Here's Another Run of "TABING ILOG: The Musical" This 2024

We celebrate good things, including this new run of "Tabing Ilog the Musical" run which starts November 8 up until December 1 this 2024. 

PETA's Melvin Lee says "Who would have thought the pandemic would become a surprise fruitful partnership between a very seasoned theater group and Star Magic. Even now, some of them have already done several productions. Now we have them and more Star Magic artists in another run of Tabing Ilog the Musical."

Tabing Ilog is something that I have religiously watched in ABSCBN to follow the lives of Eds and Rovic, Corrine and Badong, Fonzy and George, James and the rest of the friends who made life interesting in the early 2000's. They made it into a musical a couple years ago (during the pandemic). This year, the reprisal warrants a few changes in the story, the music and the cast. Although most of them have been in it, cast changes was seen something essential to tie in a lot of relationships in the story line, even if it means a couple veteran "Marites" would play the part.

I remember them teasing this back in the Star Magic Hot Summer event. During the mediacon, we saw Andi Abaya, Kiara Takahashi, Vino Mabalot, Jordan Andrews, Kobe Brown, Miah Canton, Anji Salvacion, BGYO Akira, Benedix Ramos, Sheena Belarmino, and Vivoree. Although BINI Jhoanna Robles wasn't there, she is going to be part of the cast, she just had prior commitments (we all know how busy they've been if you watch the BINI documentary). Adrian Lindayag was also there, something I was so happy about since he's done a LOT of good roles in movies I've covered.

Vivoree came in first, and obliged us with a few details about doing the iconic role of Eds in the musical.

Meanwhile, here's the mediacon proper with the rest of the cast. I could feel how excited they were and how much has changed since their initial outing.

A revamped cast that's full of confidence really would spell success, now that they're doing another installment, expect that they're going to do it a little different, with bigger and better music, plus really great acting improvements for most of them. If you're planning to watch it again, or just new to the scene, you can now get tickets at Ticketworld. There will be around 2 shows a day, and again, will run from November 8 to December 1st. Come reminisce with the cast and have fun at PETA Theater. Your Star Magic stars will be there, including remarkable PETA theater regulars to make sure you're going to enjoy every minute of it.

JL, Biogesic and Unilab for a Healthier Philippines

The word "Ingat" resonated with so many Filipinos, more so during the pandemic as health suddenly became so much of a priority (for obvious reasons). Biogesic and Unilab recently reminded us that getting sick could actually affect anyone at anytime, and during these times... there should be "Alagang Walang Pinipili". The feeling and act of unconditional care for others has always been their call. Then on this day, they also renewed their ties with the main man, John Lloyd Cruz. When he looks at you and said "Ingat" with those eyes, things get better.

This time he's taking the point across to more Filipinos, together with that signature salute of his, he's going to communicate how it is to be in a state where there's "Alagang Walang Pinipili". He says "It's had not to feel the care and support of the people you work with at Unilab. They always want to know how you are, how you are doing, and ask you what you want to do. Now our connections get even deeper. Especially now on their 50th year!"

Unilab Corporate VP Alexander Panlilio adds "We believe in the care and quality healthcare we provide for every Filipino family.  Biogesic has always been synonymous with the "Ingat" tagline which John Lloyd does in our messages. This time we want to strengthen our connections with "Alagang Walang Pinipili" just like what he experienced with us at Unilab."

This is a commitment from Unilab and Biogesic. If you want to know more about their campaign, check out their YouTube channel via youtube.com/c/biogesicph.

JOHN LLOYD CRUZ and BEA ALONZO Reunite in Jollibee's ONE TRUE PAIR!

It was so nice to see John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo yesterday for Jollibee as they announce Jollibee Studios new film called One True Pair. Their pairing has always been so crazy, much awaited and heavily missed, so this opportunity to see them together in one film, is definitely made of dreams.

Seeing them laughing, seated side by side brings back more of their pairings in previous films. I could feel how everyone in the room was also trying to contain butterflies in their stomach as they watch for small gestures from JLC and Bea. Tons of their friends from showbusiness sent their well wishes, if I didn't know their professions I swear it felt like a wedding LOL. I remember seeing Angel Locsin, Maja Salvador, Billy Crawford, popular band Ben&Ben, who were equally excited seeing them back on screen.

They also showed BTS, go see it on their Facebook page!

John Lloyd and Bea is also endorsing something real good, the perfect pair, which is Chicken Joy and Jolly Spaghetti. If you're hungry today, I suggest you order one via delivery apps or the Jollibee app too. Go and watch ONE TRUE PAIR today on Jollibee's social channels. The 1pc Chickenjoy and Spaghetti meal costs Php 99 for solo, and Php 130 for a value meal, whatever you choose is actually good.

Andrea Torres Says No Official Talk Yet on John Lloyd Cruz Project

It's so refreshing to see Andrea Torres in GMA shows these days. She's definitely made a mark in The Better Woman, Victor Magtanggol, Contessa, Alyas Robin Hood, The Millionaire's Wife, My Faithful Husband, Pari 'Koy, Ang Lihim ni Annasandra and more but this new one with Dennis Trillo, Bianca Umali and Alice Dixson is going to be highly controversial as it delves on polygamy and religion, some of the most taboo things to talk and see on TV these days. We got to see her a few days ago via an interview online as she signed with GMA Artist Center again (renewal of contract) and during the blogcon, she told us a few more things about the upcoming show called Legal Wives wherein she'll be playing one of the wives. She's also the only one that's coming from a Christian upbringing which would not be easy to understand that she'll be living with two other wives under the same roof. Here's a video of that blogcon, please enjoy!

Andrea adds "It's very important for me that you are aware when you get on set, you condition yourself as a ray of sunshine, to make sure you lighten up peoples burdens. I also make it a point to make my projects better so the next one is even bigger. One of my favorite things is making back stories for the characers I play in series, I make sure I ask production, learn the script so I make sure to deliver and have the chance to make her come to life. The actions of Muslims to me now have a deeper meaning, they're very selfless, and when you watch this, you will see why they made sacrifices for Allah. It has changed how I view them, how they are family oriented, how they are as people. Diane and Ysmael are conflicted, but they love each other."

She also was aware to observe Muslim traditions while portraying the role and tells us "On set, we have Imams, we were taught how to pray, they also bring food, it was a different world. I really am amazed how they are with families, if it's too hard for them, they just follow what is on the Quoran, even if they don't want to do it, they do it right because it's there."

You'll probably be wondering how this would all feel as it gets shown on TV. Will you love her? Or hate her? That remains to be seen. She also has chosen to remain with GMA because she has grown to the actress that she is because of her experiences here. With the onset of actors going to GMA recently, she doesn't treat them as threats, but rather an opportunity to work with other actors that she wasn't able to in the past. She's raring to do that in the next few months, hopefully that John Lloyd Cruz project pans out if it is true, but so far there hasn't been an initiative for talk about it yet, so she would be happy to find out details about that soon.

Congratulations Andrea on your continued success with GMA Artist Center!

JOHN LLOYD CRUZ, KPOP Group TREASURE Headline Shopee 6.6-7.7 Mid Year Sale!

It's a rainy afternoon and what else do we do but cover another event from our friends from Shopee. It's already June, so during this month, they start festivities by introducing a huge 6.6-7.7 Mid Year Shopping Sale. Of course we had the pleasure of talking to their Country Manager Martin Yun, and the man himself Willie Revillame.


Martin Yu says "Thank you for your unwavering support of 2021 and with exciting milestones and campaigns, we still want to give you more at Shopee. The best brands and prizes have been given away since our past campaigns (2.2, 3.3-4.4, 5.5) and now we are here at the 6.6-7.7 Mid Year Sale. Aside from that, we've got our PayDay Sale happening every 15th of the month. We want Pinoys to be as excited every payday sale the same way as our regular sales. We have been your partner too with ShopeePay wherein you can save money, pay for bills, send money with our partners. We also got SME's digitize their industries through the Tatak Pinoy trade fair for small Filipino businesses. The national food fair have also participated and we've all seen them grow. Shopee Bayanihan frontliner packages was also launched to thank our fronliners by discounting essentials during the pandemic. This time, we will have a supersized 6.6-7.7 Sale."

Willie Revillame says "This is about the TV commercial that we featured for Shopee 6.6 and 7.7 Mid Year. We'll have cash prizes and brand new cars including a BMW X3. We will also have a brand new house and lot plus a lot of cash from Shopee. We will also have Shopee Shake and Pera o Kahon portions with the country's brightest stars in the show. The commercial was really a tedious one because we had to explain to them that we needed to show what is happening to the country, how orders, free shipping and discounts help. We also have been helping a lot of people, even indeginous communities. We're so glad that the regional bosses said yes to the project. This is service to our people, wherever or whoever you are, Shopee will be there. The last thing I purchased in Shopee is a ton of slippers, which I use in my resort in Puerto Galera. Why did John Lloyd appear in photos earlier? Well let's just say I asked him to be in the 6.6 TV special on Sunday. You will see him there! Everybody is watching the show and it is open to everyone, this is what we want to happen. From all walks of life, they can Shopee Shake, win cash and cars, watch Jennylyn Mercado, Glaiza De Castro, and more this coming Sunday. There will be 30mins of AOS that we will take over, almost 2 hours of prizes and happiness which is what Shopee wants in this season. Shopee is part of Filipino life, a household name, if you want to buy something, it's in Shopee and I hope even in the pandemic, you see changes, you see help from the app, you don't need to go out and line up for things you can order online, plus a bonus to you with discounts and free shipping. This is an extension to what we are doing in Wowowin, Salamat Shopee, salamat sa inyong lahat!"

Oh and yes, KPOP boy group TREASURE will also be performing on the show (virtually of course) so there's really a lot to look forward to. Go watch this on Sunday on GMA, they'll be starting 30 minutes off All Out Sundays and the regular Wowowin timeslot. Make sure you're tuned in! 

Thank you for also giving us the pleasure of listening and seeing Barbie Almalbis during the Shopee event. Thank you! Oh I love her!

Why You Need See CULION This MMFF 2019

The weekend was an awesome one (Dec 14th) as we got to finally see the film CULION. We were all where it all was shot and taken, in the island of Culion, Palawan which is an isle off the west side of the Philippines. It was their world premiere, and yes, it was a grand promise to bring it there and have them all watch it. It was almost impossible to do, but they knew (the production) had to do it for the people of Culion. I saw how they intently watched and marveled how their story was unfolding. It felt right, to tell the public of their history, of what transpired during the commonwealth, the world war and how they all survived even under very hard times, not to mention the condition... of which everyone else despised during that time.

Anna, Ditas and Doris (played by Iza Calzado, Meryll Soriano and Jasmine Curtis) each have their own story. In the film, Anna was depicted as a strong woman, one who need no man to support her even though she was loved much by Kanor played by Joem Bascon. You will admire her character for most of the “first half” of the film, but later feel for her and her struggles as she gets distraught over her baby and what would happen to them. Ditas on the other hand would be seen attempting to take her life several times (because of sheer hopelessness in love, and the man in her life) but with all the nice things she’s brought to the lives of her friends and herself in the colony, she would regain hope, and start to appreciate the small things around her. Meryll Soriano is a discovery for me, I have seen her TV stints and didn’t quite expect she’d be doing the things she did in this movie. I almost lost my breath understanding one of the highlights of the film. I am saying right here, that the few minutes with John Lloyd Cruz’ character was one of the reasons everybody balled during the world premiere last weekend, with good reason. If you’re a fan of his work, this would be good reason why you should watch it. I couldn’t believe how he could tell his whole story in one scene, you will go crazy just thinking about it.

Meryll on the other hand held her ground, when John Lloyd did his scene, she reciprocated with her own brand of acting, both of which will make your jaw drop. You will ask yourself “WTFOMGBBQ did I just witness?!” and admit “I am not worthy to witness that!”, and I... am not even joking.

Make sure you also take note, not surprising she’s really good, Iza Calzado had some really hard scenes with Joem Bascon and Suzette Ranillo (who plays Nanay Mameng), as they will have to go through a very traumatic experience as they started to have a family in Culion. I couldn’t say much with Jasmine Curtis’ character but hold your horses as she will be shocking you (my heart dropped in one of the scenes), but she’s the hopeful one, one who dreams, and might liken a lot of people going through the same ordeal. Pretty mental, as her scenes felt like a few of Ricky Lee’s masterpiece put together, and I think they have a connection in some weird way but you have to be a judge of that.

Here’s our short trip to the island, enjoy!

If you were there during the world premiere in Culion, you would see how attentive, hopeful and proud they were seeing this film in the Immaculate Conception Church in Culion. I saw a lot of them cried, laughed a little, and felt this was a good representation of who they are as people. Now, what a proud moment for them to be from Culion.

All in all, this deserves your attention during the Metro Manila Festival. Watch it to learn about history, watch it to see the triumph of generations who have lived and experienced the colony. Watch it for the sole reason of love, for the children, for each other, and see miracles of humanity in it. It will all be seen on theaters nationwide starting December 25, Christmas Day. Go prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions. Take your family into learning the history of Culion, and the love that comes from its people.

MMFF 2019 Hopeful CULION Shocks with JLC Appearance

I was waiting for this, the project alone had me excited and in some way I was already so happy with the cast, but last night's reveal had us all dumbfounded. They kept it a secret for a long time, I was even there before the shoot and I had no idea he was even in the movie. We got the shock of our lives when a familiar face appeared, it was John Lloyd Cruz and I could hear the gasps from people in the back during the first teaser reveal. 

The movie CULION is gunning for the last 4 slots in this year's Metro Manila Film Festival and the script from the legendary Ricky Lee, director Alvin Yapan and Producer Shandii Bacolod tells us about the life and love which happened in the leper colony in the 40's. Officially cured of it all in 2006, people had no grasp of how gorgeous CULION is. I have personally visited the place and it was just jaw dropping views, one after another, and the huge difference is its people whom the story will delve on. You will feel their welcoming vibe, much like any Filipino, they will talk about resilience, hope, of which they have shown the whole world they can do. Ms. Iza Calzado tells us how it all became so real for her, also for Jasmine Curtis Smith who plays the lead roles for the film. They got to connect with their characters and how they have shown their capacity to love despite of their condition. It showed the strength of their spirit, how they all have encompassed Hansen's disease and overcome adversities despite the stigma attached to the then incurable plight of people from around the country. There are a lot of stories which can be told, and are still being told now by residents in CULION. This should show you how they've all gone through that and become the proud people they are today. Here's part of the press conference and the reveal of the posters last night.

There will be a lot of things to watch out for especially iconic lines from characters in the film, take for example Ana (played by Ms Iza Calzado) who said "Sipingan mo ko, sipingan mo ko ng paulit ulit.." (which asks a man to make love to her again and again). 

I also had the chance to talk to Papang Lee O'Brian whom I had the pleasure of asking a question about his role before they went to CULION, and I was glad to see how he got immersed with the people there after spending several shooting days in the island. He saw what we saw, what the treasure was, it was Culion's people. Their warmth and hospitality, their triumph over adversities, it was what made them all so endearing to anyone who visited the place. You will discover that too, aside from the island's beauty, when it shows on December hopefully as part of MMFF.

Heto na ang unang pasilip sa "Culion". #CulionTeaser Watch till the end. Directed by Alvin Yapan Story and Screenplay...
Posted by Culion on Monday, September 30, 2019

Oh and yes, this is so much more than John Lloyd alone, but dang, he just shocked us all.

Let me leave also what Ricky Lee told us would be the cure for the stigma, when I asked him about not being a doctor and what he thinks about curing the stigma, he replied "I am a doctor (Honoris Causa recently, everyone laughed). I could say the cure for the stigma is knowing that they are human too." I felt that.

Can't wait to see it on theaters soon!

KUMAGCOW

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10 Reasons Why You Should Watch Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz's Finally Found Someone

OPPO Philippines gave us a treat by having us watch the premier of Finally Found Someone, Star Cinema and Viva Films' latest project. The film stars Princess of Pop Sarah Geronimo and everybody's dream boy John Lloyd Cruz and it's been three years since their last pairing. I watched the movie earlier and I felt the need to list down reasons why you should watch it. I promise not to put spoilers, as much as I can.

1. Sarah Geronimo is a comedienne. It's not the dialogue at all, she does quite well in funny SLAPSTICK comedy.

2. John Lloyd Cruz is FRESH. I don't know what he did in the previous movies, but he looks a whole lot younger in this film. He lost a lot of eyebags, maybe got a lot sleep? Or maybe got thinner, those eyes which ladies love made him look younger. He stiill has those magic puppy dog eyes.

3. John Lloyd Cruz is CUTE x 10. You know that moment when you see John Lloyd so adorable? Multiply that into ten sequences because this is like a museum, he will be shown in different angles, different scenes in different days and show his best asset. It was a series of shots where I heard ladies helplessly shrieking because they find JLC so cute, those dancing pikachus won't be even a match.

4. The film also harnesses SOCIAL MEDIA. It can make or break you, and if you are not careful you would end up like her. Or him, so always know the TRUTH will set you free.

5. The TRUTH we speak of is painful, but you would go through it for the one you love. That takes a lot of COURAGE.

6. CAKE is SWEET. It starts with a cookie, then a business, then the icing on the cake. Do you know where that would lead them? A kiss? Maybe, maybe.

7. You are not ALONE. Even if you don't have family, you have FRIENDS you can count on. You'll be amazed what they would do for you if you just learn to ask for help.

8. The feeling of being IN LOVE can make you pee in your pants, ask Sarah Geronimo why.

9. The movie has a lot of realizations. One of them is to FIX YOURSELF FIRST before you LOVE somebody else. Get an OPPO F3 Special Sarah Geronimo Edition and make yourself pretty. Effortless selfies, group shots plus Sarah's signature on every unit. It's a POPSTER's DREAM COME TRUE!

10. Everyone deserves a SECOND CHANCE. :)

I hope this is enough to convince you to watch this Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz movie. If you want to know why I said these things, run to 200+ cinemas nationwide so you could catch this movie. You should never miss this if you liked their previous films. Again, thank you so much to OPPO Philippines for having us in this sure blockbuster event. They sponsored the tickets and popcorn but this list is mine, so go watch it! :) 

KUMAGCOW

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Piolo Pascual for "A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery" (Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis)

We had the chance to interview one of the lead actors of "Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis" (A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery) Piolo Pascual, the Silver Bear Winner (Alfred Bauer Prize) at the Berlinale Film Festival in Germany. Bringing pride and fame to the country in an international stage was just phenomenal. Lav Diaz the film's Director, Writer and Editor felt like a rockstar, and was treated like one in the yearly film festival held in Berlin.

Piolo Pascual, one of the film's lead actors said "Why are the Filipinos so consumed with elections? This is really timely because it tells the story of the revolution. More than the students, it's the one outside that might be able to benefit from this. There's no difference in making this than the ordinary 2 hour films. Actors were challenged, Direk Luv didn't explain things to us but the content is already there and it's very poetic." 

"The way he writes, you feel it when you're saying it like the character. We had to do our homework, we ask small instructions but it's madness. He just says rock and roll! We were told a day before that we were going to win an award, he was very celebrated even though the one that won the golden bear was a documentary. It was between that and us. We didn't have a chance to take selfies, but Meryl Streep was in the stage in an hour so I got to decipher her, and understood she's larger than life."

John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo in "A Second Chance"

I'm probably just one of the millions waiting for this second installment of the John Lloyd - Bea starrer "One More Chance" where generations upon generations got hooked with the love story of Popoy and Basha. We have all sulked, cried, laughed, loved and learned that what may seem to be an impossible situation, still spark hope if deep inside you still love each other. Yes, you can say Pinoys are very melodramatic, even mushy than that. Though in this day and age, that story taught us a lot of things and reminded us to hold on to relationships if you can say that with all the pain... it's worth it!

Ms. Cathy Garcia Molina was initially hesitant to do a sequel because the first one was already super successful that people might expect a lot of things and she wouldn't do it. After 8 long years, of course... a lot would have already changed between the actors and the characters they portray. The marriage, the love, the affinity that got lost somewhere in time. We all know that's not gonna be easy, nor do we expect it would be a real happy ending... But we do hope this movie might turn out just right to make us think. To also make us believe it would still be something good between Popoy and Basha when the trust, the love somehow gets blurred in the process. 

Here's the grand presscon on video including some excerpts of the Q&A with the cast this evening:

John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo for A Second... by kumagcow

John lloyd cruz and bea alonzo in A Second... by kumagcow

Here are some photos from the same event too:

A Second Chance will show on theaters this November 25, 2015 and is produced by the good people from Star Cinema. Bea Saw (who's roaring for a comeback in the industry), Janus del Prado (the dramatic but funny bestfriend), Ahron Villena (who looks like is having a wonderful pairing with a YFSF contestant) were also there too during the presscon. Btw, you must watch this because Direk Cathy just spilled earlier that John Lloyd has butt exposures and Bea is a little more matured so you can only expect she's going to do what a proper house wife would do. Don't say I didn't warn you!

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