If it's about stars getting workshops, there's no other reliable organization to do that in the Philippines and in some parts of the world than Star Magic Workshops. This year, there's going to be a huge change because they've gone the mile, made it even BIGGER... and now call it STAR MAGIC SCHOOL FOR THE CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS. This means they'll be catering to folks, kids to adults and hone them in multiple disciplines, including acting, singing, dance and more.
What I've learned from the press conference is that they've managed to already do good in the workshops, but wanted to improve and grow. This is why they made sure to get different subject matter experts so that they wouldn't be boxed up in just the ABSCBN grounds. They wanted folks who are excellent in their fields and have them instruct in the workshops too including master classes, character building, music production, and train more directors for live events too.
The launch was graced by Star Magic and Production Head Direk Lauren Dyogi, Business Unit Head Raymund Dizon, acting coaches HB Benitez III, Alecx Lorica and Marcel David, theater coach Meann Espinosa, ABSCBN Show Director Jon Moll, Kirby Balagtas, Dale Recina, Troi Bautista who are producers from You Me Us MNL, plus veteran Voice Coach Julie Anne Reyes. They also had coaches of BGYO and BINI Anna Graham, Jerwin Nicomedes, plus dance coaches Mickey Perz, Reden Blanquera, Matthew Almodovar, Aennon Tabungar and Josh Junio. They also had the very talented Talia Concio, BGYO perform on stage so we could have a taste of what could happen if we have undergone their workshops. It was a sight for sore eyes!
If you want to be part of this, they have onsite enrollment on March 29 and 30, April 5 and 6. Just fill up the form at this website forms.abs-cbn.com/starmagicscpa and follow the directions. You may also follow their social channels at facebook.com/starmagicscpa or @starmagicscpa on IG. Come prove your talent is world class by joining one or more of their classes. Information about the courses are also there. I'm so interested in the Music Production and the Directors course.
Artist Lounge Multimedia Inc. recently welcomed their new COO Jeffrey Hung. The agency involved in talent management, networking, social media management, events, advertising and marketing held a welcome dinner for him, his wife, their employees, clients, talents, celebrities and the media at the posh Hydro bar in Quezon City.
He is also part owner of the firm, and will be involved in projects this 2025 and beyond. As of this writing, CEO Kyle Sarmiento pronounced how they've got over 20 projects in the pipeline including several movies and online series which will be released later on this year.
They also have other opportunities they're offering for their huge talent pool including live selling which they've been doing for a while now. They obliged us with an interview after socials, and their COO Jeffrey Hung was keen in taking roles in the films they are making including his super gorgeous wife Nikki Hung who's also an actress from China.
Miss Universe Quezon City ladies with the COO Jeffrey Hung and his wife Nikki.
Their COO Jeffrey Hung says "I am so proud to be part of Artist Lounge Multimedia Inc. and I hope you continue to support us in our projects. I've been in the production industry in different platforms like TikTok Live, something I've been doing in the past. Now I'm with my business partners, I believe in Kyle's leadership and I trust him."
Artist Lounge Multimedia Inc. CEO Kyle adds "Artist Lounge Multimedia Inc. now has 3 owners. Atty. is just in Japan for a vacation which is why he's not here. This dinner was just spontaneous. We are working on several projects including live selling, digital ad support, a few festivals, provincial shows, mall shows, production of vlogs mostly for celebrities of Artist Lounge. We also have up and coming talents that we hope will be part of the PH entertainment industry. Our goal is to finish our first film which we hope to finish this month that I'll write and direct. Artist Lounge is multifaceted and not just focused in one industry."
Here's our interview with them later on in the evening.
For those who would like to do business with them, send your inquiries through their social channels by messaging Artist Lounge Multimedia Inc. on Facebook.
Welcome to Artist Lounge Multimedia Inc. Sir Jeffrey Hung! It was a pleasure meeting you!
I distinctly remember being seated beside this good looking lad at a concert in Mall of Asia Arena a couple of years ago. Even back then, he's one of the most adored artists of his generation, and I could reckon how he was at awe of how it must have been like performing on stage especially at this big venue. This year marks his 10th year in the industry and with all the pieces falling into place, it's the right time to hold his very own concert. They call it "JUAN KARLOS LIVE", happening this November 29 at the same venue.
JK
says "I'm excited, but nervous, but I'm working with amazing and
talented people so I'm concentrating on audio and visual aspect of the
concert. Nathan Studios is working on a lot of things. I never think of
it too much, it was never really set as a goal to perform in big stages,
it was more of contentment wherever I perform. I think it's just the
people I work with that makes it worth it. I have a song called KALAWAKAN, which is a nice song, but haven't performed it on stage yet
just like a few collabs I've done in the past. Sometimes I forget it,
but imagining performing those songs just have that cool aspect."
He adds "I don't think anyone could be ready for something like this,
but Tita Ibyang (Sylvia Sanchez) told me not to think of what to
perform, because this is for the fans that supported me all these years.
It's something that I have to do for the people who believe in me, it
is the direction I felt was right. With that, I just said "oo nga ano",
it is for them. I'm trying to balance selfishness and selflessness, to
try to balance the flow of the show that I'm just there to perform
rather that complicate it. It will be intimate, a jam session, it will
be an experience, no lessons, but the feeling of being in that capsule
to be able to relate to those songs, and the life we went through all
these years. I just feel like yesterday I was a bisaya that was just
playing on stage by coach Bamboo, not taking things seriously when I was
in Voice Kids as a bonding moment. I never dreamt any of these things,
now here we are because of that one decision I made to please my Mom.
For some reason, it was something she wanted, it made us happy. It's
beautiful because I've been through a lot to be able to get to where I
am now. To reflect on that, and be in this moment, it's beautiful. I am
lucky and blessed to be surrounded by people who believe in me."
For
him it was a no brainier for Nathan Studios to produce this because Ms.
Sylvia was a mother figure. She was the one who pushed the concert even
if the decision was made. He just said yes to it. JK also discussed
his relationship with his Lola, the one who pushed him to achieve
things. One that didn't talk too much, but is part of who he is. He says
the things she does is cute, and he's happy she is witnessing this.
JK
also lamented how he used to watch concerts, and believes how he should
be a consumer before becoming a performer. He felt he was able to get a
perspective of what he should see to enjoy a concert, and now that he
is doing this, he is finding solace in creating songs that the populace
will appreciate, make him feel good, because music was the thing that
made him feel constant even if he's going through a lot. This is for the
people who made him, and his songs, part of their lives.
Here's the full press conference on video, took a long time to upload this, please enjoy!
He
is honest, fragile and vulnerable, and wishes to write more songs in
the near future. He has a lot in his coffers, it's just the release part
that worries him and prolly his label. The viral version of "Through the
Years" may or may not be played on the concert too because a lot of
people are requesting for it. It's just going to be a surprise, so make
sure you get the few tickets left for the concert on the 29th! We heard
some sections are already sold out!
This concert is also directed by Paolo Valenciano. Musical Direction is by Karel Honasan. This is produced by Nathan Studios and fully supported by his label Universal Music Group Philippines.
Get your tickets at SM Tickets website smtickets.com/events/view/13698. He's a very cool guy, and I think I'm a fan. :)
It's not Valentine's season, but that doesn't mean we can't indulge in stories of love designed with some of your favorite OPM hits. These are some of your favorite music pieces that we all fell in love when they came out. This show also will be featuring several stories meant to pull those heartstrings, some sad, some with a happy ending.
The story will also include some of your favorite actors, love teams, of which were also there during the show's mediacon a few days ago. The roster includes Heaven Peralejo and Marco Gallo, Bea Binene (who will be paired with Gab Lagman), Krissha Viaje and Wilbert Ross, plus the previously paired (in different shows) Jairus Aquino and Aubrey Caraan (who I found so lovely by the way!).
I find Heaven and Marco really endearing during the presser, and while we were talking about love and serious stuff, they've been pressed a lot of times about the status of their relationship. I got the notion that they didn't really have a label but rather just enjoy what they have right now. Marco was also quite serious about courtship, because the thing he wanted is for that certain person to be the one he plans to marry, and I really am impressed with that answer. Bea on the other hand didn't want to touch on her previous relationships and just concentrate on the now, whilst Jairus is certainly a different man now if you compare him during his younger days. This isn't the first time he's being paired with Aubrey but things went smoothly. Aubrey on the other hand is a person that's NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth), so when asked about how she connected with the love songs, she got a little nervous answering questions from the press. They look so cute on screen and in real life though!
Here's what happened during the event!
For those who love hearing Ms. Pops Fernandez sing, this is the opportune time to actually watch the show. She will be singing the different songs from Viva's music library and put her little spin on it so it'll be amazing to see that during the episodes. Remember, this will all start on July 29th 3:20pm on TV5. It's going to be a great time to fall in love, and listen to the music we love all these years! This is brought to you by TV5 and Viva Entertainment. Make sure you also follow their social channels for BTS and updates about the show!
I've known Matt Lozano for a couple of years now. When he started in the industry, we've known him for being a really emotional singer, likened to the John Mayer style we've all known to love. He's done several covers, but have began releasing a few singles including "Kwarto" under GMA Music, "Walang Pipigil" which was done in 2021, and now a new single called "LIHAM" under the same label.
LIHAM is a lot different from its predecessors. Much of it is because of the fact that he did this in just a few minutes, stemmed from raw emotions which he showed to producers later on and published with GMA Music. It's also about moving on, finding yourself, and see how you could recover from a heartbreak. Surely, this will resonate with a lot of people. He gave us a live performance of it here!
@kumagcow VOLTES V LEGACY's BIG BERT aka @mattlozanomusic sings LIHAM his 3rd single under @gmamusic #voltesvlegacy #mattlozano #EntertainmentPH #tiktokshowbizreporter ♬ original sound - John Bueno
Matt Lozano has been dreaming of this day, to finally get the fruits of his labor... especially in the acting work he's done these past few years doing Voltes V: Legacy. He's been lauded by critics in movie/TV reviews. To say he's done a great job in reprising the role of Big Bert would certainly be an understatement. He's thankful for the opportunities that are opening up for him as Voltes V: Legacy becomes a household favorite for Filipinos everywhere.
Check out our interview with him here:
I don't know if Matt Lozano is single, but if he is, he's surely going to have a lot of ladies loving him for his singing. Go stream "LIHAM" on Spotify and other streaming platforms. There's also a lyric video which they shot while recording coming out on YouTube, so make sure you're subscribed to GMA Music's YouTube channel.
Thank you Matt! I'm so happy to see how your career has taken flight. Congratulations!
I have been dreaming to use HBO GO for a to compliment my viewing habits as it is like an extension of my current cable experience; which is perfect if I am not at home. With all the streaming services we have now in the market, HBO seems to be the one who could beat the others with content. Their original series, the different movies they have on their coffers, it just means they just need to be experienced by the ordinary pinoy.
Good thing they got it priced reasonably at Php 149 recently and also got a 7 day FREE trial so users would be able to experience it first before they subscribe. Now you would be able to stream shows like Watchmen, Game of Thrones and other HBO Originals shows from HBO, HBO Asia and Cinemax. You can also get the kids busy with current shows like His Dark Materials and the season ender of Silicon Valley. For Mom, maybe she can try rewatching my personal fave Sex in the City because all their seasons are in the app too!
Via app or the web, you can simply watch it simultaneously and check shows from HBO, HBO SIGNATURE, HBO HITS, HBO FAMILY, CINEMAX and RED BY HBO, these live stuff from HBO GO. You can also download the shows and watch them offline via the app which is easy to do and save for another time. We are fortunate to be in the ranks of Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam now that we can watch in the PH. WarnerMedia must be so happy about how excited the Filipinos are now that we have access to HBO GO. It’s available on both Google Play and the App Store.
It's a good alternative, will they succeed toppling existing ones here?!
It's been a good year for whisky this year, as I've felt it being invited to many brands of it this year. Filipinos have been starting to appreciate this even more because we're getting to know how to actually use it with other things than just on the rocks (oh yes even on cocktail). For purists like me, I find how it is made very interesting. We often don't know how the alcohol was made, what proof, how the ageing process in wooden casks actually take and what goes in it. It also depends on the distillation process, filtering, and tons of other stuff that we are all still trying to understand, but I'm glad they're doing this expo in Manila this October 20 and 21 at the Shangri-la Hotel in Fort Bonifacio, Global City. I was invited to this occasion last year but didn't go because I was so tired from doing events the whole day, and didn't want to get drunk for the next day LOL.
Mind you, this probably would be the biggest outing of over 100 whisky variants, making local connoisseurs have a field day of their own. This is hosted by Grand Cru Wines and Spirits Inc. This will also include the award winning whisky called Kavalan from Taiwan, plus tons of tasting, cocktail competitions, appreciation classes, plus rare bottles... so you better get those livers ready! I'm volunteering my services for the tasting part, you should too! If you want to join, visit http://www.whiskylive.ph now!
Hey guys and gals! I know you've seen me update a lot on IG @kumagcow and on Facebook.com/kumagcow about the Miss Universe competition lately. I'm even uploading fast because Smart is so strong in the MOA Arena. But here's goof news, you don't really have to travel all the way down south or spend a few thousand pesos to watch the actual event.
If you have a mobile phone and are currently subscribed to the BIGGEST network, you're going to be hooked up as they're streaming it live as it happens on http://www.smart.com.ph/life. Yes, it's the Miss Universe 2016 Finals and Coronation night this Monday, January 30 at 8AM. You can follow updates by clicking on the hashtag #SmartMissU for BTS and real time happenings in the pageant.
Well it doesn't end there because aside from bringing you the streaming telecast of Miss Universe, they're giving away FREE 100MB for subscribers who will register with GIGA SURF 50, ALL OUT SURF and UCT 50 on dates January 28-31, 2017. Now isn't that good news?
I'll also be covering the Coronation night dressed rehearsals today so if you wanna stay updated, you know what to do! Follow @kumagcow on IG and Twitter, or Smart's Social Media channels! Or just click #SmartMissU to check out our posts!
We were here last year and covered a very successful WISH 107.5 Music Awards night where Darren Espanto clearly lead the winners, and this year they're off to give awards to deserving OPM Artists where they would win proceeds for their respective chosen charities. I felt this was a really good way for artists to give back to their fans, and their beneficiaries and about 13 awards are up for grabs in this year's 2nd WISH Music Awards. As you may know, winners of these awards were chosen by Wishers (50% of online votes) and a panel of judges from the music and recording industry. This includes Mitch Valdez of OPM, Alvin De Vera of PARI, Noel Cabangon of FilsCap, Gary Valenciano, Francis Reyes of Billboard Philippines, Isah Red and Ms. Earth 2015 Angelia Ong.
The show was hosted by Robin Nievera, Gretchen Ho and Alexander Diaz.
Performers include Pinoy Boyband PH
The finalists from Tawag ng Tanghalan also gave an Adelle medley!
Bruno Mars came to life with Michael Pangilinan, JayR, Jason Dy and Kris Lawrence.
Zia Quizon was gorgeous! She lost a lot of weight I think.
Here's the complete list of winners! Congratulations!
WISH PROMISING ARTIST:
Sam Mangubat
BEST WISH COVER:
Jason Dy
BEST WISHCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE BY A YOUNG ARTIST:
Darren Espanto
BEST WISHCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE BY A GROUP OR DUO:
4th Impact
BEST WISHCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ARTIST:
Morisette Amon
BEST WISHCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ARTIST:
Jason Dy
BEST WISHCLUSIVE COLLABORATION:
Morisette Amon and Arnel Pineda
WISH ORIGINAL SONG OF THE YEAR BY A GROUP OR DUO:
The Juans
WISH ORIGINAL SONG OF THE YEAR BY A FEMALE ARTIST:
Morisette Amon and KZ Tandingan
WISH ORIGINAL SONG OF THE YEAR BY A MALE ARTIST:
Darren Espanto
WISH YOUNG ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Darren Espanto
WISH FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Morissette Amon
WISH MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Jason Dy
Morissette Amon wins WISH REACTORS CHOICE AWARD and WISHCLUSIVE VIRAL VIDEO OF THE YEAR #2ndwishmusicawards
Wishclusive Elite Circle
Bronze Award
Bugoy Drilon for One Day
Bronze Award
Darren Espanto for Zia's Chandelier
2 Bronze Awards
Morissette Amon for Against All Odds
Secret Love Song
Winners of the 11 major categories will receive Php 100,000 for their chosen charities and cash prizes of Php 25,000 for the artists. In total they are giving away over Php 1 Million, which is so good for these groups who need help!
I am still trying to get over those olympic qualifiers where the Philippines proved to be at par with the world's best and I just learned that it's only 5 days to go before the actual Summer Olympics start at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The most awaited part will happen on August 6 the open ceremonies wherein these olympians will march down the grand stadium so they could wave to the crowd and represent their country in the most awesome sports event that only happens every 4 years.
TV5 has been able to get the biggest sports events covered, not to mention the last FIBA Olympics Qualifying Tournament just last month and they've done a spectacular job doing that. This RIO2016 won't be different as they will show some of the most exciting matches and events that our own 12 Filipino athletes will compete in. The rest of us at home should cheer because once they step into the ring or run on that track, we need to give them the support they deserve so we could win that elusive gold medal.
Catch the LIVE RIO OLYMPICS broadcast that will happen 7AM on August 6 at TV5 or you can stream it on www.SPORTS5.ph and all other affiliated channels on cable and UHF TV. The RIO2016 coverage is of course presented and powered by PLDT and SMART, the country's biggest network! Let's all get that Filipino heart pumping when it starts on August 6 and end on August 22, 2016!
It's a tall order, but someone's got to do it. This June 8 at 7pm, be one with the whole nation as team Gilas Pilipinas battles it out with team Iran in our road to glory for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Getting this goal would eventually secure us with a slot to the Rio Olympics. They're already doing the legwork now as most of our Gilas players and Andre Blache undergo strict world class training under Coach Baldwin who made us take those necessary steps to become one of the strongest teams in Asia!
Road To Glory will officially happen on Junr 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and will be televised live on the happiest network in the country TV5. We're one of the few teams that are up to be able to beat Iran as it was earlier proven possible in the FIBA Asia Championships. That close game, was certainly not the story they were actually expecting because in a nutshell, IRAN has ranked higher in the world and has been consistently playing in the Olympics for quite some time. If we've been able to give them a scary Finals round even if we're not in our own turf, that's going to be another story this time around. The Olympic Qualifying Tournaments will be happening in our own land, which means Gilas Pilipinas will have one more advantage, the Filipino people and the heart of a country that's stronger because it all happens right here in our turf. It gives the Philippines no space to prove itself, but a moment to be proud, be the 6th man and conquer even BIGGER opponents that we have ever met to get to Brazil.
There will also be tune up games versus Turkey come July 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Turkey along with other countries like Canada, Senegal, France and New Zealand will be here for the games abd we'll be expecting more world class games happening in the next few weeks. You should get tickets now through Ticketnet 911-5555 or their website www.ticketnet.com.ph. Never miss the action on TV5 and sports5.ph because it is all going to be there. Bring your heart to these games!
There's a saying that goes "If you choose your passion, you never have to work a day in your life!". Those words actually come close to my personal journey. This is also true for some of our friends from SM. You see, they've been doing a lot of things in the shadows and they've won several internal and external awards through their CSR arm SM Cares. I personally witnessed this when they helped a foundation that serves persons that are differently abled, the deaf and mute. They have some really good employees, they also help children, the elderly and less privileged communities.
It's quite nice to see private corporations insert these things on their employee relationships. It gets the ordinary people a chance to help those in need and make them better versions of themselves. Mr. Kevin Bonifacio who is a Resident Engineer of SM City Tarlac says "I really love participating in activities like these with my colleagues. Through the Adopt a Daycare Program of SM, we were able to take time off our busy schedules and participate in a worthwhile program that can make us feel better. It also reminds me of when I was a kid, where the simplest gift and show of concern for someone can already bring me genuine happiness. We also get motivated and get the needed morale boost so we can work efficiently the next day when we go back to the four corners of our office. That to me is priceless!"
Michael Uy, one of SM's Mall Managers says that the experience is quite humbling. Being a volunteer at SM North EDSA’s Brigada Eskwela, he was able to be a part of the team that helped repair damaged classroom furniture and repaint walls of a public school near their area. He adds “It inspires us to work harder. The most fun part is the teamwork that all volunteers had during the whole activity!”. Having a mall in different parts of the Philippines has not only proven to have benefited the economy but bring a different change in the community. They've been doing this for quite some time now and it has really brought out the best in their employees, to have the chance to help a brethren in need. That feeling of volunteerism brings pride, makes the employees be more positive in the office and in turn make them more productive even if it's outside their office. That's about 2,500 of their workforce, and they've never been happier.
I wish I could do the same in my community. I really appreciate it when they take their time and help other people, we all should do that!
