Niña Niño Now On Second Season, Expect More Drama and Fun!

Making waves in TV5 is the new Dramedy Niña Niño. Getting stellar reviews and consistently high ratings means a second season is about to come and we got to talk to some of the people behind the show a couple days ago, plus discussed a few things with the cast now that they're doing it again for the public.

Direk Thop Nazareno says "I'm thankful for the opportunity, this concept was just perfect to have during the pandemic, I hope we could inspire, because in a way we could help in making others forget about their problems, and we have God who we can call to when we do. It's something that I look forward to do each day, we are inspired about the support we get from people who watch our show. When we got news about the extension of our show, we felt we had a lot of people to entertain. During production, we don't have egos, all we want to do is make sure the show becomes better. We listen to the actors, we bond a lot and talk casually, we're a relaxed set and not try to impress each other. We even form stories when we're talking to each other, we have a say on storytelling. I don't think about it that it's on primetime because it might affect the way we tell the story, I take it as a challenge and be honest with ourselves if we put ourselves in the lives of the characters they play.

Noel Comia Jr says "In Nino, we didn't realize how big it is, we're so thankful people are watching and even my relatives close shop just so they could catch the show at home. I don't get tired anymore because it's wonderful to feel what our show can do. When Maja is in the scene, I feel I learn a lot from her. Her energy gives off that you have to do good because she's doing her best. I use my experience here in future work and episodes. The cast has been very supportive and they help me in scenes so I can feel the story per se. When it gets shown on TV, there are times when co actors point out things before we do the scene. That alone helps a lot especially when we have to do intense scenes. When I did the recent scene with Maja, I had to live in the moment and understand that I don't have my Grandma. The emotions were just super heavy and the people at my back were worried because I had to be in the zone, I had to prepare hours before that happened. Til now, I am in disbelief that we are having a mediacon for the series I'm in. I am thankful to Direk Toph, to Cornerstone, to TV5, to Spring, it wouldn't be possible without my parents who are very supportive. I am a bit overwhelmed though. Ate Maj always brings Jollibee on set and it's one of the unforgettable things I remember when shooting, but even if we're tired, we have lots of shots that we couldn't believe that it'll end up that way, the transformation from shooting here is different. I got to celebrate my birthday on set and everyone participated. As an actor, I can say yes it has changed me a lot in a good way. Everyday you learn things, you see what you can improve, plus the relationships you form with the cast is priceless. I love the things we do in between, it helps me in building confidence."

Empoy adds "Because in ABSCBN we already worked with Maja, it wasn't difficult to execute our scenes here. It was catchy, we had to throw lines and the feeling is light. I had to make sure she doesn't fall in love with me because we know. The actors here are super good, even the ones behind the camera. I hope to continue more seasons, like Marco Sison. I hope people continue to watch this show and be assured we're going to do our best!"

Moi Bien says "It's hard to do this during the pandemic and since we're locked in, we can focus on our work and still abide from protocols, we can't sacrifice our health and take care of other people in the set. We also change masks regularly, after takes we get reminded to do so. It's so good that we're following so we have jobs even during this time, it's a little sacrifice.

Dudz says "We have safety officers in place that do remind us of every step. We have them on set so we get reminded about social distancing, we can't allow people to come in. We just eat a lot on set so we do actually gain weight a little. "

Ahron Villena says "So far the crazy things we do on set continues off cam so we don't get stressed even if we're working hours on set. They're very cool to work with because even if I'm doing a guest role, it's pivotal to the other characters. I'm thankful to the production for having me!"

Lilet says "I am very excited to be here now as we're fully vaccinated, I had to go back to set and do this. I joke around on set and tell Direk Toph I'm ready for my scenes now that I got my doses."

Yayo Aguila says "I haven't stepped foot yet in Sta Ynez but I'll be having my own domain. The people behind Nina and Nino were really so warm, hope to see Noel after several days because we haven't seen each other physically. I always tell them that I'm impressed about how organized they are and follow protocols. It's not sugarcoated, this group is just so blessed because of the theme, the people, the way they handle things, I feel so cared for. You'll have to wait for our scenes soon!"

Kat Galang says "I have a lot of people that I wanted to work with especially with the theatre actors and they're here in the TV series. I also had the pleasure of praying for them during the start, and I'm blessed to work with them in that remote location. It would have been hard doing it in that sense especially with mental health on pressure because of the pandemic. It's good that we don't have signal there because we got to really talk and know each other, it feels good to be in the midst of these actors."

Niña Niño will show during weekdays on TV5's Todo Max Primetime slot so make sure you're tuned in on the Kapatid network and their affiliates (Cignal etc). Thank you to the kind people of Cornerstone for having us on this blog conference!

BRIGIDING, The Drag Queen Mounts Birthday Concert on February 26

Drag queen BRIGIDING was just introduced to us this evening. The drag queen is part of Cornerstone Entertainment's pool of talents and she's doing a Zoom birthday concert on February. In it she's going to introduce herself and what she's capable with. It's her whole life as a performer, her baby pictures, a personal journey of a drag queen. She says "It'll all be worth it!"

The Zoom birthday party costs only Php 150 which cost a little more than a coffee cup. If you're fond of drag queen performances, and want to just sit at home and enjoy it, it'll be so nice to see her perform and her drag queen friends.

Brigiding started in 2013 and she quit her office job, auditioned in a bar and felt she was in the right place. She's been doing this full time and does makeup and hair, theater, a few commercials, because she has always wanted to be in the spotlight. She has attributed this to her liking of RuPaul and the dragrace series. She says "My family was surprised when I did this because I had to dress up before going to work. Since the beginning, I had ver supportive parents and they didn't stop me to do the things I love."

She adds "My drag name came from my Grandpa Brigido. When I was a baby, I was called Brigiding as a term of endearment by my Dad. It's more of the real me, I see that connection and even if I'm made up, I'm that person... the real authentic person of which I am. I have been called Gigi in the past but I realized this was more apt. My real name is John Philip, it's been a while since I've been called that. I think I want to work with Alex Diaz, and Marco Gumabao, Kokoy, some of the good actors today. I hope I would be able to work with them soon. I want to also work with Ms. Cherrie Pie Picache and Gina Alajar where I could also learn."

"One of the hardest things being a drag queen is trying to get the attention of the audience. Some are not as receptive, you have to command the stage when you come out. On a deeper level, you need to feel you're not discriminated because until now the Philippines has some stigma against drag queens. I want to be respected doing what I love to do. It's a process and we have come so far, some things have changed and being accepting to drag queens is becoming a norm, I'm happy to see that in clubs and now in mainstream. I admit I see some people belittle the art, because of your performance, but I don't get bothered because I am capable, I love myself more than their opinions. I have also performed when I was a bit sad because of small heartbreaks, might had to fake so the audience to not feel that from you."

Me interviewing her this evening :)

"Preparing for a drag performance is easier for me, I have less hair, less tucking needs, it's just the details of the make up that takes a lot of practice. It also takes confidence to carry the hair, the costume before the performance. You have to be in the next level with your character, when you're there, you feel like the most powerful performer in the world. It's difficult, but I do it. My birthday wish is for my drag community. They are not doing well because we don't have means to perform in crowded places. We hope we could have platforms, hopefully have more projects, to have purpose as a drag queen. To hopefully have more opportunities for them too."

"When you get to perform live, the feeling of giving people the entertainment they need, to touch their emotions, it's to make them happy especially now that we are under the pandemic."

Broadway, Musicals, Pop, Rock, the show will be filled with different layers. She's excited for people to see and feel they relate to her too. There will be dancing, singing (lipsync) and more. It's going to be shown from Cornerstone Studios. As for the guests, there will be some Cornerstone artists that will be appearing in the concert (but that's going to be a surprise) and her drag best friends will be there for sure. Tickets are available via online wallets BDO, GCash, PayPal or email them via tickets.cornerstone@gmail.com.  This is under Cornerstone Concerts.

It's the best sub rather than going out in the clubs! Stay home, be safe and enjoy the show!

Maris, Kokoy and Marc Agrees "Stay In Love" Needs Second Season

It was fun, a riot to actually hear them tell their story. When we interviewed them before the show, they were trying to figure out each others personalities and yes, some of them were pretty nervous because they were going to work with them for the first time. 

These days, they're like family. They bonded over scenes, the things in between takes, and frankly, mostly food for lunch or dinner... which happens quite often. During the interview, I saw people who wouldn't want to leave the set, who looked forward to ride the van back to the hotel and talk some more, to spend hours chatting about the whole day and bond some more even if it means they'll lose sleep for the next day. Walls were put down, they got to know each other as actors, as ordinary people, not to mention the same things they did with the actual production team that made this all happen.

They all were a bit sad though when they realized that this will all end in a few days, but they were extremely happy to think that they started this because it was work, and didn't even realize they are earning lifetime friends because of STAY IN LOVE.

 

Although Kokoy blatantly admitted that there won't be real romance between him and Maris in real life, they've become really good friends in this project. I saw him smile several times (like in this photo) when either he or Maris remember a scene from the series which they both enjoyed. They're now the type of friends who can do a lot of horrible things with each other, do slapstick hits on the head but end up laughing it off because they're absolutely cool with each other.

 

Marc although new to the business, was lauded by the Director, the senior actors, telling us all that even if he doesn't know to put a part of the scene together, he just sits on it for a few minutes, asks the right questions and picks up everything VERY fast. He's very talented, good looking (heck I blurted out I envy his jawline) and he admits, he actually learned so much doing this series. The certain things like how to be on set on time, learning from veteran actors in the set, it's like a workshop happening real time and he's cherishing much of the time he's on set because of experience he's getting. People are still looking forward to see him together with the character of Maris called Diding, anything is still possible right?

Maris went all red when I asked the two guys about how she fared in the show. Kokoy and Marc didn't hold back, as they say she's got this natural flare for comedy. She sees the plight of Diding as something really serious, and she dedicated to all kasambahays which she felt she represented in the show. Now the only thing I think these two guys are being truthful about is the falling in love part for a girl like Maris (I kid), but she's gorgeous, and I think her character's story needs a little more time to develop. There's still a lot of story to tell aside from just falling in love and the usual family related conflicts they play around with. 

Aside from that, there's phenomenal fun they can still make with the characters of Welwel Silvestre, Elsa Droga (the neighborhood chismosas), Pooh (who plays a more serious, Charm Aranton, and Ashley Colet. Also, I asked Bobby Andrews (who is also paired and smooched by Ms. Ruffa Gutierrez) if it would reach the feat of him and Angelu's loveteam, and I think he kinda hinted they might if they worked hard for it. Now that's a challenge that Kokoy, Marc and Maris won't be backing out from... and I saw how eager they were in wanting a second season for STAY IN LOVE.

 

Direk Rod Marmol has high hopes this would be possible. You still have time to watch the last few episodes of STAY IN LOVE which airs Tuesdays 9:30PM on TV5 (and free to stream on Cignal Play). There is also a plan to have this show on streaming sites very soon, but before that happens, go and catch what you can on free to air TV. 

There's a ton of things they still haven't told us during the blogcon, and they assured us we'll like how it'll all end, or will it? :)