Set to Conquer the World Stage: The Victoria Sports Pro Cycling Team

I've never seen so much passion in the sport of cycling than during the thanksgiving event of the Victoria Sports Pro Cycling team (VSPC). I've seen them don podiums in different events, and didn't know how close they were. We found out today that their office is at Quezon City. 

These guys have been working so hard doing races locally and recent ones in Europe, trying their best in international racing circuits, making us all proud, all hoping to bring pride and honor for the Philippines.

For those who don't know, one of their members Ean Cajucom took home the championship for the Ramos Cycling Race (based in PH). At the General Classification and 2nd Stage of Oman's Tour of Salalah, their team member Nicolas Sessler copped these posts. Then Jeroen Meijer took 3rd spot on Stage 4 of the multi day road cycling race in that country. The VSPC team also took home 5th Place overall at the Trans-Himalayan Cycling Race in China versus some of the world's best too. In the land of the rising sun's OITA Urban Classic, Meijers took first place at the Road Race, while Cajucom took second spot. They also did good at the Tour de Kyushu races, much of which they consistently placed as part of the team.  

Here's our interview with them a few days ago:

You could feel their eagerness to improve their skills even at this stage. When they are doing rigorous training in Europe, they said they loved it because they get to concentrate on cycling and the sport. No question about their love for the Philippines, but they said they needed to look out for themselves here because of the traffic, buses, trucks, other motorists that become their number one concern when training. The only drawback is being away from family, friends, and loved ones. The senior members really felt like family because the little things like problems at home do become a normal occurrence in managing their members.

Former QC Mayor and House Speaker Sonny Belmonte was also there to support the cause! It was a pleasure meeting you sir!

The training they receive in EU also gets them to adapt the time tested system of training they do in that side of the world which more or less, doesn't exist in the region we belong. They will also be scouting in different weekly and monthly cycling events to seek Filipino talent that they could further develop like the champions they have in the roster. These 15 members are making the country proud, and in 2025 they promise to do even more to make sure that we as a nation achieve greater heights just like recent champions, Olympians, who have inspired the youth, and even more people to take up the sport. 

They have been fixing their calendar to participate in local tourneys plus a few more in United Arab Emirates (Dubai and elsewhere). They also have some in Spain, and other countries in Europe. This is just the start of hopefully more wins in the world stage, and we hope that more brands, corporations would continue to support their cause and bring the Philippines more wins in the professional cycling sport. 

Congratulations to the whole Victoria Sports Pro Cycling (VSPC) team which includes Carlos Francisco Ochoa, Marcelo Felipe, Ean Cajucom, Alexis Pagara, Nicolas Sessier, Ismael Grospe Jr., Daniel Ven Carino, Edson Carbadora, Miguel Andrei Obmerga, Nichol Pareja, Kenneth Maramba, Jeroen Meijers, Edgar Nieto and more, please continue to do the Philippines and your pro team proud!

Congratulations VSPC! Here's to more victories for the country soon!

PHILIPPINES Win Big at Acer's Asia Pacific Predator League 2024

From a gamer spectator such as me, I always knew the Philippines would fare well in the recent regional competition, Acer's Predator League 2024. At the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Philippines, fans flocked to this venue to watch DOTA 2 and Valorant country representatives (in Asia Pacific) as they battle it out to see who's best in this region.

There were over 26 world class teams who were raring to do their best in the 2 day event. The prelims was fun albeit being a bit uneasy for some teams because they had only one match to qualify for the next round. It certainly wasn't easy to adjust that fast but those who did took advantage of the format and won their respective rounds. It was also fun to also talk to the eSports athletes before they went into the actual match, here's some of them on video!

The international eSports teams also talked about their experience doing the tournament here in Manila. They did expect matches would be hard since some of them are Tier 1 franchise teams, and a lot of them wanted to experience what it feels like being in a match with them. Although some of them lost their matches, they learned a lot in the process and promise to be back with an even greater team soon.

Aside from that, executives from different regions went on to tell us how it's been actually very beneficial to run these events in their respective countries. To say the least, business has been good and they are planning to do the regional Predator League in Malaysia next year. They also want to do it bigger and better in the coming years as they find big value in knowing how name recall plays in the gaming industry and that's exactly why they're number 1 in the market!

PABLO was super good!

The Asia Pacific Predator League was also the best in entertainment. World class Filipino performers showed up and got us partying at the start, between games and in the finale. On day 1 alone, I got my dose of Valorant fare as Ylona Garcia who sang "Entertain Me" when NEON was launched as a character, oh how I love her! Aside from that, Urbanddub, Al James and Donny Pangilinan joined in the fun plus a full Valorant game with SB19 and other Acer influencers made the evening extra epic! Asia's Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo also ended the day with her performance, people were at awe! 

Day 2 had Josh Cullen, bands Sandwich and Spongecola, Pablo (who did a new single on stage) and KZ Tandingan give us the absolute best in Philippine talents, it was like a full blown concert with the games on the finale day.

And in the end, it was a sweet day for the Philippines as Team Secret won the Valorant championship and Blacklist International Rivalry won the DOTA2 championship. Both teams from the Philippines won 65,000 dollars and their own Predator Shield. Initially, BOOM Esports was actually favored to challenge Team Secret, but Japan's FAV Gaming surprised them all. They got 20,000 dollars together with Execration (for DOTA2), and BOOM Esports + Team Flash got 3rd Place with a 7,500 pot each. Team Aster and IHC Esports got the same for DOTA2. Intel MVP awards went to Jeremy “Jremy” Cabrera (for Valorant) and Marc Polo “Raven”Fausto (for DOTA2), getting a prize of 10,000 dollars too.

If you're up to it, some of the performances are already up on my TikTok account so just search @kumagcow there, and some of the country interviews were done live on my FB page (just search kumagcow) as it's all there!

 

#TEAMLOVE with BANINAY BAUTISTA and BONT BRYAN

People have definitely fascinated with the lives of Baninay Bautista and Bont Bryan Oropel on YouTube. With almost 4 Million subscribers on the platform, they've continued to delight the public and their subscribers especially those invested about their relationship. They're going to take it up a notch this year as they start a full on YouTube reality series called "TEAM LOVE: THE REALITY" premiering this April 1st on their respective YouTube channels.

As you may know, theirs ain't a perfect relationship. They've been on an off in different times, and you'll see this raw on the show. They will include several important people from their families, and also several celebrity friends (which they will divulge later). This event was attended by over 100 YouTubers, influencers, friends and family (and media people). 

We watched the first episode, and surely, it was so surprising that they didn't leave out the stressful fights and personal moments which might be very interesting for some.

We got to interview them before the screening and here's what transpired on video:

 

 

This will be 6 episodes that will be released in the consecutive Sundays after April 1st, so make sure you subscribe to their channels and see what's happening with TEAM LOVE in front and behind the scenes.

Kelvin Miranda and Ally Gonzales for "Gusto Kita"

If you haven't heard "Gusto Kita" sung by Kelvin Miranda and Ally Gonzales, I suggest you do so on Spotify and other streaming platforms. We had the opportunity to talk to them a few days ago in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. It turned out to be very romantic that some of the press were wondering... if there's something else between the two artists. Or are they just friends?

Here's our coverage on video:

 

Ally says "I'd like to thank Mr. Gino Padilla for the wonderful song that we were able to collaborate in. Kevin is such a good person, very much a gentleman. He's also very fun to talk to, and I'm just grateful to have been able to work with him. Originally we were just looking for the song where Kevin and I would be able to sing together. We all liked "Gusto Kita" and we tried to revise it a couple of times to fit what we wanted to do because this wasn't intended to be a duet. I'm still very young, I just turned 18. I remember the days when my Mom used to teach me how to sing. I was also able to train with Coach Keith Martin and his wife. I was put under the wing of Vehnee Saturno since I was around 13-14. I had difficulties maintaining my low notes and that's what I had to train hard for. I also have a voice coach in case I also needed to do more training because this is a continuing thing, I need to learn new songs almost every day. I don't compete with other singers, I compete with myself because I want to improve and become better. Self love is the key, because if I had that, I'll have confidence and I feel, it all starts with myself."   


Kelvin adds "The song was awesome, and it has recall. When I first heard it, I knew that it was a good opportunity to do our version of it. Ally is very sweet, I'm very happy that she's beginning to achieve her dreams in such a short amount of time. Ally already knows her music, her genre, I had the chance to choose this Filipino song in a long list we had for covers. I am really grateful to have been able to work with Ally on this single. In our group, we talked about what we need to do covers for, something that fit our personality, something that we can interpret and connect with. In this generation, any music is a little hard to sustain because people are looking for new things everyday. This is done differently, I realized how I wasn't listening much of OPM songs but this made me realize there's so much out there to listen to. Hopefully I could do both acting and singing, train for it, because I know experience is the best teacher. When there are opportunities, I don't want to pass on them especially when it's on GMA. This chance to partner up with different actresses, singers, it's part of how I could develop as an artist."

The version was something off a teen romance novel. It kinda makes you feel all fuzzy inside and wish you also had someone say the line to you. Again, "Gusto Kita" is available on Spotify and other streaming platforms. Their music video is also available at the GMA Music YouTube channel so go ahead, indulge on what could be a start of something big. I would want to see if this could start some new show, or series for them. I bet their respective fans would want to see that. This is under GMA Music and Universal Records Publishing.

TEAM Acquires Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan

It's quite amazing to see how Tyronne Escalante Artist Management managed to become bigger by the day each time they announce new talents joining their stable. With their already stellar line of artists, one could realize how he was able to put this from the ground up, and successfully put them into pedestals, in projects, TV shows and movies which they worked hard for and deserve.  Recently, they announced artists Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan will now be part of T.E.A.M. and will manage their individual careers. With his track record, the best days will certainly come.

Polo Ravales has been in the industry for years now, and has done quite well in the race. He's done roles left and right, from drama, action, support roles, he's already have had an established career. His goal in the next few years include winning acting awards now that he's under new management. Polo also revealed how his wife Paulyn Quiza (a pro fitness coach) became the key to a huge change in his lifestyle. He used to party a lot, but now involves himself in taking care of his son, having healthy food, travel and workout which he exclaims "blessed!" that they do it on a regular basis. This new chapter in his career is going to be different and he says "TBH I didn't really knew Tyronne, but with the work I do, he came strongly recommended by a Director friend (Cathy) who was under Director Joyce Bernal. I was looking for management that would bring me to projects that would get me to the next level. I immediately called him that same day, there was even a strong typhoon at that time. Now that I'm under Tyronne, I promise to be the best version of Polo Ravales that I can be. I am happy and thankful to be part of it."

Andrew Gan adds "I've been seeing Sir Tyronne a couple of times at ABSCBN projects. When we talked, I told him that this too will be a concerted effort on both our ends. He was recommended to me by a GMA executive. He's very hands on and I will look forward to do more work now that I'm under his management. I can promise intense dedication and commitment on the work I do. What I like about Tyronne is how he's hungry, thirsty for growth. You can all see how he does it and ask "What's next?!" which I'm so thankful for. I look forward to work with him even more now that I'm under his wings."

Chanel Morales on the other hand has been in my radar since Artista Academy days on TV5. Recently, she's involved in putting up a Bar/Salon in her hometown of Bacolod in Negros Occidental. She says "First, I want to thank Kuya Ty, as you may know I was in a different management agency before. We haven't really talked that much about our plans yet but what I can promise him now is that, I am not just here as an artist, I'm also here to help him to market myself, it's a 50/50 effort and work. We met while we were still doing Artista Academy and while he was introducing a lot of artists to different shows. When I approached him and asked for his help, he didn't hesitate especially after the pandemic. He really gave me a chance to become part of TEAM and I am extremely grateful for that. I already saw how aggressive in accomplishing his goals for his artists, his management, I only wish him success on our future endeavors. I'm really looking forward to it! I didn't really ask anything specific, but just help me when inquiries pour in so they could handle it. I closed so many deals in the past including work on social media. It's what I plan to do in the next few years. I can also do hosting stints, not just acting jobs." 

On a personal note, I really love Chanel. She's been very kind since Day 1. I can't wait to see her do big roles on the silver screen soon because her face is absolutely perfect on camera.

Tyronne Escalante says "For those who don't know, Chanel is Akihiro Blanco's loveteam in the past, so I was able to really get to work with her back then. I am very happy and grateful that we've added more artists to the pool of talented actors in TEAM. I mean who wouldn't be happy to see that you'll have Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan in our roster. It's a growing family, and I am glad to welcome them all here!"

This is just the start of big things that are about to happen in Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan's careers. I hope that soon, we'll begin interviewing them for the projects they are eyeing here, because these talented artists really deserve it.

Congratulations and welcome to Tyronne Escalante Artist Management!

i-Pop Girl Group CALISTA Release Empowering Single RACE CAR

New girl group CALISTA

I loved what I saw earlier at the launch of CALISTA, the newest iPOP Girl Group set to conquer the world by storm. They scoured the country for a little over a hundred talented girls and pick the ones right for the mix, and that's what we saw earlier. They've been training for months and with fire in their eyes, they're raring to go do the legwork to become the biggest girl group act in the world. 

This is the first time I'm seeing Anne, Olive, Denise, Dain, Laiza and Elle as restrictions from COVID in the country was just relaxed this month. Their launch coincided with International Women's day and that couldn't come at an opportune time. They came from different backgrounds, Anne is a triple threat and previously released singles, she also appeared in projects from Regal Films. Olive on the other hand is my personal favorite. She's very pretty, and was crowned Miss Teen Cebu 2019. Denise on the other hand has been doing dance for a few years now. She also has done international dance championships in Australia and wants this opportunity with Calista to soar. Dain has been in the pageant circuit. She's also a model and balance her studies successfully. Laiza has appeared in different TV shows, movies, a very versatile actress. Elle is also a beauty queen and a spirited dancer, you'll love what she does on stage and we saw them all happen today.

Calista with Niana Guerrero who performed this evening!

Here's their new single RACE CAR

Their first single called RACE CAR written and produced by Marcus Davis was also a hit with the press. With the catchy tune and fierce lyrics, it fit Calista to a T and personified who they are as a group. Answering some tough questions from the trad media earlier, they reiterated that they're not in the industry to become famous, but become an inspiration to people who would love their songs, dance and performances. They know their lives will change and in the next few weeks, they'll be doing a concert called VAX TO NORMAL in Araneta Coliseum. This means they'll be working doubly hard as they do that on April 26th, this is under Merlion Events Production. The concert will be shown on TV5 and will include Yeng Constantino, AC Bonifacio, Elmo Magalona, Andrea Brillantes, Darren Espanto and Ken San Jose. Last thing, although they're very talented women, they still have a long way to go and they're all raring to prove (and know) that they're worth it. You'll have to see them brave 

Before things go haywire, make sure you check out Calista on their website at calistasocials.com and follow their channels @CalistaMusicOfficial on IG and Calista PH on FB.

SPARKLE Sweethearts Promise "Kilig" in GMA Shows This 2022

You're surely going to love the new breed of talents coming from SPARKLE, GMA's home grown talents that will surely make your heart flutter. Recently, they just had us talk to the new love teams you should watch out for in GMA programs this 2022.

Taking on the job of making that "kilig" happen this year is Mavy Legaspi and Kyline Alcantara (who both starred in I Left My Heart in Sorsogon), Jamir Zabarte and Zonia Mejia (both of which I loved seeing in Heartful Cafe), Abdul Raman and Shayne Sava (who did hit show Legal Wives), Bruce Roeland and Althea Ablan (who you adored in Prima Donnas), and Allen Ansay and Sofia Pablo (who are also in the same show!). Dubbed as SPARKLE Sweethearts, they're going to bring love and romance once again on TV shows lined up for them in the Kapuso network.

If you wish to know what they did last February for their respective Valentines day celebrations, here's a video we prepared which was taken during a recent blogcon for the pairs.

To make sure you're updated with the latest news about GMA artists, susbscribe to YouTube.com/kumagcow and GMA's social channels. I'm sure there'll be more of these artists appearing in different shows very soon! Now tell me, who among them looks promising?

Tyronne Escalante Artists Management

I have heard of him several times in the corridors of networks. Tyronne James Escalante has just put up his own agency called TEAM (Tyronne Escalante Artists Management). He’s been doing freelance work for a couple of years now and this is his next step. He’s got a throng of talented artists including current Darna Jane De Leon, GMA artist Kelvin Miranda, Starstruck’s Lexi Gonzales and a whole lot more.

He has put importance on professional growth, intellectual and personal maturity as his secret to success. He attributes this also to the individual talents he handles, because you can’t build a career without their cooperation. He also has in his coffers up and coming names like Vance Larena, Angel Guardian, Ana De Leon, Keann Johnson, Ayesha Cervantes, Mara Alberto, Megan Dee, Anne Tenorio, Annika Camaya, John Matthew Uy, Kristel Atinen, Coleene Isip Ferrer and Director Monti Parungao.

Tyronne says “I don’t want to play, attitude is important, we are a competitive bunch and we want to penetrate the industry with the roster of talents we have. They have different qualities, strengths, I believe in them and I feel they can grow with me. Jane started by doing extras, there are no secrets but prayers and luck. I don’t have idols, I have my own identity, I want to be the next cornerstone or ALV, be able to do a lot of things for my artists. This stroke of luck isn’t a joke, and they are where they are because of their hard work. One unusual thing is my Director. I believe they have potential. Aki and I have already split (he kids) but we are friends, and I owe a lot of things from a lot of people. Even though Aki isn’t with me, I believe he is very talented and has a long way to go. They are different talents, different artists, they have different durations, Jane is here for me and she chose to stay with me. Until now I have an old car, it’s because I push for them more than myself. In the beginning I was just doing office work, but I felt I had to take charge of my career. It took time to form TEAM but with all the things happening in my year, I felt it was the right time. I want them to feel they are in good company. I discovered Jane via Anika. We met in an audition in Eat Bulaga but we tried her out in a teen oriented show. I also showed her with Mr. M, that time they got her too.”

Jane De Leon says “We are now starting training, doing stunts, I expected it to be hard and hopefully next year we will start shooting. My costume, I still have no clue, we both might see it soon. I ask Liza about a lot of things, she’s a very nice person. She deserves all the blessings she has today. I am so happy Ms Marian also shared her work, I am looking forward to connect with her too. There will be a costume, it will be up to the Ravelos, I haven’t seen the final one yet. It will be a millenial, modern Darna. Direk might add or take out things. When I started, I told him we would get projects, we dreamed about this and all the opportunities. He is like my Dad, brother, and told him he will have this agency. When I need him, he’s always there and it is all about heart rather than money for him, so we are giving our hand to our manager. Everything has changed in my life, Darna is a huge opportunity and emotionally it is so hard. The dedication you need to put here, all the time for my self, my family, but we are doing this and I almost wanted to take a break, but this is my project, there are new artists out there who could get this so I will not stop until we have done this all. I have watched the previous Darnas, in my position it will be my own image for this project. Thank God, I hope the Darna movie would be successful. ”

Kelvin says “I hope we all have good races, good careers and I hope we all be successful in our work.”

Angel adds “Whatever God provides would be good. I hope to go back to school, do more shows and music.”

Kristel says “I was able make it to top 64 in the clash, he called and assured me there will be a lot more opps especially in the music industry.”

Keann says “I started modeling ramp, I felt I liked it so I did print and commercials. I met Tyrone through Jane, did all lots of stuff and now with Santigwar. We are all shooting a movie, we also have a new one which will happen soon. We all hope to reach all the ranks of Jane, we have very big goals including our goal to finish our studies.”

Vance says “I am co managed by Sir Tyronne and Sir Rex, we are friends with Kelvin. We have fun and he’s a very light guy, he appreciates us and takes care of us even if he has no money in his pocket. He has a lot of plans for me next year, I am going to be a singer and it will be fun to do it with a very famous celebrity under the Star Pop label. You can also watch me in a few shows and a movie with Direk Brillante Mendoza.”

John Matthew says “When Jane got the role for Darna, he told us there shouldn’t be crab mentality and when she goes up, we all do.”

Ayesha says “He believes in me, he guides me in a good path and he assures my family as well why I chose to be with their agency. I came from GMAAC, and I wish there would be more projects for me now that I am with them.”

Meghan adds “I prioritized my studies and came back just now, I hope to be able to do work with them and Viva.”

Tyronne adds “Thank you to everyone who came today, you know I love you. I love my work and the people around me, I hope you continue to support us now with my TEAM.”

With a roster of talents that are genuinely good, good looking and a very caring manager, they have no way to go but up. You will see them in different shows, different movies, they want to make a mark and there’s tons of space for that. There’s a hungry team also behind them and hopefully, they’ll get there.

Congratulations Tyronne!