Ken Chan's PAPA MASCOT Shows in 100 Theaters Today!

We love Ken Chan, I mean, who doesn't? He's the most charming, adorable and very kind artist even back in the day. Today is going to be epic as his film PAPA MASCOT will be shown in 100 theaters nationwide. Ken Chan is a little nervous but so proud about it since a few of his friends already saw it during the celebrity screening a few days ago. They've been very supportive just like when Ken needs them, he felt a lot of pressure but he was happy how they reacted during that day. Some of them cried about the film, and told him personally why they loved it. The feedback so far has been very positive. He's also part of the producers, and they plan to actually make more soon.

 

Ken says "It's so touching to see the support of GMA and Sparkle management. They even supported me in my businesses, they send press and bloggers to help me in everything that I do, it's really a big help. I don't even have to request, they reach out to me and I'm lucky for that. Even if this movie wasn't produced by them, they encourage me to do more projects. PAPA MASCOT certainly was hard to do but I don't complain, because it needs to be shown on film, the characters obstacles, it's hard to have that be shown on screen but the story needs to be drawn. Like the character, I experienced the same when I was starting. I didn't have tents, I didn't have a place to go when I was just a nobody. I prayed for my success, it wasn't a joke and I even had my parents with me that time. I want longevity, this is my passion and I would want to be able to work with the industry's best right from the start."

This is directed by Louie Ignacio and he had to level up acting wise because it needs to be toned down as the personality of the mascot is big already. You will feel pain, you will feel love with PAPA MASCOT. Imagine what you'll feel in the cinemas, go watch it today please as I will too!

This is under One International Films.

Luis Villanueva Unleashes new Single “Pécho”

Chill, breezy, relaxing and fun, that's what I'd gladly describe Luis Villanueva's newest single Pecho.

For those who haven't seen it yet, he's a very talented producer, musician, film maker based in the US. He's done Selfish and Cloud 9, his first two singles and it has amassed 1.3 million streams on Spotify which is a feat in itself.

This new single is his handy work influenced by disco, and combined it with techno-electronic music, things you could experience in New York, Paris or the whole Europe. Pecho's music video has already won in film festivals across the globe. They also have casted Asian, LGBTQIA+, Black, Femme and the disabled to work on this video, including Kakie Pangilinan to represent Filipinos in the international scene. Luis also is a founding member of 908A together with Jeune Pascal, a filmmaking and production corpo based in New York. They also promote AAPI in music production and this is their first project. They also released NFT made by artist Dario Rizzuto.908A also hosts events in Columbia University, Parsons and NYU, promoting Filipino art, culture in the state and district.

Here's what I enjoyed today, pretty sick:

Congratulations Luis! You're definitely going places!

Meet the Movement Called GLOPM

In the eve of Filipinos making huge strides in the music industry, it's time to go global as Warner Music Philippines launches this movement called "GLOPM".

WMP Managing Director Sarah Ismail says "GLOPM is a collaborative movement to promote Filipino talent around the world. Now, we have Filipino artists who have been able to work and connect with international producers and this is why we should support GLOPM! The Filipino artist is truly world class!"

Warner Music Philippines A&R Manager Kelley Mangahas adds "The initiative will enhance the release of music, to learn from each other. We wanted to break through the international scene. We realized, we needed to learn best practices, it's knowledge transfer from people who have done it internationally."

Filipino Canadian Producer August Rigo (who did great work Justin Bieber and BTS among other great international artists) said "There are so many of us down here in North America but for sure there's a disconnect somewhere that there's actual talent in the Philippines. I feel like we should connect. I just think the girls (Leanne and Naara) have amazing talent, I feel I really trust the music they're creating. Usually what happens is that they send me a demo vocal, I kinda take that and mold it to a direction that puts the song out, we're like 10,000 miles away and it's a very collaborative effort. They trust what they are bringing to the table, I feel that they're not even in the beginning of their potential. They have so much to offer with their music. It's not like throwing in the international sound, we had to take music rooted in the Philippines and it's a great time to tap back into our culture. We keep a piece of that. These girls, they really did a thing about that."  

Leanne and Naara says "Hello everyone! We're very excited because even in the start of our career, we wanted to push Filipino talent outside the country. We're very grateful to be part of it. We're on the way to introducing it outside, globally, hopefully continuously so they could appreciate how much it'll go. It's very easy to work with August Rigo, he was fast, he got the vibe. We sent him a couple of songs, we went on the studio and worked on it and recorded a voice note so he knows the direction of the song. It was awesome to see that. In some way, we created this bond beyond music. It's easy for us to work together because there's no ego at all, it's the passion we share for music, I feel good to hear what he has to say. He's very down to earth, we find chemistry, it's smooth sailing because of that. It is part of the plan to release early next year an EP, hope everything turns out good. Please support GLOPM, Anticipation is just one of the songs in this album, we're very happy to be part of it. Thanks to everyone who has been part of this! To be honest, I love the guitar riffs, I was like in the zone. I love how we played around to release tension."

 

 

The GLOPM album also includes "Back to the Times" by artists REON (Reanne and Noah). Music video was shot in Ormoc, Leyte. I could liken it to Imagine Dragons, pretty cool stuff. They worked with producer Xerxes Bakker (EU/Nordic based Grammy Award Nominated Music Producer).

 

Artist Quest told us proudly that "Being part of the GLOPM campaign, I am very excited because its long overdue. We're flooded with world class talent, I could tell 20 other ones that can take over my place. I'm part of the pioneer roster, I'm sure it's going to be more in the lineup, I'm excited to every other deserving OPM artist. I worked with KUYA Productions, I thought they were the missing piece, it took us three zoom meetings to finish one song, amazing because I now understand the level of talent they put in. I learned the ins and outs, Sammy and Bobby are two amazing guys. Yes they are international producers, but they're beautiful partners to have. (Tee, Sammy, Bobby, and Ian of KUYA Productions). We had this concept and idea, they modernized it."

KUYA Productions Sammy G adds "We weren't really presented with the opportunity before, what's great is that they're connecting Filipino artists with world class talents. Please support these songs, we're excited to put out more stuff!"

 

Catriona Gray says "It's challenging to be an artist during these times, it's difficult to remain inspired, you don't get to interact, you don't get to travel, but you have the opportunity to think deeper, to learn more about myself in a deeper context. I am drawn to emotional music, in a way, it's allowed me to become emotionally driven. I haven't written, this process was a bit hard, we took months to work with Kabu and wanting to have more affirmation in a relationship is something that is relatable to anyone, it's a love language and you have to work on it every single day. It's an easy collaboration, the result is something to be proud of! Love Language is available now on streaming platforms!"

Sydney based Producer Cabu adds "No matter what effort Cat puts here is crazy. She came to Sydney to record, it was smooth and super open to ideas. She was doing it so fast took easy, it was amazing, I was nervous. Thanks to Cat and Alex at Warner. I am thankful to be part of GLOPM!"

The way to support this movement is easy, listen to every track they come out with and enjoin others to do the same. Support the artists, support the music, and let the world know how Filipino music is worthy of praise. I learned a lot about music production and passion comes in play, they're just full of that and you can't discount what we've known all along, the Filipino is world class. The world hasn't realized how great and talented our people are. They will know soon. Kudos to Warmer Music for taking initiative.

Movie Producer Rina Navarro's Kids (3 and 8) Contracted COVI-19

The Producer of epic film Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo's and Unfiltered Skin Care CEO Rina Navarro just recently posted that her kids Rain (8 years old) and Theo (3 years old), has tested positive for COVID-19. 

Her kids are currently at their residence and showed no symptoms (asymptomatic). They are now doing tests while self isolating. They are on their way to recovery. Though the kids have not left their home, they have traced their driver who have gone home his family on a weekend, who then infected their kasambahay, who got the kids at risk. The family is wishing for everyone's recovery and hope others who have people who work from outside do extreme caution because getting this virus is no joke. She also would like to send prayers for kids who are undergoing the same fate as hers and follow protocols set by IATF and the government.

Ms. Rina adds “I'd like to ask people to PLEASE stay at home. Try as much to not allow visitors at home because we are all vulnerable. It's not just the old folks, but even kids and babies are affected. Remember, getting vaccinated doesn’t mean you are totally immune or won’t be able to carry the virus. Please wear your face masks and face shield especially if you have kids and elders at home.”

So if you're still hesitating to get vaccinated, please see this happens to kids too. They need to be safe, so do the right thing!

DAVID CHUA is Now Officially a Regal Baby

David Chua is making strides in his career. Adding another feather to his hat, he had a major deal signed with film institution Regal Films. You may now call him a full pledged Regal Baby. In simple ceremonies last August 20, it was witnessed by ALV Talent Circuit head honcho Arnold Vegafria, and Regal Films executive Ms. Roselle Monteverde.   

This will get David Chua to do 8 movies in a span of 2 years with the film outfit which is a lot considering we're under the pandemic.

David considers this as a dream come true and says "I've been watching a lot of Regal Films' iconic movies ever since and I can say it had a lot of impact on me. It was then when I vowed to become an actor, I'm still a fan of the Regal Shocker franchise."

David also was joined by other ALV artists like Kris Bernal, Teejay Marquez, Kiko Estrada, former Miss World Philippines queens Casie Banks, Shannon Kerver, Katrina Llegado, Roberta Tamondong and Daena Resurreccion. They also had hunky guys RJ Agustin, JB Saliba, Carlo Galano and Julian Roxas to sign too.

It coincided with Mother Lily's 83rd birthday on the 19th so it was kind of a huge celebration. David was in awe that he now had the opportunity to work with her because her passion for film and music is insurmountable.  Mr. Vegafria adds "It's a blessing for our roster of celebrities amidst the pandemic wherein work in the entertainment industry has been really scarce. We want to make opportunities in the hopes to bring the showbiz industry back to life!"

David currently is busy running things with his Directorial and Production duties at his own outfit called Dark Carnival Productions. He plans to also put up his own film production studio around September this year and unveil a studio in Manila's Chinatown. It's around 670 square meters and would be perfect for shoots and post production. It's something he plans to offer to others and did this to make it all cost effective. In the sidelines, David also talked to Ms Roselle as he wishes to also do directing jobs some day. He wishes to do horror films and prays it would happen soon!

Cheers! Hope everything falls into place for this kind gentleman!

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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