Author: TJ Gacura

Actor Ian Pangilinan recently shared his personal connection to 9 Works Theatrical’s version of the hit musical ‘Rent,’ on March 12, describing it as a portrayal of misfits with whom he deeply relates. First introduced to musicals like Stephen Sondheim’s, Pangilinan, somehow found ‘Rent’ relatable because of how it resonates with his generation. “When ‘Rent’ came along, it was like grungy, parang misfits, and I think parang as a young person, I really identified with the whole misfit thing,” he shared during the media roundtable at the Mirror Theater Studio in Makati City. “Kasi parang as a young person, you…

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Anji Salvacion had a noticeable figure during Star Magic’s ‘Spotlight’ press conference on March 13. She credits her transformation to taking better care of her health. According to the artist, last year was not her best shape. Her immune system was so weak that she constantly got sick for three months. “Last year wasn’t my best year,” she admitted. “I always get sick.” Salvacion had a repetitive cycle of getting sick and then getting better. It pressured her to the point that she had to take steroids and other supplements to help her do projects. The “use of steroids and…

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On-screen couple Barbie Forteza and David Licauco revealed they find ways to get to know each other, including mid-flight. During the Sparkle Canada Tour Media Conference at GMA Studio 7 on March 12, the two were intrigued by the attending press on how they got to know each other amid their busy schedule. They do it whenever they have the chance, Forteza said. The Kapuso love team was so into conversing they even sacrificed sleeping. “Actually, oo. Kasi parang ‘yung flight—’yung time namin during the flight, ‘yun lang ang parang chance namin na talagang…hindi ‘yung trabaho, hindi kami naghihintay ng…

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Seasoned actress Sheryl Cruz recently shared insights into her experience portraying her character’s interactions with Jo Berry’s character in the series ‘Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law,’ despite differences in physical stature. In a press conference on February 24 at the Manila City Hall, Cruz revealed that she had this one particular rule where she would not go ‘maldita’ to artists that are smaller and weaker than her. “Before, nakasanayan ko kasi na when I do projects na mayroon akong katarayan, be sure na ka-height ko, ka-weight ko, ka-size ko. Because nilagay ko before na ayokong tayaran ang bata, ayokong tayaran yung mga…

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‘What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim’ lead stars Kim Chiu and Paul stressed on March 9 the cultural differences between their adaptation and the original series. Chiu explained in the upcoming show’s media conference at the Quantum Skyview in Araneta Center that their show is very similar to the original K-drama. However, being true to Filipino culture is what sets the two apart. “Bilang proud Pinoy tayo, maraming nilagay ang mga writers namin, and everyone involved dito sa paggawa ng Secretary Kim the Philippine version na maraming Filipino touch, such as family-oriented, or ‘yung mga more sa comedy side,” said the…

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‘Tiktoclock’ host Rabiya Mateo commended GMA Network for actively dismantling the stereotype that equates “sexy” actresses solely with their physical appearance. During the launching of Sparkle 10 at the network’s Studio 7, the 27-year-old Mateo applauded GMA Network for taking “a big step” of proving that sexually appealing and beautiful women are also talented. “It’s also breaking the stereotypes. Kasi dati, when we think of a sexy actress, ‘yun lang ang kaya nilang i-offer,” said the beauty queen-turned-artist. “But now, somebody like Faith (Da Silva), who is sexy can be a host; si Ashley (Ortega) can represent the country sa…

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Markki Stroem’s passion for the musical ‘Rent’ led him to bend the rules during his recent audition, much to the amusement of the show’s casting directors, Robbie Guevara and Santi Santamaria. In a media roundtable for the upcoming 9 Works Theatrical musical on March 12, Santamaria revealed that there was one rule for the auditionees: do not sing any songs from ‘Rent.’ Guevara revealed that among those who auditioned, Stroem “was the only one who broke the rules.” The Filipino-Norwegian singer, who auditioned and got the part for Benny, admitted he already planned on breaking the rule. Giggling, he said,…

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Former child star Jiro Manio leads in OPM band LILY’s ‘Magbalik’ music video but still needs full recovery before he accepts any acting projects. “Siguro po, hindi naman ito ‘yung sign na magbabalik na ako sa pag-aartista,” clarified the former actor in an exclusive interview with LionhearTV. “Kumbaga, isa lang po itong isang aabangan ng mga tao na sa tingin ko ay magugustuhan nila.” On January 19, Manio, 31, appeared on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,’ where he admitted he misses acting. However, doctors have advised him not to accept any offers unless he has fully recovered, as this can…

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If there’s one thing Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz are looking forward to in their upcoming ‘Sparkle Goes to Canada’ tour, it is the love of Filipinos. The real-life couple, also known as JulieVer to their fans, experienced the welcoming arms of Global Pinoys during the ‘Taste of Manila’ event last August. For them, having a crowd of “half a million” makes their hearts happy. “So, first time po namin na maka-experience ng ganoong klaseng crowd na talagang sobrang saya, na talagang nage-enjoy sila, nanonood. Nakakatuwa kasi ang dami po talagang Pilipino doon; ang daming mga Kapuso, mga…

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The first legal series of GMA Network, ‘Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law,’ had to wait at least three years to find the perfect GMA Afternoon Prime show for Jo Berry, says the show’s head writer and concept creator J-mee Katanyag on February 24. “In terms of inspiration, nagsimula po ito like two or three years ago. Isa sa mga inspirasyon po namin ay si Jo Berry, siya talaga. Hinahanapan namin siya ng isang palabas kung saan tatatak po muli ang kagalingan niya,’” she said during the series’ press conference at Manila City Hall. Katanyag was looking for a concept that could follow…

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Dallas Liu, who plays Prince Zuko in the upcoming live-action adaptation of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ on Netflix, shared his experiences filming the series while visiting Manila on February 24. Manila’s Heat and Stepping into Character Liu described his first visit to Manila as a whirlwind of excitement and scorching temperatures. He jokingly compared the intense humidity to feeling like he was living in the Fire Nation, a reference to Zuko’s home in the Avatar universe. “It’s been really exciting, and this is my first time in Manila. Everyone’s been welcoming, and it’s so hot, oh my gosh, hahaha! It’s…

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Actor and comedian Jerald Napoles was on cloud nine as he led TV5’s newest comedy game show, Barangay Singko Panalo. On top of hosting a game show, Napoles’ dream job was fulfilled—to star in a sitcom. “Noong sinabi nila sa akin na ‘Magho-host ka ng game show,’ parang kinilabutan ako, or medyo tumayo ‘yung balahibo ko kasi kinalakihan ko ‘yung game show. Tapos yung mga idol ko na komedyante, lahat nag-host ng game show. “Full circle lang for me na isa ring komedyante na makapag-host ng isang game show. And then doon na nila pinasok na may skit or may…

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‘Tahanang Pinakamasaya’ aired its last episode on March 8. ‘Lunchtime Movie Hits’ now occupies TAPE’s timeslot. Beauty queen-turned-artist Rabiya Mateo expressed her hope that the variety show ‘Tiktoclock’ would have a longer airtime. The 27-year-old host shared her thoughts during a quick interview after the Sparkle 10 launch at GMA Network’s Studio 7 on February 5. She admitted feeling disappointed that a show like Tiktoclock, which airs for only 45 minutes from Monday to Friday, often feels rushed. “Minsan nalulungkot din kami kasi minsan may mga banter, marami pa sanang banatan pero overtime or minsan naka-cut kapag sa editing. So…

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Filipino-Canadian Gordon Cormier, the young talent behind the role of Aang in Netflix’s ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender,’ opened up about his experience stepping into the last airbender’s shoes without knowing who his character was. Cormier and co-star Dallas Liu visited Manila on February 24 for a press conference. Recalling the moment he learned he had secured the role of Aang, the young actor shared a mix of confusion and elation. “They ended up saying, ‘We searched the whole world for Aang, and then we found him, and you live 15 minutes away from the studio! I was really confused; I…

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Direk Temi Abad revealed on March 8 two reasons he avoided sexy projects up until now: a promise and a fear. The director of Vivamax’s ‘Kalikot’ first mentioned that his late boss, Tess Fuentes, made him promise not to accept any projects from Vivamax. “Actually, inano ko ‘to, ni-restrain ko ‘yung sarili ko from directing a Vivamax project. Because you know, ‘yon ang binitawan kong pangako sa dati kong boss,” he said during the film’s press conference at the Viva Cafe in Cubao, Quezon City. Aside from the promise he made, Abad also feared violating someone if the time came…

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Cheryl Ching-Sy, the Assistant Vice President for Drama at GMA Network, reiterated the network’s commitment to integrating social and cultural issues into their soap operas, including their latest show, ‘Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law.’ During a press conference held on February 24 at Manila City Hall, Ching-Sy emphasized that all programs on the Kapuso Network, not just their afternoon soap operas like ‘Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law,’ and ‘Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap,’ promote awareness and understanding of important societal matters. “GMA, actually hindi lang siya sa afternoon soaps. I think it’s the brand of GMA Drama where we are always conscious of injecting mga cultural…

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