also discuss memories, generational secrets, doing the music in different ways and interpreted in extraordinary ways. Music for this theater production was made by Jeremy Manite and arranged by Jason Tung. Book and Lyrics was also made by Danna Bernardino (who was there during the press preview). Choreography is also done by Teacher Georcelle of G-Force, so expect dance to be an integral part of it. Tickets are sold at studioAshows.com and they've been running out of it, they've opened shows til the 25th.

Judging from the music we heard that afternoon, this deserves to be watched. Again, tickets run out fast. I'm super proud of Elha! Don't say I didn't warn you!

JOLINA MAGDANGAL and MARVIN AGUSTIN for TV5's MOMMY GUARD

Hearing they'll be together again in a series made people clutch their pearls in excitement. Imagine, Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin in a show entitled "Mommy Guard". While they did super cool in EX EX LOVERS and its eventual successful release in Netflix, this just means there's an audience to satisfy inside Filipino homes. It's part of the reason why Mommy Guard was made.

With the political climate and economic struggle looming over our heads in 2026, they also figured we're all depressed with what's happening in the country. This is why we turn to lighthearted comedies, entertainment, that each family member could learn a thing or two, especially manners, doing the right things which this show plans to impart. 

This series will surely transport you to the 90's (because of the MarJo love team), but of course in a more matured and fun way. Mommy Guard is about Tina played by Mother Jolens, who's a single mother and just wanted a bright future for her kid. It also talks about family, the importance of truth, education, love and life. This is done with the "Marvin and Jolina" magic which means it'll be full of comedy, sweet moments and adventures because they'll be having sitcom like realities that you will enjoy.

This is directed and created by Roman Perez Jr. DGPI who promises to present something intended for audiences of all ages, for years to come (they pray). Cedric Juan might also get you excited because he will try and become part of this magical pairing, you need to see the episodes to see why. We asked legibly about the sheer size of the cast because I couldn't even fit them in one frame during the press conference. Here's more of that on video:

Jolina says "This is very positive and light, we want you to be happy and be with us on our journey in Mommy Guard.Working with Marvin is a good thing because even if the network landscape has changed, we are still here and they're still screaming (pointed to the fans)."

Marvin says "The intention is clear, to have people enjoy it which is why we are confident in this show."

 

The cast also includes Roxanne Guinoo, Dominic Ochoa, Ms. Susan Africa, Cedrick Juan, Pearl Gonzales, Michelle Vito, Inah Evans, Ely Cellan, veteran actors Ruby Ruiz and Soliman Cruz, JV Salvado, Lotlot Bustamante, Geraldine Villamil, Hershey Neri, new stars Amo Wilding and Nathalie Apollo, Patrick Ballesteros, Celyn David, Quinn Carrillo, Migo Manikan, Ian Mark Karangkang, GB Labrador and Tabs Sumulong. There's more as influencers and internet stars will also be there (we saw how fresh and fun this would make the show!).

We watched the first two episodes during the advanced screening, and all I can say is, you need to see it to get that glimpse of Marvin-Jolina magic they've been talking about on the bleachers. It's light, and made us really happy after watching it. You will also discover new artists from TV5's stable, so if you are new gen or millennial, you will still connect with them! 

This will be aired on October 19 on TV5 and their associated channels, Kapamilya Channel and iWant too.

Let Your Kids Play and Learn at KIDS PLAY VILLE

If your kids are spending too much time with gadgets and getting bored at home, it's time to get them busy with fun activities where they could learn too. There's a place called Kids Learning Ville in Little Chinatown at Lucky Chinatown in Manila where you can have them participate in a program called Kids Play Ville. It's specifically made for kids so they could undergo a structured learning program through play, an important part of a child's development. 

They learn to interact with other kids and facilitators in a grand indoor playground, a place where your kids could learn even more with the same audience. This way they can hone their skills, discover new ones, and take lessons, so they could be ahead in school. Plus points too because they get to do this with fun, make new friends and enjoy this process.

They've been doing this online in the past but these days, it's better when it's face to face. Visit their social channels (https://www.facebook.com/share/14jvP4Lytys/) or call their numbers if you have inquiries. Better yet, visit them at the Lucky Chinatown Mall to see the facility today!

BARBECUE NIGHT at Wyndham Garden Manila Bay

Freshly cooked, surf and turf barbecue cravings satisfied!

Journeyed down south for a little dinner with creator friends as we experienced "BARBECUE NIGHT" in Wyndham Garden Manila Bay. I've never been here, and the place is pretty new as they opened last January as part of the Wyndham chain of properties. It's got a noticeable bridge that sits across Nobu COD, and you wouldn't miss it because the name of the hotel is also displayed across it (Roxas Boulevard). If you're a healthy chap, you can go down on the right side and just climb up, else, just take the next u-turn in Seaside Drive if you're coming from Manila. 

After alighting my carriage (ha?), we just asked the concierge located at the lobby about the Barbecue Night, they just mentioned it's at the second floor so we took the elevator on the right side and turned left at the pool area. That's where their main dining area is called Garden by the Bay. A stones throw away is their poolside bar called Al Fresco which serves drinks, cocktails and mocktails. We went there for the barbecue and true enough, we could already smell what's cooking!

Seafood, chicken, tuna, salmon and pork skewers were available to consume! Just put it in a plate and hand it over to the good looking chef and wait for it to cook.

Here's a short tour of the food and the place, please enjoy!

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I'd gladly suggest you do take advantage of the meat, the pasta, salads and desserts. They've got a pretty mean Crunchy Pork, but I'd suggest you to indulge in the grill area where everything gets prepared ala minute.  

According to Chef Andrew Ko who heads the hotel's F&B, this Barbecue Night is open for all, not just those that stay in the hotel. This is done every Fridays and Saturdays, and only costs Php 1288++. Please reserve in advanced (call +63 939 921 1771) so you don't run out of space since it gets packed at times. Service is good, the food is also great. What more can you ask for?

JANE OINEZA and IAN VENERACION Shine in DRUG WAR: A Conspiracy of Silence Finale

Took the trip to Uptown Mall in BGC to watch the screening for the finale episode of the movie DRUG WAR: A Conspiracy of Silence release by Rein Entertainment and streamed on their YouTube channel every Thursdays. 

The episode starts with the onset of corruption and the consequences of  being linked to old circles. With money trails being found, and people are being treated like animals, the conspiracy of silencing them didn't really go far. Sergeant Yana (Jane Oineza) and Father Tom Carillo (Ian Veneracion) discovered who the culprit is. The previous cases became clear once the hidden paper trails resurfaced. This starts another round of effort to cover up the crimes when the same people heard them discovering it. 

The violence ensued, and those who kept getting caught in the web of becomes running targets. Will they survive this ordeal or will they get the same fate as those who got their demise in this campaign? When will the truth come out? Do they deserve becoming a statistic? Will justice be on their side?

The film teaches us that one incident affects a whole community, those who still fight despite the  huge imbalance in power, people still believe that there are folks who would one day stand behind them, be their voice, and will never be forgotten. 

Unfortunately, these stories are based on true events. The extra judicial incidents happened, and here's hoping their families never falter, have strength to seek justice til the end. Make sure you watch the series on YouTube at the Rein Entertainment channel. 

Sturdy Growth Seen with Forest Lake

Forest Lake Development Inc. has been in the industry for 3 decades now. For those who know, doing business with real estate and memorial parks need to always start with reputation, reliability and better business acumen because once the time you need it, they have to exist, bring you the services promised and stay to maintain it. 

Forest Lake doesn't only make their finances strong, they build relationships with even stronger financial institutions to sustain their growth. They recently did this with ATRAM, China Bank, BDO, BPI, Unionbank, Bank of Florida, Bank of Makati, and Top Bank. But that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Doing this with them means they also commit to great financial performance, and want to honor their word for most of the individuals and families that they cater to. They do this without alienating their customer base, the Filipino family. This way, they get access to capital, thinking long term as they continue to expand. This plus their Total Memorial Care ecosystem which they have serviced for years now. This makes them more mature to future investments, have access to loans and funding without sacrificing their fundamentals and financial standing. You will be seeing more Forest Lake properties nationwide. Visit forestlakeparks.com and their social channels by searching for @ForestLakeMemorialParks where available as they continue to be the leading memorial park developer in this side of the world. 

Play, Learn, Grow with OATSIDE Kids

Parenting ain't a chore for most that are raising kids the right way. They want them to be well rounded, to not just stare at screens and tablets the whole day, but have ample time to also play outside, talk to other kids and build relationships too. 

According to Fred Rogers and Maria Montessori, play is like work for kids. This activity makes them learn things, like socialization, good manners, right conduct, and do simple research. It is also where human intelligence unfolds, form their imagination, and more. Powering them during these times require energy and nutrition that can be found in OATSIDE Kids. Their OATSIDE Kids Original Milk Drink alone has been fortified with calcium, Vitamin D, E, B1, B3, B6, B12 for their bones, muscles, joints, nerves, to get the nourishment they need before they go out and play.

Millennial Moms PH founder Bernadette Zulueta wants to make sure that her daughters would get the right amount of nutrition they need. She also stresses how one should give them ample amount of time for it, and would in turn become important for them as they grow. In the Philippines and clubs, OATSIDE Kids have been trusted by Moms. If you want them equipped before they go out and play, you know what to get off the shelves right?!

ICE SEGUERRA Set to Do Musicals on ICE SINGS!

Missing Ice Seguerra and his music?! Don't blink as she comes back to the stage for a two night concert at the Music Museum slated November 6 and 7 in Greenhills. It's entitled "ICE SINGS! An Intimate Convert Series: Musical Hits". 

He will be doing this together with US based producer Troy Laureta who's worked with the likes of Arianna Grande, Nicole Scherzinger, Justin Bieber among others. As his musical director, Troy will find several theater and film hits that would fit Ice's intimate way of singing songs, so it would feel closer than usual. 

Ms. Liza says "This all started over a casual conversation between me and Ice. Defining who he is now is something we could expand. A guitar and huge concerts, it has brought him places and this will bring him to that person who is a storyteller, and one that brings his message across. He wanted to do musicals, standards, and I was lucky to hear him song those who you will never even think he will do on stage, and this is Ice Sings!"

Ice laments "I've always performed with a guitar in tow but I've always had an inkling with musicals ever since. I'd be able to return to that phase and showcase what it means to me now."

Ice adds "In the past, I surrounded myself with singer songwriters and felt inadequate when I didn't sing my own songs on stage. It took a while to have the courage to come out with my own songs, it takes a lot for me to write songs, and I had to be sad. I also know when I put out something it'll be scrutinized. At that time I wasn't prepared for the reaction, but I was able to sing it in public and realized there wasn't any difference, I always give my all to the songs I sing, I was just overthinking. The "Kamusta Ka" single is out, but did it my way, without arrangements at first, I supplied my own story there. When I'm singing, there's this conscious effort to make it mine. Range was also a factor with choosing the songs, so if in doubt, make the guest sing it." 

Here's the press conference on video!

Fire and Ice Music is also planning to release songs that are Ice-ified probably next year so stay tuned for that.

These theater pieces will be done with Ice Seguerra's way of doing things. The arrangements will be done with the help of Troy who promises several instrumental moments which means you'll hear it different than usual. This is under Fire and Ice Live Productions of Ms. Liza Diño who's also doing creative direction for it. 

Tickets are available via TicketWorld, so go get them before they run out fast!

Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival Winners Bared: Interview with Character Actor Rani Caldoza

Some of the winners in the recent Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival this 2026 Awards Night

After seeing several movies and shorts during the Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival this 2026, I was looking forward to see if my personal favorites would get the accolades that they deserve come awards night. True enough, both Mono No Aware, JK Labajo, and Shorts Limlim took the major prizes that evening.  

Full Length Category

Mono No Aware won Best Picture, Picked by International Jury, Best Director BC Amparado Best Supporting Actress Momoko Kobayashi and Best Actor Juan Karlos Labajo. 

Xyriel Manabat won Best Actress for their film Stuck On You. The awarding for that category was epic since they did a pageant like act during the announcement. It was versus Sassa Gurl.

Zanjoe Marudo won Best Supporting Actor for his role of the father in the movie Apol of My Ai. While Zion Cruz took Best Child Performer for the role of the kid in the same movie. He looked like a real life cherub, no joke!

Student Short Films

In the Student Shorts, I watched Set A and felt an inkling to the short film called Limlim because of its unexpected twists and turns. It also talked about a very heavy subject which they wanted to put out into conversation. They also won Best Director tied with the one from Kung Hain, Bisan Diin. 

Dark horse Alumahan got the Jury Award and Brand Intrusion. They also got Best Film Poster for the movie. Starfish was called several times as they got Best in Visual Effects, and Best Supporting Actress. I still need to see that. Technical Awards went to When Heaven Inched Towards Earth (Film Promotion), Multwoh for Brand Intrusion, and Alumahan for the same category.

We also got to talk to one of the stars of Kung Hain Bisan Diin and Bum Tak Sara Ti Nuangen, a personal friend, very visible character actor Rani Caldoza who's been in several films in past Cinepanalo entries, commercials and shows. This year, it was doubly hard for the chap since he is doing regional languages as part of the two short films, we asked if that proved a hindrance to do the role since he's not much of a native speaker. He says "Being a part of a film is always a new learning for me. Whether feature-length or a short film, I treat them like vessels that will teach me something. Each film is an opportunity to grow, to learn more about myself. Making them would mean I'd subject myself in a whirlwind of emotions. "Bumtak Sara Ti Nuangen” and “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin” resonated with me because of my roots as a Caldoza. I have family that are Ilocano and Waray. Doing this taught me a lot more than it just being work."

He adds "The Caldoza’s are hailed from Batac, Ilocos Norte and Hindang, Leyte. Solid Ilocano and Waray! I haven't met much of my relatives in Ilocos, this goes the same with my Waray clan. I have not met my Grandparents either from Leyte, but I'd like to change that. It brings me so much pride to me to be a part of these projects. Family milestones remind me how the simple things can turn into memorable experiences. While I still consider myself a newcomer in the film industry, I am trying to learn to recognize every moment as something worthy of being filmed. I am yet to learn, but I cannot wait to tell stories of life, love, and family. There is more to come from Rani Caldoza."  

I am so proud of you buddy! I've been seeing him almost everywhere and I'm glad that in a way, we get to work in the same industry and didn't even know it LOL. This is what the Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival is doing, bringing more opportunities for people in entertainment, behind the camera and recognizing them too. They also have been able to put forward very nice Filipino films and short films and have it available for folks to watch in cinemas, expose them to an entirely different audience every year! Here's hoping for more international accolades for the films this year, because I'm sure, they'll go places!

TV5 Cops 2 Nominations at Asian Television Awards

Luck and hard work has come upon TV5 lately. The Manila based TV station just got the nod from the Asian Television Awards with their 2 shows namely "A Secret in Prague" starring Enrique Gil and Andrea Brillantes and entertainment show "VIBE+".

This is the first time they have ever gotten nominations from this international institution, and they're glad about how they managed to showcase world class Filipino talent. "A Secret in Prague" is located in the heart of Europe, particularly Czech Republic where most of the scenes were shot. It's a change of usual venues for series that are being shown in the Philippines and other regions. Meanwhile, VIBE+ has been showcasing not just current music performances, but even the classics, those that have surpassed the test of time, even a full pledge concert at times to honor OPM artists, and their music!

This is just the start for the Kapatid Network, and they're planning to put out more content with their homegrown artists. Stay tuned on TV5!

Innovation, Tradition, Diversity and The People of GUIZHOU

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd end up traveling to China. To tell you honestly, the differences could have all made this not happen, but I was smitten with the thought of meeting their people. This, and a journey to an unfamiliar place that most folks wouldn't define as a tourist destination. Going there with a mission to discover its charm, see the kindness of its people away from the preconceived notions and see its potential, or for what it is when we get there.

We flew via China Southern Airlines from Manila and set forth to Guangzhou then Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (took over 8 hours + with layovers) which is located in their capital city called Guiyang. 

 

Looked over the window since it was a daytime flight and saw how various structures that looked like factories, condominium units, villages weren't just plain concrete, but filled with intricate Chinese designs, sensibly placed solar panels and a network of river ways transporting goods, people and a behemoth quantity of industrial products they'd be known to carry. Who was I to think they'd be just farmlands, forests and mountain ranges when recent economic onlookers specifically identify them as booming digital data hubs. Guizhou houses data centers from the biggest corporations in the world, as they are blessed with weather conditions apt for cooling them au naturelle, and little to no additional infrastructure they can't handle. Guizhou is filled to the brim with engineering marvels, one of which is the BALINGHE BRIDGE. This was our first destination. (Warning: Picture Heavy Post Ahead!)

Set to Change Lives of Filipino Kids: MUSIKWELA

Learned that a new show is being launched, it's called MUSIKWELA. This is an early childhood education and entertainment show where they utilize music, performance, puppetry, animation, and do lots of research so it could be easily understood by its target audience, the Filipino kid.

This all stemmed from experiencing it first hand. Ms. Ellen Estrada was fetching her daughter from school and noticed how her classmates weren't that optimistic in using "Po and Opo" in their conversations. This was something alarming because even if she taught her daughter GMRC, her classmates didn't have access to that too. Having a theater and music background, she was inspired to create the "Po and Opo" and "Ang Bagong Alpabetong Filipino" songs. Unknowingly, it was watched millions of times (3.4 and 4.7 Million) mostly by Filipinos. It became a norm for parents and teachers to use it as a medium for education. They realized how music made the experience of learning more enjoyable and uber fun!

They also joined a government initiated child documentary competition in 2023 (via the DokyuBata Festival of the National Council for Children's Television, an attached agency of the Department of Education). They did a documentary called "Ang Bayani at ang Kanyang Sandok" which teaches nationalism and love for one's country. This started the ball rolling for MUSIKWELA.

Image from their website musikwela.com

 

She harnessed the talent of her daughter Yumi Sansano to lead the show including a throng of folks called MUSIKSCOUTS (Ate Yumi, Potpot, Biboy, and Lala who were a pretty bunch!). She's no ordinary kid because she won awards in WCOPA as champ for Opera in the Juniors Division. She also did Artsy Craftsy in PTV4 a couple years back and have gotten audiences left and right, including the President of the Philippines.

We watched them perform during this event and I could liken them to Sesame Street, Sineskwela, Batibot among others. Knowing there's a huge educational crisis in the Philippines, I felt so happy that kids would have a place to learn how to respect the elderly, how to protect nature, hone their talents, what to do in case of emergencies, and care for Mother Nature in their first few episodes. Ms. Ellen also shared how they are planning to do more in the coming months, plus delve into other subjects (like reading, writing or math). I personally know some kids finish school without learning how to, and I'm hopeful this could address that (even if it doesn't entirely solve it!). Check out the event on video here:

You cannot discount the fact that it has done remarkably well for the 90's kids on why we're street and a little smart, we learned from shows like these albeit unconsciously. This is something that I'd like to happen in this generation too, and perhaps the next ones included. I wept for the shows that went off the air in the past because it has disenfranchised a lot of kids who could have learned from it. They need our help and hopefully, they get the resources to continue this. Currently, thanks to the people who are helping them and sponsors (Victoria Sports Cinema, Ceelin Gummies, Ceelin Immunped, Appebon, Allerkid, White Rabbit Philippines, Wildfire Inc., Shop N Play, Kontrata.PH) that they get to do this with passion. Imagine how many kids would learn from what they do, if millions more would consume their content on FB, their website and YouTube (so go and sub!). We'd have educated kids going out of our homes and schools, wouldn't that be a sight to behold?! 

The first episode will come out on November 11 6PM GMT and will talk about GRANDPARENT's DAY. They will release future episodes on a bi monthly period, so sub to make sure your kids could watch it! I'd like to take this bit and congratulate Ms. Ellen on her efforts, and hope you won't get tired of your passions. Here's hoping a lot of people could help you even more with your future projects!