The Magic of Magic Temple Lives On!

We know and love Direk Mae Cruz Alviar as the director of the mega blockbuster films of KathNiel (Crazy Beautiful You), KimXi (Bride For Rent) and LizQuen (Everyday I Love You). But only a few actually knows that her very first movie was Magic Temple, which came out Christmas Day of 1996. She was the film's production assistant.

When the news came out this week that Magic Temple will be re-released, digitally restored this time by ABS-CBN Film Restoration group, na-excite ang marami especially the Batang 90s whose childhood or adolescent days were shaped by this film. Kasama na ako dun! I'm really a big fan of the film! Naalala ko pa noon, on Christmas Day, I watched it sa Ever Grand Central with my mama and elder sister. Hiningi ko na pa noon, after watching it, bilhan ako ng soundtrack on cassette tape. Napagbigyan naman kasi mataas ang grades ko. Pagbalik ko noon sa Notre Dame (where I studied elementary) after the Christmas break, 'yan ang usapan naming magkaka-klase. At ngayon, everytime I'd check social media posts, nakakatuwa na maraming nagshe-share ng kanilang experiences watching and falling in love with this 20 years ago.

Sino bang makakalimot kina Jubal, Omar at Sambag (Jason Salcedo, Marc Solis and Junell Hernando respectively)? The three pre-teenage boys who were sent out by their mentor Sifu (played by the iconic Jun Urbano) to fight a luring evil force out to destroy the fictional, magical kingdom of Samadhi. Aminin, until now, napapa-chant tayo everytime we are reminded of "buto, kalansay, tabi-tabi po sa bangkay. Lulubog, lilitaw, sa saradong hukay..." And there was Anna Larrucea as Jasmin, the pretty ghost na naging puppy love ni Sambag. Magic Temple, no doubt, one of Philippine Cinema's biggest triumphs in the contemporary times.

Direk Mae and I with Jerome Ponce on the set of "Pangako Sa 'Yo" last year.

Dahil sobrang excited ako sa pagbabalik ng Magic Temple sa big screen, and I really want to introduce and re-introduce this masterpiece of a film to this new generation, I contacted Direk Mae, and asked her questions about her experiences being part of it. Direk and I have worked together and nagka-chikahan several times about her different projects on movie and TV, but this is the first time we talked about this film. I was thrilled. I felt goosebumps while reading her answers. Iba! The magic of Magic Temple lives on!

The 2016 poster of the digitally restored Magic Temple. 

Direk, can you share with us po your experience being part of Magic Temple? 

I remember my first shooting day very vividly. We pulled out at 4am and it was still dark. I stuck my head out of the jeepney window to feel the cool December breeze in Batangas. I was way too thrilled! I was star struck with Direk Peque Gallaga and was in awe how he and Direk Lore put everything together and in such an organized manner. I learned so much being on the set. It was a tough first film...there were a lot of challenges. But overall and in hindsight, I'd say it was a magical experience. I thank star cinema and Ms. Elma Medua for assigning me to that project. So lucky of me to be part of it!

Sambag, Jubal and Omar.

How was it working po with Junell, Jason, Marc and Anna? 

Working with the boys and Anna was like working with kid brothers and a kid sister. I was their Ate and I was also a playmate, haha! They were very talented kids and I admired them for their professionalism at such a young age. Offcam they were just regular kids who loved to play and would even get into little, typical kids' tampuhans. To this day we are Facebook friends and are still in touch.

Has a remake or re-telling of Magic Temple ever crossed your mind? 

You mean I personally would remake it??? I don't know, I never thought about that! Maybe because I loved it in it's original form that I wish to honor it that way. It would be an honor if I'd be awarded that project but I'd be peeing in my pants out of nervousness! Haha! Seriously I think that I'd love to see Direk Peque and Direk Lore remake it...I would love to see their magic on the big screen once more.

Catch the special screenings of Magic Temple at Power Plant Cinema 1 on December 7 (12:30 PM), December 10 (7:45 PM) and December 13 (6:30 PM) as part of ABS-CBN Film Restoration's REELive The Classics project. 

Khalil's 2 Cool 2 B 4gotten!

Khalil and I during "Princess And I" days

I’ve known Khalil Ramos since 5 years ago, after he ended up as grand finalist of Pilipinas Got Talent’s first season and eventually landed the role of Kathryn Bernardo’s friendzoned bestie in Princess And I, where we worked together and became really great friends. I must say, he’s really one passionate guy when it comes to acting and singing. It led him to having his debut album (which generated the 2012 hugot hit Kung Ako Ba Siya), and several movie projects that proved his range in acting (most notably in last year’s Kid Kulafu and Honor Thy Father). And he's into film making these days!

Finally, Khalil makes his well-deserved star turn in this year’s Cinema One Originals’ entry 2 Cool 2 B 4gotten, which makes its gala premiere in Trinoma tonight at 10:30. But before the big night, Khalil caught up with your Ang Dakilang Fan, and talked about the movie, and what else to look forward to on him.

Khalil as Felix in 2 Cool 2 B 4gotten

What made you accept 2Cool2B4gotten? Were there apprehensions since gay role siya?

I really had no apprehensions at all. My only worry was if the management would allow me to play a gay role. I really felt the script was a strong one. After meeting with the director, producer and my managers, I happily accepted the role.

Briefly lang at kung hanggang saan pwede, describe your role in the film?

I play the role of Felix, a 15 year old student achiever. He's anti-social. He has no friends at all. And he thinks a lot. At the beginning of the film, you'll see him starting a journal for his English class. In his journal he tells you what he feels and thinks about the people around him. He eventually meets his first friends ever, Fil-Am transferees, Maxim and Magnus Snyder. They change his life forever.

Which do you consider as the most unforgettable movie/tv role you played?

Felix in 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten is definitely one of them. Another is Riding In Tandem by Toto Natividad. It hasn't been shown yet but I play a criminal there.

Khalil with 2 Cool 2 B 4gotten co-stars Ethan Salvador
and Hashtag Jameson Blake
(Photo courtest of Ate Janice Damasco of Star Magic)

Since the film tackles firsts in a teenagers' life, which first in your life do you consider unforgettable?

First time I got drunk! Hahaha! It was at a house party back in high school.

What can we look forward from you after this? We miss you singing! Is there a chance we hear new music from you?

More movies! And a TV come back, hopefully. (crossed fingers) I'm part of another film showing soon, Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2. I play Lennon, the non-talking hipster. Hahahaha. And yes, I'm planning to go back to music soon! I did a cover for Wish 107.5, they posted it just now actually hahaha! (Note: The interview was done on Tuesday night)

Oh My Janella!

Putting Janella on hold while waiting for the surprise
birthday asalto of Oh My G people.

 It was Janella Salvador's 17th birthday the day after, so I went to "Oh My G" taping in Novaliches to personally greet her. I had a hunch the production staff had something planned for her, and I found out I was right when I arrived on the set. They actually asked me to put Janella on hold in her dressing room while they were setting up. It wasn't really hard to keep a long conversation with Moya, as I fondly call Janella. But, the challenge was how I would do it na hindi niya nahahalata, since I'm sure somehow she had an idea there was something for her. Thankfully, dahil ilang weeks din kami hindi nagkita, and we had a lot of girly stuff to share about, hindi namin namalayan an hour had passed. And when we were called to supposedly tape a sequence, Janella was surprised to see everyone waiting for her to greet her a "Happy Birthday!"

Oh My Janella! Backstage of "Oh My G" launch in ASAP.

It was in "Oh My G" where I can say naging buo ang friendship namin ni Janella. When I first found out about the it, "Be Careful With My Heart" pa lang and I saw how excited Janella was, at the same time nervous. Hindi biro ang pagkatiwalaan ng ganun kalaking project of her own. At sa timeslot pa na iniwan ng BCWMH. Of course, we weren't expecting na maging kasing-hit o kasing-tagal siya ng BCWMH. Maging considered hit lang was more than enough. But we had trust in G, God for short. The show was about Him, and I was sure the audience would love Janella. True enough, the serye rated considerably high, pilot week pa lang!

Our friendship grew deeper in this series.

It helped na malapit sa amin ang location nila, just a jeepney ride away, so when I had no work, I'd just drop by. Most of the scenes kasali siya, so in between lang kami nakakapag-usap. Paputul-putol pa. So I always ended up waiting up for her na ma-pack up. Pero OK lang sa akin because aside sa nakakapag-catch up kami, I got to see her in action as Sophie Cepeda, her character in the series. Though may lapit and hawig ang character niya dun sa Nikki ng "Be Careful With My Heart", iba and mas matured ang naging atake niya dito. Mas lumalim ang pinaghuhugutan niya sa pag-arte. And she was proving that impression na she was really a talented teenage girl, as the serye allowed her to showcase not just her acting skills, but pati ang kanyang husay sa performing in several episodes.

With her loveteam partner Marlo.

Nakita ko rin how closer Janella and her loveteam partner then Marlo Mortel had become. Compared nung BCWMH days nila, mas matured at open na sila sa isa't isa like best friends. Nandun pa rin siyempre ang mga tuksuhan, kulitan. If why hindi naging sila then, I can't speak for them. But I guess and believe ni-recognize ni Marlo na bata pa si Janella, and mas priority nila ang career at friendship.

At Oh My G vs NKNKK

Our in between takes conversation ni Moya would range from the most trivial to the most serious ones. We would find ourselves talking about cute guys. About Russell, her younger brother. About someone special to me. Just about anything. But the most unforgettable and special for me was when one afternoon, she called up, in tears. Not going through the details, but she felt so down that day about something. The next thing I knew, I found myself on the set an hour later. Naka-pambahay lang ako. But just one hug for her, it meant a lot to the both of us. At masarap lang sa feeling na you and your presence mean so much to a person, na napapagaan mo ang loob niya.

During her Kapamilya Chat for the show

Janella may be a really pretty and talented girl, but at that time she was unsure and not so confident about herself, and what she can deliver. There were even times before na I would scold her because she felt unpretty, which to be honest ay pinagdaraanan ng mga nasa edad niya. I always reminded her na, she is beautiful because she really is. And that beauty goes beyond her looks... It is skin deep. And I've got the entire "Oh My G" team, and her supporters to prove it and back me up.

Goofing around on the set of Oh My G.

In "Oh My G" ko rin sobrang naramdaman how supportive and concerned she was of me. Ilang beses ba akong umiyak sa kanya na parang magka-edad lang kami, telling about unrequited love? She always reminded me, and even up to this day, "know your worth". She always wished that I move on from my feelings for a certain person. That I deserve the best man in my life. Well, he has yet to come. But her most special gesture that time was when she recorded this long video, and even posted a picture of us together, in promotion of my MMK life story to air then.

The serye was on air for 6 months, and was actually extended several times. I didn't really get sad, because the show's success indicated of bigger things to come for Janella. She was born for it. And I wished na sana ang next niya ay primetime naman, because she deserved it, and she would really hard work for it. True enough... "Born For You".

5 Things About The Drama Queen

I’ve worked with Angelica Panganiban before in "Pangako Sa ‘Yo". Though we didn’t really had the chance to get to know each other then, I’ve always admired how she acts on screen and breathes life to every role given to her.

So when I was invited to cover her bloggers’ conference for her upcoming film, Star Cinema’s “The Unmarried Wife”, I had to say YES because I looked forward to asking her questions, and listening to her answers and insights. At hindi ako na-disappoint – she is truly a woman of substance and sense. I learned so much from and about her, I’ll be sharing 5 of them here on Ang Diary Ng Dakilang Fan.

When I asked her what are the three favourite films she has done, she answered “Here Comes The Bride”, “I Love You Goodbye”, and, of course, our all-time favourite “That Thing Called Tadhana”. Sino bang hindi naka-relate o napamahal kay  Mace? But my personal favorites, which I hoped deep down she would mention too, are “Sarah Ang Munting Prinsesa” and “One More Try”.

Of her ideal guy, Angelica revealed she wants someone weird, “para naiintindihan ako”. She also mentioned “maalaga, masayahin, may sense of humor” among the qualities she wanted in a guy.

Angelica also shared that every time she goes through something, be it with family, friends or everytime she’s in a relationship, “sinosolo ko siya.” She revealed that she shares her thoughts and learnings about what she had gone through afterwards, when she is OK already.

The recently hailed Drama Queen of Philippine Cinema is grateful to ABS-CBN and Star Cinema for projects given to her, be it drama or comedy. “Napaglalaruan ako”, she said, in a good way, meaning she gets to explore different roles given to her. That at the end of the day, “naniwala ang manunood na nanay ako at hindi ako ka-loveteam o may pagnanasa kay Daniel (Padilla) sa ‘Pangako Sa ‘Yo’.”

I also asked her with whom among the younger leading men these days she wants to work with (not as mother, but a young lover or anything, basta hindi nanay ha), she mentioned “Daniel Padilla. Kasi nahuhusayan ako sa kanya, at gusto ko ang personalidad niya.” Angelica also mentioned that she admires Daniel’s work ethics. But she clears that she is more than open to working with Enrique Gil, James Reid and even Alden Richards from the other network. 

Mr. Grae Turns 15

Gimme 5 cutie Grae Fernandez turns 15 older and, well, more handsome today, and he chose to celebrate it in advance yesterday with his Dakilang Fans, the GraeNation. Grae had a great time catching up with, eating with and even doing some magic tricks for his princesses, as he calls them. He was showered not just with gifts and well-wishes, but love from GraeNations who have been with him ever since he started out three years ago.

Happiest birthday Grae!!! I, your Dakilang Friend, Kuya, Ate, Ninang at kung anu-ano pa, am so proud of everything you have achieved! Working on "Bridges of Love" and "Pangako Sa 'Yo" as promo was truly unforgettable and special, one of the reasons is you. There's a long way ahead waiting for you, your talent and your dedication! Just keep up the good works - I, we will just be here for you every step of the way.

MOYA

Nikki Grace Lim. 

The friendship I share with Janella Salvador was something unexpected. I didn’t see it coming at all. I didn’t ask for it. But it happened. And I am at my happiest it did.

During a set visit. Didn't know Janella joined us in this pic.

Hindi pa kami close nito. At kumusta yung photobomber?

When I became friends with Jerome Ponce, her co-star and “Kuya” in “Be Careful With My Heart”, and I would visit the serye’s set, wala kaming masyadong pansinan ni Janella. We were smiling at each other, pero hanggang ganun lang. May one picture lang kami sa tent, ayun. I had this impression na slightly mataray siya. Or baka di lang kami nabibigyan ng chance chumika.

That first pic with her at Robinson's Novaliches.

Dalawang mall shows na magkasama sila ni Jerome, I was there, wala pa rin. May one point lang na nagpa-pic ako sa kanya, sa Robinson’s Novaliches. That was the first. She was actually accommodating. Then sa launch ng Star Magic Circle 2013, nagpa-sign ako ng DVD ng BCWMH. Pero hindi ako nagpa-pic for some reason. But naalala ko, she was happy signing the DVD and even thanked me for the support. Gusto ko kasi ng remembrance from the cast. Very fan lang, di ba? And I loved Nikki’s character, in fairness naman. Her quirks, her nuances… You’d love and hate her at the same time.

Up to this day, I still don't know why she posed like this
on this pic with Jerome.

Jerome would always tell me na gusto niya maging friends din kami ni Janella, because Janella is really nice and friendly daw, kahit medyo childish. Sabi ko nga, that time, Janella just turned 14 so talagang “bata” pa siya kumilos. I observed na magaling siya not just umarte, but also kumanta. Sa mall shows, I would hear her sing, and nagagandahan ako sa boses niya. Hindi lang basta carry a tune ha. Thought that she was a mas sosy version of Jolina Magdangal of the 90s.

That night we became mag-Moya

All those walang pansinan, medyo dedmahan mode between me and Janella would change sometime in August 2013. It happened set Siena Taytay set ng BCWMH. Jerome was all by himself sa dressing room niya, and he had to take a sequence, so he asked Janella if I could stay with her. Suddenly, we found ourselves talking to each other. Halo-halo ang pinag-usapan namin e. Basta ang natatandaan ko, I was making this joke na papasok ako sa BCWMH as kontrabida to her na teacher sa school na baliw kay Luke (Jerome’s character in the show), and I have a dog with me everywhere I go. Parang si Reese Witherspoon sa “Legally Blonde”. Yun lang, bulldog ang bitbit ko. Janella was laughing so hard at my jokes. Then napasok ko pa sa joke si Jovit Moya, the 90s actor na pulis na ngayon.

With her BCWMH loveteam, Marlo.

Kaya naging tawagan namin sa isa’t isa ang Moya. Hindi namin namalayang, 2 hours had passed. Masaya palang kausap at kasama si Janella. Very real at natural na tao. Simula nun, a friendship between me and Jea (as those close to her call her) was born. Hindi na lang si Jerome ang dinadalaw ko sa set… Siya na rin. We would often “make chika” as we put it, and catch up pag nagkikita kami.

Backstage of her Isetann Recto mall show

At ASAP Prom Special Production Number in 2014.

At hindi na lang sa set. Pati sa ASAP, nag-uusap na kami. At hindi lang basta usap. Nari-realize, marami kaming pagkaka-pareho, especially on how we look at things and people. Pumupunta na rin ako sa mall shows niya. I was becoming attached to Janella.

Went to her Siena Taytay because we were going through something together.
We ended up crying and laughing at the same time,

From mga cute-cute girly stuff, we were aware na mas lumalalim ang nagiging usapan namin. Personal stuff I can’t post here… Hindi naman malala ha, take note. But at that point, we were already trusting each other with our secrets. May time pa na kahit wala si Jerome sa set, I visited her and we ended up crying and laughing at the same time. We were opening our hearts to one another already. I must say, at a young age, she’s already one sensible girl in giving thoughts and opinions. May maturity.

Janella loves posing like this.

Clingy kami sa isa't isa

Janella was my first girl friend in showbiz na, I realized, “not a girl, not yet a woman” as Britney put it. Nung una, takot akong mag-advice o mag-comment, because ayokong may mali siyang masabi o maging desisyon because of me. Alam niyo yun? But then I realized, I was learning too sa friendship ko kay Janella. I just have to be real, to be true to myself. At hayaan si Janella ma-experience ang pagiging teenager. Ang importante naman, if she makes a mistake man, I would just be behind her.

One of BCWMH's last taping days.

BCWMH was just the start for us. Wala pa sa mata ng bagyo, actually. It would be in her next show, OMG, where talagang na-define ang pagiging mag-Moya namin ni Janella. And that’s for another post for me to tell, and for you to read.

GV Lang! (Journal #1)

So I’ve decided to put this segment, “GV Lang”, here at “Ang Diary Ng Dakilang Fan” to write stories you might not see on big time newspapers or websites, but deserves to be read. Bits and pieces of people and happenings that will make us smile, will inspire us… Good vibes lang, as they say. In this world filled with nameless and fameless critics and bashers who have nothing but ill words for others, and not so pleasing news of killings and corruption, we deserve to see the good in goodness.

Circulating on Facebook now is netizen Justine Fajardo’s post about him bringing his deceased niece Ynah to Sagrada Familia in commemoration of her first “angel-versarry”, because her idols Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla were there months ago to shoot their film “Barcelona: A Love Untold”. Ynah was diagnosed with leukemia in 2014, and succumbed to death on October 31 last year. Surely, heaven gained an angel in Ynah, smiling down and guiding her loved ones, including KathNiel.

Last weekend, I got to meet Chichay, one of the dogs rescued by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society at the “Pet Café” they set up at Trinoma all month of October for fund-raising and dog adoption awareness. When I asked why the lovely Aspin’s name, I was told that her rescuer 2 years ago is a KathNiel fan, thus named after Kathryn’s unforgettable character from "Got To Believe" teleserye,. I hope Kathryn meets Chichay one of these days.

From JK's Instagram account

Riding the SkyTrain, credit to owner.

Photos courtesy of Star Magic's Ate Janice Damasco 

One of Juan Karlos Labajo’s dream came true last weekend as he had his first gig outside the country, “The Hit Parade” in Vancouver, Canada, with KZ Tandingan. He had mentioned to me before that he wanted to have a show abroad. Not only did he get to perform in front of our mga kababayang OFW and meet his fans there, he was also able to explore the sights and beauty of Vancouver, and even take the SkyTrain. Most special of all, he was with his Lola Linda in this bucket list moment of his life! So happy for you, my JK!

Gimme 5’s Chinito Cutie rocked his 16^th birthday last weekend by being a fan boy himself, and watch for the first time Eraserheads’ Ely Buendia perform last weekend in a gig – thanks to the VIP ticket gift from his Joaquin Lovers fan group. Though he didn’t get to have a picture with his idol, Joaquin was at his happiest, as his mom described it to me afterwards, seeing his biggest idol perform on stage. And he got a bonus later on: another Eraserheads member, Raymund Marasigan, replied to Joaquin’s photo of him wearing an Eheads inspired shirt. Such a lucky fanboy you are, Joaqui Boi! Happy birthday, indeed.

Credits to MyChos

From Brace's Instagram account 

Teen singing heartthrob Darren Espanto successfully staged his first digital concert for One Music PH, “The Other Side Of Darren” last Sunday. But what made the event more special was the presence of his friends, fellow teen stars from Star Magic Andrea Brillantes, Kyline Alcantara, Dance Kids’ grand winner AC Bonifacio, and Gimme 5’s Dance Heartthrob Brace Arquiza. I’ve always known Darren as an extraordinarily talented kid – arguably the best especially in singing among his contemporaries. But it’s nice to know that amidst the competition, pressures and intrigues in this industry, even at his young age, he has found really good friends he can count on in moments like these.