Had lunch with Jake Cuenca this afternoon as he talks more about Morpheus, his character in the hit show "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim" (Philippine adaptation) on Viu. Obviously he's attacking this role differently and when he watched it, he eagerly wants to do justice with the role.
Jake says "If I make you cry here, it's not because of heartbreak, but this man is calm and done differently. PSJ is a great actor, so is Cyrus, but the effort here is even more than my previous role in Ironheart. I really prepared for it emotionally. This time you are bringing this to an audience, I had to look for things in between."
He adds that after the pandemic, he wanted to work with the best people including the late Deo Endrinal. He would've regretted it because they were able to tweak the character for him and it's a different take in the Filipino adaptation. When I read it, it was interesting. I do flourish on an off beat role especially Eros, on Catleya Killer it's always very interesting and meaty. I've come to embrace that they put me here for a reason, and I can elevate it."
They thought it was going to be the typical Jake Cuenca but they will talk about the portrayal after the show. He is grateful especially for the audience that comes with it. Jake knows how hot KimPao is. He says "When I'm in the set I don't look at romantic scenes, but I'm really blessed to have been able to work with Pau, and with my best friend, I feel I've had more growth. If we did this when we were young, it would have looked totally different."
Here's the full conversation we had with him
Now if you're in the mood for more of Jake Cuenca, he's on What's Wrong with Secretary Kim and it is exclusive on Viu. You can see the first 5 episodes if you are subscribed but if you want to watch it on TV, it's on abscbn channels. You can also watch it for FREE on Viu as soon as it comes out on TV.
Congratulations Jake on another show! There will surely be more of these projects including the one with Baron Geisler. You just wait!
Just got off the Brilliant Awards 2023, The Brightest of All Time. Brilliant Skin Inc. holds events like these annually to honor the regional leaders, franchisees, distributors of their cosmetic products in the country. Clad in their most gorgeous white and pink shimmering outfits, they were all welcomed at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre in Pasay City by Brilliant Skin CEO Glenda Dela Cruz.
Ms. Glenda says "This night is all for you, I know there are a lot of people who came from the Cordilleras, Region 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, Bangsamoro and NCR. You are the ones who are really brilliant."
She adds "We have been able to weather through the challenges of 2023. We had fears, uncertainty, and I thought everything would be gone. I learned to be grateful, and to tell you honestly, I'm a better version now. My life is an open book now, I let go of people that I loved and accepted it even though it was difficult. We made waves when we started our Pinakamakinang events in Araneta, and now we are in Malaysia with our TikTok shop, and with our online platform in countries like Dubai (UAE), Malaysia, and soon in Singapore. We did this because of you. We continue to work hard, and I hope this goes the same with all of you. This proves that no matter what they say, you stand behind me all the way. I won't be wasting your trust. I thank God for saving me so many times, and he has done so much for me."
After personally thanking the "Brilliants", a term she coined for those who support her, she began showing her gratitude with the tons of celebrity performers she prepared for them. With the likes of Mariel Padilla and Luis Manzano as their hosts, model and actor Daniel Matsunaga, song and dance numbers from international stars 4th Impact and talk of the town Andrea Brillantes, everyone was just so glad to be in the midst of their endorsers who went there to just perform for them. Add to that singers JK Labajo, Kyle Echarri, Jason Dy, good looking actor Paulo Avelino, our golden boy Alden Richards, rock phenom Kean Cipriano and KZ Tandingan brought the house down as each of the winners were announced on stage. It was really nice to see how the crowd reacted when people from their own region was called, and how proud they really are.
Ms. Glenda was so thankful that despite her recent health challenges, they were all able to gather in one place so she could personally spend time with them, to take photos, talk and thank them for the hard work they put in for Brilliant Skin.
Here's some scenes we caught on video that evening!
@kumagcow 4th IMPACT at the BRILLIANT AWARDS 2023 doing Crazy In Love by BEYONCE @official4thimpact #tiktoktainment #music #4thimpact ♬ Here We Go - 4th Impact
@kumagcow ANDREA BRILLANTES at the BRILLIANT AWARDS 2023 #andreabrillantes #brilliantskinessentials #music #tiktoktainment #brilliantawards2023 ♬ Happy to Be Me - Andrea Brillantes
Congratulations to the men and women who received awards and those who also won the generous raffle that was done for them that evening. You deserve the accolades and incentives you got from Brilliant Skin Inc. and I hope you start to do start paying it forward just like what Ms. Glenda is doing for you!
Tickets are now being sold for this particular film called Fangirl. It is starred by Paolo Avelino and Charlie Dizon under BlackSheep Productions, Project 8 and Globe Studios directed by Antoinette Jadaone. Tokyo International Film Festival gave so much acclaim with this very interesting piece and has been sent as an entry in festivals in other countries. This is a coming of age film where an ultimate fan girl got to spend one night with Paulo Avelino.
Tickets are being sold now via bit.ly/WatchFanGirl
Antoinette Jadaone says "I was a super movie fan before, when I was a kid my aunts used to go to santacruzans in araneta center just to see them there. When I got into film I was more into people behind the camera. My family loves films, my grandpa made a cinema in Pasig so I got to watch films for free. We used to watch all Filipino movies. I did film in UP Diliman. Fangirl is relatable, we've both been through things like these in one form or another. We idolize, it's like a romcom that is anti romcom. You will get to see a fantasy wherein you could spend one night with your idol, and this might go differently. The first leg of auditions, we already had someone for the role of Charlie. Out of 600, we got 7 of them do workshops with Paulo, we got look tests, we got costumes, but at the last minute there were contract problems already. We got to call one more leg of auditions and got Charlie there. When she got in, in about 2 to 3 days we already went shooting. When you see her, you already know it's her. She had lots of make up, she had lashes and all, you could see it was like a commercial for her. I had to see her bare and she went in, her walk was like a street gang member, she talked like someone from the streets too and deliberated about it a bit. She was also okay with kissing scenes and matured ones, so that's how it happened. I think one of the things this came from is how I have worked in films, it is interesting to see the culture of fans when we watch our idols on screen where the line is so faded. People expect what they portray in the movie is actually what they also do, but there is a difference when you have a camera or not. There are two concepts that I combined here, as a fan and as an actor. I think it goes with it as a cautionary tale, it happens. I think as film makers, we must tackle not just things that are talked about, but those that are not talked about. So scenes mostly will be things that people are afraid to tackle, done in tasted, done with Charlie's comfort and understanding the vision of it. I wrote this in 2016, I was way different then as a writer and director. I developed it in 2019 and the material changed a lot. It helped with that I got the advise of European writers because I got a more worldly view of fan culture rather than just a Filipino fan view. Things are going with technology, so fan culture changes with that. Actually writing this was different because it changes in the point of view of the fan. As a writer I resorted into method writing, I didn't have to ask Paulo anymore and just got information from articles before. I asked Paulo what he needed to be removed or not but he just returned and understood it why I had him play himself. Since I did this in 2016, I had an actor in mind, but Paulo was the tough one, people would fear portraying themselves on film and it is what we had to play with. They would think he's like that but it's a role, but I understand their inhibitions. He just asked who the fangirl was and just told him then. "
Paolo Avelino shares "I didn't become a fan of sorts because it was not as usual for stars to go to Baguio when I was a kid. What's challenging here was the fact that I had to do it while I wasn't acting. (I asked about his tweets in the past months and asked if it was connected in some way with this). No John, those tweets came before making this film. These days I'm not so active on social media, my fans remain the same, mostly moms or grandmoms. Charlie and I might or might not have kissing scenes, you might need to interpret it and see if it is okay with what we see in this film. Maybe one thing that you'll see here is me being a father, another is being optimistic, how I finish things, and how simple I am as a person behind the camera. I like it quiet, I hope it transcends into the film. You wouldn't think Direk would do this, that is what peaked my interest when I did this film. I don't categorize dates, if we jive then we can date, she can go here in my house if she wants. Most of the people behind Paunatics are pros, they are tamed, they are normal people and I talk to them like that. Paulo Avelino in the script isn't too far from who I am, but wether it is fictional or not I'm okay with it. When I read it, I only processed it in a few days. It wasn't so hard, I just did it for Antonette (he kids) but it was really a good material honestly. I find Charlie cute, she was like high school, very innocent, when I talked to her, I saw why she was chosen to play this role."
Charlie Dizon says "Yes, just like anyone, I have been a fan of someone. I went to a mall show of Richard Gutierrez and I did kinda experience it too. I was in the crowd, screaming his name, I did that back in the days. Now my family is very happy, they always asked about the progress of filming this and I'm actually very nervous when they see this film. I couldn't imagine kissing my idol in real life, it's out of my league. I would date a fan, if it were me I would want that. I also talk to my fans like that which is why I am also in a group chat with them. I am a KPOP fan, an FX fan because I wanted to become a rapper. I tried out doing that in Korea and I met them, I debuted there and got inspired training. My real name isn't Charlie Dizon, it's a screen name but I got Dizon from my Mom. I would want to be with Park Seo Joon, he's my ideal guy and if ever I got the chance to work with him I'd love that, together with John Lloyd Cruz, I got to hug him in a movie project.
This is going to premiere on December 25. Go watch it for its merits and see why this is loved internationally too!
If We Don’t Make It, a movie produced by T-Rex Entertainment directed by Prime Cruz and written by Jen Chuaunsu. Lovers who have unfinished issues. Janine Gutierrez and Paulo Avelino are from different stations, it wasn’t an issue, they made it happen so now they are working with Prime on this project. Prime says “I like their previous projects and I have seen their work even before this was pitched, I knew I wanted to work with them. In this movie you will find the four of us to define this genre.”
Janine says “I am called AM in this film. I will meet Harold in college, messy but optimistic and he’s the exact opposite. I am not the typical good girl, she is a go getter. I could visualize how she is. If we don’t make it, maybe we can try again. I like the story because I can relate to it, you don’t even have to say it because they could feel it, to be heartbroken, subtle but real. In real life, you have to weigh how people feel and you don’t want to get rejected. Although there is always going to be a fresh take, a different way of telling the story.”
Paulo Avelino adds “My character here is a little different and hopefully we can finish this in the last quarter of the year. This isn’t a hugot movie, the treatment and the script is just the same with me, you love her but you can’t tell her, it’s a wasted moment, that you still don’t know if you would pursue it or not. My hair is for several projects. I have always had the same haircut, so I am trying to change the look, maybe soon I’ll have it all off. This movie though is a slice of life, in one point in our lives. I always check the material to make sure it is something that I haven’t done yet. I got the gist of what the outcome is, not to box myself but it has range of what people could do. I was getting indie projects a lot and got so excited when it is constantly evolving. It is deeper to your core and you have to bring out layers of your character. I made the conscious choice about 3/4 years ago. People are looking for something new, for quality.”
It will be something like post hugot era, another niche he (director Prime)would like to do. Jen the writer says “Prime and I wanted to do this, took bits and pieces in our lives and put t together so we could explore it more, a relationship-non relationship film.”
So we really have something to look forward to late this year, I hope they can make it fresh, new and relatable, parts of it is Prime Cruz’s life, part of it is fiction. It would be interesting how they would tell it on screen, especially since the girlfriend (not the ex) is the writer.
"This is not Heneral Luna, or Sunday Beauty Queen, but if this will be shown on Cinemas, you'll be surprised. We are also featuring Jimmy Bondoc, Parokya Ni Edgar, some spoken word artists. Myx gave us a premier yesterday and you'll also love LLOYDY which is a cover done done by Paulo Avelino himself. This was conceptualized through a drinking session. A lady here once said those exact words, and we asked permission. The hardest to shoot were the car scenes, and we all have bumpy roads. We also used an old car and La Union weather was crazy. We never want to be compared because the plot might be common but we attacked it differently. It's a bestfriend being in love with their bestfriend but this is entirely different from the usual romcom. LLOYDY was genius when I heard the original from my orgmate and I wanted to use it in a song. I also wanted to do it with him, and Maja was good enough to tell John Lloyd Cruz about what we were trying to do. We are also trying to experiment about the ending because it may or may not be them ending up together. It's my first full length film and I want something that would instill something funny even if it isn't, and something that would make you think. We also write scripts that would happen NOW, using songs and artists that a millennial would like." says Director JP Habac.
Paulo Avelino added "I just recommended Maja and they had her here. Aside from her being a really great actress, I haven't really worked with her on the big screen. I just really wanted to do it here because it's different on TV. Here it's more natural, not enhanced, it's as organic as it gets. Sensual, nothing more than that. We're rated PG. Dio is a frustrated film maker and he's in a dilemma to pursue directing or continue to study. This is a road trip to settle all their problems. Maja and I have songs in the film, we also have a duet, it's like passion and we get free beer in the process. This isn't my first time to portray a character like this but the story is different and I'm singing different songs, all OPM and we put importance in that. John Lloyd is so cool, it was fast and we just did a cover of that. We all look for people who would tell us they love us, whether it's a friendly thing or romantic it's a good feeling. I do films not because they are acting pieces, but this is vital to the script to be there. I just want to be the one who does something new."
I am so glad that there are films like these and do things that have passion, the concept is there and TBA made it real. It's nice to have a venue to let them do it with how they want to do it.
This film will be shown on February 15 and it's something new for the Filipinos. They deserve the best and it doesn't matter if there are gigantic companies that would be on the same play date. They will however have a 20 minute pre-movie that will connect Heneral Luna to Goyong so if you are a fan of that series, you should not miss this movie from TBA Entertainment.
A story of a woman torn between holding on and letting go. Is it hard to forgive the one who hurts you over and over? How is trust gained back? Is it worth it to find someone else to love you? How does a married woman become an unmarried woman? Those are the questions that this movie wants to answer. Star Cinema presents THE UNMARRIED WIFE. This stars Dingdong Dantes, Paulo Avelino and Angelica Panganiban and is directed by Maryo J. Delos Reyes, written by Vanessa Valdez.
Talking to Paulo Avelino, he says "In a way if you are happy with your wife, why would you look for temptation? It can be the fault of the other party too. How do you free someone from their past? Legalities, there is a saying that time heals but the best thing is to make them feel happy all the time. That perhaps is close to what I probably personally believe in, hopefully in the end, it would just take time. As per Bryan, he sees this broken woman smiling, so there is something wrong with her and that makes Bryan more fascinated and did the best thing to make her happy. I don't think it's a sickness, but you can forgive, Ann also has to understand why he did it again. I wouldn't call it cheating, but I always believe a vow is a vow. It's forever. You see a lot of people getting separated but I believe marriage can work things out to make it exciting. It's repetitive and sometimes it's boring, but you have to make a way to break a routine. In most of my relationships I always held on, even of the girl doesn't want it, even if they let me go."
Here's the rest of the interview on video, enjoy!
The movie will be shown next week November 16, 2016 so if you want drama and conflicts on screen, watch this on theaters nationwide! This is Directed by Maryo J. delos Reyes.
This has been constantly shown on trailers since last week and now it's the most eagerly awaited teleserye from ABSCBN. With talented artists like Maja Salvador, Paulo Avelino and Jericho Rosales billeted on this series, you won't run out of reasons why you should watch it. During the blog con in ABSCBN, the cast was delighted to introduce something new to the table. Their creatives made this in line with other successful shows in the past so if this becomes a hit, we wouldn't really be surprised. They insisted though that you should watch the first episodes because it will establish the characters and you would know where they would come from. Aside from their good looks, I think the stories would probably be their main selling point.
The directors are Dado C. Lumibao, Richard V. Somes and Will Fredo. They've got different units but converge right before they start shooting so they could talk about changes if there's any. This is to avoid conflicts with the story line. They also watch each other's shoot so if they see any particular styles the other director implements on their shoot, the others would just follow suit. They would not hold back though if they want to do something creative. It was a great thing to know that they sync up first so there would be continuity in the story. They also work on minor details after the day's shoot if they need to. They also work with the writers Benjamin Lingan, G3 San Diego, and Henry King Quitain if there would be changes in the story, they're pretty much open with that.
The reason why they entitled this with Bridges in the beginning has something to do with the brothers dream. They wanted to one day, be able to put up bridges themselves because they wanted to be Engineers or Architects in the future. It was a bit symbolic, where relationships get torn down, both with Maja Salvador, and the two brothers. They wrote this story and the cast wasn't really the first choice, but now the writers realized that these individuals are actually the best choice to portray the roles. Director Richard Sommes was also very excited just hearing the cast. He was eagerly waiting and read the script, he found it very interesting and it struck him that it's going to be this deep and interesting. The only thing he asked was how the production wanted them to attack it. The other directors saw the pilot and they immediately grabbed the opportunity because they've all worked in the past. The treatment of the writers was also very different so it's something that they could experiment with, the directors said.
Maja initially wanted to initially research and watch real shows in clubs. When she was being made up, her make up artist suddenly blurted out that she worked there too in the past. The guys on the other hand have probably gone to Airforce One where they are shooting some of the scenes in. Seeing the locations already took Maja's interest and she adds you should watch out for the hero in the series. He'll make the character of Maja understand why she has hope, you'll find out later when they show it in place of The Legal Wife that ended last week.
Paulo Avelino said Jericho played the role very believable and he felt that Echo definitely felt so much of a brother during the scenes. He knows he had to collaborate with their characters and they need to work with people in front and behind the camera to make this one of the best series in television. He wants to be consistent from start to end, because he finds this a very big challenge in any role he does. Jericho on the other hand says Maja made this very easy for him because she knows how to add on to the lines if they miss one or two things. He also knows his co stars need to communicate since this ensemble is a different mix. Maja also accepted this role to challenge herself and says she wants to give justice to thee persona of the character, which to her is a big achievement. Maja initially had fears also about hearing who she was going to work with and knows these guys are very much established, but she's going to bank on the times they've worked together and pull off things from that.
The relationships is also going to be different says the writers. It's going to overlap with each of the characters, in totally different ways. It's like a painting and they're going to make their own specific brilliance and make harmony while they all discover themselves, yes with each other.
The dance of Maja is one scene that would be unforgettable. It's where she'll actually be starting her story, a very principled woman even if she's in that stature. Although she's in that situation, her values and principles are still intact.
Please make sure you tune in to ABSCBN on the same time slot as The Legal Wife. They'll be bringing in a different piece of rivalry, brotherly love, romance, situational drama and the raw acting prowess of Maja, Paulo and Jericho all in one show. You know you'll get hooked with Bridges of Love.
It was a nice afternoon and we got the chance to visit the last shooting day of The Bride and The Lover. The film stars recent award winners Paulo Avelino and Lovi Poe together with gorgeous Jennelyn Mercado. They have a stellar cast that includes Hayden Kho, Joem Bascon and Councilor Alex Castro whom I just found out is running for a Vice Mayoralty post in Marilao, Bulacan.
As serious as it sounds, The Bride and The Lover is actually a RomCom. It's not another kabit flick if you don't mind. It's going to be a little naughty on some parts, a little serious and dramatic on others. The cast was excited on how this movie will turn out. I've got to talk to some of them during this shoot. Actually, I got to know them better.
Hey ladies! If you were given the chance to love and marry some gorgeous looking men, someone just like Sam Milby or maybe someone like Paulo Avelino... and they've got the same face, the same hunky bodies... wouldn't you want that to happen? Sure you do. Well it's not that impossible, because on January 21, 2013 Angeline Quinto and these two guys will show you how its like to fall in love again in a new afternoon serye called "Kahit Konting Pagtingin".
Angeline Quinto exuded a bubbly very fun personality and I've seen her a couple of times. I also shot her in Bench Universe a couple of months back. People were so excited and some were pretty nervous for her because this is her first serye and she's going to be the lead. She's not only going to sing the soundtrack for this like what we're used to.
Everybody knows Paulo Avelino. Cute, gorgeous, sexy, one that's got the body that most people would envy. I was able to interview him a few months ago for the movie Aswang. I find him so humble, appealing and who wouldn't wanna say the best terms you would ever wanna think of for a guy who's got the best assets ordinary men would just dream of. Playing the famed character "Nathan" in Walang Hanggan probably made him the household name that he is. Admittedly he says it was not much of a sacrifice when he decided to transfer stations, but he said he made some VERY tough decisions. He's now reaping the fruits of his labor and he owes his success to a lot of people. His management, his family, his fans and all the people who support him.
Now pegged as one of the most bankable actors of our time, he marks this day as his freedom. Freedom to venture into other forms of art, yes ladies and gentlemen... Paulo Avelino's got a self titled album and he's excited to let you hear about it. His current single "When She Cries" has been doing good in airplays and requests now consequently placing 6th on MyMusicStore.com.ph topping other singers and artists in legal digital downloads. How can you not be happy with that?! =)
A little nervous at first, Paulo introduced us to his new album. It's got three covers to cater to everyone's taste, 6 tracks and its counterpart minus ones
so 12 all in all. He says he owes a lot of his fame
to the success of his show in ABSCBN and since he wanted to be a well rounded
actor and singer they gave him this opportunity to have his own album. He also touched a bit on how he missed the Cosmo Bachelor Bash because of the One Kapamilya Tour. He's not holding back on baring himself out in the public and says as long the project needs it he will do it. He feels a little sad about ending the series Walang Hanggan and will miss his co actors too. He mentioned that the last airing will be on the 26th but fret not because he's got a few films up his sleeve. "The bride and the lover" with Lovi Poe and Jennelyn Mercado is now in the works. Plus he's got more projects in the pipeline. Among the tracks in this album, his favorite is "Your Love". They are also making the music video for this already so make sure you stay tuned for that. His priorities onlynow include family, work, friends, fans and of course God among others.
He shares his excitement about the official release of this album this Friday and the upcoming meet and greet on SM Skydome which will happen on Sunday. He's going to do a lot of things that day so if you don't have anything to do on October 7, 2012 rush down to SM City North Edsa and get the chance to avail of his album and watch his show.
I admire Paulo Avelino, for being the great actor that he is, and the things he does so he could learn other things... because he treats himself as a true artist! Music to him is just like acting so he is trying to hone his
skills other than the obvious; because he knows he's been pretty good at it. This is his life long dream. He wanted to
really sing and his track sales online show there is a market for him. The song choices in this album are evident of how he grew up in the 90's so he wanted to have a band perform with him too later on if the opportunity
permits. After all, he does not want to disappoint the crew and producers who made this happen for him. His only one wish is for you to see how much he wants to do this for you too... make sure you grab his album on stores this Friday. Show starts on Sunday 5pm at the SM North Skydome so don't forget he's waiting for you!
For more information about his album Like them on Facebook!
