Green Bones Tops MMFF 2024 Awardees: Now Shows in Over 180 Cinemas

Green Bones unfurled a few surprise wins in the recent Metro Manila Film Festival 2024 Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night) which happened last December 27th hosted by the folks from the Metro Manila Development Authority. They won the festival's coveted BEST PICTURE Award amongst 10 entries including the Best Actor award for Dennis Trillo, Best Supporting Actor for Ruru Madrid, Best Child Performer for Sienna Stevens, Best Screenplay for National Artist Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza, Best Cinematography by Neil Daza and the nod of critics. The night's award ceremony was witnessed by GMA Network's Senior Vice President and GMA Films President Ms. Anette Gozon-Valdes. She describes the win as a great show of their efforts, risks, to ultimately tell the story in hopes of people loving the story, in its wonderful and outstanding depiction. 

This is the vision of GMA Picture's Executive Vice President Nessa Valdellon. They wanted to make sure that the movie would become a vessel to showcase the amount of talent their artists have, and no doubt Dennis Trillo, Ruru Madrid gave their all.  Critics likewise saw how production took risks, and lauded how Director Zig Dulay made sure it be at par or even better than last year's successful entry "Firefly" which got rave reviews and top awards  too. Dennis' portrayal of Dom Zamora had complexity, Ruru on the other hand did Xavier Gonzaga - who's a very colorful character, who wouldn't want to fall or have a change of heart with criminals like Dom in the film. MMFF also took notice of Sienna Stevens, got her the Best Child Performer trophy, and nominations for talented actors Royce Cabrera and our guy Mikoy Morales who had their moments in the film. If you haven't watched it yet, just be warned I've seen fully grown men who had a bout of crying in the cinema, a handy work of Ricky Lee and his excellent screenwriting no doubt. Go watch this touching, but now, well decorated film that's been lauded by movie goers during the festival. You'll be surprised how emotional it will get in the end, and see why Green Bones took accolades this year.

Potential Runaway Winner "GREEN BONES" is GMA's Entry for MMFF 2024

"Green Bones" stars during the premiere night (photos by Kapuso PR Girl on FB) 

While I was not able to watch the screening or participate in Green Bones press conference a couple days ago, I'm quite sure they're bringing their guns out for GMA's entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2024. Why? The cast includes Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid, not to mention an ensemble cast of award winning actors like Alessandra de Rossi, Michael de Mesa, Iza Calzado, Nonie Buencamino plus the same people who worked on hit film "Firefly" that won Best Picture and Best Screenplay last year. Top caliber actors like them would just have this for a snack because no doubt, Dennis Trillo will surely perform above and beyond expectations. He plays the role of Domingo Zamora, a man who got jailed because of the murder of his own sister. Ruru on the other hand will be depicting Xavier Gonzaga who's a committed prison guard who ultimately wants Zamora to remain locked up, no matter what it takes. 

While the story would have begged for action sequences, it delves more into drama surrounding the myth behind green bones, where their remains become the measure of their goodness/virtue. Ruru's character won't be believing Zamora's change, because he's got history with matters of senseless crimes, as his own sister was a victim of it. 

This will be quite interesting to see because from the looks of those who have watched it in advanced screenings, people were trying their best not to cry, but failed miserably. This is the handy work of the same "Firefly" director Zig Dulay who's undoubtedly done remarkable pieces on TV with the likes of "Maria Clara at Ibarra" and "Sahaya" amongst his stellar work that won awards in different festivals here and abroad. Not to mention the work poured in by GMA Public Affairs' JC Rubio, legendary writer and National Artist Ricky Lee and last year's Best Screenplay victor Anj Atienza. They are also with some of my favorite actors Mikoy Morales, Royce Cabrera, Kylie Padilla, Victor Neri, Ruby Ruiz, Sofia Pablo, Sienna Stevens and Enzo Osorio plus more on their ensemble cast. I wouldn't be surprised why this was already tapped by Columbia Pictures which is the flagship distribution unit of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group. They'll be handling international release for it which just tells how qualified this Filipino film is in winning even more categories this year!

This is in celebration of the 50th year Anniversary of the MMFF, congratulations GMA and to all the artists! You've got something special coming out this Christmas and the whole family can watch it as it is rated G!

BLACK RIDER Readies for FINALE WEEK on GMA

Direk Rommel Penesa was so happy about how Black Rider turned out. It has exceeded expectations, and the long time it's been on TV plus the ratings are proof of it. We got to talk to the cast and the people behind the show this afternoon. Thing is, Black Rider will have it's FINALE Week on July 22nd, and there are big things happening in the show.

Ruru Madrid says "I have learned a lot from doing this series, starting from LOLONG, then this one, it feels good to see how their kids actually emulate my character. It's what I always put as a goal, I know what to do in the next projects. In the past, I only dream about it but now they all send me videos, of them living their hero dreams. Eversince, I've always wanted to become an actor, to achieve that and see people dream like me, doing this series, I hope to do a film in the future. I also want to Direct, as I've been watching Direk Rommel Penesa do it. I hope the network trusts me even more in the future. Working with Yassi was quite easy, she really collaborative. She asks the questions to make the scenes better. My character made me realize that we go through things in life, but it's up to us to be consumed by the depression, he needed help and got it from the people around him. He wouldn't survive without them, and that's what I learned about this character. Everyone can be a hero, without super powers, you can help and people can be inspired from that. If we have a book 2, I hope Elias gets out of the tiring vengeance trail. Black Rider needs a change, to fight for others, the small things he can do everyday."

Yassi Pressman says "It's been a roller coaster ride, to my Black Rider family, Vanessa was a joy to do. She's something I've never done before, she loves her family, and with the new revelations, there's just so many emotions to do because I have amnesia, I have to do so many things because there are people brainwashing her. For anything, the experiences I've had with the people will always be cherished. I would say this has really shown what I could do as an actress. With the help of good script writing, there's heart, love, friendship, it's a colorful life. I've always loved working with Ruru because we have done Video City. He also helps me improve what we do, because he's a real good actor. I have a few things lined up this year and next year, hopefully I could tell you about it soon. In life the challenges we face, we always should be positive. You need to find people who can help, especially the important ones, follow your heart, listen to yourself more than anything. Smile, put that energy out there, be kind." 

Jon Lucas adds "Calvin Magallanes won't exist without the help of other actors. The Director also reminds me much of who he is, portraying him is really challenging. My Papa Sir Raymond Bagatsing really told me about playing villains, and the attack is different. Their help and support is instrumental, they take out a lot out of me. Calvin is a really tough person, he wants to fight for what he feels is right. He is just a little hot headed, but he's someone that gives it all. I will miss a lot of people, even before we were launched, I felt I wouldn't be doing much without this. I really had to learn the ropes, from writers, Director, the actors, I will miss them all. I thought this was going to run til December. They gave me a lot of things to think about. Maybe in the next saga, there will be a lot of women empowerment line. A woman by his side, maybe something fun with the story."

Herlene Budol says "The work with Empoy is hard, when you look at him, you can't be serious and I lose character because I am a fan of him. A little move, a little conversation, I laugh at him. Chemistry wise, I enjoy our moments together, we really have to make landi when we are on set. When I finished Magandang Dilag and guested here, I thought it was just a short stint. I think the impact this gave me was huge, because the action sequences are hard. The artists are also big, I'm having separation anxiety already. I learned a lot to listen with co actors, to focus because there are a lot of things I had to understand what the Director wanted me to do. The blocking was another thing, you have to dedicate a lot. I still have a lot in the near future, but couldn't say it yet. You'll have a lot of things to look forward with Budol. My fights with Hector makes me so drained at the end of the day. I feel it physically and emotionally. I take it home sometimes. Aleck Bovick tells me a lot where her slaps would land, I adapt a lot of techniques from her and do it on other scenes."

 

Empoy says "I didn't really have a hard time doing this because my characters are fun, and the people I work with are so nice. When I wake up, I just pray, clean my teeth, look at the script, wear my Black Rider wardrobe and that's it."

Raymond Bagatsing says "Playing Senor Edgardo according to the script is both intriguing and fascinating. As the story went along, he didn't want to become that guy, because his life is hard, and I trust the process of letting the script reveal where my character would go to. It's a collaboration, it's something that I don't realize later on. It's a beautiful set, actors, crew and staff, I think that's how my character bloomed in the story. I can only wish he be happy later on, but I don't really know what will happen to him in the TV series. As Edgardo, he kinda accepts his fate, that's how he is. He doesn't look for pleasure with other people. Elias being his son, and his other son, plus reconciliation with Alma, he deserves to be happy in the next scenes."                

The plan is to close the stories of the characters. It's going to be realistic according to head writer Erwin Bravo. If you are hoping for a next season, it looks positive. The stories will be continued especially for the main story. It's going to be as Filipino themed as possible, it's the promise of Black Rider. Make sure you watch the finale week starting on the 22nd of this month.

This is under GMA Public Affairs, and from the looks of it... they're going to have more programs in the pipeline that's waiting to be discovered!

Beautéderm Celebrates 5th Anniversary of Sparkle Partnership: Introduces New Ambassadors

 

Looks like the good people from Beautéderm are adding a few more good looking people on their roster of endorsers. 

Ms Rhea Tan says "There's no new product to launch but since I miss you all, which is why we are doing this presscon. Today, we are going to meet 10 biggest stars of GMA Sparkle Artist Center. Our best selling product the "BLANC KIT" is going to take the spotlight. Hydroquinone can be used for those who are in their 40's and are seeing lines. The Acne Banishing Toner, Moisturizing Sunscreen in the morning, Toner and Cream in the evening. You can use it in two months and see how even in one week, you already see the results. This is how you'll see the effects of the Blanc Set. You'll have peeling and drying out in the first week, and you have to trust the process. It takes time but if you see the effects and maintain it, you will see the difference." 

Then they introduced Cassy Legaspi, Rayver Cruz, Ruru Madrid, Buboy Villar, EA Guzman, Thia Thomalia, Ysabel Ortega and Patricia Tumulak. 

 

Ms Rei adds "Since it is almost summer, we have a new EYE BALMD'or and L'EAU SOLEIL UV Block SPF 30 Face and Body lotion that is not greasy and light, and can be worn over or under the makeup. You can use it throughout the day!" 

These men and women will be part of their efforts in spreading the word about their personal BEAUTéDERM favorites and the hit BEAUTéDERM BLANC Kit that's meant for Anti-Acne, Anti Aging and Whitening treatments. I've personally seen a lot of people use this and seen how they have successfully get results in a week. Not fully healed or gone (the time I saw them), but a whole lot of improvement and will be more evident in continued use. 

 

The kit contains a toner, an acne banishing cream, a skin nourishing cream and a moisturizing sunscreen which you use as a regimen. Doesn't matter too if you're a guy, girl or anything in between. Now that they have joined the BEAUTéDERM family, it'll be more fun in the next few months as they also join the events when BEAUTéDERM also launches more branches around the country.

 Here's a video of the event!

 

Ms. Rei adds "Our company has been here for 14 years, and I must say, Beautéderm leaves a sparkle everywhere. People have raved for us because we have sincere endorsers. I am very happy that even during the pandemic we have continued to bring jobs to our celebrities and people who have become part of the brand. We hope through our celebrity partners, we bring beauty with a purpose. To my new babies, don't let others dull your Sparkle! And again, welcome to the Beautéderm family!"

SPARKLE's Outstanding 1st Year!

You've seen them all shine and sparkle this 2022 and this year, it's even gonna get bigger as fresh faces and more talented artists join SPARKLE, GMA's talent management division.

According to GMA's Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes "I hope to continue leading SPARKLE and be able to meet the demands of the post, to ultimately be of service to our stars and the network!"

Behind her is a powerful team that includes Ms. Joy Marcelo the AVP for Talent Management, Sparkle's Senior Managers Tracy Garcia, Vic del Rosario, Daryl Zamora and countless managers, handlers, producers and specialists who have been making it possible managing the careers of over 300 Sparkle artists. They have been under the one and only star builder Mr. Johnny Manahan who has always been very hands on since Artist Center's rebranding.

In 2022, Sparkle's artists Sanya Lopez headlined "First Lady", Ruru Madrid on the other hand did swashbuckling hero "Lolong", Barbie Forteza, Julie Anne San Jose and David Licauco did "Maria Clara at Ibarra", Kylie Padilla did great work on "Bolera" and the one and only Alden Richards did the "Start-up PH" show among countless hit series on the network. These men and women + artists have worked hard to make these programs successful and currently, plans to have an even better performing 2023 is brewing!

Aside from the hit shows, Sparkle artists such as Heart Evangelista, Alden Richards, Gabbi Garcia, Khalil Ramos, Julie Anne San Jose, Kyline Alcantara, Camille Prats have had the trust of different brands, both local and international surprising even their own management.

Several events showcased Sparkle's talented stars including the Thanksgiving Gala and Charity Event held mid year. They also launched some of the freshest artists and love teams through Sparkada through their music video during summer. In the latter part of the year, they also did "The Sparkle Spell" where their favorite GMA artists came clad in different costumes impressing people of different demographics, events that all garnered millions of views and reactions. During Christmas season, they gathered at the SM North Edsa SkyDome for the year ender "Sparkle Fans Day: Isang Pasasalamat" where they got to personally thank their supporters in person. Over 70 Sparkle artists entertained 1400 people during that day which included me in the audience. This kept a lot of fans and onlookers glued to TV sets across the country. 

They continued to grow their roster of talents by acquiring new talents and renewing contracts through their Signed for Stardom events. We got to take to a new generation of actors, actresses, hosts, up and coming stars and your favorites. I remember interviewing THEA TOLENTINO, LIANNE VALENTIN, LIEZEL LOPEZ, KIM PEREZ, THEA ASTLEY, DUSTIN YU, PRINCESS ALIYAH, JADE TECSON, SKYE CHUA, HALEY DIZON and MARCO MASA among others. 

Some of the artists got also immortalized at the new Sparkle Wall of Fame which will grow even more as Sparkle artists join in the coming years. Sparkle's social media accounts have also exponentially grown in recent years which includes their YouTube channel and TikTok account that have lead views and follows among entertainment accounts in the country. This is just the tip of the iceberg as they've got plans to work with different digital streaming platforms and international brands with their new world class shows bringing multi awarded actors and actresses from their roster and give them a plethora of opportunities outside the country too. While they continue to hone the talents of their artists via workshops they host, and the different shows they make on the channel, Sparkle is going to continue their successful run to make sure you get a dose of these top of the line shows, titles and concerts to audiences not just in the Philippines but elsewhere in the world!

For more information about these artists and shows, visit their website GMANetwork.com and their social channels today!

SPARKLE with Sanya Lopez, Gabbi Garcia, Ysabel Ortega, Bianca Umali, Derrick Monasterio, Ruru Madrid, Miguel Tanfelix, Khalil Ramos and Mr. M

Spent the evening with some of GMA's brightest stars as they talk about the huge change that happened with GMA Artist Center, they now call it SPARKLE. This was launched during the Kapuso Countdown which is their annual new year's celebration. Today, Mr. M chose a handful of them so we could get to know them more.

Sanya Lopez says "Of course when Sparkle leveled up, I'm more excited to also level up our talents. The name might have changed, but we continue to grow, they will be there to guide us all. It's a little nerve wracking, but I hope I get to work with the others because I've only worked with Gab, Ruru and Derrick. For me, I believe if you are a good person, that's already a Sparkle. Your attitude, your being humble, you feel that grow through other people because you have a good heart. For me, First Yaya I feel made me Sparkle the most.


Miguel Tanfelix on the other hand adds "If I would say something to my younger self, I won't spoil anything. I'll just say you're doing good. Being part of this will make it better, they're there to guide us to work on our craft and to constantly push us. They will drive us to even better things. I want to also work in a film with Khalil, I really learned a lot during our talks off cam. I am grateful and excited. I feel people forget what we do, but if you do it wholeheartedly with the right intentions, you'll inspire people."

Ysabel Ortega says "We're working hard to level up ourselves, super excited to be part of this family. They will make us level up as well, to meet that standard, to work hard, inspired and motivated. I have only worked with Miguel, so seeing them here I want to work with them all."

Good looking man Khalil Ramos adds "Put all your money in bitcoin. I'll tell my younger self to brace for the ride of your life, to look at your beginnings and spend more time with family. In this evolving industry, it's nice to have a team with Sparkle, they believe with I do and the skills I posess. In terms of work, I now have a lot of people to work with. I look forward to have a productive year with Sparkle. The one I have only worked in this group is Gabbi, hopefully that will change and perhaps create content one day, we have a lot of things to do.

Bianca Umali says "To all the dreamers, we all want you to know that anything is possible. This is a milestone for all of us, we have our own paths, but they're not here to change, but to lay more roads and have more discoveries which we cannot do alone. I have nothing but a grateful heart, I want to work my compatriots here because I've only had work with Miguel and Derrick, so it's going to be a nice opportunity to do that now. Aside form Mano Po, I have a series with HBO, hopefully to premiere this year so I hope people watch that. I'll also have a soap by the end of the year, and I've launched my own YouTube channel so I can share more of myself with everyone. I hope I get to work with Ruru."

Gabbi Garcia shares what she feels sand says "I'm excited to see more collaborative work. Us 8 we are pretty close off cam and I'm excited to grow this year! They give us the right direction and I am blessed to be part of this group. I am grateful for my team for trusting me, it's a big deal, I want to work more with them in a show, I haven't worked with Miguel, Bianca and Ysabel. I've known them for years, but haven't had the chance to do that, hopefully this year. Encantadia for me was where I sparkled the most, because I was the youngest there. After that, I was stronger, a lot better because I learned from them."

Ruru Madrid says "If there's something that I would say to my younger self, is to never stop dreaming. Even if you fail, you'll get there, you'll never stop learning. It's just a challenge and you'll appreciate it more when you get it. It's a challenge for all of us, because it's  a huge thing to trust us with this. We need to give our 100 percent in inspiring more people, entertain them, and give us the challenge to step up. The ones here are very talented in their respective shows, it's a big thing to be here, it's a challenge to prove myself, I want to explore more with the projects that I accept and I'm sure with Sparkle it'll happen. I haven't worked with Bianca, Khalil and Ysabel, I am excited if we could do that, it'll be something fun. Lolong is a really hard project, I have prepared for that a lot. I made my YouTube channel a venue to talk to my co actors, to learn from their hardships and struggles, to put up businesses, to inspire people. Hopefully I'd be able to work with Bianca because she's very talented, very professional and I'd like to learn from her too. It's a challenge for all of us to leave something for people who watch our shows, I want to show something different everyday. I don't want to stop learning, to only live with what I have, I want to give inspiration to others and even other artists of Sparkle. I was initially shocked about being part of this project, for me, I just want to bring back their trust, to work harder, there are a lot more good looking people out their but they gave us their trust."

Derrick Monasterio says "This is just the start for us. All I know is that I'm here to improve, and hopefully it will show in my new projects and movies. I have almost worked with all of them except Khalil and Ysabel, hopefully it'll be easy now to do that in one show, soon. Calling someone by their name, it impacts them, it's something personal, smile at them, these simple ways can make their day change, and it'll be something that could also benefit us in the future. I was driving earlier when I found out that I'm part of Sparkle 8 and I thank the Lord that he gave me strength to be part of this. Hope we flourish in our own little ways."

Mr. M "Get a nice light and put lot of shiny things on you (he kids), you have to do more work, you have to make it shine. We want to rebrand Artist Center and give it a face lift, give it more vigor, make it younger and better. It was already good, but we just want to be more with these artists. We're raring to have more quality work, I suggested it a couple of months ago and Lorenz Tan came up with the name. When I look at someone, I see a spark, you see the garbo, and it's something special, you just feel it when you see someone. After a while you get to know their work, their passion, their commitment and discipline, like these 8 guys and gals, even then I've seen how they have grown in GMA. I've seen that in Dingdong Dantes and Alden Richards. These days, you need to have something in them that make them love their profession. These young men and ladies are just the start, we want to revitalize Artist Center and I think Sparkle just does that. It embodies that change, you can expect a better quality of work from these artists and this system that we work will have them in rigorous training and workshops so we can see them as GMA's brightest stars this year. I don't think things changed with social media, the formula has been the same. We still don't know if it's better or worse, because it has given us more opportunities to enhance the progress of the artist, but also, there are some bad things about it. The system will stay the same, you have to look for the Spark, we try and work with them to complete that. It helps, but sometimes it's buwisit! (he kids)."

There's nowhere to go but up as you see these SPARKLE artists shine even brighter this 2022. Hope we get to talk to them more soon!

Celebrities Use It: Beautéderm Launches Two New Products!

Beautéderm Skin Ambassadors Sanya Lopez, Ruru Madrid, Ria Atayde and Jane Oineza

If you see celebrities, do you often wonder how they take care of their skin? Why does it look flawless in spite of the crazy hours of taping or making a movie, or the heavy make up that they have to wear when in a shoot? It all comes from taking care of something basic, their skin. Beautéderm has always been in the business of doing that and in the past few years, these celebrities have sworn on how effective it is. Aside from the current ones they are using, Beautéderm has worked hard in developing new products to cater to different types of skin and hair problems. Recently, they've launched the new La Voilette Anti-pollution Hair Sanitizer and Acne Loin.

The La Voilette Anti-Pollution Hair Sanitizer comes in two scents, Sunrise Mist and Twilight Fog. It's all natural ingredients create a potent formula that aims to eliminate 99% of germs and bacteria. It also is better than using alcohol or sunscreen. This has SymUrban elements which are effective toxin neutralizers so you always feel fresh and clean. This also takes care of your hair strands, keeping it moisturized, lessen sun damage, and prevent hair fall. You can also pair it up with existing Beautéderm Detangle Hair Brush and Beauté L’ Cheveux hair oil too so you don't get your hair abused, and nourish it.

Beautéderm knows you've been wearing those masks for a long time now, and if you're a little too oily, you've probably developed pimples and acne where the mask covers it. Acne Loin is an antibacterial solution that can greatly help in reducing acne in these areas which would be good news for front liners and designated "alays' who are often out to purchase essentials.

Beautéderm President and CEO Ms. Rhea Anicoche-Tan says "It is a must to sanitize everything we hold, touch and wear every time we go out during this pandemic. When we go out for errands or simply buy from stores, we can't just go home and call it a day because we have to protect the people inside our homes. We need to shower and put our clothes in the washer, sanitize our hands and hair, including the masks we wear so we get our family and friends out of harms way!"

If you wish to know more information about these products, make sure to follow @beautédermcorporation on IG, FB or their YouTube channel as they lengthily discuss them there. I'm waiting for my own stash to use at home, we all need that!

Ruru Madrid and Jasmine Curtis for Cara x Jagger

I have been hearing about Cara x Jagger since early last month and I'm a little excited for my boy Ruru Madrid. I think it's high time the spotlight shines on him and this new play on partnerships with Jasmine Curtis. This is under APT Entertainment and Cignal Entertainment, and is a mainstream movie. One asks, who is Cara and Jagger?

They are lovers, but set in a different situation. It is character centric, not fortelling how love should be, but making it as hurtful as this, may spell that it's numb or being a martyr, but really, how would you stay in a relationship that is bound to fail?

Jasmine says "This is for the ones who choose to love, to those who don't know what to do on moments you're already hurting someone. Who knows, you may end up as close friends, or spark a second chance. Ruru says he got intimidated with me but we both overcame it and there is a level of comfort how he moves now. We have familiarity." 

Ruru says "Sometimes relationships fail, but it doesn't mean you don't have to go through the experience to get over it. You need to love, we understand who Cara and Jagger is, for me, the script is good and Jasmine and I helped each other executing lines, even connecting our personal experiences, our past, the gravity of it. You choose the similar pain even if you haven't gone through it yet. I didn't know in the beginning how I would approach her and did research, we both did. It helped when we did the workshop because she gave me her trust, that I think made it easy."

Here's part of the blogcon on video:

Cara x Jagger is gonna be shown in Cinemas this November 6, so if you're in love or not, go watch it on theaters.

Ruru Madrid Outs Own Single “Nawawala”

Ruru Madrid, one of GMA’s finest actors has just hinted he’s launching a new music video this 3pm for a single he just released digitally called Nawawala. I’m not surprised because I’ve seen him sing several times when the phenomenal pairing with Gabbi Garcia was still a thing. Now that he’s taking strides on his own, Ruru is taking the leap and making this music career on the road and release his own kind of music. Will the public be as warm for his shot at recording?

Apparently yeah, because as we speak his single is being featured in Spotify’s New Album and Singles plus New Music Friday List. What does he think about this? He performed live for us at Ethan’s Cafe in Morato.

He says “I am a little shy about this (but he did good). I have a lot of things meant with this song coming from real life experiences, maybe not about me, maybe about you. I saw how good the composer made this song, he can do things on the spot. I might have to fix things on composing songs because I have some work from last year, and things are happening differently now. Every New Year I always host the show in Philippine Arena but I still get stage fright. A concert? Maybe, but I’d rather have a chill night in a bar and you never know, maybe someday in a bigger venue. I did songs for Toda but the first time I made a single was with GMA music when we did Let The Love Begin plus the one with other GMA artists, this is my comeback. Locally I love Hale, Parokya, Rivermaya, EHeads, December Avenue, Ben&Ben, maybe that’s why I like this style too. When I watch stuff, I don’t specifically look for a peg, I like a lot of bands. Autotunes are for more modern stuff, I can do rock ballads, I even recorded this in 20 minutes. The song only needs emotions, not necessarily love, we all go through that, I just had so much memories to pick out words from, it just came out naturally. When we shot the music video, I was just crying already, I am happy in what’s happening because this is a dream come true for me. When it comes to romance, or work, I am passionate about it. I hope soon, I’ll have an advocacy too that would become something like that. I hope a lot of people get to listen to it.”

So there you go folks! Now is your chance to take a look at Ruru Madrid in a different light. Go play for it on Spotify, download it on digital stores worldwide. He’s a happy chap, but let his music set your mood to recover from love lost.

TODA One I Love with Ruru Madrid and Kylie Padilla

I have been watching their early teasers early January and these upcoming shows about elections caught my eye. The show TODA One I Love stars Kylie Padilla and Ruru Madrid who also made their mark during Encantadia where their pairing KyRu started. It begs for a show especially for the fans who seem to have affinity with the teamup, it was bound to happen and it did in this very socially relevant show.

Ruru says “Nagka work ulit kami ni Kylie and I am so happy to see even KYRU fans didn’t give up on us. I do drive bikes and driving tricycles are different, it is heavier and it helped because we have experience. The way we vote in Iglesia is different, we only usually know two days before the elections who we have to vote and the system is different.”

Kylie adds “This is my comeback show and I want someone who has been in a working relationship with me, we already have a following so it is so much easy. I think real change depends on us, whoever leaders are it won’t be good if we do not have that in us. Things that we want to say, I have already said it in my lines on the show. I have experience in driving motorcycles and I had to adjust, I am a little boyish and I had to just over act a bit.”

David Licauco says “It is on people, I believe what Kylie said. My character is not evil, they are both respected leading men, so it is up to her character.”

Gladys Reyes says “We are on a blocked vote in Iglesia and it is a sacred right for us to vote. People spend time to actually learn about the ones we would write on our ballots. This character is very political, all smiles when there are people, but clash when in private so I can play with the character. It is fun to see because it is more situational, dead people, graduation, birthdays, the mayor’s tarpaulins is going to be there. It’s inspired from a mix of different people.”

Kimpoy says “It is a reminder for Filipinos to still instill principles whenever we choose leaders.”

Director Jeffrey Hidalgo says “There will be scenes to be seen especially on issues that happen in real life. It is going to be delivered funny but it is serious. You will get to connect personalities but it is more talked about on scenes, you will fall in love, you will see action, you will see Kimpoy also do drama. This is very grounded, tricycles haven’t been seen on tv to be a lead in the community. The politics, the talk between afternoon moms, it will all be seen. There would be no real politicians in the show because if there is a need to we have characters to do that. Also, politicians won’t be able to campaign and appear as a rule indicated by comelec. It may be TODA but it reflects society as a whole. There is corruption, funds go somewhere, politicians using them, things like that affect us all.”

TODA One I Love will start airing on February 4 on GMA Telebabad and will replace a Korean series.

Filipino Anime Barangay 143 Launched

I’ve never seen anything like this yet on Philippine TV and it’s a welcome change from regular programming. Knowing how the cartoon/anime industry works, this must have taken them years to actually conceptualize and finish, but a couple weeks ago, we have confirmed that Barangay 143 is finally here!

In huge celebrations at the Centris Tent in Quezon City, they had us take a look at the voices behind the characters of the Filipino Singaporean Anime series which will be seen on one of the countries leading networks, GMA.

The series is produced by ASI Animation Studios, Synergy88 and August Media Holdings in cooperation with Japanese Television Network TV ASAHI. It’s all about the Filipinos favorite sport, BASKETBALL. It’s a little funny how we all are much known as shorter people but so involved with this sport. They will see exactly why we are so connected with it, drawn mostly by Pinoys, and a story line that also talks about Philippine life in a Filipino setting.

During the press conference, they introduced celebrities who played the voices of the characters in the series. GMA’s Migo Adecer’s voice was used for Bren T. Park, a half Filipino - South Korean basketball player searching for his Father when his mom died. Julie Anne San Jose plays Vicky the team manager, Ruru Madrid is Wax who plays for the opposing team, Kelley Day plays Jinri who is Bren’s friend, veteran actor John Arcilla plays Coach B the star coach from the Philippines, Gabbi Garcia plays Melody who later falls in love with Wax, Ms. Cherie Gil plays Sophia, Paolo Contis plays Koboy, young Raver Eda as Buchoy and prime actress Sylvia Sanchez plays Tita Baby (every Filipino has one Tita Baby no?). They will make your short few hours a fun one with this show. 

This show will probably start early October 2018 on GMA and will also be shown in Japan sometime soon. People will see a glimpse of Philippine street basketball, a short view of how romance and passion is done here in the Philippines too. Are you excited? Don’t worry because according to the few stars I have talked to after the launch, they had fun doing these characters, they just hope you will enjoy this too!

By the way, you can also download Barangay Basketball on Android now and play as one of these characters, you’ll get to see how they will do the story soon on the Kapuso network, I think they are block timers, stay tuned!

I can’t wait to see this happen!

KUMAGCOW

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Sherlock Jr. Starts January 29

GMA is putting a paw on the table as it ramps up the primetime slot via GMA Telebabad. Popular loveteam GabRu aka Gabbi Garcia and Ruru Madrid will be making their world a little more fun with Siri (original name Serena) as they go about solving mysteries and crimes with the new show Sherlock Jr. as GMA Drama's first offering. With a viral project in the past, Siri won't be just your regular pet dog but will be part of the whole story, also aiding her masters in invesigating each case as it goes.

For those who don't know, Serena was just a golden retriever which was gifted to a trainer. Early on, she was already seen very active and they didn't hesitate to cast her because she was smart, talented and very expressive on screen.

Janine Gutierrez's character is pivotal as she will start the story of this dog and how it will end up with Ruru's character. From sit down, stay, pickung things up and carrying bags, she can do it on command. She does have her off days, as her trainer describes she gets bored just like any kid.

We met some of the cast members during a blog conference organized by GMA’s Digital Team. Together with Fans and Kapuso Teams, they played games with Sofia Pablo, Kate Valdez and Yanna Asistio. We also watched the first episode which partly had us look at the show’s characters and how the fesity Gabbi Garcia started her relationship with Ruru Madrid in the show. Aside from that, we had a glimpse on how close Siri was with Janine Gutierrez’s character and why IT all happened, we’re not divulging that part as it may spoil the show!

Serena aka Siri for Sherlock Jr.

Again, this show is going to start on January 29 which falls on Monday. Don’t miss the first episode because as cliche as that sounds it’s important you know the story behind each character. The show also includes Roi Vinzon, Aiai Delas Alas, Tontin Gutierrez, Sharmaine Arnaiz, Rochelle Barrameda, Andre Paras and Matt Evans. You will love Jack and Lily I’m sure.

KUMAGCOW

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