See a More Daring KATHRYN BERNARDO and Vulnerable ALDEN RICHARDS in HELLO LOVE AGAIN

After years of missing these two on screen, we finally have HELLO LOVE GOODBYE's sequel, HELLO LOVE AGAIN. 

Ethan and Joy's story continues in Canada. This film discusses about their love story continuing in a different place, and circumstances after the COVID-19 outbreak which has affected us all. This time, after all those things that happened in Hong Kong, Joy and Ethan went through the reality of long distance relationships, and suddenly become strangers.

Their story is much like a lot of OFW's out ther, trying to find new life in an unfamiliar place, and Direk Cathy Garcia Sampana easily intertwines their love story in it, to later find the need to fix themselves and their lives. 

The story also discusses how they became so insanely hurt in the process, and prioritize how to look for a better life for them, and their respective families. 

The movie definitely needs to be seen because the story becomes extra interesting compared to the first blockbuster movie. Aside from that, this second installment is full of things that you can learn about with family relationships, love, the trials, and those that go through the life of someone who chose to work abroad so their families back home can live comfortably.

The movie will also give you a bit of a shock because Alden and Kathryn gave a different life to Ethan and Joy. Their characters became bold, tough, and matured over those 5 years. Their performance elicited tears from the audience, including guys who wouldn't admit what they did inside the dark theater. One should note of Joross Gamboa's quirky dialogues which made the dramatic scenes a bit funny than usual because his role as the common friend had the apt punchlines needed to keep it light and realistic.

You'll also get to see what the real TRUTH brings, if it hurts, or if it becomes the source of their bliss. Ethan and Joy needs to decide about their fate, is this the end? Or will this be the start of a new life? Or will this be the start of their FOREVER?!

I'd like to take this bit to thank the folks from realme (Kathryn's current phone is the one I'm using, the realme 13 pro). They brought us to the cinemas to watch the film, but they suddenly brought out the two lead actors to surprise us at the cinema! Check this out!

This is Alden's best so far and Kathryn's most feisty role. The changes alone should automatically be a reason to watch this movie. The story and direction comes a close second, because if the first one made waves here and abroad, this should catapult them to elsewhere after seeing their performance. 

The pairing is relatively young, but they definitely gave more of themselves in this movie, head on to theaters and make this an even bigger hit than the first one!

Congratulations to GMA Films, ABSCBN Studios and Star Cinema. It's out on theaters now!

Star Magic Workshops x AMP Studios Does Second Hybrid Workshop in Canada

I've had word that the previous one was phenomenal (late 2022), so this really didn't come as a surprise for me to see Star Magic Training and Workshop Head Direk Rahyan Carlos and their team did a hybrid workshop in Toronto, Canada. This was done together with their partners over at AMP Studios Canada with Rechelle Everden at its helm.

It's a face to face workshop, so in a way it was quuite intense for all the participants who enrolled for the Introductory and Advanced Acting Class. It culminated on August 27 when they held their recital and it was joined by the very talented actress/comedienne Carmi Martin.

As you may already know, Direk Rahyan Carlos is one of the few people certified to teach the world renowned Chubbuck Technique. This has been used by several local actors and Hollywood A listers, so if you want to join, you're certainly welcome to do so by inquiring and visiting their page at facebook.com/Ampstudioscanada or their IG account @ampstudios_canada.

They would like to thank Mitzify Canada and Mitziville Farm and Residences for generously sponsoring the event and other AMP Studios projects.

DK Talents Shine on Mothers Day Special

There are so many talented Filipinos around the world and what an opportune time to showcase this through a Mothers Day Special through Filipino TV, a channel based in Toronto, Canada.

An evening with 6 Filipino-Canadian artists performing for a night of music, dance and the arts, they entitled this event as "Girlpower for the Supermoms". More than the flowers and chocolates which most people give on the day, songs from some of the greatest artists in the world was performed live by talented ladies from the Greater Toronto Area. This is where Gloriane, Chelsea, Arielle, Alyssa, Antoinette and Kayleigh come in. Part of DK Talents, they had a grueling few weeks to rehearse for it. DK Tijam of DK Talents knew he had to manage their schedules. He was extremely grateful for their parents who helped generously, they were able to pull it off and perform that evening.

Much on their playlist was something they wanted to dedicate to their Moms, and personal favorites that they knew would be special for them.  From Antoinette's rendition of “La Vie En Rose”, "You Are My Sunshine" to Kayleigh's version of "Put Your Records On" (she also appeared on 13 the Musical btw!), they all were able to put some smiles on their Moms and those who watched, everyone felt their sincerity and love with the songs. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Arielle did "Like I'm Gonna Lose You" and "Mom" bringing their A game with a little pop influence instead. They also sat down and talked about how their Moms have been instrumental on how they became who they are today, plus a few stories in between how they bonded with their mothers, their relationships, it was so sweet to hear that!

DK Tijam was their producer, stage director, writer, vocal arranger, and everything else in between. He nurtured these ladies and trained them personally. He says "Seeing them all being made up by their own parents, preparing their outfits, and getting help with their dance numbers, I felt really grateful how we have achieved all these in a short amount of time. After training them, seeing them perform today was a WIN. Their vocal range, command of the stage and how they worked with us in choreography, they are all very talented ladies who will certainly go places!"

DK Tijam was a Grand Finalist in popular show Star in a Million (held in the early 2000's), but now trains young aspiring singers in Toronto, Canada. He now has several students that are doing quite well in the Maple state and seeing them all achieve their dreams is his success too. GirlPower for the SuperMoms is just the start, you can now watch it on Facebook or just click here.

Congratulations to the whole DK Talents team and of course, their mentor DK Tijam for the successful show!

JUDY ANN SANTOS-AGONCILLO is BACK with The Diary of Mrs. Winters

We are extremely excited (as you are) hearing that the Queen of Primetime Drama Ms. Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo is now in the process of filming an acting piece called "The Diary of Mrs. Winters" where she plays a "forensic cleaner" and OFW in Toronto, Canada. In the film she will be playing opposite good looking guy Sam Milby, who will be with her in the maple leaf laden state come last week of February to start filming. 

Judy Ann tells the media how she's been in the fence of doing this because she basically didn't want to be away from her family, something that also has stopped her from doing films and projects in the past. She's a mother and a wife above anything else, but got to talk to Ryan about it later on because she had a feeling she wants to do this because it's a Ricky Lee piece and will be directed by Rahyan Carlos (who does acting workshops for Star Magic and is certified to do the Chubbuck technique). This is a horror movie, and right up the director's alley, and he got to do the workshop with Judy Ann and Sam so he would be able to know more about each other before filming starts. Direk Rahyan is also part of Happy Karga Films and partner AMP Studios (Canada) which will be producing the movie.

 

Cast includes Issa Litton, Guji Lorenzana, Robbie Walche and FDCP Chair Liza Diño-Seguerra who will be marketing the film in the international film festivals

 

The Team Happy Karga Films and AMP Studios include Direk Rahyan Carlos and Chalen Lazerna (Standing L- R) Joy Mangilit- Tarce, Rechelle Everden and Patrick James Dooc

The cast and producers talked lengthily about this film being showcased in certain film festivals which they plan to do before having a theatrical release in the third or fourth quarter of this year. They say it's actually easier to have this released internationally because it's not comedy which would have more local context. So surely, there will be a chance for this project to get Judy Ann, Sam and the ensemble cast to win international awards which Liza Diño-Seguerra will be working on in the next few months. The computer graphics will also be done by Direk Rahyan Carlos' team which is the cream of the crop in the PH film scene, all of whom have worked in his past projects so you're sure this will be done right.

There will also be a couple of actors from Canada who will be joining the cast, and they've already scouted a few locations before filming. There will be a few of them already flying there in a week's time to make sure once Judy Ann, Sam and the cast lands, they start grinding.  

So here's a toast to the men and women behind this film! Congratulations and I hope to see the movie in cinemas soon!

STAR MAGIC WORKSHOPS Does Hybrid Sessions at TORONTO CANADA

Star Magic Virtual Workshops has started during the pandemic and has been very successful. It has come to cross borders and now at AMP Studios in Toronto Canada. Direk Rahyan Carlos has been teaching the Chubbuck technique and has been certified to do so, but now they're doing it both virtually and face to face in the northern american country.

Right now, they're doing acting, voice and dance workshops and this year, they've managed to do one last August which will have a culminating activity this December 16th.

Direk Rahyan says "We are so excited to be here. We've been doing this for 2 years and now, we're doing this in the AMP Studios Canada to teach the technique here too. My students here have been family, thank you also to Liza and Ice Seguerra for being here with me. They are very close to my heart. The one we're giving in Canada is what we are giving our artists in Star Magic. What we do with our own actors will be the same, the same premier Chubbuck technique we are giving them, so our actors use pain as fuel for acting. I met them in 2019 and did it online instead of F2F, now we are opening it in Canada. We are also doing this in other countries, and the training involves how to express themselves, to help them become the person they want to be. It's just a bonus if they become artists in the Philippines. In the past 2 years, I have already trusted them about the process, I give my students pointers on ethics for actors. It follows on becoming a better actor, it is important that it starts from there. You are just as good as your last work. We always train wherever we are, talent will be chaos without discipline, and that's what started this all in AMP Studios Canada."

Liza Dino Seguerra says "I look forward to watch your acting showcase, this experience is probably life changing for you as much as it is for me. Thank you for supporting Star Magic to globalize, expanding our industry. We have so much talent in the country, if it weren't for Star Magic I wouldn't have learned the Ivana Chubbuck technique. I am so honored to be part of the showcase, thank you for inviting me here. Thank you so much for your hospitality, it doesn't even feel like work."

Ice Seguerra says "Like what Liza said, training is important. I wouldn't be a singer if I didn't do that, I will be part of your recital, I really can't wait to be on stage with you guys."

 

AMP Studios Canada and Star Magic Workshops can be joined via website (https://amp-ed.com/), Faceboook and IG account. Just fill up the form and do the orientation. It's the same as in the Philippines and do it by batch. It ends in a recital so it'll be a while if you get in. They are also doing it in EST, more convenient for those in North America or closer locations. The pre requisite is the heart and time to do it. You don't have to have experience in acting, it turns passionate people into actors with the Chubbuck technique. If you have all those, this is perfect for you.

You can get in touch with them via facebook.com/Starmagicworkshops or their Instagram account @abscbnstarmagicworkshops, You can also directly inquire via facebook.com/Ampstudioscanada or at @ampstudios_canada IG account if you want to join the class.

Best Spots for a Weekend Getaway in Ontario

Ontario, often referred to as "Canada's most populated province" is a beautiful and picturesque destination. Ontario has a lot to offer and it would be an injustice not to plan a trip there.

The best time for visiting the province of Ontario is during the winter months. The weather is pleasant and you can enjoy outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or ice-skating. But if the winter season isn’t for you, no worries! There is just as much to enjoy in the warmer months.

Check out these top 4 destinations in Ontario for your next weekend excursion!

Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital of Canada and is one of the most peaceful, quiet, and clean cities in North America.

It is a city that is full of culture and heritage. Ottawa is also home to many different museums, galleries, theaters, restaurants and more. There are plenty of things to do in Ottawa for both visitors and locals alike.

You can also enjoy some great food while visiting this destination, with many restaurants offering cuisine from around the world. The ByWard Market area is home to numerous pubs and restaurants and live music venues that offer a more traditional pub experience for those looking for something different than just fine-dining restaurants.

Toronto

Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, so it’s no surprise that there are tons of things to do. If you are looking to get out and explore this amazing city, here are some suggestions for how to spend your weekend.

There are so many things you can do in Toronto on the weekend. You can explore the city’s neighborhoods, which each have their own unique vibe and charm. You can go shopping in Yorkville Village or Queen West Village for high-end fashion brands like Gucci or Chanel.

You can stop by the Eaton Centre during the day for great deals on clothes you never knew you wanted but need now! Or eat at one of Toronto's many restaurants that excel in cuisine.

Halton

Halton is a great destination for a weekend getaway. The town has its own charm and you can find many natural beauty spots to explore off the beaten path. The best way to do that is by bike or by car. There are also many restaurants in Halton, including some great spots for brunch on Sundays, like The King’s Head Pub & Restaurant.

Halton also offers interesting activities for all interests including golfing, water sports, fishing, hiking and more. If you are looking for culture there are some great museums in Oakville or live theater in Burlington that will keep you entertained during your stay here.

It may not come to a surprise to you that after visiting here you find yourself searching the current Halton real estate market because chances are, you’ll want to stay for longer than a weekend.

Lake Huron Shorelines

The Lake Huron shoreline stretches over 200 miles and is a popular destination for those looking to spend the weekend outdoors. There are plenty of things to do in this region when you have a free weekend.
 
Some activities include visiting Niagara on the Lake which is a charming town with excellent wineries to go tasting at, taking a walk along the sand dunes or Georgian Bay beach, or perhaps heading out on the water for a day of fishing or watersports.

GILAS PILIPINAS: FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament

This is it! I can't wait! We've already won the rights to host the FIBA Olympi Qualifying Tournament this 2016 and we're raring to go where no Filipino has gone before (well we did in 1936 and the years thereafter) but it's been a while since we've actually had a basketball team on the world map. We've done the legwork, we've conquered huge teams and placed 1st Runner Up in FIBA Asia Qualifiers. We've beaten world ranked countries and taken Gilas Pilipinas out there, impressing even the best people in the industry... and this is our chance to bring back that glory we've been longing for.

They've already announced the final 12 players, and we've seen the exhibition games happen in other countries. As they all come home and be joined by the rest of the country, Gilas Pilipinas will attempt to win that single slot and overcome a lot of other countries to make it there.

Our first touch of eurasian country Turkey will happen on July 1 at 7PM. This is just a tune up game yet a great venue to gauge how we'll fare with other countries when it comes to the real thing on July 5-10, 2016. The other qualifiers will happen in cities like Turin, Italy and Belgrade, Serbia. The Philippines will be pit against France, New Zealand and whoever is going to rank top in those dates. Games will be at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and it will be shown live on the happiest network in the country, TV5 with updates from Sports 5 PH too.

Gilas Pilipinas' Final 12 is composed of Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Troy Rosario, Ryan Reyes, Gabe Norwood Jeff Chan, June Mar Fajardo, Marc Pingris, Japeth Aguilar, Terrence Romeo, Andray Blatche and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. Unfortunately L.A. Tenorio and Calvin Abueva are out. This was announced by Tab Baldwin before their tune up game with China in Italy. The coach was adamant declaring it was because of numbers that they decided to choose the roster but I'm sure they were NOT short of HEART. Make sure you'll be there and purchase tickets at SM Tickets (https://smtickets.com/). Ticket prices go as much as Php 14,945 for VIP, Php 12,810 for Patron, Php 10,675 for Lower Box, Php 430 for Upper Box and Php 215 for General Admission (as seen on site).

Bring your hearts, let's all cheer behind Gilas Pilipinas and say "Laban Pilipinas! Puso!" (Fight Philippines! With all your heart!).

For more information about their games:

Sports 5 PH

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.tv5.com.ph/

The 5th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

Sparks will literally fly again on skies of Manila as the 5th installment of 2014 Philippine International Pyromusical Competition happens at the SM Mall of Asia grounds this February 15, 2014!

It's the most awaited show every year and we haven't run out of participants from first world countries yet. Australia, Spain, United Kingdom, France, Japan, China, Germany, Finland, Canada and the United States of America will all be there represented by individual firework companies to provide the right amount of shock and awe that Filipinos have definitely been a fan of since this started.

Don't worry! We'll be well represented at the event because the Philippines will be doing an opening salvo courtesy of Platinum Fireworks Incorporated. We will be showing off our best at strict international standards to show them why we've been winning other Pyromusic festivals elsewhere too!

Bring your family, friends and loved ones later - and until the succeeding Saturdays until March 22, 2014 so you can be part of this BIG celebration of what is the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition! Explosion starts at 7PM and the next country will be there at 8PM. I'll be there later to shoot so see you! :)

For more information about their stores:

Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.pyrophilippines.com

I Need A Road Trip!

I haven't had a decent vacation in 8 years and to tell you honestly I am in the process of fixing my schedules so I can get lee way of having an out of the country experience this time! I'm so excited because I'll probably be traveling with my folks too. I want to experience how to road trip America. I want to see the sights up close. I don't want the usual resort vacations that just end up making you stay inside hotel premises. I want to see people from different places and plainly check how they live their lives. Human interest appeals to me.

The road maybe long but I would want to make my vacation still be the best one I could find. I need to see places in a different light. June seems to be one good month since its summer. I might have more time though in November but I'll weigh my options. I already have my papers ready and I'll check my bank if I can pay for my folks fare. Please pray for me in the coming months so I could get the time to muster up and find vacation time in my busy schedule. I need to relax and amuse myself. I need recreation every once in a while and this has been long overdue!

Where do you think I should go then?! Do you have any suggestions?

Oh Canada!

I miss my friends in Canada. I seldom talk about it because it gives me that feeling of regret not visiting it that much in the past few years. I barely took a break from work and to tell you honestly I really want to go. They often invite me over to stay at their houses and roam around the rest of the provinces and get a little acquainted with the place. This was supposed to be my second home but I never made time for it in the past. Now, I'm planning to take a few days off and get with their program. I want to see the sights and great things this country up north has. Trent Jordan Vancouver convinced me to do it. I have to call them now (friends and family) and see if I can get them to come with me and travel. I hope they file their vacation leave this early. They will probably oblige since I am the persuasive one. I have to study a little more French too so I won't alienate myself on other parts of the country. For that, we'll try to accommodate it with my busy schedules!

I know how picturesque the place is because I still got some of the photos my Aunt's and Uncle sent me when I was a kid. One word that I can use to describe it is nostalgia! I still get excited seeing the vast parks and city scenes along the bay. I'm not much of a landmark photographer but I'll surely try to whip out something good with my kit lens and see if I can stitch together 3 photos for a local magazine I wish to show my work on. I'm sure they'll like it just like my fashion shots from a few months back. Loving the place wouldn't be hard; I might even consider living there soon! Oh Canada!

Oh Canada! Check Out How to Win Your Dream Kitchen!

Canada has been like a second home for me. Almost all my relatives have migrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba during the 80's and have established better lives there. Some of them work for the Government and some of them work for private institutions. Some of them also have put up their own businesses and have built their lives better than when they were here. They are the same people that read my articles from time to time. With that in mind, this particular news is for them. I am writing for them now!

This is their chance to have a kitchen makeover. Yes it's true! Maple Leaf Market just recently announced that they are giving away a $32,000 Dream Kitchen and 12 Frigidaire® fridges to celebrate the launch of their new web site everyday! I just visited them and boy was I surprised how easy it was to navigate through their menus and the graphics were all outstanding! It feels like you were talking directly to the butcher, the Baker and the Pasta Maker. They even suggest easy meals while you are at it. There is really nothing better than home cooked meals but they just made it easier for everyone to cook since they have all the things prepared in the store. We can probably just grab them from a store near you, go home, put them in one pot, and then wait for it to cook! I love the part where the butcher even demonstrates how to prepare beef medallions and chicken because I could probably ask my relatives out for barbecue! Yum-O!

If I win that kitchen they are giving away, I would probably have a modern one and get the best appliances to follow a monochromatic theme. I would also like to have a simple yet functional one with a bar so I could entertain people while I cook. So make sure you join this contest today and get that dream kitchen of yours into reality!

Canada Issues 8,000 Visa's for Migrant Workers

Health workers, Chef's, Nurses are among the top jobs in Canada
Photo by PIA.gov.ph

The government of Canada issued 8,000+ visa's for Filipinos who would want to work in parts of the said country. Guest workers Visa were given as indicated in the labor agreement that was signed between Philippines and the 4 provinces of Canada namely Nova Scotia, Manitoba, British Colombia and Alberta. In the said agreement, Filipinos workers were not required anymore to secure recruitment fees and they will get the same benefits as with their Canadian counterparts. This does also give them the option of applying for "Immigrant" status in the future. This is great news for out new heroes, the OFW's. ^_^