POPS FERNANDEZ Hosts "For The Love" on TV5

It's not Valentine's season, but that doesn't mean we can't indulge in stories of love designed with some of your favorite OPM hits. These are some of your favorite music pieces that we all fell in love when they came out. This show also will be featuring several stories meant to pull those heartstrings, some sad, some with a happy ending.

The story will also include some of your favorite actors, love teams, of which were also there during the show's mediacon a few days ago. The roster includes Heaven Peralejo and Marco Gallo, Bea Binene (who will be paired with Gab Lagman), Krissha Viaje and Wilbert Ross, plus the previously paired (in different shows) Jairus Aquino and Aubrey Caraan (who I found so lovely by the way!).

I find Heaven and Marco really endearing during the presser, and while we were talking about love and serious stuff, they've been pressed a lot of times about the status of their relationship. I got the notion that they didn't really have a label but rather just enjoy what they have right now. Marco was also quite serious about courtship, because the thing he wanted is for that certain person to be the one he plans to marry, and I really am impressed with that answer. Bea on the other hand didn't want to touch on her previous relationships and just concentrate on the now, whilst Jairus is certainly a different man now if you compare him during his younger days. This isn't the first time he's being paired with Aubrey but things went smoothly. Aubrey on the other hand is a person that's NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth), so when asked about how she connected with the love songs, she got a little nervous answering questions from the press. They look so cute on screen and in real life though!

Here's what happened during the event!

For those who love hearing Ms. Pops Fernandez sing, this is the opportune time to actually watch the show. She will be singing the different songs from Viva's music library and put her little spin on it so it'll be amazing to see that during the episodes. Remember, this will all start on July 29th 3:20pm on TV5. It's going to be a great time to fall in love, and listen to the music we love all these years! This is brought to you by TV5 and Viva Entertainment. Make sure you also follow their social channels for BTS and updates about the show! 

Congratulations Ms. Pops!

Gwy Saludes Author of University Series "The Rain in España"

A couple years ago, I was scrolling on fandom Twitter posts when I suddenly found one that seemed to be a story. I went on opened the consecutive Tweets and saw how people have been reading it, getting obsessed, but no one knew back then that it was a 12 year old girl who wrote these things. Now, we finally got to meet the person who started it all. She's Gwy Saludes, a very talented writer and artist under OC Records.

Clad in a preppy shirt, this young lady is now 22 and taking up Legal Management at Ateneo de Manila University. Gwy says "It's about campus life, starting from a Twitter series which I likened to big 4 universities. When "Along Espana" became popular, I wanted to do a longer version of it hence the University series. Even then, there were a lot of people who took interest in it and wanted to know about the culture being in these schools. "The Rain in España" was made when I was already in college. It was all about my experiences, my friends and people around me during that time. It was in Wattpad when I started these all, but really blew up when I wrote book 3. I have 6 books in this series which includes "The Rain in España", "Safe Skies, Archer", then "Chasing in the Wild!", "Avenues of the Diamond", "Golden Scenery of Tomorrow", and "Our Yesterday's Escape". 

When asked about having her work become a series on television, she says "I'm very happy but at the same time, there is pressure because I know, there's a lot of people who are waiting for it especially the ones who read the books. I know they have a lot of expectations, I need to surpass this one when it gets shown when it gets adapted for TV. I act as a consultant for the show, I'm also very involved with the casting. I need to read and check the script, they listen to me if I wanted things to be changed since this is very collaborative." 

"The adaptation though does not include everybody else's thought bubble. We are a team and we need to meet in the middle for any decision. From auditions, to script reading, we really saw Marco and Heaven fit the role. The plot is very close to the book, you need to look at the value of friendship, love, academics, balancing it. Even if you don't read the book, you'll get to understand the story. It's up to you if you get hooked in the books, I've went twice while they were making the film."

Here's the rest of our chat with her over lunch a few days ago:

You may now stream "The Rain in España" on Viva One or watch it every Sundays on TV5 at 4PM. She also said that the next book might be coming real soon so if you haven't subscribed yet, you better do! Download the app on Google Play today!

Women, Power and Money: PUSOY on VIVAMAX

Just got off the advanced premiere of the film PUSOY starring Vince Rillon, Angeli Khang, Baron Geisler, Janelle Tee and an ensemble cast. The popular card game isn't actually that known quite as much elsewhere so having this in a movie intended to be shown in film festivals had me a little worried. It might not be able to get that part of the game understood. Though between that concern and how this could be an interesting story line, Director Phil Giordano had us all at the edge of our seats and left us all asking, what would happen next?!

This is an action, drama, suspense film but set in the Philippines. Vince plays the role of Popoy, a very doting son. Married but still in the home he grew up in because he couldn't make ends meet as he supports his folks, his wife and kid too. Under circumstances that he couldn't control, he had to work for a gambling lord (played by Baron Geisler, an intense man at that). He takes commissions doing favors and finishing rivals in the dens they go to. Janelle and Angeli's character on the other hand are card sharks, and if you put two chicks in one bowl... the claws come out. That starts a whole other conflict not just in the game, but their relationships.. and their lives changed. 

Here's our coverage of the private screening on video, enjoy!

I wouldn't want to spoil things for you, but definitely... a lot different from the usual Filipino flicks we see in cinemas. The material was worked on successfully by Direk Phil Giordano and Direk Brillante Mendoza. This will be shown this May 27th on VIVAMAX so make sure you download the app and subscribe to see this and other titles on their library. The film also had a tough premise, if you had no choice... would you do something illegal if lives were at stake?!

You can purchase subscription credits via online stores, if you're up to it, you'll definitely love the story.

These are exciting times!

Aga Mulach and Alice Dixson in Psycho Thriller Movie NUUK

Nuuk is a little too foreign for Filipinos. For those who don’t know, it is the capital of Greenland. To say that it’s cold there most of the year would be an understatement. This is also the same title as the movie starring Aga Mulach and vampire Alice Dixson. These two will be the first to also shoot a Filipino film in Greenland - and with a good story, they’re just going to make this film better by being in the midst of glaciers, and a psycho thriller plot.

They also have opened for the Danish Film Festival last October 9 in Shangrila Plaza. The film only got finished October last year because of schedule constraints but most of the scenes have been shot entirely in Nuuk. The sub zero temperatures is no joke but it was a breeze because of the crew they worked with and the small but tight nit Filipino community in Greenland. Aga and Alice have worked in the past in films under Direk Maryo J Delos Reyes. The film discusses a very difficult subject about what happens when you’re in a downward spiral of alcoholism and vices, which Alice Dixson’s character Elaiza Svendsen undergoes after the death of her husband. She will be left fending for herself, and Aga (who plays Mark Alvarez) just happens to be lonely and wanting maybe, another chance at love.

Here’s some photos from the premiere night.

Mayor Herbert Bautista was there to support his friend Aga Mulach

The Director, did a pretty good job.

Sana ALL may collarbones

This is directed by Veronica Velasco and will show on theaters starting November 6 under Viva Films. Make sure you see it because the views are just amazing! And we miss them don’t we?!


Honestly, it's quite nice. Worth every penny you're planning to pay for it. Aga just reminds you that if a good actor is good, he will always be doing worthwhile films, a thing he does quite often. Alice is very articulate, you will have to seriously see if she is going to be someone you'll care about, or fear, or maybe none of those. Guess who's gonna frighten you. Oh it is disturbing, don't make the kids watch.

ULAN : A Weird and Haunting Love Story

ULAN is a new movie produced by Viva and Hooq. It’s their first venture to movie production, but definitely not the last. This movie is well made, let’s get that out of the way. Pinoys have this little known saying that the reason it rains even if it’s sunny is that there’s a pair of “Tikbalang” getting married. A “Tikbalang” is a mythical creature, half man, half horse. Though the general reason for the tale is that even the heavens cannot stop LOVE from happening. 

Jennifer from Hooq says “HOOQ has been here since 2015 and this is our first Hooq original to be theatrically released. We have a fabulous partnership with Viva and we have other films with Nadine in our system. We will be seeing one of it tonight.” 

She had relationships, fell hard on most of them, found another one, wanted to become hopeful about love and try to be at it again. She learned lessons, finding herself in the same situation, falls with the Prince Charming, then does it again anyway. Then came along a not so perfect guy, who read her stories, found it engaging. This street smart guy may be the next guy to love, but it’s told doing common everyday things. Then flashbacks have really weird interpretations, you’ll stop and be poking fun, but that part I really appreciate because it’s artsy. Albeit not really boyfriend and girlfriend in real life, Carlo Aquino and Nadine Lustre can get you in their relationship, be involved in it and make you invested in it. Then they will surprise you with a twist. You’ll hate him for it. 

Nadine Lustre surprised us at the advanced screening of her movie ULAN at the Podium Directors Club

Carlo is indeed a great actor, so is that young Maya in the film. Nadine is the perfect story teller, you’ll be hopeful for her plight all throughout the movie. Will she succeed in finding love she deserves? Or will the heavens be a hindrance? 

You should watch this film in Cinemas nationwide starting March 13. Hooq and Viva really did good. They should make more of these stories. 

Second Act Mirrors Workforce Issues

Who says life is fair? It really isn’t.

Now how far would you go to really fix your life!? Would you be okay living simply or would you rather go ahead of the pack and live a life of lies?

These are the questions that will be asked in the movie Second Act which stars Jennifer Lopez and Vanessa Hudgens. Yes, this movie felt it was much like the second coming of Maid in Manhattan but it was more of women empowerment, less the drama and stress because everyone was so accepting. The film also discusses the reality of teen pregnancy, adoption, being homeless and how opportunities only usually go to booksmarts and not street smarts. Jennifer Lopez is always endearing, you will always root for her and the reason I mentioned it is not stressful is because it falls into place and it makes her life susceptible to misfortunes, but she gets to still fix it with second chances. Vanessa Hudgens on the other hand was brought up well, aggressive but not to the point of hating, not to the point of being a b!tch, she really isn’t.

If you do love Maid in Manhattan on some level, this will surely be something you would love too. This is also distributed by Viva Entertainment in the Philippines. Go watch it on January 30!

VIVA x RTM Japan Brings PPOP Generation: Boom Ganda!

Surprising us with their own Pinoy Pop moves and songs this afternoon is PPOP Generation: Boom Ganda! 45 lovely girls who was brought upon by the partnership of Viva Live Incorporated and RTM of Japan. Vic Del Rosario Jr., Matoshi Mano aka MC Man, Ryota Naito, and Geleen Eugenio were present during their official signing this December 3, 2018 at the Teatrino Promenade in San Juan.

Among hundreds upon hundreds who auditioned to be in the group, 45 of these girls went on through intensive training under Geleen Eugenio, Sushi Reyes and Zeb Zuñiga. Now they will be part of two musical shows which will be held from Tuesdays to Saturdays starting on January 8, 2019 and all throughout the year.

If you want to see the show, please go to Ticketworld.com.ph or call 891 9999 or Viva Live at 6877326.

KUMAGCOW 

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Happy Break Up Movie Now On Youtube!

Donnalyn Bartolome is getting serious with her career, she's starting the year doing HAPPY BREAK UP the Movie. Although I don't think there is one, could you say that there is a happy breakup? Donnalyn says she experienced one and that stemmed the inspiration writing her song with the same title. Her album is doing good and when the opportunity came to make this, they all fixed their schedules and did this film. She also shares the digital space with Angelica Feliciano, Kelly Welt, Bianca Yao, Ann Mateo, Sachzna Laparan.

In the movie, her name is ValenTINE, and Tine is her nickname. Her problem started when Dale played by Paul Salas suddenly chose to be a celebrity instead of being with her. She became depressed, her heart torn into pieces, but good thing Marissa Sanchez and Niño Mulach (her parents in the film) knew how to take care of her in this difficult ordeal. Trying to move on, she meets him again and makes it difficult once more in the duration in the film.

Donnalyn says "Paul is such a good person and I like how he was able to work with us when there were problems on the shoot, he understood and adjusted his schedules even if we new how busy he was. Some of the production people told me that Paul liked me, when we started following each other on Twitter, people went crazy!"

This is just fiction but I'm sure you will find this cute. If you have time, watch it in Youtube today and find out what will happen to her love life. Will she get her happy ending?

I hope so!

KUMAGCOW

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