ALEXA ILACAD, KD ESTRADA, Ensemble Cast Tells Story of HOPE, LOVE in Funny Musical "Walang Aray"

When word got out that Star Magic artists Alexa Ilacad and KD Estrada was venturing into theater, I was so happy to see them spreading their wings to try something different. Even with years of experience on workshops, TV and Movies, this was no ordinary feat as it is unfamiliar territory. The stage certainly asks for a different skill set especially for a new material like "WALANG ARAY!". 

 I watched with gusto last February 14th. It was a special screening on Valentine's day. PETA has certainly done a lot of hit shows in this joint but the pandemic has really made the facility go through hardships since they couldn't do a show. It was a proper comeback, an all original musical which tells the lives and love story of Tenyong and Julia. Alexa already had a solo number in the first few minutes which required powerful vocals from the Kapamilya actress, by any standards, she really did good. Theater requires a bit of strength, over acting, exaggeration so the people in the back experience the same show as with the people in the front. They exhausted establishing who she was, and their relationship. If I may, KD Estrada felt a little like a diesel engine that started to warm up. There are serious talk, but all of it was executed it with good comedic timing.

 The play was based off "Walang Sugat" a Severino Reyes sarsuela told in a modern and funny way so it does strap itself to tell the revolutionary story and see to it that current, modern day comedy in a Filipino setting take the spotlight. Entertaining is an understatement, because you'll be surprised about the small quirks they inserted in each scene. The play takes a little over 2 hours to do but they made sure it wouldn't get boring in each scene. Much of the ensemble cast had their own time to shine, from their parents, the Friars, the other man, the house help, the fan girls, they got to play along with the audience without veering off the romantic angle they all needed to tell. Alexa took this by the neck and made the show hers. I've never felt so proud to see how she's become. She completely changed imho, and having this as part of her repertoire just screams she can do more. KD on the other hand used his charm much of his time in the musical, so try not to fall in love with him while he's in separate acts.

 

 For the KDLex fans there (much like me) that I've spent hours updating on Twitter, there's certainly more content I've left out on the platform so you could have your moment to enjoy in the show starting today. There's a reason why there's a sold out crowd here.

 

 If you haven't bought a ticket yet, you may get them via ticketworld.com.ph and see how it's funny, love story would make you agree it's fine to fall in love. Make sure you take the trip to Quezon City and watch PETA's Walang Aray on it's last few dates. This is directed by Ian Segarra and music is by Vince Lim, The fun choreography is also done by Gio Gahol, which he made really fun and interactive. KDLex will be appearing on 8PM shows on Feb.17-18, 24-25, Mar. 4, April 14-16, 21-23 and April 28. They have alternates Gio Gahol and Marynor Madamesila doing the other dates, both seasoned theater actors that can do justice to Tenyong and Julia's role.

 

 

This would be a dream for any KDLex fan, go watch it for them, and the love story they will tell.

Kapuso Star JILLIAN WARD Expecting Over 700 Guests on Debut

 

This morning was certainly super fun as we got to talk to Kapuso star Jillian Ward. She's been in the industry since she was 5, and has worked in several shows like Trudis Liit, Super Ma'am, My Special Tatay, Prima Donnas, and recently Abot-Kamay na Pangarap. She's not much of a child actress anymore and is turning 18 now, so preparations for her birthday celebration has been keeping her busy even after work. Even with no sleep, she innocently posted a photo on Instagram and it went viral for the good reason that she still looks absolutely gorgeous in it. Today on the blog conference, she detailed some of her debut's preparations and here's how our small talk with her went!

For starters, she's expecting over 700 people to attend the event. She tells us, a lot of these individuals are people who have worked with her in previous shows and it's why she's electing a more celebratory theme rather than something formal. She wants a party where she could just have fun with her loved ones, much of which has been instrumental with her successful career in GMA.

Jillian mentioned Alden Richards, several veteran actors, leading men from GMA's stable. She also wants Ms. Marian Rivera and her family to come but they might have plans prior to the event, she says they might arrange something with Dingdong Dantes before the day comes. She looks up to Marian and thinks so highly of her. 

Jillian will also be with several GMA actresses, her friends who have also been with her in different shows so this will certainly be a huge gathering of stars. Mak Tumang will also be designing her ball gown, and a few will also be made in different parts of the event where she'll be performing. There will also be different stars performing in the event, and one of the reasons why she's busy these days is because they are already preparing, doing rehearsals for the big day!

Jillian Ward is certainly not a kid anymore. She wishes that everyone who she loves, and loves her would all be there. Happy birthday dear!

NBA Merch Up for Grabs with CIGNAL

If you're up for a treat then you should definitely watch NBA games over at  NBA TV Philippines, One Sports and Kapatid Network TV5. All you need to do is answer questions during breaks, easy peasy especially if you're a subscriber.

If you're not, you're in too by going to onesports.ph by putting in your details with the correct answer. If you're raring to get a real deal Mitchell & Ness jersey, Nike tees, or those awesome New Era Caps, this is your time to shine!

Don't miss the All Star Weekend this February 18-20, plus the matches in between if you want to enjoy NBA games this season. Entries will be accepted til March 5 so don't be late. Winners will be announced on the 9th, it'll be something worth your while. If you haven't subscribed yet, get in touch with CIGNAL and have one installed to enjoy over 132 channels and free to air ones right at the comforts of your own home. There are discounts, free installation fees, easy terms especially for the prepaid kits and free months of subscription, just ask your CIGNAL dealer via 88885555 to know more about it!

Kiana Takes the Spotlight

It must have been very hard being in Kiana's shoes. An artist born under Gary Valenciano's shadow, she admits struggling to find one's identity. She then moved to the US and found tremendous growth career wise.

Recently, she won Female RnB artist of the Year at the Philippine Movie Press Club Star Awards for Music for her single Corners. It wasn't something they were expecting, but very honored to be considered for the feat.

She says "I woke up one day and saw announcements and tons of people congratulating us. For context, we never had any plans for the song but just put it there because I loved it. The nomination and award was unexpected, really appreciate it!"

The song "Corners" is about that certain feeling of knowing that there's someone out there thinking of you. She didn't know where to take her music initially and didn't want to get carried with Dad's last name, she learned a lot in the process.

Now she's got a 5 track EP well praised by critics and got her the chance to do SXSW Festival in Austin TX. It was something she enjoyed performing in, and where she met a lot of other artists.

She currently has unreleased songs and can't wait to share it on the world stage. She's just starting and very excited about what other things she could do in the next few years.