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.

Huawei Announced Milestones During Developer Day in the Philippines

Phone and ICT giant Huawei just reaffirmed their commitment to improve the AI life in the country during the recent Huawei Develpment Day 2021. They showcased how they would be aggressively doing this by forging strategic partnership with existing educational institutions and companies with Huawei Philippines Consumer Business Group. Currently they've got 96 percent local apps in the Huawei AppGallery. During the session, key partners presented lik mobile wallet GCash, health platform KonsultaMD and popular radio station WishFM.

Huawei Country Manager George Li reiterates "We would like to partner with the country's top brands so we can expand more products locally. A seamless AI life is possible and we are part of that interconnected world."

During the event, they announced milestones with regards to HarmonyOS 2. For starters, they introduced DecoupledOS and hardware, second is improved sharing capabilities on devices, smooth and low latency operation of hardware that carries it and also, the DevEco Studio for Huawei app developers. They also gave information on Petal Search and the updates implemented on it. Now it's going to help local businesses connect better. You may stream the event through the official Facebook page of Huawei AppGallery for more information on HarmonyOS and business updates on local and regional areas, go check on updates on the site today!

ARJO ATAYDE Taking Strides with Feelmaking Productions, Inc.

What makes a film great? A good story? A stellar line of stars? Special effects? It could be one of those, but the most heavily awarded ones and praised by critics are those that are simple, films that depict life that is raw and unfiltered. There are tons of stories of this nature that need to be told. This is what Arjo Atayde's Feelmaking Productions, Inc. (FPI) want to do. He collaborated with famed TV Director Avel Sunpongco and Ad pro Marj So to make films that could impact people's lives so we could talk about those that are relevant and touch on real social issues.

Arjo says "After years of being in the TV and film industry, I just felt that I could do more. It was at this time that I realized I had to do something, to tell the stories worth telling and put Filipino filmmaking on a different level. It's time we do things differently and adapt to changing times and tastes of the viewing public. There's a different way to tell the Filipino story that can be accepted around the world. We'll try to do that, it's what we're here for!"

FPI also believes by keeping their workplace and film locations happy, everyone would find joy at work and come up with the best quality. It was done during their first project "Hey, Joe" which was shot in Baguio City. Together with Arjo was decorated actors Joel Torre, Eric Quizon and Mon Confiado. They also had Dumbo, Nikko Natividad, Gillian Vicencio, Iana Bermudez, Manuel Chua, Yamyam Gucong, Jobert Austria, Donna Cariaga, Chamyto Aguedan and Alexa Miro as part of the cast. Arjo's gorgeous sister Ria Atayde is also included and will have a special participation on this project.

Arjo says "With FPI and our partners, we are keen to create quality films that would be at par with international standards." Hopefully, we would be able to see this on movie houses (following protocols, when it's safe!), or digital platforms that could bring the titles they're raring to churn out around the world so we could showcase our artistry in this medium. If you want to know more about Feelmaking Productions Inc. and Arjo's other projects, follow @feelmakingprodinc on IG or search the name of the production on Facebook because they're there!

And I think, that's just the first step! You'll hear more about these films very soon!

Gary Valenciano for the PRAY.COM App

This campaign photo of Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano was taken by the Valenciano's good friend, the late Raymund Isaac+ who was also given acknowledgement during the event.

 

There's nothing but goodness in your heart in the morning, to see and hear that the Philippines very own Gary Valenciano as the Philippine ambassador of an app called PRAY which is available in Google Play and the App Store. It's the number one prayer and faith based app on both platforms, and you can download it now.

Pray.com has been founded by Steve Gatena, a social impact company that promotes growth using prayer. The mobile app has daily devotionals, podcasts, bedtime stories, valuable life lessons and articles which includes reading from Hollywood stars. Steve says "We're excited to come to the Philippines. The number one audio and faith based app. I began this during a hardship in life, but prayers got me through it. In a time of a global health pandemic, we're battling depression, and people are asking to support their spirit. You can win the fight with the power of prayer, to remember that God is always with you. You are loved, and your spirit is eternal. The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of God stands forever. This app brings prayer in a new way, the number one app is now doing bible based content with some of the biggest celebrities in the world. Gary is an inspiration in the Philippines and the US, we all know he has been an inspiration in the world. His miraculous voice is full of love, we create inspirational content, choose celebrities and partners to create like these and partners like Globe to exemplify the power of prayer, to unify corporations around the world. I encourage you all to throw your anxiety to him, because he cares. We are glad, Gary has wholeheartedly shared the gospel of Jesus Christ."

Gary says "I spent time with friends from Pray.com and when I was there, I felt I was doing something that I wanted to do. The sense of doing a prayer, I'm really honored to be doing this. When I did it, I thought of my kids and reading it to them. I have always wanted this change of voice, it's like sharing my heart. Filipinos here and across the world will now hear Bible stories that I read on the app. Prayer connects you to the one who hears, tapping into this power each time you pray, it makes a more powerful connection to the true source of all these powers. The Pray.com app will also be featuring prayers, morning gratitude statements, bedtime stories based on the Bible. You'll see more of me on the app soon! I pray when things don't go my way, God isn't surprised about that. In 2018 I had my health scare, but even if there's a virus today, I cannot let it take over. I know I am in the hands of God, I will not fall, I will not get affected because he is with me. When everything else is not working, we learn to be still. This Pray.com PH endorsement is something that is ripe, I cannot say it will answer all, however, this is the kind of peace that God gives us so we would be at peace. When you're stuck in traffic, when your doctor says you're sick, when you pray, he's right there with you. It is important for me to be part of something like this. When you pray, you're not just saying words, you are telling the ONE, you open that avenue that only you and him can journey with together. It's easier said and done if you have anxiety, when you can't be with the sick, with prayer, you lift it up to God. He will guide your minds and heart, it's in Christ that does things we cannot even imagine. Even before the pandemic, I know that I am with the Lord's hands. When I saw the app, when I knew that I'm going to be part of this, you'll be surprised at the amount of content that makes this a good one."

Steve adds "I was so excited to do the national day of prayer in the US. As someone who believes in prayer, it was a dream come true. It was a catalyst to get celebrities for all our live streams. When we got in touch with Gary V., his willingness to pray for and with another country, it just came together with the power of prayer. It opened the door for us to work together and doing this today."

The app also has a community feature, in it you can do prayer requests, wherein your friends and family can also join in if they are also registered on the app. You can listen to it daily, so go ahead and download it today!