Big Screen Dreams: Coco Martin, Matti, and Monteverde Team Up

When I got invited to this event, we weren't told about who's coming on stage but pretty much got clues with the shirts of the people filming it, they all had CCM printed which makes us believe it's a Coco Martin event. There were 3 chairs in front though so just seeing that made me realize it was something big, and true enough they came out with guns blazing.

One is an iconic director, of OTJ fame, Erik Matti, the other is a big producer from the Monteverde clan, Mr. Dondon Monteverde and of course, the biggest action star of this generation, producer and director Coco Martin. They plan to do 2 huge film projects for Coco particularly "MayPagasa The Battles of Andres Bonifacio" and "OTJ: Maghari" which will be under Reality Studios and CCM Productions.

Sir Dondon told us that this was sealed on the sidelines after some talks happened at the death anniversary of Mother Lily Monteverde a few months ago. He says "The death anniversary of my Mom started all of this. Losing my Mom was a huge blow to the industry. We always wanted to work with Coco and we've met in events with it behind our minds. It was just an opportune time to start talking, showing him other projects. He didn't like what we presented him at first, but when he knew about these two films (not included in the discussion, he just wanted it to happen!"

Direk Erik Matti had huge success with the OTJ franchise and Coco always wanted to be part of it. Direk Erik shares "Maghari is the story of Joel, the Tatang of OTJ. It's a 90's themed movie of him protecting his family. MayPagasa The Battles of Andres Bonifacio is a historical bio, and it is scary to do because it is based on that. Ours is different, we're bringing it to the future and shooting it in a modern way. It's all about what is happening now in the country." 

Coco was smitten with the thought of doing an OTJ installment and told us "When I watched OTJ, I honestly was waiting, waiting to be cast in a film like it. I required my staff to watch it (before doing Batang Quiapo) and I hoped they notice me. I asked myself and said maybe I wasn't enough, because they weren't calling me. I was silent, and thinking they were not considering me because I didn't have potential, so I tried to do one myself (his shows) but got so busy with my series. One day, they informed me that they wanted to talk about it, I told them I was waiting for this to happen. I know how folks have been appreciating Filipino films that they made, they pitched a few projects with me but I told them I was a fan of OTJ and Buybust. After that, I talked about a historical film, then they talked to me about a project they wanted to do about Bonifacio. They thought I was a fit in these two projects they didn't talk about initially."

He added "Now that we're together, we just needed to make it bigger for a global audience. This will make a mark in the Filipino film industry. I'm also working with the best, and this IS an answered prayer! We can't wait to release this in 2027!"

Here's the whole press conference on video:

Giants Coco Martin, Direk Erik Matti and Dondon Monteverde actually has plans to do more, so this is just for starters. When I asked about challenges, Coco was severely optimistic that all these projects are possible, he's always had that positivity in all his projects since he's successfully done it. He attributes most of it because of this optimism, and since they plan to release this internationally, they need your support once it comes out locally. With an internationally acclaimed actor (tons of indie films on his belt), Director (familiar with Filipino film projects released worldwide) and the best production outfits this country, these projects are pretty much a done deal. 

I just can't wait to see it! 

TOPAKK Comes Home for MMFF 2024

It was hot, humid, but everyone was in a celebratory mood over at the TOPAKK press conference in Quezon City. Greeted by a different sounding Basti Artadi performing on stage, I was like "Wow!" because of how b4d 4$$ it was, it felt like a dream for me. Then they started the presscon.

We had the pleasure of actually being on location when they shot TOPAKK in Rizal for the finale scenes. Just looking at it back then, I knew this was going to be something special because it will bring back a genre that was sorely missed, plus we get to see multi awarded actors on screen like Cong Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Sid Lucero, Enchong Dee and Kokoy de Santos. 

They also had Levy Ignacio, Bernard Palanca, Paolo Paraiso, Vin Abrenica, Cholo Barretto, Julio De Leon, Ivan Carapiet, Jeffrey Tam, Gerard Acao, Michael Roy, veteran character actress Ms. Maureen Mauricio, Elora Espano, Claire Ruiz, Anne Feo, Bong Cabrera, Manu Respall, Rosh Barman, Victor Medina, Ivan Rivera, Ian Lee, Nico Dans, Yian Gabriel, Raquel Pareno, Precious Laingo, Kayley Carrigan and Geli Bulaong to complete the ensemble cast for this film. Mind you, this has been showcased and raved about in different film festivals internationally. This year, it's going HOME to the Philippines and will be shown on the 50th Anniversary of Metro Manila Film Festival. This feels like fate to say it frankly.

Direk Richard Somes is one heck of an action film director. The quality is certainly for international consumption, and he didn't shortchange with regards to set design and hard knocking scenes. What's a bit of a let down though is the rating because this is R18 outside SM Cinemas while those who want to see it in SM can do it on an R16 rating. This has heavy fight scenes and very bl00dy encounters so we kinda understand why it's rated that way. Though I would suggest you do the R18 version so you could get the full experience of the movie. Don't worry though for the R16 because you will still learn and get the story.

Nathan Studios producer Ms. Sylvia Sanchez isn't worried about it though because they're giving movie goers real good options. Aside from Nathan Studios, they are working with Fusee and Strawdogs as producers for this project. Hopefully to make more of these (a sequel no?). Some of the people who saw the movie that evening told me this is a material where Julia Montes really excelled, though she's been doing action stuff on Coco Martin's TV series, she is more hands on in the scenes. She's going to be in really physical fight scenes which she's never done before. This is more raw, and Julia with Arjo means it's got emotional scenes will be there. They also had the army spokesperson at the press conference praising them about how they portrayed the Filipino soldiers, TOPAKK will certainly be a good thing to watch if you're thirsty for action films this year.

This is the opportune time for you to watch TOPAKK, it's international release name is Triggered. You've got to see why critics have been raving about it. Hopefully, this picks up awards in this festival too!

Gary Valenciano Entertains West Coast

If you haven't watched a Gary V concert, you're definitely missing out. He just did 4 cities in the US' west coast particularly in Pantages in Seattle, Cache Creek in Brooks, Pechanga in Tememcula and at the Royce Hall in UCLA. He's also sold out two venues and showcased his percussion and dance supremacy in his opening numbers, proving why he's called Mr. Pure Energy this side of the globe.

He also performed with his equally talented daughter Kiana (who by the way has her newest single Heartbeat on Me) to the delight of onlookers plus his other acts like Al Jarreau's Spain and his original songs that's well loved by generations. Rockstar Princess Yeng Constantino was also in these performances doing their versions of Ikaw, Hawak Kamay, and Babalik Ka Rin while Gary sang and played instruments, knowing how talented he is.

Gary also was surprised by action star Coco Martin in his LA concert when he walked on stage to thank him and his contributions on hit show Ang Probinsyano and his other soap operas where Gary's song was a staple. Coco also went to Gary's Antipolo home when he was recovering from kidney cancer nephrectomy surgery, the audience was touched and surprised when they saw him walk in. Donita Rose and her husband Felson Palad, Sean Chambers, Faith Bautista, Chris Do, Cecile Azarcon, Pinky de Leon, Jennifer Cortez and other celebrities of Filipino descent were also in the audience to show support for Gary.

He also did Texas Hall yesterday, but still has Alaska Center for Performing Arts this October 21st and Town Hall in New York on the 23rd, so if you haven't been to a Gary V concert, this might be the opportune time to do so. His US Tour is sponsored by Philippine Airlines, Tancinco Law Office, and the Belo Medical Group. Promotion is courtesy of Star Media, Manila Genesis, Zion Agency, Music Arts International, Jeepney Production, Relion, Jak 'N Poy and JP3 Marketing and Production. Make sure to be there when Mr. Pure Energy performs on stage, and it will be one epic night!

COCO MARTIN and Task Force AGILA All Stars Appear in AP Partylist Sortie in Tondo, Manila

Yesterday was an eye opener for me. I got to witness a grand campaign by Ako'y Pilipino Partylist in Parola Tondo, Manila. It's actually very far from where I live and a bit adamant to go, but hearing that Coco Martin was part of the people pushing for the cause of AP Partylist tells me I should listen more about their platforms... this time, live and in person.

For those who don't know, they've been very active in helping people during the height of the COVID-19 crisis where Representative Ronnie Ong is running for 1st nominee. He did several projects these past few years which include free transportation for health workers,  helping farmers to get their produce to centralized pantries to feed communities, free tablets and access to internet connection for teachers and students who are having difficulty during the pandemic. This benefited communities around the country and helped public utility drivers, farmers, frontline workers to get to and from their work place. They also provided work for some ABSCBN workers who got laid off during the station's franchise woes that left 10K plus employees fending for themselves.

Coco and TASK FORCE AGILA knew about their deeds which is why they are in full force supporting AP Partylist #164 so that they may continue their projects in communities such as this one in Tondo, Manila. Coco says "Cong Ronnie has always been working so hard, we've been witness to that. Now it's our turn to support him, and hopefully you will too by choosing #164 AP Partylist on May 9th."

 Coco and Task Force AGILA came from a long day of roaming the streets of Manila (through a motorcade from noon til night time). The place filled up in no time as it was pretty close to a community. They got a DJ from Cebu, DJ Jhaiho and Amazing Betong to host the event. It was met with excitement as several lucky guys and gals got to participate in games they prepared that evening. A mini pageant, a dance off, that got all of us entertained while waiting for the celebrities to come out. 

 

  Aside from singing, dancing and entertaining the crowd that evening, each of the Task Force Agila celebrities had the chance to talk to the crowd about Cong. Ron's projects which he still continues to do today. Marc Solis, John Medina, John Pratts, Raymart Santiago, Angel Aquino, Michael De Mesa, told us about the importance of having someone out there to help people in times of crisis, when people don't have jobs and how they could earn a living (they also help MSME's and fund projects). They are also supporting Vice President Leni Robredo who's running for President as well this 2022. 

 

Meanwhile, Sancho Vito de las Alas joined Bassilyo, Sisa, Smugglaz who consider this their home turf so they got the crowd hyped up right before Coco Martin came out from back stage. They sung the "Ako'y Pilipino" theme, rapped some parts of it which touched a lot of the audience last night. They ended the festivities with Coco Martin going up on stage and the whole Task Force AGILA singing to the crowd. Coco reiterated how people need to help AP Partylist and Congressman Ronnie Ong have all of us who care about these causes true representation in the lower house. Because at the end of the day, each one counts! 

P.S.Thank you to the kind people behind this event who had us experience this last night.

/*photos with AP Partylist watermark belong to AP Partylist FB Page and is not mine.

COCO MARTIN and AP PARTYLIST Intensifies Support for LENI ROBREDO

It was sincere, very timely and so uplifting to see that a lot of organizations have supported VP Leni Robredo's Presidential run including action star Coco Martin's AP Partylist which happened last March 20 at the mammoth crowd in the #Pasiglaban rally (now second largest crowd during this peoples campaign). They did the same pronouncement in Tagum, Davao on April 7, further intensifying their support for the Vice President on her bid to run this country. They had Moira and Jason sing for the crowd with their hits before festivities started in this region. 

For those who don't know, AP Partylist represents the transport and livelihood generation sector. This is fully supported by the premiere action star Coco Martin and by Rep. Ronnie Ong (their first rep) to further help Filipinos who are in this field and their families. It has been evident that a lot of them during the pandemic lost their means of earning a living and representation in congress is needed to further have laws and bills passed that would help them even more.

Man of the hour Coco says "Let us not be afraid anymore because we have AP Partylist. Let's take this trip where all Filipinos will get to improve their lives, come join me to support AP Partylist!"

Rep. Ronnie Ong adds "We have had the pleasure of working with VP Leni during the blended learning system and online module classes August 2020 and now have similar projects with their office to help transportation for health workers and frontliners through our Libreng Sakay. Our values align with hers and we will support her together with Coco Martina and the whole Taskforce Agila. We need to win for the people."

Just so you know, Taskforce Agila include some celebrities like John Prats, Raymart Santiago, Angel Aquino, Michael de Mesa, Marc Solis ad John Medina. Today they are continuing to intensify their support for VP Leni and her Angat Buhay Lahat vision for the Philippines.

#164APPartylist

COCO MARTIN Endorses Partylist That Champions Transport Sector and Livelihood Advocacies

Looks like your friendly neighborhood Cardo Dalisay is going to be dipping his hands in endorsing a Party List entity called AP Partylist #AkoyPilipino (Alliance of Public Transport Organization Inc.) which aims to represent  the transport sector and providing livelihood and help for the ordinary joe. He's making rounds today February 25 to advance the party's agenda together with first nominee Rep. Ronnie Ong and publishing videos that would introduce their projects since the pandemic started which includes free transportation for health workers #LibrengSakay,  free vegetables for community kitchens #LibrengGulay and free educational tablet units #LibrengTablets that benefited teachers and students during these times. 

Rep. Ronnie Ong has been Coco's long time friend and has been dubbed in PeopleAsia as "Frontliner Congressman". He has always been a staunch supporter of programs that alleviate poverty, those concerned with labor and employment. He has been on the ground arranging work for able bodied Seniors who still need to make a living, working students, transport workers and drivers, even laid off ABSCBN workers who were displaced in the company's recent shutdown.

Coco says "Whatever hardships we go through, we have people we can count on. AP Partylist can help provide jobs and create opportunities for small businesses. This would be apt for for Filipinos who would want to earn a living, put food on the table for their family."

Coco's compatriots in the show "Ang Probinsyano" at Task Force Agila also lauds the party list group and saw how they helped in advocacies. They also are fervently helping support #164 AP Partylist so they could continue helping people that are not just in the sectors they represent, but the communities that need it.

Here's  the video which came out today:

Coco hopes that those who support him would also be able to do the same with AP Partylist #AkoyPilipino which you can find #164 this coming election.

MEGASTAR Sharon Cuneta Joins FPJ's ANG PROBINSYANO on their 6th Anniversary!

If you've been hooked with FPJ's ANG PROBINSYANO all these years, the biggest MEGA twist will be happening very soon as the MEGASTAR Ms. Sharon Cuneta joins the action drama series.

Ms. Sharon sat down with Gretchen Fullido and said "This was an easy decision for me, when they sent me messages, Coco pitched the story to me and it was a no brainer. I was just a little nervous because I had to be there everyday. Aside from that, this is the biggest series in the country. My family is equally excited to see me in the show. I am so thrilled to be part of this. I've worked with the cast previously, so it's a big factor to be part of this especially when FPJ is my best best friend in the business. This is my tribute to him. I accepted it right on the spot, it was really a dream come true. I'm in the position to say just rest, but it's an honor for me to be part of the cast. The concept was just something Coco had dreamed of one early morning, I was informed when I was in the US and he requested I appear. He was just coming out about the story and he's excited. It's connected, I'm grateful for that and I can't wait to be in Ilocos for the locked in taping. I have experience in doing in bubble tapings, and this is a lot like it because when I made the movie revirginized, this was something like that. I think I'm older, wiser, the character has really good twists and turns, I can do anything just as long as it's not bold (she jokes). We'll have flashbacks, it's different in TV, I have yet to find out what'll happen in the smaller screen, it's just a different platform. I had to cram in shoots because it's how Olivia Lamasan, I'm easy to work with especially if we have reliable scripts. I'm okay with changes and it'll be more drama for me this time. This is more mental than physical, I wake up really early and the preparation took weeks, we're gearing up for a bigger challenge in our life. FPJ and I used to call each other clatput, it's a term of endearment when I was wearing a wedding gown in the middle of a field. He taught a lot of things to KC, the late night phone calls was memorable too. He called me one night just to brag in a sari sari store he used to go to. I miss that, I learned a lot talking to people because that's what he does in real life, it's why he's called King. The biggest stars I've worked with are the most humble, the ones with air, are not here anymore (she kids). He was a good person, humble, kind, very funny. When he drinks beer, I was running off but he would catch me. FPJ also talked to Robin, Daboy, and told the leading men to be gentlemen with me. I had a Father, a Friend, a protector... he was a knight and shining armor in showbiz."

 

She adds "Coco had a different touch. I am very proud for honoring FPJ in this series. I think it'll be a really long back story, I can't confirm what relationship we'll be having. I will be starting taping very soon, and this will be different because Coco will also be directing. He's got a really good creative team, it's a different way of telling the story because earlier in the story conference, it surprised me, surprised all of us! I used to do MMK but it was super hard to do a morning to morning shoot and the stress of memorizing and crying in long hours was crazy. Osang told me they've worked in best situations in FPJAP, I'm glad they implemented this change of working 12 hours max. I will give my best, I will work hard for this. To Coco, my cast members, Julia Montes, they've got a role to do. They've amazing to see how dedicated, very young, but this show has been number one for 6 years and he's doing very well. He dreams about the show, and to see how committed he is exciting. I can't wait to discover what else is in store for the viewers of the show."

Ms. Sharon Cuneta will be in FPJ's ANG PROBINSYANO really soon. She was also welcomed to the show by Creative Director Coco Martin, ABSCBN COO of Broadcast Ms. Cory Vidanes, TV Prod Head Laurenti Dyogi, and Dreamscape's Entertainment Head Deo Endrinal. These are really exciting times!

Why ANGELICA-COCO Movie Almost Didn't Happen

 

 

Love or Money, which will you choose? Well that's a hard question to answer but this new film from Star Cinema is just going to answer that for you. Angelica Panganiban and Coco Martin is teaming up in this project and with their first on screen pairing, it's going to be very exciting!

The Love or Money Blogcon or BLOVECON was a pretty fun way to actually get to know who their characters are and if you haven't bought tickets at KTX.PH, this might actually convince you to do so. 

Direk Mae Cruz Alviar says "My artists were not flying to locations and we were blind doing the scenes. I was already ready but people were already sent home because of safety protocols. We were supposed to extend but Coco had Probinsyano and cut the trip short, it was a blessing because after that, we had the lockdown. Announcements were done while we were at the beach finishing some scenes. We forgot the film and saved ourselves while editing in between takes, and online, then waited for things to become normal. This was really a pandemic baby, it had so many challenges. We went through a lot and survived through that. Coco also had a limit in English, we joke about that. He asked me to direct him because he was Cardo for several years. He wanted to be corrected. He listens and he wants to know that, as he wants to be different in this movie. He is very patient, he knows how to fake punches and he knows the tricks, he suggests stuff, he does action 101. I learned a lot from him and he was so kind."

Angelica Panganiban says "When we were in Dubai, we were all going to run fast to the airport because lockdowns were already happening. We were pressured to finish this but didn't know if everything would close down. We were also worried about the shoot in the Philippines and if the movie is going to show in the country. Pandemic, the whole COVID thing was just crazy. If love or money, I would still choose love. If you work hard, you could still get that money, but love is a little harder to get and you pray for that. I couldn't find any fault on choosing money though, because if that gives them happiness, if that provides for them and their family, you can do without love, because that's the truth. You can find love later, or if not, you still will be happy. You can be lucky to have both. It's a big responsibility to give opinions, you have to know yourself, what your rights are, we are just lucky as artists, but they too can contradict you, and also give their opinions, that too is their right. Coco is tahimik, mahiyain, it was hard to actually pull off our team up because he has his own world. I was crazy, and I think he somehow doesn't get that. I was expecting him to give me a bike, a vespa, but he didn't, I was asking him to buy me jewelry, but he didn't. My room was actually full of food, it was like a grocery, I added a lot of pounds and ate a lot while we were there. Also, I wouldn't mind if I were supposed to be stuck there because it felt good to be there, I like that country."


This was a super fun interview because Angel was just hilarious! But she'll be showing sides of love, hope, and romance too. Watch her journey as she chooses love of money in this movie. This almost didn't happen because of the lockdown, but they were able to finish it so you could get something to watch. It's light romance with some of the best actors ABSCBN could churn out, Star Cinema made it, so I think that's enough. 

 

They do good movies.

Coco Martin for The Super Parental Guardians

It looks like Star Cinema is gearing for another blockbuster movie as they release ahead of Christmas this Coco Martin and Vice Ganda starrer called "The Super Parental Guardians". This movie was written by Danno Mariquit and Alpha Habon and Directed by Bb. Joyce Bernal. 

It's the love hate relationship of Arci and Paco, who were given the task of taking care of their bestfriend's children Megan and Ernie (played by Awra and Onyok) as her last dying wish. They become unsuspecting parents of the kids and it just becomes a riot. 

Here's a video clip of our interview with the good looking Coco Martin!

KUKAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

You're My Boss

You saw how funny their trailers are when they came out a few weeks ago. They haven't been in a movie before this happened and the pairing I heard was somewhat, cute. This year's most awaited romantic comedy might not come from the teens, but with a combination of the Ultimate Multimedia Star and the country's Prince of Independent Films. This is "You're My Boss", another great project from Star Cinema. This is also Toni's 12th project from the same film outfit and she's so excited to be in it!

From the Director of "English Only Please" and "That Thing Called Tadhana",  this Antoinette Jadaone film will make you believe in love in unexpected ways. Toni will play the role of Georgina who was tasked to take care of corporate matters while the boss was away. The client went in and was a bit unhappy because he was expecting him to be there, as Toni's Assistant, Coco Martin had to pretend he was the boss so they wouldn't jeopardize the whole deal. The things in between, made them go through the hardships of putting up with a lie and perhaps blossom into something really romantic!

This film will be shown on April 4, 2015 and is expected to rake in big box office success because the two lead stars have already done it in different films in the past. 

We covered the OPM Fresh Fans Day in Fairview Terraces and the blogcon of You're My Boss too. The crowd was super fun and meeting the stars in the flesh was too much for them, they screamed their lungs out when Toni and Coco appeared!

Jacob Benedicto, Mario Mortel and other artists were there too to promote their album. They're probably going places aside from this one, so make sure you follow Star Cinema and Star Music's social media accounts for updates!

Coco and Toni were so cute especially during the interview. They kept on teasing each other, we almost believed they were a pair! Now if only Toni was single and not engaged, they would really look sweet, but I'm sure she's getting that sweetness too during quality time with Direk Paul. Anyway, make sure you watch them in theaters on April 4! It's a summer you won't forget!

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