An Actor's Actor: KHALIL RAMOS Wins Best Actor Award for Olsen's Day

Saying Khalil Ramos is on a roll is an understatement this first quarter of 2025. For starters, he was given the Puregold Cinepanalo Film festival's BEST ACTOR award for the film Olsen's Day, a film directed by JP Habac (who also won as the Best Director). I've had the the impression of him being an "actor's actor", someone who's been able to do it successfully.  

His stellar filmography, unquestionable knack for doing acting pieces, have taken the nod of film critics. The chance to talk to him today was certainly, an opportunity to pick his brain a little. He was capable, even impressed us by the way he answered questions. It felt he was on his toes the whole time, very eloquent, albeit being a semi-introvert.  

Winning this award doesn't mean he's going to be picky, he's always about the script, about the craft, and when asked, he didn't even expect this at all. He says "I don't think about it being a competition at all, even though it is a festival. This was something very personal for the Director JP Habac, and it's a big thing to be trusted with this kind of material. I felt my duties as an actor became bigger because of it. You want to tell this story the way he wanted it to. The process had to be more open when we made Olsen's Day. I was already happy that Direk JP was happy about my performance, but during the awards night, a few of us were only there. We were there to celebrate with everyone. Then I won, and even Direk JP Habac won too, so we were just ecstatic. This goes to show that when you pour your heart into the story, a lot of people would connect and relate to it." 

Rest certainly is a luxury for both Khalil and Gabbi. Khalil was working on three platforms at the same time. Aside from Olsen's Day, he was doing a Neflix series called "How to Cheat Death" with Gabbi, and "One Hit Wonder" with Sue Ramirez on the same platform. He's also in the 9 Works Theatrical production of "Liwanag Sa Dilim" as Elesi, a very interesting character trying to find his roots. He felt it was 2023 all over again because yes, he did a lot tooo during those times in different mediums.

He feels energized as an artist that he could do all these roles, working with different people, saying he loves what he's doing, tired but definitely fulfilled in artistry and passion. Here's our interview with him this afternoon:

If he feels he resonates with the character and the script, he would do it no matter how big or small the production is. If he likes the story, that gets precedence over other things. His schedule is super packed for sure that he had to decline a few opportunities, that's the only time he needs to decide.  He was doing three characters in one week (in January), which was crazy but did it by studying characters individually saying "At a certain point, you have to be as real as possible in your pursuit with the film. Sometimes your body doesn't know you're already doing it. You're commanding it, and your body just follows. If it's tired, then you've got to pull other tricks in the bag to finish it. I need to find another technique to be more effective. Your co actors especially in Liwanag Sa Dilim will influence your performance, and they've all been a breeze to work with."

 Khalil is still in "Liwanag Sa Dilim" at the RCBC theater til April 13th, and watch out for "How to Cheat Death" on Netfilx this April 2. "One Hit Wonder" will premiere around May. Khalil is just starting, I bet he's bound for more accolades with Olsen's Day as they plan to also put it in streaming platforms soon.

 

UNINVITED Throws Biggest MMFF Entry Launch with NADINE LUSTRE, VILMA SANTOS and AGA MULACH

If there's something to tell about this movie aside the stars, it's the sheer scale of it. This is HUGE, and I couldn't wrap my head around why they've done it this way, but with Nadine Lustre, Ms. Vilma Santos and Aga Mulach in the cast, this kind of welcome is needed for their movie UNINVITED.

It was grand, it was fitting, because the story involved a Filipino billionaire. The story is also very dark as depicted on the trailer they released. This is going to be an acting piece for the three lead actors and honestly, I wouldn't want to be a juror for MMFF 2024 because from the looks of it, they'll be having a headache with first, having actresses with phenomenal awards battle it out for Best Actress. Two, seeing Aga do evil roles, something unlike his very sunny personality. That's just the tip of the iceberg though.

They revealed the official poster at the start of the event!

This is the huge stage, have I used huge a lot in this article? Yes I know.

Ms. Vilma Santos told the media "There's nobody else, no other name to play his role, it was only Aga Mulach. When he called me, he only asked if I'd accept the project, asked if it was true, and I immediately told him to accept it because otherwise, I'd be returning the candles for being Ninang to him and Charlene Gonzales. I wanted him to accept it so I could beat him up (she kids). When I head also that Nadine agreed with the project, I was already asking for shooting dates, with all honesty, I was mostly excited about it. Then I learned the huge cast that will also be with us, even if I felt bad in several shooting days, I knew I had to go through with it because I was with them all. I am inspired and in love with them."
 
Aga quipped "People were asking me why I'd be calling her, and they didn't know we often talk like that because we're really that close. The only question I asked was if she was game to do it, she didn't even had to talk more because I've been waiting for it the whole time. I'm just so happy this happened. It comes in threes, and out of the stuff we did, I'm very proud of this one! I'm quite excited too. When I heard Nadine was in the cast, I thought she was going to be a love interest, but production told me she will be my daughter (he kids), I was relieved!"

Nadine divulged a few things about her character and said "About similarities, I think we're polar opposites. Nicole is kind of extreme, she's rich, she does all the bad things, she's a foul mouth, she's got lots of hatred towards her father and the situation. I on the other hand am a more chill person, and the relationship I have with my father isn't the same either. The only thing I think that is similar is that we're both feisty. Our scenes are very heavy, but Kuya Aga does these adlibs that are not on script and we laugh about it after the scenes. But it feels different when you are working with a person of his caliber. Our scenes are going to be triggering, his personality is totally different in real life."

Here's the rest of the press conference on video:

Producer Bryan Dy responded to my question about being so passionate doing HUGE projects like these and he said "I'm actually very fortunate to be in this position. This is the part that you would never have to hold back, because with this kind of cast and story, if we let go of the chance, we probably wouldn't have something like this happen in our lifetime. One reason is, going to cinemas actually is expensive, so you want to really make sure that every peso cinema goers spend is worth it. With this cast, with the people working behind the camera, we think they're the best and we believe the Filipinos deserve it. And, we're not yet done, we're just starting! It is a dream project, and I've seen Ms. Vilma Santos in different roles when I was growing up, she didn't act on this film, she was more of a collaborator. She is very important for the entire film because she was assisting all the actors, they don't even go home anymore even if their scenes were done because they stayed to make sure this film has something to give. This is important and fulfilling for me. All our earnings from past projects, we rolled over here and even gave more. We're sure that we won't disappoint you with this film."

If the stars won't be the sole reason to see this film, you've got the story, the production value, and the anticipation of how great actors do it on screen should. 

Can't wait to see it in December!

ARJO ATAYDE Taking Strides with Feelmaking Productions, Inc.

What makes a film great? A good story? A stellar line of stars? Special effects? It could be one of those, but the most heavily awarded ones and praised by critics are those that are simple, films that depict life that is raw and unfiltered. There are tons of stories of this nature that need to be told. This is what Arjo Atayde's Feelmaking Productions, Inc. (FPI) want to do. He collaborated with famed TV Director Avel Sunpongco and Ad pro Marj So to make films that could impact people's lives so we could talk about those that are relevant and touch on real social issues.

Arjo says "After years of being in the TV and film industry, I just felt that I could do more. It was at this time that I realized I had to do something, to tell the stories worth telling and put Filipino filmmaking on a different level. It's time we do things differently and adapt to changing times and tastes of the viewing public. There's a different way to tell the Filipino story that can be accepted around the world. We'll try to do that, it's what we're here for!"

FPI also believes by keeping their workplace and film locations happy, everyone would find joy at work and come up with the best quality. It was done during their first project "Hey, Joe" which was shot in Baguio City. Together with Arjo was decorated actors Joel Torre, Eric Quizon and Mon Confiado. They also had Dumbo, Nikko Natividad, Gillian Vicencio, Iana Bermudez, Manuel Chua, Yamyam Gucong, Jobert Austria, Donna Cariaga, Chamyto Aguedan and Alexa Miro as part of the cast. Arjo's gorgeous sister Ria Atayde is also included and will have a special participation on this project.

Arjo says "With FPI and our partners, we are keen to create quality films that would be at par with international standards." Hopefully, we would be able to see this on movie houses (following protocols, when it's safe!), or digital platforms that could bring the titles they're raring to churn out around the world so we could showcase our artistry in this medium. If you want to know more about Feelmaking Productions Inc. and Arjo's other projects, follow @feelmakingprodinc on IG or search the name of the production on Facebook because they're there!

And I think, that's just the first step! You'll hear more about these films very soon!

Complete List of Winners from MMFF 2020

Today is the day! 

Globe Blue Carpet for MMFF 2020 

This evening's MMFF Gabi ng Parangal was a whole lotta fun as we saw celebrities come one by one. We saw at the Globe Blue Carpet Ritz Azul, Gerald Napoles, Maui Taylor, Michael De Mesa, EA Guzman, Zanjoe Marudo, Alfred Vargas, Harlene Bautista and John Arcilla.

Paulo Avelino was so dapper, he had silver hair, wore a tux, shared his music, told us about his fans and the hosts Giselle Sanchez and Bekz Battalions Chad Kinis just got so crazy wild because he looked so good. They also warned people about piracy which probably is a problem this year in MMFF.

They also announced the Best Float (virtual) this year which went to Magikland, while Isa Pang Bahaghari came second, while third went to Fan Girl.

Marco Gumabao and Kylie Verzosa hosted the formal awards show, MMDA chair reiterated these are done online for the safety of the general public. He also said awardees this evening well deserved the recognition as it was doubly harder to put together good movies while the country is on lockdown period. 

 
They also gave kudos to students who participated in shorts which were presented before actual participating movies

Best Student Short Film Paano Maging Babae from DLS St Benilde

Best Child Performer went to Seiyo Masunaga of The Missing

Best Editing Fan Girl's Benjamin Tolentino

Best Cinematography went to Fan Girl's Neil Daza

Special Citation for Direk Peque Gallaga+

MMFF Gender Sensitivity Award went to The Boy Foretold by the Stars  

Best Sound went to FanGirl's Vincent Villa

Best Musical Score goes to Magikland's Emerson Texon

Best Original Theme Song went to The Boy Foretold by the Stars Jhay Cura and Pao Protacio

Best Visual Effects goes to Magikland's Richard Francia and Ryan Grimarez of Central Lab

Best Production Design was won by Magikland Ericson Navarro

Best Editing Fan Girl's Benjamin Tolentino

Best Cinematography went to Fan Girl's Neil Daza

Manay Ichu Vera Perez Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ms. Gloria Romero

Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award went to the film Suarez the Healing Priest

Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award went to Magikland

Best Screenplay went to Fan Girl's Antoinette Jadaone for Fan Girl

Best Supporting Actor was won by Michael De Mesa for Isa Pang Bahaghari

Best Supporting Actress was won by Shaina Magdayao for Tagpuan

Best Director was won by Antoinette Jadaone for Fan Girl

MMFF 3rd Best Picture went to Tagpuan

MMFF 2nd Best Picture went to The Boy Foretold by The Stars

MMFF Best Picture Award went to Fan Girl by Epic Media Corporation

Best Actor is Paulo Avelino of Fan Girl

Best Actress is Charlie Dizon for Fan Girl

Congratulations to all the winners! This is brought to you by Globe, Upstream, MMDA and MMFF.

 

ARJO ATAYDE Wins Best Actor at the Asian Academy Creative Awards

 

When I saw this video circulating on Twitter and IG of Arjo Atayde winning the Best Actor award at the recent Asian Academy Creative Awards, I had goosebumps, I almost cried buckets for his achievement. Mind you, he actually made history as the first Filipino who won that for that category and it is for his role in the iWant original series called "Bagman" which was done a while ago.

In that movie, he was a barber, turned criminal turned politician (which was quite realistic no?) and he actually did beat quite a number of acclaimed actors from the Asian region. Add to that, he also won in the national level against really good Filipino actors too (and the chance to represent the country in the said tilt).

Arjo Atayde says "Thank you so much for your support. My journey has been very interesting, especially the characters that the network and dreamscape has given me. The only thing I had to do was be kind in dealing with people everyday. I would do whatever genre they want me to do and hopefully I get to explore more, I get to widen my range so I could grow and learned, so I could do another character. That is what is interesting in my 8 years. At home I am as regular as it is, kulitan lang, with my siblings, my mom and dad. Besides my family and girlfriend, I dedicate this to everyone who helped me since the very beginning. The way they showed brilliance on and off cam, to ABSCBN, to everyone who helped me, I can't say enough, I'm very thankful!"

He adds "I got Tito Pen's guidance, my Mom also said I need to improve. I also watched documentaries so I could improve my craft. I wanted to immerse for the role but I couldn't because it is very personal. I talked to the writers and researchers, the story and the script made it easy to do it. An actor is a real person, but has a heart and mind that grows fonder."

He also talked about the announcement online and he mentioned "I was actually so hopeless, I didn't see that I would win because I was watching it on FB live. I thought they didn't like us, but I wanted the announcement to actually be done with because I was palpitating since 3PM.  When they did, you could see I was so shocked, I was so proud to represent our network, our country, it was a dream of mine when we entered and I got emotional. I said "What?!" but it really happened, I wish I could let someone feel it, I couldn't put it into words.  It was a good fight for the country, it was a good fight for ABSCBN. I can't  explain in words, I was just thankful and grateful for them. This was my goal, to represent the country in anyway I can. I never even thought about that to prove anything, I had fun, it was like a playground for me and what I learned, I never think about who's shadow I had to stay away from. I was just playing really. I know it's the hardest time to stay positive, but it has to start from within, I hope we all look forward to a better 2020. "

Here's the rest of the interview I got from the Zoom conference earlier. 

Thank you so much to Star Magic for arranging this earlier, I really am so proud of this man! He's going places!

The Millionaires Wife: Sid Lucero

 This is the first time I'm interviewing Sid Lucero. He's an award winning actor, very animated when you see him. He's not that tough guy you see on screen and you can feel how much he's engulfed so hard to put his passion into work, more so in The Millionaires Wife. He plays the character of Jared Montecillo, the son of Jacklyn Jose in the series. He's a little deranged to put it lightly, because when Stella puts her magic to this guy right here, he goes beyond it and kills his own Grandfather. He's been heavily influenced by his Mom hence the way his character ends up like that on the show. Yes, he rapes people!

Here's our interview on video:

Sid didn't really think much about getting a Best Actor award at the 19th Los Angeles Comedy Festival, but even wanted to use that to further his cause for the Philippine Movie and TV industry. He wanted his voice to be heard, with good purpose and I was impressed by that. His countless indie films, tons of shows, all of that felt like it didn't matter because he had a more endearing cause to support, I was so happy there are people like him in the industry. 

He also got lauded by Ms. Jacklyn Jose, equally impressed at how he works and says if there's one thing she would want to do is to work again with Sid Lucero. He was the one person that convinced Ms. Jacklyn Jose to accept this project in the first place. She's really got reason why, because Sid is brilliant. Underrated yes, but I hope he gets to be noticed and given more projects because of his caliber of acting.

Thank you for the opportunity to talk to you Sid and I hope people get to see the finale today!

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