SPARKLE Artist Center Stars at the PBB Celebrity Collab Edition x GMA Grand Mediacon

Having met the ABSCBN artists a couple days ago, I felt it was high time to see the GMA Sparkle Artist Center side of the collab. Yes, it's an opportunity I wouldn't want to pass because you know, PBB has changed the lives of Mika Salamanca, the gorgeous Ashley Ortega, good looking Will Ashley, Dustin Yu, Josh Ford, Michael Sager, Charlie Fleming, AZ Martinez, Vince Maristela and the playful Shuvee Etrata.

Just to give you a picture, there were a lot of trad media and entertainment bloggers covering for this event. Most of them were editors and columnists from your dailies. I guess I was a little hesitant to send questions because it took almost an hour and a half to talk to them because of the sheer number of housemates we had to interview.  

Here's our coverage on video, please enjoy!

Ashley Ortega currently holds the most number of views on my YouTube channel, and I've had the opportunity to interview her a couple of times. She's very eloquent, gorgeous and very talented on ice. She also was able to show a side of her that's not seen on camera. It's why after her short stay in the house, people were all supporting her A LOT. She also got major endorsements because of it and life has been good. 

Charlie Fleming has been able to enjoy the success of the show and was able to still have some parts of her life private. Will Ashley has signified his willingness to work with Dustin Yu, which is actually not the first time because they previously were together in a Regal Entertainment movie. He feels the show was also a venue to introduce themselves, and show things that have not been seen on TV. Dustin laments that he's been waiting for the right time as far as his career is concerned. He didn't really expect to join PBB Celebrity Collab Edition, but he was so glad he did! He may be an introvert, but now that people got to know him, he's going to have more opportunities after the show. 

Josh Ford is so thankful that his trip back to the Philippines was not in vain. It's been years that he has been in the industry but feels this is his biggest break. He also said that even though some people know him, it was only after PBB that he felt seen. He's so thankful to GMA, Sparkle and PBB for the opportunity! I can't wait to see him grab major roles in shows because he's done his homework.

Vince Maristela on the other hand got recognized while he was in Korea for a little R&R, even if he's been in the industry for a while, it's only now that he gets stopped a LOT while out in public. He now is eager to grab opportunities that would come his way. Everyone was so happy for him!

Shuvee was so fun during this interview. I could see how she is also being fancied by GMA execs while telling her story. As you can see, several shows have already got a hold of her, and joking on social media about her availability. She loves the support and promises to love all the brands and people that supports her. She's not just Shuvee the host now, she's everything and more! Still humble! 

Big winner Mika Salamanca knew how much flak she once had because some have already pre-judged her because of previous controversies. She knew that people just didn't know. For Mika it's a big thing to have a platform to let people get to know who she is, change their perspectives and she thanked Sparkle for believing in her. Winning it meant that she can further prove naysayers of how she deserves the spot. She's pretty game about it. 

I'd like to send a huge THANK YOU to SPARKLE GMA Artist Center for letting us get to know these housemates after the show. I'm quite sure they're planning a whole lot for them because by any angle, there's nowhere to go but to stardom! Oh and yes, that COLLAB CONCERT is coming up, make sure you get tickets before they run out!

PS, sub on my YouTube channel called "kumagcow" because I've uploaded some shorts there about this event. You'll love that!

VALERIE TAN Brings You to HONG KONG Adventures on I❤️PH's 10th Season

We're a little envious with Valerie Tan as she takes another season of I ❤️ PH to the beautiful sights of Hong Kong. Together with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, she's going to take you to the territories best spots, food destinations and the reasons why folks love Hong Kong. Season 10 will start this week, particularly this Sunday June 8th on GTV at 10:30am.  

It will also be streamed on Kapuso social channels and GMA Pinoy TV. Valerie says "PMPC gave us an award for travel and lifestyle. This is our 10th season and we are leveling up, it's time to rediscover Hong Kong. When I toured around the places you've might have never seen. We're excited to show you this 3 part series that shows the unique Filipino perspective. From the Giant Pandas, to the street markets, to a far island, you'll see it here!"

Valerie also mentioned another event called IRunPH which will be at the UP Oval in 3, 5 and 10K segments which they organized for their chosen charities. They will also be giving away Sharp appliances and gift bags for lucky runners. This will be on July 13 so make sure to register on this website https://tv8mediaproductions.myruntime.com/register/irunph2025. 

Liew Chian Janof the HKTB says "We have many friends in the Philippines and Valerie had many experiences in HK which coincides with HK Summer Viva, a campaign we are doing currently to promote various events happening this season. From parties in the theme park, the twin pandas anniversary, HK Disneyland's 20th anniversary, bringing parties like no other. There will also be sports events, food and drinks, merch that you can only buy during this time through their mobile app. HK Ocean Park will have 6 pandas in July and August. Horse racing is also a hit with locals, every Wednesday we have parties, games and prices included in the event. Please make sure you visit Hong Kong during these dates."

She adds "We are also doing Wine and Dine festival across cities in October and the whole month of November amidst Victoria Harbor. This is just the tip of the iceberg. I hope to see you in Hong Kong soon!"

Here's the press conference on video this morning:

Valerie actually felt this show was really challenging because they had to compete not just TV content but those that are on the internet. TV8 Productions has become much like family now and they are pushing for more years, to partner with more folks for the benefit of the Filipino viewers. She's so happy going to even more places, it opened up a lot of opportunities for her even if there are challenges. People are looking for more immersive experiences when visiting a country, and they hope doing these activities that are not so popular yet would open their minds in the east region of Hong Kong. You've got to look forward to the first episode because a lot of them will be there.

Make sure you watch I❤️PH on GTV this coming Sunday at 10:30AM. It will be shown on GMA Pinoy TV and other social channels a day after premiere broadcast.

Potential Runaway Winner "GREEN BONES" is GMA's Entry for MMFF 2024

"Green Bones" stars during the premiere night (photos by Kapuso PR Girl on FB) 

While I was not able to watch the screening or participate in Green Bones press conference a couple days ago, I'm quite sure they're bringing their guns out for GMA's entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2024. Why? The cast includes Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid, not to mention an ensemble cast of award winning actors like Alessandra de Rossi, Michael de Mesa, Iza Calzado, Nonie Buencamino plus the same people who worked on hit film "Firefly" that won Best Picture and Best Screenplay last year. Top caliber actors like them would just have this for a snack because no doubt, Dennis Trillo will surely perform above and beyond expectations. He plays the role of Domingo Zamora, a man who got jailed because of the murder of his own sister. Ruru on the other hand will be depicting Xavier Gonzaga who's a committed prison guard who ultimately wants Zamora to remain locked up, no matter what it takes. 

While the story would have begged for action sequences, it delves more into drama surrounding the myth behind green bones, where their remains become the measure of their goodness/virtue. Ruru's character won't be believing Zamora's change, because he's got history with matters of senseless crimes, as his own sister was a victim of it. 

This will be quite interesting to see because from the looks of those who have watched it in advanced screenings, people were trying their best not to cry, but failed miserably. This is the handy work of the same "Firefly" director Zig Dulay who's undoubtedly done remarkable pieces on TV with the likes of "Maria Clara at Ibarra" and "Sahaya" amongst his stellar work that won awards in different festivals here and abroad. Not to mention the work poured in by GMA Public Affairs' JC Rubio, legendary writer and National Artist Ricky Lee and last year's Best Screenplay victor Anj Atienza. They are also with some of my favorite actors Mikoy Morales, Royce Cabrera, Kylie Padilla, Victor Neri, Ruby Ruiz, Sofia Pablo, Sienna Stevens and Enzo Osorio plus more on their ensemble cast. I wouldn't be surprised why this was already tapped by Columbia Pictures which is the flagship distribution unit of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group. They'll be handling international release for it which just tells how qualified this Filipino film is in winning even more categories this year!

This is in celebration of the 50th year Anniversary of the MMFF, congratulations GMA and to all the artists! You've got something special coming out this Christmas and the whole family can watch it as it is rated G!