KIKO ESTRADA and SARAH LAHBATI on TV5's "LUMUHOD KA SA LUPA"

Got the chance to watch the pilot episode of "LUMUHOD KA SA LUPA" yesterday through the advanced press screening arranged by SariSari Channel, Viva Studios and TV5. It's a series based on the comics and movie made by Carlo J. Caparas, and will now be part of the Caparas Universe.

For those who don't know, the film came out in the 80's with Rudy Fernandez, Jackie Lou Blanco, Eddie Garcia and Mark Gil. It was a huge project, and seeing it be done as a series on free to air TV (right after Eat Bulaga) will certainly be monumental, possibly catapult the career of Kiko Estrada who almost quit the industry a few years back.

Sarah Lahbati also has not been doing any projects in the past 8 years. Her last one was also a Carlo J. Caparas masterpiece and reckoned she's been doing only Caparas projects by fate. Needless to say, she's been doing a lot of projects recently and a few endorsements too. She was absolutely gorgeous that afternoon, and her role is an important one for the story since they will have a pairing in "Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa" too.

Aside from Kiko and Sarah, the series also include Sid Lucero, Rhen Escaño, Gardo Versoza, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Andrew Muhlach, Phoebe Walker, Andre Yllana, Ashley Diaz, Annika Co, Rose Van Ginkel, Jeffrey Hidalgo and Jeric Raval. You can officially say this is their attempt to put Kiko Estrada into the "action star" game. The series may have some small flaws, but the thing is made like a movie and quite fast paced. You'll have to watch it from day 1 so you get to see how Norman changes over the course of the series and also know why he had to become a force to be reckoned with later on in the story. Ultimately, this is about family and seeking justice... but just like what the two directors said, none of the characters would be useless. They all had a part to play in the life of Norman.

Here's the interview we had with them after the screening

"Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa" will be shown right after EAT BULAGA on April 8th, and will be shown 8pm the same day at SARISARI Channel in the evening. This is part of TV5's Hapon Champion block and the throng of summer shows they will be releasing. Go like their social channels to know more about the show because they will be posting updates about this more there.

Elmo, Janella and Kiko for My Fairy Tail Love Story

When news broke out that Elmo was transferring to ABSCBN I distinctly remember fearing how he would handle his career because I’ve always seen him partnered with singer Julie Anne San Jose. But it looks like ABSCBN had good plans for him and tried a lot of formulas - but it looks like this one with Janella Salvador actually worked. Enough that a huge following followed thereafter, and this partnership is where they’re banking on to also watch the film MY FAIRY TAIL LOVE STORY.

This will happen on February 14, a nice time to actually be with someone over a very promising plot much like the famous Little Mermaid piece which has been done countless times, so many different ways in different countries. This mermaid film however is fun, playing with the thought of falling in love with one guy when there’s actually another one who really cares for you. You’ve probably watched a couple of films produced and directed by Perci Intalan and know how he’s been able to interpret these stories outstandingly, so I and most of the people who know him expect even more in this installment.

Janella says "Swimming like this requires training because the tail is heavy and I couldn't just swim the normal way. At first when it was pitched to me I was already imagining things, I was shocked I was going to do it and I feel very blessed this is happening. We were swimming once and we used adhesive but I felt it was slipping, I felt it was off. So I immediately asked for them to stop filming and covered myself. Elmo was already bleeding in one scene but he didn't complain, he was that good and dedicated. Elmo and I really got to know each other more, we learned a lot of things about each other even if we were different from characters. We need to concentrate on work. I had claustrophobia, I was so nervous but I saw the scenes and it was so nice under there, I wanted to become a mermaid after that. Moana and this is different, when I met them it was a high, but this one had me be overwhelmed, I get humbled."

Kiray adds "I'm like the frenemy here but I'm inlove with Elmo, who wouldn't like to be paired with him and Kiko. You must watch Elmo and my scenes because it's different. We prepared for it, and I was always asking for him to come out and I hope the fans don't take me seriously because I'll be all over Elmo. Comparing Elmo to Kian, Enchong or Derek, I think I'm more into Enchong, I feel Derek is my Tito. Enchong kissed like he was going to eat my eyes."

Elmo says "I felt Kiray wasn't really acting anymore. I now appreciate what scuba divers do, it's so beautiful down there and really diving that deep I understand why they do it."

Kiko adds "The cast loves each other, that's why we are always bonding. We had to make the threat believable, something not realistic because anything can happen in a tale. I asked Direk what I could do because I'm not really a singer, but I trust the Director."

Direk Perci says “Janella is a born Disney Princess whilst Elmo is a very spirited singer. Both of them on screen will be a treat because they complement each other. You’ll love how they’ll be on screen and feel they’re meant for each other. Ours would be a different mermaid story, in the hopes that if you see Janella, Elmo and Kiko on screen, you wouldn’t forget them and experience their love story. I was blessed with a very dedicated cast, their energy was just different especially Kiray at 3AM. I was really happen that what I wanted to envision for the film happened. I guess even if it's already told so many times, we had the chance to tell it differently, I would have wanted her to sing the whole time but they played around thinking about what new things we could inject from it. The core of it is a happily ever after, a love story, but a bit more complicated. I feel it's already good that the ones who watch the teaser actually appreciate it. It has to be animated, even if it's not a cartoon. It's not a coffee table story, it is just inspired but totally a different story. This is a different time.”

They also will be with Dimples Romana, Dominic Ochoa, Kakai Bautista and a whole lot more. It’s also rates G so you can bring kids along, it has some elements of fantasy of course. It is Graded B by the cinema evaluation board so you’ll love it on Valentines day!

KUMAGCOW

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BENCH UNDER THE STARS The Press Preview

It looks like you wanna know what's about to happen tomorrow at Bench Under The Stars, so I'll begin by taking you to the press preview we had a few weeks ago. This is part of Bench's 30th Anniversary celebration so in a nutshell, expect MORE than the usual fashion show. Imagine being under the stars at night, confidently being in your skin and donning the best quality Bench underwear and denim.... giving it your all!

Your favorite stars, your favorite models, will all join in the fun and make you feel it's just YOU and them under the stars. The band called PULSO started things off with model Rob Mananquil on vocals, he's the boyfriend of Maxene Magalona. He's actually pretty good , a great prelude for what's about to happen in the show. Yes it's going to be sexy, it's expected to be undeniably good. In this show you'll also see first timers, some artists from both ABSCBN, GMA, even international models. You'll be seeing Sanya Lopez, Beauty Gonzales, Bianca King, Addy Raj, Bruno Gabriel, Kiko Estrada, Albie Casiño, Kim Domingo, Marco Gumabao, Jodilly Pendre, Miss Universe Maxine Medina and a whole lot more!

CLICK ON THIS BUTTON TO SEE THE REST OF THE SHOW!

Kiko Estrada Has His Eyes On The Target

I've had the privilege of interviewing Kiko Estrada a couple years back when the talk of the town was the budding relationship he had with Kim Domingo. I loved their pairing and found they look good in shows, enough for me to follow them on social media religiously. A few months ago I saw the other break down as their pairing ended up in shambles. I felt sorry for Kim but just like any relationship, people have to move on and end what seemed to be forever.

Kiko mentioned "I am thankful for all the people I had a relationship with because we took a lot of things from each other, we learned a lot from the experiences and feel we had to go through that in life. I think I matured early, feel that there's still a lot to learn. Mulawin is just one of the things that was given to me and if you see what's happening on TV, that's not even the biggest part of the story yet. You should wait for what is about to happen in later episodes."

His birthday was much of a way to thank his fans. So in a small way, they got this activity to bond and be close. That tough exterior of Kiko Estrada? Let's just say he portrayed a sweet sweet boy and broke down walls and got these lucky fans what they deserve, some good ol hugs and kisses from the Kapuso star.

The event was also hosted by goodlooking and hunky Yas Marta of boyband group One Up and Businesswoman Tycoon (Ika Anim Na Utos star) Arianne Bautista. Which by the way are both talented and great in their own respective shows. 

They also played a contest to see who would become the best archers in the group, they got prizes and more hours to go back to Kodanda later on just by participating in it. I saw how happy they were spending time with Kiko and he promises that this won't be the end of doing good in the acting department because there are still a lot of things that GMA Artist Center has planned for him, they will be executing it well in the next few years and he's very excited for that!

Here's some of the scenes on video:

Happy birthday and may your career continue to flourish Kiko! :) 

KUMAGCOW

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Regal Films Outs Sofia Andres & Devon Seron Starrer "Pwera Usog"

Regal is placing their bet on this new movie by Jason Paul Laxamana called "Pwera Usog". There's no direct english translation about this superstitious belief which means the phenomenon of having a child get fever/sickness brought about a person's presence and it could only be cured by putting saliva in the kid's tummy. Now I know some of you would feel it's crazy, but it's been passed on to generations of Filipinos and followed profusely because there is no harm in doing it (aside from the hygeinic aspect of course!) so go ahead, say "Pwera Usog" to prevent it.

Playing on this myth/superstition, Director Jason wants to make his first horror film at par with the quality that millenials today would actually be scared of. He knows how much material out there (available online) could already be scary for them but he quirps "In horror, I have to be precise, especially the shots and timing. You need a proper build up before you execute that incident of horror. I need to shock and scare them even more since there are online movies that's already out there."

The movie will be shown on theaters starting March 8, 2017. This is produced under Regal Films. Make sure you follow @regalfilms50 on IG, @regalfilms on Twitter and subscribe to Regal Entertainment Inc. on Youtube today!

KUMAGCOW

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Is This The End of GMA's #KimKo Loveteam?

I witnessed a budding relationship back when we first interviewed them for "My Mother's Secret" about a year ago when that show aired on GMA. Thing is, I liked them together, they looked good too and if there's something that we'd want to happen, is that they'd end up together in real life. I was here for an interview for their new show "Hanggang Makita Kang Muli", but was quite surprised about how she reacted when I asked about Kiko Estrada. She balled right in front of us, we felt she was hurt and sad about it. I apologized then for asking about it, but she said she's fine.

Here's our interview with Kim Rodriguez on video:

 Part 1

Part 2 talks about the real score in Kim Rodriguez and Kiko Estrada's relationship.

 I guess you know what that means. They now have to concentrate on work, hopefully this isn't the last time you'll see them together.

What I'm actually glad to hear is that, it was real.

For more information about their artists:

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http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter

Kiko Estrada's Birthday with Undernourished Kids

Kiko Estrada

It's Kiko Estrada's birthday and GMA Artist Center knew exactly how he wanted to celebrate it. We went to Pook Amorsolo in Brgy. UP Campus in Quezon City and had around 200 malnourished kids from nearby communities so he could spend time with them, play games, give nutritious food as well. To help with the cause, the good people from Philrice also gave the kids organic brown rice and had Pandelton (producer of baked goods) donate 2 weeks worth of special moringa bread for the kids. It's so nice to see even the volunteer employee organization of GMA called GMA GIVES also helped to manage the activities together with GMA Artist Center. 

 

The kids also had fun with comedienne Tess Bomb hosting the event and it was nice to see the kids faces light up whenever she cracks a joke or two during the morning. These kids are from different communities and their respective health organizations monitor the kids weight and take the initiative to see if they're actually improving their health. Growth stunting is prevalent in kids in the Philippines and to be able to be more tall and healthy, they need the right amount of nutrition that they can get from supplements or food. I saw some really small kids, thin ones in the crowd and I fear these are exactly the ones that shouldn't happen when they're still in the stage of growing up. We all know we need to see them in their full potential, I even saw Kiko and gorgeous Kim Rodriguez help get metrics from some of the kids.

Kiko Estrada Admits Courting Kim Rodriguez

I've seen these two blossom into some of GMA's most promising love teams and the shows they've been in are proving to be a gauge of how the network trusts their talents, their work and worth. Kiko Estrada, son of former stars Gary Estrada and Cheska Diaz has pretty much shied away from the shadows of his famous parents and built a following of his own by appearing in shows like Tween Hearts, a couple of shows from the other station, Strawberry Lane, Yagit and the very controversial Magpakailanman episode where he played as a callboy who had his father become his customer. Kim Rodriguez on the other hand did shows like Tween Hearts, Biritera, Coffee Prince, Kakambal ni Eliana, and Strawberry Lane where she got pretty close with now love team partner Kiko. The two good looking artists are appearing in the show My Mother's Secret as Craig and Nerissa "Neri" Macapugay. The romantic spin is about to become more serious as Kim's character finds out more serious things about her mother in the show. 

Kim is 20 whilst Kiko is 22. They look good together and when asked about their relationship, we got the shock of our lives when we heard Kiko suddenly admit he's courting Kim Rodriguez in real life. 

He says "Hahah, It's our first week on the series but we're now doing week 3. I don't think I'm in a lead role, but I'm here to support her 100 percent. The story revolves around Kim's family in the show and we're not really super conscious about the ratings. If we do our job well and do our part, then it's good, if not, we have to do something about it. I worked with Ms. Lotlot during a Magpakailanman episode and I feel so lucky to have been able to do that. Craig loves Neri so much in the show, a physical therapist, he doesn't want to stay with his family because they're always talking about money. Craig is a very simple man and he doesn't want that. I also got to work with Christian Bautista and learned a thing or two about singing and modulation (then he goes on singing a few lines) and now I can sing! It's like a concert in the set sometimes but we're just having fun. Neil Del Rosario is our current relationship because we're pretty much stuck doing these roles first. I don't look like my Dad, I like watching movies and drama shows, Indie movies and acting pieces. The Magpakailanman episode I had rated really high, they also said good stuff and I felt that. I like that even before they say I'm good looking. My dad told me to watch really good films even before and I think I got inspired from that. It's the substance of the script, I love teeny bopper roles still but all the shows I did have stories. I knew that before I accepted them. I find happiness in acting. Some might be not commercially successful but that's what I wanted. I don't want to follow paths, I look up to Jericho Rosales, sometimes it's just natural I think. I had a hard time talking in Tagalog because we didn't have that luxury when we were growing up. With all the humility in the world, I just want to be the best actor in this industry and I hope GMA makes me achieve that. I hope they know my passion for acting is huge. We finish each others sentences now, when we worked during an Indie film and I chose Kim during that time. I went crazy about her replies because I wanted to talk to her. I was very makulit, but I am courting her. I hope she feels the same and tell me soon, but I do feel secure, I feel assured. I don't doubt myself, and I think I'm humbly sure of myself. She's very pretty, but she's very beautiful inside... and I love her."

Kim says "It's fun doing the series with Direk Neil because we get to have fun. I don't think we even check the ratings of the show because we're more concentrated on what we're doing, on how we act and we think that's more important. Nerisa is a little boyish, I grew up with my foster Mom in this show and I'm thankful she's always in the scene because I always get something from her. Even if we're doing it in the wee hours of the morning we get to enjoy working with esteemed actors and singers like Christian Bautista. We did Tween Hearts and Strawberry Lane before and working now is our priority. Jack is a far cry from Neri because she's still a lady. I haven't been able to have scenes with him yet but am looking forward to. The family is sort of messed up, some relationships here and there, some celebrities, but that's where the babies come in. Neri worked hard, and had to work in an orphanage where we met in the show. There's a secret that's about to unravel later on. I was so happy to see we finally have a billboard, it's like FINALLY we've seen how we worked hard for it. We were a big cast during our past shows, and this one makes it worth it because even though it's hard to maintain ratings, we're always taken cared of by GMA. I even had a whole month done for Maynila. I grew up with my grandma, she passed away in 2011 but I'm so blessed that I'm successful. I don't want to become a big star, but GMA has trusted me so much so I'm just paying it back. We're not competing with other love teams but we wish to achieve more. He was my crush during Tween Hearts but I wasn't showing it that much. He gave me a shitzu, I know he's courting me and during my birthday we had dinner and he gave me a stuffed toy... a dog, then he gave me a real one. His name is Chewy because he looks like chewbacca, super cute. We talked about it before the start of the show and we need to concentrate on work first before we do that thing. This is very challenging, I have feelings, I know how he feels too. We're very close and know each other's problems. He's a gentleman, all the things I want to do, he supports me. He knows I'm alone, he makes me safe, he takes care of me, even goes the mile of getting concerned every day." 

They're a good looking couple, not officially yet but at least there's admission of courtship. Fans should rejoice and help them make "My Mother's Secret" a successful show now that they're looking seriously into their relationship. The show is on it's third week and stars Gwen Zamora and Christian Bautista too. It's going to be shown on GMA Primetime 6PM before 24 Oras.