ISHA PONTI Releases Christmas Single and Prepares for THE NEXT ONES Concert with ANDREA GUTIERREZ

Isha Ponti is taking her music to new heights by releasing a Christmas single called "Kung Wala Ka Sa Pasko". 

At the launch, they had PPOP girl group DIV9 and Andrea Gutierrez perform as part of their efforts to promote their upcoming concert "The Next Ones" on December 13th at the Music Museum, produced by Ponti Entertainment Productions. They will be with Aquila Packing, Nathan Randal, Maurice, PPOP group by Azter, Graciel Hizon, Raymond Gorospe, The Boxers, Roshe Performing Group and the iconic Rey Valera. 

Isha is a very talented songwriter, and this song she just released is a bit of an emotional plea because the one she loves was not there during a special occasion such as Christmas. Done all in Filipino, she hopes it reaches those who feel a little lonely during this season. The lyrics give off a bit of a woman wanting to be with her loved one. She says "When we were trying to make a song, this was done on the spot and took us only 40 minutes just last November. I love Sarah Geronimo since I was a kid. If ever I'd get to do acting work, I would definitely grab the opportunity. I haven't made a song for Ate Andrea, or a PPOP group so I'd like to do that. I also want to compose a song for Sarah Geronimo and Arthur Nery. I've been writing songs since I was 7, but had problems with a recording company. It was a surprise for my Dad but it just continued. He was the one who encouraged me to write. I heard of contests for songwriting, but never had the opportunity to do so. Now I have 24 songs written but had about 19 recorded. I haven't released it yet but we'll see. I haven't done collabs yet but I'd like to do that soon."

Andrea loves the music of Lani Misalucha and want the concert to be a bit more modern plus a few classic songs in the mix. She says "Isha and I met in a competition called Asia's Best where she was Season 1 champ and I got Season 3. We already had the final rehearsal and we got good feedback even if we have different genres. I will be singing a lot of songs including 3 for the holidays. This includes an original song, which I'm excited to do on that night."

Isha and Andrea were commended by the Director Calvin Niera and said they actually over delivered. They didn't box the repertoire and expect something off their comfort zones because they have other songs to perform in the show. This is something that they are working on til things happen on the 13th. It's also going to talk about their personal journey, their feelings, just said through songs. It's fun and dance will also be a huge part of it towards the end.

Obviously they are excited, and if you want to watch something fun before the holidays, get tickets via TicketWorld now! Here's lots of luck for you two and the other performers, cheers!

COCO MARTIN Visits City of Malabon for the Launch of JIMM'S 5 in 1 Coffee with Ginseng

Coffee lovers and Coco Martin fans flocked the Malabon Sports Complex this morning for Jimm's Coffee Mix Kapeyan Plus Coco Martin Event, which I think is the first in the city. It was a chance for Malabon home grown folks to not only try the coffee brand but meet the biggest action star of the Philippines, live and in person!

Coco enjoys the Jimm's 5 in 1 Coffee Mix with Ginseng which is sugar free and they made sure to give away tons of it during the event. They had several kiosks giving away sandwiches and free Jimm's coffee variants. They also had a special sale specifically for those who decide to purchase the products on site like B1T1 deals which folks availed.

Ms. Michelle Chan of Mega Prime foods and Jimm's Coffee Mix said they asked permission to do the launch here because it was very near where they shot scenes for Coco's series. They also chose him not just because of his stature, but because he really does drink the coffee brand even before they made him an endorser. He also believes that people need healthy stuff because they need more energy to spend throughout the day.

Here's our short video when Coco was interviewed on stage:

Coco has been trusted by millions of Filipinos and having him enjoy a Filipino brand that's got track record and history, is just amazing! Congratulations Coco, you're on a roll! 

BAR BOYS AFTER SCHOOL: Funny with Serious Topics, An Exciting Installment!

When I heard Bar Boys would have another run, I was extremely happy just thinking what it would be like especially since the first installment had so many stories to continue with. The iconic Odette Khan won Best Supporting actress for it in different award giving bodies, including Indie Movie of the year, Best Director and Screenplay nominations to name a few. It also had a stage musical done which was well received by fans, and also had nominations for the version with the music used for the medium.

10 years since, the boys would have totally different lives and a whole new set of students to tell a story with Will Ashley, Sassa Gurl, Klarisse De Guzman, Glaiza De Castro, Emilio Daez, Therese Malvar, Benedix Ramos and Bryce Eusebio. The orignal ones Rocco Nacino, Kean Cipriano, Carlo Aquino and Enzo Pineda took on their roles 10 years older, having different lives to say the least, with Rocco teaching law school. Most of them were at the press conference a few days ago. They also paid tribute to Madame Odette Khan as she graced the event, had a standing ovation, which I adored.

Direk lamented how beyond the film, they all have been able to forge friendships and didn't take a miracle to pull off a second movie after the success of the first one. He said "We all grew as people and I've worked with everybody on this stage (including the new ones). I can guarantee, all of them are good people. I can confirm they are true artists who want to become better at their craft. I hope people see the value in that and support our Metro Manila Film Festival entry for 2025! I hope people would watch us first because we assure you it's going to be worth it." He also said that starting this meant they need to tell more stories that would matter, something people found in their first one so that's going to be interesting.

Will Ashley is going to be part of this and he says this movie is going to connect with you in so many ways, they really worked hard to make this second movie. Benedix on the other hand has auditioned for the musical play before landing this role for the movie. Sassa was super playful, her valedictorian role is something you should look forward to. While new, Emilio took a chance and auditioned for this role because he loved how his character developed. He learned a lot and want folks to watch this. Therese is already an award winning actress, having her in this film is just icing on a cake, she deserves it. The story she says is super good and said YES when it was offered to her.

Enzo says "It means a lot to me to see fans of Bar Boys to be here. It's also my first time to do MMFF, I've waited to do this after 15 years, and I'm part of it. I hope you get to support it like the first one."

Kean says "Josh after school didn't pass law school and this will continue that story. I hope we won't die in the end. Being part of a project that has value, being part of the first one was worth it, the second one just touches us on a different level. Being with them, seeing you appreciate it is enough for me."

Rocco says "Thank you to everyone who's here. I was supposed to take a different role, but I'm glad I ended up with this one. This is the first film that I've done that had a sequel, I assure you, you won't have problems suggesting this to friends and family if you would want to watch an entry at MMFF."

Carlo jokes about being in MMFF like he only had this as an entry, but everyone knows he's a regular LOL. He says "I want to share that when I read this email of Bar Boys, I was quitting showbiz, and the film gave me spark, to do what I love, I hope the same spark makes a movement out of Filipinos."

Excellent choices so far has been seen in MMFF 2025, and Bar Boys is the only one that is independently produced and supported by the FDCP. I can't wait to see what would happen to the original cast and the freshmen who will take on the new roles. This is a piece worthy to watch for sure! 

The MANZANOS: Luis and Jessy Reflect on Tumultuous Year

When I see Luis and Jessy, I feel like it's going to be a beautiful day. Their pleasant smiles has always been something people love, and for good reason, as they are very good people. This isn't the first time that I've seen Luis and Jessy, because back in the day, I've seen Luis at gym and several press conferences for shows in ABSCBN. Jessy on the other hand has been so genuinely lovely during an interview for "The Girl with the Orange Dress" which was her last film project(?) before going on a supposed hiatus. 

Luis then became very busy with a lot of things, including scandals which he addressed plus an exhausting electoral run that he admitted to have taken a toll on his mental health. He was lucky (literally) that he had Jessy on his side, that no matter what things may have happened these past few years. Jessy on the other hand went on recovery mode (since Peanut came) and also made sure they both spent time with her because they want too experience that too. Specifically on her formative years, but now reflects on it as the kid took Luis' mannerisms + naughtiness and and Jessy's innate kindness.

Jessy says "I really am thankful about a lot of things, not claiming redirections, but confidently I think we found our path as a couple. Me returning after 6 long years, finally I was reminded why I started in this career. I now have experience to bring, coming from real life. I am thankful for Star Magic and Hawhaw, I talk about work and things that make me happy. When Mumskie is asking stuff, it's mostly for updates about us and her son, she calls and really asks me, and treats me as her daughter. I am so lucky to have a very good MIL."

Lucky also credits Jessy and said "She shows me things behind the scenes (about her current shows), she's really happy. I also realized the programs that were battling it out on TV (media asked about his shows in same time slots in different channels). The magic of streaming is that you can go back and watch it. There's also the vlog where she's more open, more spontaneous. Recently people have been inquiring about hosting jobs, we've done it together in past shows and it may happen soon."

We also got to talk about how they actually fell in love. It was interesting because Luis was actually dumped twice before being officially a couple. It was crazy but he detailed that on this video:

Yes, it was a challenging few years for Luis and Jessy. To say that they've been through a lot is short of a joke, because it was complicated, scary, even dangerous. These two went through those issues together, and as Jessy puts it, she had to step up and be there for her husband especially during the most difficult times, more so after giving birth and being a full time home maker.

Tumultuous as it was, it was a challenge that never stood a chance because at the end of the day... they've got each other. They also told us about their relationship with Ms. Vilma Santos whom they've described treated Jessy as her own daughter since day 1. It's inspiring to see that despite of it all, love was there for them.  

Congratulations Luis and Jessy, can't wait to see your future projects and the ones you're already doing now!