It's HIS time, and Ice is taking you to an emotional journey with his music under Fire and Ice Music and Star Music. It's called BECOMING ICE, a full album of original songs from Ice Seguerra. It's been a while since he released songs, so this is a welcome development for those who have been eager to listen to his songs, the emotional pipes, and the story that comes with it.
Producer Liza Diño says "Ice has been here in Noctos for a couple gigs now and thanks to them for opening their doors as a venue for Being Ice the album and Being Ice Live The Concert Experience. We've seen him transition to a lot of roles, and still wear many hats to this day. We had a successful Becoming Ice a few years back, but still we ask who he is, how he separates his professional to his personal. He is still discovering things, for the first time he is more open to share his vulnerabilities, his first all original album. Sharing these songs and bringing out his thoughts, he wants you to witness this in the album and the concert. It'll drop o. August 8 and will be performed September 12 and 13, all on his birthday, to sing with you. You will get to see it all, raw and with emotions. This is a point where he will embrace himself, all the more with the passing of Mommy Caring, I am very excited about this as it is the culmination of being in the business for 30 years!"
Ice says "Like what Liza said earlier, it took me a while to do this. Being in this industry, it was more of fear to fail in writing my own songs. It has to be a hit, and when it fails, it will fall on me. I equated it like that for a long time. I was afraid to fail and make mistakes. Maybe I've thought about doing this in the past, but I had to mature, it's a challenge to release something personal. My songs are very quiet, and I had to accept that I can move forward. I was afraid of not being successful. This is a serious job, but I can own the word artist now because I can own what I'm putting out there, my failures and success."
He adds "During the pandemic it was a hard time, when I lost my work I lost my purpose. I wrote this on my laptop, showed this to Jonathan, and said he would know how to make sense of this. Now it has structure, I hope you feel this when you are lost, to remind you that there is always hope."
I've heard a couple of his songs from the album, but hearing him live was just a whole lot different. You could feel where it was coming from, I bet there were a lot of people who cried while he was performing on stage. It was that good
Now go stream on streaming platforms and download it today. It was a super emotional afternoon to listen to it. The album is good, but I would suggest you hear it live, grave!
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!
You've seen the reaction of a lot of people coming out of theaters after they watched Guilty Pleasure. It's the latest offering by Regal Films and C'est Lovi Productions. The film stars Lovi Poe, JM De Guzman, Jameson Blake. They also have Dustin Yu, Sarah Edwards, Angelica Lao. They also have the strict looking Johnny Revilla, excellent character actors like Soliman Cruz, Raf Pineda, Adrienne Vergara, Lorraine Wong, Christian Ty, Ella Cristofani and Darwin Yu. The film is directed by well known TV great, Producer, Screenwriter and artist Connie Macatuno.
While most of the conversations end up in the courtroom (for most of the scenes), the dilemma was focused quite intently in the relationship of Lovi who played Atty. Alexis and the characters of JM De Guzman (the son in law of her boss) and a new love, Atty Math Caliente played by Jameson Blake. Guilty Pleasure talks about a lot of things. From relationships, labels, the weird fetish, the passionate, sparking new things, even violence. It delves on the topics of feelings, consent, between people. While they battle it out in the courtroom, it mirrored what the things they personally experienced. Lovi in this movie is nothing like the goody two shoes she depicts in previous projects. She's more intense, tough, but overall, she's just a woman violated, trying to solve a problem both in the courtroom, and in real life.
JM De Guzman doesn't shortchange playing his role, a bit of a surprise in this case as he gets involved with Atty. Emma. His acting awards get showcased even more because his character is a bit off the charts. He presents something opposite Jameson's character and persona, which was slowly burned in the movie. It's like a long courtship, putting in small moments of love, cuteness, acceptance which made Jameson look quite adorable, a confidant who never judged her for any reason.
Watch out for Jameson Blakes little surprise right towards the end of the movie.
This is by far Lovi Poe's bets performance in a film, I could say that with confidence since I've watched a few of her movies. She's only here for this project since she's a little busy in Hollywood for a few things. She can go back if needed, those direct flights would surely be pretty nifty if she wants things to happen to as an actress and as a producer now.
The story gets you to hold on to hope, how to welcome change, and if all falls into place (even justice wise), you get LOVE too. If you think this tickles your fancy, or slightly felt an interest with, go watch it on theaters now. It's R16 without cuts, and is shown in SM Cinemas and other leading theaters nationwide.
It was a huge celebration last Wednesday, July 26th at the Metrotent in Pasig City as our friends from Outbox Media Powerhouse Corporation celebrated their 17th Anniversary. It also coincided with the birthday of it's founder Ms. Rosell Taberna. For those who don't know, Outbox Media Production is a full service events and production company that does creative work, commercials, management of events, supply performers/talents, and does marketing and advertising solutions too. This was somewhat a showcase of what they could do and it was certainly cool that they had a concept ready, much of which is about ICONS.
Guests include a lot of their clientele, like private companies, private individuals, suppliers, brands, government offices, the media, a lot of their employees (Taberna Group of Companies) and a lot of their friends and family.
Aside from that, they had guest from their church, and celebrities like Alfred Vargas, Rr Enriquez, Elijah Alejo, Esang, Charie Pineda, Diane Medina, Lala Sotto, Kathleen Hermosa, Ms. Ara Mina, and Jon Lucas.
Popular coffee/bake shop/restaurant "Ka Tunying's" is also celebrating their 8th year in the business. Despite a really challenging pandemic period, they managed to recoup the branches they lost (about 5) during that period. They now have a total of 7 branches in operation and quite happy about the current business conditions. They remain bullish despite it all.
Anthony Taberna also has a new digital news program which will start this August. Since a lot of his viewers prefer his live streams, this will be called "Tune In Kay Ka Tunying Live!" which will be seen bi monthly (on the 15th and 30th). It's going to be a rundown of the latest news that happened during that time period. You will be able to see it for a full hour (at 5PM before your primetime newscast on TV channels) so make sure you subscribe on his YouTube channel. Ka Tunying says "I'm really excited about this show because aside from current events, we'll be featuring people in stories along with the show. I plan to talk to business leaders, and it will be called "All Access", so you have a hand and learn about their stories on how they have succeeded in their line of business. We will also be featuring places, to help with tourism, plus several interviews with personalities which we will include on the show. One of the planned segments will be in a magazine format, to compress what we shoot in a week in about 10 minutes, so it's really difficult to shoot and produce. We have invested a lot, our own studio to make this all happen."
Here's our interview with Mr. and Mrs. T.
Mr. Anthony Taberna also lauded his wife on how she was able to do all these things, including managing and producing the show. Truth be told, she's like a workhorse, they even find her working in the wee hours of the morning. He says "I declare my admiration and love for her, on her work ethics, I just hope she takes good care of her health." Ms. Rosell replied "I've had a huge long break during the pandemic, and we're just working hard now that things are getting back to normal. Our kids are good, and happy, we are celebrating as one, we are all happy!"
Congratulations to Outbox Media Powerhouse Corporation and the Taberna Group of Companies. Again, make sure you subscribe to their YouTube channel so you don't miss an episodes when it comes out!
While I was asking around the TV5's Reliance Studios of what's about to happen, I kind of forgot how huge and controversial this issue is in the Philippine entertainment scene. It's a mix between the matters of business, the personalities, ethics, loyalty, and heartbreak. To say the least, it was hard to digest and formulate apt questions to be streamed live on TV5 and different social channels, scary lol.
Though in hindsight, it just boils down to this... TVJ and all of the Dabarkads are just looking for a new home... TV5 chose them, and so did TVJ Productions Inc. (a company owned by Tito, Vic Sotto and Joey De Leon). For starters, the MVP Group has approached Eat Bulaga a long time ago (according to MVP) and it just happened that the whole talk between them happened after all that issue happened at the other corp. What's happening now is that Mediaquest and TVJ Productions Inc. are now entering an investment deal. They got 51% of the media production company, so they're not blocktimers, they are part owners of the actual company. Ms. Jane Basas the President and CEO of MQuest Ventures was also there to welcome them on board. Senator Tito Sotto was thankful about their welcome!
The first topic was about WHAT IS THE NEW NAME OF THE SHOW? WILL THERE BE A NEW NAME?
This was answered by TVJ during the first part of the mediacon:
Then during the mediacon, it was certainly a time for them to get their statements out especially with Bossing Vic, Joey De Leon, Ryan Agoncillo and Allan K who really went balling when several questions were asked about the kind people who supported them plus the time when they were told about their apparent separation from the production.
Senator Tito Sotto also talked about the circumstances around the copyright case they're undergoing, and asserts ownership of Joey de Leon of it. This is really a huge debacle they're being involved in and here's hoping everything will get settled, amicably while both sides get justice they seek.
About the show, they said it'll be called (XXXXXXX) well, they didn't really confirm the title. So sit back, relax and make sure you see the show on July 1st as they surprise you with what's going to happen with the show they plan to put out lunchtime with the Legit Dabarkads and your well loved TVJ. For now, congratulations to MQuest Ventures and TVJ Productions Inc. for formally signing your partnership. Go get Filipinos entertained!
Good looking actor Kelvin Miranda is reaping the benefits of his efforts especially this 2023 as he gets multiple projects left and right.
One of which is "Missed Connections" which he is doing together with noted actress Miles Ocampo and sexy vixen Chie Filomeno. It's off tangent of much of the characters he's played in the past; because this time, he's not the cool boy who always hit on girls, but a guy who's never had a girlfriend since birth. He's now someone who's very awkward towards them, which he says was quite hard to play during the shoot. Missed Connections by the way is already streaming on Netflix (oh yes today!) and is under the production of KROMA Entertainment. He was very game answering questions during the press conference.
Kelvin Miranda adds "For me (in finding someone to love), I always go for the one who has personality; because believe it or not, I find it hard talking to women. I don't even post much on social media and much of them understand me when I talk to them."
About his recent wins, he says "I feel the success, and I'm glad my management has always been there to support me in my projects and my personal life. I give my all when I work, because I love what I do. I'm so happy that GMA and Sparkle supports me too, they even put up this presscon just for me. I can't thank them enough because they are always there when I have projects, they give me what I deserve. I know there's a lot of artists in GMA but they do give time to see me, ask what I need."
Here's some highlights of the press conference this afternoon:
Kelvin then said "I really count my blessings, I take it easy, I listen to music so I do relax (after work), I try to be reactive on social media because I too love those who love me."
Now remember, you can stream Missed Connections on Netflix today. Kelvin also has a few projects too on GMA, plus a few films from other productions. Make sure you follow Sparkle's social channels, and his accounts to know more about what he's doing. He's certainly the next big thing!
If you can dream it, you can achieve it. I've heard that line before, but these guys did it.
They are called Waxiefied Sound Productions and recently, they have been able to get Home Entertainment Studio Certification from Dolby Atmos. A first in the country. They invited us to see the actual facility, with strict instructions not to touch equipment as each piece is measured and angled to a T, with laser precision and all.
Waxie G. Joaquin the founder of Waxiefied Sound Productions and Executive Mastering Engineer says "It's time to level up! With this in the country, you're bound to no longer listen to these musicians like an audience, you've got an entire technology that'll work with spatial audio. It's like listening 2-3 inches away from actual person doing it. In the past, decoding stereo wasn't just enough, now they decoded Dolby Atmos and we need to be part of that. I often hear in the PH "pwede na Yan!" and we know, we need to catch up!"
I'm quite sure you've seen the Dolby Atmos mark in movies, music, and just about any of the world class projects that want the best in audio. Think of it as a balancing act of separating each component of a single track and putting them in a 3D space where you can hear distinct vocals, instruments from different directions, where you feel like you're in the actual studio. In the past, some of the movie and song projects in the country were being sent to studios outside the country, and this changes the game. Waxiefied Sound Productions can cater to Philippine based sound engineers, composers, musicians and artists that need their work mastered. They don't need to go out of the country anymore just to get the service done. Here's a short tour of it:
Jiggs Hermano, Waxified's Acoustic Engineer adds "It's very hard for people to once accept stereo, and for 70 years we've been working with that. We started to embrace mp3, and Dolby Atmos changes it. It brings a bigger canvas for us artist, we are making music that is immersive and can be heard everywhere. The music will evolve and make sound feel like you're in it. It adds emotion, it adds space, we now have the ability to put it into different sides. Mastering makes it sound better, and this is transparent. You just have to turn it on your device. It will adjust to what you are listening to, it's very easy to put into your lives. I was a non believer and now I feel it just blew my mind!"
Jiggs Hermano
Waxie Joaquin, Jiggs Hernando, Vito Syquia, and Peter Hager
Imagine how our films/movies would become when we apply this for entries in international film festivals, or when artists try their luck performing outside the country. They also talked about how it was built, and had several out of country locations to source the equipment for this studio. It was just matter of time to be able to complete it, as they were very confident it was achievable.
I haven't seen so many people geeking out over music and audio all in one place, and if you wanted to paint a picture of artists who have used this, names like James Reid (songs from his newest release), New Game Plus, Massiah, Nadine Lustre, Jay Ortega, J. Mara, Morobeats, Nicole Asensio, and Dan Gil and Marga Jayy are on the list. If you want to know their services, visit their website waxiefiedsoundproduction.com or find Waxiefied Sound Productions on social channels.
All for the love of music and the industry! Cheers!
Just got off the afternoon press conference of Wisium. They're from ADM, leaders of producing animal nutrition. They're experts in premix products and services including feeds, which has been a really great need in industrial farming and food production.
ADM's Eric Carfi says "Today, ADM is an established brand for both food and feed. We started in 2018 for swine, poultry and aqua business. Wisium is here in a global approach. We have expanded in China and Vietnam, we are also growing in the Philippines. We are positioned in the country's animal and local livestock industry. The potential of growth in the Philippines is still here, very attractive for us. The people are focusing on quality, very hard for local players, you need to invest on technology and this is why Wisium partners with individuals in the country. The way we are seeing the market is by partnering with people, we want to be a top player in Asia and the Philippines. We want to be the one to support them, give them the ability to plan and make a difference."
Wisium is going to produce Micro and Macro Premix, Near Infrared Technologies, WeanUp Concepts and Natural AGP Alternatives for the country.
Francois Fernandez of ADM says "We are really expanding our expertise around the globe, we are bringing technology for producing feeds for animals. To be able to do these premix, we would be able to provide this for Filipinos in the long run."
Dr. Eski Equivel of wisium PH says "The opening of our Wisium nutrition line is timely and essential especially for the agricultural country of the Philippines. We currently have the Wisium Premix Plant in Cagayan Valley Road in San Rafael Bulacan. Because we have a plant here, we are nearer the customers. We are using raw materials, our own laboratories so farmers can benefit from it. The pandemic really got us hang because of the shipments, we now focus on local ingredients in production and we can do it here in wisium."
ADM Managing Director Lorenzo Mapua says "We commit ourselves to provide local our customers with quality and locally produced feeds. The new premix line we produce in Bulacan can do customized solutions, as prices increase in the market, wisium provides options to maintain certain requirements for farms across the country. We're a new brand but we're backed up by ADM's expertise, someone who has technology and can make Philippine agriculture more profitable, feed more Filipinos. Wisium is already out in the market but we will produce it here in the Philippines in around a month wherein we can customize solutions. This will also be generating a few jobs as this is automated and consistent. We will have a one to one approach so we can talk to the farmers and help them to become successful."
The investments include a local approach, research and development that may have not been initially available in the country. Wisium is offering nutritionists from local and international offices, services that raw materials are above standard, make sure that diet for the animals promote optimum growth. They also have additives made, all natural for egg layers to increase production rate for farming. They make sure you get the genetic potential of your farm animals. Wisium might cost higher, but the benefits outweigh all the result. The swine industry has been met by challenges and this can be a start for smart production. They are connecting to clients via digitalization, agriculture is a necessity and the need to eat is important. That's a food security issue answered, with the African Swine Fever that affected pork sources, the need to be efficient in production is important. They have to lessen expenses and this has what Wisium is doing to be able to address these issues.
The quality they are bringing is impressive. They make the difference by listening to the farmers and they know what they can improve. They've been in the country since 2018 and they're ready to release all the products of Wisium in the Philippines.
What makes a film great? A good story? A stellar line of stars? Special effects? It could be one of those, but the most heavily awarded ones and praised by critics are those that are simple, films that depict life that is raw and unfiltered. There are tons of stories of this nature that need to be told. This is what Arjo Atayde's Feelmaking Productions, Inc. (FPI) want to do. He collaborated with famed TV Director Avel Sunpongco and Ad pro Marj So to make films that could impact people's lives so we could talk about those that are relevant and touch on real social issues.
Arjo says "After years of being in the TV and film industry, I just felt that I could do more. It was at this time that I realized I had to do something, to tell the stories worth telling and put Filipino filmmaking on a different level. It's time we do things differently and adapt to changing times and tastes of the viewing public. There's a different way to tell the Filipino story that can be accepted around the world. We'll try to do that, it's what we're here for!"
FPI also believes by keeping their workplace and film locations happy, everyone would find joy at work and come up with the best quality. It was done during their first project "Hey, Joe" which was shot in Baguio City. Together with Arjo was decorated actors Joel Torre, Eric Quizon and Mon Confiado. They also had Dumbo, Nikko Natividad, Gillian Vicencio, Iana Bermudez, Manuel Chua, Yamyam Gucong, Jobert Austria, Donna Cariaga, Chamyto Aguedan and Alexa Miro as part of the cast. Arjo's gorgeous sister Ria Atayde is also included and will have a special participation on this project.
Arjo says "With FPI and our partners, we are keen to create quality films that would be at par with international standards." Hopefully, we would be able to see this on movie houses (following protocols, when it's safe!), or digital platforms that could bring the titles they're raring to churn out around the world so we could showcase our artistry in this medium. If you want to know more about Feelmaking Productions Inc. and Arjo's other projects, follow @feelmakingprodinc on IG or search the name of the production on Facebook because they're there!
And I think, that's just the first step! You'll hear more about these films very soon!
Just got off the POD CON 2021 this morning and I'm really excited about this. I've been listening to a few throughout the years and I've seen some of them in this joint. Cut! Print. PodCast Network is the brain child of Cut! Print. Productions who are the same people behind the acclaimed short film NAKAW.
Jett Pangan hosted the show and according to Patsy Ferrer the PodMother "We bring in creators and independent talents so we can help them produce. I've talked to Jett Pangan initially and after that, we got several independent podcasters to help them produce content and create their original shows. Now we have 22 of them, all went through our incubation program and some of them will be in the panel later. It's been a good year even under the pandemic, but podcasts now have more reach because people started listening more during the period. We just concluded our event last month and released new shows from our incubator programs. We help them organize their content and put them on trainings, more like a school for podcasters. We have POP Emergency which is a pop culture show, Earpods Pro talks about mental health, Covert Operations which is about slight of hand magic, Chubby Cheeka is about body positivity and women, Kumaretalk Podcast is about current events and topics that matter, Sa San Isidro is about radio drama, Geeks and Gamers Getting By is about how gaming can help you in your daily lives, The Undertaker is about a paranormal raido drama, Now Open is about sex ed and discourse on sexuality, Blogtalk Hollywood is about Hollywood news, Ang Atty Co is about legal matters done in layman terms, Thirsty and Thirty talks about smarter love, The Design Pod is about visual and graphic design and a whole lot more in store for you soon."
Bonnie Pequeña of The Round Table says "Podcasting has not been maximized yet in the Philippines but there's an exciting future for it. Now people are consuming audio content, it's progressing. I've been doing speaking engagements now with schools to talk about young relationships."
Lucena based Jeck Jaca who does Jeck Does Tech "I started this podcast a long time ago, and didn't have the courage to post it. I was initially making it for myself, it gathered listeners so I went really serious about it. I was happy to have been able to do talks in Cultural Center of the Philippines, it brings comfort to have been able to do that and it gave me confidence doing things later on. We have a lot of things in the pipeline, please watch out for that, you'll love this thing we're cooking."
Juan Timay of Nays Juan Sessions says "Based in Mindanao, I first started doing this because I didn't love editing vlogs. Podcasting had a lot of similarities so I just made it as an audio journal which was for personal consumption. I used Binisaya because I could express more, not just in the region, but elsewhere in the world. I made use of that because, why not? Cut! Print. Podcast Network taught me editing and recording, a whole lot about podcasting. I'm currently in the network, and their support is nothing but phenomenal, I felt it is the podcast network for me and for everyone. Soon, we're going to have negosyo sessions, we'll also have collaboration with really nice stories to share."
Shawntel Nieto of Sustainarumble says "I'm excited to be here. I'm a sustainability advocate, and we met last year while I was talking about my movement. We started to formulate the idea of having a podcast that discusses solutions for sustainability for the ordinary joe. We believe podcasting is slowly growing, a lot of people can benefit, be knowlegeable, easy to comprehend our efforts and have a cool place to talk about this topic. Because of this, we received The Diana Award (yes the Princess Diana!). It's quite an achievement more so to be the first Filipina to have it. I've been active in sustainable development in communities, provide food in our cities, and do efforts for our frontliners, partner with restaurants and businesses here in Cainta and nearby towns as well. It's about making it a conversation, about making it not data heavy, explain it casually so people in the community feel they're part of it and easily understand things. We also ask experts we invite, so anyone who listens to it can learn from Sustainarumble."
As a Dungeons and Dragongs based podcast it's not that easy to make it into a show. Jethro Parolan and Dan Areola of You Have Six Seconds says "I've had the pleasure to do this initially on our own and the content was more role playing, and when creating conecpts, it had to be structured. We will try to have our content be right with the holidays of the year, soon, we're going to release this like one shots, a non canonical story. So you'll have horror, more holiday inspired story lines."
Taryn Navarro and Angela Tiotangco-Alvarez of Career Mo 'Te "It's an advocacy for women empowerment, with a multimedia platform posting about it on social media. Now we're producing our own show thanks to Cut! Print. Podcast Network. We're just starting and we can't wait to have more episodes released soon on our podcasts."
Issa Litton hosted the second part of the press conference. She introduced an ASMR podcaster Joshua Von Drake, GMA Network's voice George Boone, Marites for all season and Tiktok Superstar Justine Luzares, actor and The Dawn frontman Jett Pangan, and top voice actor Inka Magnaye. They are part of the talent roster of Cut! Print. Podcast Network.
Patsy says "We manage talents too. It's a lot different on podcasters, talents are the ones we manage. Inka already got a Hollywood stint, we want to see them move forward.
Joshua Von Drake plays the role of the perfect virtual "boyfriend on demand" and will have a collaboration with Inka Magnaye in a future show. They will also be doing ASMR which I'd love to see in a future episode. In the show, Joshua says "It is me, just a little bit unfiltered." George Boone is also doing a Masterclass on his podcast, the legendary voice of GMA is willing to share his expertise in voice acting and the different facets of it. Trending with a total of 10 accents is Justine Luzares and he's glad to have been able to work with Cut! Print. and manage his new found niche. Jett Pangan on the other hand touched on efforts they've been doing with Congress to help the music and creative industry, saying "Governments change but the creative people will stay the same. We hope you check out CreativeIndustriesPH for that cause."
Inka Magnaye has been with the podcast network for over a year. She says "It was an interesting experience to be able to work in this industry and I felt nervous judging there, they work so fast in Eat Bulaga. I needed to step up and observe, learn how to banter and I love every bit of it. The Hollywood film "Surprise!" happened when the producer messaged me on Instagram. Matt Marlowe asked if they wanted me to be part of it and it was an interesting thing that TikTok talents were part of it. We were like their dream cast, they were happy about it because they had to shoot from different countries. South Africa, LA, Manila, we were checking with each others schedules and every time we shot we were like awake in the wee hours of the morning. It makes the world so much smaller. It was shot entirely on zoom. The film is around 10 minutes, I'm so happy about that!"
I asked Inka and Joshua about creeps who message them and Inka says "I get a lot of creeps all the time, how do I handle it? I fight them, when they're really bad it feels more like swatting a fly, an aggressive response." while Joshua on the other hand says "I don't really get a lot but I do get some in my socials and email. I respond to them professionally."
Podcasts still have a long way to grow in the country but these people are flourishing. Faster internet, access to it will become easier in the coming years and it's such a nice moment to be in the first POD CON 2021, hearing from these success stories, I'm optimistic that the future for it is bright! Thanks to Cut! Print. Podcast Network for inviting us on their first salvo. Hope there will be more of this soon, if not next year!
I am so happy that Roald Dahl's MATILDA The Musical is having it's Manila staging at the Meralco Theater this November 10. We've got very talented kids and I'm sure it was a breeze to actually see talent in the country fit for a Broadway musical. I love the movie so much that up to this day I still look forward to the HBO reruns for the movie version. It would be quite interesting to see how they would be able to translate that and tell the story through music.
This book by Dennis Kelly has gone and taught a lot of kids around the world about being good, about hope, friendship and love and for sure Tim Minchin already proved how his music and lyrics would encompass age as this will also be entertaining for adults. It will run from November 10 to December 10 and if you haven't planned anything to do this Christmas, wouldn't it be a good thing to have an early gift for a change?
Esang, Uma and Kyle will be alternating in Matilda's role. The kids uttered:
"Yes actually I've watched the broadway musical, this is a dream role for me. It teaches us to never give up if we have our dreams!"
"I've watched the movie and also adore the book. I am dreaming because this just feels surreal for us. Even if you're little you can do a lot. I have always wished to become someone like Lea Salonga."
"If you want something, you can do it and never give up!"
It's one of the most exciting musicals this year and Atlantis Theatrical Productions have done a really great job choosing the kids and the rest of the cast. We talked to them right after a short press conference at Marco Polo this evening.
We sat down with Joaquin Valdez who's playing the character of Harry Wormwood who is the father of Matilda. He says "It was a character that was completely out of our personal image so in a way it's a bit difficult. I play an escapologist, Matilda likes books and I go between that and a fantasy story, like a dual role of a slimy abusive father and that perfect one she wishes for. It's an interesting take because it's not done in the broadway version, a personal touch of Direk Bobby. Matilda can move things, because her mind is that strong. He sent me a message a couple of months back and this was really a stretch, I just jumped in. People who know me were really surprised.
This is the first time I'm playing this character and I think it's a test, it's a nice dynamic. We get to discover a lot of new things especially with the kids. I started out in theater when I was 11 and when puberty hit, I couldn't play roles. I signed up with a pop vocal group, I studied film making, but I still go back to theater. Until recently I made a decision to do this full time. I went into advertising, but this was really something that I looked for. You'll really go back to theater. I am more comfortable with English, it's nice to do an original but my training has been really there."
Jamie Wilson (whom I loved in Kinky Boots by the way) plays Agatha Trunchbull the evil head mistress. In broadway and west end, they require to actually have the man play the part because of the physical requirements they have to have like throwing kids and stuff around. He says "I play the principal of the school, the antagonist, I get to scream at kids, provide horror. It's a female character which initially I didn't know was actually commonly played by men in different stagings. I'm going to be in an outfit. It may have been played by a female one in the movie but there's a lot of magic on stage that happens, she's an olympic hammer throw champion. I was shocked initially because they made me learn Ms. Trunchbull's part. I may or may not have a harness, but there's a lot of theater tricks because it's really exciting. It's a matter of building trust, of safety, of guidance, even if it's repetitive, it's a nice opportunity for professionals. They're like midgets, like adults in small bodies.
My whole family has been in theater, and I have been doing this for 37 years. My father is Johnny Wilson but he discouraged us, I was one of the first MTV VJ's, even before Donita Rose. I did a few movies, but the process of theater was just so good. I was really bit by the theater bug. We had 2 months of rehearsals, you've seen Atlantis do productions and they invest in this heavily because they have international standards. Theater has been here quite long, but it never became as big as this. Now you have shows every week, people can choose, from Shakespear, to activist shows. Internet made it easy to market everything. They are attracted to something live, to sing big songs, the risks, the tensions and it's not practiced. So you'll see a lot of that in this project."
Mrs. Zinnia Wormwood is played by Carla Guevara Laforteza, a star magic artist. She says "She's a neglectful mother, always with her DI and only wanted money from her husband. She had hate for Matilda, but these kids are so much of my babies. These children, they are like the future of international theater but they are such naturals. They can teach get the international actresses a run for their money. I'm not a dancer but I had to study for this one. I have three children at home, but here it's a gazillion. They run crazy, but I always go early so I can prepare myself. I have been in the industry for about 25 years. I've worked with children before but not this many. I did Hansel and Gretel, I played a Nun, but this was a real mother to child thing.
They are very disciplined when they passed the auditions, they briefed them and had child wranglers while we are at work. They are kept busy, sometimes have too much fun but they are controlled. I watched the movie, I watch adaptations but I watch it because I want to make sure I don't duplicate them and just bring out a personality that is natural or similar to me so I can play it like my own interpretation. If you watch it here, it's got more heart. It's not mechanical, that's the difference. It has more heart and that's what make it special. In this one, it's going to be a woman that doesn't care what her husband does, but I'll try to be more lovable. That's what I was trying to do in this case."
Ms. Emeline Celis Guinid plays Ms. Phelps the librarian. She's on one of the most pivotal scenes because she's the librarian who's going to make Matilda's mind soar high. She says "This musical is much like a gold mine, if you see the kids perform, dance, even if I don't have songs I have to interact with her storytelling. I have to listen to it all. Esang can pick up lines easily, I think that's what is good with the kids because they can absorb fast. They might be three kids, but they have their own strengths and they really tell the story legibly. You naturally just pay attention. I did one day of audition for this and waited for their call. This is a great experience all in all!"
The soft spoken and pushover Ms. Honey will be played by Cris Villonco. She utters "Oh my god, having 20 kids around, I'm not really used to that. It's a lot of fun watching them focus, and enjoy the music and choreography like it's not work for them. They sang the songs with so much gusto, so much energy. They knew what exactly what to do, even know the script better than me at times. They were singing, I was crying at times because in my time it wasn't like this. Their parents must be really proud. It was hard to keep them quiet at times, but man, they get all the choreography without dumbing it down. They had 4 hours to do it and it wasn't a challenge for them at all. You'll see the songs come alive, I hope even in Meralco you get to see their heart in the show. I think the adults learned more from them, we get to teach them accents but they know their music and lines. I come in one day and they even know OUR parts. They are good, even if they are tired from school takes discipline to do a show. Their grades are monitored too, I applaud the parents for trusting the handlers because these kids are so good.
This play isn't about us, it's about them. Every child is different, they could learn a thing or two about them not being alone. It was Matilda who pushes Ms. Honey to have more courage. Kids handle bullies, adults handle bullies, all in live theater. Whether mistakes are made, you'll love the magic and I hope children see this in schools. I hope they enjoy it as much as we do. I auditioned when I was 9 for Les Miserables, but I wasn't as talented as compared to these children. It's simply overwhelming seeing them dance, sing and you wonder where it comes from. They do it with love. I guess the exposure to different talent shows, to Youtube, they're learning a lot and knowing there are talented kids around the world too. The Philippines should be recognize as a hub for talent. There's no talk about that yet in putting them in international staging, but some of the boys in the cast are already part of Lion King. My character is more pushed around in this show, some little stunts will happen. Let's see when we do technical rehearsals because we are moving there on Sunday for the first time. It will be magical, I promise you that!"
Oh and for a great parting shot, let me share with you this performance earlier. If you're impressed, remember to buy a ticket eh?
Again, MATILDA The Musical will start on November 10 until December 10, 2017. If you're interested in making your kids watch the show, make sure they are around 7 and up as we don't want to make kids bother other theater watchers okay? It's a great way to bond with your family over a great story, great songs and show. You may purchase tickets at Ticketworld.com.ph or call 8919999. I'm watching too, hopefully on the actual opening date!
It looks like luck has come our way. The Tony Award winning Broadway musical FUN HOME just announced the cast for the Manila staging of this show. This will premier on November 10, 2016 and if you're just starting to hear from this, New York Times calls is "The Best New Musical To Open on Broadway". The show also is a based on Alison Bechdel's best selling novel and it features music by Jeanine Tesori with book and lyrics by Lisa Kron.
As you can see in the photo, it'll be lead by the Philippines' pride Lea Salonga together with Eric Kunze. This is Lea’s first musical since doing CATS last 2010 and Atlantis Productions’ GOD OF CARNAGE in 2012. If you loved her during those times, you'll surely love how she plays Helen Bechdel. The role of Alison’s mother who's both an English teacher and former actress will prove to be a challenging one for Ms. Salonga more so because it's in front of the home crowd.
Eric Kunze is a seasoned actor, who also starred in Broadway productions like LES MISERABLES, MISS SAIGON among others. He's going to play Bruce Bechdel, Alison’s father that's got a funky job being a part time mortician. He also flips houses for a living so it's going to be interesting.
This will be Directed by Bobby Garcia, who finds this as a dream come true. He says "Working with this stellar cast, a ground breaking and trailblazing musical, I feel that this really needs to be seen by audiences all over the world and I am thrilled that it will premiere internationally in Manila. We hope you will all come and watch FUN HOME.”
The New York producers also said “We’re thrilled to have the first international production of ‘Fun Home’ confirmed for the Philippines, and we're excited to have Lea Salonga, one of Broadway’s most beloved stars, leading the company.”
Best of all, it is recommended for ages 13 and up. So if you've got kids around that age, this might be a good young theater presentation that you could start with. The theater production will start on November 10 - 27, 2016 and will happen at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. You may purchase tickets now at Ticketworld 891-9999 and might run out early. You better get them while it's hot!
For more information about their theater production:
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