The pandemic had us watch all kind of content including the concept of Boys Love or BL. When Oxin Films delved into it a little later in those years, it became a phenomenon where it built communities that adore the trials of love, the colorful ways of friendships, discovery and the redeeming feeling of being accepted all enveloped in this fun collaboration between 0KGämës and Oxin Films.Content like these spark debate, deep discussions and also meaningful connections with like minded people who enjoy them.
They always delve into these kind of material and 0KGämës knows how important it is to have something beyond experience, a call that they've been doing in previous years.
Boyfriend Express stars Iñaki Torres and Andrei De Guzman who plays Brix and Harry. Other stars include Daniel Marshall and Art Guma (of PBB fame). They also have internet celebs lime Angelica Gegante and Thea Abanico, and a few more colorful characters. They've managed to tell stories of love, quirky relationships, which makes it more interesting for fans across the globe (very popular on YouTube). 0KGämës knows how this is important for people, so they designed interactive ways to make digital experiences more fun, especially the Boyfriend Express community who they've always had in mind. Things like these are evolving and they've really adapted well by being part of it. Each scene is well thought of, not as an accessory, but made to make sure partnership between them will be more meaningful. This is their thrust to make sure the entertainment they provide benefits those who are invested in the story. That's beyond what is expected of them.
My passion for photography started at a young age as I've seen the work of masters here in Manila. Not divulging my age, I've seen them use film for most of the time and in 2010, I picked up my own digital camera to shoot runway and lifestyle events in the city. In the past, we had to go to establishments who have dark rooms to develop shots and print on photo paper. I still have a few cameras in my arsenal but if I'd want to experiment on filters, I usually depend on post processing with software for that. Good thing there's a new vintage style digital camera called LUMOS EVOKE.
I've had several LUMOS projectors in my home to watch movies and videos in off times (and it's all too pleasurable IMHO). The brand has seriously made technology accessible, but this new camera just fits right in my alley. I'm in that era of experimenting in shots. For me, taking a photo without a "look" defeats the purpose of being a photographer.
In film, I had to use a slower shutter speed and lower exposure to use lights and have streaks in my portraits. To achieve the vintage look was a bit of an effort because you have to combine what you use as a camera, the film, the settings and the way you develop it. Although there's some in digital, much of it depends on post processing to achieve that "look" you want to see. The LUMOS EVOKE makes it easy because it's got 16 filters built in, which means all you need to do is shoot and transfer the shot to your laptop or phone to enjoy it.
Unboxing the LUMOS EVOKE
The LUMOS EVOKE comes in a classic white box that's got the image of the actual cam in front. Aside from the unit, this camera comes with a USB C charger, a micro USB adapter, the camera strap, neck strap, a card reader, a felt wipe and the user manual.
Here's what it looks like on video:
The LUMOS EVOKE Features
This is a thing of beauty. The color of the body is simply monochrome, but you can feel how they took time to design this chap, The grip naturally fits on the hand, the flash can be turned on with one button, as this also can take 4K at 30 FPS videos. The camera can take 64MP shots, and the built in 16 filters I mentioned gives you a ton of options if you want something different to come out of it.
The LUMOS EVOKE also has a flip screen so you don't have to put in guess work when you're shooting in front of the camera (oh vlogging would be a cinch!). I would suggest to turn on the anti shake and auto focus functions especially if you've got shaky hands. It also has sufficient battery life, which means it'll last a long while if you're covering an event or traveling like I am too. When I'm with my family, I take a lot of photos which don't end up on social media. I usually keep it on albums for personal use, and show it to those who are very close to me. With the LUMOS EVOKE I get to have artsy looking shots and do that, including those that I use for coverage for the blog (including the celebrities you love!).
Now if you're keen to own one, they've got this on promo for only Php 4,999. Take the time to visit their site www.lumosprojector.ph/evoke to know more about this camera. I've got this in my bag ready to get creative, wish you get to experience what I've been doing lately. It's awesome!
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.
