DARREN ESPANTO All Set for D10 Concert

He was just a baby (I kid)... but now, your boy Darren Espanto is celebrating his 10th year in the showbiz industry.

The last time I saw him was during his performance on Gary Valenciano's concert. If you haven't seen the technology employed in that show, you've got Darren to make you experience that in D10. He shared this during the press conference of his concert on June 1st, and from what I've been seeing in his photos during these past few weeks, he's about to give us a singing and dancing showdown that we've never seen him do. The tech he talked about had the ability to move with the subject, so the lights will be crazy once it lands on the Araneta Coliseum stage.

 Here's a few details divulged during our interview

Confirmed guests include Erik Santos, Ogie Alcasid, Lyca Gairanod, Gary Valenciano, Sarah Geronimo, and Vice Ganda. I think there will be more, but that's going to be revealed on the actual day. His rehearsals are tough, he's been spending a lot of time on it these past few weeks and he says, he's just lucky that he's not getting sick even if he lacks sleep. He's going to the gym, so he gets the stamina he needs for the concert. He also started vocal rehearsals and want to stop perhaps a day or two before the show. 

So imagine what you will miss if you don't watch the show tomorrow. I think there are only a few tickets left on some sections, hope you get to see Darren celebrate his 10th year. He still has lots of plans in the pipeline especially with his music. I heard an album in the works but perhaps a single would be dropped on the actual concert day. 

From The Voice kids to this? How time flies indeed!

 Congratulations Darren! Can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeves!

 

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!