This 123rd year of celebrating independence couldn't come at an opportune time as the Philippines just like other countries across the world is experiencing the pandemic.
Jollibee knows how hard it is for you, me, and countless Filipinos around the world so they tapped world class performers Sarah Geronimo and Billy Crawford to perform and sing "PUSONG PINOY" to bring hope, instill resilience and encourage the spirit of "bayanihan" despite the hardships around the world, a mark of what it is to be Filipino.
Mr. Francis Flores, Country Marketing Head of Jollibee Foods Corporation says "We want compassion to be highlighted in this video, albeit the tons of challenges that come our way, we make it a point to still be happy, full of joy, something that is instilled in our culture despite modern times. It's what's innate, we should be so proud about our "Pusong Pinoy"!"
Sarah says "For me, I think what "Pusong Pinoy" means is being there to help no matter who needs it. The Filipino trait of being of help for others, being strong, loving, big or small, Filipinos are always there to be of service for others."
Billy adds "We remain humble, even in desperate times. Jollibee gives us joy through "Pusong Pinoy" and let us feel a love that's light and free. It's something that is innate, and priceless."
Check out the video here!
The joy of sharing your heart for others, priceless.
This September 15, it'll be one epic evening to see three of the finest RnB artists in the country in one show. Filo French Dance artist Billy Crawford, RnB King JayR and RnB Prince Kris Lawrence will treat you with SOUL BROTHERS on this day, at the Kia Theater in Araneta Center, Cubao Quezon City. Now this is good news for the individual fans of these three guys who have been able to achieve a lot in their own respective careers. The show is about celebrating original music, which have made them who they are these past few years. It is but an homage to soul, motown and RnB classics that have influenced them to make music for the future of OPM. They will of course perform their hits, and even do numbers with their friends and co-artists Daryl Ong, Sam Concepcion, Jay Durias and Gloc 9. It'll be all male since the concept is of "brothers", so prepare to be swooned!
JayR says "We've been together for about 20 years, we're neighbors (referring to Kris) but we met during high school. Billy came in when we met in GMA, he made a comeback a few years ago. Our culture, the way we look at things are the same, it's pinoy. Even if we were born in the states, we're legit. We were born in the states but we get refreshed when we go there, we learn other techniques that are not in the Philippines. It drives us to make it here."
JayR adds "Soul Brothers are our own idea, together with Arnold, we started to call this Small brothers a couple of years ago. We want to perform our own hits, the prod numbers would be the highlight. We wohls be taking this on the road, the US, Canada, Guam, places we plan to go to. We want to break that mold of Filipinos only doing covers. Our artists will be part of Original Filipino Music Only movement, which we have been doing in our own label. We will be doing our own songs, published, or new ones so there's a lot more to look forward to. It's obvious Kris is the higher range, I do soul, while Billy does swag and urban hiphop. We have different things to offer in one night. The healthy competition helps us better each time, the more we are in the studio the more we learn from each other and we receive it with love."
About the prank on JayR, Kris says "When we started taping, we had to improvise and I'm not an actor, and it just came and dragged on, but I'm glad it came out alright. He turned pale, he was sweating, it was crazy. Being with my brother and being in Homeworkz, it made he brand stronger. I confide with JayR a lot and he's my mentor. We ultimately want to create good music. My family is my greatest influence, together with Michael Jackson. "
Here are snippets of their interview on video, a little sample too, so enjoy!
Billy says "I think we are all passionate about music, we have different inputs but we are brothers so this is our dream concert. We've always talked about doing this together, made songs, but never had time to do it for each other. It's a big blessing for the three of us, being on stage, that comforts us. Right now, music is a mix, it doesn't matter what genre as long as it happens. We have many influences when it comes to music."
Now if you're a fan of their music, this would be an opportune time to see them perform live. This would be a nice venue to hear them on one stage and see why they've been so successful, helping each other grow. I envy them, I ain't no got no brotherhood like this in my hood. Often than enough, you'll get called like a wuss. Not a good thing. I want to see how they all show off what make them whole, how they managed to keep tough love, good careers and a solid relationship despite the odds and quirks of the Philippine entertainment industry. You may purchase tickets at Ticketnet.com.ph and at the venue. This is produced by ALV Events International. Party starts at 8PM!
Cheers to your brotherhood! Again, I envy you! Oh and people, I heard their tickets are selling like hotcakes, so get them before it runs out!
A film done as a tribute to the LGBT, "That Thing Called Tanga Na" is said to be Mother Lily Monteverde's gift to the community. She promises this to be an entertaining film full of all kinds of love as she believes it's going to be relateable for all kinds of genders. The film outfit has produced "Petrang Kabayo", "Kumander Gringa", "Bala at Lipstick", "Manat Po 1 & 2", "Happy Together" and a couple of other themed films, they have steadfastly made these funny ones to showcase how colorful their lives are. These are just a few box office hits and they want to tell the story that no matter what gender, they are still human too, they are still capable of love and they also makes mistakes.
Here's a short video of them telling us about their characters:
Eric Quizon portrays Papa Chui, a gay man from a very conservative Chinese family who's actually in a relationship with a younger guy, and sponsors him for all his needs. Martin Escudero on the other hand plays a transexual woman who wants to adopt a kid and have a family. Billy Crawford meanwhile plays a closeted gay who's got a relationship with a guy who's mother is going to cause problems for them. Kean Cipriano here has a really professional career as a fashion designer and gets who he wants because of it. Little did soon to be married Angeline Quinto in the film that the guy she's marrying also slept with Kian's character. This will be a riot, a test on how Eric, Billy, Kean, Martin and Angeline would still be able to maintain their friendship despite their circumstances.
"During the first few days I was really hesitant because it's hard to play the character in the film, it was a challenge for me. I'm a rocker but I find the extreme difference between my real personality, the tone of his voice and walking with heels. We had to make CC be experienced and the challenge was how to balance his vibe, how to dress up, how to wear a night gown and embrace how his journey as a gay person is. It's so fun to be gay and you'll see how their lives are eventful. It won't be experienced as straight people. My take is we all make stupid decisions falling in love no matter what gender, form or shape we are. It's one great equalizer. I grew up going to all boy schools and I admit I pass some subjects because of gays, homophobie is passe and odd living a life fearing a person with that gender, that's a problem. It's challenging to take out simple things as a man, and the tone of my voice, I enjoy saying words and converse with fellow actors like that, it's fun!" says Kean Cipriano.
Here's an interview we did a couple of months ago during a set visit
Similar to Kean I was hesitant and I don't want to offend anyone doing the role. We had negative impressions in the past with things we did in skits of Showtime. This is my comeback film in Regal so I was excited, a bit skeptical because it was Joel Lamangan. We wouldn't be able to do it withour him and we enjoyed how he shaped each individual character. Mine was easier because I need to also be a little strong, I didn't have any guides and Direk was really strict about that. There are gays that when you see them, you see them really fun, but you really have to know their story and the things that they are going through. You make mistakes but you move on." says Billy.
Lawrence Yap says "I'm the husband of Angeline in this film and I had to really convince myself sometimes that I have to play him funny. In terms of gender, love doesn't really choose who to do it with. No hate, just love."
"I brought Korean food and cooked in the set so we could get really bonded. It was fun and that's what I ultimately wanted to happen. A lot of people tell me I am "Babaeng Bakla" even when I was still living in Sampaloc and I think that title alone is fun. Everyone is capable of being an idiot especially when it comes to love, I learned a lot in this film because of what they go through in life. I know a lot of people who are in this industry, some even marry off and it's not a bad thing." adds Angeline
"I feel this movie would really help understand how to handle situations and gay relationships. I've met homophobic people but I tell them when I do hear things like that." says Paolo Gumabao.
"From the bottom of my heart, I am thankful that gays have built Regal what it is right now. This one is for you, I made this film for my friends and I have a lot of them in my circle. This is to thank you!" says Mother Lily.
The film also stars hunks Albie Casino, Ken Alfonso, Timothy Lawrence Yap, Paolo Gumabao, Luke Conde, Jerald Napoles, funny vixen Shine Kuk, Nikki Valdez, and a lot more. Again this film is directed by Joel Lamangan for Regal Films. Premier night will be on August 9 at SM Megamall's Cinema 7. It will be shown on theaters this coming August 10 nationwide!