What's nature without people taking care of it? Surely, this has been something in the mind of Senator Loren Legarda last August 12 when she did a privilege speech on National Indigenous Peoples day. She deem these communities have centuries worth of experience in these vast areas they reside on and should take this as an advantage in making sure they are well taken cared of.
Senator Legarda adds "They are after all the ones who could take good care of it, toil, first hand, especially if we are taking lengths to make efforts for the environment and nature. We need to harness their expertise since they have their families in these communities, one that could do work and benefit our country. They live and breathe in nature, this we have to make sure."
In recent reports by the world bank, she mentions how "No Data, No Story: Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines" painted a huge picture about the ancestral domains that includes over 44 percent of land in the country, where only 17 percent have been approved of.
She reiterated the need to support them and recognize how huge their contributions are for the cause. She also wants their rights to be protected. If you would want to know more about her efforts, you may follow her social channels where she discusses these lengthily especially on FB.
It's been a while since we talked to Khalil Ramos and Ashley Ortega. I interviewed them in different projects and yes, it's high time they get together in a project, and in this instance, it's Cinemalaya. Their entry this year is called "As If It's True", directed by John Rogers under the great folks of The IdeaFirst Company.
It's much of a Gen Z story where social media, content creation, influencer marketing is the name of the game. A relationship brews between Gemma Watson and James (a struggling musician). As Khalil mentions, it discusses relationships and those that can be shown as real, or happening just for clout and exploitation.
This is certainly exciting for Ashley Ortega's career as she just came off the highly successful series "Hearts on Ice" which she did with Xian Lim. Though she feels a lot of pressure to do better, she's optimistic to do a project with Khalil since Gabbi and Ashley pretty much started in showbiz at the same time. They've been friends for a while which she feels would be advantageous for the things they would need to do in the film. There will be some sort of a romantic flick ingredient here ala "American Pie" but it'll be different, a little depressing at situations; quite different and will be in a Filipino setting. Here's our mediacon earlier on video, please, enjoy!
Khalil will also be starring in "Tick Tick Boom" under 9 Works Theatrical Production. This is his debut in theatre, and has been a learning experience for him because things are being done differently. He was matched with the role of Jon because of his very artistic vibe. Show happens August 5-27 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium - RCBC Theater.
These are just some of the awesome achievements of Sparkle artists Khalil and Ashley, but I'm sure there will be more. If you already enjoyed their previous shows, movies and projects, it'll be a good thing to consume this new movie and theatre project from the two. I'm quite optimistic about what's happening with Ashley since this is pretty much, her second serving of a lead role. Khalil on the other hand has also been very busy with projects (and really thankful for it). When I asked about getting some negative opinions online, he also hopes his situation with Gabbi would be a good measure of what should happen when an actor has a real relationship while being paired with other actors on screen. Strictly professional.
Abby Clutario has just released her newest single, her rendition of Voltes V ending theme "Chichi Wo Motomete". Hers is a very mellow sounding one since she's using a Chapman stick which she has been using in her other singles.
Abby says "I know there are tons of people still asking about it, hopefully I could teach a few people play it in the country. Back then when I talked to the founder, they wanted to put the actual instrument in a physical store, hopefully in the future since it is an investment. I don't teach music on the side and if they like it, they can invest the same way I did. Yes, I did have to push and have the song approved and they saw the video I made a couple months back. We had to tweak it a bit since it was originally sung by a male artist. The version in the episode is done by Matt, hopefully people can see this one especially on radio. I remember manifesting this a couple months back and I am very overwhelmed about the support I get from the AltG recording company, it was hard to find the ownership and license but it all went well especially now that Voltes V Legacy is being shown in the Philippines. I'm super happy when I released this as content a few years back, but the single is a different feeling hearing it air played, my friends really gave me good feedback. It was hard to do it in the original language and glad to see the translations during the time I was recording it. It's about a man longing to find his father and making this ballad was such a perfect fit. I know there are people who want a Tagalog version of it but it's very difficult as the words and phonetics are totally different because the meaning won't be completely told. I had to re-record it and you will see the difference when it comes out."
About the Chapman stick, she says "I've always been into piano but when I held it, it sounded like a Cielo, and I loved how that sounds. This originated in the US, and I got it from a US forum and had to learn it, planned to make it a solo performance when I was still in a band. Now I can make originals and cover songs, my tie ups always include using this relatively not so common instrument. So far, I've never encountered people who don't like it, there are some but it has never affected me, I don't really pay attention especially on social media because I'm a musician and people only ask about music in general."
This cover song by Abby Clutario will be released tomorrow July 7, 2023 on streaming platforms. Go check out Spotify and others to hear what changes she's made on this iconic song. This is again under AltG Records.
I've heard of a Hollywood film about a year ago which had 2 Miss Saigons on its cast. It was like a theatre lovers dream to see our very own Kims Ms. Lea Salonga and Eva Noblezada be a part of it, let alone the stellar cast which also includes Princess Punzalan and a throng of other stars from the US. People behind the camera are of Filipino American lineage too, and the proud race doesn't stop there. Well for those who wanted a piece of it are in a bit of a treat especially if you are in the Philippines because it will finally be shown on KTX.PH this coming January 29th.
Director Diane Paragas says "This is like coming home. I've been waiting for this day for a long time and I've been excited for Filipinos to see it there, this is a great moment, it feels like coming home. It's loosely based on my time growing up in Texas, I played music too but not as close as Eva, it was my outlet, I felt like a square peg in a round hole. This is a fable, in a form of a documentary so I did research a lot about families. Yellow Rose is a Texan Rose, an old song that people know. They use that term as a derogatory one, Yellow as in Asian. The original song was about a mulatto girl, it was about her being mixed race. It means a lot of things and you find that out in the film. Lea sings Dahil Sayo, also Princess, a way to pass the culture down. It was something that was sung to me by my Mom and Dad, it was passed on to me and now I sing it for my daughter. I was referred to her (Princess), her acting style was so natural. I have auditioned a lot of girls, I've heard about Eva as she was cast in Miss Saigon, when we got financing to shoot the film, I saw her on Broadway to see the script. She blew me away, she had a magnetic presence, she had sincerity especially about the seriousness in music. She was Rose, on the spot. Eva was selected by Backstage, as among the best of the best. It's what actors read, for a Filipino to be in stellar Holllywood names, that's unbelievable. Joe Biden vowed sweeping immigration reforms on Day 1, we've had 4 years of disdain and we have been abused a lot. It's also a story of an artist, like a star is born, about her resilience and how music saves her."
Filam Director Diane Paragas
Ms. Princess Punzalan on the other hand has been sorely missed in the Philippines, but she's currently in the US and waiting out the pandemic although she's keen on doing more projects in the country soon. She says "There are a lot of people in the US and the international ones that have been able to see this. I see the struggles of Filipinos, who are undocumented, like sardines in one room. It's not an easy life. Here, I really feel the concern, the anxiety of what will happen to my daughter when I'm gone."
Lead star Eva Noblezada
We also got to talk to Eva Noblezada and she shares "The role is like your identity as Filipinos suddenly being invisible, it's nice to make the rounds, go through the finish line with a movie that is made for you. This is really a cool thing. I know a handful people who are undocumented but are very passionate. I watched my Mom and Dad break their backs, and go to North Carolina where people ask you "Who are you? Why are you here?" when you are trying to make a home for yourself. Miss Saigon was about a Vietnamese which I was not, I was lucky in those roles."
She adds "We are chameleon in the arts, we talked about what that felt, I did that for 3 years. I was like... Seriously? you want me a young Filipina to play a young Filipina? It was about a young undocumented lass, she reached out to me, and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my entire life. She allows the actor to breathe, she had standards, she doesn't give you hurdles, you feel like you're the character. This allows the product authentic in a way. The fact that Yellow Rose highlighted an immigration story, it creates a divide that we hope as a film, would rip off that stereotypical, dangerous, anti patriotic divide in our country. These are people, these are human beings, extreme words that this past regime has used. Country music is like poetry, it's beautiful, to tell a story that is very young and have so much to do. That's what it is to me as a millenial. Getting to do this, it was all she had, hanging by a thread, to know that you are not alone and that you are protected."
I also asked her about racism and how she deals with it. I also asked the director about choosing "Dahil Sayo" which they interpreted in different ways and times in the film. Check out our interview with her this afternoon.
Now make sure you get your tickets via KTX.PH and see the film on the 29th. If you want to see the struggles of a young Asian girl who only wished for freedom, for love, and an overwhelming passion for country music, go see Yellow Rose.
The Sinag Maynila film festival will happen on March 17-24 this year and yes, there are those who would dare tell the story of Paolo, a filmmaker, social activist cum revolutionary fighter. His roots are filled with his life experiences affected by the current socio-political situation that this country is still under. The film depicts a repressive and oppressive government, and tells of how he as a child, artist, become a seed of his own revolutionary movement.
This is written and directed by Joselito Altajeros, same director who did movies such as "Ang Lake Sa Parola (2017)", "Ang Lihim Ni Antonio (2008)", "Take of the Lost Boys (2017)", "Gino and Marie (2019)", among others. He wants to pursue films that injects his advocacies. This includes his democratic ideals showcasing the struggles of the masses. This is produced by Harlene Bautista via Likhang Silangan Entertainment and his new group called 2076Kolektib who's aim is to produce content with socially conscious themes. They are also joined by Wilson Tieng (Solar Group) and Director Brillante Mendoza of Cannes fame.
Again Sinag Maynila 2020 will happen on March 17-24, hopefully you can get to catch Walang Kasarian ang Digmang Bayan when it shows during the fest. The film stars prime indie actor Sandino Martin, Arnold Reyes, Rita Avila, Ruby Ruiz, Iana Bernardez, Many Garcia and a lot more.
Looks like Coke is getting their hands warm on Filipino music. They've been always like that and despite hard times, they've managed to put up tons of concerts, shows and caravans that make us all proud of our own music. They're not stopping there because every Saturday, they will be seen helping established, up and coming and indie bands + artists to up the ante on their OPM game for COKE STUDIO PH. It's a new show seen on TV5 every Saturday at 7PM and just a few weeks ago I had the opportunity to see the launch at SMX Convention Center. It was like a town fiesta like no other!
Coke had us stay in the center, surrounded by different stages that had musicians, artists take over for a few minutes and boy it was crazy! Different genres, different takes on new and old Filipino songs, all of us got comfy seats and sang along with the crowd.
The crowd wasn't letting down as throngs of them lined up even after the first performers came out. Sandwich opened the show, I went ballistic! Haha!
They switched back to acoustic and played my favorite Eraserheads songs, an era I am very familiar with.
Then they toned down a bit and made it a bit romantic. These two had us feel like we were in a park busking in the moonlight.
I wasn't surprised TV5 had this on their station. I remember Coach Chot saying that they wanted to have something that isn't seen on the other stations, this would really be something special for them, not to mention a good platform to be seen, to help those bands and artists that are good but haven't been seen by the general public. To hopefully broker record deals if they find them awesome on stage.
I couldn't remember their name but they played percussion instruments like they were in Rio De Janeiro. I'd like this in my own party!
A section of the hall was dedicated to a Coke Studio filled with your favorite drink, and a Karaoke + recording facility. It was a time to sing your heart out in front of tons of people. I didn't do this but I would if I could brave the line that they had that evening.
The other side of the hall had a conversation space where the artists and the band members were interviewed, made to inspire us ordinary people, and the up and coming bands and artists too. The juke box though isn't your ordinary box, it's an automatic labeler so you can just put in your name and get your own personalized Coke bottle!
Coke executives weren't just going to sit around and watch, they played too!
When Sandwich came on stage, I shouted, I jumped with excitement, and joined in with the crowd who wanted more of this music.
Stephan from Coke also gave a speech. Here it is on video so listen in!
I had so much fun!
For the finale, they had the artists, the executives from Coke and the bands on stage including Franco. God was I so zonked this night but I still got my A game on. I wished the evening wouldn't stop!
Thank you so much Coca Cola Philippines for the opportunity to party with you guys! Every year I always look forward to your gigs!
Again for those who would want to see the show and how you mix in the old and the new, keep it on TV5 every Saturday at 7PM. You'll like Noel Cabangon do it with rapper CurtisSmith, and other artists on the pipeline. Cheers to Coke and Pinoy Music!
I haven't seen this event last year, but it's always a good day to get acquainted with TOFARM FILM FESTIVAL as they create a new avenue for film makers to showcase their work on it's second year. Universal Harvester Incorporated's Executive Vice President Dr. Milagros How expressed her excitement as they are seeking talented individuals from all over the country, of which they just started the first leg this August 24-30, and starting the ones in Cebu and Davao this September and October too.
With the theme "Planting Seeds of Change" they want to take this year's festival to new heights to en-vibe the farmer's everyday realities and tell stories that reveal success, hard work, and life stories of those who belong in the agricultural sector. They are working in difficult regions, and the corporation has been also giving awards for unheard farmers who have been able to inspire others since a few years ago. They are doing something and that's a great deed in itself.
Festival and Famed Director Maryo J. Delos Reyes says "This came in a time where there should be an awareness amongst our people that agriculture, farming and the life around it should be regarded as a noble and honorable profession. Working on the theme Planting the Seeds of Change means the farmer needs to open himself up and imrpove his life, accept change and innovations so they could farm even greater and yield a film that talks about their lives, include this in the process. I enjoin hobbyists and producers before Friday at the TOFARM offices, accomplished forms with synopsis and a full length screenplay in Filipino. We will make sure everything will be impartial and be sure we are producing quality films."
In this year's festivities, the judges, the screening committee and organizers are going to pick 6 film scripts which would have a Php 1.5 Million grant to start off their projects and put it on the silver screen. The judges then will award the 3rd Best Film Php 300,000, 2nd Best Film with Php 400,000 and the Best Film with Php 500,000. There will be a Special Jury Award also amounting to Php 100,000. The winners will also take home the coveted TOFARM Film Fest Trophy, something only a few people posses. They already set a deadline on November 18, 2016 so if you are thinking of joining, you better have your entries submitted before that date.
For more information on how to join, please check out their official website www.TOFARM.org and their official Facebook Page TOFARM Festival Philippines. You may also reach them at info.TOFARM@gmail.com.
Moments like these make me feel special. We got to talk to a very talented singer a few weeks ago and she's Aicelle Santos. She's coveted the title of Traffic Diva lately (in hit afternoon show Eat Bulaga) but she's been singing Aegis songs these past few months/years for the theater adaptation dedicated to the iconic Filipino band's music. She's out with a new EP now called "Liwanag" which she independently produced. She's had a hand in choosing, composing, and arranging the songs that's why she feels it's a little personal this time.
Aicelle says "This isn't your typical love song playlist and each song gives a unique message about bringing positivity, light, hope and love."
This is also going to be distributed by HOMEWORKZ RECORDS which is the record label of RnB Prince JayR. It's now in stores and is available in leading record bars, Astrovision and Astroplus branches nationwide. Aside from the physical CD's, it's now available in digital format in iTunes and Deezer. Included in the album are 6 tracks with "Kapangyarihan ng Pag-ibig", "Liwanag" (her carrier single), "Tuloy-Tuloy Lang", "Palaging Ikaw", Imma Be By Your Side, and the popular Be with You (which is part of The Rich Man's Daughter's official soundtrack).
Here's our short interview with the artist when we asked her about making this album:
Here's one of the tracks which she sang during the event:
I've been listening to her album the last couple of days and have grown fond of the song "Tuloy-Tuloy Lang" but I know you may probably like the very emotional and positive "Liwanag" included in the album. I bet you'll feel good since the former is catchy and good vibe inducing especially when you have it on your playlist in the morning.
After filling countless mall shows, after releasing an independently
produced album, after getting lovely sales on what initially was project
between friends, I felt so extremely happy for her when I heard she was
having a concert. She's Glaiza De Castro, and she'll be dishing out her
brand of music on October 3 at the new Music Museum. She's excited and extremely happy about how things turned out and she's not stopping there. She's got a dream and she's doing everything to make that come true. This was the opportune time to do it. So before a throng of press people and bloggers a few days ago, she whipped out her guitar, laid out the sheets and had us marvel on the pure unadulterated Glaiza De Castro brand of music. It was like I could feel her emotions overflow with every verse, every word she uttered that evening. Glaiza and her band seemed to lose themselves in the moment and with great gusto, because it's love, revenge, heartbreak, happiness, sadness, like a rollercoaster ride of emotions. This is the same kind of thing they'll be doing in the concert so if you've loved her all these years, this may be the one time she's expecting you to be there.
The talented Glaiza even played songs from her album Synthesis which she says is dedicated to all the people behind the album who made time, effort to make her lyrics, her music. It's a hodgepodge of people from different walks of life, from celebrity friends whom she never even anticipated would be part of it. Here's two videos from the blogcon:
Here are other shots of Glaiza during her performance and interview:
She's lovely, she's talented and she's never going to let go of that dream. She's taking it by the tail and spinning it around, making this moment rightfully hers on October 3, 2015 at the Music Museum in Greenhills. Let's all support Glaiza and her great guests Rhian Ramos, Jay R, Aiza Seguerra, Kitchie Nadal and Ms. Regine Velasquez. For tickets, please visit http://glaizaredux.com/ and make sure you get one. I saw some sections are sold out already so hurry!
