Learning from Love with SEB PAJARILLO and JENIFFER MARAVILLA

Filipinos can't deny their affinity for something that soaks them in love, hope, hurt and a lot of melancholy. We met with Seb Pajarillo and Jeniffer Maravilla a few days ago and listened to two new singles they've released, and it was quite interesting.

First off, as individuals, they're very different than what I thought they would be. I've met Jennifer during a workshop a couple months ago, and her serious quiet looking facade could fool anyone who's going to meet her the first time. She's very bubbly, quite fun to talk to, a person who you can strike a conversation with.. or initiates it (which I absolutely like about her). She's also a fierce singer, one that could read a phone book and belt it out like the powerful divas we watch on Philippine television.

 Seb on the other hand, felt like a young classy gentleman. He's not the type that super imposes his good looks, but the one that takes time to do things and makes you fall for his charm. His voice is much of a crooner, someone who could do good with the classics but instead delved into more emotional type OPM told into stories. He's also a very nice guy, which will be quite a huge addition to his attractiveness and the ability to sing.

 With the folks from GMA Playlist, they're releasing individual singles. Seb sang for us his latest one called "Dati Pa" which is about enjoying the feeling of being in love, and about losing it. Jennifer on the other hand sang "Di Na Pwede", which is about getting hurt, and asking for a chance for her questions to be answered. 

I asked them a bit about their previous relationships, on how they fell in love with the person, and what they learned from it. They answered honestly.. and Seb says "I think I fell in love with her because I saw that I would really learn a lot from her. Growing up, I was used to being very dependent with my parents and I had a hard time being independent. I kinda felt that I'd be experiencing things with her that would lead me to learn stuff. She was smart, very independent, and I did learn a lot, but I also learned that loving someone means I need to equip and love myself first."

Jen adds "For me, I don't think you could tell that you will fall in love with a person. I couldn't tell the specific time, but now that I'm dating again, I realized that you need to qualify who you are going to be with for the rest of your life. You can definitely start with your preferences, that's where I'm starting again so far. Yes, I was hurt from that last relationship, no, more of devastated. Though I learned from it, it was almost half of my life. I never really thought it would end. I only learned to let go of the hurt when I started to love my self. That's when I began seeing things clearly, on what my preferences were, what I deserve, and what I want. I realized I also needed to go through that because it has really strengthened me."

 Here's the rest of the interview on video:

 "Dati Pa" and "Di Na Pwede" is out now on streaming sites. Go listen to them today and make your love a lesson too. This is under GMA Playlist of GMA Music. Follow Seb and Jennifer on their social channels too because from the looks of it, this is just the start of their music and acting careers, and did good.

 Thank you to Sparkle for letting us interview these two talented singers!

UNINVITED Throws Biggest MMFF Entry Launch with NADINE LUSTRE, VILMA SANTOS and AGA MULACH

If there's something to tell about this movie aside the stars, it's the sheer scale of it. This is HUGE, and I couldn't wrap my head around why they've done it this way, but with Nadine Lustre, Ms. Vilma Santos and Aga Mulach in the cast, this kind of welcome is needed for their movie UNINVITED.

It was grand, it was fitting, because the story involved a Filipino billionaire. The story is also very dark as depicted on the trailer they released. This is going to be an acting piece for the three lead actors and honestly, I wouldn't want to be a juror for MMFF 2024 because from the looks of it, they'll be having a headache with first, having actresses with phenomenal awards battle it out for Best Actress. Two, seeing Aga do evil roles, something unlike his very sunny personality. That's just the tip of the iceberg though.

They revealed the official poster at the start of the event!

This is the huge stage, have I used huge a lot in this article? Yes I know.

Ms. Vilma Santos told the media "There's nobody else, no other name to play his role, it was only Aga Mulach. When he called me, he only asked if I'd accept the project, asked if it was true, and I immediately told him to accept it because otherwise, I'd be returning the candles for being Ninang to him and Charlene Gonzales. I wanted him to accept it so I could beat him up (she kids). When I head also that Nadine agreed with the project, I was already asking for shooting dates, with all honesty, I was mostly excited about it. Then I learned the huge cast that will also be with us, even if I felt bad in several shooting days, I knew I had to go through with it because I was with them all. I am inspired and in love with them."
 
Aga quipped "People were asking me why I'd be calling her, and they didn't know we often talk like that because we're really that close. The only question I asked was if she was game to do it, she didn't even had to talk more because I've been waiting for it the whole time. I'm just so happy this happened. It comes in threes, and out of the stuff we did, I'm very proud of this one! I'm quite excited too. When I heard Nadine was in the cast, I thought she was going to be a love interest, but production told me she will be my daughter (he kids), I was relieved!"

Nadine divulged a few things about her character and said "About similarities, I think we're polar opposites. Nicole is kind of extreme, she's rich, she does all the bad things, she's a foul mouth, she's got lots of hatred towards her father and the situation. I on the other hand am a more chill person, and the relationship I have with my father isn't the same either. The only thing I think that is similar is that we're both feisty. Our scenes are very heavy, but Kuya Aga does these adlibs that are not on script and we laugh about it after the scenes. But it feels different when you are working with a person of his caliber. Our scenes are going to be triggering, his personality is totally different in real life."

Here's the rest of the press conference on video:

Producer Bryan Dy responded to my question about being so passionate doing HUGE projects like these and he said "I'm actually very fortunate to be in this position. This is the part that you would never have to hold back, because with this kind of cast and story, if we let go of the chance, we probably wouldn't have something like this happen in our lifetime. One reason is, going to cinemas actually is expensive, so you want to really make sure that every peso cinema goers spend is worth it. With this cast, with the people working behind the camera, we think they're the best and we believe the Filipinos deserve it. And, we're not yet done, we're just starting! It is a dream project, and I've seen Ms. Vilma Santos in different roles when I was growing up, she didn't act on this film, she was more of a collaborator. She is very important for the entire film because she was assisting all the actors, they don't even go home anymore even if their scenes were done because they stayed to make sure this film has something to give. This is important and fulfilling for me. All our earnings from past projects, we rolled over here and even gave more. We're sure that we won't disappoint you with this film."

If the stars won't be the sole reason to see this film, you've got the story, the production value, and the anticipation of how great actors do it on screen should. 

Can't wait to see it in December!

DigiPlus Gets 4 Accolades From Transform Awards Asia

DigiPlus Interactive seem to have caught winning ways with their recent awards from Transform Awards Asia 2024. They managed to cop Silver for the Best Brand Evolution under the corporate category, they also got Silver for Best use of Visual Property, and took Bronze for both Best Brand Development Project to Reflect Change of Mission, Values or Positioning and Best Use of Typography.

DigiPlus and Landor gave a worthy fight with their recent transformation from a mortar and pestle brand to a more advanced and technology driven entertainment entity that scores their "Multiply the Fun" tagline.

Today, they're continuing to provide exceptional entertainment via their platforms, featuring more of the traditional Filipino fair games, but this certainly gives them more reason to continue as their efforts have been clearly appreciated and recognized. For those who don't know, Transform Awards Asia 2024 is Transform Magazine's way of celebrating the fantastic work involved in rebranding and strategies. DigiPlus will continue to implement fairness, transparency, innovation, and teamwork at all times and continue to be the premier trusted brand they've become in the years to come.

Meet PERCI VILAR CENDANA | Your Working CongressMader of AKBAYAN

While the rest of the folks are in the bleachers watching, Akbayan took to the streets and the halls of congress to make sure check and balance exists even if all the odds were against them in recent years. Meet CongressMader Perci Vilar Cendana, second nominee and stalwart of your rights, matters on labor, the less privileged, youth, women, LGBT and various sectors.

He's not new in the movement. Hailed as the first openly gay university student council Chairperson in UP Diliman (at a time where homophobia was still happening), he fought tooth and nail with individuals that resorted to personal attacks, and faced real pressing discrimination in his early college years. Together with UP Babaylan (the country's first LGBT student organization), they eventually opened minds, avenues and spark change in the campus, and the rest followed suit. He feels in congress, he's doing the same bringing in the agenda that would benefit the needs of ordinary citizens. 

He says "My political life has always revolved around Anakbayan, I became part of it after college by working in civil society groups, an NGO like the Freedom from Debt Coalition (involves matters on economic issues), and fell in love with the work that Akbayan is doing. I was involved with them since they 90's til now. I then became the Chief of Staff for Senator Risa Hontiveros whom I already knew when she was in congress, and planned to run for Senate in 2010 (as Campaign Manager), 2013, then she won in 2016. I was then appointed for the National Youth Commission during PNOY's term. While working for the government was far from my mind, it was a time for reform, and I felt it was a good time to work for the country." 

He adds "I was part of group who organized pride marches, the one in 1996, over 100+ people who marched in the contingent in Manila. Last year, hundreds of thousands now march in the occasion. Akbayan is for equality, til today, it baffles me that security of tenure is still being discussed. The culture of ENDO/contractualization should never be done. We also do the same for women, LGBT, anyone who needs social services. Citizens should never be asking for it, it is but a right. Universal Health Care should be supported by all of us."

NYC was the same venue where he started the campaign about "Teen Pregnancy", working on the Reproductive Health Law. He also started with various efforts on HIV, and still on the SOGIE Equality Bill. He is now the 2nd Nominee for the Akbayan Partylist, bringing his experience to the House of Congress over 2 decades of experience in public service. He's quite aware that he's got big shoes to fill since several Akbayan representatives like Eta Rosales, Risa Hontiveros, and more have done quite well during their stint in the congress. Today, CongressMader Perci is pushing for the KIAN Bill. This is to keep innocent young kids from getting victimized further. He also will try to enable laws against mining, the nationwide availability of the right to care card (a version of which is already done in Quezon City), plus the most controversial one yet, a bill for "Mindful Parking" which penalizes those who will bodily reserve parking slots; which as of recent has enraged the public. 

Here's more of our discussion on video:

Together with Atty. Chel Diokno (1st Nominee), Dadah Kiram Ismula (3rd Nominee) and Akbayan Youth Chair Justine Balane (4th nominee), CongressMader Perci Vilar Cendana (2nd Nominee) and the Akbayan Partylist is committed increase effort and reforms against political dynasties, improve + hold rights for ordinary Filipinos, and continue to push for apt labor laws in the congress. They will also be participating in Quad hearings to hold folks accountable specifically EJK's in previous years. They will also help with regards to the rights of Moro women in various indigenous and marginalized communities, to work as a force who understands their struggles and the youth.

CongressMader Perci not only presents an option, but a person who's got a track record of work accomplished. Akbayan's not done with the causes they've so passionately worked on these past few years. Here's to more legislation work that is felt by ordinary folks, ones that deserve the help they could provide. It was a pleasure to get to know you!