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!

Blooming, Prettier and Happier Loisa!

"Wansapanataym: My Hair Lady" may have already ended its 10-week record breaking run last night, but there's still so much to look forward to Loisa Andalio in the coming days. 

I was able to catch up with her last week for her launch as Ever Bilena's newest endorser, and there I saw a blooming, prettier and seemingly happpier Loisa, who is also about to turn 18 next month.

In the coming days, we will be officially seeing her TV commercial for the well-known make-up/cosmetics line, showing her many facets as a role model of this generation. When asked why she was chosen to be the brand ambassadress, Ever Bilena officials said that Loisa embodies their vision, particularly for the teen market. Loisa is naturally beautiful, and becomes even more beautiful when she applies make-up, and many teens today look up to her because of her relatable down-home personality and qualities, which explains why her two Wansapanataym episodes "Candy's Crush" (with Jerome Ponce) and the recently concluded "My Hair Lady" (with Matet De Leon, Nikki Valdez and Hashtag Jameson Blake) were the highest rated ones for the fantasy-drama anthology. She also inspired so many with her life story: an ordinary teenager who pursued her dreams of becoming a actress/performer, and worked her way up to where she is now.

And it helped that Loisa has been using Ever Bilena even before she entered showbiz, because the brand is of great quality, yet very affordable. She explained that she's been putting on make-up on several occassions since she was First Year in High School to boost her confidence. And she learned the techniques in applying them through experimenting, and watching those tutorial videos on YouTube. But Loisa advised the teens today that, even if there's nothing really wrong in applying make-up at an early age, one must be responsible enough in using it, and never forget removing it before going to sleep.

One by one, this girl's dreams are coming true, especially after her PBB stint that opened the doors and windows of opportunity for her. Thus, as she turns 18, like every ordinary teen her age would wish, she is welcoming and celebrating it with a big bang - a concert that is, titled "Loisa 18" (or "Lo18a") which is happening on April 29 at the Music Museum. Ticket selling was opened a few days ago, and tickets are reportedly nearing being sold out as I write this.

Loisa also just released her very first solo single under Star Music, "High School", a rendition of Megastar Sharon Cuneta's 80s hit, timely for the moving up/gruaduation season. It can be heard now on Spotify, iTunes and YouTube. She is still regularly seen as Agatha on the top-rating primetime teleserye, "My Dear Heart".

Truly, Loisa is blooming, prettier and happier with all these blessings and opportunities coming her way. And for sure, there's more to come her way. After all, we are fans of celebrities like her who are hardworking, professional, oh-so willing to learn, and very appreciative of all her supporters and believers.  

21 at 21: Why Kathryn is a Most Worthy Queen?

Today marks a special day in the life of Queen of Hearts (formerly Teen Queen) Kathryn Bernardo as she officially turns 21. 

And as a gift mula sa isang ka-trabaho, kaibigan at fan ni Kath (as we fondly call her) all these years, I listed down the 21 reasons why we loved, and continuously love this young woman who is more than worthy of being a royalty of this generation, on and off cam. 

1. She is a showbiz royalty not by blood, by worth. She worked her way up to where she is now. Her humble beginning is just inspiring, reminding us not to give up on our dreams, because one day matutupad din natin ang mga iyon.

2. As a kid, minahal na natin siya with her cute portrayal on several TV shows, most memorably in "Goin' Bulilit" and "Super Inggo".

3. At a young age, sobrang tapang ng naging pagganap niya sa "Magkaribal" as young Victoria (Gretchen Barretto). It earned her unanimous praise and acclaim from viewers.

4. She was able to give justice, and more to the role of Mara in the remake "Mara Clara", previously played by Judy Ann Santos lang naman. It opened so many doors of opportunities for her afterwards.

5. She was able to make herself worthy of the Teen Queen title after being the unforgettable Princess Mikay in "Princess And I", which rated as high as 41% during its run in 2012.

6. She and ka-loveteam Daniel Padilla made us believe in the magic of love through their remarkable primetime hit, "Got To Believe", in 2013. The series solidified her status of being this generation's Teen Queen.

7. She is one of the youngest box-office princesses of our time, thanks to the box-office successes of "Must Be Love", "Pagpag" and "She's Dating The Gangster".

8. Napatunayan niya ang kanyang versatility as an actress when she played a little offbeat and bratty in another box-office hit "Crazy Beautiful You". And at 20, naging matapang na siya to accept a more matured role in Inang Olive Lamasan's "Barcelona: A Love Untold", where she shared her very first on screen kiss with Daniel last year.

9. She was successful in giving the iconic Yna Macaspac character a fresher, more contemporary and unforgettable take as she starred in the "Pangako Sa 'Yo" remake in 2015.

10. She has all these countless endorsements, be it on TV or print, proving how effective she is as a brand ambassadress.

11. Numerous magazine covers and features that went sold-out. And she has this "Everyday Kath" book, in which she willingly shared her secrets to becoming this generation's Teen Queen.

12. Her debut recording album actually turned platinum status!

13. Hindi lang dito sa Pilipinas superstar si Kath! She's now famous in Vietnam and Indonesia because of G2B and PSY. She even won a Face of the Year award in Vietnam in 2015.

14. Just like everyone else, on her days off, she loves spending time with her girl best friends!

15. She's a certified dog-lover! In fact, she had this dog lover-themed party when she turned 18, and I remember her campaigning on social media against the Yulin Festival in China, where dogs are killed for food in the festivity.

16. She's one of the most charitable people I know. She generously shares whatever she has to the less fortunate. Personally witnessed this several times, most notably to the kids with cleft palette.

17. A very kind and loving youngest sister to her ates and kuya. And she's a very hands on tita to her cutie niece, Lhexine.

18. Obedient, respectful and trust-worthy, she's truly a model daughter every kid these days should emulate.

19. She loves her supporters! I would only hear beautiful words about her everywhere she goes. She really makes time interacting, getting to know and having pictures taken with them.

20. Masaya at mabuting ka-trabaho. Walang ere at arte. She gives her best sa lahat ng ginagawa niya. She's a team player. At hindi siya nakakalimot sa mga nakakasama niya.

21. And of course... She has Daniel, her Bal. No further explanation needed.