5 Years of "Princess And I"

5 years ago, we premiered what was to become the “Most Successful Teenserye of Our Time” on primetime television, Princess And I. The show was such a gamechanger, it changed the lives of the people involved in the serye, most importantly its lead stars. From lesser known yet promising teen stars, Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla and Enrique Gil have turned into this generation’s superstars both on TV and movies, while Khalil Ramos has transitioned into one of the Philippine movies’ most critically lauded young actors.

I feel so privileged to have been part of this serye’s journe. From its humble beginnings as a concept, to its finale that reached 39% in the ratings, I was there. Looking back, we all took a leap of faith in and for this – a “princess story” on primetime  teleserye was something new that time. And we had newcomers for lead stars. We weren’t sure, but we were so hopeful. We had faith in our material, and our young, fresh cast. By God’s grace, and your support, we made it 10 months on air, even peaking at 41% in the ratings game. And apart from being my first in ABS-CBN, it remains as my most favorite among the series I've been part of.

In honor of this ground breaking teenserye’s 5th anniversary since it debuted, let me share some of the most unforgettable moments I had on the set with our stars, which today can be considered “gems” already… Memories I will treasure for the rest of my life. Back when Kath, DJ, Kali and Quen weren’t the superstars and acclaimed actors that they are now.

Wait, I admit, while I’m typing this entry, I’m listening to the serye’s theme song “Nag-Iisang Bituin” is on repeat. Legit tears are now streaming down from my eyes.

Each of them had respective hectic schedules then, having them together in one workshop was nearly impossible. This was the first, and last time the four had a workshop together for the series. I was just so excited to see them together finally. 

The four lead cast really shared a beautiful working relationship during “Princess and I”. In fact, up to this day, they’ve remained really good friends. This photo was taken after Enrique, Khalil and Daniel played basketball at our St. James set, while Kathryn was taping her own sequences. Ang gugwapo at ang fresh! =P

Visiting Khalil and Kathryn at our Marikina Riverbanks set. This was one of our earliest tapings, and Kiko and Mikay’s scenes were the first to be shot. Kath and Kali instantly hit it off as friends on the set. Cute na cute kami kay Khalil that time, he was like our baby brother. 

I dropped by our Tierra Pura set to have this gho arranged by our wardrobe mistresses for my graduation pictorial then. This was one of those used by Quen (as Dasho Jao) in the series. He was laughing and teasing when he saw me wearing it, but he was helpful he even taught me how to wear it. It looked simple, but was complicated in reality. And it felt hot wearing it. 

At our Enchanted Kingdom set, while waiting for the rain to stop. Remember when I appeared on the serye as that ticket guy who refused Daniel’s (as Gino) entry to the amusement park, prompting him to wear that unforgettable Blue Bear mascot? This pic was taken an hour before we taped it! And I remember DJ being so supportive of me in that scene. 

I visited our Hotel Rembrandt set, where Gino and Mikay’s first dance was taken. And afterwards, Kath and I had this photo op. Guess who took it? Daniel lang naman! 

Wish Granted For JoshLias!

Two Thursdays ago, as I was preparing for my weekly “A Love To Last” online companion show stint at the Star Cinema office, someone just broke in to our room to watch her scenes on the series: JULIA BARRETTO. I was shocked. Even my co-hosts were.

And Julia was not alone… She was with Joshua Garcia, her ka-loveteam in the MMFF 2016 breakout hit “Vince and Kath and James”. I casually asked them why they were there. I was informed of what was coming up. Of course, I am not allowed to reveal it yet that time.

Yesterday, the cat is finally out of the bag. Star Cinema officially revealed JoshLia’s next project: a movie to be directed by Tonette Jadaone, no less.

Green hearts spread all over social media as fans of these two’s pairing have been requesting non-stop for a project featuring JoshLia. They are doing separate projects on TV: Julia is in “A Love To Last” where she is paired with another VKJ leading man, Ronnie Alonte”, while Joshua is about to wrap his “The Greatest Love” stint and will figure in a love triangle with Janella Salvador and Elmo Magalona in an upcoming serye. Putting Julia and Joshua together seemed impossible… Until this project came. Answered prayer, as some of their fans put it.

Details about the film are still in the wraps, but according to Direk Tonette, he was surprised to see Joshua in tears as she was pitching the story to him. “Na-feel ko yung sincerity niya. Ang bilis niyang nakapasok sa character niya,” the box-office director revealed. She is also appreciative of Julia’s gesture and trust on her as the film’s director and screenwriter. “Sabi niya, ‘Direk, when you write, don’t worry about my image, of what I can or can’t do’,” Direk Tonette shared.

This exciting and, for sure, kilig offering is expected to hit theaters later this year. So let’s ready our JoshLia hearts for another movie event we wouldn’t really want to miss!

AC: From Dance Sweetheart to Total Performer

Today and tomorrow, the cutest and biggest transformations happen as the Grand Showdown of "Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids" happens.

After 13 weeks of exciting yet feel good competition among 8 charming and talented young stars, we will finally get to know who will follow in their Ate Melai Cantiveros' and Ate Denise Laurel's footsteps of being the pinaka- "ka-face" and "ka-sound" of some of the most iconic singers and performers, foreign man or sariling atin.

My personal favorite among the 8 contestants would have to be AC Bonifacio, half of the former Lucky Aces dance duo, which won Dance Kids' grand prize almost two years ago. Not only because I'm actually close to her, but more so, through the weeks that we've seen them perform and impersonating, AC has successfully proved that she's more than just this awesome dancer - she can be a total performer! A really entertaining one, who can follow in the footsteps of Pops Fernandez and Sarah Geronimo as concert royalties and most admired total performers, given the proper training and rightful breaks.

To show you guys HOW GOOD AC really is, and to prove that she's worthy of our votes in this weekend's YFSF grand showdown, I've compiled 5 of what I consider her best impersonations in the shows, which earned the judges' and the viewers' appreciation and admiration of her talent and determination to make ot through the finish line of this top-rating reality show.

1. As Janet Jackson

2. As Usher 

3. As Gwen Stefani 

4. As Gloria Estefan 

5. As Sandara Park

So who would AC be on her last, and probably most challenging transformation? Find out tonight (at 7:15pm) and tomorrow night (at 7pm) on "Your Face Sounds Familiar" Grand Showdown, airing live from the Resorts World Manila! 

Can't Help Falling In Love With KathNiel

What I consider one of the most unforgettable moments I had during my promo days for Pangako Sa 'Yo was the siksik, liglig at umaapaw na series of mall shows we did during our finale weekend. Estimated total of 24,000 were in attendance, meaning roughly 6,000 people were in each of the 4 malls we visited. At hindi biro ang mga numerong 'yun. Record-breaking. Yung isa pa sa mga yun, muntik na naming hindi ituloy sa sobrang dami ng tao. We were scared of the possible stampede and/or damage sa mall. Proof that Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla's magic, individually and as a pair, remained still and strong, amid the words then spreading that the 6-year old loveteam's popularity was already waning, given the rise of other hit onscreen teamups, especially that one from the other network.  

I had the chance to check out KathNiel's first mall show for their upcoming film, Star Cinema's summer offering, "Can't Help Falling In Love". in Trinoma yesterday. Not to my surprise, jampacked at punung-puno ang Activity Area ng mall. Parang deja vu lang from the last one I saw featuring the two. Ang sigawan, tulakan, siksikan, kilig... Walang pinagbago. Na kahit anong gawin nila, level na ngumiti o kumaway lang si Daniel o magsalita lang si Kathryn on stage, o kahit naglalakad lang sila o paalis, matinding reaksyon na from the audience ang kapalit. May mga humabol pa talaga sa parking lot para makahabol sa dalawa.

Present pa rin ang mga fans na ginawang moshpit ang pwesto near the stage, na hindi na talaga napigilan o nagawan ng paraan ng security. Yung mga umiiyak at nagmamakaawa na makapag-selfie lang o makahawak lang sa kamay nina Kathryn at Daniel. Ang mga placards, posters at tarpaulin na kung anu-ano, pero mostly entertaining at amusing, ang statement at laman. Yung may gumagawa ng paraan, makalusot lang at makapasok sa siksikan ng venue. Yung mga sigawang hindi mo na maririnig ang kinakanta o sinasabi ng KathNiel on stage. Buti na lang at walang hinimatay... Muntik lang. I also saw familiar faces - mga supporters na since "Princess and I" ay masigasig nang sumusunod sa lahat ng ganap ng KathNiel, kahit saan, kahit kailan. May mga galing pa nga sa malalayong probinsya. Masulyapan lang ang paborito nilang loveteam, sobrang happy na nila.

Ang maganda naman e, gumagawa talaga ng paraan sina Kath and DJ na mag-reach out sa mga tagahanga nila, kahit gaano pa kadami. Kaya siguro they can't help but fall in love with the two... Mababait at appreciative talaga sila sa suporta at pagmamahal na nakukuha nila all these time.

These sights only proved one thing: that KathNiel magic lives on. They're still the country's premiere love team. And it may really take a while bago mawala ito o humupa ito. I mean, 6 years is no joke. Ang ibang loveteams, after one project, or maximum of three years, naghihiwalay na. Kanya-kanya na, at may iba nang kapareha. Ang KathNiel, may movie at serye pang parating, at inaabangan. At ang support system nila from their fans, very solid. One of, if not the most solid in this generation. More importantly, once I described it, sabay naggu-grow sa industriya ang fans at ang KathNiel.

This Summer, muli tayong pakikiligin ng King and Queen of Hearts sa takilya - ang kanilang pagbabalik sa romcom genre na somehow na-miss natin nilang gawin. Marami na ang naiintriga sa kakaibang kwento ng "Can't Help Falling In Love", even some of my friends are asking kung bakit naging ganun ang kwento, at ikinasal sina Gab at Dos nang hindi pa naman sila nagkakakilala o nagtatagpo at all. Well, kahit ako ay excited nang malaman ang sagot. Kaya 'wag nating palalampasin ito, as the film opens in cinemas on April 15, Black Saturday. This is directed by box-office and kilig director Mae Cruz-Alviar kaya for sure, mage-enjoy tayong lahat!

Julia Barretto: An Actress To Last

I've always known and believed that Julia Barretto is really a great actress in the making. Aside from the fact that she comes from the Barretto clan, remarkable for their acting geniuses onscreen (especially Claudine, who was a teleserye royalty for so long), she was able to show us her promise as a child star (a decade ago) when she took part of several TV series like "Walang Kapalit" and "Kokey". As a teenager, she made a successful TV comeback through her teleseryes "Mirabella" and "And I Love You So".

Yet, admittedly, there was still this sort of detachment of Julia from the casual viewers. Some thought she was too pretty to play dramatic characters. Others even had this belief that she was too "sosyal" or glam for teleserye acting.

But it was in last year's Metro Manila Film Festival when people actually started to take good notice of her maturity and versatility as an actress, thanks to her "Vince and Kath and James" performance which won her praises from the moviegoers, and even a Best Film Actress award from the 2017 Platinum Stallion Media Awards. She successfully and willingly shed off her glamorous, hard-to-reach persona, and broke those walls that might have prevented some people before from seeing who she really was as a performer and a personality. Julia proved that she can also be this simple yet lovable and endearing leading lady we can relate and connect to. Fans have even started rooting for her team-ups with Joshua Garcia and Ronnie Alonte, with whom she shared the bill in "Vince and Kath and James".

These days, we can't help but praise Julia more with her outstanding performance in the nightly top-rating serye "A Love To Last", where she plays the usually calm, understanding and kind-hearted Chloe Noble. The recent episodes of the series though have been showing Chloe's character in different dimensions: one of a young woman who has fallen in love deeply to her best friend Tupe (played by Ronnie) who is in love with someone else, and the other of that protective daughter (of Ian Veneracion's Anton) who feels betrayed after finding out that her debut party organizer Andeng (Bea Alonzo), whom she treated like an elderly sister and friend, is actually her father's girlfriend. These developments in Chloe's character are allowing Julia to show her depth and range as an "actress to last", transitioning fluidly from calm and restrained to emotionally charged.

I've collected those five scenes which I think, by far, are Julia's best in "A Love To Last", ranging from the most kilig to the most emotionally stirring. We can surely look forward to more of these kind of scenes from Julia as the serye's twists and turns are getting more gripping and compelling these days, and we have to watch out with how Chloe would deal with each of these, especially her character's debut party is coming up, which is one of the series' most awaited highlights.

1. The first time she met Tupe, which was awkward, weird and unlikely, but somewhat kilig.

2. When Chloe caught Tupe in her hotel room, maliciously thinking that he had done something to her.

3. When Chloe opens up to Anton about her feelings for Tupe. Awkward, but really touching father-daughter moment, 

4. When Tupe reads his love letter for Jenna to Chloe, which was so hurtful for Chloe. 

5. And of course, who can forget that moment when Chloe confronted Andeng for feeling so betrayed when she found out that Andeng is her father's girlfriend. 

19 Wishes For Janella

HAPPY 19th BIRTHDAY JANELLA!!! 

Seryoso, parang kahapon lang yung bonggang 18th birthday celebration mo. Hindi pa nga ako makapaniwala then na 18 ka na talaga. You’re growing up fast, but gracefully and beautifully. May steady loveteam ka na nga o! (Hello Moe-ya Elmo Magalona!) Napakalayo na ng narating mo at marami ka nang napatunayan. Opportunities and recognitions most girls your age are still dreaming of, or working hard for to reach. At naabot mo ang mga ito because of your talent, determination and faithfulness in God and His timing. 

Alam mong mahal na mahal kita, kahit madalas tayong di magkita. O minsan ang gaga o ang tanga ko na sa paningin mo because of my choices and ever, ever hopefulness. Pero dahil super special day mo Moya, I came up with this list of 19 special wishes for you. Mga bagay na gusto ko, at naniniwala akong  mararating mo dahil sa husay at sipag mo. Mga pagkakataong gusto kong ma-enjoy mo for yourself, at kasama ang mga pinakamamahal. At mga panibagong adventures that would allow you to discover more of yourself and those people around you. 

Moya, now you’re 19, I wish… 

1. More bonding time and travels for you and your lil’ bro Russell, at ng iyong mama na si Tita Jenine. I know how much you love them, and you’re doing all these for the love of your family. 

2. You get to have some “me time”, as in all by yourself, in a faraway place. Para mag-relax. Magmuni-muni. To explore. To have fun. 

3. You eat more (especially pizza) and satisfy your cravings without getting fat. Challenge di ba? But how do you actually stay fit and thin? Kainggit ha,.

4. Mas makasama mo pa ang iyong friends, from showbiz man or not, sa mga lakaran at galaan. More time with them! Though napansin kong mas home buddy talaga. 

5. Mas marami ka pang mga pets na maalagaan at mahalin. I see how you love your dogs and cats. Family talaga. And you are so compassionate towards them, especially the stray ones. You think of them especially kapag hindi maganda ang lagay ng panahon. Kung pwede lang silang iuwi lahat… 

6. Maging top-rater ang iyong upcoming seryeng “Kung Kailangan Mo Ako”. “Born For You” was a hit. I know and feel that this will be a bigger one. 

7. Maging certified box-office hit ang first ever movie niyo ni Elmo together, ang “My Fairy Tail Love Story”. Excited to see you play a mermaid on screen. Alam kong isa ito sa mga wishes mo, growing up being fond of Disney movies. 

8. Umabot sa multi-platinum status ang iyong debut album. Kung keri na diamond, why not? Para magka-second, third kahit hanggang 50th album pa. You have such a beautiful singing voice. Marami kaming hindi magsasawang pakinggan ang mga kanta mo.

9. That you get to stage a concert in a bigger venue this year. OK na ako sa Kia Theatre, or Araneta. Kayang-kaya mo yan! 

10. One day, you actually get to do singing parts for a full length Disney animated movie. Parang si Lea Salonga lang sa “Aladdin” and “Mulan”.  You’re a step closer to it. 

11. You get to star in a big musical stage play production. “Little Mermaid” levels like KC Concepcion. Or if Broadway-level, Cosette o Eponine of “Les Miserables”. Nakikita kita sa mga ganun, girl.

12. Matagal ko ng gusto ito. I-record mo uli ang “Hindi Ako Si Darna” ni Tita Jenine.

13. At pagbidahan mo ang isang heavy drama serye titled “Hindi Ako Si Darna”. “Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig” levels. 

14. In time, they herald you with the “MultiMedia Princess” title because deserve na deserve mo, being one of this generation’s most versatile and most talented young girls.

15. You write a book. How to be you. Seryoso. You’ve got so much in you, and sharing them with girls your age, and even younger you, can be really helpful. You’re one of the smartest and wisest girls I know. You always say the right words. 

16. Mas magkaroon pa tayo ng time sa isa’t isa. Plano tayo ng plano, puro drawing naman. Hahaha! But I understand naman na busy ka, at ako rin. So… Magkita at mag-bonding na lang tayo sa set ng projects mo. I miss our chikas, heart-to-heart talks… 

17. Mas humaba pa ang pagsasama niyo ni Elmo. Nalagpasan niyo na yung getting to know stage. Nasubok na rin kayo, at napagtagumpayan. Now it’s time you enjoy each other’s company and friendship, and mas pahalagahan ang pagmamahal na nakukuha ng inyong tambalan. If this leads to something deeper, only God knows and you two can answer. We will just be behind you, supporting, cheering for and guiding you every step of the way. 

18. Magka-boyfriend ka na. About time. Alam kong maha-handle mo ito ng maayos because you know your priorities. He will serve as your inspiration, not distraction, in reaching your dreams. Si Elmo ba? Sana. I believe in him. I know he will be good for you. Naks. 

19. Maging masaya ka lang, Moya. Sa lahat ng sinabi ko at hiling ko for you, it all boils down to your happiness. You’ve worked so hard all these time, and you’ve been so good to us… Deserve mo ang lahat ng happiness na pwedeng ibigay ni Lord at ng universe sa ‘yo. 

Lessons in Life from Enrique

 Today, Enrique Gil is 25 years young. 

Yes, I refuse to use the word old because through the years that I have known and have worked with Quen, he remains young at heart, and in mine. Yet, he's one of the most matured and wisest people I met not just at work but in my life. He's the type who really put into words and actions what he has learned through all these work and personal experiences he has and continuously have. When he talks and moves, you'd listen or look at him, and may napick-up ka na from him agad.

Dahil birthday niya, and in a way thank you ko sa kanya for being such a good friend and confidante through all these time that we've worked together, and kahit di ko siya ka-trabaho, let me share with you my learnings from Enrique. Mga aral na na-verbalize, ipinakita niya, and eveb those na di man niya sinadyang sabihin o nakita, na-pick up mo by just being with him and hearing beautiful stories from those who have been with him in work, or even just random moments.

Never be afraid to love, and get hurt. 

For the past 5 years, Enrique has been one of my love gurus, as I put it. Everytime I need a straight guy's point of view pagdating sa mga nararamdaman ng puso ko, sa kanya ako tumatakbo. I remember nag-start yan during Princess and I's pictorial five years ago. Nagki-kwento lang ako kay Khalil ng mga thoughts ar pinagdaraanan ko in loving a really close friend, when he suddenly shared his own experiences and learnings. From then on, he would ask how I am when we'd see each other. He would listen, then give advice. When I fell out of love with this friend, then started falling in love with another guy, isa siya sa mga nakaalam agad. The most memorable advice he gave to me was, "damahin mo yung pain", everytime I would get hurt because through that raw, I'd be stronger. And it is a proof na nagmamahal ako, indeed. But then he also constantly reminds me of knowing my worth, that I don't have to chase the right one for me 'cause he would come. Parang siya lang? =P

Patience is a virtue.

Before becoming the Enrique Gil that he is now, roller coaster din ang pinagdaanan ni Quen career-wise. Kahit nga ako mismo, noong una, hindi convinced sa kaya niyang i-deliver as an actor and a performer. But he was that determined to reach for his dreams. Pinatunayan niyang "Patience is a virtue", that the right time for his big break would come. He worked hardly for what he has now, hindi lang basta inihain sa kanya. The rewards of his determination and patience were "Princess And I" and "Forevermore". And may bonggang bonus pang Liza Soberano na dumating sa karera at, well, personal niyang buhay. Oha oha!

Kindness goes a long, long way. 

Never akong nakarinig from our co-workers, fans and even random people ng kahit anong masama o reklamo about Quen. Hindi naman ako nagulat kasi, that's who he really is kasi. Marunong makisama, magiliw sa tao and he makes sure everyone around him is OK. When at work, he's a team player. Hindi pa-star. He would talk to anyone, walang pili. Pag puyat at pagod ang lahat, siya rin. He values everyone working with and for him. Humaharap siya at nagpapa-picture sa mga fans at supporters who take time just to see or visit him, kahit pagod yan o may pinagdaraanan. Mahirap i-peke yan lalo na pag di gumigiling ang camera. He really is one of the kindest ans most compassionate people I met in the industry. Yun ang isa sa mga reason why he has gone this far industry. Kindness and pakikisama goes a long, long way.

Be man enough. 

Tumaas ang respeto ko kay Quen when, publicly, he admitted he was at fault in an untoward incident that happened almost 2 years ago. When he could just have denied it and move on with his life, or kept his peace, he chose to be man enough to face his mistakes and its possible consequences. Even if it may take toll on his already blossoming career that time. It helped as well that people who matter to him, especially Liza, stayed by his side through that tough time.  That setback didn't really affect Quen's career at all. Quen, on his part, learned so much from it. This only proved that we have soft and forgiving spot for people, especially men, na umaamin sa pagkakamali sincerely, at bumabawi afterwards. We just love honest and unpretentious men.

Chivalry still exists.

Sa mundong maraming feeling gwapo at feeling licensed na makapanakit ng, o mag-take advantage ng mga babae (at mga bading) na may gusto o interes sa kanila, Quen is a living proof na may matitino pa ring lalaki. At ito, totoong gwapo. Yet, whenever we're together, hindi niya ipararamdam 'yun sa akin. He'd let you know and feel that he's just like everyone else. Normal. Hindi perpekto. Chill lang. Pwede mong kausapin. Makulit. Manunukso. And very gentlemanly, kahit minsan may mga nakakalokang jokes yan na ikagugulat mo at itatawa mo lang. You always look forward to seeing him, visiting him, kasi hindi lang may mapapala ka from him na mabuti, but every conversation or just simple moments with him, there's a takeaway afterwards. And I see kung paano yung gentlemanly ways niya kay Liza everytime they're together. He really makes sure that Liza is okay and feeling comfortable. You will see the concern and care in his words and actions. He's himself, and he's becoming a better and better man each day he's with Liza. Nagagawa nga naman ng LOVE. Kaya naman kahit maraming nahuhumaling sa ganda nitong si Liza, si Quen pa rin ang nagwawagi sa puso niya. NAKS!