UNINVITED Throws Biggest MMFF Entry Launch with NADINE LUSTRE, VILMA SANTOS and AGA MULACH

If there's something to tell about this movie aside the stars, it's the sheer scale of it. This is HUGE, and I couldn't wrap my head around why they've done it this way, but with Nadine Lustre, Ms. Vilma Santos and Aga Mulach in the cast, this kind of welcome is needed for their movie UNINVITED.

It was grand, it was fitting, because the story involved a Filipino billionaire. The story is also very dark as depicted on the trailer they released. This is going to be an acting piece for the three lead actors and honestly, I wouldn't want to be a juror for MMFF 2024 because from the looks of it, they'll be having a headache with first, having actresses with phenomenal awards battle it out for Best Actress. Two, seeing Aga do evil roles, something unlike his very sunny personality. That's just the tip of the iceberg though.

They revealed the official poster at the start of the event!

This is the huge stage, have I used huge a lot in this article? Yes I know.

Ms. Vilma Santos told the media "There's nobody else, no other name to play his role, it was only Aga Mulach. When he called me, he only asked if I'd accept the project, asked if it was true, and I immediately told him to accept it because otherwise, I'd be returning the candles for being Ninang to him and Charlene Gonzales. I wanted him to accept it so I could beat him up (she kids). When I head also that Nadine agreed with the project, I was already asking for shooting dates, with all honesty, I was mostly excited about it. Then I learned the huge cast that will also be with us, even if I felt bad in several shooting days, I knew I had to go through with it because I was with them all. I am inspired and in love with them."
 
Aga quipped "People were asking me why I'd be calling her, and they didn't know we often talk like that because we're really that close. The only question I asked was if she was game to do it, she didn't even had to talk more because I've been waiting for it the whole time. I'm just so happy this happened. It comes in threes, and out of the stuff we did, I'm very proud of this one! I'm quite excited too. When I heard Nadine was in the cast, I thought she was going to be a love interest, but production told me she will be my daughter (he kids), I was relieved!"

Nadine divulged a few things about her character and said "About similarities, I think we're polar opposites. Nicole is kind of extreme, she's rich, she does all the bad things, she's a foul mouth, she's got lots of hatred towards her father and the situation. I on the other hand am a more chill person, and the relationship I have with my father isn't the same either. The only thing I think that is similar is that we're both feisty. Our scenes are very heavy, but Kuya Aga does these adlibs that are not on script and we laugh about it after the scenes. But it feels different when you are working with a person of his caliber. Our scenes are going to be triggering, his personality is totally different in real life."

Here's the rest of the press conference on video:

Producer Bryan Dy responded to my question about being so passionate doing HUGE projects like these and he said "I'm actually very fortunate to be in this position. This is the part that you would never have to hold back, because with this kind of cast and story, if we let go of the chance, we probably wouldn't have something like this happen in our lifetime. One reason is, going to cinemas actually is expensive, so you want to really make sure that every peso cinema goers spend is worth it. With this cast, with the people working behind the camera, we think they're the best and we believe the Filipinos deserve it. And, we're not yet done, we're just starting! It is a dream project, and I've seen Ms. Vilma Santos in different roles when I was growing up, she didn't act on this film, she was more of a collaborator. She is very important for the entire film because she was assisting all the actors, they don't even go home anymore even if their scenes were done because they stayed to make sure this film has something to give. This is important and fulfilling for me. All our earnings from past projects, we rolled over here and even gave more. We're sure that we won't disappoint you with this film."

If the stars won't be the sole reason to see this film, you've got the story, the production value, and the anticipation of how great actors do it on screen should. 

Can't wait to see it in December!

DigiPlus Gets 4 Accolades From Transform Awards Asia

DigiPlus Interactive seem to have caught winning ways with their recent awards from Transform Awards Asia 2024. They managed to cop Silver for the Best Brand Evolution under the corporate category, they also got Silver for Best use of Visual Property, and took Bronze for both Best Brand Development Project to Reflect Change of Mission, Values or Positioning and Best Use of Typography.

DigiPlus and Landor gave a worthy fight with their recent transformation from a mortar and pestle brand to a more advanced and technology driven entertainment entity that scores their "Multiply the Fun" tagline.

Today, they're continuing to provide exceptional entertainment via their platforms, featuring more of the traditional Filipino fair games, but this certainly gives them more reason to continue as their efforts have been clearly appreciated and recognized. For those who don't know, Transform Awards Asia 2024 is Transform Magazine's way of celebrating the fantastic work involved in rebranding and strategies. DigiPlus will continue to implement fairness, transparency, innovation, and teamwork at all times and continue to be the premier trusted brand they've become in the years to come.

Meet PERCI VILAR CENDANA | Your Working CongressMader of AKBAYAN

While the rest of the folks are in the bleachers watching, Akbayan took to the streets and the halls of congress to make sure check and balance exists even if all the odds were against them in recent years. Meet CongressMader Perci Vilar Cendana, second nominee and stalwart of your rights, matters on labor, the less privileged, youth, women, LGBT and various sectors.

He's not new in the movement. Hailed as the first openly gay university student council Chairperson in UP Diliman (at a time where homophobia was still happening), he fought tooth and nail with individuals that resorted to personal attacks, and faced real pressing discrimination in his early college years. Together with UP Babaylan (the country's first LGBT student organization), they eventually opened minds, avenues and spark change in the campus, and the rest followed suit. He feels in congress, he's doing the same bringing in the agenda that would benefit the needs of ordinary citizens. 

He says "My political life has always revolved around Anakbayan, I became part of it after college by working in civil society groups, an NGO like the Freedom from Debt Coalition (involves matters on economic issues), and fell in love with the work that Akbayan is doing. I was involved with them since they 90's til now. I then became the Chief of Staff for Senator Risa Hontiveros whom I already knew when she was in congress, and planned to run for Senate in 2010 (as Campaign Manager), 2013, then she won in 2016. I was then appointed for the National Youth Commission during PNOY's term. While working for the government was far from my mind, it was a time for reform, and I felt it was a good time to work for the country." 

He adds "I was part of group who organized pride marches, the one in 1996, over 100+ people who marched in the contingent in Manila. Last year, hundreds of thousands now march in the occasion. Akbayan is for equality, til today, it baffles me that security of tenure is still being discussed. The culture of ENDO/contractualization should never be done. We also do the same for women, LGBT, anyone who needs social services. Citizens should never be asking for it, it is but a right. Universal Health Care should be supported by all of us."

NYC was the same venue where he started the campaign about "Teen Pregnancy", working on the Reproductive Health Law. He also started with various efforts on HIV, and still on the SOGIE Equality Bill. He is now the 2nd Nominee for the Akbayan Partylist, bringing his experience to the House of Congress over 2 decades of experience in public service. He's quite aware that he's got big shoes to fill since several Akbayan representatives like Eta Rosales, Risa Hontiveros, and more have done quite well during their stint in the congress. Today, CongressMader Perci is pushing for the KIAN Bill. This is to keep innocent young kids from getting victimized further. He also will try to enable laws against mining, the nationwide availability of the right to care card (a version of which is already done in Quezon City), plus the most controversial one yet, a bill for "Mindful Parking" which penalizes those who will bodily reserve parking slots; which as of recent has enraged the public. 

Here's more of our discussion on video:

Together with Atty. Chel Diokno (1st Nominee), Dadah Kiram Ismula (3rd Nominee) and Akbayan Youth Chair Justine Balane (4th nominee), CongressMader Perci Vilar Cendana (2nd Nominee) and the Akbayan Partylist is committed increase effort and reforms against political dynasties, improve + hold rights for ordinary Filipinos, and continue to push for apt labor laws in the congress. They will also be participating in Quad hearings to hold folks accountable specifically EJK's in previous years. They will also help with regards to the rights of Moro women in various indigenous and marginalized communities, to work as a force who understands their struggles and the youth.

CongressMader Perci not only presents an option, but a person who's got a track record of work accomplished. Akbayan's not done with the causes they've so passionately worked on these past few years. Here's to more legislation work that is felt by ordinary folks, ones that deserve the help they could provide. It was a pleasure to get to know you!

Director Rahyan Carlos Set to Hold Year End Workshops at MQuest Artists Agency

Met Direk Rahyan Carlos a couple years back, in hybrid situation because of the pandemic. He's a phenomenal acting coach, the only one officially allowed to teach the Chubbuck Technique which most A-List Hollywood actors (most of which are award winners too) go through.

This time, he's become the newest addition to the training and development program (which he's heading) of MQuest Artist Agency. Designed to train new and existing actors for film and television, he's bringing a couple decades of his experience to teach Introductory, Advanced Level 1 and 2, and a Masterclass in acting. MQAA will also be offering Kids Acting, Dance and Voice Workshops in order to produce artists that are triple threats! This will all start on November 23 and 24, you may scan the QR code on this poster (or follow their social channels) for details, schedules and fees for it.

There will be limited slots for this workshop, and will culminate with an event after the course. They will also be including some of the artists from MQAA's stable, as they too will undergo the acting, song and dance workshop.

Direk Rahyan says "Fpr me this is exciting because we're pioneering something at the MQuest Artists Agency. I want to be part of that group who will prioritize training these talented actors. There's a lot of ways that actors could gain fame, but I believe you just need to put in a LOT of effort. Existing artists also become rusty, and I always tell them that they're as good as their last work. Acting is a lifestyle, doing workshops is something that people in the west do before and while they are in character, like constant training. Their craft changes because people change. What they may have implemented in the 80's may have been effective during that time, but art and acting is evolving. You need to study that, and adapt as well. A good agency needs the right training. It is important to inculcate to actors some good old ethics, discipline and professionalism. This is also the priority of Sir Jeff when I went onboard." 

MQAA Head and VP for Content Acquisition at Cignal TV Jeffrey Remigio adds "Part of the vision we had for MQAA was to have it act like a hub for actors that can be trained, be known that they go through a very rigorous process and not just because they've got pretty faces. I don't want to put them in projects where we could get criticized by Directors or Producers because they're not properly equipped. We are investing in training and development on the onset, right from the very beginning where we can really focus on the talent pool we have at MQAA."

Here's more of where that came from:

 

During our interview, he mentioned how the first few MQAA artists that have already gone through the workshop felt so hungry about learning more about the craft. They made an example of Ms. Carmi Martin who now is taking on more dramatic roles, pretty off tangent from her "sexy comedienne" persona that she's had since the 80's. Direk Rahyan Carlos surely know what he's doing, he's transforming a generation of actors and following a sure fire way of using pain as fuel for their craft. They are in the lookout for talents too, so if you're trying your luck in the industry, this may just be your chance to not just hone your craft but land various MQAA projects.

Who wouldn't love that!