Shot in SEOUL: KELVIN MIRANDA and KIRA BALINGER for "Chances Are, You and I"

Friday, May 03, 2024


There are still a lot of stories to be told and this one is both romantic, heartbreaking at times, and could pull heartstrings. It also talks about love, friendship, taking chances, and dreams... this of which will be discussed lengthily in this movie by Pocket Media Productions Incorporated. This stars Kelvin Miranda and Kira Balinger, some of the country's most promising stars.

A Little Backgrounder:

This is the first project of Director Catherine Camarillo under her production outfit PM Productions Inc. This was during the pandemic, and when the franchise of ABSCBN wasn't renewed. This was a family decision, more or less, and since her daughter had this script for a while now, they wanted to do this specific one and offer it to streaming services pre-prod. The scenes were all shot in 2022, and a little during the latter part of that year because production ceased when restrictions came during those times. 

The film had to be shot in two locations, one in Manila and the other in Seoul in South Korea. It was mainly due to the look they wanted to portray especially during winter time, which they find perfect, and hellish when they got so cold after scenes were cut.

This is also the first time that Kelvin and Kira are being paired on screen, but they've got quite different first impressions when we interviewed them yesterday. It was essential for them to not only wear 3 layers of clothing, have heaters, and several heat packs underneath just to survive all of that. They were so grateful the crew from Manila and Seoul stepped up and made sure they were comfortable as arrangements were made during filming.


Director CC says "It was really the perfect weather to shoot in the snow because of the visuals. We might have had a hard time shooting because of it but really, I was so impressed with how Kevin and Kira held up in that temperature. They knew the vision of what we were doing and really understood the script. They knew their lines, so I really didn't have a problem with the scenes we had to shoot in Korea. I was happy how they really portrayed the roles, and I hope you appreciate how it felt during our teaser drop (check @catherineocamarillo on IG) because that is made with pure love, passion and hard work."

She adds "I may have had problems securing artists in my home network, but I told my staff I needed a new pairing. It was an audition, I pitched it with Kelvin and Kira then profiled how they both speak, or see how they could add to the characters/role they needed to do... and I appreciate how they interpreted it."

Director CC also holds several hit projects under her belt including "Halik" and "Wildflower" on TV. Her real orientation is film, so this is the caliber of what you're about to see in CAYI.

Here's our interview with Kelvin, Kira and Direk CC yesterday, please enjoy!


 

About Sol and Gabi

Kelvin says "My character was more or less an opposite of me. Sol is quite happy, with a loving family, and might have bottled up angst which would surface when he's dealt with a very huge scare later on. It made him look at life differently, but manages to deal with it like it's not a big thing. He takes these challenges easy, and learns from it. He's also quite adventurous and tough, a man's man and is fond of extreme sports which you'll see in the film. That's where he feels that he exists, and I think that's who he is in a nutshell."

He adds "Maybe I gave a lot to my character because I felt like an actor in this film. It's a big concept, and the trust given to me is no joke. I really felt like I was Sol when we made this."

Kira told us "Gabriela Sinag is a hard worker, she volunteers and is so bubbly... severely a person for others. Behind that, she's hurt, and will perhaps get through things with the help of Sol. That's where the fun starts. Honestly, I don't know if I'm crying because of the emotions or the cold, but it gives you a sense of focus so you could do the role and not just because of the environment. It was a different experience for me. The Korean team were so professional, so you really need to step up, and they take care of you. It was so wonderful with our short stay, it was memorable. Personally, I thought he was a bad boy because he was always wearing black, he had earrings, the works! He showed me that under all that machismo, he's a nice person and very devoted to his craft. He is such a giving actor, and it was so easy to work with him."

Flip a coin and take a chance in CHANCES ARE, YOU and I when it comes out in theaters this May. Official release will be done by Regal Entertainment in theaters nationwide!

PS

It was such a joy to talk to Kelvin and Kira, and the stories of Direk may just be the tip of the iceberg. Hope to get to interview them about this film before it shows soon!


COW

There's More Fun at TIMEZONE U.P. TOWN CENTER

Thursday, May 02, 2024


Whenever I go to UP TOWN CENTER, I often just eat and buy photography stuff since it houses a lot of restaurants and my favorite photo supply center. There are also clothing shops inside so if I need to pick up a shirt or trousers, it's easy to get off the rack. It makes me so excited that there's a new thing to do in this joint because yes, the new TIMEZONE UP TOWN CENTER just opened its doors to the public last April 26th. This is located at the 2nd Floor, back side of the 2 floor structure so you can alight from the last entrance where H&M is. 

The grand opening was attended by Timezone executives headed by their President and GM Raffy Prats. Celebrities like Maui Taylor, Andrea Del Rosario and their kids also joined the fun. They even teamed up with us in a few games we did later on. We also managed to do a cheer in 15 minutes, but the fun is just starting! 


Albeit loving fighting games, they have new machines to make your experience even more awesome. They have Virtual Reality games, HALO, Minecraft Dungeon, Sailor Quest, Asphalt 9DX and tons of ticket pouring machines which you can save and exchange for food, drinks, teddy bears, toys, and small appliances.

They also have a TIME TO PARTY section where you can hold small events, your birthday celebrations, and make it even more intimate for a few hours and arrange food, party favors, the options are endless! They also have a few bowling lanes (good for groups), plus some Billiard Tables and Bump Cars, so imagine the things you can do here, hours and hours of fun! Don't even talk about the Karaoke rooms!

Here's a short tour and a few highlights on what transpired during their opening, please enjoy!


They also had the Arellano Chiefs (NCAA Cheer Champs) to perform for us, we saw how they well deserve those trophies they've been collecting for years. Aside from that, GMA's PPOP boyband CLOUD7 and some of the Sparkle Teens also joined in the fun. They also took photos with us which made our fun day even better. 

Now, it's your turn to to have that when you visit UP Town Center. This place needed it, and now that you've got a place to do it, bring your friends and family because there's more fun where that came from!




COW

Meet New Ride Hailing App: PeekUp

Tuesday, April 30, 2024




Filipinos are always looking for alternatives and with the recent high prices and hard times getting a car, this news just came at the right time. A new player in the ride hailing industry just opened shop, and they are called PeekUp. They're app is now available on the App Store and Google Play, and I've downloaded it too to give it a try.

The platform is easy to use, and utilizes Google Maps as the base. So most often than not, you will be able to find the place you are going to if it is on that too. Payments currently accept CASH and CARDS (more soon). And upon checking the vehicle types, they have Compact (4 seater) and Plus (6 seater) vehicles.

Their rates also seem a bit lower than the leading app, so you really get to have a choice now and save a few bucks using it. As for driver availability, they are still ramping up and encouraging referrals with drivers and passengers. I bet this would be good in the next few months as more drivers get to join them (6000 according to their CEO). They also have a promo of getting credits for the first ones to join them (limited numbers according to posters) and get 2000 points in the process.

In the launch event they did in SM Megamall Fashion Hall dubbed "PeekUp City", celebrities Ara Mina, Paulo Avelino and Cristine Reyes got to work up a crowd. They also encouraged the public to download the app and try them out today. 






Mr. Dave Almarinez the CEO of PeekUp Philippines says "We need to have a ride hailing up that will benefit the Filipinos, that was one year ago. PeekUp means the best experience, smooth rides. Our cars are 4 seaters and 6 seaters. It is important to always have it affordable and safe. We want students and passengers to try it out because this is 100 percent Filipino owned ride hailing app, with potential to grow in the region, and in other countries. Our dream is to have this design and app built by Filipinos to become present in other places soon."





PeekUp is on the way! Are you excited for comfort and convenience? Go download PeekUp now! You may use my referral code JOHN1254 if you plan to install it today!


PS
Ara Mina will be having a concert called Ara Mina All of Me which is her 30th Anniversary concert on July 11th at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City.



COW

Office of PNP Chief Marbil Issues Statement on False Information in Social Media



Recent pronouncements, malicious attacks on social media has gotten the office of the PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil worried where they insinuate removal of rice allowances for PNP personnel and having them donated to persons deprived of liberty. These are being strongly denied, unfounded and baseless as there have been no directives from their office, nor do they have plans to do so. These moves have been orchestrated to discredit the PNP Chief who has been working hard to restore reputation through smart methods. They say these are outright lies, fabricated, made to malign his policies.

PNP Chief Marbil is not using the word WAR in addressing operations in substance abuse, as he doesn't want to be associated with human rights abuse in the past. His office has noted essential reforms as of recent:

Mass formation and Flag Raising (15-20 minutes)

Personnel should be present and operational at 8am sharp 

Prohibit the use of cellphones while on patrol

Simplification of personnel compliance 

New UPER Criteria

Finish 70 percent of warrants and wanted individuals

No favoritism in promotions and assignments

Non exclusivity of promotions

Restriction of Police Community Relations

Non re-assignment of PNP personnel facing cases on their previous units

Meetings to be conducted online to maximize time for unit commanders

No changes for one month

Removal of 24 hour duty for personnel

They also deny the inclusions of inverted crawls in the PNP Physical Fitness Test. They also deny false information about donation of allowances as CIP, CDP, and rice subsidies are automatically added on regular salaries.

Respondents are forewarned that such accusations and lies will not be tolerated, and a thorough investigation is being done. People found at fault will be sanctioned.

He also urges the public to be vigilant and only believe verified information. Trust that the PNP under Chief Marbil and his office will serve and protect you, the Filipino people, with professionalism and integrity.



COW