BLACK RIDER Readies for FINALE WEEK on GMA

Direk Rommel Penesa was so happy about how Black Rider turned out. It has exceeded expectations, and the long time it's been on TV plus the ratings are proof of it. We got to talk to the cast and the people behind the show this afternoon. Thing is, Black Rider will have it's FINALE Week on July 22nd, and there are big things happening in the show.

Ruru Madrid says "I have learned a lot from doing this series, starting from LOLONG, then this one, it feels good to see how their kids actually emulate my character. It's what I always put as a goal, I know what to do in the next projects. In the past, I only dream about it but now they all send me videos, of them living their hero dreams. Eversince, I've always wanted to become an actor, to achieve that and see people dream like me, doing this series, I hope to do a film in the future. I also want to Direct, as I've been watching Direk Rommel Penesa do it. I hope the network trusts me even more in the future. Working with Yassi was quite easy, she really collaborative. She asks the questions to make the scenes better. My character made me realize that we go through things in life, but it's up to us to be consumed by the depression, he needed help and got it from the people around him. He wouldn't survive without them, and that's what I learned about this character. Everyone can be a hero, without super powers, you can help and people can be inspired from that. If we have a book 2, I hope Elias gets out of the tiring vengeance trail. Black Rider needs a change, to fight for others, the small things he can do everyday."

Yassi Pressman says "It's been a roller coaster ride, to my Black Rider family, Vanessa was a joy to do. She's something I've never done before, she loves her family, and with the new revelations, there's just so many emotions to do because I have amnesia, I have to do so many things because there are people brainwashing her. For anything, the experiences I've had with the people will always be cherished. I would say this has really shown what I could do as an actress. With the help of good script writing, there's heart, love, friendship, it's a colorful life. I've always loved working with Ruru because we have done Video City. He also helps me improve what we do, because he's a real good actor. I have a few things lined up this year and next year, hopefully I could tell you about it soon. In life the challenges we face, we always should be positive. You need to find people who can help, especially the important ones, follow your heart, listen to yourself more than anything. Smile, put that energy out there, be kind." 

Jon Lucas adds "Calvin Magallanes won't exist without the help of other actors. The Director also reminds me much of who he is, portraying him is really challenging. My Papa Sir Raymond Bagatsing really told me about playing villains, and the attack is different. Their help and support is instrumental, they take out a lot out of me. Calvin is a really tough person, he wants to fight for what he feels is right. He is just a little hot headed, but he's someone that gives it all. I will miss a lot of people, even before we were launched, I felt I wouldn't be doing much without this. I really had to learn the ropes, from writers, Director, the actors, I will miss them all. I thought this was going to run til December. They gave me a lot of things to think about. Maybe in the next saga, there will be a lot of women empowerment line. A woman by his side, maybe something fun with the story."

Herlene Budol says "The work with Empoy is hard, when you look at him, you can't be serious and I lose character because I am a fan of him. A little move, a little conversation, I laugh at him. Chemistry wise, I enjoy our moments together, we really have to make landi when we are on set. When I finished Magandang Dilag and guested here, I thought it was just a short stint. I think the impact this gave me was huge, because the action sequences are hard. The artists are also big, I'm having separation anxiety already. I learned a lot to listen with co actors, to focus because there are a lot of things I had to understand what the Director wanted me to do. The blocking was another thing, you have to dedicate a lot. I still have a lot in the near future, but couldn't say it yet. You'll have a lot of things to look forward with Budol. My fights with Hector makes me so drained at the end of the day. I feel it physically and emotionally. I take it home sometimes. Aleck Bovick tells me a lot where her slaps would land, I adapt a lot of techniques from her and do it on other scenes."

 

Empoy says "I didn't really have a hard time doing this because my characters are fun, and the people I work with are so nice. When I wake up, I just pray, clean my teeth, look at the script, wear my Black Rider wardrobe and that's it."

Raymond Bagatsing says "Playing Senor Edgardo according to the script is both intriguing and fascinating. As the story went along, he didn't want to become that guy, because his life is hard, and I trust the process of letting the script reveal where my character would go to. It's a collaboration, it's something that I don't realize later on. It's a beautiful set, actors, crew and staff, I think that's how my character bloomed in the story. I can only wish he be happy later on, but I don't really know what will happen to him in the TV series. As Edgardo, he kinda accepts his fate, that's how he is. He doesn't look for pleasure with other people. Elias being his son, and his other son, plus reconciliation with Alma, he deserves to be happy in the next scenes."                

The plan is to close the stories of the characters. It's going to be realistic according to head writer Erwin Bravo. If you are hoping for a next season, it looks positive. The stories will be continued especially for the main story. It's going to be as Filipino themed as possible, it's the promise of Black Rider. Make sure you watch the finale week starting on the 22nd of this month.

This is under GMA Public Affairs, and from the looks of it... they're going to have more programs in the pipeline that's waiting to be discovered!

Beautéderm Celebrates 5th Anniversary of Sparkle Partnership: Introduces New Ambassadors

 

Looks like the good people from Beautéderm are adding a few more good looking people on their roster of endorsers. 

Ms Rhea Tan says "There's no new product to launch but since I miss you all, which is why we are doing this presscon. Today, we are going to meet 10 biggest stars of GMA Sparkle Artist Center. Our best selling product the "BLANC KIT" is going to take the spotlight. Hydroquinone can be used for those who are in their 40's and are seeing lines. The Acne Banishing Toner, Moisturizing Sunscreen in the morning, Toner and Cream in the evening. You can use it in two months and see how even in one week, you already see the results. This is how you'll see the effects of the Blanc Set. You'll have peeling and drying out in the first week, and you have to trust the process. It takes time but if you see the effects and maintain it, you will see the difference." 

Then they introduced Cassy Legaspi, Rayver Cruz, Ruru Madrid, Buboy Villar, EA Guzman, Thia Thomalia, Ysabel Ortega and Patricia Tumulak. 

 

Ms Rei adds "Since it is almost summer, we have a new EYE BALMD'or and L'EAU SOLEIL UV Block SPF 30 Face and Body lotion that is not greasy and light, and can be worn over or under the makeup. You can use it throughout the day!" 

These men and women will be part of their efforts in spreading the word about their personal BEAUTéDERM favorites and the hit BEAUTéDERM BLANC Kit that's meant for Anti-Acne, Anti Aging and Whitening treatments. I've personally seen a lot of people use this and seen how they have successfully get results in a week. Not fully healed or gone (the time I saw them), but a whole lot of improvement and will be more evident in continued use. 

 

The kit contains a toner, an acne banishing cream, a skin nourishing cream and a moisturizing sunscreen which you use as a regimen. Doesn't matter too if you're a guy, girl or anything in between. Now that they have joined the BEAUTéDERM family, it'll be more fun in the next few months as they also join the events when BEAUTéDERM also launches more branches around the country.

 Here's a video of the event!

 

Ms. Rei adds "Our company has been here for 14 years, and I must say, Beautéderm leaves a sparkle everywhere. People have raved for us because we have sincere endorsers. I am very happy that even during the pandemic we have continued to bring jobs to our celebrities and people who have become part of the brand. We hope through our celebrity partners, we bring beauty with a purpose. To my new babies, don't let others dull your Sparkle! And again, welcome to the Beautéderm family!"

SPARKLE's Outstanding 1st Year!

You've seen them all shine and sparkle this 2022 and this year, it's even gonna get bigger as fresh faces and more talented artists join SPARKLE, GMA's talent management division.

According to GMA's Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes "I hope to continue leading SPARKLE and be able to meet the demands of the post, to ultimately be of service to our stars and the network!"

Behind her is a powerful team that includes Ms. Joy Marcelo the AVP for Talent Management, Sparkle's Senior Managers Tracy Garcia, Vic del Rosario, Daryl Zamora and countless managers, handlers, producers and specialists who have been making it possible managing the careers of over 300 Sparkle artists. They have been under the one and only star builder Mr. Johnny Manahan who has always been very hands on since Artist Center's rebranding.

In 2022, Sparkle's artists Sanya Lopez headlined "First Lady", Ruru Madrid on the other hand did swashbuckling hero "Lolong", Barbie Forteza, Julie Anne San Jose and David Licauco did "Maria Clara at Ibarra", Kylie Padilla did great work on "Bolera" and the one and only Alden Richards did the "Start-up PH" show among countless hit series on the network. These men and women + artists have worked hard to make these programs successful and currently, plans to have an even better performing 2023 is brewing!

Aside from the hit shows, Sparkle artists such as Heart Evangelista, Alden Richards, Gabbi Garcia, Khalil Ramos, Julie Anne San Jose, Kyline Alcantara, Camille Prats have had the trust of different brands, both local and international surprising even their own management.

Several events showcased Sparkle's talented stars including the Thanksgiving Gala and Charity Event held mid year. They also launched some of the freshest artists and love teams through Sparkada through their music video during summer. In the latter part of the year, they also did "The Sparkle Spell" where their favorite GMA artists came clad in different costumes impressing people of different demographics, events that all garnered millions of views and reactions. During Christmas season, they gathered at the SM North Edsa SkyDome for the year ender "Sparkle Fans Day: Isang Pasasalamat" where they got to personally thank their supporters in person. Over 70 Sparkle artists entertained 1400 people during that day which included me in the audience. This kept a lot of fans and onlookers glued to TV sets across the country. 

They continued to grow their roster of talents by acquiring new talents and renewing contracts through their Signed for Stardom events. We got to take to a new generation of actors, actresses, hosts, up and coming stars and your favorites. I remember interviewing THEA TOLENTINO, LIANNE VALENTIN, LIEZEL LOPEZ, KIM PEREZ, THEA ASTLEY, DUSTIN YU, PRINCESS ALIYAH, JADE TECSON, SKYE CHUA, HALEY DIZON and MARCO MASA among others. 

Some of the artists got also immortalized at the new Sparkle Wall of Fame which will grow even more as Sparkle artists join in the coming years. Sparkle's social media accounts have also exponentially grown in recent years which includes their YouTube channel and TikTok account that have lead views and follows among entertainment accounts in the country. This is just the tip of the iceberg as they've got plans to work with different digital streaming platforms and international brands with their new world class shows bringing multi awarded actors and actresses from their roster and give them a plethora of opportunities outside the country too. While they continue to hone the talents of their artists via workshops they host, and the different shows they make on the channel, Sparkle is going to continue their successful run to make sure you get a dose of these top of the line shows, titles and concerts to audiences not just in the Philippines but elsewhere in the world!

For more information about these artists and shows, visit their website GMANetwork.com and their social channels today!