SPARKLE Artists Shine in Different Movie Projects

Sparkle (formerly GMA Artist Center) had us all at the edge of our seats earlier during their first Sparkle Scene, their first event this February featuring their artists Luis Hontiveros, David Licauco, Shaira Diaz, Cassy Legaspi and Dave Bornea for the films Without You, Ako si Ninoy and Oras de Peligro. Aside from their current TV programs and appearances, they were able to finish these films during the pandemic, a very challenging time for cinema.

Without You is produced by Octoarts Films which showcases the complexities of being in an open relationship. David Licauco plays a DJ who falls in love with Shaira Diaz (a nurse) but gets themselves into something that had no labels, a pretty painful predicament for her in the end. Luis Hontiveros plays Shaira's bestie, closeted, but very supportive, tells a spade is a spade when her life turns to shambles because of what David's character wants. 

 Meanwhile, this musical "Ako Si Ninoy" will have Cassy Legaspi as part of its cast to tell the story of the 1986 revolution and how Ninoy Aquino brought change in the country. Dave Bornea will get to be in a 70's-80's Filipino revolutionary themed film called Oras de Peligro which will be directed by Joel Lamangan. Here's the press conference on video, thank you for the opportunity to ask questions about your projects!

 

Two things, I have new found respect for actor Luis Hontiveros. He was so smart, very eloquent answering questions. Aside from that, I've been following Shaira Diaz' career and I'm so happy that recent reviews about their movie had lauded her for her performance, drama certainly is her forte and it shows. The matured scenes was a little uncomfortable for them to actually watch, she and David Licauco chose to close their eyes inside the theater when the scenes came. You should all see why.

Meanwhile, the politically themed movies of Cassy Legaspi and Dave Bornea would surely be something different to experience. This is also Cassy's first foray to musicals and some of the scenes were sung live on set, it'll be pretty interesting. Dave on the other hand didn't want to put his hand on matters of politics, he did this to experience how to work with Direk Joel Lamangan which he says motivated him throughout the whole process.

Truly, Sparkle artists have gone into making really good movies.Aside from their successful shows (especially David Licauco), they have become a different kind of breed as individual artists. This surely will help them achieve more in their careers especially with GMA helping them reach it. Congratulations guys! <3

DAVID LICAUCO and SHAIRA DIAZ Does Open Relationships in WITHOUT YOU

Ever felt curious about having yourself involved with 2 or more people? It's happening a lot these days and this is something what the movie WITHOUT YOU is tackling this coming February 15th. This project under heavily missed OCTOARTS FILMS stars man of the hour David Licauco and gorgeous actress Shaira Diaz.

This isn't the first time that the two are being paired as the ShaiVid love team started in a TV series a couple of years back and got immortalized in a 2019 movie made by famed director Joel Lamangan. It was about millennials and this time, they're discussing a very matured subject like OPEN RELATIONSHIPS. David Licauco recently had remarkable success playing Fidel in the hit show "Maria Clara at Ibarra" while Shaira Diaz also confirmed a Book 2 for "Lolong" where she plays Elsie Dominguez.

This entailed they had to also level up in the acting department because it wouldn't be easy to tell the story without being a sexy. This is the reason why even David's Mom didn't want him to take the project, but felt he had to make the decision so he could start taking on roles that could challenge him as an actor. Shaira on the other hand laughed a little as she was totally on board because she's already twenty something but still doing "pa-tweetums" roles on screen, she felt she needed to change her game now because obviously, this isn't a romantic comedy.

 

The two will also be joined by beauty queens Riana Pangindian (Miss World Philippines 1st Princess 2021) and Dindi Pajares (Miss Supranational Philippines 2021) who will both play a vital role in the lives of these two.

 Here's what happened during the press conference:

For those who want to see David Licauco and Shaira Diaz in a different light, WITHOUT YOU is certainly going to make you want more. Their pairing has been proven in the past already, and now that they have booming separate careers, wouldn't it be interesting to see them in a more matured state? This was made by Director RC Delos Reyes under OCTOARTS Films and will premiere in February 15. Make sure you support this if you love their recent roles on TV!

A Look at Family Struggles: COMING HOME on Theaters This Christmas

Maverick Films is bringing a new movie called COMING HOME, an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2020. This is directed by Adolf Alix Jr. and judging from the looks of it, it's a family film. The premise is very interesting because the main conflict rides on an OFW that got a mistress, who eventually got sick, but accepted by the original wife. His family, their relatives, the society is quite unforgiving in situations like these, but is that justifiable? Where do you draw the line?

 

 

Ms Sylvia says "I see until now the effect of things like these in my own family. The scenario was pretty similar, where they shouldn't badmouth or disrespect the father no matter how painful it is. In my case, I stayed cool. But if I were asked if I forgave him, I did, he can come back anytime. I have been able to see him and his work, he is different now because he's not an action star this time. He can do drama." 

She adds "I am so privileged to have been able to be trusted by Senator Jinggoy, if ever I win, that's just a bonus. I don't really think of portrayals just to have an award, I just do my job. Thank you really Jinggoy, he really gives me lots of surprises like balloons, lechon on set so I'm really thankful. I am happy to have been able to work with him now and see him on a personal level."

Jake Ejercito says I'm one of the children of my Sen and Ms. Sylvia, but a little bit difficult because he is not in good terms with both his mom and dad. I have been able to undergo workshops and thought I would be so nervous having a scene with Ms. Sylvia, but it turned out I was more nervous with Sen instead. I hope people get to see this film and learn how unconditional love is between parents and their children."

Julian Estrada, Senator Jinggoy's son was also in the press conference and he said "It's been a while since I have been taping and my first scene is with my Dad. I felt comfortable right after he told me that I need to relax. I was nervous because apart from being my Dad, he's a great actor."

Jinggoy says "I never think of awards because I get really nervous doing my job, I don't expect anything but if given, it's just a bonus. You have to feel relaxed on set to make everyone comfortable. I had to distress and joke a lot so our scenes become genuine when drama starts, we had to be light so we don't get affected.

Here's the press conference on video, check this out!

 

 

Again this film stars Jinggoy Estrada, Sylvia Sanchez, Jake Ejercito, Julian Estrada, Edgar Allan Guzman, Shaira Diaz and Ara Arida. For those who would want to watch a family film, to learn how it is to love unconditionally, this will come out on Christmas day. You can get tickets via Upstream.PH and watch it at the comforts of your home.