KORINA INTERVIEWS: Dental Diva Kakai Bautista

She's the Dental Diva, a very well known talented singer, comedienne and actress at that, she's Kakai Bautista. Her interesting story will be featured in Ms. Kornina Sanchez-Roxas' show "Korina Interviews" which will be shown Sundays 5PM on NET25.

Kakai says "I've been bullied because I was poor, and grew up as an ugly duckling. I learned to know the things I could and couldn't change. I wouldn't be able to change the shape of my teeth, but I know how gorgeous my eyes are. I didn't have toys when I was a kid, so I got plants, wood and thread to make one. I had to make my own, and ended up being envied by other kids because of it. I always made ways to survive and it has been my motto in life."

She was an ordinary woman who did Lea Salonga's wardrobe in theatre and Korina Sanchez handpicked her story among others because of how interesting her story is. Being bullied and poverty stricken in the past, a lot of people would learn about her story. In it, she's going to tell more about bullying, and controversial things she's encounterred on social media. Something you shouldn't miss!

Again, make sure you watch Korina Interviews on NET25 right after Goodwill. It starts at 5PM.

RATED KORINA Features The PRESIDENTIABLES

The election is about a few months away and if you're the discerning type, you would probably be looking forward to get to know the candidates themselves this time. Well, don't be worried, this won't be the tied up formal type of interview as seasoned broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez interviews your favorite candidates in their own turf.. and see what happens in their day.

RATED KORINA dubs this as "Upuan ng Katotohanan" and will be aired this coming Saturday February 5 at 5PM on A2Z, at 7:30PM on TV5 and at 10:30PM on the Kapamilya Channel. There will be a replay next day February 6 on OnePH at 7PM. Fancy the things they do in their homes, office, or on the campaign trail and get to know the people applying to be your next President. Much of it won't be discussing politics so it'll be light and different from the usual banter. The interviews will also be uploaded on the Rated Korina official YouTube channel on Monday February 7th so a lot of other folks would be able to watch it elsewhere in the world.

Rated Korina and this special is the handy work of Brightlight Productions. Make sure you catch it!

Social Democracy: Meet Presidential Aspirant Norberto B. Gonzales

Meet Norberto B. Gonzales. He's a National Security Adviser and general director of the National Security Council - and former Secretary of National Defense. He's a presidential aspirant this 2022 elections under the Philippine Democratic Socialist Party (PDSP). He's also bringing in 20 years of experience in political/peace negotiations, very well a part of what has been done in three different presidential terms and always, have been trusted in these matters.

Mr. Gonzales says "Since PDSP's inception, the youth has been instrumental in change and reform. The organizations sprouted during that time including non religious ones, and we advocated then something that would challenge the dictatorship without resorting to violence and communism."

He adds "The pandemic has been a very serious problem, it has continuously been a part of our lives for a while. It's important to re-organize our medical community, an integral part of what we need to solve this, to have a common position and address this immediately. It's time to invigorate our pharmaceutical industry, so we can make and create our own when things like these happens. The pandemic has made our lives change, but also showed us that nature can renew itself."  

"When I went around the country, I talked to people. When I was in the government, I knew we had the ingredients of a much better nation than what we are today. Our people are good, and we can fix our lives, especially the young ones who are already a part of local government units. When they become politicians, they lose their identity, the system breaks them... and I hope a new one would fix this. I've been working for a decade in the government and I see this would make a huge difference. It's sad to see someone who has been already proven in court is making a comeback, and trying to destroy the truth. I've experienced martial law, and I've suffered that time, we cannot allow those to change history, lives were lost during that time and it is unacceptable. The election is supposed to be a time to choose new directions, new system. The most important asset of a country is its people. The opportunities should be for all, capital should be for everyone. We should stop some politicians from giving away resources to only a few people in this country."

"You know, it's sad to see what's happening to us. When we had the People Power Revolution, I thought this has ended Marcos' reign and all that was stolen from us will be brought back to the Filipino people. This election is important, we need to explain and tell the truth, and tell them about the atrocities of the Marcoses. We need to tell them now, especially the activists that are still living. I promise to tell the youth about history, we should never let them spread lies. It's hard for me to tell the other candidates, so I will try my best to tell the people instead. I believe in my countrymen who can discern right from wrong, I will not put myself in contention with Marcos' campaign."

"My difference is what would make me win from others, I hope that I can be that better person that people can choose among the candidates."

With experience in the matters of the state, he is one qualified individual to run this country. Aside from that, he identifies the pandemic as something that is a huge threat in our national security and believes in the ideologies of social democracy. You now have options, make that vote count in May.

HERBERT BAUTISTA Bares Plans on Senate Run: Help Industries Grow for the Future

Spent an afternoon in the suburbs of Quezon City for a chance to talk to Senatorial hopeful Herbert Bautista. Who doesn't know the former Quezon City Mayor and the one who reprised the role of several iconic characters during the 80's and 90's, quite popular with the boomers, Gen X, Gen Z's and millenials too. He is "Bistek" to many... and to boot, he's got over 30 full years of experience in public service specifically the workings of local government matters.

During the small conversation, Mayor Herbert lauded the IATF decision to open theaters in the country as this means a lot of workers in the entertainment industry would have jobs again and start making films. He's seen a lot of his friends in the industry suffer a lot, losing their jobs because of the work arrangements just deem it impossible to be normal once again. It just broke his heart to also see people who he's known for years also pass, COVID-19 really has crippled this industry he loves. He sternly hopes that people start to support worthy shows, programs and films to make up for loss time. He's also keen to see how Filipinos would also see the lineup of films at the Metro Manila Film Festival. By the way, her equally popular sister Harlene Bautista and Heaven's Best Entertainment Productions will be putting one called "Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw" starring Ken Chan and Rita Daniela. The film will also have the participation of Lotlot De Leon and Richard Yap. It'll concentrate on two individuals that will spark romance in the most unexpected circumstances so it'll surely be interesting.

 Here's a few minutes of our conversation that afternoon:

 

Aside from that, Mayor Herbert is running for a Senate seat which is a national post. He's raring to not just file bills for the industries he's worked in but also several things that could push locally produced products in the forefront so everyone could make a living. He's crafted several ordinances that also have benefited the LGBTQIA+ sector and also supports the move to have domestic partnerships. To get to know him even more, he's plannig to put out more personal vlogs to showcase what he loves with Filipino culture, how he adores traveling and share his passion. He's got a lot up his sleeve and hopes by sharing much of his story, he could also get to know more people, places and things he's discovering in the Philippines. 

He wants to help, and he hopes you get to be a part of that movement.

MONSOUR DEL ROSARIO Mulls Better Frontliner Benefits

Former Congressman for the 1st District of Makati Monsour del Rosario is running for Senate this 2022. In a recent voter education forum organized with Rotary District 3830, the Taekwondo Champ moved to file stronger policies to benefit our new heroes, the medical frontliners who faced the troubles of the pandemic til now. He quips, a lot of health workers choose to leave the country for a better life. Exemplifying their role during these hard times, he wants to improve their benefits, standardize and increase their salaries.

Monsour Del Rosario says "When I was young, nationalism has been embedded in me and I've had a few terms in public service. I've been exposed to problems in the grassroots, even in sports and movies. I saw what people need, Congress was a big picture, I figured I could do more in the lower house and people told me that I would lose my identity in public service. I went around before I decided to run, I saw how I can contribute and serve in a national scale. I threw the towel and asked them if I can perform as a leader in the Senate. Asking some people in the position, they told me they need the senate hall filled with men of integrity, who loves the country and people, they say I can competently do the job because they know I was always fighting for something bigger. Most people know me as an actor because the reach of the shows and movies I've been in is nationwide. My experience as an athlete, sports leader, councilor and congress bids my kind as a new perspective, something that people are looking for because I love my country. I think I can make a difference."

He adds "I believe our healthcare workers are heroes. This pandemic has opened the eyes of so many people, that they have been so important especially during this pandemic. I would want to file a bill that would get their benefits and salaries be standardized, also have the same benefits as PWD's, Senior Citizens, also with their family. I know so many professionals who have undergone training different fields but have done so good in public service. We have seen in the country that some who don't actually tell honestly that they can't. The challenge is there, and I am ready for it."

Needless to say, I was impressed how he wasn't like the run of the mill politician who would read off papers about what he wanted to say. He came across knowledgeable, confident, paid close attention to the cause he wants to further rally for. The opportunity to serve in a national scale is something that he'd want to do and rightfully so, because his eagerness to be of service to a sector that's done a remarkable lot of men and women in the healthcare industry deserve it. If you would want to know more about his work, visit his official site https://monsourdelrosario.com or his social channels.

The Dark Horse of MMFF 2020: The Boy Foretold by the Stars

 

I will say this, for good reason, this film called A Boy Foretold by the Stars will be the dark horse of MMFF 2020. Tomorrow is judgement day as online streaming is going to be done via Upstream.ph wherein these entries will battle it out not by ordinary box office ticket sales in movie houses, but by online tickets on that platform. If this was poker, I'd put in most of my chips in this interesting movie which stars Adrianne Lindayag and Keann Johnson. We already have had the chance to talk to them earlier this month and this time, we got to talk to them with a little more enthusiasm as they got a glimpse of how people have been reacting to their recent trailers and pronouncement on media. I am pleased how positive it has been accepted so far and by the looks of it, this would really be an interesting movie to watch as it's not just designed to ruffle feathers because of its LGBT content, but a whole love story that happened in high school. Oh yes, young love, which is awesomely depicted on this film will bring back your days of innocence. That time when you realized you're capable of having that fleeting feeling, butterflies when you're with someone else you adore.

Direk Dolly Dulu says "I'm super excited to be in the MMFF and we didn't expect this to happen, but we will do our best and claim victory for the film. I guess it is the quality of the movie that can persuade people to watch it, it was meant for the big screen and the mindset is it is to be shown on cinema but not a series. The treatment and story and how we tell it technical wise is different. This is the first BL full length movie that focuses on the highschool life, the experience of how a young boy falls in love with a young boy, that's what it gives. I think there were lots of films that were sent for MMFF, but this is at par with the other entries. I hope it isn't just because it is a BL series, but it is a good movie. BL for me focuses on the "coming of age" part, this is innocent, sweet, cute, very light genre. It focuses more on love, not on other things. This is about their personal discovery. The Philippine story telling usually concentrates on family matters, sidekicks, a bit mainstream. I feel people are just waiting for it, our mindset doing this in CineFilipino was to have someone start it."

 

Keann says "One thing I discovered from this movie is that this tells a story about two boys having a special connection. Their story is finally being told on screen, to hopefully become more open about the LGBT community, if people should embrace the words LOVE has no gender. It's a very difficult life for a gay person to live in, and almost everyone goes through that.  I said yes to this because of the overall story, Direk Dolly did an amazing job as you can see from the trailer, just from the moment he gave me the intro, the story itself, I was already hooked. I really hoped to actually get this, I even asked my Mom about this and she wanted me to do this. We really made effort to make this worth it, let's all fall in love on Christmas day. Establishing chemistry with Adrianne came naturally, we really made an effort before shooting this film. Direk had specific scenes he wanted to have and showed us how he envisioned it. We always talked about small things, we kept in touch, we hang out, we became extremely close, we knew Luke and Dominic are best friends, all of what you see in the movie is natural."

Adrianne says "I want everyone to realize that everyone has a love story, that even an effeminate little boy deserve the kind of representation in the silver screen. We always see them as side characters, funny ones, but not their love story, now is the time to do that. It's fun, light hearted, it is also educational and inspiring. I had a friend, she told me to be specific about it and I wanted to have a goal and direction for my career and the first role that came to mind is a love story, I wanted to portray a person with a leading man, and the universe gave it to me. I auditioned for this film last year and it's not question, I immediately fell in love with it, like an answered prayer. If they wanted me to swallow fire, be hit by a truck I would do it. In the entertainment industry, there is a lack of opportunities already for the LGBT community. There is a lack of roles, and I think that's also taking away opportunities for actors like me. I came from a production background and these days, there are capable gay actors who are ready for it. Let's give them the jobs, they know the stories, so they could represent us and tell the story authentically. We used to work in separate projects and when he came in the audition, direk already saw we knew each other. This means so much to me as a queer actor, and this also means a lot to Keanne as well, we're doing this from a deep place in both of us, there is a sense of service. We were told that this wouldn't work if we didn't jive, we had to be partners (hence he calls him a partner) we had to have a special connection and you can see that in camera. I want to tell our story, I want to do queer roles as it is my advocacy. I hope there would be more material, continue telling the story of our community, there are a lot that needs to be heard. Expect kilig, expect light romance, see you on theaters!"

Iyah Minah says "I wanted to experience to be part of this movie, a story talks about those who are not open with the LGBTQ community, on how they have relationships and it's not because of gender and what not. I think it's better if queer people tell the story, and I hope it gets delivered right and I'm glad they are very open about it. I hope people remember that because we do have very talented people in the community. For me I think my previous role had opened up LGBTQ roles, that they can portray, to be known, I hope it's the start of something good."

Here's how the blog conference went a few days ago:

For those who would want to watch the movie and would like to see the first BL themed film in MMFF history, you've got to catch them at Upstream.ph and see for yourself if it is possible to love with no boundaries. Go watch it with your friends and family, after all, the movie can be watched on your laptop or mobile phone and you can just pay for it while the whole family sees it on screen. This film was made with love as intention, very light, and was crafted good I'd recommend it for Netflix or other streaming platforms too.

I'm definitely watching this, as it is worth the few pesos. Oh and congratulations on the recent nominations of A Boy Foretold by the Stars. I heard you got 12, including the Best Actor nomination for Adrianne Lindayag. I wouldn't be surprised if he wins. That's how awesome this is!

Update!

The Boy Foretold by the Stars has won three awards including Second Best Picture at the recent MMFF Gabi ng Parangal which happened last December 27.

Awards won:

MMFF Gender Sensitivity Award went to The Boy Foretold by the Stars  
Best Original Theme Song went to The Boy Foretold by the Stars Jhay Cura and Pao Protacio
MMFF 2nd Best Picture went to The Boy Foretold by The Stars

XOXO Launches First Single

As I’m writing this, we’re currently talking to ladies from Filipina girl group called XOXO. We were there when they were launched a year ago and they had small delays releasing their new single because of the pandemic. Honestly, they are such a talented bunch of singers individually and initially, they had different styles. Today is one of those days where they proved they have been working their a$$ off working on their harmonies and dance skills which they have been training for in the past few months. 

They attribute these successes to their soldiers, to GMA Artist Center and to people who love their songs. Their closeness even grew over the months of quarantine in Manila. Their goal is to bring women empowerment, body positivity with these songs and they’re so glad it came out this way. They come from different parts of the country and they too have been suffering of work restrictions, but now it’s a good time to hear their music. They gave us a sample of their covers and songs in this video. Take a look!

Oh and they really appreciate them being called the female counterpart of SB19, they absolutely love the PPOP group too and they were too shy to talk to them a couple months back. Crushing? Haha!

Their single XOXO is coming out September 10 on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and other digital stores worldwide. They’re a fun bunch, congratulations to Riel, Dani, Lyra and Mel. You’re going places!

The Femme Magician Behind Skin Magical

In the Philippines, there has been a resurgence of entrepreneurs dealing all their business online. From food, clothes, technology, and beauty products, they have made smart ingenuous ways to earn despite suffering economic constraints brought about by the pandemic.

This isn't new territory to Ms. Ghie Pangilinan, head honcho of successful beauty brand Skin Magical. She had her humble beginnings as an online seller. She started making business off of selling toys, bags, dresses, shirts and even gadgets. She had her share of detractors, saying she wouldn't succeed and mouthed her for being an unruly vagabond during college which she uses as inspiration, to hopefully prove her critics wrong.

Initially, she tried to woo her friends and family to try it by messaging them on social media, but she was a bit disheartened as none of them replied. She made a daily account of her own experience of it on Facebook, they saw how she glowed and inquiries came pouring in. She admits she had to stay up late just to answer inquiries. Her story wasn't any different, but it was her truth that got it sold. She also did it regularly, on a daily basis. She's worked so hard to make her line of skin care products and took it off from there, that was 7 years ago. Now, she's got more than 200 distributors and over 50,000 resellers nationwide, of which some are even abroad. 

She quips "If you are a housewife and an online seller, you should be very proud of yourself. You should be proud that you are working hard for the sake of your family. Everyone should work hard to achieve those dreams and we all can succeed. Online selling is for everyone.”

This is why she now shares her experience to home entrepreneurs. She's appeared in Karen Davila's show "May Puhunan" and sought to empower other women, that they too could rise to the challenge and succeed. These may be extraordinary times, but that's no excuse to not make your business flourish. She has taken these challenges, and made it. Now even those old friends of her ask about her business, and how it has continued to do remarkable marketing victories til now. 

If you want to know more, check out www.skinmagicalph.com and be one of their online sellers. Then share your own story of success too. Time to make your own magic!

Sisi Rondina: You Have to Do it with LOVE!

Sat down with the volleyball superstar Sisi Rondina. She’s the volleybelle everyone was trying to evade when they fought UST in the UAAP and now the Petron Blaze Spikers. No joke as she even has a 4 time MVP Beach Volleyball award to prove it. She just came from a win (Petron Blaze had an easy win) and and arduous 4 hour traffic last night, but she was not about to have her spirits dampened because she’s going to have a an awesome adventure with FAME (Firestarters Artist Management and Entertainment) which is the artist management hand of Firestarters Production Inc.

Together with their CEO Rj Agustin, Chief Creative Officer (and Director) Real Florido, Admin Head Silvia Malupeng and Jon Verzosa who heads Artist Management, Sisi Rondina signed her first Talent Management contract as witnessed by her confidant Coach Paul Jan Doloiras. For those who don’t know, Coach Paul was the one who discovered her. He had total control over their sports affairs but he knew he wasn’t meant for the manager role especially when it came to projects outside the court and for Sisi being an artist/endorser. He saw how they needed help in doing that, a lot of offers came but what made the difference was FAME had a plan. Sisi also needed no interference when it came to sports and training, and FAME understood this part. They also needed help to go to the path of charity work involved in education and sports management. It was a deal breaker and they saw how much they cared for the artists they handled.

I asked Sisi about how much she has on her plate and she just told us “It’s all about COMMITMENT, and just like in volleyball or anything that I put my self in, I do it with passion. YOU HAVE TO DO IT WITH LOVE!”

Here’s some excerpts of our interview with Sisi and her new management team from FAME. Listen in!

Congratulations Sisi for joining the fun and game management of FAME. I’m sure they’ll take good care of you and your career. For those who may be interested to get in touch with her, you may proceed to firestartersprod.com or their official facebook page Firestarters Production Inc.

Promising, Young and Eager to Serve: Chuckie Antonio

This season of choosing a leader amongst us has probably never been more important. The ordeal of the of the new year brings hope, like any Filipino conquest, to find people who would go out of their way to serve the populace rather than themselves. I believe in the youth, even amongst their flaws. Though not perfect, we do not lose that gusto to seek the hope that they can do more. I met one fine gentleman a few nights ago, his name is Chuckie Antonio. He’s only 26, running to serve the third district of Quezon City. He’s also got a masters degree from a very reputable business school in Singapore. He’s also running as an independent candidate, he was very hungry to tell his story. I listened in.

Chuckie says “I started when I was 15 years old, as an SK Kagawad first - and decided to run for Barangay Kagawad (which he did for 3 terms). I haven’t been influenced by anyone, my folks are very private people. I enjoy this. When I started I visited the 37 barangays and tried to really know health, education. I tried to do modeling, was part of Star Circle Batch 10. I wasn’t being so serious about acting, I was very young and I wanted to focus more on education. This new generation isn’t really better than the previous ones, I just feel I need to represent the youth. Things are already good, but I want to make lifestyle programs to make it easier to live in the district. To keep the youth active. It also helps that I have done a lot of activities with the seniors. I don’t want them to feel left out. I won’t forget them, they feel I am their grandson. I ran independently but I didn’t want the drama, I have always done it like that when I ran for Kagawad. I dedicated months, 5 weeks left. I go to their houses, I bring my youth to reach the people. I put in a lot of hard work to asses where I could contribute at my capacity in this district. I consider them all like friends after all.”

“I know what they are going through. I try to know the problems by directly talking to the people. I’d prioritize healthcare and medical assistance, free education, all of which could be a possibility for the city.”

“Disheartened? It happens to everyone, I am happy when I get to make a change in people’s lives. To reach more people. When it comes to the youth, I am glad that in our district, they are very participative.”

“It’s not that I won’t run just because they didn’t get me for their parties, but I really wanted to do it. I understand that I just got back a little late to complete my masters in Singapore and parties were already filled. Since I was in that position, my parents told me to check how it feels on the ground.”

“During very trying times, I learned to do a lot of things and I felt that if I didn’t do this, I’ll regret it later. I felt when I visited their homes, I could get their support. My point is, I hope they felt I was sincere with what I wanted to do with the third district.”

“My last relationship was when I was 22, very young so I didn’t settle, I got swayed on being a little impatient, on finding someone better. I don’t have high standards but I am looking for someone who I could spend the rest of my life with and I know it will come soon.”

I am not saying you should vote for him, nor am I endorsing him. You have options - and to spark change you want in your hood, you need people who need to do it with the eagerness to serve the greater majority of your district. I met a very eloquent guy who did his job for the community he served for three terms, if he wants to do more, who are we to stop em?

Thanks for the opportunity to know you Chuckie. I am a little envious that I live in a different district from yours, you know what you are doing and they’d be so lucky if they had you there.