Several Actors Shine on GMA's "PULANG ARAW"

I've been trying so hard to keep mum about this series, I'm talking about GMA's biggest series yet, "Pulang Araw".

See, I think I've heard about it a few years ago and thought that it was going to be shelved. I'm so glad to be proven wrong today as it does the world TV premiere, right after it's launch through Netflix a couple weeks ago. 

When I heard of the story, I really felt how quite promising it would be. Delving in history, the war, the Japanese, and the personal/family complications... there's just a lot of things you can pull off from that. 

Here's a video of the red carpet event:

Then there's the artists portraying the role. Coming from the very successful "Maria Clara at Ibarra", GMA wants a continuation of the #BarDa pairing so they got David Licauco and Barbie Forteza in this show. Then a little about 10 years ago, they already told Alden Richards about it. This is also the first time he is being paired with Sanya Lopez, so there's a lot to see where their stories would go.

 

The first episode I could say had no SHORTCHANGING in the acting department. Since this is a backgrounder, the young versions of these four gigantic stars of GMA would take the spotlight. Aside from them, this is the time you'll notice how underrated RHIAN RAMOS is as she plays the mother of Barbie and Alden's characters (Adelina, Eduardo). Rhian Ramos as the mother of young Alden and Barbie is EXCEPTIONAL. She's feisty, didn't hold back raising arms for her son and daughter who got beat up, teased and bullied by other kids. She's a gem in this series albeit short-lived, it was enough to showcase who she IS as an actress. I'd give her a trophy today just for that, and I'm not even joking.

Aside from Rhian who stole the show (first episode), another person decided to tell us during the preview that he's a force to reckon with. His name is Aidan Veneracion, whom I often see in workshops under Ms. Ana Feleo (with or without reason, he comes voluntarily). Albeit new to the business as a Sparkle Teen, he's really outstanding in the first salvo. Another star is Cassy Lavarias who played the young Barbie Forteza. She has this innate charm to pull you in on her struggles. She cries like a legendary actress, but she's still a child... so imagine the things she can do in a few years. Heck, she'll give a lot of veterans a run for their money. She's that good. They could be the reason you'll love PULANG ARAW on the first episode, and  follow these individual stories through.

Here's the press conference on video, please enjoy!

 Here are some of the other stars to join the show!

See, this is not normal. I could just have seen the first episode to be just another episode, but no. PULANG ARAW deserves the attention NOW and in the next few episodes. The sweetness of relationships, friendships, and nationalism, mixed with the star power of the lead stars they've managed to put together in one show, how can you not love a story like this?! 

You need to watch the show, PULANG ARAW is now streaming on Netflix. The episodes will be out early in the platform, a few days before the one shown on TV and GMA subsidiaries. You don't need to deeply think about the story, you just have to have the heart to love it just like what they did to the people in their lives and this story. Imagine if it's going to be Alden, Barbie, David and Sanya's turn, they actually were phenomenal in the short instances they appeared in the first episode (Alden made the war scenes in the forest quite a visual feast!)

Make sure you watch it, because as far as I'm concerned, it's one WELL MADE series that deserves to be seen. It's realistic, excellent graphics (especially the planes during the war), funny in some places, and you'll love how.. in a way, shape or form, impress you even if you don't like it. It's that impressive!

One Awesome SPARKLE Grand Fans Day

Had so much fun at the #SparkleGrandFansDay at the SM SkyDome in North Edsa Quezon City. The event was hosted by Rain Matienzo, Migs Almendras and the bubbly Angela Alarcon.

Alden Richards also appeared at the event and said "It's been a yearly tradition to do this, and this is our way of giving back to every Kapuso fan who supported us and hope this serves as a Christmas gift. I would like to also take this opportunity to invite everyone to support us in our upcoming show Pulang Araw with David Licauco, Barbie Forteza and a lot of other Kapuso artists. Also, please support every entry in MMFF 2023, especially those who have Sparkle artists in them this December 25th."

Jak Roberto also opened the show, charmed his way with a song that was loved by everyone at the SkyDome, they must be anti silos scholars like me. The Sparkle Teens also got to the stage and danced a few numbers, sang a few love songs as some of them are being paired now. Their PPOP group CLOUD7 also performed their original song, it was fun, they were very young, but pretty good stuff.

It was so touching to see how fans were able to also perform with their idols at the event

Sparkle Leading Ladies #Sparklegrandfansday2023 

Also, #TeamJolly was a staple. I like their songs too, perfect for making the fans kilig in the afternoon. They had several artists I've never interviewed so it was really fun to get to know them a bit through this event. 

Lucky fans also didn't go home empty handed as they also got to give away prizes from their sponsors like Beautéderm, Robinsons, Demplus, Goldshine Pharma, HONOR, Dirt Bug Sun, Jimms, Kedds, Penshoppe, SM North Edsa, Park Inn by Raddison, Hobe, Savoy Hotel, and so much more.

Congratulations SPARKLE! This was so much fun!

Funny Things at the Dark Movie "Babae at Baril"

The movie was dark, cerebral and I'm sure not everyone would get it but the director Rae Red told me a few days ago they would be counting on the Filipino viewers intelligence when they see this film. It would make you squirm on some of the scenes, relate to it especially when you are female, have gone through horrible situations and just wanted to explode. Janine did good and the young guy who played the balut vendor. You have to think a lot how they tried to tie it all up together, and it will take a long loop to get back to that scene (we wouldn't want to spoil things for you). But I have a lot of funny things experienced while watching this film.

The GUN was empowering, not the usual toting kind but Janine was portraying a newbie anyway so it was the perfect reaction to what she was doing.

EVERYONE WANTS TO BLOW UP THINGS especially if you're the kind who just takes things lightly. It just all gets stored in you, but one day you will just get fed up with the BS and kill people. We all think about it, but have you done it? Janine in this movie did. If I did a movie with what I had in mind, a lot of people would have died and we wouldn't have Earth anymore.

SOME MEN ARE AH.. I specifically said that because there are still a few good ones out there. But don't ever get complacent because there are still a LOT of predators out there and you could be the victim. This is where Mr. Roco's character comes in. Was it good? No, it was painful to watch especially the length of that scene, it could have been just done fast because we got the message already. It was a huge topic after the movie and you will have to see yourself if it was enough. Anybody can be an AH actually, not just men, and I know.

THE POPCORN WASN'T GOOD at the Gateway Mall's movie house, it felt like crumbs cooked from three days ago. I had to say that.

PEOPLE ARE NOISY... I am sometimes too but some people at my back were just too involved and resorted to ask their seatmates what happened about a scene three minutes ago. Maybe that was the goal of the movie? To stir discussion, and that was done A LOT of times during that screening. Wish this was available online so I could hear some of the things I missed because some were just talking loud over the conversations in the film.

THERE ARE CAMEOS... This includes the foot of Janine which you're gonna see a couple of times. We need stricter laws against the proliferation of expensive stockings in department stores which sales ladies can't even afford. 

GREAT MUSICAL SCORING... From the funk music of Radioactive Sago Project to the other things that were repeatedly used for background music, it had that cool feeling that this would be a great film. It had a lot of promise.

Would I recommend you to watch this film? Not entirely, but if you're a weirdo, a music lover, one who loves blood and dark scenes in movies, or maybe a fan of Janine's gorgeous face, then yeah this is for you. It just takes a little bit of thinking, but when you do watch it you'll ask yourself... WTF WAS THAT?! And I think that is a good thing. 

It shows today as part of QCinema International Film Festival. Go rush to select QC Cinemas where the Festival is happening.

Rocco Nacino and Pancho Magno Does Health Shows on GNTV

Rocco Nacino and Pacho Magno are very fine actors from GMA Network. You give them a role, they do above and beyond what is asked for them. I am so proud to see the fruits of their labor, especially Rocco who’s already starting to build his dream house - a thing he’s been planning all these years and he is personally attending to it whilst doing several shows in the Kapuso Network. Pancho Magno on the other hand did handy work of several fantasy series (like Victor Magtanggol) and villain character roles - whilst freshly married to gorgeous Max Collins from the same network. This time though, these gentlemen are donning their real life hats, bith are health professionals and registered nurses. Surprised?

The two are hosting new health related TV shows in partnership with the Department of Health. Pancho Magno will be with his wife Max Collins to host Healthily Ever After to discuss family health topics like planning, maternal care, safe motherhood, newborn care, breastfeeding, immunization and adolescent health care. Rocco on the other hand will be doing The Healthy Juan which discusses mental health, depression, healthy aging and organ donation. Here’s our short interview with the good looking guys from GMA:

Healthily Ever After will show 5:30PM every Saturday whilst The Healthy Juan starts at 8PM every Sunday, go follow GMA Artist Center channels so you can get updates on their topics every week!

KUMAGCOW
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Hot Afternoon With Kapuso Hunks Vince Velasco, Enzo Pineda and Juancho Trivino

It's summer and what better way to have fun in this season by having a short escape with these guys. Vince Velasco, Enzo Pineda and Juancho Trivino are on different stages in their careers and getting ready for what's next with their mother network GMA. We talked to Vince Velasco first and asked him about his current projects. He was very secretive about it and says it had a lot to do with the nature of it so he couldn't tell us right away. He'll tell you what he wants to happen with his career, his work ethic, how he started, his hopes and dreams! Here he is with the rest of the interview.  

I find Vince very appealing. I probably have seen him before because he's done stints in Philippine Fashion Week which I cover religiously in the previous years. His personality, although you might think he's a little aloof or doesn't want to talk to people, he goes out of his way and disprove that. When he gets comfortable, I bet he can talk for hours. He's a very good chap and I hope he'll be utilized well in the coming months. This Ateneo grad should go places, he's working very hard now in fact and GMA's trusting him. We hope it continues.

I consider Enzo a friend. Whenever we meet, then get into interviews, it's like we're just catching up. He's easy to talk to and even if there are some questions that might be a little uncomfortable to ask, he still goes and tells us what he feels about certain issues. He clearly has made his life a lot better than in the past and feels everything is falling into place. His plan is to reinvent himself, and we're seeing it all happen. Slowly but surely, he's gearing to get more matured roles; and perhaps get a larger range of acting and leave the teeny bopper roles he's been doing. He's also planning to achieve it in the next few years, I'm excited!

Here he is discussing his thoughts about showing off his hard work, on his own body. They're doing big summer numbers in Sunday All Stars. He's a tough cookie, he also talks about his new relationship and the career path that he wants to take.

Enzo is in the prime of his career but still, he's very driven. He wants to do a lot of things and he's in the right track it seems because his star is just shining brighter. Brands are still continuing to trust him because he's also giving back what they need from him. This serious actor is fighting to see his career into new heights and hopes his goals would happen real soon. He's not contended with just plain things, he wants to drive to be the best version of himself in sports, in his work and for his family. He also wishes to have more tangible things like properties, investments, business, in the near future. I'm sure he'll succeed because he can do it, because his driving force is within himself and he is winning.

He arrived a little later but brought his A game, Juancho Trivino is here. He's currently in several shows and is pretty busy with Bubble Gang. His deep set eyes, gorgeous physique (which he does work hard for) and height, make him one of the most bankable stars in GMA. He's also currently paired with Ashley Ortega of which we have previously interviewed during the Valetines day event. He's working with her on Instadad and has grown really fond of her. It'll premier on April 5 from 4:30-5:30PM. He's doing everything and we guess it comes with the territory. Versatility meant that he had to do comedy, drama, romance and other things if he's gunning to be this much of an actor.

I guess he doesn't want to be just another pretty face on TV and is showcasing what he can do at an early stage. He's still considered to be a new guy but isn't holding back, that is certainly appreciated by his fans. With this new pairing, he's up to make hearts melt even on very complicated circumstances on this new show. You see, the story would be a little difficult since they are going to be tested right from the start. How would their family handle these kind of conflicts? How would their lives be affected? What would three ladies and their Dad become once they know the truth behind Juancho and Ashley's predicament? That's exactly what you will find out once the show starts!

Juancho is a good guy and I hope a lot of people see that. His genuine charm, love for the craft and being highly adorable can make him succeed in this industry. He's super bait. I hope that he'd be rewarded, even just for that.  

Thank you so much for spending time with us guys! Thank you also to Enzo for doing something that afternoon, you're a good man!

For more information about their artists:

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Charles Tongol, Jenny Alvarez, Joyce Ching, Lyndt Johnson and Ken Chan Celebrates Birthday with Kids!

It's a great morning to celebrate the birthdays of Kapuso artists Charles Tongol,  Jenny Alvarez, Joyce Ching, Lyndt Johnson and Ken Chan. We went to Brgy. UP Campus in Diliman, Quezon City to be with kids from different Barangays and share their blessings for the malnourished and less fortunate. As you know, not all families in this barangay are well off, of which some are just temporarily living in shanties and have low bracket incomes. They're giving a few things for the kids so they have something to at least get their minds off depression and hunger which I think happens when in dire straights. Then again, I've seen some happy faces when we were there.

This was also where our friends from Coca Cola Philippines/Far East Limited, Coca Cola Foundation signed a MOA with GMA Network, Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko and the local barangay for Coke's Nurisha Project which aims to provide malnourished kids from communities like these the needed nutrition. It's a feeding program which is part of the efforts of Coca Cola after Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines which I wrote about in previous articles. 

Ken Chan came up the stage and gave the kids a few words about achieving their dreams by working hard and striving big. He also advised them to stay in school and study very hard so they can achieve their goals. Jenny Alvarez on the other hand told the kids to eat healthy and never waste their time in school because it's very hard to get a job later on if they don't do their best. Lyndt Johnson thanked them and promised that they'll have lots of fun with them during games. The kids got excited with that. Joyce Ching looked so pretty! She told the kids to pray hard if they want something, and never lose hope when the thing they wish for isn't given to them yet. The value of patience and virtue is something she would like to empart. She also invited everyone to watch their new show called "Healing Heart" which she'll also be with Ken Chan. It'll probably replace "Ang Lihim ni Anassandra" or be placed pre-rime in the evening - it had a very good run this last quarter btw.

The kids had so much fun because the artists also joined them for fun and games. They also gave them prizes too later on in the program. Ken and Joyce also sang with them to the delight of the crowd inside and outside the venue. Joyce had fun dancing with the kids, she was ecstatic while Ken Chan's album was playing in the background. They had sleep I guess haha!

The lovely Joyce Ching

While having lunch, we sat down and talked to the lovely Joyce Ching. The last time we met was during Kristoffer Martin's birthday. Her character in the new soap "Healing Hearts" is all about an orphan - and how she would be able to weather the thought of having to forgive her own mother. It's how she would be able to do it with the thought of having her own flesh and blood - shockingly kill her Dad. I thought it was going to be something medical related since they had shows of that kind before, but it was none of that. It was just how healing occurs inside, and show it during pre-primetime. She's very happy about the fact that she was given the chance to be in a lead role and mentions this is a little of, a romantic comedy. The series will include stars like Mickey Ferriols, Angelika Dela Cruz, Kristoffer Martin, Crystal Reyes, Maureen Larrazabal and Ken Chan. Her on screen romance will be with Kristoffer Martin and so I asked her about their current state. She says "We're just friends..", no matter how cliche that sounded, she confirmed that they are not an off screen pair. They were really sweet during Kristoffers birthday, but she says they are really friends and Kristoffer was just normally "sweet/malambing", and that's really how he just is. Kristoffer gave him a really good gift during her birthday. He went with Joyce the whole day and acted as her personal assistant. He also gave Joyce a bouquet of flowers, a Sophia I doll, mug, puzzle and a standee. She went on and said the gifts didn't really mean anything, it was just that their trust with each other just came back. She also said that they have healed each other and moved on. As for the program, she's excited than pressured in Healing Heart because she said she wouldn't be able to control that. She wants to know what people would thing and gives high regards with the people she worked with in Healing Heart. They are helping her a lot. This she says also is for the KrisJoy fans who have been waiting for them to get paired again because it's been a long time since they've been together in a project. She knows you guys are excited about that too, and hopes whatever time slot they are going to land in, you would still support them no matter what. Originally this was going to be in the afternoon prime and they are still thinking to replace either Kim Sam Soon or other programs in that same bracket. She says thanks to everyone who have been supporting them all these years and can't wait to show you the work they put in in this project! Are you excited too Team KrisJoy? :)




Good looking crooner Ken Chan were all smiles when we talked to him. The charming guy is very happy he got to spend time with kids. He plays the childhood friend of Kristoffer Martin in Healing Hearts among a lot of things that are planned for him. His character will be taking several changes and you will see that once the series starts real soon on the Kapuso channel. He's not a fixed one but he doesn't know yet where the persona will be heading. He was informed that they have big plans for it and he doesn't have a love interest yet. We went on and talk about Kuya Germs since he is also one of the brightest stars in "Walang Tulugan", an evening show that's been running for years now. He says he visited him in the hospital and says the patriarch of teen stars in the Philippines' health is improving, he also got control back with the right side of his body which kept everyone worried. He's planning to visit him again at home and is optimistic the old Kuya Germs will be back. He says his "Tatay" will be back but he needs to rest a lot, perhaps travel abroad because German Moreno is pretty much a workaholic. Gift of Love definitely poured in "Walang Tulugan" too because the stars of "That's Entertainment" began coming in to pinch hit for him and didn't even want to get paid for it. They want him to get some needed rest, though they know how hands on and workaholic he is. Ken by the way celebrated with his family, a simple one, then went to church. They also got to celebrate Ken's birthday via prods in Walang Tulugan and this one where he got to interact with kids who are malnourished from different barangays in Quezon City. It was fulfilling, a charity event with the other GMA Artist Center stars was really a thing he wanted to do... and he promised to do this every year. He also thanks everyone who is continuing to support him and his album. He also thanks Polyeast Records and everyone who made it possible. It's his wish to make Kuya Germs be back in good health, and have more shows, more projects soon. I can't wait to see his star shine further, he's such a great guy... I can't wait to see someone so genuine make it in this industry, more so because he truly deserves it.

Jenny Alvarez, Lyndt Johnson looked so young, beautiful and very promising. I'm sure there will be more things planned for these ladies. They'll probably become GMA's leading ladies soon, with hard work and dedication there wouldn't be anything impossible with their careers.  

Ultimately, the kids had fun and went home full because packed lunch were also served courtesy of our friends from GMA Artist Center, Unisilver Time, Active White, Fernando's Bakeshop and MSE. Thank you guys for having us and happy birthday again to Ken, Charles (who wasn't there because of an emergency), Jenny, Lyndt and Joyce! 

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

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Visit their official website

http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter