Director Rahyan Carlos Set to Hold Year End Workshops at MQuest Artists Agency

Met Direk Rahyan Carlos a couple years back, in hybrid situation because of the pandemic. He's a phenomenal acting coach, the only one officially allowed to teach the Chubbuck Technique which most A-List Hollywood actors (most of which are award winners too) go through.

This time, he's become the newest addition to the training and development program (which he's heading) of MQuest Artist Agency. Designed to train new and existing actors for film and television, he's bringing a couple decades of his experience to teach Introductory, Advanced Level 1 and 2, and a Masterclass in acting. MQAA will also be offering Kids Acting, Dance and Voice Workshops in order to produce artists that are triple threats! This will all start on November 23 and 24, you may scan the QR code on this poster (or follow their social channels) for details, schedules and fees for it.

There will be limited slots for this workshop, and will culminate with an event after the course. They will also be including some of the artists from MQAA's stable, as they too will undergo the acting, song and dance workshop.

Direk Rahyan says "Fpr me this is exciting because we're pioneering something at the MQuest Artists Agency. I want to be part of that group who will prioritize training these talented actors. There's a lot of ways that actors could gain fame, but I believe you just need to put in a LOT of effort. Existing artists also become rusty, and I always tell them that they're as good as their last work. Acting is a lifestyle, doing workshops is something that people in the west do before and while they are in character, like constant training. Their craft changes because people change. What they may have implemented in the 80's may have been effective during that time, but art and acting is evolving. You need to study that, and adapt as well. A good agency needs the right training. It is important to inculcate to actors some good old ethics, discipline and professionalism. This is also the priority of Sir Jeff when I went onboard." 

MQAA Head and VP for Content Acquisition at Cignal TV Jeffrey Remigio adds "Part of the vision we had for MQAA was to have it act like a hub for actors that can be trained, be known that they go through a very rigorous process and not just because they've got pretty faces. I don't want to put them in projects where we could get criticized by Directors or Producers because they're not properly equipped. We are investing in training and development on the onset, right from the very beginning where we can really focus on the talent pool we have at MQAA."

Here's more of where that came from:

 

During our interview, he mentioned how the first few MQAA artists that have already gone through the workshop felt so hungry about learning more about the craft. They made an example of Ms. Carmi Martin who now is taking on more dramatic roles, pretty off tangent from her "sexy comedienne" persona that she's had since the 80's. Direk Rahyan Carlos surely know what he's doing, he's transforming a generation of actors and following a sure fire way of using pain as fuel for their craft. They are in the lookout for talents too, so if you're trying your luck in the industry, this may just be your chance to not just hone your craft but land various MQAA projects.

Who wouldn't love that!

World Class Filipino Acts Headline "Countdown to Celebration" NYE Show at SOLAIRE

I've been at Solaire North during Oktoberfest and the start of the Christmas Season, and yes, I've been overjoyed with their way of celebrating every occasion. This New Year's Eve is going to be different because it will be so much BIGGER, as the show will be headlined by world class Filipino acts, reality show champions and an international multi awarded singer songwriter.

Christmas season is in full swing so there will be performances by the Regina Coeli choir, the Ambassadors of Christ Chamber Singers, OPM hit makers The Company, The Leading Ladies who will perform at the Oasis Garden Cafe, and the jazz trio calle Baihana. During Christmas eve, home bar Waterside will be having the Bellissima Party Band. For those who are dining over at Finestra Italian
Steakhouse, you will be entertained by the talented Jenny Garcia all month.

Santa will also be stopping by for the kids come December 24 and 25 while you get in the mood for more Christmas music with the UP Singing Ambassadors plus the Quezon City Performing Arts Development Foundation Inc. Choir evenings at the Atrium of Solaire North.

At the Ultimate Solaire New Year's Eve Party, the one and only Lea Salonga, Concert King Martin Nievera, Bituin Escalante will be with you at Solaire Resort Entertainment City. At Solaire North, you get the chance to see NeYo, the Jabbawockeez, my personal favorite quirky dance group Avantgardey, Beast House and DJ Soda. There will also be performances by BGYO, Billy Crawford, DJ Mars Miranda, Kat DJ and more. If you see this the apt way to welcome 2025, you can get tickets via Ticket World 0917114 7317, or 0999954 5922. You can calso inquire via 8888-8888 or their website solaireresort.com for more information about these events!

That Complicated Christmas Display

Ever wondered where that famous Reymundo Animated Display is at today? It's now at the flagpole area of Quezon City Hall. Most people call it the "Manila COD Christmas on Display", and I used to watch it every year... mostly staring at it on top of Manila COD Department Store (which is gone now).

The thing actually started in 1966 but I was able to experience it a little around the 80's, when people could still carry me in their shoulders by the side of the road. Sources say, there's some trade name trouble with regards to the "Christmas on Display" IP. They (sources) said it was being claimed by Araneta Center, and opposed by Rosario Animated Display. They've done it thrice and was still turned down (according to the same source).

The Office of the Director General has ordered them to cease and discontinue registering for it during their third attempt last July 29 this year, even indicating it was trying to do so in bad faith (according to the source).

Is it apt to do so at this point? What are your thoughts?

Warnings Issued by CICC and DICT Regarding False Hacks

Recent warnings were issued by CICC (Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center) and DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology) about false data breach data posted on dark web forums. They reiterated how folks in the community should exercise caution especially about several fake eGovPH hacks in several anonymous posts.

According to CICC Executive Director Alexander Ramos, much of the posts seen in breach forums was nothing but a fake hack claim made to defraud other members in the community by stating they have data from the eGovPH app. They also specifically identified a user with the handle GR3GGM3RC3R who did this.  Meanwhile, DICT's Undersecretary for E-Government David Almirol assured the public how the app is protected from these because of several security features they implemented during its inception. The app has encruption, eGovChain security, and attached keys for what data it has, and if someone claims to have hacked it, and doesn't have that key, their claim wouldn't be legitimate.

For those who don't know, Breach Forums gained fame for cybercriminals and hackers who are into trading stolen data. Often using anonymized platforms, they use it to steal personal data. The user identified was banned recently and wasn't able to provide proof of said eGovPH hack. The place is also known for ransomware attacks, and these agencies warn folks who might fall prey with the false news.

This warning is issued by CICC's Office of the Executive Director, Alexander Ramos.