Sky Cable Issues Statement On TV5 Complaint

Image owned by SkyCable, cto, not mine.

It was crazy last December and signals from Cable companies were also wonky, I don't know what caused it but Manila's TV5 complained to NTC about signal disruptions during that time. We've got official apologies from Sky Cable about the incident and they published this on their channels.

"SKY apologizes to customers that experienced a seven minute signal loss last December 13, 2014. We continue to work round-the-clock to minimize and immediately resolve service interruptions in the future.

We wish to expound that the signal loss was due to a power fluctuation that affected all our channels in Metro Manila, at 2:13pm of December 13, 2014. By 2:20pm, we were able to restart our equipment in order to restore the channels.

SKY wishes to clarify that any extended signal loss of TV5 was due to the fact that the set-top box that they provided to us defaulted to AksyonTV not TV5 once equipment were restarted. 

We will work with the NTC and TV5 to prevent similar occurrences in the future.” - SKYcable Corporation"

The lack of communication does make it hard for companies to do business streaming their channels to cable providers in the Philippines. I guess they apologized about the situation and will inform stakeholders about outages or service interruptions in the future. Now what will the NTC do after this? Will TV5 be able to accept the situation and move on since an apology seems to have issued? I know how it is to lose cable TV, it made me crazy the whole day since I paid for the service and I wasn't getting it... I wish there was some way to make things easier, but this is a start. 

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Jake Vargas, Bea Binene Topbills "Liwanag Sa Dilim"

They say this is the penultimate Teen adventure movie of the year, it's "Liwanag sa Dilim". Directed by Richard Somes, this will be in the line of films he's done like Corazon, Shake Rattle and Roll, and the likes, under the production of APT Entertainment. During the presscon, we had Dante Rivero, Igi Boy Flores, Sarah Lahbati and reel lovers Jhake Vargas and Bea Binene. This has been in the works for some time now and it's going to bank not just on the story but in the JaBea love team who's got stern supporters for years now.

"The reason why we bought the song of Rico Blanco and Rivermaya was because it was a hit during the time it came out.  It's all about taking responsibility, how to live like a teenager and how to live in harmony with your peers. It's a coming of age film and as a film maker, I miss this kind of stories and how they grew up as individuals and as persons. We hope to meet the characters standards so we got the perfect people to play it." says Direk Richard Somes.

Bea and Jake was put on the spot during the interviews, and the press kept asking about their relationship. It looks like the rumors about them splitting up isn't true according to the couple. After a few  more questions more, it looked like they are... And they're just saying they are "just okay". They are going through something right now just like any other pair, but they're hoping to fix it. This is their third movie together and there's pressure since they are doing lead roles. They are hoping that the support of everyone would be more than their previous movies. It's the best they say and you're going to have a lot of things to discover in this movie.

"We had a lot of things experienced during the filming of this movie and it even made us gel a lot better with Igi and the rest of the cast." says Jake Vargas. 

Sarah Lahbati says "Actually they were asking me about the adjustments I did to shoot this film, even if I had to have three cups of coffee when it's around 9pm, I'm still okay because I'm still young. So all in all, it wasn't so hard."

Igi Boy Flores says "It's new, a new set of friends, it didn't matter to me after a few days. It was like we already knew each other and it just happen to be that we're from different stations. But pretty much we're all good. I hope both stations would be able to support our film, we need it." 

"It wasn't hard to make the movie work because you just need to tweak it a little. I've seen how Jake took real good care of Bea, and so did Bea take care of Jake. I didn't really get to have any hard time working with them as I've seen, it was always natural." adds Direk Richard Somes.

The film "Liwanag Sa Dilim" will be shown this February 11 and is produced by APT Entertainment. Be ready to be scared, adventurous and be in love once it goes out on theaters real soon!

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Lunch Over "Healing Hearts" with Kristoffer Martin and Joyce Ching

We sat down to interview Joyce Ching and Kristoffer Martin as they star in the new show "Healing Hearts" on GMA, the Kapuso channel. Known in the fandom as KrisJoy, this pair had a ton of following, even more when they had the show Tween Hearts from the same network. They plan to show Healing Hearts on April because we've heard from the grapevine that Yagit/Half Sisters will be extended until that month.

Joyce says "I'm so excited and happy because the role is going to be the good one. People might think I'm still the evil one on shows but they have to see me in a different light. Since I'm not educated in the show, I'd usually answer back Kristoffer's character. Healing Hearts is literally healing a wounded heart. My Mom in the series left me when I was a kid and later on, I'll be discovering that she killed my Dad so it's going to be so hard for me to forgive her, that's where the dilemma is. Ms. Mickey Ferriols is going to also have a continous role and we didn't have any clue in the beginning that we already know each other. About me in the lead role, I'm excited, finally my character is going to be the good girl. I feel I need to double the effort so they could see me as the good girl intended for her. She's going to be on the funny side, but she doesn't intend to do it." When asked about going back together, Kristoffer interjects "In all our interviews we said we're not closing our doors. We might as well not give any information about getting together because our working relationship and friendship is much stronger. Whatever we have right now, it's all better."

Kristoffer adds "We're confident about the material and the work done on the series, our Director did a good job because he's a perfectionist. About the soap, it isn't one sided. My character is a woman hater, but when I got fooled by my ex girlfriend, I went into making Liza's life miserable. The peg, kinda typical but it's different on how we attack the roles and the scenes we do. It's not like there's a "katulong-amo" genre, but it's lighter and romantic. It's going to be shown on April, kinda moved because two top rating shows are still being extended on GMA, they're doing a good job so we really understand. The time plan isn't in the hands of GMA, we hope the same thing will happen to us too. Working in the set is so comfortable, we're just enjoying our work. Joyce is so good, whatever character you let her play she does it. I'm more excited about our chance to work with each other again. I love also the part where I'll be a rich kid, I usually play the poor guy and that's different! Our working relationship, we didn't need to force it, it just comes naturally good.

About our relationship, there's no nice breakup - but we're so in love then and the awkwardness only lasted two months. If we're going back together, we're okay and if there's an opportunity to get back, we're not closing our doors. We're happy to see each other everyday, guestings, shows, time together, we're so okay with that. This is where we tested ourselves too. We hope people would still see chemistry because we attacked the roles professionally. I even remember the time we had our first Valentines date at Ocean Park Manila, we had fun, we had dinner, we rode the MOA eye, but it really wasn't the things we did that mattered, it was because it was pure love, I was with her."

Healing Hearts also stars Krystal Reyes (who wasn't able to go to this because she was sick, get well soon dear!), Mickey Ferriols, Maureen Larrazabal, and many more. It's also directed by Roderick Lindayag. Remember, it'll be shown on April either on the slot of Half Sisters or Yagit, but surely it'll be in the afternoon primetime. 

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SMART Announces Exclusive Partnership With Disney!

This one's a bit personal. I love my name, it's not too common, it's not too weird. I was named after a saint (since it was required a long time ago) and after a cartoon character. Who do you say? Yes! You are correct, I was named after Mickey Mouse. Consequently, "Michael" was a more appropriate name so they stayed with that; but the origin wasn't the saint too as I thought it would be. It's cute, I know, when my Mom told me about it I almost coughed out the hot coffee I was having that afternoon, but I figured why I was so fond of Disney even at a very young age.

My brother got to love Donald Duck so we were like them years ago. Yes, we used to chase play tricks on each other as if we were cartoon characters, it was that close. Later on, Marvel was pretty popular and we got to play games in arcades, cards, and just about any merchandise they had on their coffers, we got it! But now, it's all about our phones and the hundreds of games available in it. You might think it's going to be expensive, but you haven't seen anything yet. Take my advice because I just discovered that the biggest network SMART Communications Inc. has got us hooked up with the latest Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm titles. Oh yes! This is an EXCLUSIVE partnership with Smart Communications which means you can now get your favorite E-Books, Online Games, Activities and Wallpapers without the need to use a credit card. Check out the Disney content they are offering on the Smart Disney Page and see how you can enjoy Frozen, Big Hero 6, The Avengers, Star Wars and many more!  

Finally, we can all have this generation fall in love with Disney all over again! Thanks to SMART!

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"Deal or No Deal" Has Got New Twists!

It's back and it's even BIGGER :) In their new season, Deal or No Deal is going to give you more reasons to watch the show. Starting this January 9, 2015 funny host Luis Manzano and all serious Banker will be adding another twist to one of the most successful shows in the Kapamilya network. Aside from the grand prize of 1 Million Pesos, they'll be giving it away in new fashion as they've ditched the models and replaced them with something else. Who? That's the twist!

They call them the "Lucky Stars", not because they're managed by Lucky Manzano but because they're going to be some people you probably already know. Rumor says, the suitcases will be handled by Teen stars, character actors, beauty queens, and Kapamilya superstars they said. Aside from that, these stars will also have the chance to play the game like true blue contestants. Oh yes! You'll be wondering who among them will be carrying the suitcases or just plainly fooling you with their poker faces as they open it once you say "Deal" or "No Deal". 

I picked briefcase number 6 because it's my favorite number, but surely there's a thousand to one chance that it's going to contain the Php 1,000,000 prize pot. Just like you, I would love to play this game but in the meantime let's watch the show this coming week. Luis Manzano will surely be making your time worthwhile, unless you end up picking the lower valued briefcases of course!

Ciao!

Kumagcow

Final Battle of Manila's Rising Stars Happens Today at Trinoma!

If you're not doing anything this Sunday, February 1 at 5PM, please do take the time to watch the biggest Singing competition in this side of the world - Rising Stars Philippines. This will happen in Trinoma Mall's Activity Center. The top 50 singers from recent auditions in Quezon City were invited back last January 29 and were narrowed down to 16. It wasn't easy because they had to go through live interviews, and auditioning in front of a panel of judges. Today, February 1 will be the Final Battle for Manila's Rising Stars, and these hopefuls will vie for the final prize which I was informed to be the biggest ever yet in singing history, make sure though that the talent equals that first! They'll be picking 2 winners from this leg so they get the chance to be in the Grand Finals to be televised soon on TV5. 

The Grand Finals will also be graced by TV5's brightest stars like Danica Sotto Pingris, Rr Enriquez, Jeck Maeirhofer, Lj Moreno-Alapag, the stars of Happy Wife Happy Life which talks about housewives of Philippine's most promising Basketball Stars. There's also Tuesday Vargas,  Wendell Ramos, Sophie Albert, Mark Neumann, Shaira Mae, Nicole Estrada, Chanel Morales, Malak So, Marvelous Manzano, Alberto Bruno who stars in the gag show "Tropa Mo Ko Nice Di Ba”. Gelli De Belen will be there, she hosts TV5's Solved Na Solved a talk show about money matters and legal problems. Not to mention the one and only Empoy who plays the twin brother of Derek Ramsay in top rating Mac And Chiz, I bet you can't wait to see them all in the flesh! You'll also love the program's hosts Ogie Alcasid and beauty queen Venus Raj who'll be the main hosts. I'll tell you later about how the picking goes because I'll be there as well!

What I like about it is that the audition process can be done via the booths they have in the major malls, the application which you can use at home, or just about any other computer that can access their website via http://www.risingstars.ph. To know more about their future auditions, please like their Facebook Page by searching RisingStars.PH and following them on Twitter at @RisingStarsasia. This is a production of RisigStars Inc., see you there!

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Zalora Presents Lunar New Year Collection

Hot, fiery and floral, this printed dress is part of the CNY collection for Zalora

I love how it feels to see a new collection, especially when you get first dibs on seeing it either on the racks, their atelier, or on the show. You get to stay ahead of the pack in seeing the latest trends or get to know the designer a little better. You also get to somehow judge if the secrecy he did for the collection is effective or not. It's hard to do that but since Zalora is in a giving mood, here's what they have solely have for the Chinese "Lunar New Year" and I'm loving the pieces they came out with.

Sold separately, they've got crisp white sleeveless tops, cold floral prints (probably a transition from Winter to Summer). It's got pink, red wine, grays, blue and purple. It's cold shades, a thing that would also be perfect for evening wear if you're out on a date or  just plainly with friends. 

Feminine cuts, dresses that are above the knee could also be best to show off those calves which men find totally sexy with 5 inch pumps depending on your mood.

Want something bright? This red, blue and white printed sort of floral dress would be nice on a walk during the day!

It would be so luxurious if you get this dress with bright prints. You'll play the adorable little girl, or woman that everyone would remember because you'll definitely catch attention. Pretty!

Asian influenced prints, used fabrics like jacquard, neoprene and lace, you'll be definitely starting the festivities in pretty dresses that would go with the Year of the Sheep!

Paulo Campos of ZALORA Philippines says “Our collection gives them the chance to celebrate heritage without looking dated and empowers them to style freely as each piece can match any modern fashion accessory.” Judging from these photos, it's evident that they've researched well, I can even say these dresses would even follow Feng Shui traditions with the colors, prints that all follow the ancient ways.

Lace and a little black dress? It's something hot and sultry that you can wear for an event or if you're just going out for the evening.

The thing is, it's also affordable. The price ranges from Php 1,000 to Php 2,000 only and available exlcusively in Zalora. This is the perfect time to get it before the actual day of festivities. Aside from the charms, crystals and lucky ornaments you're planning to get for that day, you better get the dresses before it gets sold out! Shopping online has never been easy!

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Happiness with Red Ribbon Mocha Roll

Happiness. It's one word to define you - when something surprising, something unexpected happens, it just brings enormous joy. This is what happened to me a few days ago when I received this box of Red Ribbon cake. It's the Filipino go to food when they want something comforting no matter what occasion that is. For birthday parties, baptismals, graduation or just simply hanging out with friends, the moment just becomes so special when there's a cake in the mix. That sweet start or end to your meal just tastes immeasurable, I could have sworn it's the person who gave me this that mattered but aside from that, it's the CAKE... it's the Red Ribbon Mocha Roll in fact!

When I opened the box, I thought I was going to see the usual Mocha Cake I buy from them. This looks to me like they've improved a lot in the looks department. The buttery icing which was formerly decorated on top seems to have been substituted alternately with super rich, earthy milk chocolate with fragrant mocha, chocolate, coffee and caramel tones. The top is also drizzled with a generous helping of caramel syrup... then all you can do is take a slice. Mmmm... I carefully placed it on a small plate and sat down on the table - having my moment to taste this wonderful piece of heaven!

It's available in all Red Ribbon Bakeshop branches nationwide and can be ordered in half or full Mocha Roll sizes. You can even have it delivered to your home for a fee if you can't take the time to go rush to the store. It's that convenient. I know you love Red Ribbon just like me, it's affordable, it's not too sweet and it's so easy to have on those special occasions. I'd love to share this also with my family, not just on special days, but even on a regular one so we can bond, take a moment to enjoy, indulge in lovely cake anytime of the day, wherever, or whoever I celebrate it with. Bring a box of Red Ribbon when you go to your friends house (especially me), and I'll surely appreciate it! It's my favorite of course! 

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Robin and Rommel Padilla, Bb Gandanghari Stars in 2 1/2 Daddies

Robin Padilla, Bb Gandanghari and Rommel Padilla stars in 2 1/2 Daddies

They've just made a dream come true. Robin Padilla, Bb. Gandanghari and Rommel Padilla just started a show on TV5 called "2 1/2 Daddies". It premiered last January 24 and I've seen a lot of people loved it. The chemistry was unquestionable as these brothers (and sister!) got to work again on a TV show after their stint in Mistah which starred much of the Padilla clan. The premise, they've all got a little baby in the house (a foundling) and they've got to take good care of her. With Robin (who plays the tough guy), Rommel (who plays the role of a smooth talking "the ladies man") and Bb (who's the lone trans woman), this would definitely be a very difficult place to start a family.

Robin Padilla says "This is one of the things we thought about when the Bb Gandanghari came out. Will this be a blessing? or is this just a fad? This is why Bb has so much responsibility, to show in the sitcom what reality is. LGBT exists, and it's a community. With her actions, I don't find anything wrong. We're wondering how her waistline looks really, because we find it too small. In one sequence, she just came out without bras and we had to stop her. I had to let Rommel do the talking because he's the older brother. I've also offered Bb a lot of projects but she's too expensive to work with, my production is still small but we did offer. We even asked for rights on films but Bb later on wanted her own Director so it got shelved.

This next project I'm doing by the way "Ang Tatay Kong Hoodlum" will be some sort of a comeback in action films and I'll be with Kylie on this one. That you have to find out. You have to watch this new show too, 2 1/2 Daddies is something that would reflect Filipino lives, you'll learn how to handle situations like these, because ultimately, it happens." 

The former Rustom Padilla revealed a lot during the press conference. Bb Gandanghari says 'When I was compared with Carmina Villaroel, I really laughed a lot about it. Tita Celia has alzeimers here and it was just a punchline. The creative group just picked it up because there are a lot of people who often compare Bb's looks with Carmina. But I didn't have any peg, I didn't even think about it. There must be a ton foreigners that I might have looked up to but not really this. As for Robin and Rommel's treatment, whatever they do with other women, they do it also to me. I really prefer them treating me normally which is what they are doing right now. I like that part a lot. I also would love to do a classic film, hopefully this would be a start to open new doors to make more action, more dramas. 

When I did PBB I wasn't able to come out in the public. During that show, I didn't even got to talk to anyone but only one person. It was Carmina (everyone gasped). Robin even got so mad he wanted to enter the house but they had to watch it... that happened exactly 9 years ago. Rustom and Carmina had closure during 2005, so I hope people would be fair to her. We helped each other during those times, she and I had so much things going through our lives. I had to run, and I thought I was Forrest Gump. When I left in 2002, I outed in LA late 2003/04 and when I got back here everyone was talking behind my back and it did hurt a bit to hear that. I didn't even talk to people in PBB, it wasn't planned at all, so for people thinking it was scripted, you're all wrong. The thought process was all inside, I was just looking for a sign and the Mariposa that arrived inside the home was just it. It wasn't a conspiracy, it was why I did a voluntary exit. It was just at the back of my head, a one time big time thing. I didn't want people to interrogate me, and it was the time to come out publicly." 

Rommel Padilla adds "All along I thought it was just a gimmick. I talked to Robin and it looked like we're hearing from people that it's true. It did hurt that we received texts, feedback from people about his sexuality. It was bitter sweet, because it was like losing a brother, but in the end he found himself.

I've also tried a lot of things in acting, this series will be a test on how I could do comedy and I hope everyone would find me funny (Robin and BB says he's got good timing cracking jokes). Rommel also adds no matter what your blood brother is, whatever his preference is, you just have to love him. You have to maintain the respect he deserves. This is why we're in good terms. This is why it works."

2 1/2 Daddies was a riot on its first day, please watch again this Saturday 7 PM on TV5! Don't fail to watch it! 

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