Become a World Class Talent at STAR MAGIC's School for the Creative and Performing Arts

If it's about stars getting workshops, there's no other reliable organization to do that in the Philippines and in some parts of the world than Star Magic Workshops. This year, there's going to be a huge change because they've gone the mile, made it even BIGGER... and now call it STAR MAGIC SCHOOL FOR THE CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS. This means they'll be catering to folks, kids to adults and hone them in multiple disciplines, including acting, singing, dance and more. 

 What I've learned from the press conference is that they've managed to already do good in the workshops, but wanted to improve and grow. This is why they made sure to get different subject matter experts so that they wouldn't be boxed up in just the ABSCBN grounds. They wanted folks who are excellent in their fields and have them instruct in the workshops too including master classes, character building, music production, and train more directors for live events too. The launch was graced by Star Magic and Production Head Direk Lauren Dyogi, Business Unit Head Raymund Dizon, acting coaches HB Benitez III, Alecx Lorica and Marcel David, theater coach Meann Espinosa, ABSCBN Show Director Jon Moll, Kirby Balagtas, Dale Recina, Troi Bautista who are producers from You Me Us MNL, plus veteran Voice Coach Julie Anne Reyes. They also had coaches of BGYO and BINI Anna Graham, Jerwin Nicomedes, plus dance coaches Mickey Perz, Reden Blanquera, Matthew Almodovar, Aennon Tabungar and Josh Junio. They also had the very talented Talia Concio, BGYO perform on stage so we could have a taste of  what could happen if we have undergone their workshops. It was a sight for sore eyes!

If you want to be part of this, they have onsite enrollment on March 29 and 30, April 5 and 6. Just fill up the form at this website forms.abs-cbn.com/starmagicscpa and follow the directions. You may also follow their social channels at facebook.com/starmagicscpa or @starmagicscpa on IG. Come prove your talent is world class by joining one or more of their classes. Information about the courses are also there. I'm so interested in the Music Production and the Directors course.

Director Rahyan Carlos Set to Hold Year End Workshops at MQuest Artists Agency

Met Direk Rahyan Carlos a couple years back, in hybrid situation because of the pandemic. He's a phenomenal acting coach, the only one officially allowed to teach the Chubbuck Technique which most A-List Hollywood actors (most of which are award winners too) go through.

This time, he's become the newest addition to the training and development program (which he's heading) of MQuest Artist Agency. Designed to train new and existing actors for film and television, he's bringing a couple decades of his experience to teach Introductory, Advanced Level 1 and 2, and a Masterclass in acting. MQAA will also be offering Kids Acting, Dance and Voice Workshops in order to produce artists that are triple threats! This will all start on November 23 and 24, you may scan the QR code on this poster (or follow their social channels) for details, schedules and fees for it.

There will be limited slots for this workshop, and will culminate with an event after the course. They will also be including some of the artists from MQAA's stable, as they too will undergo the acting, song and dance workshop.

Direk Rahyan says "Fpr me this is exciting because we're pioneering something at the MQuest Artists Agency. I want to be part of that group who will prioritize training these talented actors. There's a lot of ways that actors could gain fame, but I believe you just need to put in a LOT of effort. Existing artists also become rusty, and I always tell them that they're as good as their last work. Acting is a lifestyle, doing workshops is something that people in the west do before and while they are in character, like constant training. Their craft changes because people change. What they may have implemented in the 80's may have been effective during that time, but art and acting is evolving. You need to study that, and adapt as well. A good agency needs the right training. It is important to inculcate to actors some good old ethics, discipline and professionalism. This is also the priority of Sir Jeff when I went onboard." 

MQAA Head and VP for Content Acquisition at Cignal TV Jeffrey Remigio adds "Part of the vision we had for MQAA was to have it act like a hub for actors that can be trained, be known that they go through a very rigorous process and not just because they've got pretty faces. I don't want to put them in projects where we could get criticized by Directors or Producers because they're not properly equipped. We are investing in training and development on the onset, right from the very beginning where we can really focus on the talent pool we have at MQAA."

Here's more of where that came from:

 

During our interview, he mentioned how the first few MQAA artists that have already gone through the workshop felt so hungry about learning more about the craft. They made an example of Ms. Carmi Martin who now is taking on more dramatic roles, pretty off tangent from her "sexy comedienne" persona that she's had since the 80's. Direk Rahyan Carlos surely know what he's doing, he's transforming a generation of actors and following a sure fire way of using pain as fuel for their craft. They are in the lookout for talents too, so if you're trying your luck in the industry, this may just be your chance to not just hone your craft but land various MQAA projects.

Who wouldn't love that!

More Space for MEN in Entertainment: Meet MAGIC VOYZ

With the recent popularity of PPOP, singing groups, and all, there certainly a place for more. Recently, the folks from VIVA Records and LDG Productions launched an all male sing and dance group called MAGIC VOYZ. Meet Jhon Mark Marcia, Juan Paulo Calma, Mhack Morales, Rave Obado, Jace Ramos, Ian Briones and Johan Shane. 

They're not new to acting since some of them appear in Viva's platform and indie movies. They had promise, so LDG productions and Viva Records are putting a risk with these guys. We sat at few meters from them at the Viva Cafe stage last night. From the looks of it, the audience was captivated by their magic.They've been influenced heavily by Magic Mike, hence the name of their group. The ladies love them, the singing was lovely, the dancing was insatiable.

MAGIC VOYZ then introduced themselves and performed a couple of their original songs (a Filipino song called “Wag Mo Akong Titigan”, and the other is called “Bintana”). They wanted to showcase their versatility, which is why they're doing this in front of a packed shop. A few of them did a cover of Bruno Mars' 24K Magic and the romantic song "Mahal na Mahal". Their manager Lito De Guzman successfully launched similar groups in the past, and he missed doing this a lot. I could liken their songs to a more novelty pop genre, but it's the whole package that patrons will be getting because at the end of the day, they are "entertainers".

They are pretty nice too. When we had the chance to chat with them after the show, they were very eager to talk about their music, their new group, and the excitement of performing on stage. They are also planning to perform regularly at Viva Cafe and out of town shows, so if you hear of them in your side of the woods, you should definitely go and get to know them.

With talks about them competing with other artists, the boys immediately dispelled the rumors because the only thing they want to bring on the table is a different kind of entertainment. Surely, there's going to be a niche market they could cater to because yes, there's MORE space for men in entertainment.

If you want them in your events, you can contact their management via their FB page (just search Magic Voyz on Facebook) or call Viva Artists Agency at 0917-840-35-22. Just go ahead and give them a call.

BILIB: Meet The Newest PPOP Boy Group from AQ Prime Music

Looks like AQ Prime Music is getting their hands wet in the PPOP scene with the newest and hottest boy group called BILIB. We met them at the recent media launch in Quezon City. Members Zio, Carlo, Rafael, RC, Yukito, Jmac and Clyde had us glued to our seat with their performance on stage. They're quite spirited dancers and no doubt, their vocals are quite effective. First impressions: they actually feel and look expensive and perhaps can battle existing PPOP boy groups in the entertainment scene today, but I think they've got something else in mind. They'd rather become part of the movement that would raise the PPOP scene we have internationally.  Tall order, but it was refreshing to hear that from these boys and their management as much of them have been inspired by the work of successful group SB19.

To give us a taste of what they offer, they performed their debut single "Kabanata"

@kumagcow Performing live for you is newest PPOP boy group BILIB with their debut single called #KABANATA #ppoprise #ppop #EntertainmentPH #tiktokshowbizreporter

The group has been training for almost 2 years and as talked about during the event, it wasn't an easy thing to do especially because they had 7 individuals with different personalities that had to work together. Living under one roof to practice everyday got to where they are in terms of skills, but it also got them to grow even closer as friends, even as brothers today.

Here's our interview with BILIB that evening, please enjoy!

BILIB certainly has a lot to offer. Their recent music video was also amazing, one could say it has been really the handy work of several creatives to make sure they put out something good for the Filipinos and international audience that they plan to showcase this to. In the coming weeks, they also plan to put out the name of their fandom but wanted their fans to become part of the process of choosing it. 

That tells a lot about the process that these guys go through in making music, how to execute their plans for fashion, style and visuals (because they've been so good at it!). I hope they would be able to continue what they've shown us in the event in the upcoming performances they plan to do (I heard several guestings and a concert with other PPOP artists are in the works). So if you're raring to support them, make sure you follow AQ Prime Music's assets because BILIB is just starting. Imagine what they're going to be in the coming months, years, in their aim to inspire YOU with their dance and music!

Congratulations boys! You're doing amazing!

DK Talents Shine on Mothers Day Special

There are so many talented Filipinos around the world and what an opportune time to showcase this through a Mothers Day Special through Filipino TV, a channel based in Toronto, Canada.

An evening with 6 Filipino-Canadian artists performing for a night of music, dance and the arts, they entitled this event as "Girlpower for the Supermoms". More than the flowers and chocolates which most people give on the day, songs from some of the greatest artists in the world was performed live by talented ladies from the Greater Toronto Area. This is where Gloriane, Chelsea, Arielle, Alyssa, Antoinette and Kayleigh come in. Part of DK Talents, they had a grueling few weeks to rehearse for it. DK Tijam of DK Talents knew he had to manage their schedules. He was extremely grateful for their parents who helped generously, they were able to pull it off and perform that evening.

Much on their playlist was something they wanted to dedicate to their Moms, and personal favorites that they knew would be special for them.  From Antoinette's rendition of “La Vie En Rose”, "You Are My Sunshine" to Kayleigh's version of "Put Your Records On" (she also appeared on 13 the Musical btw!), they all were able to put some smiles on their Moms and those who watched, everyone felt their sincerity and love with the songs. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Arielle did "Like I'm Gonna Lose You" and "Mom" bringing their A game with a little pop influence instead. They also sat down and talked about how their Moms have been instrumental on how they became who they are today, plus a few stories in between how they bonded with their mothers, their relationships, it was so sweet to hear that!

DK Tijam was their producer, stage director, writer, vocal arranger, and everything else in between. He nurtured these ladies and trained them personally. He says "Seeing them all being made up by their own parents, preparing their outfits, and getting help with their dance numbers, I felt really grateful how we have achieved all these in a short amount of time. After training them, seeing them perform today was a WIN. Their vocal range, command of the stage and how they worked with us in choreography, they are all very talented ladies who will certainly go places!"

DK Tijam was a Grand Finalist in popular show Star in a Million (held in the early 2000's), but now trains young aspiring singers in Toronto, Canada. He now has several students that are doing quite well in the Maple state and seeing them all achieve their dreams is his success too. GirlPower for the SuperMoms is just the start, you can now watch it on Facebook or just click here.

Congratulations to the whole DK Talents team and of course, their mentor DK Tijam for the successful show!

STAR MAGIC WORKSHOPS Does Hybrid Sessions at TORONTO CANADA

Star Magic Virtual Workshops has started during the pandemic and has been very successful. It has come to cross borders and now at AMP Studios in Toronto Canada. Direk Rahyan Carlos has been teaching the Chubbuck technique and has been certified to do so, but now they're doing it both virtually and face to face in the northern american country.

Right now, they're doing acting, voice and dance workshops and this year, they've managed to do one last August which will have a culminating activity this December 16th.

Direk Rahyan says "We are so excited to be here. We've been doing this for 2 years and now, we're doing this in the AMP Studios Canada to teach the technique here too. My students here have been family, thank you also to Liza and Ice Seguerra for being here with me. They are very close to my heart. The one we're giving in Canada is what we are giving our artists in Star Magic. What we do with our own actors will be the same, the same premier Chubbuck technique we are giving them, so our actors use pain as fuel for acting. I met them in 2019 and did it online instead of F2F, now we are opening it in Canada. We are also doing this in other countries, and the training involves how to express themselves, to help them become the person they want to be. It's just a bonus if they become artists in the Philippines. In the past 2 years, I have already trusted them about the process, I give my students pointers on ethics for actors. It follows on becoming a better actor, it is important that it starts from there. You are just as good as your last work. We always train wherever we are, talent will be chaos without discipline, and that's what started this all in AMP Studios Canada."

Liza Dino Seguerra says "I look forward to watch your acting showcase, this experience is probably life changing for you as much as it is for me. Thank you for supporting Star Magic to globalize, expanding our industry. We have so much talent in the country, if it weren't for Star Magic I wouldn't have learned the Ivana Chubbuck technique. I am so honored to be part of the showcase, thank you for inviting me here. Thank you so much for your hospitality, it doesn't even feel like work."

Ice Seguerra says "Like what Liza said, training is important. I wouldn't be a singer if I didn't do that, I will be part of your recital, I really can't wait to be on stage with you guys."

 

AMP Studios Canada and Star Magic Workshops can be joined via website (https://amp-ed.com/), Faceboook and IG account. Just fill up the form and do the orientation. It's the same as in the Philippines and do it by batch. It ends in a recital so it'll be a while if you get in. They are also doing it in EST, more convenient for those in North America or closer locations. The pre requisite is the heart and time to do it. You don't have to have experience in acting, it turns passionate people into actors with the Chubbuck technique. If you have all those, this is perfect for you.

You can get in touch with them via facebook.com/Starmagicworkshops or their Instagram account @abscbnstarmagicworkshops, You can also directly inquire via facebook.com/Ampstudioscanada or at @ampstudios_canada IG account if you want to join the class.

Making His Mark: Kevin Hermogenes

The Philippines has no shortage in talented singers- I know, we're kinda feared in some contests outside the country. I can't blame them, I think we've got something in the water that ain't found anywhere else in the world.  

Meet Kevin Hermogenes, an international champ by any standards, but like ordinary joes, he too struggled with his confidence, appearance, a lot of things that troubled him before he started his singing career. Singing felt like torture for him because every time he had to come up the stage, he becomes instantly nervous. It was much debilitating, but was glad he got the help from people who matter most, his family. Albeit his mom is his biggest critic, he knew then that it was done to improve himself, like teaching the ropes before he would muster enough strength to perform.

He says "Mom may have been a stage mom but she inspires me a lot. I saw her being so good in everything she does and in hindsight, she's become a huge inspiration. I initially joined choirs and sang in music clubs as a hobby. Back then, people noticed how I sang and felt it was a gift. I started singing for friends, family, then events. That's when I started to love it, and I dreamed of being a professional singer later on!"

The Journey to WCOPA

There's an annual audition for World Championships of Performing Arts. In the Philippines, auditions have been carried out in very intimate spaces. He was in the midst of greats including THE Jed Madela who was part of the panel. He got a slip after the performance and he didn't open it up til he went out of the room. It bared a congratulatory message that he got it. 

He says "When I was in college, I also started to perform in corporate shows and seminars. It was the time I got to know more about the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) so I auditioned. I was in the crossroads of my career and I felt a huge responsibility representing the country for the same tilt." This was WCOPA back in 2016 which was held in the US (Long Beach, California). That resulted in him getting Bronze medals for Gospel, RnB/Jazz and Contemporary categories. He also participated in the WCOPA Virtual 2020 wherein he earned a silver medal and landed in the semi-finals. That got him through a lot of opportunities work wise. 

He then joined IDOL Philippines and Tawag ng Tanghalan on popular noontime show "It's Showtime!". He got to win twice in the preliminaries and bared how he was extremely grateful about the experience of singing in that show where a lot of his talent was showcased albeit singing unfamiliar titles in the show. It was a moment where he felt he's singing to explore and make his talent grow. He wants to do it with no limits, to be a person that can sing all genres and not be contented with just being good. He's hungry for more!

Today, he's gotten past all his insecurities and performs while communicating the message of songs with his heart. He's just starting, but with what he's done so far is so inspiring! I can't wait to see when he doesn't even have to introduce himself before he does go up the stage and sing!

Excitement Spills for Vice Ganda's GANDEMIC VG-TAL Concert

 

If you've been watching "It's Showtime!" lately, you've probably been hooked on a certain portion called "Reina ng Tahanan". This particular segment on the show was the brainchild of the creative staff and the Unkabogable Vice Ganda who's one of the hosts of the show. Initially they only dedicated a few minutes for it but recently, they noticed how viewers are loving the stories in between and true enough, their ratings have skyrocketed in the weeks after it was started. Aside from that, they have also been trending nationwide without hitches because yes, these worthy Moms share their real stories.

Vice says "I really had mixed feelings about this, but I'm so happy that we got to push this segment with management. I feel we have really not wasted the trust given to us by ABSCBN. We're excited and inspire to outdo ourselves, and also overjoyed that we get to entertain our audience even during the most difficult times."

Now, they're even working hard to make the segment even better. They are inspired with the outpour of emotions during and after the show because they know people are connecting with the different Moms they feature in the show. Vice says "This segment made me realize that there are different kinds of mothers. It's even more that the species of fish in the ocean, and I can say we shouldn't stereotype them, we should not put them in a box, they have different stories. The definition of what a mom should be is limitless, but what's common about them is the love they give their husbands, sons and daughters, and their family. I could see why Moms at home also were able to connect with the ones on the show because they really see themselves in them regardless of economic class, motherhood is indeed universal. "

Vice is also going to have a concert this coming July 17 entitled "Gandemic Vice Ganda: The VG-Tal Concert" so expect not just the fun you're seeing on "It's Showtime!", but a whole lot more. There will also be a meet and greet after the show so you could interact with the live comedy genius so make sure to get your tickets now at KTX.ph. Guests include Vice's closest friends, and names like Ice Seguerra, Jake Zyrus, Moira and Anne Curtis. It maybe his first digital concert but do know that you'll see a lot of laughs as Vice dishes out the best punchlines that are timely, and still, very creative. This platform has indeed evolved and with the recent successful concerts of music icons, Vice will be seen with her brand of comedy which Filipinos absolutely love!

Can't wait for more fun on the show and the lovely stuff with the upcoming concert!

Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles Sing Through Pandemic

Watched Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles' YouTube videos this week; and yes I have been doing that in the past few years. Initially I only subscribed to Jerald's channel but this couple probably couldn't get their hands off each other and decided to make a YouTube channel with both of them in it. With their romance budding from being always together in Rak of Aegis, which I watched in PETA a couple of times, I was actually not surprised when these two got bitten by the love bug during the show's run. Honestly, both of them were a discovery for me because I personally have not seen Kim Molina sing before that. Jerald on the other hand has been seen singing a bit in shows and skits, but they were really SERIOUS during Rak's run. 

These days, Jerald and Kim are both spending most of their time at home and like us, they find ways to entertain themselves, their friends (sometimes) and family. Music and singing is just something Filipinos enjoy and nothing like good old Grand Videoke can't fix. I do the same in my home and if the neighbors don't mind, I choose a few pieces that I think sounds good on me. Kim did humongous belting songs by divas like Sarah Geronimo, Whitney Houston (complete with breakdancing moves) and Regine Velasquez. Jerald on the other hand tried to bring it with songs by Journey, Basil Valdez and Martin Nievera. They also played the perfect pitch feature on the device to see who can have best scores, it was so much fun to see them bonding over what they love to do most, singing! It kinda felt like you have your own personal voice coach doing that as it shows pitch via graphics, which I rarely see in other machines.

I envy Jerald and Kim because they also unboxed the new Grand Videoke Symphony 3 Pro which was super high tech, even works with an app called GV Smart App. They can use two wireless mics and connect two wired ones which means the whole family can join in. Ah, I love how they were so sweet with each other especially with the last song "You and I" where they did a duet. It was like a match made in heaven!

Wish I could spend a lot of time singing too and become a pro at it one day. I mean, I can do a few RnB songs and give Kim and Jerald a battle haha! Anyway, I really enjoyed watching these two. Maybe you can check their channel out for kicks, I'm subscribed and loving it!

I want my own Grand Videoke too!  

The Clash Final 12 Contestants

And then they were twelve. Yes, I’m talking about the last few contestants of The Clash singing their way to stardom through an original conceptualized show on GMA. We visited their set a couple of days ago to witness what is to be another elimination night.

But on a lighter side, we asked them a few questions literally before they went on stage (although we got to talk to 6) and asked them how they felt about going to Manila and having this competition. They are friends already, but I felt they understood the consequences of being in the top 12. They will further battle, some of them will win, and some will lose. But they are hopeful in the last few stages of the competition that they can stay as friends. They will give it all tomorrow. Watch them, wish them well and enjoy the songs. It’s time to see who reigns supreme in The Clash!

They already are the top 12 finalists so this means they will be part of the GMA's show Studio 7.

The winner of The Clash rwill receive an exclusive management contract from GMA Network. They will also win a brand new car, 1 million pesos and a house and lot from Bria Homes. The rest of the top 5 and special awardee will get 100,000 pesos each, not bad right?

Celebrate Music with Tunog Transcom

I worked in the BPO industry for a little under 11 years and it has been one of the most high pressured industries I have ever been in. It's not a joke, I've seen people who have had mentally unstable conditions after days of undergoing what's supposed to be usual work, it changed my mind about operations in call centers and project management.

How do you keep your workforce healthy? Easy, by bringing them entertainment that not only they'd enjoy, but also enriches their soul and spirit. Music has that power to change moods, it gives you encouragement to engage in the arts and feel good with the company of like minded friends and co-workers. That's what I witnessed a few days ago in Tunog Transcom.

Over 2000 employees of Transcom Worldwide Philippines went to the Ortigas tent to witness their colleagues perform together with top bands in the country like artist Ebe Cancel, OPM band Mayonnaise, Chiquerella, Sponge Cola, Where's Ramona, This Band, Ben & Ben and everyone's favorite iconic band when it's raining, Aegis!

Mark Lyndsell their CEO says "We have been transforming our business and continuously creating a positive culture so they can express themselves in this annual music fest. Tunog Transcom Tayo will continue together with out other CSR activities including HIV and AIDS Awareness campaigns we do together with The Red Whistle. They put their heart into this which is why we have held this Viral Voice Competition so they could showcase their talent with these talented bands too."

They will be having another installment of Tunog Transcom at the Iloilo Convention Center on September 21 and Bacolod City on the 22nd. They are working together with Seda Hotel, Caronia, Jergens and Liese in this project so for those who work with Transcom, you guys are so lucky!