Ashley Ortega and Khalil Ramos Talk About Professionalism On Screen and Real Relationships

 

It's been a while since we talked to Khalil Ramos and Ashley Ortega. I interviewed them in different projects and yes, it's high time they get together in a project, and in this instance, it's Cinemalaya. Their entry this year is called "As If It's True", directed by John Rogers under the great folks of The IdeaFirst Company.

It's much of a Gen Z story where social media, content creation, influencer marketing is the name of the game. A relationship brews between Gemma Watson and James (a struggling musician). As Khalil mentions, it discusses relationships  and those that can be shown as real, or happening just for clout and exploitation.

This is certainly exciting for Ashley Ortega's career as she just came off the highly successful series "Hearts on Ice" which she did with Xian Lim. Though she feels a lot of pressure to do better, she's optimistic to do a project with Khalil since Gabbi and Ashley pretty much started in showbiz at the same time. They've been friends for a while which she feels would be advantageous for the things they would need to do in the film. There will be some sort of a romantic flick ingredient here ala "American Pie" but it'll be different, a little depressing at situations; quite different and will be in a Filipino setting. Here's our mediacon earlier on video, please, enjoy!

Khalil will also be starring in "Tick Tick Boom" under 9 Works Theatrical Production. This is his debut in theatre, and has been a learning experience for him because things are being done differently. He was matched with the role of Jon because of his very artistic vibe. Show happens August 5-27 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium - RCBC Theater. 

These are just some of the awesome achievements of Sparkle artists Khalil and Ashley, but I'm sure there will be more. If you already enjoyed their previous shows, movies and projects, it'll be a good thing to consume this new movie and theatre project from the two. I'm quite optimistic about what's happening with Ashley since this is pretty much, her second serving of a lead role. Khalil on the other hand has also been very busy with projects (and really thankful for it). When I asked about getting some negative opinions online, he also hopes his situation with Gabbi would be a good measure of what should happen when an actor has a real relationship while being paired with other actors on screen. Strictly professional.

KIM CHIU is the Newest Brand Ambassador for SISTERS

Popular hygiene brand Sisters just announced their newest brand ambassador this evening and yes, it's the one and only Kim Chiu. Sisters has always been the go to brand for sanitary napkins and panty liners in the country and this is under trusted parent company Megasoft Hygienic Products Incorporated.

Kim they say has always been synonymous to someone bubbly, inspiring and down to earth. Coincidentally, she's also celebrating her 17th year in showbusiness and feels this has been a great opportunity to send the message across women, of all ages. She remains an important part of leading noontime show "It's Showtime!", Sunday noontime show ASAP and upcoming show "Linlang". 

Ms. Aileen Choi Go the VP for Megasoft says "I am so proud to announce the new face of Sisters, Kim is someone people depend on, good or bad days, she has her own best friends, she always treats them like Sisters. I hope we enjoy the ride in the coming years, I will be your Achi and you will be my Siobe."

Kim says "Any girl can relate that we have so much physical activities, when I started using Sisters, I can move around and feels like you're wearing nothing. Thank you for trusting me, for making me part of good things, they have been there supporting me so I'm happy and excited for what's to come."

Sisters has already been part of Kim's lifestyle, one that is very active, and needs something that is breathable, absorbent, prevents moving around and leaking. There will be more things to come with Kim and Sisters in the coming months so make sure you follow Sisters social channels at SistersPH on FB.

HEARTS ON ICE Cast Speak Highly of Xian Lim's Ice Skating Efforts, Excited on Ashley Ortega's Lead Role

Spent a few hours with some of Sparkle's brightest stars who's part of the cast of the new show HEARTS ON ICE. This is the first of it's kind, you could say the launching project of Ashley Ortega as she now takes the lead as Ponggay in this new series. She also gets to be paired with premier actor Xian Lim who's going to be interesting to see in a story of love, hardships, hope and perseverance. Athletes would surely be connecting with their characters as it'll be showcasing a lot of the things that are happening behind the scenes. Aside from that, they want people to get inspired about how they triumph over life's obstacles since it is a very hard sport. 

Together with Ashley that afternoon was Skye Chua, Hannah Arguelles, Shuvee Etrata and Kim Perez (which unfortunately we didn't get to take a solo shot of because he was doing interviews). Skye actually is part of the Philippine national team, very skilled and equipped to do this stint on GMA and admitted to have had trouble doing acting, and her emotions which she usually do on ice came in handy. She used it to make sure she's also going to do good as Ponggay's rival. Hannah on the other hand will be Xian's little sister, and will be doing a lot of scenes with the Viva actor as they've got family issues to take care of too. Shuvee on the other hand will play one of Poggay's best friend and will give advice as it'll be hard to go through life without one. Kim will be on Xian's side and might provide help when his best friend would get in trouble in the show.

Xian Lim who is Ashley Ortega's partner in the show impressed not just his co-actors but even the professional skating athletes who's part of the show. They were so happy about his progress in the short amount of time he spent in training, so now he's super into the sport already. He took exams and has progressed and passed, which may mean he's going to be doing a lot of his own moves in the show.

Here's my part of the interview, hope you enjoy my questions as I did asking them!

Here's a little talk about their ice skating experience and how Ashley had to go back to training just for this show.

 

Hearts on Ice starts at 8:50PM weekdays on GMA, and replays a few hours after (11:30 or 11PM) on GTV. Make sure you catch the episodes to support not just Ashley and Xian, but the whole ensemble cast that's got veterans and new artists in the mix. Congratulations, I've heard it's doing good in the ratings still! I also have a few videos of their routines on our YouTube channel so just look for kumagcow on the app!

KIM CHIU For LifeStrong Hairfix and a Good Cause

Lovely Kim Chiu seems to be on a roll as her career comes into new heights with the recent movie entitled "Always". It's a Korean film adaptation which she has done with real life partner Xian Lim, sort of a comeback piece for KIMXI fans worldwide.

Aside from that, she's the face of Lifestrong Hairfix together with Ms. World PH 2021 Tracy Maureen Perez and current Miss Hispanoamericano PH 2022 Queen Ingrid Santamaria. They were flanked by several influencers from the beauty niche and shared their experience in making Lifestrong Hairfix the perfect solution to wavy and straight hair. Kim knows she had to make sure whenever she's out of her house, she still had to look good out in public. Kim also took part in the recognition of European Hair Factory and our very own Philippine General Hospital as the brand is also supporting cancer patients who are undergoing therapy through hair donations for cancer patients that the brand is also sternly supporting to this day.

Kim says "I've been witness to the goodness of Lifestrong and Ms. Margaret Lee. Her wish to have great hair for all was a noble cause and knowing how hair is needed by cancer patients, I'm glad they are helping a worthy cause so they too could bring back their self confidence. I'm very happy how this brings hope to those who are going through chemotherapy and treatments."

Congratulations Kim and here's to more good endorsements in the future!

Sin Island Showing on Valentines Day

Times have changed and so have the actors. Their goody two shoes characters are now doing sexy scenes, it’s a cycle and all emotions are on this film (as Direk Gino puts it). We spent the afternoon with the cast of Sin Island, a movie made and produced by Star Cinema. They’ve made similarly themed ones during Rossana Roces’ time but this time, Coleen, Xian and Nathalie will make your Valentines day a little hotter.

Xian says “It’s a sexy adult love story and it is new for people like me. The characters will undergo different things, it’s a different role, and I wanted to do this as my last project with Star Cinema. It’s very new and I had to ask a lot of questions. It felt uneasy at first and when Direk Gino were asking me to do things, he was there to guide us. It is a story of a marriage so there is a redeeming factor even if this is a little bit dark. I wanted to do as many roles as possible and I see my fans as very understandable, even if I need to take out the good boy, Kim and I talk about it but don’t meddle in each others affairs because as actors we have to reinvent ourselves. I consider it as my first very matured role, sexy in genre but I treat it like a different character. It really depends on the story, we are artists. At first when we did the workshop, it was different, I thought Coleen was not game but she’s a cool person. Nathalie had a lot of ideas, I guess barriers were down after a few days. I felt very excited doing this even if there are a lot of people watching in the shoot. I think too much, but Coleen is very relaxed, she was even eating spaghetti before we did the love scene. Nathalie didn’t talk too much and didn’t plan things, we just went along with it. People are no saints, have darksides, we let the bodies do the talking. Kim is busy and has work, but I invited her.”

I am Nathalie Hart because Princess Tinkerbell is just not good when you’re growing up. I didn’t want my own family to see Siphayo (where she won an award) but for me this one is a bit challenging, a very mental character where half of it is me and half of it’s not. When I did it, it was easier and didn’t have to cry. I like when they see that I could do other things too. Later I am doing another movie with Diether Ocampo and I think they love me. We want people to know about it and discover during the movie on how the story becomes complicated. I love how Star Cinema made the trailer because it doesn’t tell much about what will happen in the movie. I knew Xian had a relationship, I just needed to push and finish the love scenes and there are a lot of awkwardness, but working with different people means it’s a totally different story. It was working with Star Cinema, these artists, and the other projects they had for me that got me excited. This isn’t just sexy, it’s just a small part of it and mostly is proper acting. It was awkward to talk about it so I joke around and just do it. We have to look the part, to look at him and fall in love with him so our characters becone real.”

Coleen says “It’s my fourth time working with Gino so I am quite comfortable with her. Billy is super supportive, we support each other regardless, it just depends on the role and story and I’m game for anything. I just learned the value of fighting for love, it’s only now with the right person that I find it to be worth it. This is the sexiest movie I have been in and it’s the bravest, most daring and edgy movie. It’s very different, but Billy is excited to see the scenes I already told him. As a couple, it’s more with love, and that should show on the screen.”

Direk Gino adds “We had workshops before the film so I really had to know what makes them tick so I could find out who they are. In the love scenes I just had to make it light and comfotable for everyone. We did it for eight months, there were changes along the way and wanted it more daring. It was passed to management, very risky so we had to stop a few times. It was new but when they saw the rushes, they had time and confidence to push through. I am glad it’s uncut, it has R16 rating. I hope people watch Sin Island, it’s going to be very busy for us and we will have different screenings, partners and friends for screenings.

KUMAGCOW
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Xian Lim for the Key of X Album

You must have really missed him to actually read this article. Don't worry though because you're going to be lucky because we're posting a LOT of photos of him during the album promo he did at ABSCBN for his newest album KEY OF X. It only has 5 tracks, giving his fans and supporters a little bit of everything in this album that has been patterned with his sold out concert of the same name. I feel I also have to support him because I am a fellow warrior, as he's an athlete of UE in basketball. Other than that, he's half of #KimXi which I adore as well. This is a little different from his past ones because he was able to personally handpick everything. He also was able to dip his hand in arranging, choosing the songs, doing his own spin on it together with suggesting a ton of songs that wasn't included here. Those will be kept in a bank and will come out in future albums they say, also a couple of rap numbers which he'll also be performing in his tours (one is in Eastwood this month so go there!). Now here's what he said during the blogcon. 

Xian says "If only I could choose the 5 songs, Star Music actually gave me freedom to do that. I am actually very happy listening to these songs so I really planned to include these things from my youth. I am currently in the process of filming a drama, with Coleen Garcia. This is under Direk Gino Santos."

"I think we will be having a schedule with Star  Music too because Kim is also launching her album. There will be revivals but different and unexpected treatment, it won't be like the original jukebox vibe. I like April Boy and how he performs, on how he communicates with people when he sings, because you'll feel like you are singing with him while he is performing. The track "Manhid" has a lot of my work in it, you will hear most of the lyrics I contributed - and perhaps to get to know me more. To be able to sing a variety of songs is but an honor for me. I tried to also put in a little something for everyone."

DJ Jaiho hosted the event :)

He adds "I love acting as much as I love music, my Mom is a piano teacher and I have been exposed to classical music and piano ever since I was a kid. I couldn't choose between acting and singing because it's like you are asking me to choose between my Mom and Dad. I think I like songs of passion, it has nothing to do with my personal life. I talked about it with my producer who loves these kind of songs by the way and we love it. I have worked with Maxene in the music video and quite impressed because I made her run in Binondo, and she did it without hesitation. I know my fans are understanding because I really talk to them even on social media." 

About the album he says "I sent a lot of songs, but the concept of the album had us limit it to a theme so it won't become repetitive. I talk to Kim about the charts in MOR and we laugh about it. It's fun (singing and songwriting), but I always ask the people around me for advise and I love listening to constructive criticism. It keeps me on my toes to always pursue my dreams, like writing, I do that when I'm alone and the creative juices flow when I listen to love songs, Bee Gees and Bread. I like the track called Download, it's something the people enjoy too so I think that's my favorite."

The thrust of this album is to have strong individual singles and not a lengthy albums because the attention span of people online are actually less, that a new song comes out every Friday but Xian wishes these songs he handpicked would be good for you. He would love for you to hear it and it's available in all digital stores worldwide. So play it on those streaming sites and buy the physical album on stores nationwide! 

He'll be so happy if you do!


KUMAGCOW
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Princess Punzalan Comes Back in "The Story of Us"

She's been working so hard, and she's been missed. Her role as Selena made her one of the most remarkable villains in the TV industry. She's back, and will be Clodette in the high rating show of Kim Chiu and Xian Lim "The Story of Us". 

"When I was sent the character sketch, I was excited as it's been 15 years. It's drama, I'm a villain but it's a different take. It was too long, my last movie was with Maricel and Piolo in Mila. 

When we shot the scenes in the US, I didn't really mind as acting is in my first love. Even if I don't have sleep, even if I didn't have pay, it was really different if you are doing your passion. I wanted to make my marriage work, so I did my best to immerse myself in his culture, so I could appreciate him more. I don't have the script yet as the Mom of Bryan. So I'm not sure until when I'm staying here. For the first 6 months, we were wondering what I'm going to do in the US. I finished my studies and am now a registered nurse in the US. It was a long time before I got it, I wanted to be a doctor, there was something in me that if there's something I need to do, I need to be nurturing. I realized, I wasn't young anymore and it might take me years to finish it. The next best thing was to be a nurse so I did it. Since it's going to be a different character, I thought of how to make it different than Selena. I'm very hands on on becoming a mother, you have to be independent in the US, it was challenging but I had to be self reliant. I needed to work at home a lot, everything, I had to wear different hats as it was challenging. My daughter is turning 2, so you know how that is. 

I enjoyed working with Kim, Xian and Bryan. When they are taping, they really had to do it seriously, but it's refreshing to see young people be sserious in their craft. In the US, I always run around the bush telling people about things but I learned to be frank and direct. In 2013, I also went to Yolanda stricken provinces because I wanted to help so I sought the help of CBS ASIA and they flew me there as a registered nurse. I saw corpses, food and water was scarce and I couldn't even take a bath. For me, it was the most meaningful birthday that I've ever had.  You need to find your passion, you need to find that thing that you can do and enjoy it even without pay. Working in the Philippines, I missed the people, when you go to work and they become a part of your life, it's golden!"

You'll see Clodette Lowery in "The Story of Us" together with Bryan Santos, Kim Chiu, and Xian Lim. It will air right after Dolce Amore, TiKoy fans should expect a lot of roadblocks in their relationship and this isn't going to be smooth sailing. You don't have to feel threatened but she said "Not everything that's together when you start will stay forever!" then she did her signature laugh! :) 

KUMAGCOW

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Chinita Princess "The FUNtasy Concert"

Our lovely interviewee today is the one and only Chinita Princess Kim Chiu who's having a concert entitled "Chinita Princess: The Funtasy Concert". This is in celebration of her 10th Anniversary in the industry and her birthday. She promises to fill up the Kia Theater in Cubao Quezon City on April 9, 2016 8PM and tickets will be available through Ticketnet Online. Ticket prices will be Php 4,240 for the VIP Section, Php 3,710 for Orchestra, Php 1,590 Loge and Php 1.060 for Balcony. 

During the presscon Kim expresses how light this concert is going to be and admit's she's more of a performer, not much of a singer but she promises fans that people will enjoy the show from the start. The opening will be full blown and will have the GFORCE elements in it. There will also be cables, cranes, liftings, drops which you'll never expect in a Kim Chiu performance. She adds "I want to thank everyone who's here and I hope you get to watch it on April 9 because it's a special night for me. We sold out VIP tickets and we only have a few for the other areas. Thank you to my fans who still are supporting me all these years!"

Congratulations Kimmy! 

KUMAGCOW

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