HOTTEST BL SERIES IN TOWN - INAKI AND MICO STUNS VIEWERS WITH THEIR 6 MINUTES LOVE SCENE

Sky (played by Miko Gallardo) and Ace (played by Inaki Torres) finally kissed each other and did a hot love scene in the romantic comedy BL series "My Day." streamed on YouTube last night that lasted for about 6 minutes. The episode is Rated R on YouTube.

The series is widely viewed on YouTube attracting fans from Asia and Latin America.

Synopsis of My Day:

My Day the Series is a romantic comedy BL series about a young, determined culinary intern named Sky (Miko Gallardo) making his way into a multi-billion-dollar food company. Find out how he survives the challenges (in the kitchen s and elsewhere) and wins the heart of his wicked boss Ace (Iñaki Torres),Sky (played by Miko Gallardo) and Ace (played by Inaki Torres) finally kissed each other and did a hot love scene in the romantic comedy BL series "My Day." streamed on YouTube last night that lasted for about 6 minutes. The episode is Rated R on YouTube.

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KINDHEARTED FOREIGN VLOGGERS IN THE PHILIPPINES RAISES MONEY TO FEED LOCALS DURING PANDEMIC

Travel Vloggers Chris and Carol (of travel vlog "Jumping Places") have been in Palawan for about 8 months now and opted to stay in the country during pandemic instead of going home. They stayed in El-Nido, Palawan since the pandemic began and recently, Chris and Carol (together with other tourists stranded in El-Nido) organized a fundraising project to feed locals who are affected by covid-19 pandemic. They also distributed free face masks and organized free meals to the locals.

You can watch their video on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm_SSr3YmHU

Another generous foreign vlogger is Basel Manadil, who is noted for his positive views on the Philippines and provide aid to victims of natural disasters in the country. His vlog "The Hungry Syria Wanderer" has attracted nearly 3 million subscribers and in his recent vlog, he gave Php 100,000 to an elderly vegetable peddler and bought all his wares that actually cost only P800.00,

These foreigners continue to be an inspiration to everyone and promote positivity during these hard times.

JUSTINE AFANTE CROWNED WINNER OF THE VOICE KIDS UK 2020

Justine Afante, from Swansea, Wales, has been crowned the winner of The Voice Kids UK 2020. She competed against George Elliot, Dara McNicholl and Victoria Alsina in front of the ITV show's first ever virtual audience, which voted for the winner.  Victoria's parents are also from the Philippines

After hearing her name called out, Justine burst into tears and admitted that she couldn't believe she had won. Asked whether she was ok, Justine replied: "No, I can't breathe!"

For her finale, Justine performed "Listen" by Beyonce. Victoria on the other hand, performed "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys.

Justine also performed with her coach Pixie Lott 'Don't You Worry Bout A Thing."

Victoria performed "Where is the Love" with Coach Will.i.am

Prizes for the winner includes a significant bursary towards their musical education and a whopping 30,000 British Pounds.

This will help them to progress their music career.

But the prize doesn't stop there. On top of that, they'll win a dream family holiday to Orlando, Florida.

3 other Pinoy kids also participated in this year's edition,

YOUTUBE CONTENT CREATOR/VLOGGER EMMAN NIMEDEZ LOSES BATTLE WITH CANCER

YouTube content creator/Vlogger Emman Nimedez passed away early Sunday morning after battling with cancer (acute myeloid leukemia), his girlfriend Peachy Santos confirmed in a post on Emman's official facebook page.

"Our beloved Emman Nimedez joined our Creator at 1:00am today, August 16, 2020, Sunday. He was with his family during the time of his passing at St. Luke's Medical Center - Quezon City."

It was last May when Emman revealed he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

The online content creator started making videos on YouTube in 2011 then became popular in 2017 after his parody videos went viral on the internet.

Emman's YouTube channel "EmmanNimedezTV" has over 2 million subscribers and has also more than a million followers on Facebook.

#emmannimedez

THE VOICE TEENS PHILIPPINES SEASON 2

08.20.20

THE VOICE TEENS SEASON 2 CONCLUDES WITH AN UNEXPECTED TWIST - ENDS WITH FOUR WINNERS

For the first time in the history of the reality show "The Voice," (or maybe in any reality show), there isn't just one grand champion crowned but 4 grand champions. Winner from each team were declared grand champions of The Voice Teens Philippines Season 2, namely, Heart Salvador (Team Bamboo), Kendra Aguilar (Team Sarah), Cydel Gabutero (Team Leah) and Isang Manlapaz (Team Apl).

Due to the ongoing quarantine and other constraints, ABS-CBN opted to have the finale via online virtual competition held last night, August 16, wherein the finalists performed from their own homes and unexpectedly, instead of crowning one grand winner, it was decided to have all the winners from each respective team collectively as Grand Champions. They will receive Php 500,000 cash and a brand new house and lot for each of them.

The show was hosted by Luis Manzano and Alex Gonzaga together with online anchors Kaladkaren and season 1 grand chamnpion Jeremy Glinoga. This season's coaches includes Leah Salonga, Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo and Apl.de.Ap.

Congratulations!

8.15.20

THE VOICE TEENS PHILIPPINES OPTS FOR VIRTUAL FINALE

Due to the ongoing quarantine, The Voice Teens Philippines Season 2 opts for virtual finale, similar to American Idol Season 8 held 3 months ago.

12 teen artists will be performing from their own homes in their quest to become the grand champion of “The Voice Teens” Season 2 this weekend (August 15 and 16) to be aired on Kapamilya Channel.

In tonight's semi-final rounds held earlier, 8 Artists performed coming from Team Bamboo and Team Leah. Coach Bamboo revealed his score for his three artists, as follows:

Rock - 25

Kate - 35

Heart - 40

Coach Apl.de.Ap gave his scores to Leah's artists with Cydel getting the highest:

Cydel - 40

Alexia - 35

Kristian - 25

Artists from Team Sarah and Apl.de. Ap will perform tomorrow and the grand champion will be named tomorrow as well.

8.2.2020

The knock-out rounds is halfway through as Team Sara and Team Bamboo have already chosen their respective team roster heading for the semi-finals live show.

Last night Coach Bamboo named the remaining two young artists who will represent his team in the semi-finals. Rock Opong and Kate Campo joins Heart Salvador (who was chosel in last week's episode) and interestingly, all the three are alumni of The Voice Kids from previous seasons and also had Bamboo as their coach (except from Rock).

Team Sarah will be represented by Andre Parker, Jaylloyd Carche and Kendra Aguirre. The final 3 from Tam Leah and Team Apl.de.Ap. will be revealed tonight.

Fof the semi-final round, each contestant chooses their own song and performs individually, and the top two vote-earners on each team automatically advance to the finals. To fill the final position on their team, each cost selects one of their remaining artists to move on to the final phase of the competition.

07.26.29

TEAM SARAH WRAPS UP

Andre Parker completes the line up for Team Sarah for the semi-finals and joins Jaylloyd Garche and Kendra Aguirre.

Andre edged out the contesero from Sultan Kudarat (Jhon Van) and Las Pinas' bet Ceejay. Andre is also the choice of three other coaches.

THE VOICE TEENS KNOCK-OUT KICKS OFF

Two groups from Team Sarah have already performed and the last one will be aired tomorrow which will have Andre Parker of Antipolo pit against Jhon Van Lapu of Sultan Kudarat and Ceejay Castillo of Muntinlupa. It will be a toss-up between Andre and Jhon Van. May leak ba?

I thought Ryan Dave had it, but Coach Sarah chose Jaylloyd Garche instead. Mukhang mas exciting ang Team ni Coach Bamboo.

Update:

The Voice Teens Philippines
Concludes with a Big Steal

This week's battle rounds may not be as intense compared to the previous two weeks, nonetheless it's still a great week, highlighted by the impressive performances of Dave Baguio (Bukidnon) and Andrei Eusebio (Cavite) as the two dished out their version of "Ordinary People" by John Legend. Right after the two performed, the show's host Luis Manzano went on stage and said in jest "Ang sarap...parang pinakingan ko lang sarili ko."

Coach Bamboo and Coach Lea chose Dave while Apl de Ap picked Andrei, but in the end, Coach Sarah (a.k.a. Kutsara) selected Dave to advance to the knock-out rounds. But it didn't end there as Coach Lea used her "steal element" and opted to save Andre, who now becomes a member of her team for the knock-out rounds.

Drei Sugay and Matt Reyes performed "Mad" (by Neo) but to the disappointment of his screaming fans, the NGSB heartthrob from San Juan lost to the curly haired R&B romantic of Las Pinas. Daming fans ni Drei, pwedeng mag artista 

Update:

Rock Opong finally made it through and advances to the knock-out rounds. Rock competed in The Voice Kids when he was 8 but lost in the battle rounds. He went on to compete at Asia's Got Talent last year and landed at the semi-finals and received praises from no less than the global musical genius himself and hit-maker David Foster. Now 13, the young musician, who owns more than a dozen guitars, is back and continue his musical journey. He was pitted with Zamboanga's Darwich Villarin at the battle rounds and won. But it's not yet over as he will still compete with his co-camp kawayan team members at the knock-out rounds. At the end of the knockout rounds, the strongest members of each coach's roster proceed to the live stage shows.

The battle rounds will conclude next week and will see UST heartthrob Drei Sugay compete against his co members of Apl.de.Ap Team.

Season 2 of The Voice Teen Philippines premiered last February and luckily ABS-CBN was able to tape the early rounds of competition a month ahead of the crazy lock-down due to pandemic.

This season is loaded with lots of talented aspiring young artists and watching the battle rounds is like watching the finals itself with coaches rattled as to who they'll pick to advance to the knock out rounds.

Previous battle round episodes were filled with a bit of drama as coaches took advantage of the steal option to save deserving contestants. Among them were 13 year old Kate Campo who lost to JayLloyd Garche and 3 coaches battled to save her from going home.

Last night saw another interesting episode with another steal. Andre Parker beat Hana Adriano but the latter was was saved by apl.de.ap.

     

When it comes to entertainment business in the country, no one comes close to ABS-CBN. The network has mastered how to get the public attention notwithstanding the denial of their franchise renewal by the current administration.The power of social media come to their rescue. It’s a pity because the network has produced some of the country’s biggest stars, blockbuster films, and the networks’ soap operas has come a long way, aired not only in the region but as far as Peru and Colombia in Latin America, Kazakhstan in Central Asia and Ghana in Africa. GMA's soap operas are also catching up.

PINOY VIEWERS EMBRACE BL SERIES

BL or "Boy's Love" series gains ground in local entertainment specially during these times wherein people in quarantine are looking for new materials to explore and keep them busy at home.

Black Sheep, a subsidiary of ABS-CBN, took chances investing the new genre, inspired by the success of Thai BL series "2Gether" and casted Tony Labrusca and JC Alcantara to star in its initial BLseries offering titled "Hell Stranger." BL is often 

BL series online gains ground in local digital entertainment especially during these times wherein people in quarantine are looking for new material to explore in this age of digital world.  

Black Sheep productions, a subsidiary of ABS-CBN, took chances investing the new genre, inspired by the success of Thai BL series “2Gether,” and casted Toni Labrusca and JC Alcantara to star in its initial BL series offering titled “Hello Stranger.” Boys Love is often construed as a gay themed genre or close to bromance, though not necessarily sexual or whatever.

"Hello Stranger" premiered on June 24 an is now on its second episode which is trending at no. 6 on YouTube.  HS also stars Gilian Vicencio, Vivoree Escrito, Patric Quiroz, and Miguel Almendras.  BL hit peak popularity among Filipino viewers with the Thai BL show "2gether" which is now dubbed in Tagalog  and will be aired on ABS-CBN's cable and online platforms.

SARAH G'S "TALA " IS MOST VIEWED PINOY MUSIC VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

Sarah Geronimo marked another milestone in her career when her song "Tala" became a viral hit early this year.  The viral dance craze song also entered the US Billboard charts at 12th spot and made it to Spotify Global Viral 50.  The song was released in 2016 and popular among LGBT community, however it resurfaced with a big bang early this year and became a viral dance craze sensation.  It must be noted that "Tala" had only like 15M views last year and jumped to 143M views in just a few months after it became viral, dislodging the monster hit "Buwan" (by JK Labajo. 

Live performance on Wish 107.5 channel and lyric videos are very popular on YouTube.  In fact, "Tala" ranks second only to the lyric video "Kahit Ayaw Mo Na" (by This Band) which accumulated over 233M views, however, this is classified as a lyric video and not an official music video.

Michael Pangilinan's "Bakit Pa Ikaw" is currently leading on  Wish 107.5 channel, followed by "Akin Ka Na Lang" (by Morissette Amon), "Mundo" by (IV of Spades) and "Pauwi na Ako" by O.C. Dawqs.

"Kahit Ayaw ko na" by This Band leads the pack for Lyrics Video with a staggering 223M views, followed by rap songs that includes  "Zebbiana" by Skusta Clee, "Pauwi Nako" by O.C. Dawqs ft. Yuri Dope, "Oks Lang Ako by JRoa and "Bulong" by December Avenue.   Obviously YouTube has become the perfect avenue for new talents to showcase their talents and be discovered.

"Dahil Sa'yo" by Inigo Pascual is close to reaching 100 million views while "Dati," a 2013 hit song by Sam Concepcion and Tippy dos Santos, continue to receive raves from local and Asian fans. I think there's growing popularity of Filipino songs in Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. Kpop may be prominent in Asia but when it comes to ballad, I can say that singers from the Philippines are unparalleled in the region.  A lot of foreign music aficionados are doing music video reactions targeting Filipino artists as their subject such as Michael Pangilinan, Morissette Amon,  Darren Espanto, Daryll Ong and the TNT Boys.  TJ Monteverde and Marc Carpio are two of the underrated artists and they don't get enough exposure on TV compared to other artists who often do covers than sing their own songs. 

New emerging popular bands like Ben & Ben, The Juans and IV of Spades, continue to impress local audience with their brand of music elevating OPM to a new level.

In light of this worldwide pandemic, let's just stay positive and take care of our health. Keep safe everyone.  

  

ANOTHER LEVEL FOR MAINSTREAM OPM

Some popular new breed of OPM artists hardly appear on TV but thanks to social media, these artists get to connect to their followers through their fan page, vlogs and other digital platforms, and mind you, their music videos even get more views on youtube than those of established singers. Among the country's superstars, only a few like Sarah Geronimo hit more than a hundred million views on YouTube, but that was only after her song "Tala" became a viral hit and "Tala" now join the league of monster hits like "Buwan" and "Mundo," as one of the most viewed music videos on YouTube."
Acoustic star TJ Monterverde and fast-rising band The Juans promote their tracks and gigs on social media accounts capitavating savvy millennials with their brand of OPM that is quite engaging, easy on ears and better sounding contemporary music. Another artist who is starting to make a name is rapper JSE. His song "Pinagpalit" is popular among millenials and massively mimicked by Tik-Tok users.

What is interesting about contemporary OPM is their catchy and uplifting lyrics echoed by the songs' catchy vibes and cool tune.Social media has played a big role in the careers of new artists and they don't necessarily need to hire influential managers to get exposure on TV for as long as they hit it big on social media, making it the medium for exposure to promote music. TJ Monteverde's songs like "Tulad Mo, "Karera," may be underrated but has a quite big following on YouTube, ditto for IV of Spades' "Dulo ng Walang Hanggan" and "Take That Man," Unique's "Sino" and a lot more.According to Spotify, the top 3 most-streamed tracks by local artists in the country are "Mundo" by IV of Spades, "Kathang Isip" by Ben & Ben, and "Tagpuan" by Moira dela Torre.
Two impressive song that deserves attention are Darren Espanto's latest single "Sasagipin Kita" and Inigo Pascual's "Catching Feelings." Darren displays a remarkable growth as an artist now that he's approaching adulthood and Inigo's "Catching Feelings" continue to enjoy airplay (thanks to Skycable commercial). It's a pity that James Reid is involved in lots of negative write ups. The actor-singer recently created his own music label and perhaps he should stay away from negativity which is not doing any good to his music career.

I wished new artists are given more exposure on TV like ASAP but as it is, watching ASAP is like watching the same artists week after week, singing outdated songs and most of the regular mainstays like Gary V, Martin Nievera, and Zsa Zsa Padillla have been with the show for like five decades now. Call it "staying power" and this indeed a big accomplishment but ASAP has to go also with the times and audience deserves to see new mainstream artists on ASAP stage. We also get the feel that ASAP ig getting to look like a mini Regine and Ogie show. We even see Ogie doing millennial stuffs performing alongside with Inigo Pascual and Darren Espanto doing a song and dance number and it's not funny No offense meant, as Ogie is a great composer and a good singer as well (with big hit songs to his credit). Presumably, many established artists have big contracts with the show but I guess there should be a balance in the choice of repertoire and exposure from different artists. I wished JR, Michael Pangilinan and Sam Concepcion would also enjoy the same exposure given to Erik Santos, Jed Madela and company.

OPM has gone a long way and is alive and kicking, sounding better and broader reaching a new level of identity that embodies the new generation and looking better than ever. It is also note to mention that even neighboring countries look up to local artists. If K-Pop did it, Pinoy music can also penetrate the Asian market, why not.

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FANS OF KAPAMILYA CELEBRITIES HOLDS PRAYER RALLY TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR ABS-CBN'S FRANCHISE RENEWAL

Hordes of fans, clad in red, blue and green shirts held placards saying "No to ABS-CBN Shutdown" and lit candles outside ABS-CBN compound along Esguera Street, to their support for the renewal of ABS

-CBN franchise which will expire on 04 May 2020.

Spotted among kapamilya fans were Vilmanians from VSSI group, Kathniels, Popsters, Maywards and the likes. Footages of the prayer rally were broadcast early this morning on UKG and ANC.

Congress has yet to tackle the issue amidst dozen of bills filed by Solons that includes Deputy Speaker Vilma Santos-Recto, author of House Bill 4305. Deputy Speaker Rosemarie Arenas, Rep. Doy Leachon, Laguna Rep. Sol Aragones among others.

 

LOCAL CELEBS AND DIGITAL NOMADS FINDS VLOGGING A LUCRATIVE PASTIME

More and more local celebrities are hooked into vlogging and a number of them have already received golden play buttons, meaning - they have reached one million subscribers.   Among those who have reached one million benchmark are Vice Ganda, Alex Gonzaga, Judy Ann Santos and Kim Chiu.  Obviously it's easier for them to attract subscribers given their popularity and stature. Star vloggers like Will Dasovich and Lloyd Cadena are comfortable with more 2 million subscribers.

The Philippines is fast-becoming one of the world's  favorite hub for digital nomads and foreign vloggers. Some stay in the country for good; among them are Kulas (Canadian), Finn Snow (Icelander), Bisayang Hilaw (American) and The Hungry Syrian to name a few.  Non-resident foreign vloggers  slip out of the country for a few days and then come back to renew their visa for them to stay longer and gain more subscribers.  Consider the 10 million Filipinos overseas who turn to Youtube for their pastime and cure their homesickness, so obviously there's a big market and Filipinos are generous subscribers.   Advertisers pay when one clicks an ad or watches for 5 or 30 minutes, however if no one watches the commercial, vloggers don't get a penny at all.  Another vlogging style that has evolved is the "Reaction Video" which is increasingly becoming a popular fad.  People finds entertainment and comfort from the commentaries and reaction on videos they are familiar with and again, I have to say that Filipinos are easy target to gain subscribers.  We see a lot of video reactors who praise Filipino artists and to a certain extent, some come up with  exaggerated reactions and looks so unnatural  - just to win Filipino subscribers.

On a positive note, these foreign vloggers are doing an amazing job on the side, and helps boost the country's tourism industry and a few like Kulas and Finn Snow, have in fact, collaborated with local tourism officials and mind you, both have already appeared on national television.  An American traveller who is fondly called "Bisayang Hilaw" speaks fluent Bisaya.  Foreigners are amazed not only with the beauty and breathtaking scenery of the Philippines but  also the distinct and warm hospitality of the country which they call the new home.