CIGNAL Launches Cignal Play Microdrama: Small Format but Huge EMOTIONS

It was a fun night to be with some of the artists involved in the latest Cignal Play Microdramas, the new vertical format series of shows shown on the Cignal Play App. They promised huge emotions, and with the celebrities included in the cast, we weren't surprised that they could deliver as they're not new to shows in TV5 and different channels.

 The event was graced by Ms. Jane Basas from MediaQuest and Cignal, and the man himself Manny Pangilinan of the MVP Group, proving how important this is for the platform because of how new it is, ready to be consumed by Filipinos on the app. 

This includes "I SEE YOU" with Dimples Romana, Joem Bascon, Cedrick Juan, Pearl Gonzales, Glenda Garcia and wonder kid Zion Cruz. There's also "MY FATHER'S LAST WISH" which stars Dylan Menor, Johnny Revilla, Gerald Madrid, Alex Medina and Dawn Chang. "3 QUEENS and a BABY" on the other hand stars Christian Bables, Iyah Minah, Daniella Stranner, Donna Cariaga, Christian Vasquez, and Iven Lim. My personal favorite is the light hearted "BAKER'S HEART" which stars Paulo Angeles, Dani Porter, Queenay Mercado among others. Soon there will be "A CURE CALLED LOVE" added to the shows which stars Gelli de Belen, Dylan Menor, Micah Santos, Pinky Amador and Jeff Tam which you can watch anywhere anytime with the Cignal Play app.

Here's the event on video:

Watching these shows this past week made me realize how they have meticulously placed cliffhangers in each episode, something they wanted to do to get you hooked on these shows once you try and watch one. It's got artistic and creative touch, something innately Filipino. These are all in vertical format so it fits your phone snug when you start watching. Best of all, they're offering subscription per day so you can pay 20 pesos to see it proving you don't have to spend much to have entertainment.

Really enjoyed talking to some of the cast, make sure you sub on my channel and see the short chat we had with them on the video above!

Scenes from the MEDIA DAY with TVJ and LEGIT DABARKADS

While I was asking around the TV5's Reliance Studios of what's about to happen, I kind of forgot how huge and controversial this issue is in the Philippine entertainment scene. It's a mix between the matters of business, the personalities, ethics, loyalty, and heartbreak. To say the least, it was hard to digest and formulate apt questions to be streamed live on TV5 and different social channels, scary lol.

Though in hindsight, it just boils down to this... TVJ and all of the Dabarkads are just looking for a new home... TV5 chose them, and so did TVJ Productions Inc. (a company owned by Tito, Vic Sotto and Joey De Leon). For starters, the MVP Group has approached Eat Bulaga a long time ago (according to MVP) and it just happened that the whole talk between them happened after all that issue happened at the other corp. What's happening now is that Mediaquest and TVJ Productions Inc. are now entering an investment deal. They got 51% of the media production company, so they're not blocktimers, they are part owners of the actual company. Ms. Jane Basas the President and CEO of MQuest Ventures was also there to welcome them on board. Senator Tito Sotto was thankful about their welcome!

The first topic was about WHAT IS THE NEW NAME OF THE SHOW? WILL THERE BE A NEW NAME?

This was answered by TVJ during the first part of the mediacon:

Then during the mediacon, it was certainly a time for them to get their statements out especially with Bossing Vic, Joey De Leon, Ryan Agoncillo and Allan K who really went balling when several questions were asked about the kind people who supported them plus the time when they were told about their apparent separation from the production.

Senator Tito Sotto also talked about the circumstances around the copyright case they're undergoing, and asserts ownership of Joey de Leon of it. This is really a huge debacle they're being involved in and here's hoping everything will get settled, amicably while both sides get justice they seek. 

About the show, they said it'll be called (XXXXXXX) well, they didn't really confirm the title. So sit back, relax and make sure you see the show on July 1st as they surprise you with what's going to happen with the show they plan to put out lunchtime with the Legit Dabarkads and your well loved TVJ. For now, congratulations to MQuest Ventures and TVJ Productions Inc. for formally signing your partnership. Go get Filipinos entertained!

TV5 and ABSCBN Inks Major Deal

It was certainly a regular day until news cam out of the investment agreement between ABS-CBN and TV5. To tell you honestly, I wasn't surprised because at the end of the day, ABSCBN has evolved into a company that provides content for the Filipino worldwide. ABS-CBN entered this deal by acquiring 34.99% or 2.16 Billion Pesos of common shares, with MediaQuest still holding controlling position of TV5. There would also be an option to get more stocks after 8 years of no more than 49.92% off of TV5.

The proceeds of the purchase will be sent to fund TV5 operations, specifically content, their programming and also public service. This will certainly change both ABSCBN and TV5's ways of delivering content not just locally, but abroad where ABS-CBN already has a lot of experience in. This will also make TV5's capability to make content in entertainment, public affairs and even sports even greater in the coming years. The deal will be closed this August 2022.

MediaQuest Holdings Chairman Manny Pangilinan says "We at TV5 welcome ABSCBN for their investments. We all know ABSCBN has always been the leading provider of Filipino related content here and abroad. We have cherished values, synergies to provide top quality programs and hope this will continue to grow, succeed in the coming years."

ABSCBN Chairman Mark Lopez adds "This is an opportunity to help TV5 strengthen its broadcast capabilities and our work in content production and talent management will add not just for TV5's growth, but the ability to serve the public. We see the opportunity to help TV5 grow, to work with the best talent off cam and on cam. This partnership will evolve ABSCBN to become a storytelling company. "

You've seen ABSCBN shows increase on TV5 these previous months and surely, they will further enhance their relationships. Really, this makes me so happy!  

NAIA Terminal 1, Other Ports Now Powered with Smart Wifi

I'm really excited about this big news from our friends at Smart. 

I woke up around 7 ish and braved through the early morning cold, the traffic all the way to the south because I wanted to be part of history. I'm a stern believer in technology and the country's biggest network just put up SMART WIFI on Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. It's the country's premier facility that caters to tons of international air carriers and thousands upon thousands of tourists and returning Filipinos pass through this particular airport everyday. Internet connection is VERY important in communication and business and without it on these parts of the Philippines, it would make these things difficult to accomplish. 

As a great challenge by the current Philippine President and the Department of Transportation and Communication, they went ahead and put Smart Wifi now in Davao's Francisco Bangoy International Airport, Laguindingan Airport in Misamis, Bacolod-Silay International Airport, Iloilo International Airport, Roxas Airport, Zamboanga Airport, Clark International Airport, Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, Laoag International Airport in the north, GenSan International Airport and Kalibo International Airport. They also have installed Smart Wifi in Batangas International Port in Batangas City plus the very far Calapan City Port in Mindoro. This means they now have carrier grade internet connection for FREE in these government facilities and it will benefit millions of people in the Philippines.

That's not even it, they're also planning to put up the same in even MORE ports like the one in Caticlan in Boracay, the lovely Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Tagbilaran Airport in Bohol, plus all the MRT and LRT stations in Metro Manila. Aside from that they will also provide connection in public offices, parks, hospitals so everyone would enjoy a connected life.

I personally tried it out and uploaded about 2 days worth of video from events I covered that time. The event there wasn't even finished yet but I got all my video interviews on Youtube uploaded in just a few minutes. You've got LTE on mobile phones, you've got Smart Wifi in selected areas. Now how's that for starters? 

Remember, this is just the beginning!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Smart, Sun and Talk N Text's BIGGER Announcement

If you thought Smart already shocked you with the announcement of Chairman Manny Pangilinan a few days ago about giving FREE INTERNET to their MILLIONS of subscribers. Today we just got word that they are making it even BIGGER by EXTENDING the promo up until January 5, 2015... Yes you heard that right! Shocked? I know! But here's the thing, they are also giving it out to Postpaid and Broadband subscribers. 

Smart's Chairman Manny Pangilinan just said on his tweet "Thank you for the OVERWHELMING response to #SmartFreeInternet. Our early Christmas gift to our loyal and new subscribers - the offer is now extended to January 5. Even better, all prepaid, postpaid and broadband subscribers of Smart, Talk N Text and Sun will have #FreeInternetForAll. 

If you think that is good news, all would also be able to use "UNLI" ALL YOU CAN" access to Facebook. This includes sending via Facebook Messenger, viewing of embedded video in the social networking site. They can also have all day Wikipedia access as well on top of their 30MB free data allocation per day.

You can now enjoy browsing through all your favorite websites, social media accounts, mobile apps, shop online without incurring any charges. Roland Peña Smart Technology Group Head also says their network has been able to perform well in the first few days of the promo and hope people would continue to take advantage of the FREE Internet offer. 

This is welcome news for YOU and ME and make the phone network war really beneficial for US their subscribers. We are the winners, that's important. 

Go hurry and text FREE to 9999 and experience it now!

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MVP's BIG Announcement: FREE INTERNET FOR ALL!

Mga Kapatid, with my colleagues, I will make a very important announcement this Friday, Sept 26, 11 am, Makati Shang Hotel. See you then.
— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) September 24, 2014

When Manny Pangilinan made this statement last September 24, 2014, we all thought it was going to be about the FIBA Hosting. When I arrived at the venue, there were rumors that it was about a company merger. Then when I sat down, the person sitting beside me told us the announcement was about their plans to take over Philippine Airlines. All of these were BIG news, but I wasn't prepared for what was going to happen that afternoon... his announcement, was about FREE INTERNET for all SMART, Talk N  Text and SUN subscribers!

Now I also asked myself what benefit would this do to Smart's 66 Million subscribers, they said that only around 20 percent use mobile internet data connection so the deal is to make this a part of their daily lives. They will make them try the service for FREE until November 30. Don't ever be afraid if your a postpaid subscriber because no matter how the prepaid subscribers use this, they'll still be able to accommodate it. Their network has been long ready for the capacity since they have steadfastly worked on its structure in the past few years.

Chairman Manny Pangilinan said "There are already a lot of people using smartphones but never had the chance of using data services, so what better way to get them a taste of it but by giving it for free. It's a way to what we say in Smart, Live More!".

You need to have at least one peso on your balance or subscribed to any of their promos in order to get connected. You can register now by texting the word FREE to 9999. You'll get a text confirmation and have around 30MB of free data for daily use. You have to remember though that peer to peer uploads and downloads, videos, VOIP and messaging would get you to have standard data charges on your prepaid account. You must exercise caution and don't hog the network! After all, this was made to make INTERNET FOR ALL a reality! Check the fine print here.

For more information about their services:

Smart Communications

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TV5 Showcases Talents, Hosted First Day of Ad Summit 2014

It's my first time going to the Ad Summit. I have been hearing about this from Advertising people and they only have good words. I wasn't expecting much but given that I'll be seeing new people from the broadcasting and advertising industry, I knew this would be something for the books. TV5 has been steadfastly producing great shows recently and with that, a multitude of services included in their portfolio. Their theme for this year is Convergence. It connotes being affectionate, closeness, intimacy, fellowship,friendship, being inseparable and or warm fellowship. They introduced this to the market so sponsors can take advantage of having maximum visibility. With the powers of Smart, Smart Ads and TV5, you'll see something bigger and cover a wide range of audience in this competitive market.

TV5 has asserted it's position in making quality programs and cover even the best sports organizations in the country. With TV greats such as the PBA, the Gilas Pilipinas games, Celebrity Dance Battle, Beki Boxer, WOW Mali, Astig, Confessions of a Torpe, One of the Boys and other shows making a mark on Philippine TV ratings, they have produced original stories, concepts and even their new stars in house. Endorsers come from the same station, they take the high ground and prove worthy of products they believe in - converting to really believable people that the public agrees with. Just look at Jasmine Curtis and how the fans purchase the products she's been with and you'll understand the others.

TV5 also hosted the dinner on the first day of the Ad Summit last May 8. It was attended by 2,500 delegates from different entities in the Philippines. So just imagine how big the crowd was in the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. Then MVP arrived.

The Smart Move Launch!

I'm a Gl*be subscriber and if you are following @kumagcow on Twitter lately you know how much I've kinda resented doing it. Getting my iPhone5 was a pain, I've got calls dropped, texts that are delayed... what more could I tell you, chances are you are experiencing it too first hand. I envy my friends who already made the SMART MOVE and are enjoying LTE signals in various places around Metro Manila. I on the other hand am locked up until my plan expires and I'm so itching to make the switch. I also asked myself why not do it now since SMART is going all out in new plans, new promos together with their great services. I should have gone to Smart when I had the chance to ditch the other.

We got invited though to their SMART MOVE launch at posh Opus in Resorts World Manila. We saw more celebrities than what we bargained for. Best of all, they are all on the better network. Yes, they have made the SMART MOVE!

Here's a rundown on what happened that evening!

Gorgeous Anne Curtis Smith donning a little black dress, and her hair makes a statement. She's using Smart of course!

A lot of people actually were waiting for this. Here's Elmo Magalona! He was a good chap, and was so accommodating. I don't have to tell you he's good looking because you probably know that already LOL. But really, he was down to earth. No wonder his fans love him a LOT.

Artista Academy: The Grand Auditions!

 

Yesterday was fun and exciting! Thousands upon thousands of people flocked to Smart Araneta Coliseum to bid for their chance to win a whopping 20 Million Pesos in which is dubbed as the grandest, biggest reality search competition in the Philippines called Artista Academy. I'm telling you, these people were seriously contending for the top spot. Since there will be only 2 people winning this competition, a LOT of heads will roll. Imagine just this afternoon alone around 12,000 individuals lined up and were screened by judges, it was so great to see those who you could really tell may have "the potential" and those who unfortunately don't.  

Every one lined up so early, I think even before lunch time there was a throng of people outside Araneta. They were not just there to push their luck on the prize, but hoping they will be a star on the Kapatid Network!

They did rigorous screen tests. They also had tight shots so if you are a guy planning to wear make up, make sure it's not going to look like you have em. It's totally not safe to use 2 shades of foundation that does not match your skin's color. Thousands of people will see you, even the color of your teeth so in layman's terms it was really brutal.

The number was 12,000+ and it wasn't going to be easy screening them one by one. They had to give fair chance to everyone but just take a look at how serious judging was at that time. See someone familiar?

That's Ms. Wilma Galvante and some directors/executives from TV5. If you pass her standards you definitely have star quality.

There were definitely a lot of hits, but there was also a ton of misses. Everybody who's hopeful of becoming the next big star in TV5 suited up and projected as much as they can. I have quite a few favorites during the screening. Out of this 12,000 people, only 16 of them will enter the academy... I'm sure a lot of tears will come out once the competition starts! Congratulations to TV5 for a very well organized audition.

One of the hosts of this show is Marvin Agustin, he will be alongside equally good looking Cesar Montano on this BIGGEST Artista search the country has ever seen! This is a first in the country's history!

Now for some of the gorgeous guys and gals that I saw that evening.

There were actually a lot more of these good looking people in Smart Araneta Coliseum that afternoon but you'll have to wait who actually gets in or not in the show. In my honest opinion, TV5 has definitely got a treasure in their hands. It'll be something definitely worth watching out for every week when the show starts. Make sure you like their Facebook Page and Follow them on Twitter because you don't wanna miss how these hopefuls make their way into the ranks becoming TV5's ultimate winner in the first ever Artista Academy! The 20 Million Pesos will definitely change someone's life. TV5 will surely be gaining ground as this program comes full swing probably next month. Do you have your own favorites now?

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