My Destiny Gets Interesting with Ruru Madrid, Ashley Ortega and Gabrielle Garcia

Ruru Madrid, Ashley Ortega and Gabrielle Garcia, stars of My Destiny

Stars of the hit GMA show My Destiny Ruru Madrid, Ashley Ortega and Gabrielle Garcia are starting to make the story interesting in this evening primetime show. Looks like lucky Ruru Madrid and his character Paul Andrada is deemed wanted by the two other lady stars but he's not as fortunate with his parents that's bringing the grunt to their relationship. If they continue the trend, they'll probably be separated in the next few episodes and Paul will probably have to choose between them later on. Nicole Perez, Gabriella Garcia's character isn't too happy about the arrival of Alex (Ashley Ortega's character) when she acts like a confidant to Paul Andrada at his most difficult times. The question is, is she really just a shoulder to cry on? Or is she really gunning for Paul's love? She's her best friend, but what if she's really interested with Paul? Will that spell world war III? Possibly.

They are not the same though when they are not in character. Ruru Madrid, Ashley Ortega and Gabrielle Garcia are really obsessed with their craft right now and they continue to learn more about acting through workshops and immersing themselves on the role given to them. Remeber when Ruru appeared on Protege a few years ago? He might be the runner up there but he's getting big breaks from this station. Now he's even building up to be a triple threat, but he says he's not stopping there. He's so thankful that he's being given the chance to learn a lot because he says this is his passion. He's not just the teeny bopper he once was anymore and he can say that he's really getting serious about this. He's now being paired with Ashley Ortega which he also worked with in Dormitoryo and Bamboo Flowers. Their friendship is getting even stronger because working together in projects just made them closer which is very good since they are being honed as a love team. Ruru also says Ashley is so fun to be with and also works hard to make all their scenes as good as possible... because like him, Ashley's pretty involved in her craft. Ashley also says the same with Ruru and adds that there is no dull moment whenever he's around. Gabrielle Garcia, although a newcomer to the program says highly about her co stars and wishes to be with them more in the next few projects from GMA. They've also gotten to be with each other on workshops and she says she loves having friends as she continues to learn from professionals during the shooting days of this project.

Make sure that you watch "My Destiny" from Monday to Friday, week nights on GMA.

For more information about his album:

Official GMA Artist Center

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Julie Anne San Jose - Deeper

Julie Anne San Jose - Deeper

She was busy entertaining reporters when I arrived at Centerstage in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. I think I''ve covered some of her events in the past for a clothing line but we never really got to talk this much during that event. I glanced at her from this view and saw someone gorgeous, someone pleasant even if I haven't really gone this intimate for an interview before. I remember how crazy people were trying to get news of her over on Twitter and it was not any different during this blog conference. I mean, who wouldn't be startled with someone this talented and nice looking. She's Julie Anne San Jose after all.

Then when she started singing, everyone paid attention. Her undeniable power, finesse and intensity just flourished with each song she dished out of that Karaoke machine. It was effortless and who would believe something this good would come out of that venue. To top it all, everyone was a little shy I think of asking her questions. So I did the next best thing KUMAGCOW can do, I hosted the show haha. Well almost, I just started asking questions holding the microphone up... like a TV show and sure enough, everybody else followed suit. One of the questions mostly asked was about Elmo Magalona because I'm sure everybody misses her pairing with the rap royalty's son. I felt that she was a little ahmm.. uncomfortable. 

Perhaps it's probably because she's been asked of it too many times. Although when I asked her, for the record... they're still really good friends and there are no rifts between them at all. I guess, being in that love team was really special to her but she had to depart from it so she could find a way to make it in the industry on her own. She also wants to be versatile so she can go to other programs without depending on the team up. After all, she's got the talent to back it up. Maybe she just doesn't want it to be saturated, having too much might make the audience a little tired of them. It has its pros and cons but she chose to be without the pairing, she's still there after that and she's even got a new album out... was it effective? I think so. I also saw that the fans still supported her til now and they've got careers that individually have become successful.

I delved much of my questions about her album and how it came about. She's been planning about this album for a long time and she presented a couple of the tracks to GMA Records this year. She's got several compositions. Although she wasn't technically trained in writing notes and all, she's got natural talent in music which she learned from lessons and her father. She knows how to play a variety of instruments too and that helped a lot. Her compositions were all written differently, but mostly it's a combination of writing the lyrics and making the accompanying music for it. When she submitted the songs, she lets the arrangers make the changes so if the lyrics or melody won't fit, they would make the necessary adjustments to make it the best possible song for her. She doesn't mind if they change the flow of it as long as the idea is there, or if it encompasses what the lyrics meant for Julie Anne. She's also happy that she was given free hand to do this and she feels that they trust her. She hopes that now more that ever, people would continue to see her and her music better than the last time she had an album. She sang one of those heartbreaking ones which she dedicated to a past love... we melted.

She's got one heck of a year and this new album would be something that she could share for people who love her, her songs and those who just want to feel love in so many ways again. This is Julie Anne San Jose's album called Deeper. Get it out on stores now.

For more information about his album:

Official GMA Artist Center

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http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter

ItchyVibe: The Itchyworms Viber Sticker Launch

Itchyworms L-R Chino Singson, Jugs Jugueta, Jazz Nicolas and Kelvin Yu during the band's own Viber Sticker launch.

We had a blast last Tuesday at Route 196 in Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. We were there to witness the launch of the first band, first artist to ever launch their own sticker on popular messaging app Viber. Yes, that in itself is something to be proud about... sure enough they showed us why they're one of the best bands this country ever had!

We literally were standing during the interview and asked them about this latest feat. Viber has been steadfastly supporting them all these years and they were grateful to actually do this. The artist initially had these made specifically for T-Shirts but figured it'll be perfect for the app stickers that they planned to make. These are actually one of a kind, but they gave away shirts that evening that's got the designs printed on them. It was sweet, because only a few of these will be in existence!

We also gave our thoughts about their performance during the 7107 International Music Festival because out of all the bands that played there, they were freaking awesome and FUN! I don't know any band that's got humor and music done together brilliantly. It was even natural, didn't feel that anything was staged... and yes they even performed a lot better than other international acts. I had a mistake of even saying they were "at par" when in fact, they've got a point to say they were a tad better. 

Now they also explained each sticker that they published while we were there and most of it were real deal expressions that they use everyday. They also had their own manner in saying it, of which some regarded as their private jokes. They also said they had to trim it down to 40 because most of the personal jokes might not apply to everyone. The ones left, were really pretty good. As a matter of fact, I use them now on my Viber... on a regular basis that is! :)

40 official stickers now available on the Viber Sticker Market. Image rights are credited to Itchyworms.

It's full of personality, they also use the Filipino vernacular to give it more sensible in everyday conversations which is a pretty smart thing to do. If you see the actual characters in their sticker, it pretty much is the same astronaut seen on their album entitled "After All This Time" which is also out on stores nationwide. Now, everyone can enjoy them on smartphones because as of Viber's word that evening... a lot of people already downloaded it. This is history, the first official Filipino band who ever had a sticker on the Viber Sticker Market. Oh and as if that evening wasn't already great, they went ahead and played almost all their biggest hits front and center! These things are made of dreams!

They're not just a bunch of musicians, they're totally relate-able and you wouldn't even know they're paying homage to the Beatles. I had real good fun talking to these guys because they made sense, and they're pretty serious in what they are doing. No wonder Viber believes in them! I'll surely enjoy their music at any given night. I can say I missed a lot when I didn't get to cover their album launch a few days back, but this surely has freakishly made up for it. No local tales with these bunch of guys, they're just like you and me... they've got their own day jobs, and living with their passion for music. Congratulations Itchyworms! Congratulations to Viber too for getting these guys on board! I heard this won't be the last because they've lined up a couple of surprises later this year. Make sure you download the Itchyworms sticker now on Viber's Sticker Market!

P.S. I super duper love "Ayokong Tumanda" (I don't want to age), thank you for playing that!

For more information about their app:

ViberPH

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https://www.viber.com

Yellow Cab x Challenge Philippines - Camarines Sur

David Voth CEO of Leverage Sports Asia

A few days ago, we were in 55 Events Place in Quezon City to witness a special meeting of the minds. Three parties, people from Leverage Sports Asia, the governor's office of Camarines Sur and the well loved pizza brand Yellow Cab. They are putting up one of the biggest races ever done in the Philippines and it's going to happen next year, on June 14.

They've already done it in Subic last February and they found that one of the best challenges ever, now they are going to have a fast one, something where they could set their personal best as described by the race organizers. From beginners to pros, they'll have them all going to Camarines Sur's location next year. 

Governor Miguel Villafuerte of Camarines Sur

The youngest Governor that I've ever seen I guess, he's Governor Miguel Villafuerte of CamSur. He's proud to say that the province, although they were hit by the recent big typhoon were able to get everything on course in order to host the race next year. They have even  made arrangements for the accommodations, putting up an Olympic like village to cater to athletes and their families which is one of their goals. Presenting the Philippines through their province is a step up, as they show the super nice sports and adventure centered province especially the track for this race and the extremely popular wake park.

Governor Elray Villafuerte, former governor and Dad of Miguel

Former Governor Elray Villafuerte says they are proud to host this and the Triathlon which will happen next year. This will surely gain a lot of exposure to their humble province, boost tourism and get to have people interested in their history as well. It's like a win win situation.

Roy Quejada, CEO of  Yellow Cab Pizza Co.

Roy Quejada, Yellow Cab Philippines' CEO says the reason why they sponsored this even is because they share the same values and they fit perfectly with the goals and aspirations of these athletes. The partnership will also be forged in the next three years and they've helped a lot of sponsored athletes with their fares since doing triathlons would require you to tour around the world. That is a BIG help no matter where you put it.

Julian Paolo Tayag, Director of Hubble Multisport Inc.

Julian Paolo Tayag of Hubble Multisport Inc. says they are also making sure to roll back the entry prices so that a lot of local and international athletes can participate in the event. The Philippines has the warmest people and they will witness a spectacle of 729 athletes hailing from 38 countries that will include celebrities, royalties and even a real deal world champion in the person of Aussie Michael Murphy. Isn't that great?!

Registrants will also have a chance to win a trip to Roth, Germany by entering the contest here. They will be holding the Challenge Roth race there intended for athletes and their families. If that doesn't make you want to join your first triathlon, we don't know what will. This "Fastest Course in Asia" located in Camarines Sur will surely get everyone's Personal Best to it's peak. Make sure you check out the channels below to know when registration starts.

Congratulations to everyone organizing this event. We can't wait to see how this turns out. I hope I can cover this, I haven't been in CamSur actually. Wouldn't it be nice to get lost there in Challenge CamSur? Haha!

For more information about their events:

Challenge Philippines

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http://challengephilippines.com.ph/