An Unlikely Pairing That Works: MEG & RYAN

Seeing the trailer a couple months back had me asking if these two actors would actually work. I could identify JC Santos in more indie looking romcoms and drams while Rhian Ramos would fall into either action, sultry contrabida roles, drama and fantasy genres.

Watching the movie through a red carpet advance screening (a few days ago) however proved that putting these actors in a box would be a big mistake especially since the material of Meg & Ryan needed specific personas shown on screen. JC had to make Ryan as nerdy, ultra conservative and virginal at times while Rhian does the opposite, flawed, game for anything and had no bottle left unturned. She also gets egged to do things by friends, persuaded by a drop of wine and fun it brings. 

Lots of stars went to the event and supported them. Mind you it was raining and traffic was bad, but they all went there to support Director Catherine Camarillo and the other stars of the film. In a way this is a huge gamble because it's pretty slow at cinemas these days. But they're pretty confident about this story and its execution.

JC took his character to heart. With his boyish charm and soft delivery, he makes the easy work out of being the Mama's boy he needed to portray. Rhian on the other hand remained pretty mysterious despite her being the rocker chick she exudes. Both characters situations get intertwined, call it fate, call it something something that happened for one night, but they both loved each other eventually.

Some real good highlights are the appearances of Steven Bansil and the super funny POCA. If you love them on their internet skits, you would love them even more in their first movie.

We all thought it was not going to work, but folks in the cinema were gushing about the pair, even cried too. I guess we all fell for the trap that is MEG & RYAN. And they hope you get to experience it too.  It's an interesting and cute story, the pairing works! It comes out on August 6th, in cinemas nationwide! This is under POCKET MEDIA Films.

RHIAN RAMOS, JC SANTOS Take On Complex Characters in PM Productions "MEG & RYAN"

A word was uttered around the venue when we were interviewing the cast of "Meg & Ryan", it was UNDERRATED, which we felt was certainly an apt one after meeting the stars of the movie under Pocket Media Films. 

Lead stars Rhian Ramos and JC Santos will be doing this romantic comedy film together with the cast award winning actor Cedrick Juan, Ces Quesada, Cris Villanueva, Jef Gaitan, JMee Katanyag, and social media stars Steven Bansil and Poca Osinaga, plus beauty queen Alison Black.   

While isn't first film to be directed by Direk Catherine O. Camarillo, this is somehow her first foray in the love story-romcom genre. "This is another masterpiece that I want to share with you, which I hope you would be able to give awareness to the audience, give them a fair chance to watch this in cinemas this coming August 5, 2025. (watched trailer, she became very emotional and said)  I am just overwhelmed seeing them on screen because they really look good together. Doing this was quite easy because I had some of the best actors to work with. It was quite to put them in what I envisioned in the film. I've done so many projects in the past that made me do compromises, I didn't have to do that here. I gave it my all, and got the ones I wanted to have in this project. I'm so happy I was able to do that in Meg & Ryan. I also felt the support of my cast, they respected the material, they loved this film as much as I did."

Rhian says "I haven't had drunk episodes where I wasn't aware of what I was doing. Either that, or may I just couldn't remember it. I really enjoyed the whole experience because JC is such a generous actor. If there's something he could do to help in the execution of a scene, he will. He will go farther than what is expected of him. It's not just the acting part that he's going to do, he contributes in the lines, change it to what feels more natural in the scenes. He really envibes what would Ryan do or say. It really helped me and made my job super easy! I really love complex characters, those with flaws, to make sense of people. Meg is an @lcoh0lic, opposites attract, I've seen Direk Catherine's previous films and wanted to work with JC which is why I wanted to do this. This is how I view love also, we have our own journey, when you find someone who understand that about you, it needs to be watched and told." 

JC Santos added "Actually everybody here was easy to work with. This is what's great about a collaboration because you can feel if you match. We enjoyed the process even the challenges, Rhian Ramos is a part of my bucket list and I'm seeing it now. I see how she gives the truth in her scenes. Even Tita Ces, Direk Catherine gives us freedom so we get our personalities in the mix. I also really wanted to work with Direk Catherine, and seeing the script, it's a different kind of love. It's something new, puberty at 35, he is complex, a bit difficult to do but I think we succeeded in creating this character."

Here's the press conference in full:

Aside from being shown in the Philippines, this will also have a theater run in Australia and New Zealand on August 14th. Please support Filipino films as these don't come cheap in production. They're taking a huge risk because they want to help the industry. The love story between Meg & Ryan was created by prolific writer Gina Marissa Tagasa. The soundtrack is also a fun version of Torete, which will make you feel a bit of nostalgia. This took a while before it was released, but from the looks of it, it has all the ingredients to make you connect with the story of Meg and Ryan. Go watch it on theaters, and see the trailers on their social channels because they already have 2 out!

SAM VERZOSA Pronounces RHIAN RAMOS as His Dream Girl

Just got the chance to see Sam Verzosa today at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe. They were supposed to be guests at a conference set by its owner Wilson Lee Flores which mostly hosts political events, but this time, it's for entertainment. Unfortunately Rhian had to attend to some commitments because she's hosting a show "Where in Manila" in lieu of Sam's previous one "SV Cares" (in the same time slot). We saw a very giddy Sam and he was excited to share his recent successes including the increase in recent surveys at 38 percent.

"I already talked to a lot of people, and there's a lot of international film festivals and the Manila Film Festival is something that I'd want to do. Whatever experience I have in sales and marketing, I'll do it in Manila. As you know, foreigners only pass by the city and go to other places. I also want to do events in Intramuros, have press conferences like these inside the walls. There are restaurants, know some obstructions are there, we need to develop it and should be enjoyed by people. It's a combination of everything, cleanliness, renovation, even the Metropolitan Theater should be better promoted. We need to move events where we can maximize it. We work with what we have, it's not just selling properties, we need to use them too."

He adds "After receiving multiple philanthropist of the year, we just received the GUSI Peace Prize too. Manila properties need to be promoted right, we need to help local businesses because there's an opportunity for food, additional livelihood for Manileños so they have work."

He told us "Rhian isn't my ideal woman, she's my dream. She's so intelligent and have a huge heart. We plan to put up communities that has everything sustainable. We have the same goals, I thought I should do it elsewhere but I know we can do it in Manila. I've been a devotee of the Black Nazarene for over 16 years. I think I'd want a wedding in Quiapo Church. I want an even better looking Plaza Miranda, they've done it in Europe, why couldn't we do it here."

As for Holy Week activities he says "I hope you pray for the love, peace and prosperity. We'll be spending it by doing Visita Iglesia, 14 churches in Manila. We have been doing that with my Father ever since we were kids."

"I hope Rhian can help me promote Manila, not just the beauty of the place but promote businesses. She's my partner in life, I ask her often for decisions. For people, for SME's, it's easy to do Siomai carts (which was her idea). We'd want to have SIOMAYNILA in more places because right now, it's over 500 already. People are really becoming successful with it."

Sam hopes people see his sincerity and would want to participate in debates if organizations would invite him. He sees it as a platform where people could see that he's more action than just lip service. 

Frontrow's LUXXE WH!TE Does Crazy Launch for ULTIMATE LINE

When LUXXE WH!TE announced that they'd be discontinuing the existence of their products, folks have been airing their grievances online and in person at their headquarters in Quezon Avenue. For starters, it's their flagship product, people swear by it, celebrities endorsed it... so why in the world are they stopping production of it? We literally attended it's last day at the venue, present were the founders RS Francisco, Sam Verzosa and their COO Richmond Yu who initially was as sad as the rest of Frontrow's members. 

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After all the drama and crazy song and dance numbers by the RAMPA drag queens, this genius marketing execution suddenly took to stage as they announced their new LUXXE WH!TE ULTIMATE LINE. They also unveiled their endorsers Rhian Ramos and Michelle Dee with the new LUXXE WH!TE ULTIMA and LUXE WH!TE SLIM respectively, check out these new bottles!

Frontrow's LUXXE WH!TE ULTIMATE LINE

 

 The new packaging isn't just for lip service, because RS Francisco told us that they've made the actual capsules bigger, stronger and more effective. They're mantra, is to make sure they not just improve, but be THE STANDARD when it comes to supplements like these. These are also FDA approved and has gone through tons of tests before releasing in the market. This could also prevent competitors who have tried so hard to copy what they are doing. They even take it as a complement and have no plans to sue those who try (or will they?).

The extraordinary and bold marketing move proved to be effective, and now that they've got the new look and formulation SV says "This is the Frontrow way. We want to thank your team, RS who really thought about how to execute this. Richmond Yu told us that they've consulted different agencies but only got worried that it is still missing something. All along, they had the genius they need already in the company which is why THESE ALL HAPPENED!

 

Here's the press conference after the launch: 

 

Congratulations to RS Francisco, Sam Verzosa, and Richmond Yu, plus the countless men and women who did this launch. To say this is over the top would be a disservice to the whole Frontrow group. Congratulations also to Rhian Ramos and Michelle Dee for supporting the brand. 

Music Saves Rayver Cruz, Rhian Ramos, Glaiza De Castro, Arci Munoz and Matt Lozano in Upcoming Film SINAGTALA

Hearing their names during this press conference made me question myself, why didn't I think of that?

Dance phenom Rayver Cruz, gorgeous Rhian Ramos, rock chick Arci Munoz, talented singer actor Matt Lozano, and multi awarded actress - singer Glaiza De Castro will be starring in this movie called SINAGTALA. This is the handy work of Cinemalaya awardee Mike Sandejas who also did "Tulad ng Dati" and "Dinig Sana Kita".  

It was supposed to be made years ago but schedules made it difficult because much of the cast were doing projects that had continuity in it. The story revolves with the lives of band members who had very interesting lives beyond their usual work.  

Rhian says "You know, I've seen the trailer so many times, but it still gives me goosebumps because the meaning resonates with me. We hope this would touch lives, not just ours. We had already started working in Sanggre, then we got to work in Sinagtala. We will still do the Rastro movie, but I'm so glad that even if we are not together on screen, they still support us. We have more surprises this year. I think the pressure is different now, we are artists that need to grow. We are more mature, our closeness is different now and we hope that translates to a different chemistry now that we're doing this. Artists would relate to this because it's also about passion, to question yourself about the money, the fame, finding yourself and your center. To realize how lucky you are that you get to do your craft."

Glaiza adds "I am proud of this movie, proud of my co-stars because I feel it was fate that brought us together. There were tons of other artists that were considered for the roles but I think the Lord was responsible for this, in orchestrating forming us 5. Our schedules are crazy, but it was so surreal to see this happen. This isn't normal. I know much of them in the past, but haven't really worked with Arci and Matt, and I'm so proud to have had the privilege to work with Direk Mike Sandejas because this story is so personal for him. He wrote this a long time ago, and it now has a different meaning for him. We hope that reaches you somehow. Before this, Rhian and I were in Sanggre, when we learned about this project, I was happy because we were able to talk lengthily about the film. It's not something we expected to happen, and although there are plans to do another film, this is a bonus for Rastro fans. They'll get to see us in a different story, a different role. Rhian is actually very musically inclined, people don't know that she plays the drums and is pretty good at it. She'll surprise you with what she's going to do here. We don't talk about the usual stuff, we make candles, things that make us happy. We talk about personal things, and 10 years ago, that's a long time. We have different dynamics, it's not about just work, but life. When we were young, we dreamed of being stars, but now it has purpose. Through this film, you get to see that, you also have new dreams and see why you need to make an effort to achieve more."

Arci says "We are celebrating a very beautiful story of 5 people, connected with the love of music and love of God. Everyone had their struggles, they found their purpose and I feel people can relate to it because Direk Mike did a great job interpreting it. We hope to be able to save lives with this. I do have a band in real life, we've been together for 17 years and I think about the things we personally go through. It's not easy, you have to find your purpose, your reasons, and how to go through problems that are bigger than you. This also teaches you to be inspired. You will never fail as long as you have the Lord beside you."

Matt says "This film will touch a lot of people. I relate to this because as an artist, I sometimes don't deserve the success that I get. It will teach you about life, Direk Mike certainly worked hard with the story. The only thing I did to succeed was to hold on to God. My faith is a huge factor in everything I do."

Rayver says "I relate to this because we both are going through things. Music is something that makes me happy, when I was called for this role, we call each other bandmates. That makes me so happy even after the shoot."

Here's the press conference on video, get tissues because they've been quite emotional during this event!

This is certainly a very promising film to watch. I hope their individual fans would be able to watch the film because this is certainly something they'd love as a story. It comes out on April 2 under SINAGTALA FILMS. 

An Unending Urge to Serve: Sam Verzosa

 

This is just one of the few instances where I met Congressman Sam Verzosa (of Tutok To Win Partylist), and yes he's been doing this even before he went into public service. Today was the same as he ventured into the inner streets of Manila, to say the least, spend time and effort for the people who live here. 

He's worked with organizations, in Frontrow Cares, and his show SV Cares in GTV to make sure that he could still lend a hand where he can. His story of success is amazing. Growing up in the streets of Sampaloc, Manila, he wanted to make sure his family would have food on the table, a livable income, and education. He didn't get this outright, so he had to device a way to use his street smarts to find and build a business that could finance his needs and his family. He now owns several businesses and was successful with it because he really worked hard for it. With his capacity yo earn, he now has the chance to help other people which is why he's doing this. He didn't just give rice and basic necessities, but also taught how they could have their own businesses so they too could fend for themselves. He's teaching them exactly what he learned from his life story, he did this in different parts of the Philippines and this time, he wanted to do it in his hometown Manila.

Here's our interview with him during his activities:

Sam says "This is really not just because I'm celebrating my birthday in a few days, this is something that I do on a normal day to help communities. I've been doing this for a while now. I'm glad that Frontrow Cares, different organizations, Tutok to Win, Batang Sampaloc Foundation and SV Cares have partnered up so we can do this for them. We are just continuously doing what we have been doing in the past. We are now in Pandacan, but this morning we also went to Sta. Mesa, Pandacan, Sta. Cruz, and not just give them necessities, but medical assistance too. People need their maintenance medicine, and we included that in our caravans."

He adds "I almost cried when I saw the crowd here earlier, they warmly welcomed me when I arrived. I went to different parts of Manila and it felt special. I received hugs, some people were crying, and this is one of the reasons why I want to do this more on ground. This is why I want to extend help, even if it's out of my pocket, because I have the capacity to do so and hope I could do this even more. As long as I have the capacity to help, I will do it." 

His unending urge to serve is evident, and for the people of Manila, who sees value in this, SV will be in your place soon. He promises to do this as long as he has got the capacity to help, and that's good news.

Several Actors Shine on GMA's "PULANG ARAW"

I've been trying so hard to keep mum about this series, I'm talking about GMA's biggest series yet, "Pulang Araw".

See, I think I've heard about it a few years ago and thought that it was going to be shelved. I'm so glad to be proven wrong today as it does the world TV premiere, right after it's launch through Netflix a couple weeks ago. 

When I heard of the story, I really felt how quite promising it would be. Delving in history, the war, the Japanese, and the personal/family complications... there's just a lot of things you can pull off from that. 

Here's a video of the red carpet event:

Then there's the artists portraying the role. Coming from the very successful "Maria Clara at Ibarra", GMA wants a continuation of the #BarDa pairing so they got David Licauco and Barbie Forteza in this show. Then a little about 10 years ago, they already told Alden Richards about it. This is also the first time he is being paired with Sanya Lopez, so there's a lot to see where their stories would go.

 

The first episode I could say had no SHORTCHANGING in the acting department. Since this is a backgrounder, the young versions of these four gigantic stars of GMA would take the spotlight. Aside from them, this is the time you'll notice how underrated RHIAN RAMOS is as she plays the mother of Barbie and Alden's characters (Adelina, Eduardo). Rhian Ramos as the mother of young Alden and Barbie is EXCEPTIONAL. She's feisty, didn't hold back raising arms for her son and daughter who got beat up, teased and bullied by other kids. She's a gem in this series albeit short-lived, it was enough to showcase who she IS as an actress. I'd give her a trophy today just for that, and I'm not even joking.

Aside from Rhian who stole the show (first episode), another person decided to tell us during the preview that he's a force to reckon with. His name is Aidan Veneracion, whom I often see in workshops under Ms. Ana Feleo (with or without reason, he comes voluntarily). Albeit new to the business as a Sparkle Teen, he's really outstanding in the first salvo. Another star is Cassy Lavarias who played the young Barbie Forteza. She has this innate charm to pull you in on her struggles. She cries like a legendary actress, but she's still a child... so imagine the things she can do in a few years. Heck, she'll give a lot of veterans a run for their money. She's that good. They could be the reason you'll love PULANG ARAW on the first episode, and  follow these individual stories through.

Here's the press conference on video, please enjoy!

 Here are some of the other stars to join the show!

See, this is not normal. I could just have seen the first episode to be just another episode, but no. PULANG ARAW deserves the attention NOW and in the next few episodes. The sweetness of relationships, friendships, and nationalism, mixed with the star power of the lead stars they've managed to put together in one show, how can you not love a story like this?! 

You need to watch the show, PULANG ARAW is now streaming on Netflix. The episodes will be out early in the platform, a few days before the one shown on TV and GMA subsidiaries. You don't need to deeply think about the story, you just have to have the heart to love it just like what they did to the people in their lives and this story. Imagine if it's going to be Alden, Barbie, David and Sanya's turn, they actually were phenomenal in the short instances they appeared in the first episode (Alden made the war scenes in the forest quite a visual feast!)

Make sure you watch it, because as far as I'm concerned, it's one WELL MADE series that deserves to be seen. It's realistic, excellent graphics (especially the planes during the war), funny in some places, and you'll love how.. in a way, shape or form, impress you even if you don't like it. It's that impressive!

TOTGA Ends Exciting Show Today

Today marks the end of popular romcom show The One That Got Away on GMA primetime TV. Sad that it has all come to this, and as of yesterday the three men and three ladies seem to have not realized their dream of having a peaceful love life and relationship because now, they're all trapped in a forest - with no help or signal along the way because the plans of Renz Fernandez and vixen Solenn Heussaff are still in play. Tied up and gagged, will the ladies be able to find them later in the finale episode?

Don't get your hopes up because it's a bit difficult as they have split out and tried to find them in that forest, with no assurance that they'd be still alive or be eaten fresh by Renz Fernandez and Solenn's character. Lovi says "I will miss working with my co stars especially Dennis whom I find so good in the acting department, how he shifts, how he portrays the main guy, we felt it's all fresh and new!"

Max Collins adds "What I would miss most is the bond and friendships we formed while we did this series. Our fight scenes, we were like kids on the playground, I'll miss them all." While Rhian on the other hand says "I gave my all, my character here is so experimental and won't just fall on your lap everyday, I thank the creatives for making such fun personas in this show."

TOTGA also stars Ivan Dorschner, Migo Adecer,  Jason Abalos, Ms. Snooky Serna, Bembol Roco, Luz Valdez, Ervic Vijandre, Nar Cabico, Jason Francisco, Patricia Ismael, Kelley Day,  Euwenn Aleta and Sophie Albert. This was conceptualized for TV by Angeli Delgado, written by Renei Dimla under the GMA Entertainment Group of Madame Lilybeth G. Rasonable. This is directed by Mark Sicat Dela Cruz.

Watch the last episode later please! I would be too! :)

KUMAGCOW

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The One That Got Away on GMA

Had the chance to watch THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY this afternoon through an exclusive screening. The series is starred by Dennis Trillo (Liam) and his exes Rhian Ramos (Zoe), Lovi Poe (Alex), Max Collins (Darcy). What would be fun to see is how they (the ladies) were able to keep friendship in tact despite being a common denominator for one guy, the one that got away. This is an original concept by the GMA Entertainment Content Group.

William Dominic “LIAM” Illustre is a businessman, the most prized batchelor in town. When Liam got into an accident, the three ladies found themselves inside the hospital, bedside their exe’s. This looks like a riot, the most awkward scene, but Mark Sikat Dela Cruz (the director) made sure you can differentiate one from the other. They’ve got their families, their friends that would act as their conscience.

Nar Cabico entertained us during the screening. He sang the theme song GAGA which you can find in iTunes and other digital stores, just search for it!

Nar says “I was inspired by people who ask opinions about love, so this song is for them. They learn a thing or two in the song. I’m the best friend of Darcy here, I tell a spade as a spade out of love for a friend, a sister so you will relate to him a little.”

Max says “I am so excited to see the fight scenes, it’s super funny!”

Lovi adds “You’ll see our group’s chemistry, it will show on screen because we blend in even if we are fighting over a guy.”

Rhian says “This comedy is outlandish, I am excited for you to see how the heart is involved with real people.”

Dennis proudly adds “This show is a different mix of people, different personalities so I am do excited for you to see how it will show on the series. It will be shown tomorrow right after Kambal Karibal.”

Saw the first episode, and on thing I can say is... it looks so fun. Their introduction alone had people jeering in the audience. Nar Cabico was hilarious, saying it straightforward means he’s going to be exploding expletives every now and then. When they met, it was awkward, but meant that there are still unfinished business between them and the other ladies which Liam should finish. Their past is colorful, don’t get me wrong, but Liam made sure they are not in a relationship at the same time, he’s doing it fair.

Don’t also discount the fact that their respective families and friends are quite colorful, each having their own characteristics which still end up going for Liam as well. Destiny? Karma? Comedy rolled into one, that I think is TOTGA.

The show also includes Migo Adecer, Jason Abalos, Sophie Albert, Ivan Dorschner, Jason Francisco, Luz Valdez, Ayra Mariano and a lot more!

This is just the start, so if I were you don’t miss the first episode right after Kambal Karibal on GMA Telebabad.

KUMAGCOW

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Videos of Glaiza De Castro for Dreams Never End Concert

We went to Music Museum last night to witness the concert of Glaiza De Castro entitled Dreams Never End. It's a project that she, her family, her friends have been working on for quite some time now and this is officially her first major concert. Singing is her first love. We've been waiting for this a long time and let me tell you, even for a non concert goer like me, I'd like to say that I really did enjoy what I saw last night.

She's got some of her favorite songs, originals that came from her album and a few numbers together with other artists like Kitchie Nadal, Cookie Chua, JayR, Rhian Ramos and Ms. Regine Velasquez Alcasid. I specifically like when she sang Tonight Tonight by Smashing Pumpkins, sort of an homage to alternative and 90's music. 

Here are some excerpts from her concert:

Glaiza De Castro Dreams Never End Concert by kumagcow

I've known Glaiza for quite some time now and have really seen her journey, her hardships and know some of the details on how to put up this concert. It's not as easy as it looks, but overall, her fans loved it, I loved it, her friends and family loved it and she was happy. The performances were great, the guests were all incredible and even some of her friends joined in on the singing part (Say hello to Quark Henares, Gabby Eigenmann and Ketchup Eusebio). Watch out for this Concert as it will be shown on GMA 7 very soon.

Here's an interview of Glaiza De Castro right after the show. Try not to tear up if you're a big fan!

Glaiza De Castro Dreams Never End Concert... by kumagcow

I'm only a blogger friend to Glaiza, but I sure am really proud of her and what she's accomplished.  Please make sure you follow her on Twitter and Instagram if you want to know more about the upcoming shows in Singapore and Canada which I heard will come real soon. Also, don't forget to buy her Gold album SYNTHESIS which is already out on stores and major record bars nationwide!

Again, congratulations dear Glaiza! Couldn't be more proud of you!

For more information about her concert:

glaizaredux

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http://glaizaredux.com

Piolo Pascual - Rhian Ramos Starrer SILONG Now On Mainstream Cinemas

Would you be willing to gamble your for love even if it cost you your life? Would you be willing to get hurt or die for it? That's exactly what the movie Silong wants to answer as it gets release this September 16, 2015 as Star Cinema, Black Mamba Pictures and SQ Film Laboratories release it in mainstream cinema. With two directors Jeffrey Hidalgo and Roy Sevilla Ho at the helm, Silong will make you think about how it is to love but be in the midst of danger.

Piolo Pascual plays Miguel Castro, a doctor mourning who suddenly finds a badly beaten Valerie played by gorgeous Rhian Ramos. He gets Rhian back to health and gets her into his care, not knowing what serious consequences this may entail. This is their first pairing and these two actors have been drawing accolades from different bodies and would spark the start of other genres in the same studio after a lengthy run of romcoms. This is also the finale film shown during Cinemalaya. 

Here are some excerpts from the presscon held this Sunday:

Silong also stars Guji Lorenzana, Angel Jacob and Raymund Concepcion. It'll be shown on cinemas this September 16, 2015 in theaters nationwide! 

For more information about their movie:

Star Cinema

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http://www.starcinema.com.ph/