Just got off the cinemas after watching this new animated movie called "BUFFALO KIDS". The name itself made me happy because of its affinity with cows, so I'd like to thank the good people from Nathan Studios for brining this into the country. I knew it was special because they always bring something different when it comes to movies.
This Valentine's season surely wouldn't be just for pairs, but for the whole family. So if you are looking for an activity this week, this family film will surely touch your hearts. First off, it's a journey so you get to feel that adventure right from the start. The characters are also interesting because they are immigrants from Ireland who went to America in hopes of reuniting with their Uncle Niall. When they didn't get to see him after they went down the ship, they journeyed far and beyond to find him, and that's where they found Nick. Nick is special, a paraplegic, so he couldn't talk or walk, but the two (Tom and Mary) treated him as a friend and equal. This would teach kids to do the same, unadulterated kindness, something that should be taught early on. He's also an orphan, but in the movie, he gets to be a hero (or is he?) just like anybody else.
Kids would also love a glimpse of the great outdoors, the western scape, some historic element of the gold rush, the original settlers (Indians). They will also teach kids not to judge just because of looks, race, skin color or features.
KUMAGCOW loves this not just because it's a really nice film, but because of the COW/BUFFALO element. So make sure you plan your week with the kids, take them to cinemas this coming February 12 to see BUFFALO KIDS! Because if I enjoyed it, they will too!
It was hot, humid, but everyone was in a celebratory mood over at the TOPAKK press conference in Quezon City. Greeted by a different sounding Basti Artadi performing on stage, I was like "Wow!" because of how b4d 4$$ it was, it felt like a dream for me. Then they started the presscon.
We had the pleasure of actually being on location when they shot TOPAKK in Rizal for the finale scenes. Just looking at it back then, I knew this was going to be something special because it will bring back a genre that was sorely missed, plus we get to see multi awarded actors on screen like Cong Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Sid Lucero, Enchong Dee and Kokoy de Santos.
They also had Levy Ignacio, Bernard Palanca, Paolo Paraiso, Vin Abrenica, Cholo Barretto, Julio De Leon, Ivan Carapiet, Jeffrey Tam, Gerard Acao, Michael Roy, veteran character actress Ms. Maureen Mauricio, Elora Espano, Claire Ruiz, Anne Feo, Bong Cabrera, Manu Respall, Rosh Barman, Victor Medina, Ivan Rivera, Ian Lee, Nico Dans, Yian Gabriel, Raquel Pareno, Precious Laingo, Kayley Carrigan and Geli Bulaong to complete the ensemble cast for this film. Mind you, this has been showcased and raved about in different film festivals internationally. This year, it's going HOME to the Philippines and will be shown on the 50th Anniversary of Metro Manila Film Festival. This feels like fate to say it frankly.
Direk Richard Somes is one heck of an action film director. The quality is certainly for international consumption, and he didn't shortchange with regards to set design and hard knocking scenes. What's a bit of a let down though is the rating because this is R18 outside SM Cinemas while those who want to see it in SM can do it on an R16 rating. This has heavy fight scenes and very bl00dy encounters so we kinda understand why it's rated that way. Though I would suggest you do the R18 version so you could get the full experience of the movie. Don't worry though for the R16 because you will still learn and get the story.
Nathan Studios producer Ms. Sylvia Sanchez isn't worried about it though because they're giving movie goers real good options. Aside from Nathan Studios, they are working with Fusee and Strawdogs as producers for this project. Hopefully to make more of these (a sequel no?). Some of the people who saw the movie that evening told me this is a material where Julia Montes really excelled, though she's been doing action stuff on Coco Martin's TV series, she is more hands on in the scenes. She's going to be in really physical fight scenes which she's never done before. This is more raw, and Julia with Arjo means it's got emotional scenes will be there. They also had the army spokesperson at the press conference praising them about how they portrayed the Filipino soldiers, TOPAKK will certainly be a good thing to watch if you're thirsty for action films this year.
This is the opportune time for you to watch TOPAKK, it's international release name is Triggered. You've got to see why critics have been raving about it. Hopefully, this picks up awards in this festival too!
I distinctly remember being seated beside this good looking lad at a concert in Mall of Asia Arena a couple of years ago. Even back then, he's one of the most adored artists of his generation, and I could reckon how he was at awe of how it must have been like performing on stage especially at this big venue. This year marks his 10th year in the industry and with all the pieces falling into place, it's the right time to hold his very own concert. They call it "JUAN KARLOS LIVE", happening this November 29 at the same venue.
JK
says "I'm excited, but nervous, but I'm working with amazing and
talented people so I'm concentrating on audio and visual aspect of the
concert. Nathan Studios is working on a lot of things. I never think of
it too much, it was never really set as a goal to perform in big stages,
it was more of contentment wherever I perform. I think it's just the
people I work with that makes it worth it. I have a song called KALAWAKAN, which is a nice song, but haven't performed it on stage yet
just like a few collabs I've done in the past. Sometimes I forget it,
but imagining performing those songs just have that cool aspect."
He adds "I don't think anyone could be ready for something like this,
but Tita Ibyang (Sylvia Sanchez) told me not to think of what to
perform, because this is for the fans that supported me all these years.
It's something that I have to do for the people who believe in me, it
is the direction I felt was right. With that, I just said "oo nga ano",
it is for them. I'm trying to balance selfishness and selflessness, to
try to balance the flow of the show that I'm just there to perform
rather that complicate it. It will be intimate, a jam session, it will
be an experience, no lessons, but the feeling of being in that capsule
to be able to relate to those songs, and the life we went through all
these years. I just feel like yesterday I was a bisaya that was just
playing on stage by coach Bamboo, not taking things seriously when I was
in Voice Kids as a bonding moment. I never dreamt any of these things,
now here we are because of that one decision I made to please my Mom.
For some reason, it was something she wanted, it made us happy. It's
beautiful because I've been through a lot to be able to get to where I
am now. To reflect on that, and be in this moment, it's beautiful. I am
lucky and blessed to be surrounded by people who believe in me."
For
him it was a no brainier for Nathan Studios to produce this because Ms.
Sylvia was a mother figure. She was the one who pushed the concert even
if the decision was made. He just said yes to it. JK also discussed
his relationship with his Lola, the one who pushed him to achieve
things. One that didn't talk too much, but is part of who he is. He says
the things she does is cute, and he's happy she is witnessing this.
JK
also lamented how he used to watch concerts, and believes how he should
be a consumer before becoming a performer. He felt he was able to get a
perspective of what he should see to enjoy a concert, and now that he
is doing this, he is finding solace in creating songs that the populace
will appreciate, make him feel good, because music was the thing that
made him feel constant even if he's going through a lot. This is for the
people who made him, and his songs, part of their lives.
Here's the full press conference on video, took a long time to upload this, please enjoy!
He
is honest, fragile and vulnerable, and wishes to write more songs in
the near future. He has a lot in his coffers, it's just the release part
that worries him and prolly his label. The viral version of "Through the
Years" may or may not be played on the concert too because a lot of
people are requesting for it. It's just going to be a surprise, so make
sure you get the few tickets left for the concert on the 29th! We heard
some sections are already sold out!
This concert is also directed by Paolo Valenciano. Musical Direction is by Karel Honasan. This is produced by Nathan Studios and fully supported by his label Universal Music Group Philippines.
Get your tickets at SM Tickets website smtickets.com/events/view/13698. He's a very cool guy, and I think I'm a fan. :)
