Shot in SEOUL: KELVIN MIRANDA and KIRA BALINGER for "Chances Are, You and I"

There are still a lot of stories to be told and this one is both romantic, heartbreaking at times, and could pull heartstrings. It also talks about love, friendship, taking chances, and dreams... this of which will be discussed lengthily in this movie by Pocket Media Productions Incorporated. This stars Kelvin Miranda and Kira Balinger, some of the country's most promising stars.

A Little Backgrounder:

This is the first project of Director Catherine Camarillo under her production outfit PM Productions Inc. This was during the pandemic, and when the franchise of ABSCBN wasn't renewed. This was a family decision, more or less, and since her daughter had this script for a while now, they wanted to do this specific one and offer it to streaming services pre-prod. The scenes were all shot in 2022, and a little during the latter part of that year because production ceased when restrictions came during those times. 

The film had to be shot in two locations, one in Manila and the other in Seoul in South Korea. It was mainly due to the look they wanted to portray especially during winter time, which they find perfect, and hellish when they got so cold after scenes were cut.

This is also the first time that Kelvin and Kira are being paired on screen, but they've got quite different first impressions when we interviewed them yesterday. It was essential for them to not only wear 3 layers of clothing, have heaters, and several heat packs underneath just to survive all of that. They were so grateful the crew from Manila and Seoul stepped up and made sure they were comfortable as arrangements were made during filming.

Director CC says "It was really the perfect weather to shoot in the snow because of the visuals. We might have had a hard time shooting because of it but really, I was so impressed with how Kevin and Kira held up in that temperature. They knew the vision of what we were doing and really understood the script. They knew their lines, so I really didn't have a problem with the scenes we had to shoot in Korea. I was happy how they really portrayed the roles, and I hope you appreciate how it felt during our teaser drop (check @catherineocamarillo on IG) because that is made with pure love, passion and hard work."

She adds "I may have had problems securing artists in my home network, but I told my staff I needed a new pairing. It was an audition, I pitched it with Kelvin and Kira then profiled how they both speak, or see how they could add to the characters/role they needed to do... and I appreciate how they interpreted it."

Director CC also holds several hit projects under her belt including "Halik" and "Wildflower" on TV. Her real orientation is film, so this is the caliber of what you're about to see in CAYI.

Here's our interview with Kelvin, Kira and Direk CC yesterday, please enjoy!

 

About Sol and Gabi

Kelvin says "My character was more or less an opposite of me. Sol is quite happy, with a loving family, and might have bottled up angst which would surface when he's dealt with a very huge scare later on. It made him look at life differently, but manages to deal with it like it's not a big thing. He takes these challenges easy, and learns from it. He's also quite adventurous and tough, a man's man and is fond of extreme sports which you'll see in the film. That's where he feels that he exists, and I think that's who he is in a nutshell."

He adds "Maybe I gave a lot to my character because I felt like an actor in this film. It's a big concept, and the trust given to me is no joke. I really felt like I was Sol when we made this."

Kira told us "Gabriela Sinag is a hard worker, she volunteers and is so bubbly... severely a person for others. Behind that, she's hurt, and will perhaps get through things with the help of Sol. That's where the fun starts. Honestly, I don't know if I'm crying because of the emotions or the cold, but it gives you a sense of focus so you could do the role and not just because of the environment. It was a different experience for me. The Korean team were so professional, so you really need to step up, and they take care of you. It was so wonderful with our short stay, it was memorable. Personally, I thought he was a bad boy because he was always wearing black, he had earrings, the works! He showed me that under all that machismo, he's a nice person and very devoted to his craft. He is such a giving actor, and it was so easy to work with him."

Flip a coin and take a chance in CHANCES ARE, YOU and I when it comes out in theaters this May. Official release will be done by Regal Entertainment in theaters nationwide!

PS

It was such a joy to talk to Kelvin and Kira, and the stories of Direk may just be the tip of the iceberg. Hope to get to interview them about this film before it shows soon!

Kelvin Miranda and Ally Gonzales for "Gusto Kita"

If you haven't heard "Gusto Kita" sung by Kelvin Miranda and Ally Gonzales, I suggest you do so on Spotify and other streaming platforms. We had the opportunity to talk to them a few days ago in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. It turned out to be very romantic that some of the press were wondering... if there's something else between the two artists. Or are they just friends?

Here's our coverage on video:

 

Ally says "I'd like to thank Mr. Gino Padilla for the wonderful song that we were able to collaborate in. Kevin is such a good person, very much a gentleman. He's also very fun to talk to, and I'm just grateful to have been able to work with him. Originally we were just looking for the song where Kevin and I would be able to sing together. We all liked "Gusto Kita" and we tried to revise it a couple of times to fit what we wanted to do because this wasn't intended to be a duet. I'm still very young, I just turned 18. I remember the days when my Mom used to teach me how to sing. I was also able to train with Coach Keith Martin and his wife. I was put under the wing of Vehnee Saturno since I was around 13-14. I had difficulties maintaining my low notes and that's what I had to train hard for. I also have a voice coach in case I also needed to do more training because this is a continuing thing, I need to learn new songs almost every day. I don't compete with other singers, I compete with myself because I want to improve and become better. Self love is the key, because if I had that, I'll have confidence and I feel, it all starts with myself."   


Kelvin adds "The song was awesome, and it has recall. When I first heard it, I knew that it was a good opportunity to do our version of it. Ally is very sweet, I'm very happy that she's beginning to achieve her dreams in such a short amount of time. Ally already knows her music, her genre, I had the chance to choose this Filipino song in a long list we had for covers. I am really grateful to have been able to work with Ally on this single. In our group, we talked about what we need to do covers for, something that fit our personality, something that we can interpret and connect with. In this generation, any music is a little hard to sustain because people are looking for new things everyday. This is done differently, I realized how I wasn't listening much of OPM songs but this made me realize there's so much out there to listen to. Hopefully I could do both acting and singing, train for it, because I know experience is the best teacher. When there are opportunities, I don't want to pass on them especially when it's on GMA. This chance to partner up with different actresses, singers, it's part of how I could develop as an artist."

The version was something off a teen romance novel. It kinda makes you feel all fuzzy inside and wish you also had someone say the line to you. Again, "Gusto Kita" is available on Spotify and other streaming platforms. Their music video is also available at the GMA Music YouTube channel so go ahead, indulge on what could be a start of something big. I would want to see if this could start some new show, or series for them. I bet their respective fans would want to see that. This is under GMA Music and Universal Records Publishing.

TEAM Acquires Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan

It's quite amazing to see how Tyronne Escalante Artist Management managed to become bigger by the day each time they announce new talents joining their stable. With their already stellar line of artists, one could realize how he was able to put this from the ground up, and successfully put them into pedestals, in projects, TV shows and movies which they worked hard for and deserve.  Recently, they announced artists Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan will now be part of T.E.A.M. and will manage their individual careers. With his track record, the best days will certainly come.

Polo Ravales has been in the industry for years now, and has done quite well in the race. He's done roles left and right, from drama, action, support roles, he's already have had an established career. His goal in the next few years include winning acting awards now that he's under new management. Polo also revealed how his wife Paulyn Quiza (a pro fitness coach) became the key to a huge change in his lifestyle. He used to party a lot, but now involves himself in taking care of his son, having healthy food, travel and workout which he exclaims "blessed!" that they do it on a regular basis. This new chapter in his career is going to be different and he says "TBH I didn't really knew Tyronne, but with the work I do, he came strongly recommended by a Director friend (Cathy) who was under Director Joyce Bernal. I was looking for management that would bring me to projects that would get me to the next level. I immediately called him that same day, there was even a strong typhoon at that time. Now that I'm under Tyronne, I promise to be the best version of Polo Ravales that I can be. I am happy and thankful to be part of it."

Andrew Gan adds "I've been seeing Sir Tyronne a couple of times at ABSCBN projects. When we talked, I told him that this too will be a concerted effort on both our ends. He was recommended to me by a GMA executive. He's very hands on and I will look forward to do more work now that I'm under his management. I can promise intense dedication and commitment on the work I do. What I like about Tyronne is how he's hungry, thirsty for growth. You can all see how he does it and ask "What's next?!" which I'm so thankful for. I look forward to work with him even more now that I'm under his wings."

Chanel Morales on the other hand has been in my radar since Artista Academy days on TV5. Recently, she's involved in putting up a Bar/Salon in her hometown of Bacolod in Negros Occidental. She says "First, I want to thank Kuya Ty, as you may know I was in a different management agency before. We haven't really talked that much about our plans yet but what I can promise him now is that, I am not just here as an artist, I'm also here to help him to market myself, it's a 50/50 effort and work. We met while we were still doing Artista Academy and while he was introducing a lot of artists to different shows. When I approached him and asked for his help, he didn't hesitate especially after the pandemic. He really gave me a chance to become part of TEAM and I am extremely grateful for that. I already saw how aggressive in accomplishing his goals for his artists, his management, I only wish him success on our future endeavors. I'm really looking forward to it! I didn't really ask anything specific, but just help me when inquiries pour in so they could handle it. I closed so many deals in the past including work on social media. It's what I plan to do in the next few years. I can also do hosting stints, not just acting jobs." 

On a personal note, I really love Chanel. She's been very kind since Day 1. I can't wait to see her do big roles on the silver screen soon because her face is absolutely perfect on camera.

Tyronne Escalante says "For those who don't know, Chanel is Akihiro Blanco's loveteam in the past, so I was able to really get to work with her back then. I am very happy and grateful that we've added more artists to the pool of talented actors in TEAM. I mean who wouldn't be happy to see that you'll have Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan in our roster. It's a growing family, and I am glad to welcome them all here!"

This is just the start of big things that are about to happen in Polo Ravales, Chanel Morales and Andrew Gan's careers. I hope that soon, we'll begin interviewing them for the projects they are eyeing here, because these talented artists really deserve it.

Congratulations and welcome to Tyronne Escalante Artist Management!