VERONICA TAYLOR, JASON PAIGE Headline POKEVERSE Event in Manila!

POKEVERSE, the premiere Pokemon themed event organized by fans for fans is happening today at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong City. Yesterday, we were able to interview Ms. Veronica Taylor, the original voice actor who did Ash Ketchum in the Pokemon series and Jason Paige, the awesome guy who sang the original Pokemon theme song. They're here for a meet and greet, so you could fulfill your Pokemon dreams from May 31 to June 2 (yes, this whole weekend!). 

Veronica was so nice, she was very accommodating and told us the story of how she was able to land that voice acting gig for Pokemon. Jason too was very friendly. I thought they would feel the welcome we Filipinos are known for, but I guess they do it excellently too. They didn't think this was going to be this big, it was work for them but eventually, they felt the cult following right after the first season. 

This brought them opportunities beyond their wildest dreams, to begin visiting different countries and expo's, their schedules filled up in no time. 

Today, it's your chance to meet them in the flesh! Head on to pokeverse.ph to get tickets to POKEVERSE and be the first ones to meet them at the event. Tickets may be hard to actually get at the venue as there would be a LOT of people there (lining up is challenging!). 

Here's the press conference in full:

Aside from them, Tim Yap, Myrtle Sarroza, Robi Domingo and Kirk Allen will be there to entertain you the whole day. There will be several events happening inside the venue, something they prepared for those who grew up with the game, your kids, even the parents who would be accompanying the little ones for the event. Discounts will also be given to selected cosplayers, but it will be very limited. It is highly encouraged for you to wear something Pokemon themed of course. I'd want to come as Snorlax but perhaps my trainer uniform would suffice, I've seen their merch and those caps would be a good thing to take home. (some are actually limited edition too for VIP's, make sure you catch them all!).

See you in SM Megamall later! I'll be there!

BEA ALONZO, DANNY TREJO Film 1521: The Quest for Love and Freedom in Theaters this June 5th

We just got to watch 1521, an epic, historical, drama about what transpired in that year... and the love between Diwata (played by noted actress Bea Alonzo) and  Enrique (Hector David Jr., who did Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, and Power Rangers Samurai, Megaforce).

The film also includes Danny Trejo (who plays Magellan), and while the romantic relationship between the two is fiction, the historic part was a tell all from a Philippine point of view (contrary to Western depictions). 

1521 also talked lengthily about Lapu Lapu (Michael Copon) and his state, of how Spain and its forces got beat at the Battle of Mactan. This was set to also showcase his heroism, and how he was considered the first one in the country. Veteran Character Actor Vic Romano was quite a presence playing Udong, the brother of Diwata who will be fighting for the honor of his family. Bea Alonzo also did an excellent job in this project, she didn't shortchange things as the role really asks a lot from her. She delivered. Though much of Danny Trejo's dialogue went to Enrique (who is also the interpreter), the time he spent in the film was made with his presence felt. Though you won't be hating on him much as Magellan. You'll appreciate him even more with the battles, a favorite thing he did in the filming process.

Watching this on screen was certainly different because much of the language used is English aside from the small Cebuano done in between. Photography and post production must have done really serious work because the quality is amazing. Lapu Lapu and royalty in the film depicted how we already had a system prior to Spanish conquistadors landing on Philippine shores. I dread the ones shown in Western shows as if we lived in jungles and cave dwellers, something this could correct in context. 

Here's the producer giving a message before the screening:

Though not much of a tearjerker, you'll love the historic content and the love story of Diwata and Enrique. It's entertaining, and having the Hollywood film shown in theaters would certainly make you so proud being a Filipino. I think that alone could be the reason, but you've got a throng of world class actors as additional purpose to watch it. It comes out in theaters this June 5th, and will be distributed by Viva Films.

This should be sent to streaming platforms, but I'd say, it was quite a nice experience to see it on the silver screen. You definitely should do that!

Made Me Cry Twice: CHANCES ARE, YOU AND I in Theaters Today!

The night was indeed stellar at the SM Megamall Cinemas because of the red carpet premiere of CHANCES ARE, YOU AND I which stars hunky Kelvin Miranda and the angelic Kira Balinger. We had the chance to talk to the stars a few weeks back, but this time, I'd like to concentrate more on the actual movie which we got to see last night May 28, 2024.

It's about two strangers who had the same fate, finding their lives intertwined at very interesting points. The hospitals wouldn't be just providing care, but a launch pad for realizations and grounds for what seem to be "opposite personalities" at first, then became that tiny flame that would ignite care, an adventure, special friendships, and love.

Do not at any instance downplay this movie to be just a cute chick flick. Kelvin has been recently awarded the Most Prolific Dramatic Actor Award at the Jinseo Arigato Film Festival in Nagoya, Japan. Kira on the other hand had several scenes to pull heartstrings, which is surprising to see for a neophyte lead in this film. They didn't even had to force themselves, it felt quite natural because you will bear witness with their love story.

If there's anything to add that should be noted amazing in this film is Kelvin and Gian Magdangal's confrontation scene. Tart Carlos also had her moment with Kira Balinger when she had to admit all her faults, it was personal and heartbreaking. Jinho Bae whom people might expect to only blurt out Hangul in most of the scenes in Korea, will be your breath of fresh air. His comedic timing is impressive and as he revealed, he was personally surprised about having 80 percent of his adlibs being put in scenes when he was quite sure it should have been cut by the director. You'll love him for that!

I think I cried twice, and you might have to bring a few sheets of fascial tissues for that. You can now see CHANCES ARE, YOU AND I on theaters starting today! Bring your friends, significant others and family because you'll love how they executed it. 

Photography is A+, plan and go, or flip a coin if you need to decide. This is produced by Pocket Media Productions, Inc. and Happy Infinite Productions. They will have Regal Films distribute this to 130 (I heard) cinemas nationwide!

Celebrating 140 Years of Juan Luna's Spoliarium with LG OLED TVs

Visited the National Museum of Fine Arts a few days ago to witness the celebration of Juan Luna's world renowned masterpiece, the Spoliarium on its 140 years of existence together with the champion of technology and innovation. LG Philippines.

Together with the administrators of the National Museum, LG executives and celebrities were there to witness LG's initiative to donate a total of 6 of LG's OLED TV's, including the models LG OLED AI B4, LG OLED AI G4, LG OLED AI C4, and LG QNED AI. LG has already gotten the No.1 spot in the world. The units were explained and introduced by the well traveled Drew Arellano, gamer Bianca Yao, athlete and host Gretchen Ho, and everyone's Kuya Mikee Reyes. 

Yeongwoo Park the Product Manager of LG Philippines adds "We aim to create products accessible to all. This year we have the AI processors designed exclusively for LG TV's which enhances picture and sound quality so you'll have an excellent viewing experience. With an exciting lineup, we have improving not just OLED but our WebOS content and services which is another foundation of what we offer. This is a media and entertainment platform will keep them up to date in the next five years. We are going to transform your home lifestyle experience, just like Juan Luna, we work hard in enhancing OLED and AI technology. We will continue to push boundaries and make our customers feel that Life is Good."

Nakhyun Seong the Managing Director of LG Philippines says "Enjoying art and history makes life good. It's the 130 year anniversary of the masterpiece Spoliarium. LG is donating to the Museum of Fine Arts the world's number one OLED TV to promote education and art. AI is becoming an integral part of technology and all our TV models brings this experience in our units. We are committed to the Philippines and the Museum of Fine Arts, our heritage, embracing the future."

Museum Director Jeremy Barns accepted the TV's and said "Our friends, colleagues, we feel wonderful partnering with LG in 2018 and now 2024. These 5 OLED TV's will be part of our displays, deployed to show the technology and objects of the museum and the works we do here to have impact of what we provide in the country. It's an ongoing challenge to have visitors, but we are able to take a step forward to reach out audiences and content now so we could have appreciation outside the walls of the National Museum of the Philippines. Come back, and we will appreciate if you keep in mind the museum and agencies if you want to serve the public. We express our deep gratitude to LG for helping us in our museum. A pleasant day to all of you!"

 

Here's a short tour of the National Museum on video, check out how these national treasures were displayed on the different LG OLED TV's they brought to the museum. We included the event and celebrities that were present during the occasion. Enjoy!

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This is just one of the many activities that LG is doing across the country. These top of the line entertainment appliances bring their thurst of having "Innovation for a Better Life" in the forefront of every Filipino home. This isn't the first time that LG has donated to the same cause, and it will be used for information display in the National Museum and its different offices, for the greater good.

After all, Life's good!