Shot in SEOUL: KELVIN MIRANDA and KIRA BALINGER for "Chances Are, You and I"

There are still a lot of stories to be told and this one is both romantic, heartbreaking at times, and could pull heartstrings. It also talks about love, friendship, taking chances, and dreams... this of which will be discussed lengthily in this movie by Pocket Media Productions Incorporated. This stars Kelvin Miranda and Kira Balinger, some of the country's most promising stars.

A Little Backgrounder:

This is the first project of Director Catherine Camarillo under her production outfit PM Productions Inc. This was during the pandemic, and when the franchise of ABSCBN wasn't renewed. This was a family decision, more or less, and since her daughter had this script for a while now, they wanted to do this specific one and offer it to streaming services pre-prod. The scenes were all shot in 2022, and a little during the latter part of that year because production ceased when restrictions came during those times. 

The film had to be shot in two locations, one in Manila and the other in Seoul in South Korea. It was mainly due to the look they wanted to portray especially during winter time, which they find perfect, and hellish when they got so cold after scenes were cut.

This is also the first time that Kelvin and Kira are being paired on screen, but they've got quite different first impressions when we interviewed them yesterday. It was essential for them to not only wear 3 layers of clothing, have heaters, and several heat packs underneath just to survive all of that. They were so grateful the crew from Manila and Seoul stepped up and made sure they were comfortable as arrangements were made during filming.

Director CC says "It was really the perfect weather to shoot in the snow because of the visuals. We might have had a hard time shooting because of it but really, I was so impressed with how Kevin and Kira held up in that temperature. They knew the vision of what we were doing and really understood the script. They knew their lines, so I really didn't have a problem with the scenes we had to shoot in Korea. I was happy how they really portrayed the roles, and I hope you appreciate how it felt during our teaser drop (check @catherineocamarillo on IG) because that is made with pure love, passion and hard work."

She adds "I may have had problems securing artists in my home network, but I told my staff I needed a new pairing. It was an audition, I pitched it with Kelvin and Kira then profiled how they both speak, or see how they could add to the characters/role they needed to do... and I appreciate how they interpreted it."

Director CC also holds several hit projects under her belt including "Halik" and "Wildflower" on TV. Her real orientation is film, so this is the caliber of what you're about to see in CAYI.

Here's our interview with Kelvin, Kira and Direk CC yesterday, please enjoy!

 

About Sol and Gabi

Kelvin says "My character was more or less an opposite of me. Sol is quite happy, with a loving family, and might have bottled up angst which would surface when he's dealt with a very huge scare later on. It made him look at life differently, but manages to deal with it like it's not a big thing. He takes these challenges easy, and learns from it. He's also quite adventurous and tough, a man's man and is fond of extreme sports which you'll see in the film. That's where he feels that he exists, and I think that's who he is in a nutshell."

He adds "Maybe I gave a lot to my character because I felt like an actor in this film. It's a big concept, and the trust given to me is no joke. I really felt like I was Sol when we made this."

Kira told us "Gabriela Sinag is a hard worker, she volunteers and is so bubbly... severely a person for others. Behind that, she's hurt, and will perhaps get through things with the help of Sol. That's where the fun starts. Honestly, I don't know if I'm crying because of the emotions or the cold, but it gives you a sense of focus so you could do the role and not just because of the environment. It was a different experience for me. The Korean team were so professional, so you really need to step up, and they take care of you. It was so wonderful with our short stay, it was memorable. Personally, I thought he was a bad boy because he was always wearing black, he had earrings, the works! He showed me that under all that machismo, he's a nice person and very devoted to his craft. He is such a giving actor, and it was so easy to work with him."

Flip a coin and take a chance in CHANCES ARE, YOU and I when it comes out in theaters this May. Official release will be done by Regal Entertainment in theaters nationwide!

PS

It was such a joy to talk to Kelvin and Kira, and the stories of Direk may just be the tip of the iceberg. Hope to get to interview them about this film before it shows soon!

Kelvin Miranda and Ally Gonzales for "Gusto Kita"

If you haven't heard "Gusto Kita" sung by Kelvin Miranda and Ally Gonzales, I suggest you do so on Spotify and other streaming platforms. We had the opportunity to talk to them a few days ago in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. It turned out to be very romantic that some of the press were wondering... if there's something else between the two artists. Or are they just friends?

Here's our coverage on video:

 

Ally says "I'd like to thank Mr. Gino Padilla for the wonderful song that we were able to collaborate in. Kevin is such a good person, very much a gentleman. He's also very fun to talk to, and I'm just grateful to have been able to work with him. Originally we were just looking for the song where Kevin and I would be able to sing together. We all liked "Gusto Kita" and we tried to revise it a couple of times to fit what we wanted to do because this wasn't intended to be a duet. I'm still very young, I just turned 18. I remember the days when my Mom used to teach me how to sing. I was also able to train with Coach Keith Martin and his wife. I was put under the wing of Vehnee Saturno since I was around 13-14. I had difficulties maintaining my low notes and that's what I had to train hard for. I also have a voice coach in case I also needed to do more training because this is a continuing thing, I need to learn new songs almost every day. I don't compete with other singers, I compete with myself because I want to improve and become better. Self love is the key, because if I had that, I'll have confidence and I feel, it all starts with myself."   


Kelvin adds "The song was awesome, and it has recall. When I first heard it, I knew that it was a good opportunity to do our version of it. Ally is very sweet, I'm very happy that she's beginning to achieve her dreams in such a short amount of time. Ally already knows her music, her genre, I had the chance to choose this Filipino song in a long list we had for covers. I am really grateful to have been able to work with Ally on this single. In our group, we talked about what we need to do covers for, something that fit our personality, something that we can interpret and connect with. In this generation, any music is a little hard to sustain because people are looking for new things everyday. This is done differently, I realized how I wasn't listening much of OPM songs but this made me realize there's so much out there to listen to. Hopefully I could do both acting and singing, train for it, because I know experience is the best teacher. When there are opportunities, I don't want to pass on them especially when it's on GMA. This chance to partner up with different actresses, singers, it's part of how I could develop as an artist."

The version was something off a teen romance novel. It kinda makes you feel all fuzzy inside and wish you also had someone say the line to you. Again, "Gusto Kita" is available on Spotify and other streaming platforms. Their music video is also available at the GMA Music YouTube channel so go ahead, indulge on what could be a start of something big. I would want to see if this could start some new show, or series for them. I bet their respective fans would want to see that. This is under GMA Music and Universal Records Publishing.

TEAM Acquires Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan

It's quite amazing to see how Tyronne Escalante Artist Management managed to become bigger by the day each time they announce new talents joining their stable. With their already stellar line of artists, one could realize how he was able to put this from the ground up, and successfully put them into pedestals, in projects, TV shows and movies which they worked hard for and deserve.  Recently, they announced artists Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan will now be part of T.E.A.M. and will manage their individual careers. With his track record, the best days will certainly come.

Polo Ravales has been in the industry for years now, and has done quite well in the race. He's done roles left and right, from drama, action, support roles, he's already have had an established career. His goal in the next few years include winning acting awards now that he's under new management. Polo also revealed how his wife Paulyn Quiza (a pro fitness coach) became the key to a huge change in his lifestyle. He used to party a lot, but now involves himself in taking care of his son, having healthy food, travel and workout which he exclaims "blessed!" that they do it on a regular basis. This new chapter in his career is going to be different and he says "TBH I didn't really knew Tyronne, but with the work I do, he came strongly recommended by a Director friend (Cathy) who was under Director Joyce Bernal. I was looking for management that would bring me to projects that would get me to the next level. I immediately called him that same day, there was even a strong typhoon at that time. Now that I'm under Tyronne, I promise to be the best version of Polo Ravales that I can be. I am happy and thankful to be part of it."

Andrew Gan adds "I've been seeing Sir Tyronne a couple of times at ABSCBN projects. When we talked, I told him that this too will be a concerted effort on both our ends. He was recommended to me by a GMA executive. He's very hands on and I will look forward to do more work now that I'm under his management. I can promise intense dedication and commitment on the work I do. What I like about Tyronne is how he's hungry, thirsty for growth. You can all see how he does it and ask "What's next?!" which I'm so thankful for. I look forward to work with him even more now that I'm under his wings."

Chanel Morales on the other hand has been in my radar since Artista Academy days on TV5. Recently, she's involved in putting up a Bar/Salon in her hometown of Bacolod in Negros Occidental. She says "First, I want to thank Kuya Ty, as you may know I was in a different management agency before. We haven't really talked that much about our plans yet but what I can promise him now is that, I am not just here as an artist, I'm also here to help him to market myself, it's a 50/50 effort and work. We met while we were still doing Artista Academy and while he was introducing a lot of artists to different shows. When I approached him and asked for his help, he didn't hesitate especially after the pandemic. He really gave me a chance to become part of TEAM and I am extremely grateful for that. I already saw how aggressive in accomplishing his goals for his artists, his management, I only wish him success on our future endeavors. I'm really looking forward to it! I didn't really ask anything specific, but just help me when inquiries pour in so they could handle it. I closed so many deals in the past including work on social media. It's what I plan to do in the next few years. I can also do hosting stints, not just acting jobs." 

On a personal note, I really love Chanel. She's been very kind since Day 1. I can't wait to see her do big roles on the silver screen soon because her face is absolutely perfect on camera.

Tyronne Escalante says "For those who don't know, Chanel is Akihiro Blanco's loveteam in the past, so I was able to really get to work with her back then. I am very happy and grateful that we've added more artists to the pool of talented actors in TEAM. I mean who wouldn't be happy to see that you'll have Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan in our roster. It's a growing family, and I am glad to welcome them all here!"

This is just the start of big things that are about to happen in Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan's careers. I hope that soon, we'll begin interviewing them for the projects they are eyeing here, because these talented artists really deserve it.

Congratulations and welcome to Tyronne Escalante Artist Management!

An Artist with Big Dreams: TERA

Saw TERA a couple months ago during the debut concert (and charity event for frontliners) of successful PPOP Girl Group CALISTA. She sang a few cover songs and original ones which piqued the interest of the press and onlookers during that time. And now, her time has come to be officially launched as a solo artist under the Merlion Music label.

Her passion was and always has been music, and she feels so happy that her whole family has been very supportive of her craft. Other people might call her privileged but she attributes her success not because her family is well off, but of the sheer hard work and dedication she has put in when she sings and write music. Yes, she is also a songwriter which is why during her grand launch, she sang a couple of songs including an original one called "Higher Dose". Her manager Tyronne Escalante has always seen a huge potential with the budding solo artist, and she has shown that during the event.

Tera says "I thank the Lord God for letting this day happen. I've made my music in tears. Finally I was able to present my songs "Fascade", "High Dosage" and "Sagip". Please do wait for these singles to be released on Spotify soon. I always believe that if I could dream it, I could achieve it. My Dad inspired me this work ethic, he really did work hard for his dreams. I knew though last year, it just wasn't the right time. I prepared for this, studied dancing with Douglas Nieras, voice and music. They are always by my side."

She adds "For now I'd like to do more gigs, mall shows, performances so that I'd be able to make a lot of people listen to my music. I want to take it to as many places as possible, I don't want to box myself in doing just an international career, but here first in the Philippines. I understand when people hear about who I am, they have a notion about me being privileged. I have worked hard to be where I am today and I wish they listen to my music first."

She says "I am super glad that JM De Guzman is also here. I am quite familiar about him and his music, and his support through his performance in this grand launch means a lot to me. I don't think I have a crush in showbiz, my parents are not strict but they just tell me if I wear too much skin. The plan is to have a full album, I've been writing songs since I was a teen, and I still have 200 songs in my phone and perhaps I'm choosing the best ones and come out with them soon."

TERA is just starting to discover who she is as an artist, and who knows, in the near future, she's going to have more opportunities as a singer and song writer that could take her where she wants to be. Indeed, she's got a long journey ahead of her and as long as she works hard for it, and still dream big like what she's already doing, she will get there.

If you want to know more about TERA and her music, follow facebook.com/TeamTyronnePH to get updates about it.

 

CALISTA, G22, Dione, Press Hit Play, VXON, 1ST.ONE and KAIA Partners Up with KUMU

I'm starting to think that I've become a PPOP fan boy as the Philippines continue to showcase some of the most talented groups in the country. Recently, I was invited to a KUMU event as they got my personal favorite girls Calista, and groups G22, Dione, Press Hit Play, VXON, 1ST.ONE and KAIA.

Calista's Anne, Olive, Dain, Denise, Elle and Laiza were all smiles meeting the press and fans, they prepared mighty good for the short performance they were gonna do during the event. Clad in femme fatale pop outfits, they were like special candies, sweet and lovely! After their very successful VAX TO NORMAL concert last April, they still managed to do rehearsals together. Honestly, I was impressed with what they showcased in Araneta Coliseum last April and hope that they'd bring the concert in other countries after that. It was world class, best of all, it's dedicated to frontliners which have been boldly doing their job during the pandemic. Artists like the talented Yeng Constantino, dance princess AC Bonifacio, hearthrob Elmo Magalona, popular actress Andrea Brillantes, the incomparable Darren, and good looking dance phenom Ken San Jose performed there as well. Here's a short interview with Calista during the KUMU signing:

 

Partnering with KUMU will not just give Calista the ability to entertain with games, songs, dance and performances, but real time talk with fans who would want to connect with them on a personal level. I imagine them getting to know the girls and their personalities, all the more reasons to stan them especially when these ladies want to inspire people. The girls also surprised me when they answered that they're not in the PPOP industry to compete with other groups, but to become a force that brings people together so they could both bring honor to the country. And as I mentioned earlier, they were really eager to do that by planning collaborations in the coming months, they also have several events lined up where they will be performing with the other groups which makes this even more exciting!

Exciting times for Calista together with Tyrone Escalante Arist Management and KUMU

Aside from these ladies from Calista, we also got to talk with G22, a pop group under Cornerstone Entertainment Inc. They were a charming bunch of ladies, very eloquent and I love how they've got serious pipes when they performed during the event. They present a different flavor, and had a sultry kind of vibe.

G22 from Cornerstone Entertainment

Sorry for the background noise as we were in a real coffee shop when this interview happened, but this is the first time I've gotten to talk to them, they could pass beauty queens bar none.

DIONE on the other hand got me cackling a bit, like their outfits, their personality was actually very colorful. I love how playful and game they were answering questions from the press. Joyden, DK, Clara and Ella were just so nice, they'll surely go places. They're also excited about what will happen on the KUMU app because they've only had a couple of events where they get to talk to their fandom called TALI/ES, and this just gives them an avenue to interact with them more because there will be instances of chatting with them personally on the app. 

Here's a short interview with them that afternoon:

PPOP Girl Group KAIA on the other hand banked on really good rap lines. The vocals are all impressive, which goes to prove that Filipinos are a force to be reckoned with in singing. Their style is swag, and I like how varied things are in the PPOP girl groups, each has a different thing to present even if they are in one venue. This is a win for fans as they've got a lot of groups to enjoy in the platform.

 

The fierce ladies of KAIA

Angela, Charice, Alexa, Sophia and Charlotte also has a single called BLAH BLAH which I had so much fun hearing during the event. They sang live and judging from their previous videos, they've improved so much by leaps and bounds. I'm glad there's more talented artists like them in the country, we're not being shortchanged by KAIA. Their music is so much fun and danceable!

These good looking guys are from VXON, Cornerstone Entertainment's boy group

If good looks were a crime, these boys from VXON would be in jail for a long time. I think some of them are actors too, so basically they're all triple threats. They also write their own songs which is a plus in the artistry department. They have sacrificed a lot and looking at their performances, they're doing so good. I wouldn't be surprised if Vixies would be screaming their lungs out when they perform on stage, these are golden boys. C13, Sam, , Patrick, Vince, Franz would gladly do that for you.

 

These guys are called 1ST.ONE

 Style wise, I could liken them to JPOP groups, but they're definitely Filipino. Some of them rap, sing, and boy, can they perform. Ace, Max, Alpha, Joker, J, Jayson, Gift also have different personalities, but they gel as a group. The pandemic was quite tough for them just like with the other groups but they knew they had to stick together in order to succeed. They're continuing to learn the ropes and happy that they now got to perform with other groups, I think their strong suit is vocals. Joining KUMU made them grateful for all the opportunities that are given them especially now that restrictions are easing and performances on stage are coming back. They're raring to get to the top, hungry for it and if talent would be the measure of that, these boys would be up there!

 

Press Hit Play Meet Press Hit Play's Charles, Yuuki, JP, , Zi.O and Sev

Very nice and humble guys, they thanked KUMU for giving them and the rest of the groups the platform to showcase their talent and provide entertainment for Filipinos here, and the rest of the world. I'd mistake them for crooners because their singing voice would be the type that would make ladies legs become jelly, but their dance routines are equally good. They're very excited to interact with fans as they couldn't do that for several years because of COVID restrictions. They write their own songs, so it's very personal. Tell Me is out on streaming platforms so if you love them, might as well stream it today!

I love where this is going, we've got talented artists showcasing their talents to be seen in the world stage. The difference I guess PPOP is giving now through this is the "connection" as we're mostly known to be emotional people. That really sets us apart, and I'm glad these ladies and gents are thankful for the opportunity thrown to them. 

You may download the KUMU app on the App Store or Google Play Store today. It's free!

 

i-Pop Girl Group CALISTA Release Empowering Single RACE CAR

New girl group CALISTA

I loved what I saw earlier at the launch of CALISTA, the newest iPOP Girl Group set to conquer the world by storm. They scoured the country for a little over a hundred talented girls and pick the ones right for the mix, and that's what we saw earlier. They've been training for months and with fire in their eyes, they're raring to go do the legwork to become the biggest girl group act in the world. 

This is the first time I'm seeing Anne, Olive, Denise, Dain, Laiza and Elle as restrictions from COVID in the country was just relaxed this month. Their launch coincided with International Women's day and that couldn't come at an opportune time. They came from different backgrounds, Anne is a triple threat and previously released singles, she also appeared in projects from Regal Films. Olive on the other hand is my personal favorite. She's very pretty, and was crowned Miss Teen Cebu 2019. Denise on the other hand has been doing dance for a few years now. She also has done international dance championships in Australia and wants this opportunity with Calista to soar. Dain has been in the pageant circuit. She's also a model and balance her studies successfully. Laiza has appeared in different TV shows, movies, a very versatile actress. Elle is also a beauty queen and a spirited dancer, you'll love what she does on stage and we saw them all happen today.

Calista with Niana Guerrero who performed this evening!

Here's their new single RACE CAR

Their first single called RACE CAR written and produced by Marcus Davis was also a hit with the press. With the catchy tune and fierce lyrics, it fit Calista to a T and personified who they are as a group. Answering some tough questions from the trad media earlier, they reiterated that they're not in the industry to become famous, but become an inspiration to people who would love their songs, dance and performances. They know their lives will change and in the next few weeks, they'll be doing a concert called VAX TO NORMAL in Araneta Coliseum. This means they'll be working doubly hard as they do that on April 26th, this is under Merlion Events Production. The concert will be shown on TV5 and will include Yeng Constantino, AC Bonifacio, Elmo Magalona, Andrea Brillantes, Darren Espanto and Ken San Jose. Last thing, although they're very talented women, they still have a long way to go and they're all raring to prove (and know) that they're worth it. You'll have to see them brave 

Before things go haywire, make sure you check out Calista on their website at calistasocials.com and follow their channels @CalistaMusicOfficial on IG and Calista PH on FB.

See Her Shine: SOPHIA STAVE

I've been covering photo shoots of celebrities for quite a number of years. This was kind of special as it's been a while since I've gone out because of the pandemic. I've seen a few photos of her online and getting to know a new artist might seem to be a chore for some, but I felt a little excited because Tyronne Escalante Artist Management had a gem in their hands. She's Sophia Stave, a Filipino American beauty from the province of Bukidnon which is an extensive plateau and mountainous area in Mindanao.

After living in San Francisco for a couple years, she and her parents went back to Malaybalay, Bukidnon 4 years ago for business and pleasure. She didn't know she'd end up representing the city through a pageant that didn't push through because of the pandemic. She was discovered through social media by TEAM (Tyronne Escalante Artist Management) and she's been riding the wave since then. 

Sophia has a soft heart for horses and she's been riding competitively since 2018 after tagging along with friends in the province. That's good news so if there would be stunts in projects that would require riding one, she'd wouldn't have to train for it. She also plans to take up Animal Science in college soon as it is clearly has become a passion. She also wants to make it far in showbiz, use this platform to good use and do well in every project she's involved in. Sophia also adores Liza Soberano which she feels she could connect to since they almost have the same background since she too came from the US. She also loves Daniel Padilla, which to me means she has good taste! Here's more of our interview with her at the studio on our video editorial.

 

 

 

We couldn't help but marvel on how she looks. She's very pretty even up close. These photos don't do justice (which I captured on mobile during the shoot).

Currently, Sophia is currently making herself busy at their farm in Bukidnon during the pandemic. She's taking lessons and watching more Filipino movies/series to learn more about the language and her craft. She's a bit flexible in roles she wants to do, she's both a princess and a toughie. Now if she lands in a network soon, you know you've seen her here first. Follow TEAM's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TeamTyronnePH) for more updates about her and other artists from their camp. 

You'll see Sophia Stave shine even brighter, soon!