JOHN ARCILLA Pleased as OTJ Streams on HBO GO

Looks like OTJ (On The Job) is still reaping awards and recently, they just announced that they are now going to be streamed on HBO GO starting September 12.

John Arcilla who played Sisoy in the series was there during the presscon and he says "When it comes to popularity, salability, it's a little hard for Filipino films to have that formula to get the interest of other nationalities and even local viewers to like it. Some think it's a little cerebral, but no, it's actually easy to understand. Now we have platforms that are presenting it like HBO GO. Since I was young every time I step on stage, I think about it like it's for the Filipino people. That's my perception, to liberate people from hangups they have. I don't consciously choose, it just comes but one of the best films I did is like Heneral Luna, it's historical and entertaining at the same time. It's what I want because it's what connects to people. Kids and professors approach me and tell me how they appreciate it. When they call me Heneral, that means a lot because they knew the character. The same with OTJ, with his gray areas, now he's a good guy. For now I want to be a global actor, I want to be seen on the world stage, we have proven a lot of times that we can do the roles as early as Rizal's time. We showcase what Filipinos can do, and it is significant. Whether in New York or different cities, I want to hit that niche so I can do projects globally. I have a few lined up, I have film projects that will happen soon but is preempted because of the pandemic. I can't wait to do that. Filipino films have been traveling around the globe, I've done representations of the Philippines and Southeast Asia since 1986. We've done the most famous film festivals, it's not new to them and we are in main competition. HBO GO has a wide reach, we are ready for the global audience. Our film makers are really good because these companies are not taking chances if there's no quality seen in it. It's just a proof that we are already there. I am so honored to be part of that."

Sisoy and his idealisms saved him. This time, he's going to be seen in HBO GO will also reach a huge audience, to hopefully learn from his life and the others that may touch on social injustice. We got to ask him a few questions during the media conference, so please enjoy!

You can download the app on the App Store and Google Play in the Philippines, the same goes if it is available in your region elsewhere in the world.

Sharon Cuneta For Horror Film “KUWARESMA”

Sharonians all over the world are thirsty for content especially from the one and only Megastar Ms. Sharon Cuneta.

She just got back from a successful 40th Year Anniversary Tour in North America and as soon as the plan landed, she had to run and shoot this film under Reality Entertainment and Globe Studios. It’s called KUWARESMA, the days of the Holy Week from the Lord’s death to his resurrection on Easter Sunday. It’s also an all out horror story from the handy work of Erik Matti, which he co wrote with Katski Flores.

This film required her to stay a whole month in Baguio City where this all happened. Ms. Sharon says “Erik Matti is a master of this cinematic language, horror is his domain and it is one of the most satisfying collabs that I have ever had. He has his own vision, even if it requires very physical and emotional dedication.”

Erik Matti says “When we thought of a movie for Mothers day, we needed someone iconic, it can only be Sharon Cuneta. The script was entertaining but complex, she needed someone who can do it so John Arcilla was the perfect fit. When you see the movie, it will bring a strong ensemble. Sharon is THE horror fan, she can quote scenes, digest everything because she knows what she is doing.”

John Arcilla also stars in this film and Ms. Sharon says “He is very reliable no matter what role he needs to do. He could be the hero one day and the other to become a villain the next. He can do it with a flick of a switch.”

John says “It was an experience to see her, I enjoyed her concert in LA. I remembered the 80’s, I was crying in the audience. I did Ekis and Dos Ekis, this was the third and we did it because Sharon said yes. When it was pitched to me, I was just waiting for her to say yes to it. We were praying, but Direk Erik told her about it in 10 minutes and she immediately said yes. When we were in set, we couldn’t stop sharing stories. The first time we met is the first scene in the movie. All you need and require as an actor, you can get it from her. Even Bagnet. Our director is equally fun, he danced, he sang, if there wasn’t background music, he did it all. I didn’t expect Sharon to be human, she was so nice to be with on and off the camera. When I watched the concert, it wasn’t just about the songs, sharon is the show. It was one of the best experiences I had, it was like a theatre play, in one act.”

Ms. Sharon says “I never stopped learning, Direk and John were like my teachers. When I got back to Korea, I felt sad because I was missing my Director. I couldn’t do scenes with him because I was laughing a lot. They went to my commercial, I was a bit humbled because they went out of their way to do it. The other film outfits didn’t push through, I got my schedules and we were already shooting. It was one of the most physically, mentally and emotionally draining film that I have ever done but it was the happy set, efficient staff and crew that made it better. I told Kuya Dondon that it was a privilege to work with Reality because of that shooting experience. Your whole crew and staff was impressive, I was at home because everything was efficient. It was like everyone was in character and I couldn’t say enough good things for them. If I don’t become an artist, I would want to work with them. I was a horror fan since I was a kid, so every scene we did I had a reference. I had to work with these two (kent and pam), I had to do exercises and make them really mad, they delivered. They were all in, no qualms, no problems and I felt like their proud Mom.”

The movie also features real life siblings Pam and Kent Gonzales. Albeit newbies, they showcased their acting strength and didn’t get intimidated with the megastar. Also Guila Alvarez is making a comeback, she says “I had to take a leap of faith, set leaves, because I was in corporate. Working with them was very nice, I thought it was a small movie but no regrets saying yes to that project over coffee. Thank you Direk.”

Sharon adds “This is my personal gift to my fans, followers and supporters as we continue to celebrate my 40th year in the industry. After watching this film, you will know why it is offered on Mothers Day.”

This film will show in theaters May 15, 2019. Watch it!

Janella Salvador Stars in "Oh My G!"

Kapamilya star Janella Salvador will be starting in a new show called "Oh My G!" this January 19. This is all about her struggles in her teenage life, her school, her relationships, her friends and her faith. This all spurred as some several Carmelite nuns went to Charo Santos and requested a project as a homage to St. Teresa of Avila if I'm not mistaken. They say it's her 5th birth centenary this March.

Fresh from the success of their characters in Be Careful With My Heart, they are going to bring the lessons of humility, love for neighbor and detachment of material things. It's so funny to have seen the same thing could all still apply now after 500 years. With her is Marlo Mortel, Manolo Pedrosa, Sunshine Cruz, Dominic Ochoa, John Arcilla, Edgar Allan Guzman (who's officially a kapamilya), Eric Quizon, Maricar Reyes and Janice De Belen. Although some will die in the first few days, it will play a big part in the series. The question is, will she be questioning the existence of God later on?

Is Janella ready for a lead role? We don't know. She says the persona of her character here is a bit different since she had to be more independent unlike Nikki who had her folks there. Janelle wants to experience different things later on, perhaps to be in theater if her schedule permits. The Oh My G! cast wishes to follow the footsteps of BCWMH and hopes to at least get the same following with the first show. This will be shown before showtime and be in state at the same time slot, so the pressure is there! 

For more information about their channel:

ABSCBN

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.ABS-CBN.com/