BAR BOYS AFTER SCHOOL: Funny with Serious Topics, An Exciting Installment!

When I heard Bar Boys would have another run, I was extremely happy just thinking what it would be like especially since the first installment had so many stories to continue with. The iconic Odette Khan won Best Supporting actress for it in different award giving bodies, including Indie Movie of the year, Best Director and Screenplay nominations to name a few. It also had a stage musical done which was well received by fans, and also had nominations for the version with the music used for the medium.

10 years since, the boys would have totally different lives and a whole new set of students to tell a story with Will Ashley, Sassa Gurl, Klarisse De Guzman, Glaiza De Castro, Emilio Daez, Therese Malvar, Benedix Ramos and Bryce Eusebio. The orignal ones Rocco Nacino, Kean Cipriano, Carlo Aquino and Enzo Pineda took on their roles 10 years older, having different lives to say the least, with Rocco teaching law school. Most of them were at the press conference a few days ago. They also paid tribute to Madame Odette Khan as she graced the event, had a standing ovation, which I adored.

Direk lamented how beyond the film, they all have been able to forge friendships and didn't take a miracle to pull off a second movie after the success of the first one. He said "We all grew as people and I've worked with everybody on this stage (including the new ones). I can guarantee, all of them are good people. I can confirm they are true artists who want to become better at their craft. I hope people see the value in that and support our Metro Manila Film Festival entry for 2025! I hope people would watch us first because we assure you it's going to be worth it." He also said that starting this meant they need to tell more stories that would matter, something people found in their first one so that's going to be interesting.

Will Ashley is going to be part of this and he says this movie is going to connect with you in so many ways, they really worked hard to make this second movie. Benedix on the other hand has auditioned for the musical play before landing this role for the movie. Sassa was super playful, her valedictorian role is something you should look forward to. While new, Emilio took a chance and auditioned for this role because he loved how his character developed. He learned a lot and want folks to watch this. Therese is already an award winning actress, having her in this film is just icing on a cake, she deserves it. The story she says is super good and said YES when it was offered to her.

Enzo says "It means a lot to me to see fans of Bar Boys to be here. It's also my first time to do MMFF, I've waited to do this after 15 years, and I'm part of it. I hope you get to support it like the first one."

Kean says "Josh after school didn't pass law school and this will continue that story. I hope we won't die in the end. Being part of a project that has value, being part of the first one was worth it, the second one just touches us on a different level. Being with them, seeing you appreciate it is enough for me."

Rocco says "Thank you to everyone who's here. I was supposed to take a different role, but I'm glad I ended up with this one. This is the first film that I've done that had a sequel, I assure you, you won't have problems suggesting this to friends and family if you would want to watch an entry at MMFF."

Carlo jokes about being in MMFF like he only had this as an entry, but everyone knows he's a regular LOL. He says "I want to share that when I read this email of Bar Boys, I was quitting showbiz, and the film gave me spark, to do what I love, I hope the same spark makes a movement out of Filipinos."

Excellent choices so far has been seen in MMFF 2025, and Bar Boys is the only one that is independently produced and supported by the FDCP. I can't wait to see what would happen to the original cast and the freshmen who will take on the new roles. This is a piece worthy to watch for sure! 

NUNA Launches First PH Store at Greenbelt 5 Makati

A few days ago, Nuna, the worldwide leader in premium quality baby gear just opened up shop at the fabulous Greenbelt 5 in Makati. This is part of their growth plans to make their presence felt in the region and make Filipinos see, feel and touch their best and expertly crafted baby gear in this side of the world. They are first and foremost a Dutch brand, so you would be able to now see in their stores exquisite craftsmanship, timeless designs, as each piece is engineered to cater to the needs of your precious baby.

Here's our video coverage of the launch

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From baby cribs, carriers, push chairs and home products, they'll be on display now at the 3rd floor of Greenbelt 5. This was also witnessed by Richprime Global Inc. and Europlay Distributor's Myrna Yao, their CEO, Lisa Yao their Managing Director, and Greenbelt's very own GM Iza Arcilla plus Marc Ambrocio the OM. 

Celebrities like our boy Rocco Nacino, his wife Melissa Gohing and their cute son Ezren, Model Businessman Fabio Ide and his wife model Danielle Mikayla Oca, Patrick Sugui and wife Aeriel Garcia, plus a few celebrity and mommy influencers also were present to cut the ribbon and share their experiences in using their various Nuna products which they swear have changed their parenting lives. If you have time, drop by their shop and ask what could best fit you and your kids lifestyle.

Sparkle Artists Shine at SIGNED FOR STARDOM 2023

One of the most awaited events in the country happened at the GMA Studios a couple days ago. This is "Signed for Stardom 2023" hosted by GMA's Sparkle Artist Center, and we loved seeing those who have stayed and renewed ties with the Kapuso network and its affiliates. The contract signing event also included performances from the network's stars, singers, spiels from their host influencers and appearances from their homegrown character actors which we love seeing in their various series and shows on GMA.

All in all, there were over 48 artists who got singned again, plus a few who got renewed and retained their management contracts with Sparkle. The event was hosted by Martin Javier, Rain Matienzo and guests were welcomed by GMA Netowrk's very own Chairman and CEO Attorney Felipe L. Gozon.

In the event, young GMA stars Siena Stevens, Will Ashley, Bruce Roeland, Matthew Uy, Angel Leighton, AZ Martinez, Yvette Sanchez and Shuveee Etrata got on stage in their best gowns and suits. Seeing them doing good in different GMA shows, endorsements and projects just mean they're reaping the fruits of their labor, working hard especially in honing their talents with the premier talent management company.

From champion singers, international performers and PPOP sensations, GMA is home to the most talented singers this country has ever produced. Liana Castillo, John Rex, Timmy Albert, Vianna Ricafranca, powerful Hannah Precillas, Jessica Villarubin and Guam theater star Garrett Bolden plus XOXO's Riel, Mel, Lyra and Dani went up the stage and performed several hits LIVE at the event. It proved all the more that the Filipino is world class!

Host and Influencers who are going to be part of the various planned lifestyle shows on GMA include Janeena Chan, MH Ordinllano, Maureen Schrijvers, Asnley Yap and Mica Salamanca.

Signed talented actors like Martin Del Rosario, Ashley Rivera, Kristoffer Martin, Paul Salas, Ms. Amy Austria, Maricar de Mesa, Archie Alemania and Nadine Samonte also signed with Sparkle together with already established Sparkle artists Andrea Torres, Andre Paras, Arra San Agustin, Shaira Diaz, beauty queen Celeste Cortesi, Mike Tan, Rita Daniela, Rocco Nacino, Khalil Ramos, twins Mavy and Cassy Legaspi, plus Richard Yap, Paolo Contis, Lolong lead star Ruru Madrid and popular pair "BarDa's" Barbie Forteza and David Licauco also joined the signing activity.

This is just the start of even more things to come for Sparkle and their artists. The event was also witnessed by GMA Executives SVP Attorney Anette Gozon-Valdes, Sparkle's VP Joy Marcelo. Here's to more projects with the stars who appeared at this Signed for Stardom. and yes, until next year! Congratulations to everyone who got signed, we can't wait to see more!

Turning NURSES to MOVIESTARS: "SIGLO NG KALINGA" on PNA's Centennial Celebration

Just got off the MOA signing of "SIGLO NG KALINGA" at the Philippine Nurses Association grounds this evening in Benitez Street in Manila. It was officiated by PNA officials, executives of Dr. Carl Balita Productions (CBP), Director Lemuel Lorca and nurses from around the country. This evening was all about the life of Anastacia Giron Tupas (AGT), the founder of PNA and how they are making headway in producing the film showcasing the dedication, service, passion and professionalism of Filipino nurses worldwide.

Governor Melvin Miranda, the current President of the Philippine Nurses Association says "Thank you to our past Presidents, and to regional leaders present here this evening. When Dr. Balita threw in the idea of doing a film, we were looking on how the life of AGT will be appreciated. Anastacia and her legacy in PNA is inspiring, at this day, we can inspire more Filipino nurses and connect to generations of them, and I'm glad they appreciate our endeavor to hopefully be learned from grassroots level; especially to nurses, and learn our mission and core values. We appreciate the partnership, thank you!"

Dr. Carl Balita also announced that national artist for film RICKY LEE as consultant for the film. For this project, he wants to put together the best of the best in Philippine cinema. He says "I am also considering Rocco Nacino, Kuh Ledesma, Princess Punzalan, Carol Banawa, different artists who are real nurses, and let them do cameos so we can concentrate on nurses we will get in the casting call. Angeli Bayani will be conducting workshops, as she's an internationally acclaimed actress. In other words, I want our nurses to be involved, also in the poster making and theme song writing contest. I believe we have very talented nurses, and we might ask Kuh Ledesma to help us in singing the song. The film will be seen on May 2023, and target international film festivals and I promise you we will have them in different festivals like Sundance, Toronto, and major film festivals. This is the best film I will ever produce, and I'm challenging everyone involved to do their best as well.

Dr. Carl Balita adds "I want this to be a legacy film to be watched by the public so they would understand the heroism involved in our line of work. We need to communicate the call for the cast, we need them to be part of the film. All of whom need to be nurses."

They are doing a casting call specific for nurses 20-60yo, registered who would be available for a shoot (2 weeks straight) with a 5 day acting workshop on October 12-20 from 10am to 12pm and 1-4pm on zoom. They will also be doing a Theme Song and Poster Making contest for the film depicting the work of Filipinos worldwide and the life of Anastacia Giron Tupas, the founder of PNA. You may send entries before November 26, 2022, you may email drcarlbalitaproductions@gmail.com for more details. This is also in celebration of PNA's Centennial Anniversary, a historic and momentous occasion.

If you're a nurse and want to be part of this, you know what to do!

ROCCO NACINO and CARLA ABELLANA for To Have and To Hold

Just got off a very fun interview with Rocco Nacino, Carla Abellana and Direk Don Michael Perez of the new gripping series "To Have and To Hold".

Rocco Nacino plays Gavin and says "Making this is like preparing for a big event. We all go to Yoga sessions and bond during the locked in taping. We're far from our families, our loved ones. I love how much of a workaholic Gavin is, he's very passionate. But it also can cause problems, it's not good how he focused on one thing and just leave his wife even if she had efforts. He just didn't open his eyes to the reality."


Carla who plays the role of Erica says "I love Erica is so carefree, non confrontational, even if she needed to, she doesn't do it to protect herself. She has flaws, she loses her heart, it's something that I dislike about her especially when she loses logic."

Direk Don Michael Perez tells more about the series and says "I rarely cut scenes unless I see the need to. That can be taxing for actors, they need to know lines, blocking, and be in character for a long time. But it can be very rewarding because it can come out real and raw. It doesn't need to be spruced up, it's what the actor gives during the time they took it. You need pros to take on that undertaking."

Here's a portion of our blogcon this afternoon. Enjoy!

Make sure you watch To Have and To Hold which is part of GMA Telebabad.

Rocco Nacino for ELORDE Boxing Gym Ayala Malls Feliz

I have always envied the life of Rocco Nacino. A flourishing career, a happy lovelife, a new show (DOTSPH), a dream home, several businesses, and now and addition to his successful Elorde Boxing Gym in Ortigas, the brand new ELORDE BOXING GYM at Ayala Malls Feliz in Pasig City. This is a spot he runs with actors Mikael Daez and wife Miss World Megan Young, Jason Abalos and a few business partners. Suffice to say, they’re very passionate. No wonder they’re all at the best shape of their lives!

The new gym has ample amount of space with a ring at the back part of the gym plus several sections of the room dedicated for boxing exercises and even sets of circuit training. It’s a fun way to actually work out if you are tired of the run of the mill gym time where your only cardio is running on the treadmill. Honestly, it’s a worthwhile change of pace so your body wouldn’t think you’re slacking and is perfect for young professionals who feel the need to relieve stress before or after office hours. You could imagine this could also get your boxing dreams started. I know of a lot of of my friends who now enjoy a fitter body because of it. This is one of the reasons why Rocco is sharing this because it’s also part of his personal journey. He’s seen the benefits of this personally and swears by the Elorde system of training. They have seasoned professional and amateur boxers as coaches so you’ll be getting the right kind of workout. This has had shed pounds off a lot of people, it also kept them healthy. The benefits are immensely proportionate to the effort you give, so you’re not far off seeing results. The only requirement is proper equipment and it’s available too in ELORDE Boxing Gym in Ayala Malls Feliz. 

Here’s Rocco telling us about it:

Now they’ve got promos going on for beginners and for those who have been to Elorde in the past, membership os very affordable and you’ll get a lot of savings too. Or if you prefer, they have daily rates which are also very reasonable. You can try it out!

Rocco by the way also stars in DOTSPH and hosts a health show in GNTV. He also told us the reason these are located in the east of Manila is because his dream home is going to be in that area and he promises to go to the Feliz branch as much as he can because he’s been very hands on in his businesses. So for those who would want to see him and some of his fellow celebrities, this would be a good place to also start. But don’t stalk them! Just say hi and they’re very willing to lend a hand.

If you’re up to it, you can visit them at the 5th Floor of Ayala Malls Feliz’ Garden Area. It’s so picturesque there, a perfect place to start your fitness journey. Rocco will be there sometimes, and the whole ELORDE Boxing Gym Ayala Malls Feliz team will be there to support you. That amounts to a lot if you want to stay fit. 

Heartwarming Storyline: Write About Love to Impress at MMFF

Missed this event but we had our compadre Jim of mrjimboy.com cover for us at the premiere night of Write About Love, a supposed romcom film produced by TBA Studios as entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival. Unbeknownst to those who have not watched it yet (of course including you as it's gonna be shown Christmas Day) the film is about two writers bound to clash creatively as one is rooted in making indie and the other is more mainstream films.

TBA Studios shot this a few months back, but the movie has transcened from being solely a good story. Albeit this is Director Crisanto B Aquino's directorial debut, he managed to put out inordinate conflict between the writers and squeeze in a considerable amount of affairs for the heart despite being attached to different parties. It likens the heartfelt fascination between their minds as they take directions in interpretation, though one asks, how did they get to spark interest after that?

The story borders mainstream and indie too, which hell approaches in telling an inception love story. #WriteAboutLove isn’t a typical romance film that would go the lengths of introducing a boy to a girl, in awkward situations, no love at first sight because they took time to grow on you. It makes you think of your own perception of love. It makes you question what love is — the kind that's not limited to romanticism, of terms of endearment and labels. The movie takes the path of cracking sick in making decisions — either good or bad. It makes you decide on what kind of story you put out there, and involve your own life. As funny as it sounds, we invest ourselves in work and relationships.

Write About Love is unconventional, it stands out from the run of the mill formulas they usually do. The film is not at all cheesy, but it puts tiny moments that are cute, heartwarming and captivating. Kudos to several iconic lines they delivered as expected with experienced actors like Joem Bascon and Rocco Nacino. Likewise with Miles Ocampo and a tad different Yeng Constantino. They also equipped it with an ambrosial musical score (by THE Jerrold Tarog), and be assured you'll cry a few times in 4 scenes. They delivered them all subtly and effectively.

You will see Rocco Nacino’s best performance to date, even if they're a new pairing, he didn't get awkward with Miles at all. He deserves a huge part on the back for riding his bike from his DOTS shoot, and back after the Premiere Night. Talk about dedication no? Joem Bascon is also on a league of his own, he didn't shortchange his role at all.

It would be a good film to watch this Christmas, especially for those who have weird and unconventional relationships. Write About Love is part of #MMFF2019, take a moment to get this as part of your list when theaters open this Christmas day!

Rocco, Patricia, Bea Signs with Kapuso Foundation

Rocco Nacino, Patricia Tumulak and Bea Binene just signed with Kapuso Foundation as their advocates. There will be several projects for education, health, that they will be committed to after doing this. To involve the youth, they want the idols to also be there to get involved.

Ms. Mel Tiangco says “I just came from my checkup, and it was just lack of water. I’ve been sick for a few days and hopefully I’ll be 100% now. This is a big day for Kapuso Foundation because for the longest time I have been praying for everyone in the network to be of service to the Filipino people. Here we have real people who help, who go and serve, we didn’t need to be just doing this in our birthdays, all our artists, our executives so they can be of service for others. Our colleagues are also here to join us, thank you for coming.”

Ms. Gigi says “The artists of GMA are very supportive about the projects of the network, for telethons, and we really appreciate that. We are so proud to have been able to easily ask them for that and we appreciate their presence, of who are also here today to pay it forward so they too would be examples to the other artists as well.”

Simoun Ferrer says “To be able to use their voice and encourage others to help as well, GMA Artist Center has committed to promote the different causes. We are thankful for them being here.”

Patricia says “I am super happy to have share my passion for education. It’s connected to what I have been doing in the past and I think this is the reason we got together. In line of our projects, we did runs in the past and helped put up bridges so they can go to school and also trade in the countryside. I used to teach kids with special needs, and this is perfect for me.”

Bea says “I am thankful to GMA Kapuso Foundation, to be part of this because I have been with them since I was 6 years old. In my time I will be doing work involved in environmental work and disaster preparedness. I am proud to say the foundation has been able to help people in far flung areas, I hope to be able to go to help, influence people, make the youth aware also. This is very important.”

Rocco Nacino added “I feel so new, but I really feel humbled and honored to be part of this. Our small contributions before has now bloomed into being part of Kapuso Foundation, to now go to different parts of the Philippines and bring my co artists to educate people, as a medical professional, we can impart laymans term explanation, to teach them what I know and use it for our projects, I will be finishing my course as a Navy Reservist to hopefully give hope to people, to children with cancer, for having me onboard, I am thankful for the opportunity. One of GMA Kapuso Foundation’s project is for free chemotherapy sessions, I have expressed to go to the quarterly medical missions. Hopefully to start helping people, the way I can.”

Here's part of the press conference which I streamed on our YouTube channel

Ms. Mel Tiangco, Ricky Escudero, executives of GMA Kapuso Foundation and Ms. Gigi Santiago Lara, Simon Ferrer, Vic Del Rosario of Artist Center are also present during the signing. They are now mounting relief efforts for the Mindanao Earthquake.

Now you’ll see them more visible in GMA Kapuso Foundation projects and they will not let off with their personal advocacies, this is just the beginning of a long journey of service to the Filipinos.

Rocco Nacino and Pancho Magno Does Health Shows on GNTV

Rocco Nacino and Pacho Magno are very fine actors from GMA Network. You give them a role, they do above and beyond what is asked for them. I am so proud to see the fruits of their labor, especially Rocco who’s already starting to build his dream house - a thing he’s been planning all these years and he is personally attending to it whilst doing several shows in the Kapuso Network. Pancho Magno on the other hand did handy work of several fantasy series (like Victor Magtanggol) and villain character roles - whilst freshly married to gorgeous Max Collins from the same network. This time though, these gentlemen are donning their real life hats, bith are health professionals and registered nurses. Surprised?

The two are hosting new health related TV shows in partnership with the Department of Health. Pancho Magno will be with his wife Max Collins to host Healthily Ever After to discuss family health topics like planning, maternal care, safe motherhood, newborn care, breastfeeding, immunization and adolescent health care. Rocco on the other hand will be doing The Healthy Juan which discusses mental health, depression, healthy aging and organ donation. Here’s our short interview with the good looking guys from GMA:

Healthily Ever After will show 5:30PM every Saturday whilst The Healthy Juan starts at 8PM every Sunday, go follow GMA Artist Center channels so you can get updates on their topics every week!

KUMAGCOW
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Sexy Fun: OH BOY! & OH LOL! at the Music Museum

It's already the 16th and that means you only have about two days to go to purchase tickets to one of the sexiest and funniest shows this month called OH BOY! & OH LOL! which headlines 4 hunky men of GMA Rocco Nacino, Derrick Monasterio, Jak Roberto, Dave Bornea and the lovely comedians Donita Nose and Super Tekla. 

The previous show held at the same venue got a pretty good audience and they're raring to do even MORE this time with the new guys they are with, now that Jak Roberto and Dave Bornea will be joining them. Rocco in fact says he's going to do more prep work with the production numbers they'll be doing this Friday because they have a grasp pf what to actually do after staging the first successful one. He's also teaching the new guys what to expect in this new show, but always let them remember they can add their own style and flavor to their individual production numbers, abd those that they'll be doing in a group.

Donita Nose on the other hand says "Our kind of comedy is situational, live, and happens when it happens. So if you are expecting a LOT OF FUN that evening, that's what you'll get and more. People have always seen our antics on Youtube and our previous pairing on Will's show, but now we have 4 boys to play with and that only would mean we'll have a little more naughty fun. We will be interacting more with the audience and Tekla and I will be doing production numbers with them, this will be a riot for sure!"

The show OH BOY! & OH LOL! will happen on May 18th, this Friday at the Music Museum. If you haven't bought your tickets yet, you may purchase them at Ticketworld.com.ph and at the venue (while tickets last). They promise you'll get to see more sexy stuff and have fun while you are there. Hopefully they can take the show around the world because this seems all so much fun!

Can't wait to see you on this date!

KUMAGCOW

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Why Do People Love Rocco Nacino?

It’s a tough question, but let me try and answer this one for you.

For starters, Rocco and I have common friends, it’s a small world but it wasn’t up until I got to cover events in GMA that I’ve had the opportunity to actually talk to him.

I’m no stranger to the people from the network but it was actually rare for me to know artists from this channel on a personal level, let alone to meet his family on some instances. So when I do I try to write something a little more personal and whip out something that would rather better describe the guy adored by thousands of people here and around the world.

I’ve tried to look up the first time I had an interview with him, prolly around early 2010 if I’m not mistaken. He was a bit reserved, but you could already see how much star factor he had early on right after winning 2nd Prince on the reality show they were in the 5th season of Starstruck. Even then, he struck quite a number of shows and continued on to have an illustrious career in GMA. In a way, he worked his way to be one of the network’s prime leading men opposite some of the industry’s best. I remember, I’ve always been trying so hard to take photos of him during Bench shows because I felt it was my way of saying thanks because he was really so nice to me everytime we meet. I felt like what a friend would be, he was really nice and always have been cool, very cordial, and I don’t feel that way with some huge stars. He’s that kind of a person and for me that’s not quite common. Until now, I treasure that, no matter how assuming or corny that sounds.

Rocco recently celebrated his birthday at his restaurant Rufo’s in Timog Avenue in Quezon City. Thank you to Bench and his sponsors for supporting such a noble cause!

Dad, Mom and Rocco

RNB King JayR came and supported Rocco’s cause

Rocco, Tita Linda and Reach Out Avenue Representatives during the blood letting program

Rocco, Tita Linda and Rocco’s Girlfriend Former De La Salle Lady Spiker Melissa Gohing

His mom told us that it’s been a tradition in their family to actually do something worthwhile when their birthday comes because they teach their kids the value of the good life they have even at an early age. When Rocco wasn’t even in showbusiness back then, they held charity events, give Christmas gifts for the less fortunate which I think has made them humble even now that he is very successful. Tita Linda Nacino, Rocco’s Mom is also a Cancer survivor. They know how hard it is to actually get treatment, or have the things you need to survive if you had this condition, so they arranged this Blood Letting program during his birthday celebration last week. Rocco is a registered nurse, also just recently passed his Masters with Cumlaude honors (to his folks delight) so he knew it was the opportune time to help the pediatric patients at Bahay Aruga (a charity he’s been helping) and also the PGH Pedia Oncology Ward who they have also helped in the past.

Here’s our interview with the good looking man that afternoon.

We also talked to Ms. Linda Nacino, the proud Mom of Rocco.

Now who in the right mind wouldn’t love a guy that excels in just about anything that he’s in? He’s an all around athlete, a model, a nurse, an actor, a businessman, a good brother to Kyle, a very good son, if you would allow me to continue we’ll spend half a day with his accomplishments and it’ll never be enough, he’s remained so humble after all these years, he’s never even gotten all the stardom get into his head and is one of the most eligible bachelors in the country. So to answer that question I stated earlier and the qualities I mentioned, why even ask?

He’s a good man, period.

Happy birthday Rocco, I only wish you stay blessed and continue the good things you do. I hope you get to wear the thing I gave you! :)

KUMAGCOW

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