JM IBARRA and FYANG SMITH Excited About First MMFF Appearance via SHAKE RATTLE and ROLL Evil Origins

Every Metro Manila Film Festival, there's sort of an expected entry from the folks of Regal Films. It's tradition, something that movie goers flock to when it's Christmas, even to watch something scary during the season meld into episodes that have become iconic reminders of lore, monsters and fantasy. This year, they made the conscious decision of putting in one of the most popular love team of this generation, JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith, aka JMFyang. After their stint at PBB, the two have had shows and appearances in ABSCBN and of course, we can't discount how fans have really consumed content about them on social media, further cementing their status as artists capable of carrying their own movie now. This would be a litmus paper test, including the recent Ghosting show they've been in in recent months. 

Fyang says "I'm so happy about the part 1 of Ghosting, that's why we're doing part 2 very soon. Thank you for those who loved it, if it weren't for you this wouldn't happen. We came from a reality show, we are super close friends. He's a "maginoong lalake!". I really like horror movies, I sit on several movies for hours and SRR is something that already exists before I was born, and every Christmas it's something that people anticipate. We want to watch it in it's entirety. I really feel things, I think it's because I came from the province and I often am alone in the house. I remember when something mentioned my name and my cousins didn't believe it."

She adds "I couldn't believe that I'd be really fond of Sassagurl because I was too shy to approach her. She's my happiness and when we met I didn't think we'd click or gel. I am so happy about that. When we see each other bardagulan agad! FranSeth was super easy to work with because they're very focused on the work, they don't get distracted when the film is rolling. They also share and support other artists like us. We really did what we can for DJ Elle, it's already a win to just be part of it. It's a bonus if we win."

JM says "Until now I've been on cloud 9 hearing feedback from my movie in Cinemalaya. I'm happy and thankful for that opportunity to work in the film. We're just enjoying what's happening in and out of showbiz. Episode 2 is about the present time. It's a big thing to be included because this is one of the biggest and longest running franchise in Philippine cinema. We are just overwhelmed. I'm sure we'll be together during Christmas. When I was in Quezon, something really tried to mimic my Dad's voice."

Then he told us "Sassa, Seth and Dylan were really nice people. Working with them was super fun. Seth is really serious when working, he's also funny so it is easy to approach him when we need to. I feel we'll be satisfied with the work we did, and I hope viewers would appreciate that."

Here's the press conference on video:

During the event, Keith Monteverde was at the venue to support the two. Everyone's optimistic that the first MMFF appearance of JMFyang will be as successful as they predict because they see something promising from the two.

Though it's my first time interacting with them, they're super nice and I hope the support their getting translate into box office success so they can make more movies in the future including one that involves love and romance, something JMFyang fans would enjoy! Congratulations to both JM and Fyang, can't wait to see what you've got in store for those who love you. Anyone who's nice deserves that success.

Foundation Takes On Cebu Earthquake Relief Efforts

Recent earthquakes have jolted the country and crippled a lot of lives in Northern Cebu. While the government addresses relief efforts, the private sector also took some of the chores to make sure everybody gets the help that they need. The folks from B!ing0P|us in Cebu (employees) took potable water, packed food and needed medicine to roughly 56,000 individuals in places like Bogo, Medellin, Daanbantayan, San Remegio, Borbon and Tabogon communities as they partnered with LGU's and other private entities in the region. 

B!ing0P|us Foundation treats this as a call to action which is why they immediately took 6 million funding to affected folks in Cebu. Through their Bayanihan P|us program, it took them a while to get to these areas but committed to the cause. They were met with aftershocks, heavy rain and transport challenges, but they didn't fret because they knew how much help the folks need including a 5.8 Richter scale aftershock that they experienced too. 

Their teams from Manila and local Cebu offices took to the streets together with the AFP engineering brigades to deliver help to far flung areas in Northern Cebu, also doing it house to house including PWD's in the community via PADS (Philippine Accessible Disability Services). 

It might be a long recovery process, but they will not hold back helping this part of the country. They plan to monitor and partner up with even more organizations to make sure Cebuanos, Filipinos would get access to supplies at the most trying times. If you want to know more about their efforts, follow their social channels by searching for the foundation name on FB and other channels.

Better Banking Rewards with Security Bank

 

Had a lovely morning at Shangrila Mall's atrium yesterday as Security Bank had all their people celebrate in "Ready, Set, Redeem!" which is a launch for their #BetterBankingRewards platform as part of their credit card perks. I think it's special because they really have designed it in a way where cardholders would be able to earn points easier, use their points with flexibility and enjoy the rewards conveniently instead of just being stagnantly there. With appealing promos and partner merchants as huge as the Mastercard network, you'll get to see and feel how rewarding it is to have one.

 

At the Shangrila Mall, they had different stations to exchange points into miles with different airline companies (You can exchange your existing rewards points from Security Bank to the preferred airline and buy the needed tickets you want. For international or domestic flights, partner airlines are accessible on the app), taught folks to also use it for hotel stays, had us watch Will Dasovich spend it like actual money to change his wardrobe, styled for a flight he's having in the afternoon. It was like using the points as convenient as cash. The #BetterBankingRewards is accessible through the Security Bank app or the website. Simply register and redeem rewards in over 100+ partner brands listed there. Whether you enjoy a day in a spa, flying, shopping, they've got lots of options for you to enjoy without spending a dime, just your points of course!

 

Rahul Rasal EVP and Retail Head of Security Bank says "Welcome to our partners, to Mastercard and Security Bank family. How many are married? Not Married? Do you believe in happy wife, happy life? A resounding Yes, but happy husband doesn't matter. I went on a vacation once, but had to call my bank to increase my limit, the kind person said it's okay, we can redeem your points to get you a room upgrade. That's when I felt the importance of rewards, you can do this on flights and hotels, and in a lot of merchants. We hope you too get a rewarding experience with Security Bank."

This doesn't only apply here, but internationally (so use your points and exchange them with other loyalty points smart!). You can also monitor your points spending in the same place. This convenience makes it a #BetterBankingRewards experience so if you apply for a Security Bank Credit Card today, you get to earn points like a pro. No wonder they've won awards for it! Head on to securitybank.com to know more.

ISHA PONTI and ANDREA GUTIERREZ Takes First Step with THE NEXT ONES Concert

The Philippines has certainly gotten the nod of the world when it comes to singing, and what Ms. Lea Salonga wished for recently made so much sense when she said "I hope I won't be the last!" to achieve something that could mirror her career, rightfully so, I agree with her 100%!

There ought to be "THE NEXT ONES", a new generation of artists that not only could replicate her success but hopefully surpass it. Ponti Entertainment Production is staging a concert of the same name showcasing Isha Ponti and Andrea Gutierrez at the Music Museum on December 13th, 8pm. They will also be performing with OPM icon Rey Valera.

Asia's Pop Sweetheart Isha Ponti says "The concert is collaborative and they didn't force us in a certain genre, they wanted us to shine with what is comfortable for us. We base it also with what people want, I'm into Nina and Kyla. I'll be performing Walang Kapalit which wasn't revived yet by anyone. We also did a music video for it. It's also a tribute for Sir Rey Valera, also add our advocacy for the youth to hopefully pave the way for the next generation. This concert was a request from our producers, when they told us this was happening I felt unsure. We're not in the mainstream yet as we don't have hit songs, but the reason why we agreed is to break out of our cage. We wanted to go there, our start, our beginning."

She added "We picked artists that are current, but fits our genre. We will have older artists too but that's going to be a surprise! Recently, we watched the Filipino Music Awards and I was so impressed with Maki. I'm trying to write songs and sing it, if I get to be like him that's amazing! This is a major show, so as early as now we're already memorizing and practicing on top of school work. I prioritize it on Sundays and also try to dance a bit. I love it and I hope to integrate it on the show."

Bossa Nova Princess Andrea Gutierrez "I ventured into Bossa Nova because people who heard me sing compare me with Sitti and other Bossa artists. Maybe we can announce, Sir Rey Valera gave us songs to perform and we're excited to do that in this concert. Yes, we get pressured because we're headlining. We're practicing practically everyday and we hope the audience would appreciate that. I hope I get to have hit songs after this step. Ms. Lani Misalucha is my idol, I hope I get to sing songs like what she's done in the past years."

Other guests include Graciel Hizon, Raymond Gorospe, Aquila Paquing, Nathan Randal, including their front acts PPOP acts DIV9, AZTER, wonder kid Maurice, The Boxers, and the Roshe Performing Group. Tickets are available via TICKETWORLD and at the Music Museum Box Office.

It's time to support the next generation of artists, take a chance on seeing and hearing them live!