Jason, EA and Paul Happy at GMA

It was a fun bonding time with GMA stars Edgar Allan Guzman, Jason Abalos and Paul Salas. The three obviously have hailed from another station but it’s nice to see their careers flourishing as they get really good projects in their new home. Seeing them happy, I felt their joy because they got to do unconventional roles, much different because GMA creatives definitely have been experimenting a lot on their shows. This formula has been so effective in their afternoon and primetime shows, which they note has to be consistently done all throughout the day (hence the coined afternoon prime).

EA says “As soon as I arrived here I already have a project with them on Dragon Lady this coming March 4. I transferred and got Korean Jagiya, Step Daughters, I am looking forward to very challenging roles and go to work to do different things. I love doing things that I do not usually do and GMA does that. It adds spice to the soap, it makes you eager to go to work each day. I do not have Mandarin training, but the most difficult is to do executive work. I make her day hard and it will be to a point when I fall in love with the Dragon Lady. I have been paired a few ladies but if it happens it happens. Artist Center sees me as a versatile character actor. I like Shaira Diaz, Kris Bernal, Sanya Lopez, they are all good. There are only minimal adjustments, I have to worry about the network and how I work with them. I want to do work like what Ken Chan is doing, I can offer my self in different roles and do it well, I can sing, I can dance too. I also want to see maybe exposure in other things. My advice to newbies, to pay respect to seniors, to initiate to say hi and introduce yourself before work. I distinctly remember a lot of young stars in GMA because of that. Here, I want to give my best and do great in portraying my characters and I know, I can do it like they know it.”

Jason Abalos says “I was really excited to see how the viewers accepted that role, I needed to be a woman, not gay. Totga was my first then Asawa Ko Karibal Ko. I feel it broadens our range as artists, we see our limits and go past that. I am a family man, a doctor and you will see that in our show. I want to work with the best in the industry, I want to be here longer. I want to even work in management if that works. GMA lets me showcase my talent, maybe I could thank my previous work as I have engined professionalism. I make sure I do not waste another persons time. I want to just work, I have done a lot at work, I am not expecting, I am glad it comes very often. I want to be remembered as a great actor, to remember my characters. I don’t even remember my names sometimes but they do. I hope people watch STOLEN where I would work with Sophie Albert, Max Collins and Mark Herras.”

Paul Salas says “I will be coming out in Kara Mia very soon, for how many years, this is something that I am looking forward to. It is an honor to be part of something difficult to shoot, I see Barbie and Mica on set. I don’t know what will happen with the pairing. I feel I am home with them, I have worked here when I was a kid so I am quite familiar. I can do action, drama, not just stay cute, I can sing and dance. I remember seeing this as fun, but I know this has to be all taken seriously, it’s our time to do it right and just hear people know I am a great performer too.”

EA will be on GMA’s new show Dragon Lady, while you have to wait for Jason Abalos in Stolen, whilst Paul Salas is currently on hit show Kara Mia. These happy campers deserve their breaks and it is good to see GMA is taking care of that.

Can’t wait to see them on their new shows!

TOTGA Ends Exciting Show Today

Today marks the end of popular romcom show The One That Got Away on GMA primetime TV. Sad that it has all come to this, and as of yesterday the three men and three ladies seem to have not realized their dream of having a peaceful love life and relationship because now, they're all trapped in a forest - with no help or signal along the way because the plans of Renz Fernandez and vixen Solenn Heussaff are still in play. Tied up and gagged, will the ladies be able to find them later in the finale episode?

Don't get your hopes up because it's a bit difficult as they have split out and tried to find them in that forest, with no assurance that they'd be still alive or be eaten fresh by Renz Fernandez and Solenn's character. Lovi says "I will miss working with my co stars especially Dennis whom I find so good in the acting department, how he shifts, how he portrays the main guy, we felt it's all fresh and new!"

Max Collins adds "What I would miss most is the bond and friendships we formed while we did this series. Our fight scenes, we were like kids on the playground, I'll miss them all." While Rhian on the other hand says "I gave my all, my character here is so experimental and won't just fall on your lap everyday, I thank the creatives for making such fun personas in this show."

TOTGA also stars Ivan Dorschner, Migo Adecer,  Jason Abalos, Ms. Snooky Serna, Bembol Roco, Luz Valdez, Ervic Vijandre, Nar Cabico, Jason Francisco, Patricia Ismael, Kelley Day,  Euwenn Aleta and Sophie Albert. This was conceptualized for TV by Angeli Delgado, written by Renei Dimla under the GMA Entertainment Group of Madame Lilybeth G. Rasonable. This is directed by Mark Sicat Dela Cruz.

Watch the last episode later please! I would be too! :)

KUMAGCOW

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The One That Got Away on GMA

Had the chance to watch THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY this afternoon through an exclusive screening. The series is starred by Dennis Trillo (Liam) and his exes Rhian Ramos (Zoe), Lovi Poe (Alex), Max Collins (Darcy). What would be fun to see is how they (the ladies) were able to keep friendship in tact despite being a common denominator for one guy, the one that got away. This is an original concept by the GMA Entertainment Content Group.

William Dominic “LIAM” Illustre is a businessman, the most prized batchelor in town. When Liam got into an accident, the three ladies found themselves inside the hospital, bedside their exe’s. This looks like a riot, the most awkward scene, but Mark Sikat Dela Cruz (the director) made sure you can differentiate one from the other. They’ve got their families, their friends that would act as their conscience.

Nar Cabico entertained us during the screening. He sang the theme song GAGA which you can find in iTunes and other digital stores, just search for it!

Nar says “I was inspired by people who ask opinions about love, so this song is for them. They learn a thing or two in the song. I’m the best friend of Darcy here, I tell a spade as a spade out of love for a friend, a sister so you will relate to him a little.”

Max says “I am so excited to see the fight scenes, it’s super funny!”

Lovi adds “You’ll see our group’s chemistry, it will show on screen because we blend in even if we are fighting over a guy.”

Rhian says “This comedy is outlandish, I am excited for you to see how the heart is involved with real people.”

Dennis proudly adds “This show is a different mix of people, different personalities so I am do excited for you to see how it will show on the series. It will be shown tomorrow right after Kambal Karibal.”

Saw the first episode, and on thing I can say is... it looks so fun. Their introduction alone had people jeering in the audience. Nar Cabico was hilarious, saying it straightforward means he’s going to be exploding expletives every now and then. When they met, it was awkward, but meant that there are still unfinished business between them and the other ladies which Liam should finish. Their past is colorful, don’t get me wrong, but Liam made sure they are not in a relationship at the same time, he’s doing it fair.

Don’t also discount the fact that their respective families and friends are quite colorful, each having their own characteristics which still end up going for Liam as well. Destiny? Karma? Comedy rolled into one, that I think is TOTGA.

The show also includes Migo Adecer, Jason Abalos, Sophie Albert, Ivan Dorschner, Jason Francisco, Luz Valdez, Ayra Mariano and a lot more!

This is just the start, so if I were you don’t miss the first episode right after Kambal Karibal on GMA Telebabad.

KUMAGCOW

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The MMFF Family Film Called "Kabisera"

There's a system to the "dining table" that's quite unique in the Philippine setting. It's called the "Kabisera" which is a chair set at the center of the table usually given to the head of the family. It's like the King's throne to put it bluntly, but really an unspoken rule of respect given to them. At the halls of Salu (a restaurant at Scout Torillo in Quezon City), RJ Agustin welcomed us and promised we'll like what their film "Kabisera", this is Firestarters Productions official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2016. He adds "This film is very timely, it's full of social relevance and good family values. We tell a story that inspires movie goers and when they go out of the theater they'll have something to take home. Who am I in the family? Do I have a strong character? Am I the breadwinner and do I have the right to be there?! We made a point to get the best ones so it would balance out since we had Nora Aunor in it. The Filipino audience now has different taste, you will see a different set, quality is a standard and taste is subjective and there is a high demand for high quality films." 

Director Real Florido says "I told myself, lMaybe this time, we could make the cut". Our last shooting day was two days prior to submission and this is really important for the industry to promote films that tell authentic real stories. Everyone in the production feels we did our best and what the Jury saw this year just gave us hope that there's more to this movie. Don't say we don't have a big star because we have the one and only Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor and 9 former awardees. The importance of family, giving value to what our conscience says and continue to ask questions. It started with a concept of a family drama based on real life. It's a personal approach, talks about tragedies of families. We already have Nora Aunor in the cast and it just happened later on that we had awardee actors as well. I learned a lot too from Direk Boy who also is part of this film. It was a collaborative work and we need to make sure we get to do our jobs as actor and Director properly, I've never met them and this was a great experience. We're already preparing for international festivals and screenings so I see more in the horizon where this film will earn. We're excited like the other entries, we hope we all do well." 

Now's your chance to prove if the jurors of MMFF this year did the right thing in choosing these 8 films. They are all pushing for a PG rating and they want you to know that this deserves your attention, it's about a family and happened during 2007. The case is not even done yet but they can't divulge who it is. It's classic, it's powerful, worthy of your time and money for a strongly statemented (if there is such a word) film.

KUMAGCOW

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Jessy Mendiola Stars As Philippine TV's Maria Mercedes!

Jessy Mendiola has one of the most beautiful faces in the entertainment industry. I've seen her a couple of times. Her past projects all have made her who she is in ABSCBN. A gorgeous lass who's been in one or more relationships in the past, she's someone admirable, beautiful, vulnerable, feisty and now she plays someone who's got all that in one character... the iconic Maria Mercedes.

If you were born in the 90's you probably haven't seen the phenomenal Thalia who plated the role of Maria Mercedes back then. Yes, she's the same actress and singer who portrayed Marimar. It was a humongous hit and people were going crazy when some of the case members and Thalia herself went here for a few days to perform and have a concert. That's a long story, but really I can still remember the whole plot because in a nutshell... if you love Thalia in one program, you would probably love her on other ones too.

There were antagonists and love interests on that particular story, but what would it feel like if they were all portrayed by Filipinos? Would it have impact? Would it even match the former show's performance? We wouldn't know. But just by looking at Nikki Gil, Jake Cuenca, Jason Abalos and her... the combination is just frightening. In a good way that is.

They were a little bit nervous when they sat down as they've probably not been able to experience a blog conference (aside from veteran Jake Cuenca of course!). But they've pretty much gotten the hang of it after a while. Jessy is going to play it big this time since she's in the starring role. She definitely has the body for it to begin with. Plus, have you guys heard her sing? Watch this!

As you may have seen, she's hot! She also talked to Thalia and she even gave her blessing to play this role. She's got a past that anyone would probably despise. She's not well off, she works hard everyday to make a living. Then these guys suddenly fall in love with her. Reel or real life with Jake Cuenca too perhaps? Well, for the record... he did categorically admit courting Jessy Mendiola. Who knows what will happen as they will come even MORE close while shooting this series.

And here's a part of the blog con where they also sang the Maria Mercedes song, this one's hilarious!

I really love the short answers of Nikki Gil in playing this part. She says she's so happy that she won't be playing a poor antagonist because this time she'll be wearing expensive clothes and stay in air conditioned rooms most of the time. She's not afraid of people hating her, she laments Pinoys are really smart viewers already and they can decipher real from reel. When asked about Billy Crawford, she thanked everyone because of giving her the time and space she needed to recover. It was hard but she assures her fans that she has definitely moved on already.

Jason Abalos is already happy and still in love. Although he's with someone non showbiz, he won't trade it with anything else in this world. I know that might have broken some hearts in the process but ladies, he's already taken.

For what it's worth, this project is definitely something to watch out for. Let's all take time out from our busy day and take a moment to see if Jessy portrays Maria Mercedes like what she was in the Spanish telenovela. Let's also see how they would make this a more Filipino version and what changes they have to make to get you hooked on ABSCBN. Congratulations to the cast, crew and to the Director! I hope your show racks up ratings as what ABS CBN can only deliver!

It will be shown soon so mark that on your calendars. You'll see more clips to love her on the Kapamilya network on when this will happen. Make sure you do!

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