BAR BOYS AFTER SCHOOL: Funny with Serious Topics, An Exciting Installment!

When I heard Bar Boys would have another run, I was extremely happy just thinking what it would be like especially since the first installment had so many stories to continue with. The iconic Odette Khan won Best Supporting actress for it in different award giving bodies, including Indie Movie of the year, Best Director and Screenplay nominations to name a few. It also had a stage musical done which was well received by fans, and also had nominations for the version with the music used for the medium.

10 years since, the boys would have totally different lives and a whole new set of students to tell a story with Will Ashley, Sassa Gurl, Klarisse De Guzman, Glaiza De Castro, Emilio Daez, Therese Malvar, Benedix Ramos and Bryce Eusebio. The orignal ones Rocco Nacino, Kean Cipriano, Carlo Aquino and Enzo Pineda took on their roles 10 years older, having different lives to say the least, with Rocco teaching law school. Most of them were at the press conference a few days ago. They also paid tribute to Madame Odette Khan as she graced the event, had a standing ovation, which I adored.

Direk lamented how beyond the film, they all have been able to forge friendships and didn't take a miracle to pull off a second movie after the success of the first one. He said "We all grew as people and I've worked with everybody on this stage (including the new ones). I can guarantee, all of them are good people. I can confirm they are true artists who want to become better at their craft. I hope people see the value in that and support our Metro Manila Film Festival entry for 2025! I hope people would watch us first because we assure you it's going to be worth it." He also said that starting this meant they need to tell more stories that would matter, something people found in their first one so that's going to be interesting.

Will Ashley is going to be part of this and he says this movie is going to connect with you in so many ways, they really worked hard to make this second movie. Benedix on the other hand has auditioned for the musical play before landing this role for the movie. Sassa was super playful, her valedictorian role is something you should look forward to. While new, Emilio took a chance and auditioned for this role because he loved how his character developed. He learned a lot and want folks to watch this. Therese is already an award winning actress, having her in this film is just icing on a cake, she deserves it. The story she says is super good and said YES when it was offered to her.

Enzo says "It means a lot to me to see fans of Bar Boys to be here. It's also my first time to do MMFF, I've waited to do this after 15 years, and I'm part of it. I hope you get to support it like the first one."

Kean says "Josh after school didn't pass law school and this will continue that story. I hope we won't die in the end. Being part of a project that has value, being part of the first one was worth it, the second one just touches us on a different level. Being with them, seeing you appreciate it is enough for me."

Rocco says "Thank you to everyone who's here. I was supposed to take a different role, but I'm glad I ended up with this one. This is the first film that I've done that had a sequel, I assure you, you won't have problems suggesting this to friends and family if you would want to watch an entry at MMFF."

Carlo jokes about being in MMFF like he only had this as an entry, but everyone knows he's a regular LOL. He says "I want to share that when I read this email of Bar Boys, I was quitting showbiz, and the film gave me spark, to do what I love, I hope the same spark makes a movement out of Filipinos."

Excellent choices so far has been seen in MMFF 2025, and Bar Boys is the only one that is independently produced and supported by the FDCP. I can't wait to see what would happen to the original cast and the freshmen who will take on the new roles. This is a piece worthy to watch for sure! 

Camille Pratts and Neil Ryan Sese for “Ang Forever Ko’y Ikaw”

GMA is amping up their morning tine slot starting with this promising show called “Ang Forever Ko’y Ikaw!”. Topbilled by Camille Pratts and Neil Ryan Sese, they’ll make you swoon with their love story from Mondays to Fridays at 11:30AM. They will also be together with some of the most talented actors from their stable Bruno Gabriel and Starstruck’s Ayrs Mariano. They’ll be challenging a tough pairing in the other channel but I’m sure they’ll be actually putting up a good fight. Their premise, a love story that has got to do with fate, chances, love in unexpected places which would make viewers root for them right from the start of the show.

Neil Ryan Sese

This is based on a true story of the relative of one of the writers. It’s like they had coffee, same flavor, same shop, sat in tables but never met. They also dined in restaurants, ordered the same food at the same time but never even saw each other. Then in one party, they were introduced, they didn’t know they lived in the same condo, both single parents and now want to keep their lovelife FOREVER, and didn’t know they were right beside each other, all along.

Now they go through a dating phase, the comedies included. They also met through alter ego accounts, kindred spirits but didn’t know they knew each other. GMA Entertainment Content Group and Marco Fundales’ concept seemed too true, until this love story that talks about destiny HAPPENED.

Their Director Jude Paulo Diangson says “It will be different because of the treatment, it will focus on light romance, but not shallow. It has substance and authenticity, that’s our target and it’s weired because I was able to watch this and felt it. The story is not complicated, easy to understand but not too conflicted.”

The magnanimous Ms. Odette Khan

Ms. Odette Khan says “Well I want you to know that there is no acting involved, this is me and my daughter in law and I am so happy to be part of this. I will treasure this award I got for the rest of my life, we all know we work hard for this and I think it’s mine and no one can take it. The only kid I have passed away in this show and I don’t like her. Yon! Thank you to GMA 7 the best network ever!”

Camille Pratts

Neil says “This is my first time to be a romantic leading man, I’m not scary this time and I had to be more natural. I’m really thankful they chose me to play Lance. I knew he’s hopeful. The material alone is promising and we don’t have to do anything but just follow the process and hope it would reflect with the audience who will watch this show. Camille is pretty and fun to be with. I feel bad about the passing of Direk Maryo but the last time we talked it was about this project. He told me to get more good looking and macho, but I told him I can do that macho part though the good looks part is already as is.”

Camille adds “The challenge really is just toning down the intensity. I love romcoms because it looks effortless but really does have to do a lot with it. It’s a good thing even normal people can have a second chance, that’s what I want people to pick up from this show. I also believe in serendipity, in God’s perfect time you will meet your special someone. When I read this, it felt so familiar, my lines even felt like it in real life. It’s probably why Ginny as a Mom and her journey, I could totally relate with her. It’s not going to be gone in my life, it’s always going to be there. Vj and Nathan are my priorities, that’s where I pour because it’s always going to be part of my life. God has plans for us and I didn’t see parts of my life like this, but it came for me and my kid, I think that’s why we have this. We love Ms. Odette dearly, we even sometimes laugh so much we had to stop taping. Neil will be topless in one scene, so you have to watch this. The things you will see here can happen in real life, it would be easy to love the story because everything is relateable and simple just to be able to entertain. Back then I had to get raped and stuff but in this script we had to fall in love. Our director made it even easy for us to do this. I am grateful that GMA believes in me, this is a blessing to be in this show even if I just gave birth.”

Bruno Gabriel

The gorgeous Ayra Mariano

Bruno says “I haven’t really loved enough people to know if serendipity is true or not but I’m sure there’s someone out there for all of us. As a follow up to Grind, this looks different because it’s younger, humorous, and we’re excited we got even more close. We haven’t had scenes yet (Camille) but happy to work with Neil because reminds me of my real Dad. Pretty much the same with Ayra, I would be happy to continue this love team with her. ”

Ayra Mariano says “It’s our first time to work with them, super happy to be with them on scene because you are not intimidated. I am so glad management gave us this roles and build our loveteam. I think this is what’s happening with out love team, I can work with Migo but I’m happy with Bruno. We still have people hoping for that to happen because of TOTGA, so anything goes.”

Archie Alemanya

The sexy Kai Cortez

Kai Cortez says “I love Camille, but this has been the first time I worked with her in a series. I see a lot of things we have in common and as far as friends go, we’re good.”

Again if you’re up for a feel good light romantic show, then you should watch “Ang Forever Ko’y Ikaw!” on GMA’s morning slot at 11:30AM, March 12 right before Eat Bulaga.

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

The Slapping Contest Between Good and Evil That Is ECHORSIS

I was a little hesitant to actually watch a Filipino film as I've seen a lot of fails in the past. The title itself is crazy so I wasn't really thinking of enjoying myself and didn't think this was actually a smart idea. A little dated on some details but overall, ECHORSIS deserves your attention. Let me try to state a couple of reasons why.

I've known Chris Cahilig in the PR industry and he's been doing quite good. In fact, I was a little dumbfounded on why he's actually producing a film. He's already managed talents, did a lot for OPM, believed in the brands he's representing but it was always at the back of his mind. He dreamed of making films. The opportunity was just there when he talked to the film's director Lem Lorca. The material was just waiting to be produced so when they met, it was like serendipity. It didn't felt romantic but everything seems to have been falling into place. Chris just grabbed his bag and said "Yes! We're going to produce this film!"

During the premier night, we spotted the film's stars and right in front of the theater was beauty queer Francine Garcia. Yes, she's from Super Sireyna and plays one of the friends of John Lapus' character. I could sense they probably are trying to represent the norms of gayhood (if there was a term for that) in the film and tell the story how when one fails to come out when everybody else  was.

There's actually three lead stars in the film and it includes hot Alex Medina and equally good looking Kean Cipriano. The story and climax will actually spin with these two so pay attention how their relationship came about. I don't want to spoil it for you so I'll stop there. I like the confrontation scene between the possessed Alex and the priest Kean, you probably have seen that in the trailers. It's a lot funnier when you see it in the big screen so invite your friends to see this on April 13!

You'll also get schooled by popular Bekimon and have to connect the dots if you don't know what he's saying. He's part of the posse of John Lapus. In the film, he plays the loud and flamboyant friend who wants to get the "coming out" part over with. Unfortunately John Lapuz' family is super strict, not to mention Odette Khan is his mother. She didn't get to slap him though. Aside from that, I'm sure somewhere in the death scene, Bekimon and Francine Garcia enjoyed their time. You would need to research on that.

Alex Medina, Kean Cipriano and John Lapus didn't hold back in this film. Although I have to admit, the role of Mich Liggayu wasn't executed well. You'll love the scene with Alessandra De Rossi because no matter how small and confined that scene was, you'll remember her even when the film finishes. Add to that the little neighbor that enjoyed the car wash. Nico Antonio is here too and is part of the gang of John Lapus. He's basically the serious one and you'll get a ton of laughs from the situations he's gonna get into. Improvements should be done on the special effects, more so on the spinning head scene (which you'll know when you watch it). For the production limitations (as this is independently produced), they did good though.

I think I might have given this movie and the character too much praise, but really, I did enjoy it. It's the quintessential eye opener for those who are still boxed up in slapstick gay comedies. This is dark, but still had time to change shape and become analogous to a border-less translation of queer love, hope and betrayal. If you're straight, you'll learn about the homosexual capacity to communicate unfathomable romance and how rejection can lead to outright evil. For those yearning for flesh, you'll get a chok-full of abs in the film and might even consider it essential. So eat that up - and enjoy the movie!

Make sure you line up on theaters this April 13th in these cinemas as they are also Graded B PG 13 by the MTRCB!

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