ANDREA BRILLANTES, MARKKI STROEM To Grace DIVINE DIVAS Concert

People are extremely excited for the upcoming DIVINE DIVAS: The Ultimate Drag Experience concert that will happen on February 10, 2023 at the New Frontier Theater. The show produced by Fire and Ice Productions and Nathan Studios will headline Rupaul's Dragrace Philippines very own winner Precious Paula Nicole (who by the way is still fresh from her Dragcon UK representation of the Philippines), and equally talented RuPH-Girls Viñas Deluxe (who sings crazy) and Brigiding (a triple threat!).

It was unbelievable to see them perform during the press conference a few weeks ago and hands down, much of what I saw there was already concert worthy. Though during the interview, they promised that what they will showcase on the date will be totally different from what they've performed in bars and other events. They didn't divulge who will be their guests during that time, but we've got dibs on it today.

 

They just announced that Andrea Brillantes, Markki Stroem, Lady Morgana, Turing and The Golden Divas (from Golden Gays) will be their guests on the show. Rumors say that they will all be clad in drag so it'll be surely exciting to see how Andrea and Markki will be executing it on stage.

Aside from that, Lady Morgana is loved by all. Turing on the other hand will probably do more of her dance numbers which drag race fans around the world actually love. So if you haven't gotten tickets yet, go get them at TICKETNET online or call their number 89115555. Ticket prices range from 800 to 6500, you'll surely love the show!

MARKKI STROEM Depicts Delivery Drag Queen in "My Delivery Gurl"

Markki Stroem seem to be on a roll because right after his thought provoking digital series, here goes another one in Cignal Play called My Delivery Gurl. Thing is, he's going to be in drag most of the time and since it's a lead role, he's going to do most of the talking. Think of it as Carrie Bradshaw in a Philippine setting and a drag persona, you'll love Bianca D. Cignal Play has been really active in putting content on the app and this is exciting because it's a little light, certainly entertaining, and quite a lot romantic.

Direk Carlo Catu says "This was formed because I was inspired with RuPaul's drag race. This aims to bring hope, to make you smile, so you can wake up the next day and feel good because you watched something nice. This shows the life of drag queens, that they are people who care for others, they have a life that needs to be in the spotlight, at the end of the day we are human beings who deserve to be loved and appreciated."

Markki says "Drag is a full art form, you have to wear a lot, hip pads, makeup, and heels. This gives individuals to men, gays, lesbian, to anyone, to wear anything and walk in them. I got to walk in Arab Fashion week doing this, so it really bore fruit when I practiced for this show. It's great that I am able to play the roles very well, I would be fine with character acting. If I be typecast, I'd be glad to, we need people to talk for the community and it's important to have people be proud to represent them. It started with heel training, I needed to walk and watched training videos, I even walk in Eastwood with it on, I also talked to drag queens and do this, understand the history, the laws, Paris is Burning, RPDR and more, it just means we have to learn to love each other. It's funny when I post things on my social channels, there's clearly internalized homophobia and prejudice not just with heteros, but even in the LGBTQ community. Bianca will have a love triangle, one who gets inlove with the masculine one, one that loves my feminine persona. This is really going to be amazing. You are all loved in all ways and forms, you can be femme if you want, masculine, a nice body, but still do drag, you can be whoever you want. If you love yourself and understand yourself, all these words should not affect you. Be you. I really don't know what Direk saw with me, but I think this is because I played queer in the past and I am a huge fan of understanding the whole spectrum. There are other colors of the rainbow, it's diverse, learning all of that shouldn't be feared. I walked in 7 inch heels and did it now, you would think that would impossible in the past. Owning it and how there is so much repression, you just have to love it. I wanna be a voice for the LGBTQ community, to love each other for who we are. I think I even identify as Demisexual, we just don't have to put each one of us in boxes. Bianca has different personalities... one day it's Madonna, next day it's Beyonce, body wise it's Cameron Michaels, comedy is Bianca Del Rio, Talent is Adore Delano. I also have Iyah Minah who taught me how to be a lady and walk that way. Soon, I want to be a drag queen with a trans man partner, you never really see that much on usual shows."

Rocky Salumbides who plays Jakoy says "You have to watch this to see what I'm doing. Respect should be given to those who deserve it, we shouldn't be looking at their appearances. We can't judge people, I learned a lot doing this film because it evolves. Give them what is due them. I was chosen for this role and through script reading. While direk was writing this, I think he already was thinking of me. The character I played is really based on the script, I didn't want to step on the toes of the creative, you don't really have to overthink this because it's a beautiful script."

Victor Basa plays Boss Sam "I am the owner of the delivery service where Bianca works, there's a lot of illegal things happening but it'll all make sense at the end of the day. Markki is one of the best actors I've worked with. I feel I was handpicked, because of who I am in real life. I feel that's why I was chosen for this role and character. It's a challenge because I came from a long hiatus in acting, I had to work with Markki here because he's supported us during the shoot. I don't know if we will have intimate scenes, it doesn't need to be physical, it's the feelings, there's clear attraction and I think you'll see some of this in the series."

 

Markki's character has also adopted kids, which serves as his immediate family in the film. EJ Panganiban plays Raver, Pipay Kipay is called Dyosa and Sky Teotico plays Joey Silver.

Pipay Kipay "This series doesn't have any challenge, I am so good here, it's a major one, it doesn't feel like work, it's like a vacation. I love this and it's very close to me, I didn't have to act, it was just me. We all know the pandemic brought out the worst and best in us, we got jailed at home for years, I think need to leave the fear to love, I realized that I'm beautiful, I am much more, I am more capable, I am looking forward to see everyone to be brave, bold, life is short to be just sad, it won't happy tomorrow, it's a process and that's where we'll be ourselves so be patient."

EJ Panganiban says "I learned from Rayver that it won't make you less of a man if you support others, you can love them, be with them. I was really shocked in my first day of shoot, but it's fun and I played along this good movie. It's one of the aspect that you will love with me, even with my putok and shortcomings, you'll still love your straight ally."

The movie also stars Madeleine Nicolas, Lui Manansala, Allison Piñeda, Brian Black, Andre Miguel, Carlos Dala, Liya Sarmiento, Kakki Teodoro, Juliana Parizcova Segovia, EJ Jallorina, Lady Gagita and Maria Christina. This is produced by Cignal Entertainment and Epic Media. This premiers January 1st on the Cignal Play app. Just download it, register, then upgrade fo premium so you can watch #MyDeliveryGurl. You can follow CignalPlay social channels for more updates about this show. Go treat yourself from something absolutely fun and romantic!

BL Series LOVE AT THE END OF THE WORLD Showcases Extreme Love, Relationships, Hope and Sea Monsters

Temporary Insanity Pictures has released the BL series LOVE AT THE END OF THE WORLD today on the GagaOohLala App. Honestly, I was trying to find the right words to say how fitting this is to end 2021. I wouldn't fit this as just a series, but more of a quality collection of short films that discuss love and all your inner desires in one boat. It basically answers what you would do if you only had 7 days left to live on earth... director and creator Shandii Bacolod's genius lies on that premise and she doesn't disappoint. 

The series is pretty much, WEIRD. I say that with good premise, it's a good kind of weird because you kinda get in the head of the director. The film gets pieced together, individually introducing the characters that tell a tale of their personalities, their past, what they're doing in the moment. She tries to ask you, what would you do if you knew that it’s the end of the world? Now that's going to be a tough cookie to swallow, you dream of this happening one day, but when met with it, you're going to either just close all your doors, dig a hole and pretend you're a carrot, or go out there and live your life, do things that you've never done before. They're all different guys, have different personalities, emotional baggage. Seeing the first episode, Kristof Garcia and Rex Lantano's characters delve into relationships that dwell on the past. It's a piece about mental health, some intimacy, adult desires, fantasies and how it affects their realities. We talked to them after the premiere and I bet, you'll like what you'll see on the first episode.

 

Theirs is an insanely elaborate structure of living and hoping in a love that gives, and how it's become possible to let the other appreciate love he gives without ruling out the man he loved in the past. It's amazing to start this way especially with actors that are experienced and new to this BL genre. You'll see the act of defiance to norms, which Direk Shandii will present in this first salvo. They didn't just leave themselves drown in fear, they did it before the world ends.

 

Markki Stroem and Khalid Ruiz's episode plays on the emotions of sanity, mental health, unending love, ducks, asteroids and death. It borders on the possibilities of relationships and shows at what lengths you can go to show it for a person. We talked to Markki and Khalid after the advanced screening and here's what they think about the series:

I must say, this opens up a lot of talk regarding age, the nature of partnerships and the value of life. What would one want during an end of the world scenario? This will certainly ruffle feathers (there's a duck reference), and make you think about how one should measure happiness when you get to that age (or have disabilities). Markki and Khalid delivered, and passionately have their own set of scenes that either make you yearn for more, or squirm with the situation, something that deserves to be watched and your subscription. 

 

Not to be outdone, Nico Locco and Gold Azeron's episode was my personal favorite. It had proper elements of a good story that discussed mental health, the many ways to die, profanity, comedy, family, commitment, using people, money, depression, hope and unexpected endings. Nico understood who the character was and remains pivotal for the decisions made in the story. Gold's persona was more of a filo guy, who gets to be the one that's needed, definitely unusual... especially when we often see foreigners that look this good be needed rather than the other way around. Needless to say, theirs is the most romantic, showcasing how love can make one vulnerable, and make it hard to decide if you want to share it with the other. Nico also spent days shooting the underwater scenes, you'll love that part certainly not just because of exposures, but how it was done artistically... without a doubt.

This is also Yam Mercado's first inning as a BL actor. The guy has done several projects that are more commercial in nature, including dramatic ones from previous MMFF entry Culion. Man now has acting chops and he's also part of production for this series. Paired with Elijah Filamor of film Best Partee Ever, it was easy for them to do this since they've known each other from previous projects. These two will showcase extremes in their episode - from cheesy romantic small talk to ravaging hormone filled foreplay (then some) and high intensity fights, that's how their dynamics were played. It also talks about confusion, hunger, donuts, getting lost, driving, high blood, tension, caring about each other, fighting multiple times, making up, extremes, getting hurt, apologizing, toning down, crying and its healing effects on people. You'll also love the scenic shots, which I heard was shot in Socorro in Oriental Mindoro. Knowing Yam personally, this was out of the box for him because I've known him as a goody two shoes who always had a smile worn, and throws jokes when we can at each other. He's up there, and I'm quite proud of what he's done in this flick. We talked to him after the screening, sorry it was so noisy since we were at Aurora Boulevard's traffic lanes, and a celebrative mood after the series was shown.

 

LOVE AT THE END OF THE WORLD would definitely be a good thing to watch today. It's out on the Gaga Ooh Lala App which you can download on Google Play and the App Store. Subscribe to the service and watch the rest of the episodes which comes out every Thursday at 12am, it's a little NSFW as there are adult scenes, but sans that, this proved to be so filling with everything you would desire before you get hit by a meteor. I haven't seen the other episodes (only 5 at this point because of the advanced screening) so I'd be glad to watch with you once the others come out. The actors divulged there's a lot more to be seen other than what we saw, and judging from the first ones, it'll be worth every penny.

Congratulations to the men and women of LOVE AT THE END OF THE WORLD, because in my books, you did good!

Valentines Day at Palazzo Verde

I have seen this place when I was in Las Pinas a couple of weeks ago, I thought it was a Church. It's called Palazzo Verde and as a treat to lovers this Valentines Day, they will hold a Valentine’s dinner show on February 14, 7 p.m.

Don't have plans yet this Valentines day? Well if you're not much of a planner, take her to Palazzo Verde this February 14 and get her a nice fancy dinner, plus a great concert courtesy of our friends Chef Rolando, Chef Jackie Laudico, and the talented Markki Stroem. This place looks lovely in person, I have passed by this property a number of times and didn't know it was actually a venue for events. It's not just a building, but it's a 2.3 hectare land full of lush, vibrant gardens. Looks pretty cool, and very classy!

Some of my favorite chefs Rolando and Jackie Laudico will prepare a delicious five-course set menu plus some really beautiful music by good looking crooner Markki Stroem.

What I also like about the two Chefs is that they don't cook with MSG, you'll get flavors by having them slave away in the kitchen and do everything from scratch. They've done countless restaurants already, and this is just one of their many gigs. Rest assured, they're going to give you more than dinner, it's an experience!

To reserve a table on this Valentines dinner show, contact (0917) 870 3838 or email them at info@palazzoverde.com.ph.

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The Manila Staging of Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

I just watched The Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in Meralco Theater this evening. Now I didn't really expect too much because this is after all the first staging in Asia and the deal is, my Dad wasn't too keen on watching it either (he's the biggest fan in the family but begged off last minute). So I went with my Mom and watched the show, I was thinking I had to lower my expectations since this is a staging in Manila, but really, I was wrong to even think of that. The show was actually good, better than I've even thought it would be. This staging of the Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group was a peek to the lives of entertainment artists, Italian immigrants who have had an VERY colorful life. It was more on the business side of things that they discussed most, a few scenes talked about their marriages, relationships, and the first act had us at the edge of our seats with Markky Stroem's portrayal of Tommy De Vito in a tight knit with loan sharks and all. It was a struggle to keep themselves in business as they had to switch to real life versus getting in jail regularly. It's a tiring facade they 

The second act was pleasing, like a bunch of realizations put together. There are some patches in choreography that might have looked good if it were more in sync but it's negligible. I felt during this second act, it was Frankie Valli coming out of his shell. His failed relationships, his not so good friends and the debt he's gone into, it was sort of showed the reason why they didn't get to the top faster as they should. You'll also get to feel his small triumphs, the small hopes that turned into reality. Then you'll fall deep into his sad stories and see what made him broken later on in his career.

I don't want to spoil it for you guys and gals. Thing is when I went up the tickets area before the show and asked a couple of ladies about how nice the show was, none of them answered back. I'd do the same for you but... okay, if you're a little oblivious to the music or not much heard of what they've sung in the past decades it would be a little hard for you to appreciate it especially the first act. But if you're like me who grew up in a household of musicians and music lovers, then you'll REALLY love it. Kudos to Nino Alejandro, Markki Stroem, Christian Bautista and Nyoy Volante for doing a good job on this musical. Although Christian might need to improve a little on making his character a little more "Jersey" and BIG for the stage, his singing was still world class. I want to commend Nyoy for making this portrayal of Frankie Valli believable from start to end, that must have been VERY hard and would need BIG dedication.  

For those who would want to watch the show, tickets are still available for the next two weeks, You can purchase them online at ticketworld.com.ph. I thought I won't like it, but it turned out I personally loved it! You will too!

KUMAGCOW.COM
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Come Watch Jersey Boys at the Meralco Theater

I was one of the few kids who got tortured with the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. My dad used all the sound system he could muster pretty much when I was in inception up to the time I was working graveyards when I still had a blue collared job. Not that I didn't like it, but my Dad did this almost every day even if people were still sleeping or tired from work. It's his picker upper, the generation which he says even pre dated The Beatles in their hey days. 

I've grown to listen to them by force but turned out to have imparted me a LOT about the music back then. It gave me a piece of history, the nostalgia, I kinda learned to understand my Dad like the same fanaticism I have now with Eraserheads and the little annoying disconnect I get with the millenials when I tell them stories about them.

But enough about me, this time Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group is bringing the Tony, Olivier and Grammy Award winning musical production the Jersey Boys to Manila. 

Christian Bautista says "We had to research a LOT and didn't just depend on what's written on the script. Some of these guys were interviewed on video and you can still read certain things about how a song was made, the whole thought process and even how it saved their lives. Pressure? This is still running in Broadway, and this is the first time in Asia. You're going to sing, dance and stand up when you watch the show."

Nino Alejandro adds "We have to respect who they are and what they want to accomplish in their lives because these all happened in the past. We have to make the scenes believable, as these are true stories."

Markki Stroem "We had accent tapes to listen to and trained ourselves with mints in our mouths so we can do it. It's the iconic part, the character creation was a fun process. Watch the movies and you get to create your own interpretation without veering away from the spirit.

Nyoy Volante says "Franky Valli's voice is iconic and the group had him sing this way, it's hard to know it from his fans and the pressure not to be like it puts ton of pressure and we have a story to tell. The message of the show is good and we're doing the it for the first time in Asia. You can't top that!"

For tickets, you may visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or call Ten Bridges Media Corporation at (02) 6505144. Jersey Boys will tell you about the story of Franky Valli and The Four Seasons and why it's been one of the most watched and longest running show in Broadway history. 

KUMAGCOW

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BENCH: The Naked Truth Preview and New Endorsers

When BENCH does a show, we all know it's going to be of epic proportions! The bi-annual Jeans and Underwear show from this brand just gets bigger and bigger every two years and we've got tons of stars we've never seen clad in the best intimate wear and jeans from them. Well, since you've been very good kids, we're going to give you a glimpse of the show this coming September 19, 2014. We'll also throw in something really good for you as a bonus because they also announced their new endorsers. It's a little rainy outside I know, but I think you'll be kept a little warm when you see this on the runway come the fashion show entitled THE NAKED TRUTH!

The venue was pitch dark and they started with a man and a woman in the center clad in spiky shiny crystals. They show the themes on the screen and as I see it, they are showing phrases that connects with the TRUTHS that they want us to see. In different forms, different terms, different meanings.

Then from the opposite side of the stage, these three models came out with masks and a helmet made of leather and more of Bench's intimate wear. Add to that black lace and more leather straps, it's a nice evening to see that for the start. I don't know if Michael Cinco or Furne One had a hand on this but it is reminiscent of their design. I like what I'm seeing.

They changed themes t The Animal Within, so yes we saw two men going at it. They wore those feathers which I saw with Joey Mead a couple of seasons back. Men wore their white Bench Body underwear too. Then, a little rain.

MMFF Entry: 10,000 HOURS

24? Bourne Identity? Bourne Series? Nope, Robin Padilla wants it BIGGER.. So the title of this film is 10,000 HOURS. It stars Robin Padilla, Mylene Dizon, Carla Humphries, Michael De mesa, Cholo Barretto, Winwyn Marquez, Markki Stroem and Bela Padilla Directed by Bb. Joyce Bernal.

This is predicted as the biggest and most explosive MMFF entry slated to win all major awards - a feat claimed by many but proven by a few. It's a film in search for truth in a political society full of trials, corruption and death. Senator Gabriel Alcaraz who wanted to divulge everything started running around the world and find the right place and time to do it.

 

This is the comeback film of Robin Padilla and in the wings of Bb. Joyce Bernal.. This action film should spark an enthralling return of materials like these in Philippine cinema.  

Mylene Dizon plays the role of Ana Alcaraz who needed to be strong as her husband runs for his life and left to fend for her family. Michael De Mesa plays General Dante Cristobal who was assigned to look for Senator Gabriel Alcaraz - he was a principled man who once trained with the Gabriel and tackled this film with intelligence, filmed entirely in Amsterdam. This is a story with essence, it's something that's going to fight other film giants in MMFF.Though they have very young Producers, they are not afraid... they even see this is as an advantage. They are not afraid to gamble more so because they have the stars to pit against blockbuster giants this December 25th!

Will there be a Senator like him in the future? I don't know, but we can only hope there would be one soon. People, this one's a good film to watch and if it's not too much to ask please watch it. It is in some way based in the life of Senator Panfilo Lacson but tweaked a bit (I think) and you'll only get to see that in theaters this coming December 25th as part of the Metro Manil Film Festival! 

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