MIGUEL TANFELIX Shares His San Diego Comic Convention Experience

I've had the chance to interview Miguel Tanfelix a couple of times in this site since I've covered a few of his birthdays, endorsements and shows in the past. To say the least, I've seen him grow up in person and on screen and in real life. He's had many achievements, awards and yes, he deserved all of that and more. This interview was something that I did look forward to because aside from his stint in Voltes V: Legacy (which btw I religiously watched when I was a kid) and now, something big happened recently that must be known.

You see, for geeks like me, it's a dream to be in the biggest comic convention in the world called "San Diego Comic Con". It's the largest one, even stamped by Guinness World Records. It's also where much of your DC and Marvel movies are announced before they come out of theaters. It's a big deal to just attend it, but if you're part of the show, that's a whole different level!

The Voltes V Legacy 's Steve Armstrong was asked to fix his US Visa a couple months back, but then he got word that it wouldn't be pushing through. So he kinda relaxed and worked a lot in the series and planned to go to the GMA GALA. Then a little over two weeks before the actual flight, they told him they were flying to San Diego. Imagine how he panicked because he didn't really work on his Visa. He was approved a few days before the actual flight. He also traveled with a couple of GMA Executives and his loveteam Ysabelle Ortega who plays Jamie Robinson in the same show. Miguel being in this comic con means he had to represent not just GMA or the show, but the Philippines in the biggest comic convention in the world! Here's our really long chat with him a few days ago, please enjoy!

 

Then he gave us the story of why he wasn't at the GMA Gala, and why he wasn't online that time... he was sleeping!

Miguel also told us about the little trip they had in Sta Monica and the proposal they saw while the sun was setting. It was romantic!

 In the event, there was a panel discussion that happened and they thought it wasn't going to be well attended. The place was actually filled up to the brim and still had people outside in the line. They went to the people that were not able to go inside and thanked them for their support.

I am so happy about Miguel and the whole Voltes V: Legacy cast's achievement (and you should be too), plus the fact that he represented the country well in the biggest comic convention and pop culture event in the world. The event will be shown soon online (I think), so stay tuned for updates about that. If you're a fan of Miguel and Ysabel, I hope you continue to support them especially now that this happened. It's a win not just for them as actors, but for what they've done for the Philippines. 

I hope this isn't the last time they'll be going to SDCC, and I think they're working out something so they'll be able to bring the whole Voltes V Legacy cast to the US soon.  That would be an awesome opportunity no?

Congratulations Miguel!

Gary Valenciano Entertains West Coast

If you haven't watched a Gary V concert, you're definitely missing out. He just did 4 cities in the US' west coast particularly in Pantages in Seattle, Cache Creek in Brooks, Pechanga in Tememcula and at the Royce Hall in UCLA. He's also sold out two venues and showcased his percussion and dance supremacy in his opening numbers, proving why he's called Mr. Pure Energy this side of the globe.

He also performed with his equally talented daughter Kiana (who by the way has her newest single Heartbeat on Me) to the delight of onlookers plus his other acts like Al Jarreau's Spain and his original songs that's well loved by generations. Rockstar Princess Yeng Constantino was also in these performances doing their versions of Ikaw, Hawak Kamay, and Babalik Ka Rin while Gary sang and played instruments, knowing how talented he is.

Gary also was surprised by action star Coco Martin in his LA concert when he walked on stage to thank him and his contributions on hit show Ang Probinsyano and his other soap operas where Gary's song was a staple. Coco also went to Gary's Antipolo home when he was recovering from kidney cancer nephrectomy surgery, the audience was touched and surprised when they saw him walk in. Donita Rose and her husband Felson Palad, Sean Chambers, Faith Bautista, Chris Do, Cecile Azarcon, Pinky de Leon, Jennifer Cortez and other celebrities of Filipino descent were also in the audience to show support for Gary.

He also did Texas Hall yesterday, but still has Alaska Center for Performing Arts this October 21st and Town Hall in New York on the 23rd, so if you haven't been to a Gary V concert, this might be the opportune time to do so. His US Tour is sponsored by Philippine Airlines, Tancinco Law Office, and the Belo Medical Group. Promotion is courtesy of Star Media, Manila Genesis, Zion Agency, Music Arts International, Jeepney Production, Relion, Jak 'N Poy and JP3 Marketing and Production. Make sure to be there when Mr. Pure Energy performs on stage, and it will be one epic night!

Dreaming Big: Tadeo Paras

Meet Tadeo Paras, a 25 year old fashion photographer born and raised in the Philippines. He graduated from De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde and went to the US in 2019 to finish his masters in business at San Diego, California.

His fascination with movies came at an early age and he has always wondered how films were made. He says "I love how stories are being depicted on the silver screen and how it's being told." He had opportunities to act in top rating drama series in ABSCBN like "Wildflower" (during 2018) and "Nang Ngumiti ang Langit" (in 2019).  With this experience, his passion grew even bigger over the years.

He was also inspired by the work of Gordon von Steiner, one of the most sought after photographers in the world. His work consists of the who's who of international brands, supermodels, celebrities and a throng of unbelievable fashion spreads in Vogue Italia, and other countries. He's also done remarkable work in video editorials, working with gargantuan photographers in the field which is why he's obsessed with him and his craft.

Putting in the work, Paras is currently studying film making at Santa Monica College in the US. He plans to pursue further studies in other universities and augment skills in fashion photography. He dreams to become one soon and says "I've seen how the west does film projects and the difference in storytelling, the diversity in choosing actors. I'd like that to happen in the Philippines, to not just have the face for it, but the needed depth in our films. I believe this puts me at an advantage since I have theater and TV acting experience, this will surely help in my studies."

Paras continues to build experience in different projects making music videos, events, media, content creation and production. He also shot LA Fashion Week and a few more shows as restrictions ease stateside. His plans of making worthy films and stories that depict culture, quality, and the Filipino way of life is just the start. Can't wait to see him reach his dreams, with the flag on his sleeve every time.

VICE GANDA's Much Awaited US Concert: Vax Ganda: A Dose Of Laughter

Missing Vice Ganda this afternoon as the Unkabogable star wasn't in the show (It's Showtime!), me thinking she must be really preparing for this October's US concert called Vax Ganda: A Dose Of Laughter. 

Witnessing the very successful Gandemic: The VG-Tal Concert a couple months ago would just be something like a preview to what she can do. Vice actually just didn't impress with her song and dance numbers, but whoa... the fashion content in that show could rival any international concert of a pop star. Yes, she didn't shortchange us in that department, I couldn't say much, but I think those pieces were designed for her, something that the unkabogable star could only carry. Now I think she's going to have new ones in the new concert called VAX GANDA: A Dose of Laughter, in Pechanga, Southern California (Temecula) on October 15 and 16 and at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut on October 24. Guests include MC and Lassy, plus the Queen of Teleserye Songs Angeline Quinto (plus a very special guest that's going to be a big surprise!).

What to expect? Vice Ganda and a team of creatives will take care of fun and laughter and Marvin Querido will handle musical direction (he's got 34 years of experience in the music industry, has handled several concerts in a span of 15 years) so you're sure to get entertained. It's been a while since Vice has done something with a live audience, which is why she's so excited to do this! 

She says "It has been a while since I've done a concert in the US. I haven't stepped foot on a stage with a live audience for over a year and suffice to say, I super miss my fans and the huge madlang people. Nothing energizes me more that human interaction, your positivity and laughter. I can't wait to feel that again in Pechanga and Mohegan Sun this October, I hope I get to see you there!"

As of recent, tickets have been sold out in Connecticut and only a few are left for the Pechanga. For those who are looking for tickets, simply head on to Pechanga.com and StarMediaEntertainment.com. For updates, go follow Vice's social channels @vicegandako on Twitter, @praybetbenjamin on IG and Vice Ganda on FB and YouTube.  

You must be excited too! I can't blame you!

I Need A Road Trip!

I haven't had a decent vacation in 8 years and to tell you honestly I am in the process of fixing my schedules so I can get lee way of having an out of the country experience this time! I'm so excited because I'll probably be traveling with my folks too. I want to experience how to road trip America. I want to see the sights up close. I don't want the usual resort vacations that just end up making you stay inside hotel premises. I want to see people from different places and plainly check how they live their lives. Human interest appeals to me.

The road maybe long but I would want to make my vacation still be the best one I could find. I need to see places in a different light. June seems to be one good month since its summer. I might have more time though in November but I'll weigh my options. I already have my papers ready and I'll check my bank if I can pay for my folks fare. Please pray for me in the coming months so I could get the time to muster up and find vacation time in my busy schedule. I need to relax and amuse myself. I need recreation every once in a while and this has been long overdue!

Where do you think I should go then?! Do you have any suggestions?