I've had word that the previous one was phenomenal (late 2022), so this really didn't come as a surprise for me to see Star Magic Training and Workshop Head Direk Rahyan Carlos and their team did a hybrid workshop in Toronto, Canada. This was done together with their partners over at AMP Studios Canada with Rechelle Everden at its helm.
It's a face to face workshop, so in a way it was quuite intense for all the participants who enrolled for the Introductory and Advanced Acting Class. It culminated on August 27 when they held their recital and it was joined by the very talented actress/comedienne Carmi Martin.
As you may already know, Direk Rahyan Carlos is one of the few people certified to teach the world renowned Chubbuck Technique. This has been used by several local actors and Hollywood A listers, so if you want to join, you're certainly welcome to do so by inquiring and visiting their page at facebook.com/Ampstudioscanada or their IG account @ampstudios_canada.
They would like to thank Mitzify Canada and Mitziville Farm and Residences for generously sponsoring the event and other AMP Studios projects.
There are so many talented Filipinos around the world and what an opportune time to showcase this through a Mothers Day Special through Filipino TV, a channel based in Toronto, Canada.
An evening with 6 Filipino-Canadian artists performing for a night of music, dance and the arts, they entitled this event as "Girlpower for the Supermoms". More than the flowers and chocolates which most people give on the day, songs from some of the greatest artists in the world was performed live by talented ladies from the Greater Toronto Area. This is where Gloriane, Chelsea, Arielle, Alyssa, Antoinette and Kayleigh come in. Part of DK Talents, they had a grueling few weeks to rehearse for it. DK Tijam of DK Talents knew he had to manage their schedules. He was extremely grateful for their parents who helped generously, they were able to pull it off and perform that evening.
Much on their playlist was something they wanted to dedicate to their Moms, and personal favorites that they knew would be special for them. From Antoinette's rendition of “La Vie En Rose”, "You Are My Sunshine" to Kayleigh's version of "Put Your Records On" (she also appeared on 13 the Musical btw!), they all were able to put some smiles on their Moms and those who watched, everyone felt their sincerity and love with the songs. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Arielle did "Like I'm Gonna Lose You" and "Mom" bringing their A game with a little pop influence instead. They also sat down and talked about how their Moms have been instrumental on how they became who they are today, plus a few stories in between how they bonded with their mothers, their relationships, it was so sweet to hear that!
DK Tijam was their producer, stage director, writer, vocal arranger, and everything else in between. He nurtured these ladies and trained them personally. He says "Seeing them all being made up by their own parents, preparing their outfits, and getting help with their dance numbers, I felt really grateful how we have achieved all these in a short amount of time. After training them, seeing them perform today was a WIN. Their vocal range, command of the stage and how they worked with us in choreography, they are all very talented ladies who will certainly go places!"
DK Tijam was a Grand Finalist in popular show Star in a Million (held in the early 2000's), but now trains young aspiring singers in Toronto, Canada. He now has several students that are doing quite well in the Maple state and seeing them all achieve their dreams is his success too. GirlPower for the SuperMoms is just the start, you can now watch it on Facebook or just click here.
Congratulations to the whole DK Talents team and of course, their mentor DK Tijam for the successful show!
Star Magic Virtual Workshops has started during the pandemic and has been very successful. It has come to cross borders and now at AMP Studios in Toronto Canada. Direk Rahyan Carlos has been teaching the Chubbuck technique and has been certified to do so, but now they're doing it both virtually and face to face in the northern american country.
Right now, they're doing acting, voice and dance workshops and this year, they've managed to do one last August which will have a culminating activity this December 16th.
Direk Rahyan says "We are so excited to be here. We've been doing this for 2 years and now, we're doing this in the AMP Studios Canada to teach the technique here too. My students here have been family, thank you also to Liza and Ice Seguerra for being here with me. They are very close to my heart. The one we're giving in Canada is what we are giving our artists in Star Magic. What we do with our own actors will be the same, the same premier Chubbuck technique we are giving them, so our actors use pain as fuel for acting. I met them in 2019 and did it online instead of F2F, now we are opening it in Canada. We are also doing this in other countries, and the training involves how to express themselves, to help them become the person they want to be. It's just a bonus if they become artists in the Philippines. In the past 2 years, I have already trusted them about the process, I give my students pointers on ethics for actors. It follows on becoming a better actor, it is important that it starts from there. You are just as good as your last work. We always train wherever we are, talent will be chaos without discipline, and that's what started this all in AMP Studios Canada."
Liza Dino Seguerra says "I look forward to watch your acting showcase, this experience is probably life changing for you as much as it is for me. Thank you for supporting Star Magic to globalize, expanding our industry. We have so much talent in the country, if it weren't for Star Magic I wouldn't have learned the Ivana Chubbuck technique. I am so honored to be part of the showcase, thank you for inviting me here. Thank you so much for your hospitality, it doesn't even feel like work."
Ice Seguerra says "Like what Liza said, training is important. I wouldn't be a singer if I didn't do that, I will be part of your recital, I really can't wait to be on stage with you guys."
AMP Studios Canada and Star Magic Workshops can be joined via website (https://amp-ed.com/), Faceboook and IG account. Just fill up the form and do the orientation. It's the same as in the Philippines and do it by batch. It ends in a recital so it'll be a while if you get in. They are also doing it in EST, more convenient for those in North America or closer locations. The pre requisite is the heart and time to do it. You don't have to have experience in acting, it turns passionate people into actors with the Chubbuck technique. If you have all those, this is perfect for you.
You can get in touch with them via facebook.com/Starmagicworkshops or their Instagram account @abscbnstarmagicworkshops, You can also directly inquire via facebook.com/Ampstudioscanada or at @ampstudios_canada IG account if you want to join the class.
Ontario, often referred to as "Canada's most populated province" is a beautiful and picturesque destination. Ontario has a lot to offer and it would be an injustice not to plan a trip there.
The best time for visiting the province of Ontario is during the winter months. The weather is pleasant and you can enjoy outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or ice-skating. But if the winter season isn’t for you, no worries! There is just as much to enjoy in the warmer months.
Check out these top 4 destinations in Ontario for your next weekend excursion!
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada and is one of the most peaceful, quiet, and clean cities in North America.
It is a city that is full of culture and heritage. Ottawa is also home to many different museums, galleries, theaters, restaurants and more. There are plenty of things to do in Ottawa for both visitors and locals alike.
You can also enjoy some great food while visiting this destination, with many restaurants offering cuisine from around the world. The ByWard Market area is home to numerous pubs and restaurants and live music venues that offer a more traditional pub experience for those looking for something different than just fine-dining restaurants.
Toronto
Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, so it’s no surprise that there are tons of things to do. If you are looking to get out and explore this amazing city, here are some suggestions for how to spend your weekend.
There are so many things you can do in Toronto on the weekend. You can explore the city’s neighborhoods, which each have their own unique vibe and charm. You can go shopping in Yorkville Village or Queen West Village for high-end fashion brands like Gucci or Chanel.
You can stop by the Eaton Centre during the day for great deals on clothes you never knew you wanted but need now! Or eat at one of Toronto's many restaurants that excel in cuisine.
Halton
Halton is a great destination for a weekend getaway. The town has its own charm and you can find many natural beauty spots to explore off the beaten path. The best way to do that is by bike or by car. There are also many restaurants in Halton, including some great spots for brunch on Sundays, like The King’s Head Pub & Restaurant.
Halton also offers interesting activities for all interests including golfing, water sports, fishing, hiking and more. If you are looking for culture there are some great museums in Oakville or live theater in Burlington that will keep you entertained during your stay here.
It may not come to a surprise to you that after visiting here you find yourself searching the current Halton real estate market because chances are, you’ll want to stay for longer than a weekend.
Lake Huron Shorelines
The Lake Huron shoreline stretches over 200 miles and is a popular destination for those looking to spend the weekend outdoors. There are plenty of things to do in this region when you have a free weekend.
Some activities include visiting Niagara on the Lake which is a charming town with excellent wineries to go tasting at, taking a walk along the sand dunes or Georgian Bay beach, or perhaps heading out on the water for a day of fishing or watersports.
LA Lakers Forward Wesley Johnson and Toronto Raptors Guard DeMar DeRozan with their lovely wives are now in the Philippines for NBA 3X 201. Photo credits to NBA Philippines Facebook page.
An awesome day just happened at the Mall of Asia Arena when a local soft drink brand, in cooperation with the country's biggest network SMART Communications just held the NBA 3X 2014 Philippines. It caters to athletes in different age groups with male and female divisions but the best part is, they are holding Basketball Clinics, a Slam Dunk Contest, a Skills Challenge, a 3-Point Shootout, a Fast Feet Challenge, Autograph Session with the NBA greats LA Lakers Forward Wesley Johnson and Toronto Raptors Guard DeMar DeRozan and live performances.
A touching sight, special kids were taught the sport of basketball. Credits to Flow Galindez of angsawariko.com for this photo.
NBA players Wesley Johnson and DeMar DeRozan together with Toronto Raptors Cheer Squad with Atty. Adel Tamano and the special kids showing that NBA Cares.
A celebrity match was also done this afternoon where teams made up of Marco Alcaraz, Derek Ramsey, Ervic Vijandre, Rovilson Fernandez, Will DeVaughn, Jinno Rufino, Mong Alcaraz of Spongecola, Mark Zambrano, Bobby Yan, Robin DaRoza, Fabio Ide, Jose Sarasola, Eric Tai, Andy Smith, Luis Alandy, Coach Rio Dela Cruz, JayR, Vince Hizon, DJ Emel Rowe, Coach Alan Gregorio, Marco Benitez, Anton Roxas and Aljur Abrenica played for charity along with a small clinic for special children in the Philippines. Other celebrities like the Sacramento Kings mascot Slamson the Lion, Toronto Raptors cheer squad and the Raptors Dance Pak also joined in for this cause headed by NBA Cares.
DeMar DeRozan huddles with players from different age groups, giving them support to feed their love for the game of basketball. Photo from NBA 3X Asia page.
Team Alcaraz won the Championship for the Celebrity Challenge. It was a really tough round but these guys did great! Photo credits to NBA Philippines Facebook Page.
Smart Communications will surely be supporting all sports related activities in the country especially those which that have a cause. The kids were undoubtedly all smiles before and after the games and the NBA players had the pleasure of spending quality time with them. I hope I get to see the next ones soon. In the meantime I'll enjoy streaming my future NBA games through the NBA League Pass and Smart because they are the official partner in the Philippines. No matter where I am or whatever I'm doing, it'll save me and give HD quality videos through my smart phone. Awesome!
Oh and before I forget, according to the NBA 3X 2014 organizers, some of the games will be moved to the PICC instead of the MOA Music Hall because of the weather and unforseen circumstances. Please like their Facebook page for more details about that.
