ElNella returns to teleserye, and debuts on the big screen!

Following the success of their top-rating serye  Born For You last year, Janella Salvador and Elmo Magalona will soon be back in another teleserye which we can look forward to watching anytime this year - ABS-CBN and Dreamscape's Kung Kailangan Mo Ako. 

NLex

McLisse

Joshua

ElNella will be joined by two other promising loveteams in the series: NLex (Nash Aguas and Alexa Ilacad), and McLisse (McCoy De Leon and Elisse Joson). Completing the teen cast is Joshua Garcia, who have scored countless praises for his two recent on screen outings: Vince and Kath and James on the big screen, and The Greatest Love on TV. 

The main cast of "Kung Kailangan Mo Ako"

They will also be joined in KKMA by respected and seasoned actors Mylene Dizon, John Estrada and Eula Valdez, who is making a comeback on a Kapamilya teleserye. 

ElNella with Regal Films' matriarch Mother Lily Monteverde,
and "My Fairy Tail Love Story" director Jun Lana.

And we can also look forward to, not one, but two ElNella movies this year! Aside from their Star Cinema film, which the shooting is ongoing and the details are still under wraps, they will also star in Regal Films' My Fairy Tail Love Story, to be directed by Jun Lana, fresh from the success of MMFF 2016 breakout hit Die Beautiful. 

We can look forward to a busy and blessed 2017 for this loveteam we have come to love the past year, especially for Janella who will be turning 19 by the end of this month!

* Photos courtesy of Johnny Delos Santos. Maureen Belmonte, Aileen Buela and Dreamscape Entertainment. 

A Sexier, Fiercer Kathryn on ASAP

Kathryn Bernardo's sexy and fierce advanced birthday production number in ASAP last Sunday seemed like a declaration that the she is indeed all grown up.

Together with G-Force, who also choreographed this number, Kathryn set the ASAP stage on fire as she danced to "Never Forget You".

The former Teen Queen, and now Queen of Hearts is turning 21 years old on March 26. And as a gift to her loyal followers through the years, her new movie with loveteam partner Daniel Padilla, "Can't Help Falling In Love" comes out in cinemas on April 15 (Black Saturday). She and Daniel are also set to topbill the upcoming fantaserye, "La Luna Sanggre", to air anytime this year.

Here's the link to Kathryn's remarkable ASAP dance prod:

Kathryn's Trending Birthday Prod in ASAP

This Girl Will Always Find A Way

Kisses and I reunited at Star Cinema office
just days after her PBB victory. 

Two Thursdays ago, I was surprised to see PBB Lucky Season 7 Teen Housemate and 2nd Big Placer Kisses Delavin at Star Cinema office. I was to do "A Love To Last" online companion show that night, while she was there, along with some of her fellow housemates and some other teen stars.

What I didn't expect was how emotional that encounter between me and Kisses would turn out - for some reason, we actually ended up teary-eyed. She kept thanking me for all the support I gave her during PBB stint, while I was so elated to see her looking happy after several months of her physical and emotionalroller coaster ride inside Kuya's house.

When Kisses won in ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards late last year.

To think that when PBB Teen Edition was just starting late last year, I wasn't really interested on her. I just knew she was this beauty queen from her province, and that she tried doing workshops under Star Magic. But while I was doing my research for an article I would write for No Ink that time, I noticed something... She was actually following me on Instagram. I was shocked. Why?I started asking around about Kisses, and there I found out that she actually played a bit role early last year in KathNiel's "Pangako Sa 'Yo", where I was a digital media coordinator.

I started following Kisses' journey closely on PBB afterwards. I was curious. I wanted to know her more, and why she had this growing fanbase.

Kisses won me over after I saw that episode, where she cried to Kuya, confessing her "unrequited" feelings for housemate Marco Gallo. I found myself crying with her, especially when she said that now PBB classic line, "laging hindi pinipili." She didn't get my sympathy... I empathized with her. I know the feeling. But she earned my admiration when I saw how she handled her feelings so well and gracefully. I felt like, between the two of us, I was the younger and immatured one.

First time to meet Kisses. 

I would always remember that first time I met her - at ABS-CBN's Trade Launch in November. They were out temporarily of Kuya's house while the regular housemates edition was ongoing. When she saw me for the first time, she was struggling to remember my name. But she was holding my hand tightly. "Kilala po kita sir," she kept on saying. When I told her, "I'm Princess France, you're following me on Instagram", she hugged me right then and there. I remember telling her how much she touched my heart with her journey inside Kuya's house - how she really embodied the traits of what Filipino teens are these days, in good and admirable ways.

From then on, everytime we'd bump into each other in ABS-CBN, we would catch up and talk to each other like we've known each other for a long time. I remembered she even asked me on ASAP, "kumain ka na po?", a gesture I found really sweet and comforting.

Then early this year, she had to go back inside PBB house, to be part of Kuya's Dream Team. I haven't really had the chance to say goodbye or wish her well, but I knew she knew how supportive I was of her.

Bumped into Kisses in ABS-CBN.

She may not have won the Big Winner title, but for us, Kisses was already a winner the moment she made it to the Big 7. It was tough - we all saw how real the struggle was inside Kuya's house, I must say. The housemates, and even the viewers, had already gone stressed especially during the reality show's final stretch. But Kisses made it through, and shone the brightest as she proved how worthy she was, not just as a housemate, but as this teen who was true to her feelings and actions from start to end. It wasn't easy admitting her insecurities and shortcomings, and her feelings for someone that won't just go away... But Kisses did it, and how.

A bigger battle awaits for her and the rest of the Teen Big 4 now that they're out of PBB, and are starting respective careers in showbiz, where everything is uncertain. But as one of my favorite Britney Spears' songs say, "this girl will always find her way". Kisses always finds, and will surely find a way. She will make it big. 

Why We Love "Love In The Moonlight"?

I admit, I'm not a big fan of Korean Dramas. In fact, the last I saw on television was "Angel Eyes" (starring Ku Hye-Sun and Lee Sang-Yoon), the Filipinized version, which aired on ABS-CBN two years ago. I've seen a few  which aired locally and were translated in our vernacular, like "My Girl", "Princess Hours", "Lovers In Paris", "Three Dads With One Mommy", "That Winter The Wind Blows" and "Boys Over Flowers". I actually found them beautifully and solidly written and executed - the strengths of most Korean Dramas we've fallen in love with all these years.

On March 6, "Love In The Moonlight" made its premiere on ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida block, to high anticipation of KDrama fans and casual televiewers. I got curious of  the series because of its premise and its ancient Korean setting, I tried to stay awake to see its premiere telecast. The next I knew, I already found myself hooked to watching it nightly, even posting about it on my social media accounts. The positive reviews I've received from friends who have seen it already, and the reviews I've read prior were all right - "Love in the Moonlight" is a drama most worthy staying up late for!

So what makes "Love In The Moonlight" special that we shouldn't miss a single episode of it? Here are some of my reasons:

Park Bo-gum and Kim Yoo-jung

1. A prince falling in love with a commoner is a story most likely we've grown tired of watching all these years. But what makes LITM entirely different is its set-up and twists: A commoner pretending to be a man, and the prince falling in love with someone who he thought is of same sex. And to further complicate the situation, they lived in this period in history where ancient rules and traditions were strictly followed especially for those of royal blood. What makes this relatable to the viewers is its universal and contemporary theme - love wins, regardless of time, status and preference! Though the series is political in several plot points, televiewers can still identify with it, especially in its young characters' respective plight.

The youthful main cast of "Love In The Moonlight". 

2.   The show's lead stars, Park Bo-gum and Kim Yoo-jung, playing Prince Lee Yeong and commoner Hong Sam Nom/Hong Ra On respectively, are so good looking on screen even in those seemingly heavy and hot, yet colorful and eye-pleasing costumes. It also helped that they have equally pleasant looking support cast in  JinYoung and Kwak Dong Yeon that makes LITM a certified eye-candy. But above anything, it's Bo-gum and Yoo-jung's undeniable chemistry that shines through in the entire series, making them oh-so-worthy of that "Korea's Breakthrough Loveteam of 2016" title.

Hong Sang Nom in that daring dance, which trended nationwide. 

3. In teleserye-writing, we have these three "turning points", as we call it - big plot points in the entire narrative that heighthen a series' development. In LITM's case, the first turning point happened in last Thursday's episode, when Hong Sam Nom secretly transformed into her real self - a woman, and danced in front of the Royal Family and constituents in a celebration, to save Prince Lee Yeong from still unseen forces trying to bring him down from his throne. It's a very critical plot point as it brought that risk of Lee Yeong and his silent enemies of discovering Hong Sam Nom's daring yet punishable disguise. And there we saw Lee Yeong's interest, perhaps "love at first sight" in a woman he oddly sees in Hong Sam Nom, in disguise as man.   

Pretty Kim Yoo-jung as Hong Ra On, who
looks so beautiful as a girl.

4. Watching LITM is also a learning experience, as we get to learn the culture and history of Korea, a country most of us have come to love because of their KDramas and KPop music. In one episode, I got curious of a Royal Concubine, as portrayed by Lady Park in the story, I actually researched about it.

Park Bo-gum as the prince we all have come to love.

5.  ABS-CBN has this beautiful track record of translating and dubbing Korean dramas to Filipino, to make it more appealing to and convenient to watch for our masa and casual viewers, who are religious viewers of our local teleseryes. And it helped LITM is using Yeng Constantino's highly popular "Ikaw" as theme song for its local airing, with Korean sensation Yohan Hwang singing the Korean/Filipino version, playing heavily on the background as the series progresses.

The kissing scene we have yet to see!

Don't miss the series everyone's talking about these days! "Love in the Moonlight" airs on Primetime Bida, weeknights at 10:15pm, after "A Love To Last"

Jerome Ponce Is Back On "Ipaglaban Mo"!

February 21. After class, I headed to Nasugbu, Batangas to visit Jerome in his taping for "Ipaglaban Mo" episode titled "Sementado". It actually took me 4 hours to get into the location... There's this long, bulubundukin way pa from the proper city before getting there. Thank God I made it few hours before sunset!

Had the opportunity to catch up with Jerome by the seaside while waiting for his take, and before sunset. I just found the view amazing. And spending a sunset with a really good friend in such a beautiful, peaceful place is just an amazing experience. And while he was on take, or resting in the holding area, I would just roam around and enjoy listening to the waves and the other sounds produced by the sea. So refreshing. Wish I could do it again soon, since it's officially summer season!

#IMsementado tackles the case of a pretty barrio lass named Lisa (played by Barbie Imperial), who was found dead and cemented, that is, in a friend's house. Did Kiko (Jerome) kill her out of so much love and obsession, or is it his friend and co-worker in a cement factory Dado (played by Enzo Pineda) who is guilty of the crime? Directed by Ludwig Peralta, the episode airs this Saturday, March 18 after "It's Showtime" at 2:30 PM.

Here's the trailer of the episode:

And here are some of the exclusive photos I took during the taping. I'm very proud again of Jerome as he delivered another remarkable performance in this episode. This is his third for "Ipaglaban Mo", and it's looking to be his most compelling so far for the drama anthology.

They're Just 2 Cool 2 B 4gotten!

Good news to all those who missed this film last November! 

Cinema One Originals 2016's Best Picture 2 Cool 2 B 4gotten is returning to the big screen on March 15, this time on a wider release, thanks to Star Cinema. The critically acclaimed coming-of-age flick tells the story of Felix, a regular teenager from Pampanga, who experienced many firsts in his life after he met Fil-American boys, brothers Maxim and Magnus, in school. What sets this apart from other teenage movies or TV shows that we see is its setting in Olongapo, during its heyday in the 90s, and the use of Kapampangan language (subtitled in English) in most of the scenes. 

During the film's media conference for its re-release, we had the chance to catch up with the lead stars Khalil Ramos, Ethan Salvador and Best Supporting Actor Awardee Jameson Blake, and asked them how they would want to be remembered and not forgotten, not as their on screen characters, but as who they really are. Here are their interesting and brilliant answers: 

Khalil: 

Jameson:

Ethan:

Sino ang BIG WINNER sa PBB Lucky Season 7?

 Aminin, we both loved and hated this season of Pinoy Big Brother. And after 8 months on air, makakahinga na tayo ng maluwag because this weekend, makikilala na natin ang rightful Big Winner ng PBB Lucky Season 7. After all the stress, rants, inis, tuwa, tawa, ka-relate moments that we post on social media... Finally, Ariel happened to us! 

But before tayo umabot sa finish line, siyempre, tayo bilang viewers at fans ng reality show na ito that has been a part of us for more than 12 years, magde-decide through text vote kung sino ang sa paniniwala nating deserving sa titulong Big Winner. This season though, can really be so unpredictable.  

Of course, lahat tayo may kanya-kanyang bet/s. Kahit ako, bumuboto talaga at vocal sa social media as to who I am rooting for. But that doesn't mean na, I hate the other housemates. Mayroon na kasing ganung baluktot na paniniwala ang ilang netizens these days, unfortunately. Meron at meron lang aangat sa panlasa natin. Pwedeng dahil naka-relate tayo sa kanya, nakita natin ang sarili natin, or he/she touched your life in ways na inexplicable. For those who still hold on to the reality show's core premise, they go for those na sa nakita nilang nagpakatotoo. 

But for the sake of objectivity, and ako bilang someone naman na trying my best to be fair sa aking mga opinyon, here's my rundown of those who made it as part of the Final Lucky 7 housemates na umabot, at tutungtong sa Big Night this weekend, and why I think each of them is worthy of the Big Winner title. I hope somehow this helps in your decision-making as to who you will spend your cellphone load for in voting. 

BB KISSES

I am very open in saying, I am rooting for her. Though naartehan ako at di ko siya naintindihan nung umpisa, she eventually grew in me because I saw an honest young woman in her. Ang refreshing niyang panuorin sa loob ng bahay. She won me over when she admitted her feelings for fellow housemate Marco, who at that time was (or still ba?) feeling something special for another housemate, Vivoree. Her heartbreaking "laging hindi pinipili" ng taong mahal has become one of this season's highlights. Maraming naka-relate, most especially me. And during the trurth or lie task, we saw a true to herself Kisses: nai-insecure, naiinggit, mahina, nagkakamali... Hindi masama. Taong-tao lang siya. She actually embodies the typical teenager of this generation. But the best part of her is that, how she handles everything, especially that unrequited love she is still harboring, but trying her best to hold back, with grace and maturity. 

BB YONG 

Isa pa siya sa mga favorite ko. I voted, and will surely vote for him. Many may say, naaawa ang tao sa kanya dahil mahirap siya. Ano naman kung maraming naaawa sa kanya? Psra sa akin, you won't feel that towards someone if hindi mo siya nakikitaan ng something na would touch your heart.  He surely embodies that typical masa boy, na mula sa mahirap na pamilya, pero maraming pangarap sa buhay we always root for sa mga reality shows. But for me, he's more than that. Maraming mahihirap na pumapasok sa PBB, pero hindi lahat kinakapitan like Yong. At ako, sobrang humanga ako sa kanya when he once said, non-verbatim, "mahina ang utak ko, pero lalaban ako". We love people, especially younglings like him, na lumalaban sa buhay at para sa mga pangarap. They're good role models, kahit may mali minsan. Another notable thing about him inside the house is, hindi siya nagkaroon ng loveteam, so somehow you know that his battle is for himself and his family na ngayon ay umaasa na rin sa kanya. 

BB MAYMAY

She is arguably this season's champion ng masa. Her features, her nuances, her thinking... A reminder of a younger Melai Cantiveros who was a Big Winner years ago. Though hindi na-highlight masyado ang social status niya, most likely dahil sa masayahing disposition niya, what endeared her to me and some of the viewers is her pagiging fan ng mga artista. Bilang isang fan din, hindi mo mafe-fake yun e. Yung reaksyon niya everytime she sees a celebrity... Priceless. Totoong-totoo. But I see na mas napalapit siya sa tao when she was paired with Edward. She's a Cinderella. Don't get me wrong, I mean no offense, but she is this ordinary girl who found a prince charming inside the house. Thus, maraming nagmamahal at nakaka-connect sa kanya at si Edward. And it helped that Maymay, especially during the first months, showed her optimistic, bubbly and cheerful side that made her lovable to fans and PBB viewers. 

BB EDWARD

During the earlier episodes of this PBB season's Teen Edition, I saw and liked a kind, friendly and calm Edward. He has this maturity that makes him a standout and potential leader among his batch. But when he started getting linked to his fellow girl housemates like Maymay, Heaven and Kisses, what I started seeing, and liking more about him, is his gentlemanly ways. Hindi ko naramdaman at all na taking advantage siya of what he could gain from being paired with these girls. Fans ng loveteams ang araw-araw nag-aaway, sa totoo lang. And during tasks, he always tries his best to deliver. And he succeeds. I see a sincere, determined young man in Edward, who will definitely go places in whatever path in life he chooses to take. 

BB TANNER 

He reminds me so much of Superman/Clark Kent. His looks, physique and stance are standout. But what I like most about him during his stay inside the house is his guts. He may look and sound stubborn to some, but for me, he is just this guy who wants to get things done as efficient and effective as possible. And what endeared me to him is his "gentle giant" persona, which we saw during his brother Tyler's short but unforgettable stay. Yes, a guy as gwapo and macho as him can be a good family guy. Ideal boyfriend and husband material si Tanner. Hope he finds the lucky one for him after PBB. Could it be Yassi Pressman? 

BB CORA

I admit, inis ako sa kanya at some times. She sounds so bossy kasi at times. Maybe ganun talaga siya magsalita. I could be misinterpreting her. But she earned my respect last weekend when, after it was announced na siya ang pinili ng sambayanan through text votes to be part of the Final Lucky 7 housemates over Elisse, we saw how sort of hindi masaya ang housemates sa resulta, only a few approached her to congratulate her. Not taking it against them though. But she handled that moment with so much grace and brevity, kahit hindi madali. It was like she was saying, "like it or not, I made it guys!" And I like her pagiging straighforward at prangka. Pak na pak ka girl!  

BB HASHTAGS

How I wish, given naman na maraming mechanics at rules na nabago na sa kabuuan ng PBB, na ginawa na silang individual housemates, rather than as one. Magkaiba man sa maraming bagay, but both McCoy and Nikko are housemates to root for. Though mas na-define si McCoy ng season na ito ng kanilang moments ni Elisse sa loob ng bahay, we still saw a persevering and determined McCoy especially during tasks. And personally, I didn't take it against him if hindi niya tinake ang "lie detector challenge". He's an artista na kasi. And naiintindihan ko ang kagustuhan ng mga tulad niya to protect, not his sole privacy, but his family's and those around him. I just hope the viewers and non-fans of him and McLisse understand it the way I do. While si Nikko, nakakatuwa kasi siya talaga ang unang nagpakatotoo sa loob when he admitted na may anak na siya. At sa totoo lang, hindi nabawasan ang paghanga ng mga supporters sa kanya... Mas dumami pa nga. And all the more we rooted for him dahil alam nating ginagawa niya ito para sa kanyang anak. When most are kilig sa McLisse moments sa HongKong, ako naman ay natutuwa when Nikko had the chance to bond with his baby sa Disneyland. 

Vote wisely mga Kapamilya! And abangan ang PBB Lucky Season 7 Grand Finale this weekend (Saturday and Sunday), live from Alonte Stadium in Laguna, at sabay sabay nating kilalanin at salubungin ang bagong Big Winner ni Kuya!