Industry Friends Host Bong Revilla Comeback

He was in jail for 4 and a half years, he feels 6 years of losing his life in all the mess that is, of the cases and accusations filed against him. Today I went the press conference hosted by his industry friends, a luncheon hosted by Mother Lily Monteverde the matriarch of Regal Films. 

Manay Ichu Maceda “I want to welcome Bong and I want him to know that the real friends are still in showbiz. His father used to work in Sampaguita, when Gina was born it was him who went to the hospital. His dad was a charmer, but Bong did good on making tax exemptions in the industry and I hope he continues that in the Senate.”

Mother Lily Monteverde says “People will always say what they want to say and especially nowadays people have always something to say. Everything we do has some shade of color, I feel we have lost the joys of being spontaneous, lost the right to make choices without people having opinions about them. But this afternoon, I don’t care what people think or what motives they think I have for this gathering. As far as I’m concerned and from my heart I am simply welcoming home a dear friend whom I have missed. Bong Revilla is a dear friend and we are happy you are back! There is no greater treasure than appreciating the blessing of friendship that has been given to us. Good afternoon!”

Senator Bong Revilla and Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado Revilla

Bong Revilla says “I want to thank Mother Lily for hosting this welcome. Manay Ichu too. To everyone in TV and movies, entertainment people, the people whom I started in this industry, thank you. For almost 6 years that I lost, I am now 52 years old, but this will make me a better person, a better leader and a better husband to my wife. I have seen who my real friends are, those who care, I missed you all. Lots of tears, it hurts, it’s like I’m alive but almost feel dead with the suffering my family has endured over the years. My Dad still advised, I should forgive them. When I heard that, it’s like I heard God, I instantly forgave people who did this to me. I cannot convince everybody, I want to move forward, I went through the process and I faced these all because I believe I didn’t do anything wrong. The truth came out, and I am so thankful for the people who didn’t let go of the hope. I promise to even do more for the industry.”

He has been going to different places already “I have gone to provinces and I get a little sentimental about how warm the people have been. I am happy about the surveys even if I haven’t gone out, I guess it hasn’t sunk in yet the whole acquittal. It felt like divine providence, I have been doing good in surveys and seen how people have held on and loved me still. It’s one of the reasons I filed for candidacy, I decided after my birthday and all this I have prayed for. I was only asking for my freedom but I want the Lord to use me for his purpose. I believe in God. If we based it on equal judgement, I wouldn’t be worried but it has always been political, at the very last minute some papers also came out with preposterous stories. My life is an open book, showbiz has been good to me, I only want to give back to serve people. I have been working hard with hospitals, our industry, the poor, the bullied, I felt all that. I spent Christmas out but still in the hospital because Dad needed to be attended to. During New Year I got to do gift giving which my Mom started a long time ago. Lessons? I still have trauma with politics, but the good thing was I felt the love of my wife, she’s outstanding, I saw how she has been good to my kids. Getting jailed is like a nightmare you wouldn’t want others to feel. My life is colorful, like a film, it’s a lot for a book or a movie. This was the most horrible experience but I hope in some way it would be something people would learn from. I still know how many corners my cell had, how much cockroach flew to me or how much webs there were in each corner. I still have trauma when I see cops, I hope it gets out of my psyche. I wanted the truth to come out, to clear my name, my family, it was all I asked for. When I was being hit all throughout the years, I felt so much self pity, I felt I didn’t deserve it. What kept me hopeful was my wife, my family, what kept me busy there was worship, working out. I’ve been a Senator for terms, I chair public services, public works, mass media and others, I had 200+ laws passed and I want to focus on things that affect the lives of Filipinos. I was surprised about traffic, inflation, hunger, work and TRAIN law (must be revisited). That is what I want to do this time.” 

KUMAGCOW

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Eric Quizon, Billy Crawford, Kean Cipriano, Martin Escudero and Angeline Quinto in "That Thing Called Tanga Na"

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!

KUMAGCOW
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4 New Regal Babies: David Licauco, Chanel Morales, Danes Lee and Jerico Ejercito

I was able to cover the launch of the Regal Babies last 2015 and yesterday, I was a little surprised they're adding 4 more artists to the roster. Mother Lily certainly has never let down in discovering new talents and the ones I saw looked very promising. We had a small chat with them and got them all on video but before that let me introduce you to the new Regal Babies!

David Licauco is a professional model. He's been featured in various magazines and has been able to capture the hearts of ladies young and old. He's got a body of a demigod and those charming chinky eyes that would make your knees weak, how can you not love this boy? Aside from that, he's a title holder. He placed 1st Runner Up in Mr. Chinatown 2014, a sure fire reason to adore him even more. He's also raring to do drama or action movies, also very straight forward on the way he talks which is something I find really refreshing for those who usually filter their answers on interviews. Aside from that, he's very well educated. He just finished his course recently and he's very proud of his accomplishments. You'll love how he looks in person, and if you get to watch him on screen. I bet, he's going to be loved by a lot of ladies. 

Chanel Morales is no stranger to show business as she's been one of the prettiest in TV5's stable for quite some time now. She's been released recently and this comes as an opportune time to spread her wings as an actress. I think I still get the gist of people looking at her to be an "expensive" kind of lady, as she is classy whilst her looks fit the role. Although when I got the chance to get to know her personally, she's actually a cowgirl, really nice and approachable. She's done countless shows in the former network and after signing up with Regal, she wants to do more romantic, drama and even horror flicks. I like her personality, quite bubbly. If she's done a remarkable job in previous shows, I'm sure she's bound to do good with more projects now that she's with the legendary film outfit. It was a pleasure talking to you dear!

Danes Lee (as Danielle Lee is fondly called) is formerly also from the Kapatid Network. She's done several shows and is very pleasing to the eyes. She's very confident, I like the way she carries herself. She's also the sister of Divine Lee, whom she says will cater more of hosting gigs while she's going to concentrate more on acting. She's quite beautiful and I could see her into more sexy comedy flicks or perhaps drama, she's up to anything. She also wants to become a beauty queen and follow the footsteps of Pia Wurtzbach or Megan Young, I could see her doing that too.

 Jerico Ejercito also hails from the said clan. He's the grand son of former Laguna Governor Jeorge ER Estregan Ejercito and definitely picks up after their looks. I was surprised how very matured he thinks whilst telling us about his passion in acting. He's also a champion body builder hence the sculptured physique. You could tell he's a very intelligent lad by the way he talks, he also graduated Political Science in De La Salle University. He also learned a thing or two from growing up with showbiz family members and is eager to learn from the best actors in the industry. He's keen to do more action films in the future and very hungry to do challenging roles where he could further learn the ropes in the showbiz industry as he believes he's got to do the legwork and not just rely on his family connections. A noble guy with good looks and that body? Now ladies, don't you want to take him home to Mom and get married? LOL

Mother Lily remarks "I'm very excited! My Regal Babies have consistently turned out to be box office superstars and I'm sure these 4 are no exception. I see a very bright future for David, Chanel, Danes and Jerico." 

The new Regal Babies are also managed by renowned Talent Manager Arnold Vegafria of ALV Talent Circuit. Regal Films' Roselle Monteverde exclaims "We trust Arnold's sharp eye in discovering talents. He's got a long roster of stars under his belt and his credibility is unquestionable. We're happy that we got to work with him and his talents for future projects that will be made for this generation." Now that sounds so re-assuring! 

Here's our interview with David Licauco, Chanel Morales, Danes Lee and Jerico Ejercito. Enjoy!  

Here are some shots from the contract signing yesterday!

Thank you to Regal Films, Sir Tinnie, Sir Arnold Vegafria of ALV Talent Circuit for having us in your event! Can't wait to see them all on the silver screen soon!

For more information about their artists:

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http://www.regalmultimedia.net/