WEST PHILIPPINE SEA | WPS Defenders Premiere on VIVA ONE and DZRH Platforms Today

Just got out of Manila Hotel's Maynila ballroom where WPS : West Philippine Sea Defenders first episode was premiered ahead for members of the press, some Navy men, women and VIP's. We also got to interview a few of their stars before the event and saw entertainment from them as well with "Concert with the Stars" that happened later in the day.

 A part of me wishes to tell you the whole story, but for starters, it's a hodgepodge of reality and fiction. Much of the cast including Rannie Raymundo, Lance Raymundo, Diana Menezes, Ayanna Misola, Mossimo Scofield, Jerica Madrigal, Lala Vinzon, Roi Vinzon, Ali Forbes, AJ Raval, Aljur Abrenica (though he wasn't there), were playing fictional characters that were aimed to protect the country from the hands of the Communist Kingdom of Manchuria. It was a different kind of war because it delved much into "perceptions", which mostly happens on the internet and AI. You'll get worried mostly about how they imply that the enemies are already here, and heavily invested with the real clips from news sourced videos.  I guess that's why they are producing this, to make sure you get the side of the oppressed and make that fire burn inside and do what you can to protect this country of ours... in whatever way shape and form.

 

Here's a few of the stars we got to talk to that afternoon:

 

 

Oh and yes, if you think this is heroic, these artists didn't get paid their talent fees for participating in this. They just sincerely believe in the cause, and even VIVA didn't get management charges to help with this. The film is produced by Dr. Michael Raymond Aragon who leads the Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas Inc. movement. He was very excited about this too.

Now if you want to watch it, the series starter will be available today at the VIVA ONE app and DZRH on cable and their free to air channels. They are in the works to also show this in other networks, but while they are in talks, you can see it on the platforms we mentioned earlier. The things we watched was certainly entertaining, but folks can learn a lot from it.

ALJUR ABRENICA and AJ RAVAL Set to Star in WPS Themed Series

With the recent pronouncements and action of forces in the West Philippine Sea, this WPS themed series is set to premiere on DZRH TV, Radio and other platforms. This is the handy work of Dr. Michael Raymond Aragon of KSMBPI (Kapisanan ng Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas, Inc.). It's going to be a series, based on fiction and real life events happening in the West Philippine Sea and we got to talk to them (Aljur, AJ, Doc Aragon, Rannie and Lance Raymundo) this morning via zoom.

Dr. Michael Raymond Aragon "We are here for a crucial advocacy, the issue about the West Philippine sea. It's part of our EEZ, awarded in an arbitral tribunal but there's a bully trying to threaten us. Many think tanks think China will not go to war with us and the US due to the economic issues, and they are bluffing us. They want to get us without firing a shot. This positioning is the same thing of what they did with Vietnam. This project is fiction, entertainment, but a subliminal way of talking to people to rally the correct foreign policy to make sure it doesn't go to them. We are talking to air this on TV, Free TV, Cable, Satellite, radio drama and Viva One. They have subscribers from all over the world, this is different from Vivamax, and is their prime brand." 

He adds "Honestly as long as  there's things happening in WPS, we will introduce it in different channels. We will also have it streamed, and other TV channels we plan to put it in. It's information dissemination. There's really a chance to put in other artists of course. We will prioritize A-listers, we are supporting their transition to mainstream. The cases are done and moving forward. Lala Sotto brokered things, it's time for us to help the nation. This is part of our information campaign because it's ours. They are the first choice as far as actors go, I saw them as a family and this is the fight we are taking on, like the cognitive war. The world will back up the Philippines. The family is the basic unit, we have Raval, we have Raymundo, we have Viva. This is a cause for the Philippines, and it's ours. We are treating fear, they are aggressors and we just have to stand up for our rights. Entertainment is a very strong aspect for battling that. Every day, we talk to people, although fictional, you will see things that are happening in the WPS and streamed after three days since this is a continuous project. They are heroes because they are doing this beyond themselves. They will be toured nationwide to promote the advocacy to go around and promote this. We want to make them laugh, cry, fall in love when it shows on TV and hear on the radio. It's subliminal. It's fiction but real life."

Rejie Jularbal of DZRH announced "We will be putting this on radio, thinking of putting this in free to air in major cities translated in local dialects. In the meantime we will be promoting WPS on our platforms."

AJ Raval says "Just to be clear, I didn't say I didn't want to be an actress, but there was just a time that I wanted to do other things like finish my studies, use it for better things. I did have a time when I didn't want to do things, but it was just because I wanted to do other stuff and learn, spend time with family. I am happy about this project because you can use your artistry for good things, it was offered to us and we didn't even ask for fees. It's something that would be good for the country. We're not a package, but we were just invited. My Dad and Aljur. I think I'm done with sexy scenes, I want something new, but I'm quite happy I did that. I am still under Viva, and I don't have plans to do other things. I still am planning to do projects with them. Aljur really didn't have a say, I just did it and he supported me. My role here is Alena, an adoptee by Commander played by Rannie Raymundo. While very young, she had promise training. I don't have advise for other Viva artists, they know what they are doing. I think if it's their calling they will get there. It's also my dream to work with my Dad, I am happy about that. This is my first time doing things outside Viva so I'm weighing things. Since my Dad is there, it was very comfortable to do things because he's there. He has worked in the industry for years and he gives me good advise. Boss Vic is also happy about what I'm doing, he knows about it. I went to his office to talk about it and I appreciate that he said I can do it. I am happy hearing Aljur say that, my Dad is overjoyed and proud of me when he heard I'd be giving this up. This is the first time I'm doing an advocacy project, I am obsessed with the cause because I always am up to date with the things happening there. Aljur too because I know, he's very nationalistic."

Aljur Abrenica says "I am excited to work with them, specifically in acting and singing. When AJ made the decision, I am so happy for her. I am always supportive for the people I love, but I am so proud of her. This isn't an easy thing, but this is her next step. When she goes to a greater path, you get to be proud. I play a specific role but it will be changed, because the script is being updated. I am the cousin of Lance, this talks about espionage, cyber media. Things happening in the WPS will be reflected in the story. I am doing covert operations, in the interest of the Filipino nation. Just working with AJ and her Dad Jeric, it's going to be a family bonding. I still see him in his movies, and this is face to face working with him. This is a chance to strengthen our bond since we will be working together. Right now I am not under LVD, but I stayed because of Sir Leo, when nobody believed in me, he was the one who supported me. May he be in peace. Now I am doing freelance work, hopefully I'd be able to work with a new management. I'll announce it soon. As for being an advocate, I'm very grateful because we can be instruments to fight for our country, in our own way. I experienced bullying when I was a kid, I talk to people, when love intervenes, God will find a way. They will change eventually. There is fear, but this is what we can contribute for the next generation."

Rannie Raymundo says "It's been a while since I've said yes to a project but since it's Doc Mike, it's time to fight for our rights and we need to do it now. It's a beautiful start on our day. You know I let him be his own man. We wake up, go to the gym together. He also makes his own music. Everyday we talk and read about the script, we are really hearing the news, and we are battling fear. I am done with fear because it's the one that stops us, art imitates life, and hopefully life will imitate solutions. If it's just up to us we're okay, but if it's about the future generations it's a different thing. It tickles me to see him succeed, we are the most abnormal brothers in the world, ever since he was born, we didn't fight or argue. We put all the praises to our parents, my Dad was tough, and we were trained hard. We are excited about this because there will be a lot of surprises in store for our countrymen. I am offering my songs for free, to hopefully be part of the soundtrack and let people hear the voices of AJ, Ayanna and Diana. People should know, they too are very talented singers."

Lance shares "This is something off our bucket list and working with my brother is something we wanted to do. As a Filipino, we were a hit in Bollywood. They know how hard working Pinoys are, families are asking for photos, I could think we made a huge impact with what we did. Hopefully Filipinos can do more other than hosting, we talked to people, our looks, it's similar to Northern folks in their own country. I had a lot of layovers, so I read the script, but there's nothing much to prepare in because I believe in the project. My character represents us, as long as you are aware about what's happening in the news, it's easy to do this. Everything that we do, if it's for the country, we take risks. We are using our platform, like soldiers we are giving what we can do. We are not afraid if we are using it for the good. We were raised very well, people in social media see this. Rannie was already an OPM icon even then, for me, just being here is a big thing. Now that I'm finding my niche, my brother is supporting me. We push each other up and no rivalries. They will be doing CGI and knowing Doc, he will only be coming out with quality films."

This series also stars Ayanna Misola, Daiana Menezes, Ali Forbes, Masimo Sciofield, Jeric Raval, Mary Sharapova, Henry Lo, and Jericka Madrigal. They are planning to have this be shown come October this year and will go around the Philippines to promote it. This would certainly be a great way to entertain folks at home, but at the same time, inform them of the threat that looms on the west side of our country.

Upcoming Horror Flick: PINOY GHOST TALES

I feel there's a certain resurgence happening in the film industry, and with lots of room for growth, more players come in to get themselves associated with genres like drama, comedy, action, and sometimes horror. It provides exhilarating entertainment for folks of all ages, and so LGM Grand Entertainment and LMK Productions took the liberty of doing a film called PINOY GHOST TALES.

Writer Lawrence Nicodemus likens this to the series Shake, Rattle and Roll (which has sorely been missed in recent years on Metro Manila Film Festival) which he says has inspired him to write these three stories (a trilogy).

 

First is "The Imaginary Friend", while the second one is "The Manager", and third is called "The Actress". As the name suggests, "The Imaginary Friend" is about an entity that a kid talks to, unbeknownst to her family who wanted to keep her away from it but ends up getting the brunt of its different forms. It stars actress Shermaine Santiago, BL superstar Arkin Del Rosario, talented child star Elia Ilano (who by the way answered press questions quite nicely) and seasoned character actor Richard Quan.

The story of "The Manager" on the other hand talkes about two professionals who ended up fighting for a management post, but one of them was rumored missing (hence the scary part as she kept appearing when the protagonist was put on the same post). Hence one asks, is she a friend? or a foe? Much of the work involved was reprised by Aubrey Caraan. Also in the episode is vixen Katrice Keirulf, Ms. Veronica Reyes (who was also there during the press preview) and notable character actor Ping Medina. 

Jeric Raval

For a mix of situational fun and horror, the last one called "The Actress" was actually enjoyable. It's like I was watching a Wen V. Deramas+ film all over again because Jeric Raval, Rob Sy, DJ Durano brought so much fun in the last episode. This is also a film where Jeric is appearing in this project with his son JK and daughter AJ Raval. The story revolves around the mysterious accident that happened going to the set of this film. AJ wasn't with Viva yet when they filmed this (much during pandemic). To give more context about the film, here's the press conference on video: 

Currently, they are finding ways to put this out in either theaters or streaming platforms. This film was also made by three different Directors Afi Africa, Jojo Nadela and John Isaac Natividad. Surprising how Jeric also did a few funny situational skits in their episode so that's something you should watch out for. 

This will be shown soon, so make sure you stay tuned for updates.