See the 37th Star Awards for Movies on FlexTV

Looks like the folks at the Philippine Movie Press Club Inc. are busy and will be showing the 37th Star Awards for Movies on February 4 7PM on FlexTV. 

Performers include Ice Seguerra, Christian Bautista, Jessa Zaragoza, Dingdong Avanzado and will be hosted by Paolo Bediones and Lada Morena. This will be directed by Peter Allan Mariano. For those who don't know, you can download FlexTV on Google Play and the App Store and enjoy entertainment content aimed for the global market. It's gonna showcase the live stream so make sure you're on it before 7pm. If you wish to also join the Search for FlexTV Star and win 500K cash, head on to FlexTV official FB page for more details. 

This event is sponsored by Arca Bespoke, Mowelfund, CreativeTech and FlexTV.

Update from PMPC

Asia's Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista Renews Contract with GMA

The crooner who has swooned tons of ladies across Asia has renewed ties with GMA Artist Center. In simple ceremonies last week, Christian Bautista was so happy about his decision to stay with the network. He has been in the industry for over 2 decades and he's very happy knowing that he's gotten renewed because he's treated this as a great partnership. He's been with GMA for over 8 years and plans to do various shows including the highly successful "The Clash" Season 4 and "All Out Sundays". Aside from that, he's looking forward to a future of doing GMA Pinoy TV and regional tours (sans pandemic) which will possibly get him in touch of audiences abroad as a major throng of his supporters are from other countries too. 

Christian understands that it's a bit difficult to make plans because of the COVID-19 restrictions so he's probably going to wing every opportunity that comes with this renewal. He also did a project called STILL with Julie Anne San Jose and other artists which is produced for the VIU app. It's more of a series that's got a lot of music involved in it. This will be out soon so his fans still have a lot of things to look forward to, hopefully this year. 

These days, Christian is also doing YouTube and he says "It's a bit difficult now, but everybody is doing it. Your fans will enjoy how you share your life, so we (he and his wife) decided to do it. As for digital concerts, that's a lot to think about. Producing, getting sponsors, the timing, it's a bit difficult. Renewing in GMA is surreal, at this time, at this age, it was a nice feeling that people believe in you. I wish for a project that would be celebrated around the world. Whether it may be in front or the back of the camera, I'd like to see that happen. Right now, this show with Julie, it's outside the Philippines and I'd take it. Being with people who love working together, with a purpose, it's something that I want to do. These days, you think about how you would get to earn as an artist during this time. I'm grateful to God that I'm not getting neglected. I want to focus on The Clash as a mentor and judge, hopefully I'd be able to help them. I want to also write songs, be a creator, not just sing."

Recently, the MET was inaugurated and opened by the city of Manila. One of the performers who were invited during that historical opening was Christian Bautista. I asked about it casually and he says "The experience performing again on stage was surreal, I was both excited and elated about doing that again after several months of getting locked in at home. Even if it was 2 seats apart during that day, the live audience really was a different experience. I liked what it was, and I loved to see what it can be again after all these restrictions are gone. In the future, there would probably be online shows, live shows, to blend them might be right. The Clash was getting a nomination in New York just meant that I was doing something right. It's for the directors, the people behind the show, not just us artists and contestants. No one in particular but everyone who joins The Clash, you can feel that they really do want it. It's just sad that opportunities are not given to them all, but hopefully they would try, and not get discouraged."

Here's the rest of the interview on video:

The Clash is going to be bigger and better, so will all the celebrations on AOS. You'll see Christian there and all the talented artists of GMA. 

PMPC Set to Hold Star Studded Benefit Concert

A very entertaining Sunday will be coming up as some of your favorite stars and singers converge in a benefit concert set for some Senior and ailing members of the Philippine Movie Press Club Inc., the premiere press organization in the country. They aptly call it "AWIT SA PANDEMYA... A PMPC BENEFIT CONCERT" which will be held this April 18, 2021, Sunday at 8PM (5AM PDT). They will also have proceeds be given for members who are in dire straights and need their daily maintenance medicine.

Performers include Asia's Multimedia Star Alden Richards, Asia's crooner Christian Bautista, World Champ Jed Madela, the iconic Ms. Kuh Ledesma, and superstar singers Gerald Santos, Ima Castro,  Luke Mejares and hunky Jeric Gonzales. Aside from these stars, performers include JV Decena , Gari Escobar , Christi Fider, Joaquin Garcia, Jos Garcia , Sarah Javier, Charo Laude, Diane De Mesa, Renz Robosa , Lil Vinceyy and the Zcentido Ska Band. 

For those who wish to help, tickets will be sold at ticket2me.net and the show will be done on the same platform. Make sure you support your favorite stars so that the organization would be able to provide help for their members who need it. You also get to have an entertaining evening of songs world class Filipino talent!

The Clash Season 2 Starts on the 21st!

Starting on September 21, The Clash will be back on TV with new hosts, tons of singers from all around the country. During the screening, they had Golden Cañedo sing in front of the media. This is their second season, and Golden shares “A lot of things have happened and it was awesome to have been able to get a lot of things done like singing and acting. I have always wanted to work with Ms. Lani and hopefully we can do it in the US. For the contenders, I only thought of it as a way to achieve my dreams, so I could help my family. I thank God for giving me this gift!” and oh man has she got pipes!

Rayver says “When I transferred, I got to do singing as it is one of my passions. I have been doing a lot in the past years, I am very confident I guess, I want to learn other things other than dancing. It’s an opportunity that my Mom would be proud with. This is my first year but I got a lot of friends now because of GMA. My songs just got opportunities because of Studio 7 and there, we have a lot of production numbers, she teaches me a lot of things.”

Julie adds “When this was offered to me it was a few days after my concert, I was so happy and blessed because I wanted to be part of season 2. I also am excited to work with the artists and Golden who won Season 1. We all were in Studio 7 and this is something I looked forward to. I don’t think we will be performing in Clash but we might, perhaps in Studio7, it will be less of us and more spotlight with the contestants. I never really had a hard time working with Rayver because he’s a pro, recently, we had workshops so we could build rapport and work on it. Our goal is to make people understand stuff, he delivers quite good.”

Christian Bautista says “I wanna be moderate, in the first few rounds, but will be more strict in the later rounds. They know they have to learn everything they can, in moderation. In the auditions, it can be young and old, pro and not, but in live performances, it could turn out bad and it really depends on their vocal quality. There will be differences, we will be twists like our first episode but in different times. We all look for opportunities and GMA has given us all acting, dancing and singing opportunities.“

Lani Misalucha says “We don’t show our favorites because it changes when they think about it, they might not give their all if that happens. We see potential, but when they get matched with good ones you’ll have second thoughts, and the genre might be same, we might choose a cute one, joke!”

Rita adds “Julie anne and Rayver will be at the clash arena but Ken and I will be talking to the contestants. We will have to dive into their lives a little before and after the competition. You will hear more of us before they are introduced.”

Golden says “I have a lot of things happen to my career, my Studio7 stint, my guestings, I have my friends also getting their own singles out and I am so proud of what is happening. I wish to be able to sing also with the next Clash Season 2!”

The Clash Season 2 will air at 7PM right after Pepito Manaloto. You better watch it because it’s going to be exciting! All 4 You The Clash Concert is also happening October at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center in LA.

THE CLASH Starts July 7

Not holding back, the Kapuso network is coming out with the biggest singing competition on Philippine television this July 7, 2018.

Imagine, 62 of the best singers in the Philippines battling it out on stage after a rigorous audition that was held in different parts of the country. In the show, they will get the chance to pit against each other and showcase what the Filipinos are known for in the world, world class singers. As you may know, this will also be hosted by the one and only Regine Velasquez, Asia's Songbird. She will be flanked by Joyce Pring and Andre Paras as they bring you updates with the contestants all throughout the show.

They also will bring in esteemed judges like Las Vegas diva Lani Misalucha (who quirps she's excited to be back working with her friends), Aiai Delas Alas (who loves the format because ordinary people can now showcase their talent) and Christian Bautista (who wants to make sure they will have to choose the perfect song and sing their hearts out!). Now isn't that enough to be excited about!?

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

#LoveThrowback2 the Concert: Timeless, All Star, OPM

It looks like the stars are aligned for love struck people this Valentines day as some of the greatest OPM artists like Ariel Rivera, Joey Generoso, Jinky Vidal, Nina, Christian Bautista and Hadji Alejandro swoon your hearts away as they sing timeless and classic OPM songs at #LoveThrowback2. This concert will happen at the PICC Plenary Hall this February 14 at 8:30PM. 

Make sure you get your tissues ready as they delve more into Filipino ballads that'll send you to feelings of love, heartaches, loss and even acceptance in this February. Now I know you miss Ariel Rivera a LOT but we're sure he'll whip up his hit singles "Sana Kahit Minsan", "Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin", and my personal favorite "Ayoko Na Sana" which you shouldn't ask why ha-ha!

Former frontman of Side A Joey Generoso will probably sing your favorites "Tell Me" and if you're good that evening he might add in "Forevermore" too because nothing beats the original. Jinky Vidal, power and all will bring you to her hay days with Freestyle as sing hits such as "So Slow" and covers of "If I Believe" (I think a Patti Austin original) and "One Hello" which she did awesome in the past. Soul Siren Nina will get you her I woke up like this type of singing for her successful renditions of "Through The Fire", the heartbreaking "I Love You Goodbye" and if you're in the mood she'll also sing "Love Moves In Mysterious Ways".

Asia's Hunky Balladeer Christian Bautista on the other hand will get you feel the reason for Valentines day with his hits such as "Colour Everywhere", "The Way You Look at Me" and "Hands to Heaven". Hadji Alejandro will also get you to see the reason why he's called "Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala" as he sings "May Minamahal", "Nakapagtataka" and for those who are in rebound relationships "Panakip Butas". 

You may purchase tickets through Ticketworld by calling 8919999 or TicketNet via 9115555 or SM Tickets at 4702222. This is produced by Royale Chimes Concerts so make sure to follow them @RoyaleChimesConcerts on IG and @RoyalChimes on Twitter for updates and behind the scenes footage of this concert. I'm watching this so see you on Valentines day!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

The Manila Staging of Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

I just watched The Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in Meralco Theater this evening. Now I didn't really expect too much because this is after all the first staging in Asia and the deal is, my Dad wasn't too keen on watching it either (he's the biggest fan in the family but begged off last minute). So I went with my Mom and watched the show, I was thinking I had to lower my expectations since this is a staging in Manila, but really, I was wrong to even think of that. The show was actually good, better than I've even thought it would be. This staging of the Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group was a peek to the lives of entertainment artists, Italian immigrants who have had an VERY colorful life. It was more on the business side of things that they discussed most, a few scenes talked about their marriages, relationships, and the first act had us at the edge of our seats with Markky Stroem's portrayal of Tommy De Vito in a tight knit with loan sharks and all. It was a struggle to keep themselves in business as they had to switch to real life versus getting in jail regularly. It's a tiring facade they 

The second act was pleasing, like a bunch of realizations put together. There are some patches in choreography that might have looked good if it were more in sync but it's negligible. I felt during this second act, it was Frankie Valli coming out of his shell. His failed relationships, his not so good friends and the debt he's gone into, it was sort of showed the reason why they didn't get to the top faster as they should. You'll also get to feel his small triumphs, the small hopes that turned into reality. Then you'll fall deep into his sad stories and see what made him broken later on in his career.

I don't want to spoil it for you guys and gals. Thing is when I went up the tickets area before the show and asked a couple of ladies about how nice the show was, none of them answered back. I'd do the same for you but... okay, if you're a little oblivious to the music or not much heard of what they've sung in the past decades it would be a little hard for you to appreciate it especially the first act. But if you're like me who grew up in a household of musicians and music lovers, then you'll REALLY love it. Kudos to Nino Alejandro, Markki Stroem, Christian Bautista and Nyoy Volante for doing a good job on this musical. Although Christian might need to improve a little on making his character a little more "Jersey" and BIG for the stage, his singing was still world class. I want to commend Nyoy for making this portrayal of Frankie Valli believable from start to end, that must have been VERY hard and would need BIG dedication.  

For those who would want to watch the show, tickets are still available for the next two weeks, You can purchase them online at ticketworld.com.ph. I thought I won't like it, but it turned out I personally loved it! You will too!

KUMAGCOW.COM
Fresh Blogs Fast!

Come Watch Jersey Boys at the Meralco Theater

I was one of the few kids who got tortured with the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. My dad used all the sound system he could muster pretty much when I was in inception up to the time I was working graveyards when I still had a blue collared job. Not that I didn't like it, but my Dad did this almost every day even if people were still sleeping or tired from work. It's his picker upper, the generation which he says even pre dated The Beatles in their hey days. 

I've grown to listen to them by force but turned out to have imparted me a LOT about the music back then. It gave me a piece of history, the nostalgia, I kinda learned to understand my Dad like the same fanaticism I have now with Eraserheads and the little annoying disconnect I get with the millenials when I tell them stories about them.

But enough about me, this time Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group is bringing the Tony, Olivier and Grammy Award winning musical production the Jersey Boys to Manila. 

Christian Bautista says "We had to research a LOT and didn't just depend on what's written on the script. Some of these guys were interviewed on video and you can still read certain things about how a song was made, the whole thought process and even how it saved their lives. Pressure? This is still running in Broadway, and this is the first time in Asia. You're going to sing, dance and stand up when you watch the show."

Nino Alejandro adds "We have to respect who they are and what they want to accomplish in their lives because these all happened in the past. We have to make the scenes believable, as these are true stories."

Markki Stroem "We had accent tapes to listen to and trained ourselves with mints in our mouths so we can do it. It's the iconic part, the character creation was a fun process. Watch the movies and you get to create your own interpretation without veering away from the spirit.

Nyoy Volante says "Franky Valli's voice is iconic and the group had him sing this way, it's hard to know it from his fans and the pressure not to be like it puts ton of pressure and we have a story to tell. The message of the show is good and we're doing the it for the first time in Asia. You can't top that!"

For tickets, you may visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or call Ten Bridges Media Corporation at (02) 6505144. Jersey Boys will tell you about the story of Franky Valli and The Four Seasons and why it's been one of the most watched and longest running show in Broadway history. 

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Christian Bautista Swoons Indonesian Fans on Valentines Day

You must be wondering where in the world is Christian Bautista? The good looking balladeer has left the country this season to take his music in a back to back Valentines Concert in Indonesia where the Asia's Romantic Balladeer swooned his fans in that side of the world.

He performed together with Bunga Citra Lestari in a show entitled "Romantic Valentine Concert" at the Coliseum Club in Jakarta, then also performed on Valentines day at Alia Hotel in Solo, Indonesia. He was also busy during this trip as he had to appear in 3 different local television shows that includes Sarah Sechan, NETTV's local version of Ellen Degeneres. He also guested and had an interview with Merry Riana of Sonora FM 92, one of their local stations. In the same week, he also appeared in Trans TV where he gave a glimpse of his career in the Philippines and Indonesia and talked about himself for his countless fans in the region. If you may have remembered, Christian walked for Bench a couple of years ago and have acheived a really good physique, so he also shared a couple of his fitness routines, and diet so they could also learn about it. 

He also guested in the new show of Rossa, a singer-actress from the same country and even sang "Please Be Careful with My Heart" live. Christian gave them a show and included "The Way You Look at Me", "Since I Found You" and "Fixing a Broken Heart" in his repertoir to the delight of his throng of fans in Indonesia. They love Christian as much as we do.

The last time we got the chance to talk to Christian was during the launch of his single "Who Is She To Me" which entered the UK iTunes charts last year. He's making the waves here and abroad and promises to bring you more in the years to come. Make sure you visit his website http://www.christianbautistaonline.com and follow him on social network channels @xtianbautista on Twitter and Instagram, or like his Facebook page over at Facebook.com/Christian-Bautista-Official too!

Congratulations Christian! Continue to make the country proud!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Solaire Turns One: The Grand Anniversary Concert

If you haven't heard it yet, SOLAIRE RESORT is turning one this March. To celebrate this momentous occasion, they are bringing out all their guns in one concert that includes the Philippines' greatest champions, world class singers all in one night!

American Idol Finalist JESSICA SANCHEZ, Asian heartthrob Christian Bautista, Teleserye Prince Erik Santos, Hunky Mark Bautista, Comeback Diva Sheryn Regis, Klarisse De Guzman, Christine Reyes, Morisette Amon together with the G-Force Dancers!

This is for the benefit of YOLANDA SURVIVORS; another one of Solaire's way to help our countrymen in the Visayas as they continue to rebuild their homes. Join them on March 16, 2014 at 8PM. Tickets are available in P1,000 and P500. For inquiries, please call Ticketworld or the Solaire Concierge directly at 888-8888.

Come and join the celebration as #SolaireTurnsOne!

You can check out their channels below if you want to win tickets to the show!

For more information about their resort:

Solaire Resort

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.solaireresort.com

ELAN Awards 2013: Congratulations Christian Bautista!

Fresh and hot off the press is the result of this year's McJIM ELAN Awards 2013. Out of a list of nominees, this popularity contest wants to name the perfect Filipino gentleman. The one that's defined to be sophisticated, manly and a class of his own. Other than that, the winning celebrity will receive P 100,000 in cold cash and a year's supply of Mc JIM products and also contribute to their chosen charity another P 100,000 cold cash.

We even saw the artist who made the first ever ELAN award trophy who got inspiration from world class art pieces. It follows that if you are ELAN, you simply must get the best to represent the ultimate class, the Filipino man.

Then he arrived... all dapper in his suit to accept the award. The first ever ELAN awardee is Mr. Christian Bautista!

Yes it's Christian Bautista! I wouldn't really know who else would actually qualify for that position at this time and age. He's got class, sophistication and the perfect embodiment of the Filipino gentleman. He will be rewarded the prizes I mentioned above, so I was excited for him too. I wonder who he chose as his charity.

He was awarded the check for P 100,000 by executives of McJIM. He was also given a couple of their products. They were all smiles as you can see. Christian Bautista had to thank his fan base which comprises most of the people in the Asian region. He's got fans in Indonesia and Malaysia too.

He also accepted the first ever award for McJIM ELAN. The sculpture represented the modern Filipino gentleman, and that's exactly what he is. =)

Then they also awarded the other P 100,000 to his chosen charity. Christian Bautista is an endorser and advocate of World Vision Philippines. It gives scholarship grants to the less fortunate. Christian Bautista is actually already paying for 9 children in this organization and it's good that this amount will go to the same organization he's helping these past few years. It will also support more students so they can go to school even if they are poor. It will help them and their families to achieve more things in life. A noble gesture indeed!

Christian Bautista continued to thank McJIM and everyone behind the 2013 ELAN Awards and told how much he appreciated that this cause has been able to help his charity. He also thanked them for recognizing him as the first ever ELAN awardee and hope the company continues to help more people in the coming years. He also thanked his fans and everyone else who voted for him as he appreciates their effort in letting him win this for his foundation. Congratulations Christian! I can't wait to see who's going to win the awards next year!

Thank you also to Mc JIM for doing this, helping their foundation is just surreal! It's good that you want to not only recognize the man, but also want to help their chosen charities. For that, kudos to you!

For more information about McJIM and the ELAN Awards

Like them on Facebook!

Mc JIM Classic Leather

The 2013 Elan Awards: Search for the Modern Filipino Gentleman!

McJim has got to be one of the most identifiable brands of Men's accessories in the Philippines and I must say, I've been a fan of some of their leather goods ever since. They have taken pride in their work for years now. It makes the whole outfit, it completes the look. It's classy pieces have all been part of Pinoy's wardrobe and why not, everyone knows McJim works for the Filipino man!

On the photo, Victor Basa, Sam YG and Chris Cahilig 

Well, just a few days ago they have launched the McJim ELAN Awards 2013. Elan means distinctive and stylish elegance in French; and with that, they will have several celebrities plus a public poll to determine who will win as the best role model for style and elegance. I saw the roster and names of those who are nominated, I must say they have done their homework.

The finalists are

Sonny Angara
Christian Bautista
Dingdong Dantes
Erwan Heussaff
Xian Lim
Coco Martin
Piolo Pascual
Richard Poon
Derek Ramsay
Jericho Rosales
Chris Tiu
Phil Younghusband

Seeing that alone must have already made your brains working. Why would they do this? What would it mean to win this contest for them? Well, for starters they will get the chance to win a designer trophy, then a 100,000 pesos for themselves and also another 100,000 pesos for their chosen charity. They will also get a year supply of Mc Jim Classic Leather products while those who wouldn't win the grand prize will get 6 Months worth of the same. If they win, they get to help their charity... that's enough reason to become the grand winner right?

With the help of you, their fans... they can make this a reality. Part of the criteria for them to win is your votes. Just head on to the Mc Jim Classic Leather Facebook Page and look for the Mc JIM Elan Awards app as seen below. Click on it and vote for your favorite celebrity. It's as easy as that!

It would be interesting to see who's going  to lead the poll. I'm sure their fans would be doing their part to get their idols win that prize for their charities. No endorsements, just the urge to help. It's a good thing Mc JIM is doing this!

Popular DJ Sam YG and Model cum celeb Victor Basa was there that afternoon and they are going to be part of the judging panel who's going to decide who among these individuals is going to be the winner for The 2013 Elan Awards: Search for the Modern Filipino Gentleman. But really, the bigger part of this would be in the hands of the public. Make sure your vote gets counted okay?

For more information about the ELAN Awards

Like them on Facebook!

Mc JIM Classic Leather

Sabrina's I Love Acoustic 5

I love Sabrina. You probably know by now how successful she is because for most guys who adore listening to acoustic songs, she's the "IT" girl and why not; she's the best in class. I am so fortunate to know a dear person like her. She's so charming, down to earth and sweet. I downloaded her music the day it came out off the iTunes Store here because I've waited for this since she got her other album (Sabrina's Acoustic Love Notes) out which she collaborated with Joe D' Mango months ago.

She treated us with a couple of songs from her previous albums and told us more about how she's doing now. She's got multiple platinum awards mind you in Indonesia. The Asian region adores "The Asian Acoustic Sweetheart"