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!

Director Cathy Camarillo Served Needed "KILIG" in #BarDa Film THAT KIND OF LOVE

Barbie Forteza and David Licauco stars in new funny-romance film THAT KIND OF LOVE

 

(Photo by RandomRepublika's Kate Adajar)

 

After leaving the SM Cinemas during the "THAT KIND OF LOVE" Premiere Night, I felt quite relieved about how Director Catherine Camarillo made her recent films. After the well received "Chances Are: You and I" which stars Kelvin Miranda and Kira Ballinger, this new one probably had easier merits to execute because of the fact that this is the first film of Barbie Forteza and David Licauco. 

 

The pairing had remarkable success in their previous shows (ie Maria Clara at Ibarra, Maging Sino Ka Man), and putting out a film wouldn't be a walk in the park because it doesn't necessarily mean that if you are good on TV, it would be the same with box office returns; because they admit, the movie industry is still ailing in some way shape or form.

This one though, holds a lot of promise. It's way different than what Barbie and David have been doing on TV for sure, and Direk CC took time to execute Ellis Catrina's vision of not only establishing these new characters, but how they could fall in love with their individual quirks, and make people feel that KILIG from start to finish.

This is exactly what the film offers. It's got a bit of laughter, a bit of romance, plus a solid love story. I feel above all, it's a gift for the #BarDa fans out there. She plays a matchmaker, while David is "The Perfect Guy". They have different upbringing, they have different set of friends, their outlook in life is not the same. When David's character talked to Barbie in the movie, he wanted her to set him up for a date. He was perfect, but he wasn't quite successful in that department. They both had egos, and the story of how they eventually fell in love is what's going to make you interested in this movie.

Director Cathy Camarillo knows how to put things together. Her first one was good, this one is better. Although on a different spectrum, this just makes all the #BarDa wishes come true. Think of what you want the #BarDa to become, and it's probably in this movie. The experience watching it on the silver screen is lovely, I guess the darkness makes you enjoy it more because nobody could see if you are smiling on your own... or crying, so nobody would judge you. That's the perk you get watching it in a cinema. 

THAT KIND OF LOVE will show on theaters this coming July 10th. Barbie and David would love for you to see what they've been working on. It's a really good #BarDa project, go watch it without a care in the world. Feel that same "KILIG" Direk CC wants you to feel, it's meant to be like that.

This film is produced by Pocket Media Productions Inc., Pocket Media Films and Happy Infinite Productions Inc. It will also be released by Regal Entertainment nationwide. Thank you to Digital Out of Home Inc. for being part of this too, who made it possible for us to cover the event! Muchas gracias!

BARBIE FORTEZA and DAVID LICAUCO Wishes Box Office Success for "THAT KIND OF LOVE"

Looks like the quest of finding love will be easy when you watch this new movie called THAT KIND OF LOVE. This stars well loved pairing Barbie Forteza and David Licauco, popularly known as #BarDa. 

They've been really followed quite intensely during GMA series "Maria Clara at Ibarra", but this is the first time that they are doing a movie, under neophyte Pocket Media Productions Inc. The material was crafted by Ellis Catrina who has made this specifically for them. This is directed by Catherine O. Camarillo, who's first film under the same outfit "Chances are, You and I" was well received by critics for its very compelling story.

 

"That Kind of Love" will be featured  in Japan as a spotlight entry under the Jinseo Arigato International Festival. This will be held in Nagoya, Japan. While the local screening will start on July 10th which is a few weeks from now. They will also be doing a premiere night on July 4th, so make sure you go and support them (especially if you are a BarDa fan). Know that parts of the movie has been shot in South Korea. Both Barbie and David enjoyed doing scenes in Seoul where much of the shoot happened.

Barbie says "There were so many risks done in making this movie. There is pressure, much so because people are just starting to go back to cinemas. But I am confident about our project, our film, because who doesn't want to feel good? to fall in love? This is what we want to offer, and our goal is for you to fall in love with David once you go out of the theater."

David adds "We are pressured, but I know how good the material is. This is also directed by Direk CC. As long as we do our part in promoting the film, I know this will do good in the box office. I can control the things that I can do, so we just have to promote and help the movie."

People have already seen the trailer, and had really good feedback. The Director mentioned how this is not the work of one person, but a lot of people who did their best to make this movie what it is now. It's a quality film, and Barbie wants people to patronize the movie based on its merits, and because it is done excellently. She also hopes that Filipinos start watching Filipino made films first before they venture on watching other films from different countries. Here are parts of the press conference where we asked questions for Barbie, David, Ms. Arlene Mulach, Divine Aucina, Ivan Carapiet and Jef Gaitan who were there that afternoon. .

As of today, word has it that the fan base of both Barbie and David are arranging block screenings in different theaters nationwide. They are also asking Sparkle management for a little lee way in their schedules so they could attend the screenings as they happen.

I felt how happy Ms. Arlene was when she told the story of how kilig she got when she saw Barbie and David portrayed Mila and Adam. Will this perfect guy fall in love with the dating guru? Who knows! Best to watch it in cinemas when it goes out on the 10th!

Scenes from GMA's SPARKLE SPELL 2023

If you've been seeing them all over social media, here's a glimpse on what happened last October 22 at the SPARKLE SPELL, the heavily anticipated and star studded Halloween party of Sparkle GMA Artist Center. Donned in their Halloween costumes, they went to a grand venue called XYLO at the Palace in BGC.

Mind you, each individual GMA star actually thought about what they wanted to wear, getting to fulfill their Halloween fantasies for one night, much to the amusement of their peers, GMA executives and the media. They all got to the Black Carpet where hosts Martin Javier, Shuvee Etrata, Migs Almendras and gorgeous Janeena Chan were tasked to ask about what they wore in detail that evening. This was all broadcasted in Sparkle's social channels such as TikTok, Facebook and on YouTube. It was the talk of the town, and got Sparkle Spell 2023 in the day's trending topics as fan groups also cheered on their favorite stars that night.

Of course, the night wouldn't be complete without seeing Sparkle's brightest like 5 Breakups and a Romance star Alden Richards. For those, who are BarDa fans, they came in their best Anime and GOT characters, pretty good to see them in one place (be sure to also watch their show!). Aside from them, your favorites Julie Anne San Jose (who just came back from Israel OMG), Kyline Alcantara, Voltes V's Jamie  Ysabel Ortega and good looking Miguel Tanfelix (Mad Hatter) plus the sexy and sultry Sanya Lopez who just went in the venue and had fun with their co-stars.

Much of them who really made an effort didn't go empty handed as various awards were given to them. I AM Worldwide gave Miguel Tanfelix and Jillian Ward (aside from the Urban Smile Most Spooktacular Smile Award) the I AMazing Looks of the Night. Sanya got Juju Glow's Enchantingly Fresh Star of the Night, while Kyline Alcantara got the O Wow! Outfit from food brand Oishi (and yes she looked awesome!). Teen loveteam Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay had a Barbie and Ken themed costume, which got them TikTok's Crowd Favorites. Miguel and Ysabel took the Fabulously Scary Costumes of the Night award with their Alice in Wonderland themed costumes, it was a fitting Voltes V Legacy reunion out there too. Real life lovers Rayver Cruz and Julie Anne San Jose did a Scooby Doo number, it was fun to se Fred and Daphne personified (if you grew up watching the series, they did good!).

Using his muscles to good use, Derric Monasterio got into character and did Achilles, complete with a shield, sword, leather and a live horse OMG, which also won him Black Carpet Stunner Award that night. That was super deserved!

Giving multiple Stars of the Night awards to Barbie Forteza, Liezel Lopez, Martin Del Rosario, Joaquin Domagoso, and the incomparable Sassa Gurl was just a lovely gesture, they did the work with the outfits they made and yes, with a socially relevant statement on some of them, it was all so impressive! Voltes V Legacy stars Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Radson Flores, Matt Lozano and Raphael Landicho planned well wearing the Alice in Wonderland themed outfits, making them a fitting winner for the Sparkle Stars of the Night Award. They did their research well, and seriously did crazy good!

This event wouldn't be possible without the help of the countless presenters and sponsors like Oishi, Juju glow, Caltrate, Urban Smiles, IAM Worldwide, Avignon Clinic, JLA Seafoods, Sweet Comfort Events Management (who coordinated the actual event), TikTok Philippines, the fabulous Gideon Hermosa and his team from the House of Hermosa, Niceprint Photos (where these shots came from). They also send their thanks to Air Asia, Cebuana Lhullier, Clinique, Premier Drip, Kemans, Merlion Entertainment and Philip Stein, everyone who made Sparkle Spell 2023 a resounding success!

Thanks for letting us see SPARKLE SPELL this 2023! :) This was really so much fun! So, which one was your favorite?

MANO PO LEGACY Moved to New Timeslot

Talking to the cast was really an opportunity to see how these actors and actresses prepare for their role and know how they do it. True enough, people have been raving about the performances of Maricel Laxa, Sunshine Cruz, Barbie Forteza and the whole cast.

As Maricel Laxa says. "It's not hard to actually do it because you've got a supportive cast, excellent people behind the scenes that would make you think it's easy to execute the character."

David Licauco says "At first it was intimidating but when I started to talk to them, it was easy. The script is actually good so it was easy to do because you would know how their character moves or do in the story."

Here's our blog conference a few days ago, enjoy!

Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune cast also includes Rob Gomez, Nikki Co, Dustin Yu, Darwin Yu, Casie Banks, David Chua, Victor Basa, Ms. Boots Anson-Roa and a lot more.

And before we do go, they've changed their time slot as MANO PO LEGACY: The Family Fortune will be shown at 8:50pm starting February 7, so make sure you move your watching hours to that time because it's perfect after dinner no?

Happy Lunar New Year by the way!

The “Anak Ni Waray vs Anak Ni Biday” Presscon

Kate Valdez and Barbie Forteza has a gem in their hands. Their show Anak Ni Waray vs Anak Ni Biday have all the ingredients of a very special show. The remake based on a movie in the 60’s, and another one in the 80’s will be a fun, love stricken conflict. Their family will get involved and friendships will be broken.

The series will be flanked by some of PH’s greatest actresses like Snooky Serna, Dina Bonnevie, Jean Saburit, Teresa Loyzaga, Faith Da Silva, Tanya Montenegro, Ms. Celia Rodriguez, including Jay Manalo, Benedict Cua and Migo Adecer. Ginalyn and Katelyn will be battling over Migo’s character. Max Collins, Lovi Poe, Jason Abalos will be their young versions, so it looks pretty special. This is directed by Marc Sicat Dela Cruz. Golden Cañedo also sang the theme song for this, she was well applauded during the presscon. 

Direk says "I didn’t get to watch the old movie but I didn’t do it so it would have less bias, I believed in the creative group, so it has drama, of friendships, of lovers, of Mothers and a lot of comedy. "

Barbie says “We have bonded quite well, we’re friends now because of the time we spend together. Waray is feisty, but all out when her family is involved.”

Kate says “I am so grateful for the chance to work with industry veterans, for GMA to believe in me, I am so thankful! My version is very thrifty, I do it even now.”

Snooky Serna says “During the 80’s, I really felt it had sentimental value for me. Working with Dina, I felt we didn’t leave each other, we just picked up where we left off. Dina is so sweet, I love how she brings snacks unceremoniously. We are not in good terms with our characters.

Dina says “I asked to be Biday, my husband is an Ilocos Congressman and it’s so nice to do this and promote our province. I am excited and hope we have more shoots in Ilocos because we really had fun there. This time even if she is evil, she’s going to be a little nice on some times. It’s funny because we are good friends, it is different but being with her, I remember our Regal days so thank you to GMA for doing this.”

Celia Rodriguez says “I don’t have to tell them what to do, they’re all pros. They go to the set early, ready and know their lines. They ask if they need help and they do good, I’m sure they will be big stars very soon.

Migo adds “I agree, friendship first, love between friends can level up and it is easier to fix rather than doing it with strangers.Cocoy is different, he’s caught in life so he kinda gets to be with different women, because he’s afraid of commitment. I haven’t played a man being fought by two ladies, I take this is similar to Sahaya but the other way around. I feel how she feels now.”

Jay Manalo says “No, I haven’t felt I was being torn by women, I on the other hand did that. I believe in friendships, I would rather lose the love than break them like in this story.”

Teresa Loyzaga says “A contrabida is a contrabida is a contrabida. My name is different now, I guess people will be surprised as this is different from My Special Tatay. I take it as a complement when people react like that, I make an effort because I put myself in the character.”

Faith Da Silva says “I do wish to be lead sometimes but this is a role and I am happy for it. I think I get to portray interesting roles, I want to do Marimar in the future. Maybe that will happen.”

Jean says “For me any role is a good role, it’s how you tackle it, no matter how big or small it is I do it to make the show whole, not taking it in other ways. It’s work and passion.”

Anak Ni Waray vs Anak Ni Biday will show on January 27. This is on GMA’s Primetime slot.

FINALLY Barbie Forteza: The Exchange Gift Happened with Jak Roberto

Just had a short coffee class with Kapuso Prime Princess Barbie Forteza. We talked about her new show Anak Ni Waray vs Anak Ni Biday which will show this January, but she mentioned a funny thing that might have been in some people's mind. Remember those viral Christmas articles about her and Jak Roberto? Some were actually awaiting if their exchange gift did happen, but it only happened this year. The sweet boy Jak gave Barbie a Pandora necklace with an angel design sleeping on the moon while Barbie Forteza on the other hand, got Jak Roberto an Apple Magic Mouse and a lot of accessories for Vlogging. They're spent the holidays together as it is also their third year as real life lovers. It did happen! :)

The show she's in is also a remake which starred Maricel Soriano and Snooky Serna. Albeit not being able to watch, she got pointers from Ms. Snooky how to do the role. She is also doing Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko episodes opposite her real life crush Dennis Trillo. We did this while making latte art with the Baristas of Crema and Cream at Timog Avenue.

Here is our interview with her detailing the shows, right after our coffee session.

Kara Mia Premieres February 18

This takes courage to do but GMA is still dishing out very experimental shows especially this one which they plan to do on primetime. It's called Kara Mia, based on a medical condition called Craniopagus Parasiticus that is said to be a condition of having one head and two faces. Although in this instance, it is caused by impregnation of a mythical creature and a human.

The director read this with fresh eyes as the previous one had shelved this project, to them this is style and media bending which is very challenging. They enjoyed doing it a and hope you enjoy watching it. 

Barbie says "This is not easy to shoot because I have to make sure I move right on a specific height and wait for them to do the same with Mika. It takes hours to do this in real life and I get some sleep in between takes. I couldn't sleep because Jak is a little talkative, see Mika even attests to it."

Jak says "It just that I arrive in the set when I have already had coffee so I get to have extra energy, disturb her a bit because I don't usually sleep on set."

Paul adds "The most challenging part is when I have to be like a Playboy, I still have to research that. No I am not like that in real life."

Mika says "We are love square not triangle and in the beginning I will have feelings with the character of Jack. It takes the right people to be in your best condition and so far I feel everything is so unexpected and I feel so lucky. Nash and I are very happy, he talks to me and teaches me the ropes. I am inspired to do more."

Carmina says "I didn't know how this would be done because when I read the script it was overwhelming and really not easy to execute. It is also my first time to work with most of the cast and probably, I have my twins so they think of me when there are twins on the project. It is time consuming, sometimes I have to talk to her nape, unlike in the past where I talked to ghosts."

Kara Mia premieres on February 18 so if you're up to more fantasy, drama and a bit of humor, go watch GMA's newest offering because they're only hope is to change your viewing habits, to not only taste adobo, but also other dishes on the table.

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Barbie Forteza and Derrick Monasterio for INDAY Will Always Love You

It was like a fiesta when we arrived at GMA's blogcon for INDAY Will Always Love You which stars good friends Derrick Monasterio and Barbie Forteza. Ricky Davao plays Philip, a lechonero and Cebu magnate. Juancho plays Ernest, the third wheel. He's a Cebuano musician. Ericka Ferraren will also be joining the cast, it's a pretty interesting combination.

Derrick remarks "We have been good friends and in this show we are just going to do what we have to do because Barbie and I know we have to finish the scenes. If it ends up that fans would like the romantic angle, I'd be glad. We take care of each other. It's hard to make people laugh, if you're corny you're really corny. I don't go the mile and tease her because she's the one who bullys me."

Barbie says "It is easy because I get to work with a guy that I've known for a long time, we have no instances of ilangan because we talk about the scenes first before we do a take, even if we are creating new characters we don't have to pretend because he's a gentleman, we talk about where the process and dialogue would take us, that is the secret. It's hard to make people laugh or cry, Derrick and I are close and I hope that translates on screen."

Ricky Davao says "I get inspiration from the young ones, I don't see why Barbie shouldn't be the model actress of her generation. She is very professional, light hearted in the set and she does it well. She is gonna last in this industry, I like her a lot. We shot everything in the real Sinulog Festival, so it's interesting to see how colorful our culture is. We wake up at 5 and work with different people, we learn a lot especially with Gladys because she's like a walking encyclopedia. It's hard to shoot because of the heat, but it looks good on screen."

You'll love this new show called INDAY Will Always Love You which will premier on May 21st, on GMA's primetime slot. I can't wait to see their production numbers, the trailers have shown some of it and it looks promising. 

Let's get this show on the road!

KUMAGCOW

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Ken Chan and Barbie Forteza for "This Time I'll Be Sweeter"

It's but fate that led them here after working in a lot of projects in GMA and the popular #KenBie love team has been adored by their fans all throughout the country. This is the same formula they are working on as Regal Multimedia Inc. gambles with this movie called "This Time I'll Be Sweeter" starring the very humble and down to earth Ken Chan and the bubbly and talented Barbie Forteza. 

Barbie says "We are so thankful as we come back to mainstream movies. I am more happy, excited to finally see this on screen. I am the type that watches how they make an effort, then give what I can if I fall in love. What I like about Ken is he remembers the smallest things, even the things you talk about 5 or 10 years ago. Direk doesn't rehears because he would rather have something raw, almost takes the first one and treats it as gold."

Ken adds "I am nervous because this is my first movie. I get really encouraged with what people tell me just by watching the trailers... on how excited they are to actually see the film. I wish we could exceed our goals in the box office. Even in Singapore I was hounded by Barbie's fans and they even sent stuff for her from Singapore. Barbie is sweet, she knows if you are hungry or tired and she makes an effort to show how she cares. If we have heavy scenes, we try to understand the story, internalize them and do different styles to do it."

Direk Joel Lamangan says "I have done a lot of romcoms but you'll see them be younger here. Even if they are young, they are professionals and I could feel how young I got too working with them here. These guys are all intellectual actors, all of them."

This is directed by no other than Joel Lamangan and will continue to push with this KenBie formula that started with their previous show "Meant To Be". In this story, Erika and Tristan used to be lovers back in college. Their relationship didn't work and both were caught heartbroken, but later on found themselves in different careers, to meet again, and perhaps have a second wind in their relationship. Will it work if they had their own emotional baggage with them? Will their past haunt them? Or will a third party (in the person of Thea Tolentino) come and destroy this budding romance? That remains to be seen.

Aki Blanco says "If I fall in love, I would be super happy, excited but really a jealous type. I am single now, the last relationship I had was when I was in high school and I'm sure if ever we had a relationship it's going to be more mature, handled differently."

Kim Rodriguez says "If I fall in love, I'll really have to take care of myself first because it's hard to trust people these days. I am single, but extremely happy with my relationship with God. I hope I get to work with Alden Richards because I get so kilig with him and Maine Mendoza."

Jai says "It's so funny but even if I'm working with stars from other channels, it's like a family here and now we're like a huge barkada. You should try this thing if you can."

This movie also stars Ara Mina, Rey PJ Abellana, Neil Ryan Sese, Yayo Aguila, Kim Rodriguez, Hiro Peralta, Akihiro Blanco, Jai Agpangan, Kaki Ramirez, Fiona Yang, Jon Leo and a lot more stars on Regal's stable. This movie will be shown on November 8, 2017. 

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