Become a World Class Talent at STAR MAGIC's School for the Creative and Performing Arts

If it's about stars getting workshops, there's no other reliable organization to do that in the Philippines and in some parts of the world than Star Magic Workshops. This year, there's going to be a huge change because they've gone the mile, made it even BIGGER... and now call it STAR MAGIC SCHOOL FOR THE CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS. This means they'll be catering to folks, kids to adults and hone them in multiple disciplines, including acting, singing, dance and more. 

 What I've learned from the press conference is that they've managed to already do good in the workshops, but wanted to improve and grow. This is why they made sure to get different subject matter experts so that they wouldn't be boxed up in just the ABSCBN grounds. They wanted folks who are excellent in their fields and have them instruct in the workshops too including master classes, character building, music production, and train more directors for live events too. The launch was graced by Star Magic and Production Head Direk Lauren Dyogi, Business Unit Head Raymund Dizon, acting coaches HB Benitez III, Alecx Lorica and Marcel David, theater coach Meann Espinosa, ABSCBN Show Director Jon Moll, Kirby Balagtas, Dale Recina, Troi Bautista who are producers from You Me Us MNL, plus veteran Voice Coach Julie Anne Reyes. They also had coaches of BGYO and BINI Anna Graham, Jerwin Nicomedes, plus dance coaches Mickey Perz, Reden Blanquera, Matthew Almodovar, Aennon Tabungar and Josh Junio. They also had the very talented Talia Concio, BGYO perform on stage so we could have a taste of  what could happen if we have undergone their workshops. It was a sight for sore eyes!

If you want to be part of this, they have onsite enrollment on March 29 and 30, April 5 and 6. Just fill up the form at this website forms.abs-cbn.com/starmagicscpa and follow the directions. You may also follow their social channels at facebook.com/starmagicscpa or @starmagicscpa on IG. Come prove your talent is world class by joining one or more of their classes. Information about the courses are also there. I'm so interested in the Music Production and the Directors course.

Director Rahyan Carlos Set to Hold Year End Workshops at MQuest Artists Agency

Met Direk Rahyan Carlos a couple years back, in hybrid situation because of the pandemic. He's a phenomenal acting coach, the only one officially allowed to teach the Chubbuck Technique which most A-List Hollywood actors (most of which are award winners too) go through.

This time, he's become the newest addition to the training and development program (which he's heading) of MQuest Artist Agency. Designed to train new and existing actors for film and television, he's bringing a couple decades of his experience to teach Introductory, Advanced Level 1 and 2, and a Masterclass in acting. MQAA will also be offering Kids Acting, Dance and Voice Workshops in order to produce artists that are triple threats! This will all start on November 23 and 24, you may scan the QR code on this poster (or follow their social channels) for details, schedules and fees for it.

There will be limited slots for this workshop, and will culminate with an event after the course. They will also be including some of the artists from MQAA's stable, as they too will undergo the acting, song and dance workshop.

Direk Rahyan says "Fpr me this is exciting because we're pioneering something at the MQuest Artists Agency. I want to be part of that group who will prioritize training these talented actors. There's a lot of ways that actors could gain fame, but I believe you just need to put in a LOT of effort. Existing artists also become rusty, and I always tell them that they're as good as their last work. Acting is a lifestyle, doing workshops is something that people in the west do before and while they are in character, like constant training. Their craft changes because people change. What they may have implemented in the 80's may have been effective during that time, but art and acting is evolving. You need to study that, and adapt as well. A good agency needs the right training. It is important to inculcate to actors some good old ethics, discipline and professionalism. This is also the priority of Sir Jeff when I went onboard." 

MQAA Head and VP for Content Acquisition at Cignal TV Jeffrey Remigio adds "Part of the vision we had for MQAA was to have it act like a hub for actors that can be trained, be known that they go through a very rigorous process and not just because they've got pretty faces. I don't want to put them in projects where we could get criticized by Directors or Producers because they're not properly equipped. We are investing in training and development on the onset, right from the very beginning where we can really focus on the talent pool we have at MQAA."

Here's more of where that came from:

 

During our interview, he mentioned how the first few MQAA artists that have already gone through the workshop felt so hungry about learning more about the craft. They made an example of Ms. Carmi Martin who now is taking on more dramatic roles, pretty off tangent from her "sexy comedienne" persona that she's had since the 80's. Direk Rahyan Carlos surely know what he's doing, he's transforming a generation of actors and following a sure fire way of using pain as fuel for their craft. They are in the lookout for talents too, so if you're trying your luck in the industry, this may just be your chance to not just hone your craft but land various MQAA projects.

Who wouldn't love that!

More Space for MEN in Entertainment: Meet MAGIC VOYZ

With the recent popularity of PPOP, singing groups, and all, there certainly a place for more. Recently, the folks from VIVA Records and LDG Productions launched an all male sing and dance group called MAGIC VOYZ. Meet Jhon Mark Marcia, Juan Paulo Calma, Mhack Morales, Rave Obado, Jace Ramos, Ian Briones and Johan Shane. 

They're not new to acting since some of them appear in Viva's platform and indie movies. They had promise, so LDG productions and Viva Records are putting a risk with these guys. We sat at few meters from them at the Viva Cafe stage last night. From the looks of it, the audience was captivated by their magic.They've been influenced heavily by Magic Mike, hence the name of their group. The ladies love them, the singing was lovely, the dancing was insatiable.

MAGIC VOYZ then introduced themselves and performed a couple of their original songs (a Filipino song called “Wag Mo Akong Titigan”, and the other is called “Bintana”). They wanted to showcase their versatility, which is why they're doing this in front of a packed shop. A few of them did a cover of Bruno Mars' 24K Magic and the romantic song "Mahal na Mahal". Their manager Lito De Guzman successfully launched similar groups in the past, and he missed doing this a lot. I could liken their songs to a more novelty pop genre, but it's the whole package that patrons will be getting because at the end of the day, they are "entertainers".

They are pretty nice too. When we had the chance to chat with them after the show, they were very eager to talk about their music, their new group, and the excitement of performing on stage. They are also planning to perform regularly at Viva Cafe and out of town shows, so if you hear of them in your side of the woods, you should definitely go and get to know them.

With talks about them competing with other artists, the boys immediately dispelled the rumors because the only thing they want to bring on the table is a different kind of entertainment. Surely, there's going to be a niche market they could cater to because yes, there's MORE space for men in entertainment.

If you want them in your events, you can contact their management via their FB page (just search Magic Voyz on Facebook) or call Viva Artists Agency at 0917-840-35-22. Just go ahead and give them a call.

BILIB: Meet The Newest PPOP Boy Group from AQ Prime Music

Looks like AQ Prime Music is getting their hands wet in the PPOP scene with the newest and hottest boy group called BILIB. We met them at the recent media launch in Quezon City. Members Zio, Carlo, Rafael, RC, Yukito, Jmac and Clyde had us glued to our seat with their performance on stage. They're quite spirited dancers and no doubt, their vocals are quite effective. First impressions: they actually feel and look expensive and perhaps can battle existing PPOP boy groups in the entertainment scene today, but I think they've got something else in mind. They'd rather become part of the movement that would raise the PPOP scene we have internationally.  Tall order, but it was refreshing to hear that from these boys and their management as much of them have been inspired by the work of successful group SB19.

To give us a taste of what they offer, they performed their debut single "Kabanata"

@kumagcow Performing live for you is newest PPOP boy group BILIB with their debut single called #KABANATA #ppoprise #ppop #EntertainmentPH #tiktokshowbizreporter

The group has been training for almost 2 years and as talked about during the event, it wasn't an easy thing to do especially because they had 7 individuals with different personalities that had to work together. Living under one roof to practice everyday got to where they are in terms of skills, but it also got them to grow even closer as friends, even as brothers today.

Here's our interview with BILIB that evening, please enjoy!

BILIB certainly has a lot to offer. Their recent music video was also amazing, one could say it has been really the handy work of several creatives to make sure they put out something good for the Filipinos and international audience that they plan to showcase this to. In the coming weeks, they also plan to put out the name of their fandom but wanted their fans to become part of the process of choosing it. 

That tells a lot about the process that these guys go through in making music, how to execute their plans for fashion, style and visuals (because they've been so good at it!). I hope they would be able to continue what they've shown us in the event in the upcoming performances they plan to do (I heard several guestings and a concert with other PPOP artists are in the works). So if you're raring to support them, make sure you follow AQ Prime Music's assets because BILIB is just starting. Imagine what they're going to be in the coming months, years, in their aim to inspire YOU with their dance and music!

Congratulations boys! You're doing amazing!

STAR MAGIC WORKSHOPS Does Hybrid Sessions at TORONTO CANADA

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.

Make It Or Break It: Down To Mars!

I'm not quite fond of KPOP music but I don't hate it don't get me wrong. I have seen groups try and fail miserably but I have seen something very promising a few days ago. Have you guys heard of Down To Mars?

For starters, Down To Mars is NOT a KPOP group. They are however something new, a new breed signifying a whole other genre called "INTERPOP" probably because they are half Filipino and half of an other Asian race. This was my first time to see them but have seen they've got quite a HUGE following. That alone got my attention. Why were they so interesting to these people? That I've got to find out.

You'd be deaf from their screams if you were there I'm tellin you! The host alone had to stop a couple of times to tell the audience to tone down a bit because we weren't hearing him anymore.

Good looking guys who can sing and dance quite well for their age. No wonder they've been hounded by their fans like that! For what its worth, I honestly see these guys are going places. I can tell that to you this early because they will literally be representing the Philippines in Korea a couple of months from now. The Korea Day together with other International performers will be their launch pad in that part of the world and I'm not surprised if they are going to get a lot of screams there as well. They are seriously combining these guys like its a waste of good looks if you put them in a group. GMA and Polyeast Records are gambling on this one but I think they've got a mighty gem in the rough. As far as performance goes, they delivered!

Plus they showed their single's official MTV! With Marian Rivera on the video too!

7 talented guys who also have the looks. Will the make it or break it? I don't know yet but it certainly looks VERY promising! Sorry for those who say they are "KPOP" because honestly they are not. It's like they are in their own genre. They've got their album already out in the market and you should look for the same name DOWN TO MARS on your favorite record bars. This is once again under POLYEAST Records. Try to make sure you get a copy and see what the difference is! Watch out for their shows in leading malls/establishments nationwide!

For more information about the artists/ their single/album


Please checkout their Facebook Page!

Down To Mars

Polyeastrecords Phils

An Afternoon Delight

Before I slept yesterday, I watched a couple of episodes of the reality show "The real housewives of NYC". They were in their posh surroundings and people as usual. This may not be only for media mileage because there are some conflicts here and there with the main characters. How they resolve their problems in life and their families would be another program I'm sure.

On a lighter note, I watched the premier Dancing with the Stars episode yesterday and it was great. I am rooting for Denise Richards like any of you guys out there that watched her reality show too. Yeah, I know.. even after all that talk and negotiations with Charlie Sheen, the tattoo she got removed from her foot... she's till one beautiful woman any man would want. Her kids are cute too... I hope none of those depressing episodes affect you though. That would just make you frown and cause wrinkles soon.

I hope she wins this season. My bet last season did win too. I kinda got a niche with predicting winners, I wonder where I got that.

Brooke Burke wins Dancing with the Stars!

Ole! Brooke Burke wins this year's Danicng with the Stars! ^_^

It's over folks! And the lone winner of the grueling series of "Dancing with the Stars" is the one and only Brooke Burke!

Not only is she fabulous in bikinis and hosting E! Entertainment segments but she's all that too in the dance floor. Brooke by the way is already a mother of four in that body. She dominated the seventh season of the popular ABC dancing competition and bested former professional NFL player Warren Sapp and former 'NSync member Lance Bass during the Tuesday night finale, in which she did an emotional Viennese waltz routine that earned her a perfect score from the show's panel of judges.

I personally would have wanted my favorite Kim Kardashian to win but of course everybody knows what happened with her foot that got injured in the early stages of the competition. It really affected her performance and everyone noticed it. Anyway, I'm also happy this girl also won it. ^_^