KIKO ESTRADA and SARAH LAHBATI on TV5's "LUMUHOD KA SA LUPA"

Got the chance to watch the pilot episode of "LUMUHOD KA SA LUPA" yesterday through the advanced press screening arranged by SariSari Channel, Viva Studios and TV5. It's a series based on the comics and movie made by Carlo J. Caparas, and will now be part of the Caparas Universe.

For those who don't know, the film came out in the 80's with Rudy Fernandez, Jackie Lou Blanco, Eddie Garcia and Mark Gil. It was a huge project, and seeing it be done as a series on free to air TV (right after Eat Bulaga) will certainly be monumental, possibly catapult the career of Kiko Estrada who almost quit the industry a few years back.

Sarah Lahbati also has not been doing any projects in the past 8 years. Her last one was also a Carlo J. Caparas masterpiece and reckoned she's been doing only Caparas projects by fate. Needless to say, she's been doing a lot of projects recently and a few endorsements too. She was absolutely gorgeous that afternoon, and her role is an important one for the story since they will have a pairing in "Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa" too.

Aside from Kiko and Sarah, the series also include Sid Lucero, Rhen Escaño, Gardo Versoza, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Andrew Muhlach, Phoebe Walker, Andre Yllana, Ashley Diaz, Annika Co, Rose Van Ginkel, Jeffrey Hidalgo and Jeric Raval. You can officially say this is their attempt to put Kiko Estrada into the "action star" game. The series may have some small flaws, but the thing is made like a movie and quite fast paced. You'll have to watch it from day 1 so you get to see how Norman changes over the course of the series and also know why he had to become a force to be reckoned with later on in the story. Ultimately, this is about family and seeking justice... but just like what the two directors said, none of the characters would be useless. They all had a part to play in the life of Norman.

Here's the interview we had with them after the screening

"Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa" will be shown right after EAT BULAGA on April 8th, and will be shown 8pm the same day at SARISARI Channel in the evening. This is part of TV5's Hapon Champion block and the throng of summer shows they will be releasing. Go like their social channels to know more about the show because they will be posting updates about this more there.

Elmo, Janella and Kiko for My Fairy Tail Love Story

When news broke out that Elmo was transferring to ABSCBN I distinctly remember fearing how he would handle his career because I’ve always seen him partnered with singer Julie Anne San Jose. But it looks like ABSCBN had good plans for him and tried a lot of formulas - but it looks like this one with Janella Salvador actually worked. Enough that a huge following followed thereafter, and this partnership is where they’re banking on to also watch the film MY FAIRY TAIL LOVE STORY.

This will happen on February 14, a nice time to actually be with someone over a very promising plot much like the famous Little Mermaid piece which has been done countless times, so many different ways in different countries. This mermaid film however is fun, playing with the thought of falling in love with one guy when there’s actually another one who really cares for you. You’ve probably watched a couple of films produced and directed by Perci Intalan and know how he’s been able to interpret these stories outstandingly, so I and most of the people who know him expect even more in this installment.

Janella says "Swimming like this requires training because the tail is heavy and I couldn't just swim the normal way. At first when it was pitched to me I was already imagining things, I was shocked I was going to do it and I feel very blessed this is happening. We were swimming once and we used adhesive but I felt it was slipping, I felt it was off. So I immediately asked for them to stop filming and covered myself. Elmo was already bleeding in one scene but he didn't complain, he was that good and dedicated. Elmo and I really got to know each other more, we learned a lot of things about each other even if we were different from characters. We need to concentrate on work. I had claustrophobia, I was so nervous but I saw the scenes and it was so nice under there, I wanted to become a mermaid after that. Moana and this is different, when I met them it was a high, but this one had me be overwhelmed, I get humbled."

Kiray adds "I'm like the frenemy here but I'm inlove with Elmo, who wouldn't like to be paired with him and Kiko. You must watch Elmo and my scenes because it's different. We prepared for it, and I was always asking for him to come out and I hope the fans don't take me seriously because I'll be all over Elmo. Comparing Elmo to Kian, Enchong or Derek, I think I'm more into Enchong, I feel Derek is my Tito. Enchong kissed like he was going to eat my eyes."

Elmo says "I felt Kiray wasn't really acting anymore. I now appreciate what scuba divers do, it's so beautiful down there and really diving that deep I understand why they do it."

Kiko adds "The cast loves each other, that's why we are always bonding. We had to make the threat believable, something not realistic because anything can happen in a tale. I asked Direk what I could do because I'm not really a singer, but I trust the Director."

Direk Perci says “Janella is a born Disney Princess whilst Elmo is a very spirited singer. Both of them on screen will be a treat because they complement each other. You’ll love how they’ll be on screen and feel they’re meant for each other. Ours would be a different mermaid story, in the hopes that if you see Janella, Elmo and Kiko on screen, you wouldn’t forget them and experience their love story. I was blessed with a very dedicated cast, their energy was just different especially Kiray at 3AM. I was really happen that what I wanted to envision for the film happened. I guess even if it's already told so many times, we had the chance to tell it differently, I would have wanted her to sing the whole time but they played around thinking about what new things we could inject from it. The core of it is a happily ever after, a love story, but a bit more complicated. I feel it's already good that the ones who watch the teaser actually appreciate it. It has to be animated, even if it's not a cartoon. It's not a coffee table story, it is just inspired but totally a different story. This is a different time.”

They also will be with Dimples Romana, Dominic Ochoa, Kakai Bautista and a whole lot more. It’s also rates G so you can bring kids along, it has some elements of fantasy of course. It is Graded B by the cinema evaluation board so you’ll love it on Valentines day!

KUMAGCOW

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BENCH UNDER THE STARS The Press Preview

It looks like you wanna know what's about to happen tomorrow at Bench Under The Stars, so I'll begin by taking you to the press preview we had a few weeks ago. This is part of Bench's 30th Anniversary celebration so in a nutshell, expect MORE than the usual fashion show. Imagine being under the stars at night, confidently being in your skin and donning the best quality Bench underwear and denim.... giving it your all!

Your favorite stars, your favorite models, will all join in the fun and make you feel it's just YOU and them under the stars. The band called PULSO started things off with model Rob Mananquil on vocals, he's the boyfriend of Maxene Magalona. He's actually pretty good , a great prelude for what's about to happen in the show. Yes it's going to be sexy, it's expected to be undeniably good. In this show you'll also see first timers, some artists from both ABSCBN, GMA, even international models. You'll be seeing Sanya Lopez, Beauty Gonzales, Bianca King, Addy Raj, Bruno Gabriel, Kiko Estrada, Albie Casiño, Kim Domingo, Marco Gumabao, Jodilly Pendre, Miss Universe Maxine Medina and a whole lot more!

CLICK ON THIS BUTTON TO SEE THE REST OF THE SHOW!