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more exposure on TV like ASAP but as it is, watching ASAP is like watching the same artists week after week, singing outdated songs and most of the regular mainstays like Gary V, Martin Nievera, and Zsa Zsa Padillla have been with the show for like five decades now.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. 

"MINDANAO" and "WRITE ABOUT LOVE" : A TALE OF TWO NARRATIVES #MMFF2019

MINDANAO

Produced and Directed by Brillante Mendoza

Starring Judy Ann Santos and Allen Dizon

Looking at the title itself suggests that this is a movie about the region itself, but to be more precise,  it’s about the story of Saima  (played by Judy Ann Santos), relentlessly coping up with the ordeal  of taking care of her cancer stricken daughter  while her husband (played by Alen Dizon) is away,  serving the country as combat medic deployed somewhere in Mindanao. Saima travelled to Davao to seek help from an institution called "The House of Hope," a charity foundation that helps and shelter children with cancer. On her way to Davao, Saima went through strict scrutiny at checkpoints by armed soldiers patrolling the area, indicative of Martial Law rule in the region.   

Saima's family struggle is juxtaposed through an animated Maguindanaon (or is it Maranao?) folklore about the  two  prince, Rajah Sulayman and Rajah Indara Patra, sons of Sultan Nabi, who fights to stop a dragon devastating Lanao.  The animated sequences are continuously inserted throughout the movie, leaving viewers startled whether it was related to the story itself.  The narrative form of  story telling may not be appreciated by viewers but this is how Mendoza chose to convey his message about Mindanao, indirectly as it is. Mindanao in modern scenario, is a diverse and multi-racial region; home to about 40 different ethnic groups that includes indigenous tribes of Maranao, Maguindanao, the Lumads, the Manobos and the likes, each with distinct culture and language.  To depict a region with a folklore from within a region does not necessarily represent the whole of Mindanao, perhaps a more aptly titled movie would leave no questions asked instead of using Mindanao just to catch attention.

In an effort to depict Mindanao's Muslim culture,  some elements were inserted in the movie including cultural dance competition, muslim burial and traditional way of praying.  There are also some misconceptions e.g. Saima’s daughter was buried, not in a cemetery, but in an open place which contradicts Muslim culture.   The colorful vintas is more akin to the badjaos of Zamboanga and not the Maguindanoans (correct me if I wrong).  Upon seeing his dead daughter, Alen Dizon recited “La Illaha Illallah” (There is no God but Allah) albeit incorrectly pronounced likewise the name Aisa should be pronounced "Aaisa" or "Ayesha," not a shortened Aisa as most Filipinos pronounce it. I should know because I a Muslim from Mindanao.  The war scenes looks one sided without showing the enemy and yet we can hear people saying “Allahu Akbar” (meaning God is Great).  In this war torn place, every Muslim is treated as a suspect or a terrorist and sad to say, war atrocities continues. 

Without a doubt, Judy Ann Santos and Alen Dizon gave outstanding performances however,  I wished Brillantes find  a more appropriate title for his epic other than use Mindanao in an absurd way but nonetheless, the movie is worth watching after all, it merited the best picture award in the just concluded MMFF 2019.  

WRITE ABOUT LOVE

Produced and Directed by TBA Studios

Directed by Crisanto Aquino

Starring Miles Ocampo, Rocco Nacino, Joem Bascon and Yeng Constantino

Another movie that attracted my attention is “Write About Love.  The film tells the story of Joyce, a budding scriptwriter who tries to shift from selling her clothing designs online, to another passion on the side.  Her script “Just Us” got the nod of a major film outfit, described as “maintreamish” by one member of the screening committee, however, she was told to re-write it as there is already a movie currently showing its trailer with similar twists. A seasoned writer (Rocco Nacino) was commissioned to work with her to re-write the script and they were given 30 days to submit the final script.  There, the two writers discovered each other,  working on a script with two main characters in mind (played by Joem Bascon and Yeng Constantino) making it look like a movie within a movie.  The two often argues but time was running out and Joyce has to submit the final script in less than a week. Sub-plots and endless revisions follows and they have yet to come up with the final ending.

The movie gives us insight about scriptwriting in a contemporary setting however the lack of onscreen chemistry of the four actors somehow gave  a lesser impact as the audience seemed quite with very minimal reactions.  I guess I was looking for that cinematic feel good movie and it's like..... it's almost there, but not quite. Popular singer Yeng Constantino debuts as a film actress and won the best supporting actress on her first try. Her performance wasn't bad but I feel there are other artists who deserves the recognition.  The movie is still worth watching so let's give it a shot.

MICHELLE DEE, CROWNED MISS WORLD PHILIPPINES 2019

Michelle Marquez Dee, 24, from Makati City was crowned Miss World Philippines 2019 Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum.  Michelle earns the right to represent the country for Miss World 2019 slated on the 16th of December in London, England.  Michelle stands 5'10" and is an advocate of helping children with special needs.  She is also into photography and sports like motorbiking and does boxing to keep her fit.

Like her famous mom 1979 Miss International Melanie Marquez, Michelle is also a top model.  Will she also win an international crown like her mom?  Unlike Miss Universe, the Philippines has only one Miss World titleholder (Megan Young) though there were a couple of 1st runner-up placements (1973 and 2011).

#missworldphilippines2019
#michelledee

STARMAGIC BALL 2019 STUNNERS

Once again ABS-CBN held it's annual Starmagic Ball attended by Kapamilya stars and other celebrities including 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, held at Shanri-La The Fort, Taguig City.  This year, the ball will benefit the "Bantay Edukasyon" program of Banta Bata 163, which airm to grant scholarships to children in need and celebrities wore Filipiniana inspired dress and barong

Richard Gutierrez and Bea Alonzo were named Best Dressed of the Night.  Bea wore a single sleeve modernized black lace terno with slit designed by Jun Escario while Richard wore a  Barong Taggalog with modern twist.  Richard and partner Sarah Labhati were named Couple of the Night.  Other winners were chosen by sponsors.

Other stunners were Liza Soberano, Kathryn Bernardo (who wore a Michael Cinco gown), and Julia Barretto.  .The LGBT community were represented by Vice Ganda and teen gay youtube sensation Aura Briguela.  Vice wore two outrageous outfits but didn't get much attention. Another youtube star and ex-PBB housemate Fumiya Sankai wore a Japanese inspired barong.  

Netizens and ssome sites chose Liza Soberano and Kathryn Bernardo as the best dressed for female while Francis Magundayao and Johsua Garcia are among the best dressed male celebrities.

Photos courtesy of ABS-CBN, Mega Magazine and Rappler.com.
#ABSCBNBall2019

                  

VICE GANDA REPLIES TO SENATE PRESIDENT TITO SOTTO’S RANTS VS TRANSGENDER AND SOGIE BILL

The controversial issue resurfaced when Gretchen Custodia Diez, a transgender woman who was prevented by a janitress from using women’s restroom in a Cubao mall in Quezon City.   Diez took a video of the encounter which enraged the janitress who dragged her to the security room.  Diez was detained by the cops, handcuffed and shamed.  Diez says "I didn't think that I will be treated like a criminal." The incident went viral and the transwoman was asked to air her side at the Senate and issued a statement urging President Duterte pass the SOGIE Equality bill.  

“Mister President, naumpisahan na natin. Sana ipagpatuloy na natin ang pagpapasa sa SOGIE equality bill (Mister President, we already started it. I hope we follow through with the passage of the SOGIE equality bill),” Diez said in a press briefing at the Quezon City Hall.

Senate President Vicente Sotto II AKA Tito Sotto issued his stand on the COGIE Bill which draws mixed reactions from Netizens.

"If you are a man, you will never be a woman, no matter what you do, because you cannot reproduce. You cannot give birth, you do not have ovaries. You will never be a woman. So this, to me, the SOGIE Bill is a bill against women's rights." – Senator Tito Sotto

TV-Host and Unkabogable Gay Superstar Vice Ganda posted on his IG his response to Senator Sotto’s rants against transwomen and this is what he had to say:

Joke po ba ito Hon. Senate President Tito Sotto ??? Sinasabi nyo po ba na naniniwala kayo na ang pagiging BABAE ay nasusukat lamang sa pagkakaroon ng obaryo o matris at sa kakayahan lang na mabuntis o magka-anak? E paano po yung mga nagkaroon ng matinding karamdaman at tinanggalan ng obaryo? Di na po ba sila BABAE? Wala na ba silang karapatang tawaging BABAE? O bumaba na ba ang uri ng kanilang PAGKAKABABAE? Paano din po yung mga baog at walang kakayahang magka-anak? Ano po sila? Di na din sila BABAE? Mga wala na ba silang kwentang mga BABAE? At paano naman po yung mga BABAENG choice nila na wag mag-anak dahil ayaw nila dahil sa kanilang mga personal na rason? Di na din ba sila matatawag na BABAE? Paano din po yung mga BABAE na may obaryo pero pinayuhang wag magbuntis dahil sa medikal na kondisyon at maaring mameligro ang kanilang buhay? Di na din sila BABAE? Ano na po sila? Paano din po yung mga BABAENG may obaryo pero wala pang anak dahil ayaw naman nilang magpatira kung kani kanino? Ano na sila? Parang ang baba naman po pala ng tingin nyo sa mga BABAE. Naniniwala po ako na ang mga BABAE ay BABAE di dahil sa obaryo at sa kakayahang bumukaka at umire. Sila ay BABAE dahil sila ay BABAE. At MAY HALAGA sila may matris man o wala, magbuntis man o hindi,may anak man o wala dahil sila ay ay TAO at sila ay BABAE. Sinubukan ninyong maliitin ang konsepto ng pagiging TRANSGENDER sa paraang tinapakan nyo rin ang dignidad ng mga tinatawag nyong TOTOONG BABAE. Paumanhin po HON. SENATE PRESIDENT."  

ARE FILIPINOS READY FOR SOGIE BILL?

SOGIE is an acronym for the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Equality Bill.  The SOGIE BILL is also known as the Anti-Discrimination Bill (ADB). Accordingly, the bill was first filed in 2000 by the late Senator Defensor Santiago and former Akbayan Party-List Represetative Etta Rosales.  The bill passed the 3^rd reading in the House of Representatives but stalled in the Senate.  Similar measures were filed by other Senators in the 15th and 16th congresses which failed to see progress.^[3] The bill was re-filed by Defensor-Santiago in every congressional period in the Senate until the end of her last term in 2016. The counterpart bill in the House was also filed continuously by the representatives of Akbayan party-list.

It is intended to prevent various economic and public accommodation-related acts of discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.^[1] The current versions of the bill are championed by Kaka Bag-ao, Geraldine Roman, and Tom Villarin in the House of Representatives, and Risa Hontiveros in the Senate. The version in the House of Representative passed its third reading most recently on September 20, 2017, but died in the Senate.^[2] It has been refiled for the 18th Congress.