Jun Lana's "Anino Sa Likod ng Buwan" Gets Theater Run at PETA

Director Jun Lana has already proven that the Filipino talent in film is world class. His 2015 film called "Anino Sa Likod ng Buwan" which he wrote as a budding screenplay writer at 19 already drew accolades for him internationally. And yes, it's celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year which means a proper change would be the best way to do it.

Today, they gave us an opportunity to see a theater adaptation of it in bare form. After a grueling 4 month intense prep, they got us ready for this drama and sociopolitical piece starring theater actors Elora Espano, Ross Pesigan and Kapuso Prime Star Martin del Rosario. Edward Benosa, Denise Esteban and Vincent Pajara will be their understudies, you will get to catch them on different dates. This is Directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio who's also not a stranger in the theater scene in the Philippines. The play is produced by IdeaFirst Live which is a new theater arm of the IdeaFirst Company.

"Anino Sa Likod ng Buwan" is a story that revolves around the lives of Emma, Nardo and Joel. Emma and Nardo are husband and wife, and because of some matters regarding war torn villages and them becoming evacuees, they had to seek refuge in a house near an army barracks where they met Joel. They became friends, and then things got complicated along the way (Of course I can't spoil that for you!). They have remained loyal to the plot of the film, and I think it felt a bit more raw when these guys did it on stage (which I felt was better). Because of the distance (from stage to crowd), you'll feel involved in much of the conflicts they'd dish out on scenes. And we're not talking about simple family drama here, but more of the armed struggle and how their lives have been affected by it.

If you also remember the film, there are going to be some raunchy scenes... and the theater version didn't hold back on that. While it was necessary, it didn't get smoke screened as it was an inevitable tool for either advancing their self interests, love, or just plain lust. You'll certainly have to expect some twists and turns, and even those who didn't get to watch it, would understand and make their own assumptions about each character they play. This is intended for mature audiences, and would probably spark conversation about how it still mirrors society today... even if the story was made a decade ago.

Adrian Alandy was there too (he played the original Joel in the film), and it was certainly nice to see him enjoy the reprisal of his character and the theater version of it.

Direk Tuxqs says "This is just a bare bone, stripped down version of the show. We will be showing this at the PETA Theater on March 1st and perform 4 times a week til the 23rd of the same month. You will see the full production with bells and whistles there. We couldn't wait to share it with you as we've been preparing this for over 4 months. We hope this preview would provide more excitement for those who wish to see it soon. We have poured our heart and soul into it."

Direk Perci Intalan added "Thank you all for coming tonight, our official run will be in March, and tonight's performance marks a significant moment in Direk Jun Lana's journey. We are celebrating the 10th anniversary of it. It is still a groundbreaking film, from an international premier, this is part of what we are doing at IdeaFirst Live. Thank you Direk Tuxqs and our playwright Jun Lana. It has come full circle, from winning in 1993, it is back on stage to resonate even more with audiences. We hope you were moved and challenged, this is our debut production with IdeaFirst Live!"

Direk Jun Lana says "If you liked the movie, please tell your friends, your family about this play. We hope more people would be able to see and enjoy it. It is relevant because of what is happening in the Philippines and around the world."

Here's what happened at the press conference this evening:

While this is Martin del Rosario's first foray into theater, he didn't even stutter in any of his lines. This is also quite lengthy, I'd reckon they probably have nightmares seeing a deck of paper when their scripts were given out because it all happened in one take in the movie, it's probably going to be as complicated and even harder to do since they had to project a bit on stage so the people at the back would feel the same as the ones in front. 

I am quite impressed, a drama that could get me interested that long must mean they've got something good up their sleeves. They also plan to do a Die Beautiful play soon, it's good, and it'll be even better when the curtains go up! If you want to purchase tickets, just search via the Ticket2Me app or bit.ly/aninobulkbuyingpackages for bulk purchases. You won't regret it!

BIG NIGHT: A Feisty, Funny Entry for the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival

It’s been a while since Direk Jun Lana came out with a film but this one produced by Cignal Entertainment, IdeaFirst Company, October Train Films and Quantum Films would certainly ruffle feathers as the topic delves on the governments drug war that cost so many lives. It would be interesting to see how they would be able to tell a story about it especially when this topic in particular is very pointed politically. Watched it a few days ago in Gateway Mall as part of the press screening, you could say it’s a dark dramedy. With award winning actor Christian Bables on the lead role, it made the gay spin effective; and put the point across without people realizing how serious this is. This is also their official entry for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

BIG NIGHT usually is coined from the events that gay bars in this part of the world do when they let it all out. It’s the evening where they make all the grand production numbers and let hell hath fury when it comes to adult entertainment/male pageants. This is where Christian’s character “Dharna” also works as his partner Zeus played by Nico Antonio joins these pageants as he dreams to win some day. Dharna also works in the beauty industry (owns a shack salon) but has unfortunately found himself reported in a "watch list". That entails being hunted down or killed, even if he isn’t involved in it. This starts the quest to clear his name, a chase that might prove lethal as he's seen a couple downed just because they're on it. He needed to hurry though because chances are, he could be next. Here, he hopes to live another day. The story also involves a lot of interesting characters, an ensemble of actors with the likes of Eugene Domingo, Gina Alajar, Ms. Janice de Belen, Ricky Davao, Ms. Gina Pareño, Nico Antonio, Allan Paule, Soliman Cruz, Martin del Rosario, Awra Briguela, my friend VJ Mendoza, Cedrick Juan, Ogie Diaz, Ms. Sue Prado. and best actor John Arcilla.

Christian says “When I watched this, I thought it wasn’t me. The work we do with the director and co actors are different, it changes you to become the other person, and I think that’s why this is good! I had a hard time doing the ambulance scene physically, I think I lost 5 pounds (he kids). If I win awards for this I’d gladly accept it, but whatever happens I’m already happy that you didn’t see me as Christian but just Dharna on screen.”

Direk Jun Lana took us on a ride, bringing real scenes of poverty, family, religion, community, corruption, society and heartbreak. This movie made me feel very sad, to see how things could be, to make something so evil become just a norm. He put it out there for us to discuss, the interpretation is left to the ones who watches it. The musical scoring in different scenes will haunt you a bit, effective and makes you feel like it was you involved in the scene. John Arcilla’s scenes is on another dimension, it was crazy and unusual, and Christian’s reaction to that was gold (you'll know more about it if you watch the movie!).

Miss Janice adds “People need to see other people go out in the streets, in malls and watch movies again. It’s okay but of course with proper protocols, we need to learn to live with this and try to live normally.”

Perci Intalan, Atty. Joji Alonzo, Isabelle Santillan was also in the screening. Miss Isabelle says “We’re very excited about the film because this is the first time Cignal is sending an entry for the MMFF.”

Atty Joji says “Jun and Perci asked me to co produce this and I hope you like this, if not please be kind.” she jokes.

Perci says “Thank you to everyone, to our partners, this was a passion project in 2019 and we were able to produce it during lockdown. Please, spread the word!”

Here are excerpts of the interview we had with them right after the screening, enjoy! 

 

BIG NIGHT is part of the Metro Manila Film Festival, and according to Direk Jun there will be a sequel. I’d love to see that, because this movie just begs for more. It’s organic, funny, and you get what they’re doing the scenes itself because it's so relatable, it talks about what is happening in current Philippine society. I remember Direk Jun mentioned that this may not be fully understood by foreign audiences because this was made for FILIPINOS. Also, there would be several scenes that would be Easter egg moments for you, and they left it to your interpretation. I'd love to see this again during MMFF and see how audiences would react to it. I sincerely loved how they presented the message, and I won't expect less because this is a Jun Lana film. It makes you want to talk about it, and it makes you think.

See you on theaters this MMFF 2021!

KALEL, 15 Shows On Theaters Today

Fresh from their win at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival for Best Director, the film Kalel, 15 will be shown on theaters today on theaters nationwide. Elijah Canlas is the young lead actor for this project and yes, he has gotten the admiration of several members of the jury and the audience during their premiere night at the same festival. The story revolves around a 15 year old student who is  a Son of a priest and is HIV positive. 

“Working with a large cast of mostly very young actors he has made a film which feels deeply -rooted in the everyday lives of its characters. His film pulls away from the sticking-plaster from the wound of the AIDS epidemic among young people of the Philippines and exposes the terror and violence that this crisis imposes on them. It’s a passionate and concerned film about lives we never see in the West.” – Jury comment, Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival

They let us in on some things that happened during the shoot, Elijah shared “The production made an alter account for me and it had tons of followers the next day. It had my body shots but it had stickers so it didn’t show me. I had to lose weight, no abs, just an ordinary boy. I had to eat two apples for two or three weeks. If the scrip calls for it and I trust the director, I will do anything. If Direk Jun is shooting it, I am good. I just finished “He who is without sin” with Enzo Pineda and that will show soon. I am thankful Ms Jaclyn has been so good to me, also Tito Eddie Garcia. They are on a different league and caliber, it was just an honor to have been able to work with him. He advised me to always be early, learn the script and always be kind to everyone on set. It’s what I do now as an actor, I will forever be grateful for that advise.”

Director Jun Robles Lana also shared some of his future plans and adds “We are talking about a movie, perhaps a modern version of macho dancers. For now there are no plans yet, maybe with the same cast and a different script. We’ll have to see how it materializes soon. I am so honored to have been able to win the Best Director award in Estonia. I hope this resonates with people, but it was an entirely different audience and I was so surprised about their reaction. You would need to understand the reaction of his parents, his community and how society accepts him. He will tell his story, his secrets, if it comes out or not. I am grateful to have the honor of working with Eddie Garcia, I have had many opportunities to work with him and I haven’t seen anyone of his caliber.”

He adds "From the time I presented this project at the 2014 Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum, the story has evolved into a more complex narrative.  After years of research and interviews, what started out as a mere tale of secrets and scandal became an examination of youth culture, particularly young people in peril, and a society that cares so little about them… On the surface, the movie is about a young boy’s struggle to belong and embrace life’s complications. But on a deeper level, it is about all of us, our search for meaning in a world where the very institutions we’re supposed to look up to are weighed down with hypocrisy, dishonesty and deception.”

Here’s a short interview we did a few days ago.

Kalel, 15 will interest you about the plight of teens with HIV, their lives and the stigma attached to the condition. It is something that teens should watch, to educate, hopefully even the generations who still think and take things lightly. Go watch it on theaters today December 18. This is under Cignal Entertainment, Octobertrain Films and The IdeaFirst Company. Cast also includes Elora Españo, Cedrick Juan, Sue Prado and Gabby Padilla. Go see it for its merits!

CINEPANULAT Participant Names Bared

Seeing the work of Jun Lana just makes you wonder what goes on in his mind? The best way to actually find out is to learn from him via the CinePanulat Screenwriting Lab where 20 fellows go through rigorous screening so they could learn from one of the best Directors in the industry. They were finally revealed a couple of days ago and it includes Gian Arre, Aminah Badawy, Cris Bringas, Chloe Cabodil, Jerom Canlas, Eluna Cepeda, Adel Clemente, Shane David, Kathleen Gonzales, Jonar Johnson, Jiggy Lim, Ryan Machado, Rhadson Mendoza, Valentino Nool Jr, Jose Maria Ramirez, Janica Regalo, John Rogers, Karlo Sevilla, Anna Francesca Talens and Sofia Urmeneta. They have been chosen among 748 applicants. Having been a screenwriter for over 20 years, this is his advocacy to make sure the future would be bright for the movie industry. 

They will all undergo a 3 month coaching and mentoring process so they would be able to find their voice, so they could also learn how to pitch projects professionally. 

Mind you, previous participants of this CinePanulat have been very successful. They include Jen Chuaunsu’s “Sleepless” directed by Prime Cruz (NETPAC Best Asian Film, QCinema Festival), Ivan Payawal’s “I America” (2016 Tokyo International Film Festival), Keavy Vicente’s “Distance” directed by Perci Intalan (2018 Tokyo International Film Festival) and JC Pacala’s “Kung Paano Hinihintay Ang DapitHapon” directed by Carlo Catu (2019 Cinemalaya Best Film, Best Screenplay and NETPAC Award winner). Hopefully they would churn out more in the coming months as the 20 learn more things from the cinematic genius that is Jun Lana. 

Now how I wish I’d be part of something like that. 

10 Reasons To Watch BORN BEAUTIFUL

Okay, I think it’s about time you get ready for this wonderful film by Direk Jun Lana and Perci Intalan which had us all at the edge of our seats with the tons of trailers they came out with. I was hoping to see this last MMFF but as Direk Perci told me, they will have their time. I was one of the few people invited to see the film’s UNCUT version last week, so here’s 10 reasons why you should watch BORN BEAUTIFUL.

1. This is a SEQUEL. The highly successful DIE BEAUTIFUL needs to be continued and this did not disappoint.

2. Martin Del Rosario as Barbs is eye candy. He fits the role like a glove, because if it’s not him it wouldn’t be believable why Barbs always wins in beaucons. There I said it.

3. Lou Veloso is a very good actor then, he’s greater now. You will love his quirks, how motherly and forgiving he has been not just for Barbs, but for every gay person she’s welcomed to her home and business. You will love her even more in confrontations, she’ll blurt out expletives like breakfast, tons of it.

4. Paolo Ballesteros is also here. His character Trisha is no small role, in fact he feels like a highlight in this film even if it was a few cameos. He comes armed with the makeup transformations he’s known for. This time though, it will be iconic, it will be controversial, it will stir emotions of the conservative, religious, but he explained well why he did it (as part of the conversation).

5. Kiko Matos is ANIMALISTIC. He’s the rough and tough guy you always fantasized about. He did it and Barbs liked it. Maybe because there’s just too much tongue all round lol. Even if it was traumatic in the beginning and all the friends warned her about him, she chose to be with him still. Until when? That remains to be seen when you watch this film.

6. Akihiro Blanco is the ROMANTIC type. I must say, I didn’t expect him to do the things he did in this film because he’s always been the goody two shoes, the guy who wouldn’t dare do it with a guy, but he gave himself for the craft and I think I heard several shrieks in the front row (from his fans) who actually felt it was a romantic scene every time he appeared with Barbs on screen. That is a good measure of his capability as an actor, I personally also am rooting for Barbs and him to be paired in the movie given the circumstances (which you will see in the movie). This actually happens in real life and this was a tough way to bring it out in the open.

7. Jun Lana and Perci Intalan are geniuses. As Direk Jun puts it he says “We do not make films to be SAFE. If you make a film, you must step on something. If that’s what you want then let’s not make films anymore.” That for me is a tough and bold statement, I can’t wait to see what they have in the series through Cignal.

8. VJ Mendoza (albeit shortlived) have delivered strongly as Princess. The comedic punches in this movie was an opportunity to show how crafty people are and have that sense of TIMING. He did good, also the whole cast so prepare yourself laughing continuously on some instances.

9. This movie will educate you about OPEN relationships, how to LOVE as much as you can. It also discusses about false religious groups, abuses, mature stuff not normally discussed in classrooms. I hope this would be allowed to be viewed R-16 as they are appealing I think. The uncut version wasn’t as harsh or overly matured as I thought it would be. MTRCB should reconsider.

10. It is worth every penny you will spend for a movie ticket, I even can say they have given even MORE in this sequel. I would highly suggest you bring yourself, your straight friends, your LGBTQ+ people because this would be something people could LEARN from aside from getting the entertainment value it brings.

Born Beautiful is also being planned to be shown as a series in CIGNAL very soon. Before that, you should take the time to watch it this January 23, 2019. This again is written by Direk Jun Lana, done by Screenwriter Rody Vera, Elmer Gatchalian, Ivan Andrew Payawal and Fatrick Tabada. This is produced by CIGNAL Entertainment, Octobertrain Films and The IdeaFirst Company. Some scenes will be bleeped on the regular screening, but you will still have the story told.

Congratulations to the men, women, LGBTQ+ people who made this what it is. 9/10 for me.

BORN BEAUTIFUL: Martin Del Rosario on His Kissing Scenes

Good looks and puppy dog eyes won’t get you roles if you don’t really have the talent. This has been proven by Kapuso star Martin Del Rosario as he reprises the role of Barbs in the sequel Born Beautiful. 

Martin says “I really felt pressured but very honored to have been chosen by Direk Perci Intalan and Direk Jun Lana. Of course people are expecting a lot with the success of Die Beautiful, add to that I had to become the new Barbs in the film. I believe we have done our best to make this as good as the previous one. I had to trim down a lot and diet because I had to fit in female clothes. I also avoided working so I would look more feminine without the muscles. I also had to groom myself and undergo waxing, to get into character because Barbs is complicated so I had to study how she moves.”

He adds “I watched the first Die Beautiful movie and I was glad to accept the sequel, it is a challenge but I have worked with them in other projects before so I knew this was going to be good. Die Beautiful was simple, but this one is more matured in understanding Trans people, finding happiness, having an identity crisis after Trishia died. I will met Trishia’s ex, my ex and go on a journey finding that happiness I am looking for. It was offered to me after they had complexities with Barbs, but definitely I will have a different take on her. I don’t really get affected about what they say online, I read it but I don’t reply. Paulo gave me beauty tips, fixing nails, stuff, he was there in the first day and he made me comfortable. It won’t be so far if you compare the cut and uncut versions, just a few bleeps and scenes shortened but you will still understand the story. The uncut scenes will be on the Friday when you come and watch it on our premiere. My discoveries? It’s difficult to be trans, the physical and mental changes, the acceptance, the love, it’s different but at the end of the day we all have the capacity to love and be loved. Aki was more nervous than me, I already had a scene with Kiko before hand but Aki had to be the one to approach me since I have to be more feminine, Kiko was wild and had s3xual tension. For me, kissing guys and girls are the same. Maybe it just depends on how the kiss is executed.”

“I only had problems on the first day, I was perspiring, on the chair for two hours and was clean shaven everywhere. It did also hurt, I only got used to it on the few days after. When I got to be trans, I was surprised because I looked beautiful. I felt in character and do female things, but the reality of being taped and wax was a sacrifice. This has more drama elements I think, it’s a more matured way of telling a trans story. Christian and I haven’t met each other but we did talk on Twitter about it. More than the ones you see on trailer, you’ll see even more on Cignal.”

Born Beautiful will be premiering on January 23 in Cinemas nationwide! 

KUMAGCOW 

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7 Reasons Why You Should Watch “ANG BABAENG ALLERGIC SA WIFI”

Pretty good, very young and relevant.

Just like my previous movie posts, I don’t want to spoil things for you but I like what I saw in the movie ANG BABAENG ALLERGIC SA WIFI. Here are 6 good reasons to watch the film, I would recommend this to romance fanatics, it’s full of that and a LOT of HUGOT lines in between (not the old kind).

1. MUSIC - The music selection is SO GOOD, too good that I’ll buy if they have it on streaming apps.

2. THE EYES - Sue Ramirez has always been gorgeous, her eyes is a dead giveaway. There’s something about her, her soft features, very likeable personality makes her so good on romantic films.

3. ROMANCE - Jameson Blake is good looking, has flawless skin, and cracked up jokes about shoutouts during the screening. Aries felt like him, toned down geek, hopeless romantic. He did good. The situations of romance in this film would make you understand that even in love, lies and deception are included.

4. BUTTERFLIES - His confessions on love felt sincere, how he hurts and realizations. You’ll have butterflies in your stomach. Maybe your shoulders.

5. NEW ACTOR - Markus Paterson is a revelation, it’s my first time seeing him but he’s a good chap. Good looks, acting, singing, I bet he’s going places. Though tis a good thing seeing them raw, as this is his first film.

6. SHORT (stint) BUT SWEET VILLAIN - Adrianna So has done two movies this month, character roles done impeccably well. She’s evil and conniving in this film, so be careful if you see her on the scenes. 

7. INSTAGRAM WORTHY - This might be the first time Cignal Entertainment, Octobertrain Films and Ideafirst Company has produced a film together, but boy it looks good. It’s a light romantic drama film but you’ll love the shots, much like that Siargao movie, it’s like Instagram on steroids. 

Is it worth to watch? Definitely, because you still want to dream of love, to hope, to still believe in it even if circumstances make your nose bleed. To filter things in your life; fake news and all, to confirm the realness of the feelings, so if this is the foundation of your relationship, you won’t have to waste each other’s time. Do not curse me for not spoilin the ending, you need to watch it to see why.

This movie is an entry for Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2018 which will run from August 15-21, 2018. This is also directed by the award winnig Jun Lana. Again, it’s worthy to watch.

I love this for it’s merits, it’s Graded A by the cinema evaluation board with good reason. Trust me on that.

KUMAGCOW

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Judy Ann Shines, Angelica Sparks in Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes

I've seen the film industry improve over the years and one glorious evidence of that is the film Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes (The Two Mrs. Reyes) which is produced by Star Cinema, Quantum Films and made by the Idea First Company under Perci Intalan and Directed by Jun Lana. I've honestly been bored of Filipino films lately that I haven't seen some of them in the recent MMFF, but this piece wasn't going to pass me since Judy Ann is doing it. Yes she's got hits and misses but I guess this material was just promising. It's got all the angles in it, romance, love, infidelity, s3x, foreplay, even food and the whole enchilada of LGBTQWTFOMGBBQ causes you can think of.

Judy Ann being the Queen has never lost her touch. She cries like a river, and can definitely touch you in so many ways that you'll find yourself crying in the dark corners of the cinema. Yes I admit that might have been me, not once, but twice because her monologues was just the highlight of the film, one that you should pay attention to when her character starts posting a Facebook status towards the end of the film. You would fall for her, feel her pain, her agony, her angst and you would feel good while she's letting it all out on social media, just like what your friends do on their timeline too.

Angelica Panganiban on the other hand had her own battles. Like a woman scorned, she wanted revenge, but later finds herself learning, enjoying, moving on from the whole ordeal. She also presents the punchlines so well you'll hear the gallery laugh quite hard during the whole movie. She's going to get mad and bonded with cats, travel the world to seek revenge, then perhaps fall in love with a stranger found in the most unconventional places. She's also going to cancel all holidays for you, that particular line will stick to you like glue so pay attention when she does her outbursts... oh she's got a ton of that. 

I haven't had so much fun in movies lately, this particular one made me cry twice, had me laugh and made me feel good about Filipino movies again. This film also stars JC De Vera and Joross Gamboa, you'll love how their pair would intertwine their story in different situations. As Direk Perci said "This is our opening day and I hope you see this film, if you like it please spread the word. I really hope you like the movie because as of now we are hearing it’s doing good in the box office. If you are posting anything on social media please use #AngDalawangMrsReyes so we can see it!”

Screenings started yesterday and if you haven't watched this movie yet, you better spend for it today because it's really good.

KUMAGCOW

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The IDEAFIRST Company Artist Management

It looks like a new wave of talents is coming your way via The IDEAFIRST Company. Now they won't be just producing shows for TV5 but putting up The IDEAFIRST Company Artist Management means they'll be handling in house artists, a range of Directors to be part of a whole plethora of talents made to cater and complement what the content creators from The IDEAFIRST Company is already doing. 

Perci Intalan says "We are excited, it's like coming of age, exciting times, and it's interesting. Storytellers are already getting fame, social media makes them celebrities just like in Hollywood. It's a sign that the formula is changing, the good story, the good cast is now appreciated. When we started the company, we wanted artistry to be the heart of the business. We expanded beyond production and now it goes in different ways, this is in the heart of IDEAFIRST Company."

7 of the brightest Directors have banded together and will be part of the Dominic Lim, Ivan Payawal, Mikp Livelo, Prime Cruz, Sigrid Bernardo, Perci Intalan and Jun Lana. This will mean they will line produce for the big studios and represent these celebrity Directors and manage them accordingly. We will support them, tell them the next step, Directors and writers don't know hownto represent themselves so we are empowering them even if they are not doing projects under us, but with other production companies. Though they have different styles, they will still tell the stories how they want it. Some will get to work together, and will make this grow. Be prepared to see even more great stories, as they will be mentored by the people from IDEAFIRST Company specifically Perci Intalan and Jun Lana. 

Direk Jun Lana says "Managing talents came in at the right time. It's like a natural extension of what we do and we have them all work with us in past projects, you'll know about them later. When we created IDEAFIRST, we knew we had our hopes on the creative side so we really invested with great writers and storytellers. We will continue to be a production company and we will be content creators for other companies."

As mentioned earlier, they will also be managing talents and we got to see three of them. Cedrick Juan, Adrianna So and Christian Bables.

Cedrick Juan introduced himself and said "I came from FEU and UP theater companies, worked hard and had to represent myself. I personally talk to producers and tell them what I do in theater in the hopes of getting roles in films or TV. I am so glad I'm going to be taken cared of by IDEAFIRST, with a clear career path and vision of who I want to be as an artist."

I have watched how Malak So now Adrianna So grow as an artist in TV5 but now that she's out of the contract, and now joining IDEAFIRST she says "When they asked me what I'd like to achieve, I wanted to be a good girl. It was my first time to also be in the lead. We discussed changing my name (which she had long been wanting to do) but didn't get it at the time. (Now they did it and she's glad to keep the surname as she keeps it for her mom). I trust these people, I believe IDEAFIRST has a lot of things in mind that they could do for me. I am so glad to be with them."

Christian Bables adds "I've been asked by so many people and management companies but I know how they are like family to me. IDEAFIRST made me and I am so excited to see what the future holds for us."

Stay tuned for more of IDEAFIRST Company's artists in various shows, in different movies and channels.

KUMAGCOW

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Dennis Trillo's Greatest Form In New Movie

You love him, I know. With good reason too. Dennis Trillo is not just a great actor, he's one heck of a person. He's starring in this pseudo romantic comedy film called "Bakit Lahat Ng Gwapo Mag Boyfriend?"(Why Do Goodlooking Men Have Boyfriends?) and we got to watch it through a private screening with our friends from Team Dennis Trillo. 

The movie talks about a guy who they thought was gay, where two friends tried to find out in different ways if he really was. Anne Curtis tells the narrative much like Sarah Jessica Parker would do it, sans the New York scene. Some may say she's not, but I think she's funny enough. Her connection to Dennis started when her gay business partner had to arrange a meeting with him, not knowing if it was for a second chance at love or just a coming out story waiting to happen. Gay guy played by Paolo Ballesteros unfortunately didn't get what he wanted and end up doing favors for him more. You have to watch the movie to find out why.

The thing my friends and I noticed on this film though is not just the funny scenes, or the story, but probably the finest form of Dennis Trillo ever caught on screen bar none. He worked out and prepared for this role as one of the scenes in the early part of the movie needs it. You must watch it for that alone. 

"Bakit Lahat Ng Gwapo Mag Boyfriend?"(Why Do Goodlooking Men Have Boyfriends?) is still showing on theaters nationwide. The film is Directed by Jun Lana, same guy who did award winning Die Beautiful. Here's a short interview I did with Dennis before the private screening, please enjoy!

KUMAGCOW

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10 Reasons Why You Should Watch Haunted Mansion by Regal Films this MMFF 2015

I had the chance to watch the movie in advanced so I think I'd be able to tell you reasons why you should watch Regal Film's entry to the Metro Manila Film Fest. I'll add a couple more reasons because we got to also talk to Direk Jun Lana and Janella Salvador after the screening and discussed scenes and more things about it without spoiling the movie. Let's start!

1. The story is interesting. You've got an interesting mix of the past and the future. There are several background information that isn't noticeable in the trailer which you'll find out if you discover the mysteries they put in it. There's a LOT!

2. They went over budget. They wanted this first salvo be something that would look good when you watch it in theaters and they've extended shooting just to give you scenes which can be only shot at night time. Even at the irk of Producer Mother Lily. It's not cheap.

3. Graphics are good, done in just specific scenes so you could still see some sort of realism as Direk puts it. You'll see that in the scenes of LJ Reyes specifically.

4. It was shot in a real mansion, owned by the Marcoses. They needed to make it grand and put in stuff to make it realistic. They also made graves at the back, which made people a little scared even if thet were the ones who put it there in the first place. 

5. You'll be scared, and you'll find interesting twists in the story. Don't be too complacent that the movie is already done. There's always a surprise waiting to happen. You'll be afraid over and over again.

6. Janella did a good job. She might even be nominated for best actress. 

7. If box office success isn't the measurement, they could even be in the running for Best Picture. Who knows?

8. The Marlo Mortel, Jerome Ponce and Janella Salvador love story is cute. Who's gonna win her heart? The answer might shock you, so you have to watch the film.

9. Janella is thankful for the trust given to her. The script has been made and updated for 6 years waiting for the right cast, and they just happen to be there at the right time. 

10. The friends, the enemies, the bullies and the cheerleaders actually make quite a stir. Some of them might die but you have to watch it to know who.

Here's our interview of Direk Jun Lana and Janella. 

Make sure you watch it on theaters today because it's something different. I saw people closing their eyes inside the theater, you might be doing that too. Trust me on that part. Congrats Haunted Mansion! I hope you do get good things on opening day!

For more information about their entry:

Regal Entertainment Inc.

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New Shows LolaBasyang.com and #ParangNormalActivity on TV5

Typhoon and rain was outside but no one could stop TV5 from launching new shows as they held the grand press conference of two new shows, LolaBasyang.com and Parang Normal Activity. The brains behind this child project is the Perci Intalan and Jun Lana headed production house The Idea First Company that worked with the happiest network in the country TV5 so they could bring brand new spanking shows in your homes starting this Saturday/weekend. 

I still remember the time when legendary comedienne Chichay and Luz Valdez played the role of Lola Basyang. She was the iconic grandma who always got her grandchildren learn about Filipino values by telling them stories, legends and have them sometimes in it too. It's a pretty epic story line for its time and I must say, kids were a little obsessed to sit in front of their TV's or drag their parents on movie houses just to see it. This show though will have one of the greatest actresses in Philippine showbiz industry, Ms. Boots Anson Rodrigo. She says "It's the same type of stories, same legends that Filipinos loved. The only difference is you've got a more hip Lola B telling her grandsons/daughters about the usual. What kind of Lola B? For starters, her name is that way, her hair ain't white (she's dyed her hair), she's not on a rocking chair, she's not wearing a "Saya" anymore and wears pretty colorful clothes, neither is she just reading off a book as she's now on a tablet. She also is a blogger and she's going to be seen in almost all those popular social media channels most people are on and things are going to be told in a grand way every week."

The first episode will be a story about Maria Makiling. A really gorgeous fairy that lives in a mountain based on Philippine folklore to be played by TV5's princess Jasmine Curtis Smith. She wasn't at the press conference but one of the co-stars hunky Carlos Agassi was there and we asked about how he ended up on the show. I also asked about what he's been doing in the past few months/weeks since he's not that quite visible doing projects like these, and he says "I'm doing "Swak na Swak" in ABSCBN and also taped Imbestigador in GMA Channel 7 just a few days ago. I'm a free agent and nobody's managing me right now so everyone can go directly to me if they want to get my services. When this project was offered to me, I was more excited to have the chance to work with some great people in a different channel, all good!" Meanwhile, Vin Abrenica was there too together with Yna Asistio because they'll star in another story in the LolaBasyang.com series called "Ang Plawtin ni Periking" (Periking's Piccolo), which is about a small magical flute which you'll see in the coming weeks.

Lights went off and the spooky soundtrack played... it did actually frighten the kids a bit and when they got off the stage, these three teen boys came out hunting for what seems to be an entity... perhaps a ghost. I'm sure everybody had their own horror stories and these guys are putting in a little fun into it by getting some full blown stories that would make you laugh, smile, think and be a little frightened in between if you watch their show called #ParangNormalActivity.

This show may have a horror component to it but Director Perci Intalan assures that all the episodes were designed to just be light and wouldn't scare the pants out of your kids when it premiers this Saturday on TV5. You'll meet the ghost named Charlie played by the bubbly and pretty Ella Cruz. She'll be together with Carl Guevarra, Ryle Paolo Santiago, Andre Garcia and new discovery Shaun Salvador. You might be thinking almost all these boys and Ella hail from ABSCBN but they've been properly asked to do this specifically, they're also in between work so it was the perfect time for them to do it here.  

It's a mix of young love, comedy, playfulness, horror, mystery, adventure and everything in between but of course, it's not all rainbows and butterflies because they're going to be a little miserable when the characters of Jester Hernandez, Nico Nicolas and Joshua Joffe. In the succeeding episodes, they'll tackle a different story, a different creature or a different mysterious happening that will make the audience stay at the tip of their toes but still laugh in the end because it's still going to be a happy ending. Eunice Lagunsad and Kiray Celis (who just revealed she's got a big crush on Tom Taus) will add a little more spice to the stories, so don't discount them from any episode (and see her flying!) every Saturday!

Again, make sure to watch both of these programs LolaBasyang.com and #ParangNormalActivity this July 11, 2015 on the happiest channel in the Philippines TV5!

For more information about their network:

TV5 Manila

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http://www.tv5.com.ph/