SPRING IN PRAGUE: A Love Story Without Boundaries!

Just got off the press conference of the upcoming Borracho Films movie called Spring in Prague, romantic comedy film starring Paolo Gumabao and Sara Sandeva.

This is produced by Atty. Ferdinand Topacio who says "Newcomers in the industry always have challenges, Mamasapano was one of them during MMFF, but we in Borracho Films love making films and we do it for the love of the craft. Not necessarily high gross, but lately you have placed it in the hands of people who don't know anything about movies. It should be reformed,  with people that are from the industry so we won't have mediocre entries. It's a festival, give us the best, not just commercially viable."

He adds "Spring in Prague I think can try to be a catalyst to make better films, the competition online is really tough, the movies also cost much. The industry should show it is irreplaceable, folks who think radio was gonna die still listen to it now. Same with visual arts, the cinema experience still is the best which is why we have a good cinematographer, bringing better vistas on the screen, something you can't see on a small phone. The difference is big in cinema, and this is new which can't be done in other platforms. I got Paolo Gumabao because his face is expressive, each gesture has something to say, and not all artists can be like that."

Lead actor Paolo says "I do my best with the characters I have to portray, I really aim to the best actor that I can be. I give what the director asks for me, and I did that here in Spring in Prague."

He adds "I guess one of the things that challenged us is showing the difference in culture, Alfonso and Marushka come from different countries, different habits, like mixing ketchup and soy sauce, but they still clicked. I try to see if the director is open to work with other artists, mine was very open hearing our ideas and concepts which is a good thing. They gave us their blessing if we need changes in the scene and story."

He also told us how easy it was to work with Czech Macedonian actress Sara Sandeva. He also described how different the working ethics were in Prague when they needed to shoot everything in one and a half week. He mentioned how they were really time centric, not relaxed, and when they go on set, they're really prepared. One instance was when they asked her to go to the location, she went back to her room because there were some left to be fixed at the location. They really mean business I guess.

Although it's been a long time since this was done, they're going to have a public viewing this coming February 4th in theaters nationwide! Included in the film and production are some of the BORRACHO Artists/Talents who sang the theme song and did the music video for it. Some of the artists appearing in the movie are under Tyrrone Escalante's Artist Management, both of whom are excited to have this movie come out since it's also their first time to be part of one. I've seen the trailer and it's quite nice, especially the majestic views they shot in Prague, you'll also love their story. Here's a bit of the media conference on video:

Again, if you fancy views (of Prague and Puerto Galera), a good laugh and a romantic love story, watch SPRING IN PRAGUE this coming February 4th in theaters nationwide!

ALDEN RICHARDS Brings PH to Hollywood via "BIG TIGER" with Max Collins, Byron Mann, Katherine McNamara and Luke Goss

If you haven't heard, Alden Richards is taking his shot at Hollywood this coming 2026. Yes, you heard that right, Asia's well loved multimedia star is producing and becoming a part of "BIG TIGER" an action flick he's starring with fellow GMA star Max Collins, HK American Byron Mann (omg he's Ryu in Street Fighter!), and action star Katherine McNamara, and English actor Luke Goss (who's had several movies in his belt). 

How did this all start? Alden told us that he personally went to LA to look for studios that he could work with via his production company Myriad Entertainment (who's done several ones in the PH). There were a lot of them that he approached but it was either not feasible for them (and a whole lot of other reasons). When he talked to the folks from LUX Angeles Studios, Bims and Sawyer Studios and Voltage Pictures, all it took was 2 zoom meetings and one personal appearance to make things happen. With a Filipino production team based here in the Philippines, Keoni Waxman felt how smooth it was to stage the shoot here, and got lots of praises for the texture they got from locations that would have cost millions to build in the US. Here, it's all natural, and producers called it "COST EFFECTIVE" to make it happen here.

Here's what Alden had to say about that!

 Here's the full video of the media conference a few days ago:

There are tons of plans now to do several flim projects with Myriad Entertainment, and according to the producers, about 9 to 10 films the least. This is huge especially for the ones looking for locations outside the US, and it will bring jobs for PH crews, for Philippine based actors that they plan to do. This is ultimately what Alden wants to happen, and these are all challenges that he will try to overcome. He says "The reinforcement from production partners, to highlight the Philippines, as a location hub for Asia, if this comes true, we will have the chance to increase the quality of what we can do here in the country! I hope to work with Hollywood stars and do it with Filipino actors, this is an opportunity to bring more people to work in the Philippines and have the Filipino actors work here too. They didn't know how affordable it was to make films here, now they do!"

Max says "It's so different to see Alden do this (as an Antagonist) because we've worked together before in ILLUSTRADOS. That's totally different with our characters, he's an @SSH0LE and it was amazing and sexy, his fans would love to see more of those!"

BIG TIGER is a place in the film, and you'll see why it is called that once you see it in cinemas. They have plans to show it here, distribute it in the US and streaming platforms. This is where Alden is going, are you going to support him all the way?!

I know, I would!

LUMOS DAYSTAR Projector Review: When Bright Ideas Come to Life!

Life has been happening lately. We've been thankful to receive lots of work, getting very aggressive in socials and trying to squeeze in work-life balance if time permits. During the work week (and the holidays!), we've had several meetings and presentations, conferences to cover, where visual aids are a norm and still a necessity. Good thing there's the LUMOS DAYSTAR (found conveniently online at www.lumosprojector.ph/DAYSTAR).

I remember being armed with a phone and a projector during a seminar I facilitated in a Manila based university, it felt like a way to give back to my alma mater to make the event more engaging and fun. 

Most of these events though had us arrange to have lights out, very conventional (and may I say old school). Since their projectors were a bit dated, it was doubly hard to set up, or connect to the internet, let alone find wireless connections nor speakers built in. 

LUMOS DAYSTAR is a game changer, as it does all of these and more! It's a bit bigger than the other LUMOS products I've used which immediately make me think this is more powerful. The device also supports 4K resolution and can also be used in broad daylight (hence the name). One unique feature I've seen while setting it up was the way it does Auto Keystone Correction and Auto Focus so you get sharp images on screen the moment you turn it ON. While most projectors do 1000-3000 lumens, the LUMOS DAYSTAR does 3000-5000 ANSI lumens, something that can do presentations, your favorite movies and games seen even on brighter settings. 

I personally use it to cast what I have on my phone to the projector using Miracast which only takes a few steps. If you're in a hurry for presentations, this would be the something you'd love since sliced bread. I also watched movies with it, and also screen some of the most interesting interviews I had with the brightest actors and actresses in the country. I didn't need to hook it up to external ones as it has dual built-in speakers for a more immersive effect. The HDMI, USB, AV ports were handy to make sure those PC connections get accommodated. It also supports Ethernet (for wired connections), WiFi and Bluetooth if you want a wireless setup instead (especially if you don't like clutter and want it to become a permanent fixture in your room). You don't even need a huge space to put this in. It can fit on desks, even on ceilings, or side platforms on your room.

 

Best thing about this is that it's so bright, it can be used even when there's actual DAYLIGHT. Even if you're in a well lighted room, details stay amazing!

 

Design wise, it's beautiful. No unnecessary lines, has easy to clean filters, and a stand to tilt and direct to the wall. If you prefer a bigger and brighter projector, the LUMOS DAYSTAR would certainly fit the bill. They just recently launched this and costs Php 15,999 with discounts on shipping too. It's a good premium gift for a family. You may order one here https://www.lumosprojector.ph/products/lumos-daystar.

It's a bright idea that just came true!