Celebrating 10 Years: "JUAN KARLOS LIVE" at the Mall of Asia Arena this November 29th

I distinctly remember being seated beside this good looking lad at a concert in Mall of Asia Arena a couple of years ago. Even back then, he's one of the most adored artists of his generation, and I could reckon how he was at awe of how it must have been like performing on stage especially at this big venue. This year marks his 10th year in the industry and with all the pieces falling into place, it's the right time to hold his very own concert. They call it "JUAN KARLOS LIVE", happening this November 29 at the same venue.

JK says "I'm excited, but nervous, but I'm working with amazing and talented people so I'm concentrating on audio and visual aspect of the concert. Nathan Studios is working on a lot of things. I never think of it too much, it was never really set as a goal to perform in big stages, it was more of contentment wherever I perform. I think it's just the people I work with that makes it worth it. I have a song called KALAWAKAN, which is a nice song, but haven't performed it on stage yet just like a few collabs I've done in the past. Sometimes I forget it, but imagining performing those songs just have that cool aspect."

He adds "I don't think anyone could be ready for something like this, but Tita Ibyang (Sylvia Sanchez) told me not to think of what to perform, because this is for the fans that supported me all these years. It's something that I have to do for the people who believe in me, it is the direction I felt was right. With that, I just said "oo nga ano", it is for them. I'm trying to balance selfishness and selflessness, to try to balance the flow of the show that I'm just there to perform rather that complicate it. It will be intimate, a jam session, it will be an experience, no lessons, but the feeling of being in that capsule to be able to relate to those songs, and the life we went through all these years. I just feel like yesterday I was a bisaya that was just playing on stage by coach Bamboo, not taking things seriously when I was in Voice Kids as a bonding moment. I never dreamt any of these things, now here we are because of that one decision I made to please my Mom. For some reason, it was something she wanted, it made us happy. It's beautiful because I've been through a lot to be able to get to where I am now. To reflect on that, and be in this moment, it's beautiful. I am lucky and blessed to be surrounded by people who believe in me."

 

For him it was a no brainier for Nathan Studios to produce this because Ms. Sylvia was a mother figure. She was the one who pushed the concert even if the decision was made. He just said yes to it. JK also discussed his relationship with his Lola, the one who pushed him to achieve things. One that didn't talk too much, but is part of who he is. He says the things she does is cute, and he's happy she is witnessing this.

JK also lamented how he used to watch concerts, and believes how he should be a consumer before becoming a performer. He felt he was able to get a perspective of what he should see to enjoy a concert, and now that he is doing this, he is finding solace in creating songs that the populace will appreciate, make him feel good, because music was the thing that made him feel constant even if he's going through a lot. This is for the people who made him, and his songs, part of their lives.

 Here's the full press conference on video, took a long time to upload this, please enjoy!

He is honest, fragile and vulnerable, and wishes to write more songs in the near future. He has a lot in his coffers, it's just the release part that worries him and prolly his label. The viral version of "Through the Years" may or may not be played on the concert too because a lot of people are requesting for it. It's just going to be a surprise, so make sure you get the few tickets left for the concert on the 29th! We heard some sections are already sold out!

This concert is also directed by Paolo Valenciano. Musical Direction is by Karel Honasan. This is produced by Nathan Studios and fully supported by his label Universal Music Group Philippines.

Get your tickets at SM Tickets website smtickets.com/events/view/13698. He's a very cool guy, and I think I'm a fan. :)

Best Actress Marian Rivera-Dantes' "BALOTA" Hits Theaters October 16th

It's been a while since I've last seen Ms. Marian Rivera-Dantes. I also missed the opportunity to watch her latest movie "BALOTA" which was showcased at Cinemalaya XX which won her the Best Actress trophy for obvious reasons. The film mirrors real life (although satire), of an educator who goes over and beyond her duty in the classroom. Teacher Emmy not only thinks about her future, but spins in the optimism of electing leaders, and finding out the grim reality of the human psyche.

In a mayoralty race of their quaint town, they had the choice between a land grabbing power hungry woman, or a former s3xy actor. Since she also administers a precinct during the elections, she gets caught in the action when the result meant people seizing the ballot box she carries in order to win. The woman with integrity didn't budge with any force, and baddies even became more eager to find or eliminate her, no matter what it takes.

Marian by any means still looked every bit beautiful even if she was de-glamorized. The chase brought her to vehicles, the forest, the querida's house, the s3xy actor's house, the boondocks, something you wouldn't think she'd have to do as a premiere actress yet here we are. Marian says "I couldn't explain how I felt after shooting "Balota". I even mentioned to Dong how fulfilled I felt doing it despite me being in the industry for a while now. It fed my hunger to do worthwhile projects like these. I felt inspired after that win given to me by the Cinemalaya community."

The exciting thing is, they will be having this released for public viewing this coming October 16. This is produced by GMA Pictures, written and directed by Kip Oebanda. The film also includes actors Will Ashley, Raheel Bhyria, Royce Cabrera, Sassa Gurl, Esnyr, Donna Cariaga, Gardo Versoza, Mae Paner, Sue Prado, Joel Saracho, Donna Cariaga and Nico Antonio. Apt for the times, great story line that is cohesive. It's genius. Having Marian Rivera-Dantes is a great reason to also watch this. It's our story.

Celebrating 10 Years of Streetwear: BUM Black Army Showcases Holiday Collection at Pop Up Store in Araneta City

Just got off the BUM Black Army 10th Year event at the Farmers Plaza Activity Center in Araneta City. They are celebrating 10 awesome years of providing Filipinos non apologetic street wear, something that I've loved over the years. I was witness to how they've consistently grown... experimenting on looks and setting the trend for teens, men, women, and for those who just love being unique, reeks of individuality, and authentic.

At the event, we saw several of BUM Black Army's executives, marketing professionals, influencers, models, bloggers and trad media. Folks who adore the brand also trooped to the lower ground floor of the mall to enjoy the pop up store's 10th Anniversary promo. Folks who purchase shirts, pants, caps, bags and accessories will get the change to have their own customized shirt, a 360 degree video, iced or hot coffee, free caps, shirts and hoodies. They really did take advantage of that, but that was just the tip of the iceberg.

BUM Black Army also showcased their latest BUM Black Army Holiday Collection featuring several shirts, camouflage and tactical pants, baseball tops, caps and hoodies. I will be purchasing the army pants (in green) plus the army green shirts which surprisingly fit me quite well when I tried it that afternoon.

We were also treated to the music of the 90's and early 2000's as one of their ambassadors called Lunar Lights Band. A lot of people started to fill the several floors overlooking the venue. 

This was an awesome way to celebrate 10 great years of streetwear from BUM Black Army!

Here's our video coverage, please, enjoy!

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10 years is not a joke, it's valuable experience. Filipinos are social, but when one needs to express himself with fashion, BUM Black Army gives the pieces that exude confidence. I remember the years when they had goth and rock as their palette, but instead of being stagnant, they planned quite well to also grow with the generation that adored them. Now they look cool, still representing street wear, and still presenting color that can appeal to the generation today. For that, congratulations BUM Black Army! Here's to another decade or more of this excellence!

If you would love to see what they have up their sleeves, visit and like their social channels. They've got new stuff which you'll enjoy too.

LOVI POE, JM DE GUZMAN, JAMESON BLAKE in GUILTY PLEASURE

It's been a while since I've seen Lovi Po, JM De Guzman and Jameson Blake in person. It's been years, but this new movie beckons not just a bit of discovery, but quite a lot of understanding. I couldn't say it's fully cerebral, but from what I heard during the mediacon, it deduces the female perspective, talks about their fantasies, their lives, the justice system, in this Regal Films and C'est Lovi Productions produced project called "GUILTY PLEASURE".

This movie also includes Dustin Yu, Sarah Edwards, Angelica Lao, Johhny Revilla, Soliman Cruz, Raf Pineda, Adrienne Vergara, Lorraine Wong, Christian Ty, Ella Cristofani, and Darwin Yu among others. This is Directed by Connie Macatuno, while the screenplay and script is by Noreen Capili.

Lovi was quite thankful for the help she got from Regal Films' very own Ms. Roselle Monteverde whom she was actually able to call anytime of the day (even after business hours) if she needs to ask something about production. Yes, Lovi is actually producing this movie too hence C'est Lovi Productions. Though new to the production world, you must understand how Lovi has literally lived all her life in making films. JM De Guzman on the other hand brings another interesting character, a superior from the judicial sector, but a lover that brings something different in closed doors with Lovi's character, Alexis. Jameson Blake on the other hand is more aggressive, loving, funny, a different partnership that provides a choice between two men.

Lovi says "Working with Regal was amazing. It was something risky which I found out after reading the script. This is not for entertainment, but something that will spark conversation. When we were doing the scenes, we trust each other. It also felt like a fashion show, but there were moments when I was comfortable. It was great though because the ones you see on the trailer is just the tip of the iceberg. This story is a lot deep, and I'm thankful for Direk who helped me. I'm just so grateful that everyone came to see us here, and I hope you could come and see us on October 16." 

When I asked about her Producer hat, she said "What sparked this is my love for writing. I remember doing Seasons for Regal, I felt good being part of the process, and everything just came together. There are so many stories that I want to do after that, I hope I also get to do a lot of writing. My mentor is no other than Ms. Roselle Monteverde, and the fact that I can call her anytime, and also, my husband abroad who does this professionally in Hollywood, and that's awesome."

Here's what happened at the press conference:

If you find the topic interesting, go to theaters this coming October 16. It's going to be shown in SM Cinemas across the country. Accessible, interesting, and has a lot of taboo talk unearthed especially for women, empowered or not.