Like No Other

I have fond memories of being part of “Bridges of Love”.

I remember when I was assigned to do the hashtags for the serye, just days before the pilot episode aired, it was as if a “sign” telling me to stay in ABS-CBN then, when I wasn’t sure of what would happen next. I actually got the text when I was in a church. I had hesitations, because most of my projects ranged from teen to young adult series. But I took it as a challenge… In fact, when I read the pilot script the night before the first episode aired, I fell in love with it. I looked forward to how the production team and actors would give life to a story which was true to its promise of being “like no other”.

By mid-way of our airing, the Digital Coordinator/Online Promo person of the show resigned so I had to assume the responsibility. My job went beyond just creating hashtags, and making them trend on social media. I actually credit “Bridges Of Love” for teaching me how to do daily artcards, and type captions on social media to make the serye worth looking forward to nightly. Suddenly I became a full-pledged online promo person.

With the leading leading men of "Bridges Of Love",
Paulo Avelino and Jericho Rosales.

The show’s supporters were steadily growing – we had a following! In fact, there was Team Buto (in favour of Jericho Rosales’ Gael) vs. Team Kape (for Paulo Avelino’s Carlos Antonio) as to whom Mia (Maja Salvador) should end up with. And our ratings went as high as 28%, when Carlos Antonio finally revealed to Gael that he was his long lost brother, in front of the woman they both loved, Mia. The reactions were so overwhelming. We had a hit – an unexpected but hoped one.

With the geniuses behind this serye like no other,
headwriter BJ Lingan and directors Richard Somes and Will Fredo,

Working on the serye paved way as well to friendships I still keep at this moment. There’s our Executive Producer, Krystal Sioson, who has become an “ate” to me. Our bosses, BUH Ms. Des Tanwangco, Creative Manager Sir Henry Quitain and PM Ate Myleen Ongkiko, The hardworking AP Ate Therine Diquit, amd Production Assistants, especially Pam, Janille and Mich, who have been so generous in sending and updating me the materials I needed to do my promo. Of course, the promo people, Kuya Mico, Ate Kathrina, Kzia, Ate Lota, Joanne, Jayvee and James who have become family to me. And there’s the Creative Team, led by Kuya BJ Lingan, who was even asking for my input and comments on the episodes we aired. And of course, our directors par excellence Richard Somes and Will Fredo, especially Direk Richard who would really take time talking to me everytime we’d see each other on the set and/or in ABS-CBN.

Maja is one of the kindest artists I've worked with.

It was a great pleasure too working with Maja Salvador, Paulo Avelino, Ate Carmina Villarroel and Jericho Rosales, even for just a short span of time. During my set visits, I would be amazed with how they would transform into their onscreen characters, as if it was easy as changing a piece of clothing. They were so good, I would be in awe. Even if I would just watch them on monitor or TV.

First picture with Grae Fernandez, who was then fresh
from playing teen Carlos Antonio in the serye,

“Bridges of Love” also introduced me to Gimme 5’s Grae Fernandez, Mark Anthony Fernandez’ son, who became and remains one of my closest friends in showbiz. He started out really young in the series. Now he’s fastly growing up, bound to be one of the next important leading men of TV and movies. And his short but marked appearance in the series opened bigger doors opportunities for him.

Surprised on the set by the staff  of "Bridges of Love" on my birthday last year.

Most memorable for me was when the production team surprised me with a cake on the set for my birthday, while I was covering Mia’s supposed wedding with Carlos Antonio.

I’m just proud that the serye we worked hard on for 5 months (and more for the production and creative teams) is nominated in this year’s International Emmy Awards under the Best Telenovela category. What a great addition to its growing list of achievements, which includes a successful run in Peru ("Puentes De Amor" via PanAmericana). This is something I would carry on with me wherever the road leads me… That I was a part of something that is, truly, “like no other”.

Congratulations, “Bridges of Love” family! Win or lose, though I would wish and claim victory, making it this far is the best award for all the hardwork and love we put into the serye. <3 

Paulo and Mr. Edu Manzano taking instructions from Direk Richard Somes

Maja as Mia on the set.

Ang Diary Ng Mga Ganap - September 30

"Ang Babaeng Humayo" herself Charo Santos at the film's
Asian Cinema Premiere

Two big local films opened this week! First is Cinema One Originals’ “Ang  Babaeng Humayo” starring Ms. Charo Santos and John Lloyd Cruz, which had its Asian Cinema Premiere last Tuesday at UP Town Center, attended by some of our country’s top directors, screenwriters, actresses like Bea Alonzo and Iza Calzado, and Ma’am Charo herself. The 3-hour Lav Diaz-directed film noir won the Golden Lion Award at the recent Venice Film Festival.

Alex Gonzaga and Joseph Marco at "My Rebound Girl" premiere night.
Photo courtesy of Aileen Buela

The other one is Regal Films’ “My Rebound Girl”, starring Alex Gonzaga and Joseph Marco, who were teamed up previously in the top-rating TV series “Pure Love”. Present during its premiere night last Tuesday at SM  Megamall were Regal’s matriarch Lily Monteverde, teen star Loisa Andalio, and Alex’s sister, Toni Gonzaga, with husband Paul Soriano.

Toni Gonzaga and Paul Soriano at the premiere night of "My Rebound Girl".
Photo courtesy of Regal Films

Speaking of Toni, the Ultimate Multimedia Star just gave birth early this morning (at 5:23am) to a healthy, 7.2 lbs baby boy named Severiano Elliott, Paul posted on social media. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Paul Soriano!

Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco live on "Magandang Buhay" earlier.
Photo courtesy of Darla Sauler,

"Magandang Buhay" went live earlier for two announcements on host Melai Cantiveros' life: First, she and husband Jason Francisco have settled their differences and reconciled. Second, she is 10 weeks pregnant with their second child! Here's to an even Magandang Buhay Melai and Jason! 

Sam Milby, Angel Locsin and Zanjoe Marudo during "The Third Party" Media Launch
Photo courtesy of Star Cinema

On October 12, love surely wins as Star Cinema releases “The Third Party” starring Angel Locsin as the “third party” to gay lovers played by Sam Milby and Zanjoe Marudo. During the film’s media party launch last Wednesday, the three expressed excitement over this project, which gives importance and value to our LGBT community. Angel and Sam have worked together in “Only You” TV series in 2010, while Angel and Zanjoe were together in 2012 MMFF entry “One More Try”. Sam and Zanjoe figured in a love triangle with Toni Gonzaga in “You Got Me” back in 2007. This is the first time the three will be together in a film, which is directed by Jason Paul Laxamana.  

The main cast of "Ang Probinsyano" during the show's
first anniversary presscon last night.

ABS-CBN's leading primetime teleserye, "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" turned one year old last Wednesday! As a gift to its loyal viewers, the show will hold a thanksgiving show on October 8 at Araneta Coliseum. And the Coco Martin topbilled serye will move to its next chapter, with the reveal of who killed Cardo's twin Ador coming nearer, and a tragedy that will change the lives of our characters, especially the villains'. 

Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo at MOR 101.9
Photo courtesy of MyChos

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla’s latest movie, “Barcelona”, has already grossed more than P200 million in local cinemas as of September 25. Fresh from their photo shoot in Iceland, KathNiel appeared on “It’s Showtime” and on MOR 101.9 last Wednesday to thank the moviegoers for the continuous support, now that their movie is on its 3^rd blockbuster week in cinemas.

Enrique and Liza start shooting new movie under Direk Cathy Garcia-Molina

Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil have started shooting for their upcoming Star Cinema film, as posted by Direk Cathy Garcia Molina on her Instagram account.

Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto and Ronnie Alonte shoot for
"Vince, Kath & James"
Photo courtesy of Theodore Boborol

Cameras are rolling as well for another upcoming Star Cinema film, with the working title “Vince Kath & James”, starring teen stars Julia Barretto, Ronnie Alonte and Joshua Garcia, directed by Theodore Boborol (of “Be My Lady”).

Miho Nishida and Tommy Esguerra at #IMPangako pocket presscon.

Real life couple, ex-PBB housemates Miho Nishida and Tommy Esguerra will be guesting together for the first time in Ipaglaban Mo, airing tomorrow afternoon. One thing to look forward to in this episode is their first onscreen kiss! That would be exciting, right ToMiho supporters?

Jerome Ponce now on his way to Albay.
Photo from Jerome's Instagram account

Jerome Ponce will be in the coronation night of Binibining Sto. Domingo in Albay, happening 7pm tonight at PGRCC.

Airing at 4PM today on Knowledge Channel (available via cable and ABS-CBN Digital Box) is #Estudyantipid with Sharlene San Pedro, Jairus Aquino and Gimme 5's Joaquin Reyes. Don't miss it! 

4 in 1

Sue Ramirez. Kristel Fulgar. Loisa Andalio. Maris Racal. Four of the most talented young stars today, na malalapit sa puso ko, ay magsasama-sama sa isang Digital Concert this weekend, ang “Double Hearts”, to showcase and share their talents sa pagkanta. 

Sue will always be special to me – siya si “Ligaya” ng buhay ko as I put it, dahil nagkatrabaho kami sa “Pangako Sa ‘Yo” where she played Joy, who had unrequited love to Daniel Padilla’s Angelo. Sue knew how much I related to her character, and how I longed to work with her. Galing na galing at gandang-ganda ako sa kanya, “Angelito” days pa lang. At nakilala ko siya when she was paired kay Khalil Ramos, a really good friend of mine, sa “Annaliza”. I’m so happy she’s getting the breaks she truly deserves, like this digital concert.

My fondest memory of Kristel naman was hating her as a child star dahil effective siya as Wilma sa “Ma. Flordeluna” about 9 years ago. When we got to work in “Got To Believe”, doon ko nakita that she is really a nice young lady with bonggang talent not just sa pagkokontrabida at comedy, kundi sa pagkanta rin. I remembered her and Sue doing videos during PSY days. Kaya naman tuwang-tuwa ako when her videos went viral. The world finally saw and appreciated what Kristel can offer as an artist!

I didn’t like Loisa during her PBB stint. Pero it turned around when we were introduced and later became friends when she was doing “Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita”, and recently sa mega-hit na “Wansapanataym: Candy’s Crush” with my favourite Jerome Ponce. I realized how sweet and kind Loisa is. At napakasipag sa trabaho, go lang ng go. Inaaral, and she really puts her heart sa lahat ng ginagawa at binibigay sa kanya. Kaya di na ako nagulat when this new opportunity to showcase her singing came.

Kabaligtaran naman. super love ko si Maris during their PBB season nina Loisa. Cute na cute ako sa kanya, and I instantly loved her singing voice. Pero ang nagulat ako ay ‘yung may ibubuga pala siya sa aktingan. From the time na nag-PBB siya, sunud-sunod na ang acting gigs niya sa mga teleserye at sa MMK. She was paired with several teen actors, but she shone and continues to shine on her own. At ngayon, she is going back to what she likes doing, at kung saan siya unang minahal ng iba sa atin, ang pagkanta.

Given their real talent at pagmamahal sa pagkanta plus overwhelming support ng kanilang mga dakilang fans, sigurado akong maganda at worthy panuorin ang “Double Hearts”. Double ang saya. Double ang galing. At double ang LSS sa mga kantang bibigyang buhay at kulay nila! Kaya don’t miss this 4-in-1 Digital Concert experience Sunday, October 2 at 5pm. Register at log on na www.onemusic.ph para ‘di niyo ito ma-miss! 

The Road To Forevermore

The road to “Forevermore” was not easy. Hindi naman EDSA na, as we put it, walang forever sa haba ng traffic. Hindi rin naman lubak-lubak. Kumbaga lang, naglalakad kami sa isang daanang walang masyadong street lights, at maraming eskinitang papasukin before reaching your destination.

I remember the team spending the entire summer meeting almost everyday to come up with a concept that would best fit Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil’s first TV series together. Maraming naibato. On my part, ang prinesent ko ay mala-“Basta’t Kasama Kita” nina Aga Muhlach and Dayanara Torres, isang prinsesang nagmahal ng ordinaryong lalaki. Hilig ko talaga sa mga kwentomg prinsesa, noh? But we were looking for something…

Then came a concept that caught our attention: a strawberry farm girl falling in love with an, um, asshole, set in Benguet. At that time, kagagaling ko lang sa Baguio, and the thought of a light, romantic series set there where the sceneries are breath-taking, and the weather is so cold excited me. Iba ito; we’ve never done something like this.

By July, just days after my birthday, the management gave the concept a green light after we presented it. It was actually one of the fastest to be approved in Star Creatives’ recent memory. But what posed as a big challenge for us was when we entered the story development. Yung ilalatag mo na yung at least 13 weeks na itatakbo ng kwento. We had a concept, a beautiful one. Pero paano mo pahahabain? We are trying to veer away from the usual nawawalang heiress, amnesia arcs. It was just a story of great love challenged by life’s circumstances.

At kailangan na ng pilot script by August. Eere na raw kami once “Ikaw Lamang” of Coco Martin and Kim Chiu ended. We were all challenged because we actually put in that timeslot. Imagine, a loveteam na walang pinanggagalingan halos, at i-introduce mo pa lang for the first time, ilalagay mo sa slot where KathNiel and Kim and Coco have been lording all these time?

But what we held on then was… We had a really good story. And we had faith in Enrique and Liza. For some reason, we just had. Gut feel siguro. Naalala ko pa, isang meeting, napadaan si Liza, our headwriter Riz Reyes said, “maganda at mabait si Liza. Guys, pasikatin natin siya.”

During the story conference of "Forevermore" with the
main teen cast and Direk Ted Boborol.

So the day of the story conference and look test came. When we finally saw our cast, Liza, Enrique, Yves Flores, Sofia Andres and Kit Thompson together, medyo nakahinga kami. In fairness, may chemistry ang mga bagets. At kinilig ako sa presensya ni Ate Lilet Esteban, who actually tried out in “Bridges Of Love” but ended up being casted as our serye’s main kontrabida.  I was singing her songs when I was a kid! At ang ganda niya, we thought it would be refreshing to see her in a serye for the first time.

We posted pictures agad of the story con in our social media accounts because we wanted to know everyone’s reaction. We even asked TV Patrol to have it covered. The feedback was good. Pero alam mo yung may pagdududa ang ilang netizens kung tatagal ang show, at yung loveteam we officially coined LizQuen that time. Oo nga naman. But deep down us, once malaman na nila ang kwento nito, at makita nila sina Liza at Enrique in their roles, magugustuhan nila ito.

First look test. 

Still awkward.

After the look test with Quen, who was si excited
to play Xander. 

After the look test with Liza, sporting curly hair.

The look test afterwards was supervised by the show’s then assigned director, Ted Boborol, fresh from “Annaliza”’s success. Everything went smooth naman – in fact, nung pinagtabi namin ang LizQuen for series of shots and videos, kinikilig na kami. We immediately felt their connection. Mga titig pa lang ni Quen kay Liza, pak na! Pero napansin namin yung naiilang pero alam mong kinikilig si Liza. At si Quen, yung dinadaan man sa malalagkit na titig si Liza, pero alam mong gentlemanly. May undeniable sparks at tension between them. We just felt they needed to get to know each other more, and break the ice.

So while we were preparing for the coming taping, Liza and Enrique went through a series of workshops so they could get to know each other better, at basagin na yung mga harang sa kanila. During meetings, we were told na slowly but surely getting there na, pero sadyang mahiyain daw si Liza.

Direk Cathy Garcia-Molina's first creative
meeting with the team.

By mid-September, I was surprised to see who joined us in the meeting – Cathy Garcia-Molina no less! She was asked to direct the first few weeks of the series. To help us with the story flow, and to bring out the potential onscreen chemistry of Liza and Enrique. I remember Direk Cathy having apprehensions then especially kay Liza, kung paano niya ito ika-come out of the shell. There I realized how really challenging what we have gotten ourselves into. Si Direk Cathy na ito ha. But dahil nga si Direk Cathy ito, we put our trust in her na magagawa niya dito ang nagawa niya kina John Lloyd Cruz at Sarah Geronimo sa “A Very Special Love” – a loveteam na hindi mo inakala.

Second look test for the show. 

The teen cast donning their peg looks for the serye.

Direk Cathy personally decided what look
would fit Enrique as Xander. 

So proud of Liza that moment!

The team checking Lilet's Bettina Grande look,
personally overseen by Direk Cathy. 

So we had another look test, this time with Direk Cathy. Marami siyang ginawa na, we realized, mas nagpaganda sa itatakbo ng kwento at characters. Sa looks nila, sa characterization, sa nuances… Pati character names, from Tessa and Chot, napalitan ng Agnes and Xander. Direk Cathy was so into it. At nakakatuwa kasi, unang salang pa lang, magkasundung-magkasundo na sina Direk at Quen. Mas nauna pa silang nakapag-break ng ice compared sa Liza at Quen, I thought.

That surprise "almost kiss" that Direk Cathy asked
from Liza and Enrique. Kinilig kami agad! 

Mas OK naman na ang LizQuen in terms of interaction. Nakakapagtawanan na. Nakakapag holding hands at yakapan na for the cameras. But Direk Cathy surprised them sa look test when they were asked to do an “almost kissing scene”. Alam mo yung, magkaharap sila face to face, yung alam mong maghahalikan na. I remembered how surprised they were lalo na si Liza. Her face was so red. Naka-ilang takes din. Direk Cathy understood. Ang bata pa ni Liza, may innocence at shyness running through her. Biniro ko pa nga na kung ako din yan mahihiya ako, hello si Enrique yan. Pero na-waley ang hirit ko kay Direk; Enrique just laughed and gave me a high five.

But after that moment, one thing was sure in our hearts: we would go with this. Push. Susugal kaming lahat sa proyektong ito. Sa kwento. Sa aming mga bida. At sa chemistry ng LizQuen. This was a risk we knew was worth taking. Hindi kami “bahala na” then. We would make this happen. At finally, after some deliberations, may title na ang serye namin: Forevermore.

The pocket presscon for "Forevermore" before we all ]
left to tape in Benguet. 

We knew and felty are big things were to come for the show and their
loveteam. And we were right!

On October 1, pinatawag ako to attend and help in the coverage of the pocket press conference for Liza, Enrique, Direk Ted and Direk Cathy. Naka-lock in pa ang creative team nun sa isang hotel somewhere sa Quezon City because anytime then, mag-start na ang taping. There I found out two things: pupunta na kami ng “La Presa”, as we coined that place in Benguet, in two days to start taping. At eere na kami in 3 weeks. 3 WEEKS!

Our road to forevermore has begun.

JK's One Special Voice

During “The Voice Kids” Season 1, I’ve always thought Juan Karlos Labajo, one of its contestants, would make it big as a star, win or lose. True enough, immediately after the competition ended, opportunities started pouring him for in to showcase his not just his promising singing but acting skills as well.

His debut album reached gold status. He had a short stint in Piolo Pascual’s series “Hawak Kamay” where he was first paired off with Andrea Brillantes. His heartbreaking yet inspiring life story was featured in MMK. He even became one of the celebrity housemates of this year’s “Pinoy Big Brother”. But most notably, JK, as we call him now, became part of 2015’s mega-hit remake of “Pangako Sa ‘Yo”, where I got to work with him and be good friends with him.

Now, this talented 15 year old guy from Cebu marks another milestone in his career as he shares the stage with fellow “The Voice” finalists Klarisse De Guzman and Jason Dy in “One Voice” concert. Three different but extraordinarily gifted voices, they will come together for one special night of wonderful music.

“One Voice” happenes this Saturday, October 1, at the Music Museum. Tickets are still available so we hope to see you there, and be part of this special moment in the life, and music, of JK.  

(Watch out for my JK Labajo special here on “Ang Diary Ng Dakilang Fan” this November.)

On Her Own

Because Enrique Gil was paired with Julia Barretto in the serye “Mirabella”, his blossoming loveteam with then rising star Liza Soberano had to wait. At hindi pa sigurado kung mangyayari pa uli. So Liza went on with several appearances and guestings by herself. The reception were good naman. Maraming mas naka-appreciate ng ganda niya. She was starting to shine on her own - as Liza. 

During that time, isa sa mga vocal na gandang-ganda kay Liza at gusto siyang maka-partner ay si Yves Flores. We thought, pwede kasi Moreno si boy, at tisay si girl. We can see an “ordinary” guy falling for an ingglisera, sosyalera type of loveteam in a serye in them, not underrating the boy. Nagkataon Yves was already a part of “Got To Believe” then as Pedro, and as the show’s new chapter is drawing near, we needed someone who will play Alexandra, the beautiful girl who would come in between the love of KathNiel’s Chichay and Joaquin’s characters.

Liza had always been the choice for the role. Star Creatives was keen on developing her as another teen leading lady to watch out for. Gandang-ganda kami kay Liza buong team. But we had reservations then, as putting her again in between KathNiel may not do good on her. Fangirls may start to hate her. Some other girls were considered and auditioned. Pero we kept on coming back to Liza. So after some serious discussions and deliberations, Liza was cast as Alexandra. And shortly after, she went to Singapore along with the series’ main cast to shoot some key scenes.

The reception on her G2B stint were mixed. Siyempre, if KathNiel fan ka and/or engrossed ka sa lovestory nina Chichay at Joaquin , you’d hate her character. But casual viewers, who didn’t have the chance to watch her on movies, were curious who this pretty girl was. E ang cute pa ng slang niya, you didn’t want to hate her.

Visiting her on the set of G2B. Photo taken by Yves Flores.

During her G2B stint ko masasabing naging close talaga kami. Hindi man ako nakakadalaw ng madalas na sa set, dahil busy rin kami sa series, so ang pagkikita namin ay sa ASAP na. She would tell me about her taping experiences on G2B, and would sometimes ask where her character was going to. I remembered one time asking her if how she was, given some bashers taking her third-wheeling on G2B really personal. Some would even tweet that she was ineffective, she was just a pretty face. Na favourite namin kaya nandun sa show.

Naturally, Liza would be affected. Sino ba namang hindi? But she earned my respect and admiration with how she handled those. She took them constructively and worked on her acting in the show. She didn’t bother in replying to them. Ni hindi ko nga narinig yan na nagsalita against anyone kahit kami lang magkausap. For her, it was work and she had to good. Make or break ito. And she wanted to make it.

Backstage of ASAP during G2B's Finale Week

I had two unforgettable moments with Liza on the set of G2B. First was on the set, when I visited her, Yves, Kathryn and Daniel before I went to Baguio for some soul searching. We had this long conversation, where we shared our thoughts sa kanya-kanyang pinagdaraanan namin. Then I remember her words then, “please stay. Let’s do some more.” That time, hindi ko alam if magpapatuloy pa ako sa ginagawa ko, or G2B na ang last show ko.

Another was in ASAP, a week before G2B’s finale show. We were talking about what she would do in the event. Then she asked, “will you be there?” I asked why. “I want to see you para lumakas ang loob ko.” Nagulat ako. Hindi ko alam how I would react. I just remember touching and squeezing her hand at the moment. I meant something to this girl. Sinong hindi tataba ang puso?

At G2B's Appreciation Dinner

During G2B’s Appreciation Party, unang lumapit si Liza sa akin, hugged me tight and said “thank you”. I told her, “sana hindi pa ito ang last nating pagsamahan” because I realized I wanted to do more with her. Nasa isip ko nga, LizVes project tutal naman parehong walang loveteam ang dalawa at nagkaroon naman sila ng following sa G2B. Liza was hopeful.

Weeks after the party, pinatawag ako sa isang meeting. Bagong serye raw. Then I learned sino ang magiging mga bida nito: Enrique Gil, Yves Flores and, yes, Liza Soberano. Our road to forevermore was to begin. 

King Of The Gil

It was Friday, 7:30 PM. I came from a hotel somewhere in Quezon City. Ang traffic papunta! The creative team members of “Got To Believe” were locked in to plot and write ang tatakbuhin ng serye sa parating ng Pasko. Isang linggo na rin. But that night I took an off to watch Enrique Gil’s first concert. I surveyed the crowd. From where I was, the mosh pit area of the concert, I couldn’t help but be proud of Enrique. Puno ang Araneta Coliseum. That night, no doubt, our Dasho was to be officially crowned King Of The Gil.

Enrique during his Bandila interview for "Muling Buksan Ang Puso".

After “Princess And I”, Quen went on to do “Muling Buksan Ang Puso” under a different unit. Actually, sinubaybayan ko and I was really hoping na he has found his loveteam in Julia Montes. I saw an entirely different Enrique sa show – malayo kina BJ ng Budoy at kay Jao ng PAI. Katukayo ko pa yung character niya, si Francis. But the show had to end soon.

Enrique went on to record a dance-themed album which spawned the hit “Kaya Mo Ba ‘To (Oha Oha)”. Everywhere I went, I can hear kids and teens singing along to the song, and even dancing to it. He was becoming the country’s top male dance idol. And what surprised us pa, he was voted the Sexiest Man in the Philippines. Wala pang abs si Quen. Hindi siya yung hunky guy na pagnanasaan mo. It must be his moves and gestures that endeared him to voters. He gave sexy a new definition.

"The Buzz" promo for "She's The One". Photo taken by
Liza Soberano. ;) 

He also topbilledin the movie “She’s The One” with box-office stars Bea Alonzo and Dingdong Dantes. Naitambal na siya dito officially kay Liza Soberano. Maraming nakapansin na may chemistry sila onscreen. Actually, naririnig ko nang may plano na pagsamahin sila on a teleserye. But their teamup had to wait in the sidelines – it was announced that he would be paired with Julia Barretto in “Mirabella”, to air in early 2014.

Sobrang na-enjoy ko ang “King Of The Gil” concert. Alam mo yung, feeling bagets at nakikisayaw sa mosh pit area. Nakikitili pag gumigiling at nagshi-shirtless si Quen. All for fun. Sulit ang binayad ko. (Hindi complimentary ang ticket ko – bumili talaga ako), But at times, when I’d look at Quen on stage, bumabalik sa akin ‘yung humble beginnings niya. Sino bang nakahula na magco-concert siya? Sa Araneta Coliseum pa. Ang layo na talagang narating niya, I was gushing. At alam mong milya pa ang ilalayo ng mararating niya kasi hindi nilalamon ng kasikatan.

Si Quen ‘yung tipo na kahit hindi kayo magkatrabaho sa serye, naaalala ka niya, chini-chika ka pa rin niya pag nagkikita kayo. Nagpapa-kwento at uma-advice pa rin tungkol sa best friend ko. Kahit pagod o puyat pa yan, sasabihin niyang “dali, kwento!” He was really concerned. Minsan, biniro ko siya, “what if sa ‘yo ako na-in love?” I mean, napaka-gwapo at ang bait-bait. He would just make funny, nonsense answers, pero sa huli ang sasabihin niya, “mas OK akong kaibigan.” Totoo naman.

Backstage of "King Of The Gil" concert

After the concert, dinala ako backstage to meet Enrique. When he saw me, niyakap talaga niya ako ng mahigpit. Pawis-pawis at pagod na after two hours of non-stop singing and giling, pero deep down ko, “ang bango ni Quen”. Because he was. But kidding aside, he asked me, “nag-enjoy ka?” I answered, “sobra”. I joked na kung siya na because of his "King Of The Gil" monicker, ako naman ang "Princess Of The Mountains". Natawa ang Quenito. But I didn’t keep the conversation long dahil maraming gusto rin siyang maka-usap at makapagpa-pic. The hug, and our picture, was more than enough. But before I said goodbye, he whispered to me, “sana makapag-teleserye uli tayo.”

My answer was, “sana”. I hoped na mangyari uli iyon. I didn’t have the slightest idea that it was the start of the road towards forevermore… 

He remained the sweetest even after "Princess and I".

ASAP promo for "King Of The Gil" concert

He was actually voted the Sexiest Man in the Philippines!