Celebrate Mothers Day with NOVA VILLA, CES QUESADA, FYANG and JM: "PICNIC" A Tagalized Korean Film Released by Nathan Studios

While the rest of the world is happening, there's this Korean film called PICNIC that's taking the theaters by storm. This is a film directed by Kim Yong-gyun and will be showing today (May 7th) in theaters nationwide.

We were at Gateway Mall last night to cover the premiere night, and the lobbies were filled with JMFyang fans and movie goers who were screaming on top of their lungs when they saw stars on the red carpet. We were able to record the media conference before the screening, so please enjoy!

The film is certainly a tear jerker. It revolves around the characters Eun-Sim played by Na Moon-hee (voice dubbed by Ms. Ces Quesada) and Jun Geum-soon played by Kim Young-ok (voice dubbed by Ms. Nova Villa) and their friend Tae-Ho played by Park Geun-hyung (voice by Kuya Bodjie Pascua). The younger version of Eun-Sim and Tae-Ho was dubbed by Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra.

 

 

 

They are a rowdy bunch despite the number of octogenarians included in the cast, and there's certainly no shortchanging of "landi" if you could say that out loud. Super happy about scenes where they were able to throw shade at each other. It didn't matter if their backs would hurt at each turn, they will tell you a spade is a spade even if it hurts your feelings, even if it means bringing back the past. The conversations were so amusing that when you're about to cry, they'll insert humor in between so you would giggle about the situation. I think this was clearly done that way to make sure it wouldn't be heavy and cerebral.

 

I super love the banter between Ms. Nova Villa and Ms. Ces Quesada. It was a good decision to provide Filipino dubbing for it as it felt a lot like home. No need to rush reading subtitles to understand the story because it could easily be understood in cinema audio. Should you watch it? DEFINITELY. I bet you'll find the story more apt for the children rather than for the Grandmas or Mothers involved in it. They'll learn a lot about how to go through the intricacies of love for family. It's a gem, and if you find KDramas so good for watching in the corners of your room, go do this in the cinemas because the experience hits certainly different.

 

Congratulations to CEO Ria Atayde and COO Ms. Sylvia Sanchez who knew right from the start that this would be a good thing to bring in Philippine shores.

Spend Time with Family and Watch "BUFFALO KIDS"

 Just got off the cinemas after watching this new animated movie called "BUFFALO KIDS". The name itself made me happy because of its affinity with cows, so I'd like to thank the good people from Nathan Studios for brining this into the country. I knew it was special because they always bring something different when it comes to movies.

This Valentine's season surely wouldn't be just for pairs, but for the whole family. So if you are looking for an activity this week, this family film will surely touch your hearts. First off, it's a journey so you get to feel that adventure right from the start. The characters are also interesting because they are immigrants from Ireland who went to America in hopes of reuniting with their Uncle Niall. When they didn't get to see him after they went down the ship, they journeyed far and beyond to find him, and that's where they found Nick. Nick is special, a paraplegic, so he couldn't talk or walk, but the two (Tom and Mary) treated him as a friend and equal. This would teach kids to do the same, unadulterated kindness, something that should be taught early on. He's also an orphan, but in the movie, he gets to be a hero (or is he?) just like anybody else.  

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Kids would also love a glimpse of the great outdoors, the western scape, some historic element of the gold rush, the original settlers (Indians). They will also teach kids not to judge just because of looks, race, skin color or features.

KUMAGCOW loves this not just because it's a really nice film, but because of the COW/BUFFALO element. So make sure you plan your week with the kids, take them to cinemas this coming February 12 to see BUFFALO KIDS! Because if I enjoyed it, they will too!

Celebrating 10 Years: "JUAN KARLOS LIVE" at the Mall of Asia Arena this November 29th

I distinctly remember being seated beside this good looking lad at a concert in Mall of Asia Arena a couple of years ago. Even back then, he's one of the most adored artists of his generation, and I could reckon how he was at awe of how it must have been like performing on stage especially at this big venue. This year marks his 10th year in the industry and with all the pieces falling into place, it's the right time to hold his very own concert. They call it "JUAN KARLOS LIVE", happening this November 29 at the same venue.

JK says "I'm excited, but nervous, but I'm working with amazing and talented people so I'm concentrating on audio and visual aspect of the concert. Nathan Studios is working on a lot of things. I never think of it too much, it was never really set as a goal to perform in big stages, it was more of contentment wherever I perform. I think it's just the people I work with that makes it worth it. I have a song called KALAWAKAN, which is a nice song, but haven't performed it on stage yet just like a few collabs I've done in the past. Sometimes I forget it, but imagining performing those songs just have that cool aspect."

He adds "I don't think anyone could be ready for something like this, but Tita Ibyang (Sylvia Sanchez) told me not to think of what to perform, because this is for the fans that supported me all these years. It's something that I have to do for the people who believe in me, it is the direction I felt was right. With that, I just said "oo nga ano", it is for them. I'm trying to balance selfishness and selflessness, to try to balance the flow of the show that I'm just there to perform rather that complicate it. It will be intimate, a jam session, it will be an experience, no lessons, but the feeling of being in that capsule to be able to relate to those songs, and the life we went through all these years. I just feel like yesterday I was a bisaya that was just playing on stage by coach Bamboo, not taking things seriously when I was in Voice Kids as a bonding moment. I never dreamt any of these things, now here we are because of that one decision I made to please my Mom. For some reason, it was something she wanted, it made us happy. It's beautiful because I've been through a lot to be able to get to where I am now. To reflect on that, and be in this moment, it's beautiful. I am lucky and blessed to be surrounded by people who believe in me."

 

For him it was a no brainier for Nathan Studios to produce this because Ms. Sylvia was a mother figure. She was the one who pushed the concert even if the decision was made. He just said yes to it. JK also discussed his relationship with his Lola, the one who pushed him to achieve things. One that didn't talk too much, but is part of who he is. He says the things she does is cute, and he's happy she is witnessing this.

JK also lamented how he used to watch concerts, and believes how he should be a consumer before becoming a performer. He felt he was able to get a perspective of what he should see to enjoy a concert, and now that he is doing this, he is finding solace in creating songs that the populace will appreciate, make him feel good, because music was the thing that made him feel constant even if he's going through a lot. This is for the people who made him, and his songs, part of their lives.

 Here's the full press conference on video, took a long time to upload this, please enjoy!

He is honest, fragile and vulnerable, and wishes to write more songs in the near future. He has a lot in his coffers, it's just the release part that worries him and prolly his label. The viral version of "Through the Years" may or may not be played on the concert too because a lot of people are requesting for it. It's just going to be a surprise, so make sure you get the few tickets left for the concert on the 29th! We heard some sections are already sold out!

This concert is also directed by Paolo Valenciano. Musical Direction is by Karel Honasan. This is produced by Nathan Studios and fully supported by his label Universal Music Group Philippines.

Get your tickets at SM Tickets website smtickets.com/events/view/13698. He's a very cool guy, and I think I'm a fan. :)