"Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins" a Gorefest with Effective Actors

 

I've been looking forward to see one of the biggest films this 2025, an offering from Regal Entertainment intended for the Metro Manila Film Festival called "Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins".

As you may know, this is the 17th installment of the movie franchise and is already a part of tradition to see one every Christmas. It must have been very challenging for producers to put this together since the matriarch Mother Lily passed in 2024, but Ms. Roselle and Atty. Keith obviously didn't get to put off fire off their family's passion. With an ensemble cast that includes SRR alumni and some of this generation's hottest love teams, the theaters will surely be filled to the brim with fans who would want to see a glimpse of their idols do 3 movies in one showing. 

Here's what happened at the red carpet!

A short review:

The story is well put together. While there were a few flaws to convey time, you'll get to appreciate the way things are because all of the characters are very busy establishing their identity, and why they are there. This isn't much of a scare, but more of a gore fest. The suspense will also play when each one of them appear on screen because you'll never know who's going to live or die. That mystery alone would get you hooked and they've managed to healthily do that in this 3 in 1 movie. You can expect Janice de Belen and Manilyn Reynes to do good, along with prime actor Richard Gutierrez. 

 

The love teams FranSeth and JMFyang did their A game in the gory part of the movie. Individually, they are remarkable, even if the pairings didn't exist you would see how they carried themselves well. The scare factor is a bit on the moderate side, but again, this is more of a gorefest rather than a horror flick, I enjoyed that part the most because I like brutal things which you'll see in a lot of situations in this movie. Is it apt for Christmas? Absolutely, because from our POV, an MMFF without a Shake Rattle and Roll movie is a lame one. People should have choices, and this horror entry is the only one of its kind this year. People consume content like this, and if you're a Filipino outside the country, you'll see how it has been made good compared to previous years because of advances in technology, Regal took advantage of that. 

With great pieces (actors who have done their jobs well), a well stitched movie. They deserve 4/5 🐂🐂🐂🐂. 

PS. Watch out for the scenes of Sassa Gurl because that's part of the reason why you'll love SRR Evil Origins, she made her mark, made this chance to appear in the movie a good one. She proves that there are no small roles, small actors yeah?!

A Plea to Get Movie Goers Back to Cinemas: SRR Evil Origins Showcase Stars for MMFF

Just got out of the Gateway cinemas to cover the grand press conference of Shake Rattle and Roll Evil Origins, a Regal Entertainment entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival. The producers Ms. Roselle Monteverde and Atty. Keith Monteverde went up on stage and told us about this big project and how it was mounted despite several challenges in doing another Shake Rattle and Roll movie. 

They required it to be not just different, but connected as far as episodes go. They needed 3 writers and 3 directors to do this and separated them like period films, one takes place in 1775, 2025 and 2050. They also had an ensemble of actors to portray the various characters included in the film. During the press conference, they introduced themselves and expressed how thankful they were just by being part of the iconic horror franchise. Speaking of iconic, one of the films original actress was making a comeback particularly Ms. Manilyn Reynes (who appeared in the Aswang episode of the second installment). Popular loveteams JMFyang, FranSeth is also a part of this film, which would be a litmus test to see if they'd carry the film in its entirety. People were screaming in the cinema with the mere mention of their names, not surprised and hope this equally means they're going to rush to theaters this Christmas too.

FranSeth felt pressured to do good especially since they were able to surprise folks with last year's MMFF entry from the same production. This project is also one of many movies that Richard Gutierrez will be doing with Regal, so staty tuned for the next ones to be released soon. Ms. Annabelle Rama and Zion was in the audience to support him, a touching sight (as I was at their back during the talk).

Here's what happened on video:

While the movie and the rest of the entries are preparing for battle on Christmas Day for the Metro Manila Film Festival, their goal always has been to make sure people would go back to pre pandemic levels of people watching local films. They have the material, the star power and production that can do good, and they hope you'd give them the attention they deserve on MMFF season, and beyond on digital!

STAR MAGIC Puts SPOTLIGHT on SETH FEDELIN

I've had the pleasure of watching Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz's recent MMFF 2024 film "MY FUTURE YOU" which won Seth "Breakthrough Performance for an Actor" and a nomination for Best Actor in the film festival. Star Magic recently put the SPOTLIGHT on him after the win and he told us how he felt right after that win because he told us it didn't really sink in til he went home and celebrated with his family. Seth felt it wasn't just his win, but a huge win for his dreams, and his family.

Seth told us how he was very eager to make this count especially since projects of this magnitude doesn't come so often. When they were making it, he talked to Francine about its importance and they knew they had to return the trust being given to them by the production because it was the perfect vehicle to showcase their acting strengths. It was initially set to premiere during the 3rd quarter of 2024, but then it got moved twice, then was sent to the 50th MMFF. Regal told them that this was going to be just something they'd send to the committee with a prayer, til they saw it being announced as one of the finalists in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival.

He even drove back home to tell his folks, Francine told him about it. And when they did the whole promotion thing for the movie, he wasn't ready about how BIG it is.

Here's the whole interview with him a few days ago, super thanks Seth for being so nice that day!

Seth says "In all the things I do, I am really too shy. I don't know how I do it when I'm in front of the camera especially when I do roles that are really important to me. When I do it, I try to toughen up because I'm my own critic. I just do my best, and when people see it, that's me. I really mix in my persona, I don't remove myself from scenes. I just tell myself that I need to do it, like self motivation. I am happy to do it even if I'm not in my best look in the studios, I just show my truth."

He adds "I've got so many actors I'd want to work with. I'd like drama, to have a bad boy flick, action or something like that. Still a hero but challenging, a different take to a character. I'd like to do that in a different project. I'd want to learn about it first because I know it is difficult to do that."

 

This isn't the last time you'll be seeing Seth because from the looks of it, he's going to have a few more projects this 2025 especially because of his recent win. He also is open to do projects with other stars, even if they won't be working with each other because he finds it limiting for Francine if the pairing is going to hold them back. But don't fret, because they still are eager to also work with each other (he says he's full tank). Who wouldn't want to see that!

Make sure you follow him and Star Magic's social channels because I'm sure they've got something up their sleeves! (TV series Nobody, shooting soon!).

Regal's FranSeth Starrer "MY FUTURE YOU" Could Be This Year's Dark Horse at MMFF

Just got off the cinemas after watching Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin's film My Future You, the official entry of Regal Films for the 50th Anniversary of the Metro Manila Film Festival. 

They are two star-crossed lovers, literally connected with some mumbo jumbo social media site that happened in different timelines. One lives in the past, while the other lives in the not so distant present. 

It's a fun setting, but certainly has its flaws. Karen and Alexander felt a connection from day 1, and it all started from that. They're both kind, brought up by great parents (even if it's complicated). Their getting to know stage gets fast tracked because of their affinity to their families, about their hunger for finding happiness, and the thirst to seek why things in life happen for a reason.

The romance part gets injected quite later, but Francine and Seth's chemistry isn't forced, it just came quite naturally. The talk is matured, but relatable in so many levels. I guess love encompasses time, generations, but does the story feel impossible? Not at all, if there's something to say about their acting chops, Francine's great acting is expected, but if you think Seth Fedelin would be just there to complement what Francine is doing, I think you'll be mistaken.. because he did "BRING" it and I could even say over delivered (a good thing). 

That's what you should find out. This is a non structured story, but I said that because this takes on a few ethical things in perspective. If you were in their shoes, would you change things in your past? 

This movie is actually nice, really great in concept and can entertain kids, teens and a whole lot of people in between This is also for General Patronage, and if you're a FranSeth fan, you will love every bit of it. I felt a few of their supporters in the theater couldn't hold back with the kilig and began shouting their desires for the two publicly. 

This film is produced by Regal Films, and is their entry to the 50th Anniversary of the Metro Manila Film Festival. Go watch it on December 25th, and also the other entries in the fest. This has its own merits and deserves your movie watching money for MMFF. Mother Lily would have been so happy to see how this was received last night. 

Don't be surprised if this gets nominated and maybe, win awards. It could well be this year's dark horse at the 50th Anniversary of MMFF!

FRANCINE DIAZ and SETH FEDELIN Clears Few Things During "MY FUTURE YOU" Presscon

We just got off the press conference of My Future You, the new Regal Films entry for the 50th year of the Metro Manila Film Festival. This stars Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, the couple known as FranSeth has this as their first ever movie together.

Seth says "I'm at a point where I could protect her, I can fight for her, I think that is what I feel about her now. I can stand on my own two feet and I'll be in front of her. We want to thank everyone who are supporting us, especially for the movie and Regal Films. We know how much you are doing block screenings, it's hard because most of you are not earning much yet, as young as us, and we are happy about your feedback, we feel we're doing something right. We are just starting with My Future You and we still have a lot to prove. That's why we are hungry to do this, we dedicate our work for all of you. I wish I could make my siblings finish their studies, build my own home, have another installment of My Future You, finish my studies, have a person to love me, understand me, and I think that will happen very soon. I wanted to be a seaman, because that's how I saw my Uncle, and ended up doing PBB. Now I want to be a pilot, but know how expensive that is, and the time to spend for that course. I hope I could have time to do that, or just graduate. I feel good when I was the one watching movies during MMFF, being rated G means everyone in the family could go inside theaters and watch films."

 

Francine says "We're best of friends and it's nice to know that I have someone to protect me. It's huge, we owe the existence of FranSeth with our fans. We have young followers, we're not perfect but we do our best to make sure they are happy too, and the things we can give them as an example. I want to give my family's needs before mine, create my own path, and come home to my future. I just want that to happen, that's enough for me. This is the first time we are together, it's a sign that what we have been working for all these months can be loved by folks who would watch it. You can just get everyone at home to see it."

Direk felt so good about the movie being G rated by MTRCB. This means that even the kids can see the movie. This is under Regal Films and they've had a tradition of making projects like this film every Christmas. If you want to support the two fine actors, make sure you watch "My Future You" in cinemas from December 25 onwards!

ONE DREAMY DAY with FRANCINE DIAZ: Fragrance Launch with BENCH

It's been a while since we've covered a Bench event, and this comes at a very opportune time especially with one of the brightest stars in ABSCBN Francine Diaz launches her very own EDT scents today at the Trinoma main events center.

The first one is called Royal Dream, all filled with citrus notes and sweetness, Francine gives you something that would make you feel like a princess with one spritz of it. The second one is called Spring Day which is more of a floral scent which makes you feel like you're rolling around in a bed of flowers that's fresh and a tad grassy. Both of these are quite loved by Francine and Bench is making it with quality, lovely but still affordable in 60 ml bottles that you can carry around. If you are the kind that meets a lot of people, or have sudden schedule changes, you can smell sweet the whole day by merely putting a spritz or two on your clothes, skin and wrist areas. You're going to be loved even more people especially if you love Francine from her different projects like "Kadenang Ginto", her recent hosting stint at "It's Your Lucky Day" and beyond!

For those who don't know, Francine has been with Bench for 3 or more years now and has also graced different Bench Fashion Week shows throughout her career. She's gorgeous, beautiful but still has a lot of things to do in the coming years, and with this new fragrance, fans would be able to get a glimpse, smell of Chin, then use it everyday. 

This special event called "One Dreamy Day" at Trinoma Mall has been well attended by celebrity and ABSCBN friends, Bench executives (including Sir Ben Chan), her fans and by the media. Here's a glimpse of what happened during the program. 

This is our video coverage of the event sans some music changes, we got pretty much everything!

In the event, they also had a montage of Francine's younger photos, and the layout of what she did for Bench. She can dance, she can sing, she can act and host. Francine also too time to do a short interview with host Marlo Mortel. Albeit not posting much on IG, she makes it a point to do it when she feels like it, she lives authentic and says she does it to connect with her fans intimately. She adds "I am grateful because even if I am so busy with work, they prioritize my mental health and even help me finish school. I still can't make up my mind about the course but I want to be a surgeon, to be in business management, or things I want to do. I can't survive without family and my friends, they give me inspiration and guide me with whatever I do today. I recently got a necklace, it's special because of the way it was given to me. When I'm nervous I hold it and feel I have someone with me on days I have anxiety."

She adds "I thought it was just easy to choose scents, but I later found out there was a lot to choose from. I created memories about it first before choosing what we have here. It's elements that I love about different perfumes which are now combined here. Spring Day has strawberry, citrus and vanilla. I know I have followers who are still at school, so if you want your crush to take a look at you, this is recommended. I sprayed this on myself and even if I was about to sleep, I could still Royal Dream on the other hand is very fruity, it has Bergamot, Vanilla and Whipped Cream. I sometimes mix it and they complement well when I smell it."

She also mentions "I was surprised to hear from my friends from "It's Your Lucky Day", I build my confidence in hosting with them. I thought it was not going to be good in that, but I hear they like it. Thank you for that!"

Royal Dram and Spring Day will be available at all Bench Stores nationwide. Make sure to drop by the nearest one because from the looks of it, it'll run out fast!

Puregold's Heartwarming Ads Praised by Netizens

If you've been on YouTube, Facebook or different online platforms, you've probably seen the new Puregold ads with the theme "Nasa Iyo Ang Panalo" launched by them in time for their 25th Anniversary. As of this writing, they've had over 43.1 Million views and has been praised by netizens because of how it was presenting raw stories of successful stars, athletes before they were able to succeed in their respective fields.

The series include SB19's very own Justin de Dios, this generation's drama superstar Francine Diaz, lovers Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola, TikTok phenom Queenay Mercado, and our country's Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena. The ads may have had a lot of views, but what matters most is the effect it has on Filipinos who would learn a thing or two about the lives of these greats. Justin was able to inspire people about his work ethic, his hard work and how he was able to pursue his dreams despite the hardships. Francine Dias on the other hand had to really work her way up before she was able to enter showbusiness, to land roles that was able to showcase her depth as an actress, and inspire the youth at the same time. There are many more comments on these videos that have solidified how effective they've been able to put the message across.

The President of Puregold Price Club Inc. Vincent Co sees this as an opportunity to share the stories of inspiring Filipinos on their 25th year in the business. You may view the "Nasa Iyo Ang Panalo" ads on YouTube, Facebook on Puregold's official channels. They also have a TikTok account so just search @puregoldph because they also got them there.

PUREGOLD Shows Stories of Triumph in "Nasa Iyo Ang Panalo!"

After doing a few highly successful series on their YouTube channel, here goes PUREGOLD showcasing another called "Nasa Iyo Ang Panalo" aimed to inspire even more Filipinos here and abroad. It's about 6 people who have all been able to weather through adversities to achieve their dreams in the fields of entertainment, music and sports. It's going to tell much of how they were able to win in their respective lives and get to where they are today. PUREGOLD Price Club President Vincent Co attributes their success to their customers especially on their 25th year, and they are presenting these stories so Filipinos would be able to know that success if possible for them too. The series will feature Justin of SB19, actress Francine Diaz, Luis Manzano + Jessy Mendiola, world champ pole vaulter EJ Obiena and TikTok's Reyna Batangueña Queenay Mercado. 

Make sure you subscribe to PUREGOLD CHANNEL on YouTube so when they release episodes, you get first dibs. You can also follow their social channels @puregold.shopping on FB or @puregold_ph on IG and Twitter as they update it regularly when episodes come out.

“HUWAG KANG MANGAMBA” Nominated as Best Drama Series at ContentAsia Awards 2021

It looks like ABS-CBN isn't losing touch as one of its hit shows called “Huwag Kang Mangamba” has been nominated at the ContentAsia Grants 2021. The show will be butting heads with 4 other propgrams for the Best Show Series/Telefilm made for a Single Asian Market. Winners will be announced on the 27th via a virtual ceremony and will be judged according to relevance and appropriateness as accorded in the ContentAsia Awards’ official site.

For those who don't know, ContentAsia Awards was put up by ContentAsia which covers entertainment media in the Asia-Pacific region. Huwang Kang Mangamba was launched in March 2021 and is about a tale of two sisters, Mira (Andrea Brillantes) and Joy (Francine Diaz) who did their absolute best to fulfill their promise to Bro (Jesus) when he appeared in order to put up a church in their community. They had trouble as their life stories and secrets were revealed and also, faith healers who tried to fool people were in play. It's a bit complicated and people are hooked, invested in the story. 

You may watch the series all on the Kapamilya Channel, A2Z Free to Air Channel 11, TV5, Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube, the iWantTFC app, stream it on WeTV and iflix.

Andrea Brillantes and Francine Diaz for “Kadenang Ginto”

Two promising actresses who have been heavily appearing in different shows on ABSCBN are now also doing a family drama called Kadenang Ginto. I said promising because they are the one groomed by the station to be like the new generation of Mara Clara, with good reason of course. 

Francine says “I am currently in Grade 8 and attend regular classes. I am very pressured because I saw Mara Clara on Youtube and Jeepney TV. You should watch out for all our fight scenes because it’s very intense. If she pulls my hair I just give it all because she doesn’t want to hurt me sometimes. In the past I played young Erich Gonzales in Be My Lady, I was all in the younger role, it’s a responsibility for me because they trusted me for the role.”

Andrea says “I am home schooled and also studying online if I don’t have work, I miss it a lot because of my classmates so I cherish the times we shoot in a school setting. I play with Francine and I am very playful in the set. I am more excited because it’s the first time doing a contra bida role and it’s tough as I have to personify Regina George and ate Julia. I always take this as a challenge because I haven’t been able to do roles like these.”

Bullying took most of the conversation in the presscon but I caught some of their quirky answers here on video. 

Make sure you watch the show on ABSCBN.

KUMAGCOW

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