Set to Change Lives of Filipino Kids: MUSIKWELA

Learned that a new show is being launched, it's called MUSIKWELA. This is an early childhood education and entertainment show where they utilize music, performance, puppetry, animation, and do lots of research so it could be easily understood by its target audience, the Filipino kid.

This all stemmed from experiencing it first hand. Ms. Ellen Estrada was fetching her daughter from school and noticed how her classmates weren't that optimistic in using "Po and Opo" in their conversations. This was something alarming because even if she taught her daughter GMRC, her classmates didn't have access to that too. Having a theater and music background, she was inspired to create the "Po and Opo" and "Ang Bagong Alpabetong Filipino" songs. Unknowingly, it was watched millions of times (3.4 and 4.7 Million) mostly by Filipinos. It became a norm for parents and teachers to use it as a medium for education. They realized how music made the experience of learning more enjoyable and uber fun!

They also joined a government initiated child documentary competition in 2023 (via the DokyuBata Festival of the National Council for Children's Television, an attached agency of the Department of Education). They did a documentary called "Ang Bayani at ang Kanyang Sandok" which teaches nationalism and love for one's country. This started the ball rolling for MUSIKWELA.

Image from their website musikwela.com

 

She harnessed the talent of her daughter Yumi Sansano to lead the show including a throng of folks called MUSIKSCOUTS (Ate Yumi, Potpot, Biboy, and Lala who were a pretty bunch!). She's no ordinary kid because she won awards in WCOPA as champ for Opera in the Juniors Division. She also did Artsy Craftsy in PTV4 a couple years back and have gotten audiences left and right, including the President of the Philippines.

We watched them perform during this event and I could liken them to Sesame Street, Sineskwela, Batibot among others. Knowing there's a huge educational crisis in the Philippines, I felt so happy that kids would have a place to learn how to respect the elderly, how to protect nature, hone their talents, what to do in case of emergencies, and care for Mother Nature in their first few episodes. Ms. Ellen also shared how they are planning to do more in the coming months, plus delve into other subjects (like reading, writing or math). I personally know some kids finish school without learning how to, and I'm hopeful this could address that (even if it doesn't entirely solve it!). Check out the event on video here:

You cannot discount the fact that it has done remarkably well for the 90's kids on why we're street and a little smart, we learned from shows like these albeit unconsciously. This is something that I'd like to happen in this generation too, and perhaps the next ones included. I wept for the shows that went off the air in the past because it has disenfranchised a lot of kids who could have learned from it. They need our help and hopefully, they get the resources to continue this. Currently, thanks to the people who are helping them and sponsors (Victoria Sports Cinema, Ceelin Gummies, Ceelin Immunped, Appebon, Allerkid, White Rabbit Philippines, Wildfire Inc., Shop N Play, Kontrata.PH) that they get to do this with passion. Imagine how many kids would learn from what they do, if millions more would consume their content on FB, their website and YouTube (so go and sub!). We'd have educated kids going out of our homes and schools, wouldn't that be a sight to behold?! 

The first episode will come out on November 11 6PM GMT and will talk about GRANDPARENT's DAY. They will release future episodes on a bi monthly period, so sub to make sure your kids could watch it! I'd like to take this bit and congratulate Ms. Ellen on her efforts, and hope you won't get tired of your passions. Here's hoping a lot of people could help you even more with your future projects!

Saving Dying Dialects: Lessons from HULAGWAY

I took the lovely trip to Cinema 76 at Anonas in Quezon City to see Director Alvin Yapan's latest work called HULAGWAY: Dokyumentaryo ng mga Wika at Kulturang Filipino (A documentary of Filipino Language and Culture) a few days ago. Dr. Yapan was tapped by the National Commitee on Language amd Translation under the offices of NCCA (The National Comission for the Culture and the Arts) to direct this film. 

Hulagway means "a portrait" and this film lengthily has taken a look at the person, how one lives, how they communicate with their peers or the community. There are also a lot of metaphorical representation of their struggles, even if they're literally not working with a script, the conversations was molded off how language was used as a tool to enrich lives with stories, songs and poems deeply rooted in culture. 

 

Needless to say, he's a genius when it comes to really complex artsy topics like these and interpreting it for cinema must have been a tall task. His treatment in telling this one is like a documentary. He anchors it with two characters Consuelo (played by Sue Prado) and Robert (which is played by Kalil Almonte). They took the long hard trek to far flung communities in the eastern side of Isabela (up north) and islands off Palawan. 

Imagine, they started this in 2018 and had to work together with only 15 other crew carrying with them loads of equipment to capture unadulterated views, communities and the few men and women who still have a grasp of the dying languages Dupaninan Agta and Tandulanen Tagbanua. This is officially the most difficult film Alvin Yapan has ever made, he made mention of this during the talk we had after the screening. Initially, they had planned to include 6/7 of them (dialects/languages) but the material was too precious to cut off the block. It was also a little too tedious as it involved time consuming research, with little information from various universities (mostly from outside the country) who have conducted studies about them in previous years, they roughed the process of filming and took on talking to the few descendants left who still have a grasp of the language. My favorite scene was the boat traversing a line of mangroves in Palawan, they talked about that on the video.

 

Here's the press conference in two parts where they explained the film and the cause of saving the dialects from these two regions.

During the latter part of the press conference I asked about what concrete plans they have about saving the dying dialect, and they replied that this is just the first step, to become aware, educated, and acknowledge that there is something precious to save. 

The plan is to also have this film be viewed by educational institutions to not just prove its existence, but to formulate a way to find ways to have people teach these dialects and pass on to the next generation. To not lose their identity as IP, and celebrate their uniqueness, their differences, which makes them cool. If this sparks efforts to do so not just from the government, but the citizens of this country, then this film made its mark. Make sure to coordinate with NCCA if you want your school to be part of the film's tour in the coming months. There's more languages/dialects to save in the country, and telling their story is essential.

Make sure to watch it. It'll be life changing!

The Search for the Sound of Seven Thousand Christmas Songs

LA, Gretchen and Iman. Photo from Gretchen Ho's FB page.

It was an awesome night of music as the people from up and coming music label 7K showcased their talents and introduced a new show called “The Search for the Sound of Seven Thousand Christmas Songs.” They're no stranger to making music but doing this so they would be able to discover more talent and good Christmas music in the country is such a noble act.

For those who don't know, “The Search for the Sound of Seven Thousand Christmas Songs" is an online reality show in the search for talent and music that embodies how hopeful we are as Filipinos in this time of pandemic. Last October 16, we have had the chance to listen to legendary Jett Pangan (whom I listen to when I was a kid) and Gretchen Ho who gave much inspiration to us, the artists who plan to join and the other talents of 7K who were there that evening.

7K Sounds founder and artist LA Santos will be hosting the show together with Gretchen Ho and vlogger Iman Franchesca. They will also be joined by singer-songwriter and former frontwoman of General Luna Nicole Asensio. They will be also sharing their experiences so viewers, not just contestants, would be able to learn a thing or two about the music industry. The show ill be aired every Friday at 7PM on the official 7K Sounds Facebook Page. So if you are looking for a avenue to get into the music scene, “The Search for the Sound of Seven Thousand Christmas Songs" might be a good place to start.

The music label 7K Sounds wishes to get talent from across the country, they also do music production and distribution. They also ventured into creating online content and events, if you're interested in joining the competition, they listed the requirements here.

Good luck, and don't f it up!

Ready Your Hearts for Himig Handog 2019

What’s up this year? Pretty good stuff. Some returnees, some new ones and among 4,000 entries, they’ve trimmed it down to 12 finalists.

I am excited about Daniel Padilla, he’s going to be collaborating in an entry with Moira in Dan Martel Tanedo’s “Mabagal”. Janella Salvador will do “Nung Tayo Pa” which was written by Rex Torremoro and Elmar Bolaño. Alekzandra Quitalig will do her own work “Alaala” while Eamarie Gilayo will do “Ikaw at Linggo”. Vanya Castor will interpret “Paano Ba” composed by Richanne Jacinto. “Isa Pang Ikaw” composed by Joseph Ponce will be sung by Justin Vasquez. Tj Monterde will be singing “Panandalian” composed by Jerome Arcangel and Cee Jay Del Rosario. Alex Gonzaga will be singing “Please Lang” composed by Michael Aplacador. Joan Da will sing “Sasabihin Ko” composed by LJ Manzano , Davey Langit will do “Simula ng Dulo” which he co wrote with composer Therese Villarante. Ferdinand Aragon’s “Ingat” will be interpreted by I Belong To The Zoo, Janine Berdin will sing “Sayong Mundo” composed by Noah Zuniga.

Hearing the stories behind the songs was just so awesome especially since most of them did this after real life occurrences, plus their very own relationships, as some of them are real life boyfriends/girlfriends.

THE CLASH Finalists Backstage Interview

Took some time out to talk to the finalists of THE CLASH a few days ago, some really good singers I must say. I mean they wouldn’t be in the finals if that wasn’t the case right? I was a little nervous doing this interview because apart from just watching the show, I don’t know much of them on a personal level. In a way it was hard for me to ask them because I didn’t know more about them, so I did the best thing of doing this from a fans point of view. I asked them about their beginnings, things they were doing before they auditioned for the show... and some about their personal life so I’d get to know them even for the few minutes we had the chance to interview these guys and gals. It went without to say, a very happy chat with them instead of a nervous wreck I anticipated. I felt that they were just ordinary people like you and me, just a little more special because of the biological setup of their pipes, which has taken them places literally.

Most of these guys hailed from small towns in Visayas and Mindanao, of which only a handful of them coming from Valenzuela and nearby cities. Most of them are amateur singers who frequent Barangay Fiestas and join shows to win things to put food on the table, while others are first timers who just one day said “I’m going to try this out!” to see where this takes them. I remember one of them also saying he didn’t even join contests outside school, which I felt humanized this competition to ultimately get their stars to shine, on a national stage. Some are OFW’s finding a silver lining, earning for their family and thinking about their survival.

Clad in their gowns, suits, hair rollers, little to no makeup before the show, these men and women of The Clash taught me something, that it doesn’t have to be all complicated. There are hindrances that life may present to you, but a dream is a dream. Let no one tell you that you don’t deserve this shot -and GMA has given them the platform to make their dreams into reality. With the show almost ending, I’ve seen standouts and worthy adversaries for the last showdown, but I’m keeping my cards private. They all deserve to win but only one will be chosen, this will be a hard predicament, a hard choice, but the judges have to do ther jobs. Do not hate them if your bets don’t win, it’s a vicious cycle, but they have to do it.

We had the courage to ask them about their crushes on the show, this is fun!

Congratulations to whoever is going to win! Thank you for being so nice and candid during our short interview.

KUMAGCOW

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Lovi Poe and Solenn Heussaff's "Fantasie" at the Music Museum

I love Lovie Poe, I like Solenn, they're pretty much some of the nicest people I've ever met even off cam. They're doing a show together this Saturday at the Music Museum. They dubbed it as Fantasie, a French boudoir inspired show that will take you into their most intimate moments. If you wanna get to know them better real soon, this might be a good time to catch them on stage in Greenhills San Juan.

People were talking about Lovi's past relationship with Rocco that afternoon but I was a little uncomfortable asking them about it. I've known them for quite some time and it was a subject I know that could really be touchy. When asked about her being in love, she said "I'm always in love. It doesn't have to be with somebody, or anyone but I'm totally happy. Rocco and I have a great working relationship and even though we haven't finished the film Lakambini yet, we're going to go back to work when our schedules match. It's pretty difficult to actually portray because the Tagalog is so deep. Most of my scenes are also in monologue so I sometimes cry because it's hard to do when you're reading the script an hour before the shoot."

When asked about her Presidentiable sister Grace Poe, Lovi says "I'm also here for her if she needs me. Sad to see people taking advantage of her situation. I'll pray for her and I don't think God and Dad isn't gonna forget her."  

Lovi and Solenn from GMANEWS.TV site. Image not mine.

We were also wondering why Solenn wasn't in the luncheon, she said "Unfortunately Solenn is sick, she's under no condition to talk or sing but I'm sure she's gonna be alright. We're going to do about 7 songs each, and a couple of numbers with us two. It's like a French Boudoir, so it's like giving you a look at our personal space, the bedroom. Expect it to be sexy, sultry, but it's going to be done with songs. A bit difficult since Solenn is under the weather but we ran through rehearsals and hopefully she's going to be fine on that day!" Guests include JC De Vera, tickets can be bought at the venue or SMtickets.com. It's on February 6 so don't forget to see the show!

Here's the rest of the interview on video:

I wish you all the best Love! Love you Lovi!

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Daniel Padilla Most Wanted Concert

If you haven't heard it yet, the teen king Daniel Padilla will be doing a concert called Daniel Padilla Most Wanted this June 13, 2015. The good looking guy will be singing a couple of songs mostly old ones as he has admitted to be an old soul. The songs he'll be performing is where he's mostly comfortable and as I posted in Instagram (Follow @kumagcow there please and on Twitter and Periscope!) he hasn't really had time to rehearse. He was able to rest these past few days and take the long way of choosing the songs, singing it a few times even if he lacked sleep because he's still taping episodes for his soap "Pangako Sa'yo" (I Promise You) which has gone worldwide in the past. They're probably also doing the same in this franchise because as it seems, the following the teen queen and king has is just phenomenal.

Mom Carla Estrada aka The Queen Mother has been very supportive of his son and Daniel confirms that she might actually be part of the show. As for Kathryn appearing, he knows that she's got a lot of work still on the same show and he doesn't know yet if it's going to be a surprise kind of thing... he hopes though that she'll get to be there so that fans would be happy. The show Most Wanted just makes this a mark of his career, he's already filled the Smart Araneta Coliseum in the past and this repeat in Mall of Asia Arena he says will be more personal. As of now, he said that the only tickets available will be SRO meaning mostly all the tickets got sold out when it was available online.

He's just human and when asked if he's nervous, he said he's worried because the lack of rehearsal time might actually be something to worry about. Though he's very optimistic that they're going to finish this on time and because it's showing tomorrow, he hopes he doesn't disappoint especially those who have supported him all these years. This time, it's more personal, this time it's more of him and he hopes that in some way, even if the teens of this time wouldn't be able to know most of the songs he's singing, they would be able to relate to it just like he does because that's what Daniel Padilla loves.

This is the most awaited concert of the year and the proof of the putting is it's outstanding box office success so far. I hope teens and their friends would be able to watch this concert in Mall of Asia tomorrow. You'll be missing a lot if you don't watch the teen king perform once again on stage. Who knows, Kathryn might show up and you won't be there!  

Congratulations Daniel! Break a leg tomorrow!

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DJP Overload

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Aicelle Santos In Her "Class A" Birthday Concert

Aicelle Santos isn't really new to the singing and performing. We've all loved her during her stints in the group La Diva. You might have missed her performing every week in Sunday All Stars or any program on GMA, but when she decided to turn a leaf and make her own path, she didn't know opportunities like these would open up for her. Aside from her great performances and awards in the critically acclaimed runs of "Rak of Aegis", she's now braving to have her own concert entitled "Class A" at the PETA theater on the 25th of February. She's also releasing a couple of tracks, hopefully an album too in the next few months. The concert too will be sort of her celebration, it's her birthday as well.  It's the opportune time to do it, yes I believe it's her time!

Aicelle says "After the second run of Rak of Aegis, I thought of having a concert and do it in February so it coincides with my birthday. I suggested it to GMA Artist Center and they agreed, Stages came (production of Carlo Orosa) and it was conceptualized then. The guests, we started calling them one by one and they all agreed to take part in this. I am so happy because I will be with my Nanay Regine Velasquez Alcasid, with my Ate Kyla with my friend Gian Magdangal and with my idol and icon Ms. Celeste Legazpi. It's definitely is a concert where I'll be singing songs that would be really close to me, some even more musical in nature, but all the production numbers will have a bit of dancing.

It's a Wednesday and People Power day so I hope everyone would come. The songs really, would be a surprise. The guests. all really play an important part of my life. It's my personal favorites, everything was penned by me, the list of songs will be a story. It's the story of Aicelle, my journey, we'll go there. I consider the two musicals as my biggest break, I've known my self as a singer but with musical theater, it's a new thing, it's a wonderful thing to come back to. Rak of Aegis was a blessing because I won an award for it. I see friends per group, but usually on my birthday I just spend it with my family.

I actually was a little kilig when I saw that Mr. Gary Valenciano told such wonderful things, when he saw me perform too together with Ms. Cherie Gil and other great actors, you would want to do more, it gets you fired up and get you inspired. You want to explore a lot of roles now, with the recent discovery of this path, this process, I want to do other things. You don't stop learning, I though I only was here on earth to sing, when I got to GGSS I even did Jaya. It's at that point where I want to try new things, I want to swim, climb mountains, things like that. TV, I've done small roles in soap operas, well in times that I didn't do any soaps I was busy with recordings and Rak of Aegis.

She gave us a short sample of what to expect during her concert, it's a surprise she says but we can always give her a nudge to let us know how it'll look like live!

Kapangyarihan ng Pagibig (Power of Love) is by Junjee Marcelo is so nice, it's got really good melody. It's out on itunes and other streaming sites, in a few months I hope it's going to be an EP, perhaps to be distributed by Ivory Records. I'm very hands on with this because this is self produced. It's a different sound and it's totally different with the La Diva vibe. I grew up with this vibe, with this sound. The EP will kinda sound like this and I hope people would go and download it off these sites. Valentines day I was with my family, about love, for now I'm very single but not really ready to mingle. I'm not dating. The track by the way is the power of love from the creator, from the one you love. It's a way of giving thanks, there are so many miracles in my family that I want to share that. I turned Christian two years ago and that made me realize a lot to be thankful for. I'm excited to hear what people would think. I don't think La Diva would be out for good, we're still friends. This doesn't mean we're not going to perform as a group soon, but we're all good, we're just taking time apart doing solo stuff which I think can be helpful to our careers.

For a newbie to be nominated was an overwhelming thing, usually you get to only receive things in singing but getting that was not in the plans. I pray for things to happen but I don't know in particular what will happen and when it does, it just startles me. I'm very thankful. This sound that you'll hear from my concert is something very close to me, I chose these tracks all by myself and I'm thankful for the composers for working for me. The song Liwanag is my own work, I wrote and put in music so you'll hear a piece of me when the album comes out too. I got frustrated going out in events singing foreign songs and a single OPM track so I made my own song. Funny, it wasn't a prayer but the feeling was, I had like divine intervention. I finished it the next day so it was quick, it only took me about more or less 20 minutes. I have others, but it was all about young love. For now I'm happy with how my career is going and I would love to perform with La Diva again, I think we just had to, I feel it was just time to make our own tracks. We all have our own taste, I just pray they like my singles. I hope someone notice how nice it is because this is what I do, this is how my sound is like now. I'd like to have a duet with Mr. Gary V, it would be a dream to have one with him. Also, Ms. Lani and Sir Martin. With singing, I'm really thankful for it and I hope I could do more theater stuff. I would audition for any role that would have a big voice. I couldn't handle anything too sweet, but I would do it too as a challenge. If given a chance, why not."

Then when I posted her wish on Instagram (because Ms. Angeli Pangilinan follows me there and on Twitter!), this happened!

I guess dreams do come true! :)

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