From Gay Grandson to Tough Soldier: Jerome Ponce is Back on MMK!

After playing a flighty and loving gay grandson in a highly rated last September, Jerome Ponce returns to MMK in another episode that will surely touch our hearts, and inspire us, especially all the hardworking fathers out there. 

Jerome plays Recho, a young man raised in poverty, who worked his way to becoming a soldier, for his family and for himself. Marrying at a young age, Recho’s ties with his wife however broke as he spent less time with her and their kids because of call of duty. How did Recho manage to take full responsibility of raising his two kids amidst the demands of his work as a soldier?

I was able to visit the set in Tanay, Rizal last Wednesday, and I must say… Ang layo ng location! At ang ginaw! On a more serious note, putting my biases aside, Jerome was able to pull of his role as a soldier. His height, his stance, his nuances… He is now becoming a more matured, versatile actor – one of the best in his generation! He was also able to do some military training stuff during takes, along with some real-life young soldiers who played Recho’s co-trainees and comrades. 

This episode also features the MMK comeback of premiere actor John Estrada, fresh from the success of his serye “Magpahanggang Wakas”, who plays the older Recho, who witnesses how his failed marriage and commitment at work affected his teenage kids, played by Bugoy Carino and Girl Trend member Jane De Leon. Also in the cast are Erin Ocampo, Rochelle Barrameda, Ronnie Quizon, Alex Castro, Jomari Angeles, Marilyn Villamayor and Marco Masa, who plays the young Recho.

#MMKSingleDadSoldier directed by Frasco Mortiz, and written by Akeem Del Rosario and Arah Jell Badayos, airs tomorrow (Saturday, January 21) at 8:15 PM on ABS-CBN. Don’t miss this truly  heartfelt and inspiring episode of MMK! 

Here's the trailer: 

And before we get to see the episode, here are some exclusive behind-the-scenes pictures I took from the taping. I also want to credit Jerome’s personal assistant and drive, Kuya Jojo, for taking the other pictures the following taping day. I wasn’t able to visit again because of school. STUDIES FIRST, you know. 

Jerome with Jomari and some real-life soldiers who
played support to him in the episode

Jerome and Jomari are trainees and comrades
in this episode.

Jerome gets to experience battle while in dirty, muddy water...

... And he seemed to enjoy it!

Recho has to leave for duty. 

Seriously reading and studying his script.

Erin Ocampo of GirlTrends play Helen, Recho's estranged wife.

This is what Recho sees after coming home from duty.

Cofrontation scene

Heartwarming scene with his family. 

Hindi pwedeng wala kaming picture together!

While waiting for the set-up. 

Unmasking The Real Julia Barretto

At Ronnie Alonte's concert just last month, in the middle of our conversation, Julia Barretto challenged me to ask her a question that has never been asked to and about her. It actually proved to be a challenging one because, in the three years I've known Julia, I know much of her (except, of course, some of the things about her private life that should remain undisclosed). I can actually just ask her about anything and everything. And so much have been asked to her in the entire promo of "Vince And Kath And James", when I asked a certain question, she answered, "please refer to my other interviews". I actually had a hard time, but Julia boosted my ego by saying, "Kaya mo yan! Magaling ka naman e!" Thanks Juls! 

So I searched my mind and heart of what could be that question I haven't asked her yet. Something na I may know the answer deep down, pero I never really verbalized or didn't attempt na tanungin at all. Then in a light bulb moment, I asked her, "What's the biggest muisconcepction about Julia Barretto?"

Watch the video and find out her truly heartfelt answer. And someone really close to her answered the question for her as well. Curious? Here it is: 

You can still catch Julia in "Vince And Kath And James", still playing in cinemas nationwide. She is also part of the teleserye "A Love To Last" which premieres this Monday on ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida block! 

Mr. Ultimate Piolo at 40

I still can't believe that Piolo Pascual is actually turning 40 this month. 

I mean, tingnan mo naman ang hitsura niya. Kahit nga 30ish, hindi ako maniniwala agad. He is still one of the best looking guys around. When I attended the bloggers' conference for his birthday #MrUltimatePiolo last Wednesday, karamihan natutulala sa presensya niya. Iba si Papa P!

But as he answered our questions during the blogcon, na-realize ko why he still looks fresh and palpable: it is coming from within. He is happy, blessed and grateful. The best thing is, he is sharing that feeling sa mga tao sa paligid niya. 

Here are some of Piolo's answers sa #MrUltimatePiolo. Actually, andami niyang nasabi at na-share na maganda, ako ang nahirapan mag-notes. But it was such a wonderful Q and A with Papa P, marami akong napulot na valuable lessons in life, through his journey and learnings as an actor, entepreneur, father, son... A man of and for God.

On insecurities in life, despite being "almost perfect" to the eyes of his supporters:

"I'm nowhere perfect. I'm a work in progress. But if I have an insecurity, I guess it's my shyness... I'm shy to open up."

On aging/turning 40:

"It doesn't bother me now. I've embraced my life now... Mas mahirap lang mag-burn ng metabolism."

On still feeling and being young at 40:

"I'll always feel young no matter what age I will be. We only live once. Feel young."

On his son, Inigo:

"He is becoming his own person. I feel complete knowing he is around. No matter what he becomes in life, I will always be grateful about his existence, and that he is my son."

On people calling him Papa P:

"It's still awkward. Even the cameramen, yun na tawag sa akin. Somehow, it reminds me to look good everytime.

On his upcoming film, "Once In A Lifetime":

"It's very real. It's closer to home. I play a man looking for purpose. I'm really proud to do something like this."

On his leading lady in "Once In A Lifetime", Yen Santos:

"She's very professional and she's a go-getter. The screen loves her."

On pursuing another career, given another life timeline:

"I'd still be pursuing this. Hindi maging artista, pero umarte. I just can't picture myself doing something else."

On kids who want to pursue showbiz:

"Finish school first. Showbiz, it's not gonna go away. Do workshops, training... Enter the battle equipped, and learn the ropes while you're in it. Work on it. And pray hard for it. 


On his 5 sexiest women in showbiz:

"Izadora. She kept her looking maintained. She knows how to take care of herself. That for me is sexy. And she has a very beautiful, sexy face. Si Shaina... She's so good at how she projects herself. Nadine Lustre. Liza Soberano. Kathryn Bernardo."

Happy Moments With Jerome In Lucena

Before Christmas Day and Typhoon Nina happened, heartthrob and good friend Jerome Ponce was able to spread some good vibes in Quezon Province last December 19 as he headlined the "Huawei Happy Moments" tour at SM City Lucena. 

The audience were treated to Jerome's nakakakilig song numbers, including his rendition of "When You Say Nothing At All". Two lucky girls were also able to sing along with him and on stage. 

And as a bonus, some lucky audience members and Huawei cellphone buyers had photo ops with Jerome after the program.

It was my first to be in Lucena, and decided to go all the way there to support Jerome. I wasn't able to make tour the city (kulang sa oras, next time!), but he made the short trip unforgettable for me as he treated me and his entourage (driver Kuya Jojo and Road Manager Kharina) to a dinner in the city, before going back to Manila. And it was extra special because we were joined in by Mika Reyes, who also supported Jerome in this event. 

The 5 hour trip going to Lucena, and then another 5 going back to Manila was so worth it... Thanks Pogs!  

Vince and James' Wish For Christmas

Happy holidays! 

By the time I post this, Star Cinema's Metro Manila Film Festival 2016 flag-bearer, "Vince And Kath And James" is leading at the box-office list, and has been garnering favorable reviews from moviegoers and critics. 

Weeks ago, your Dakilang Fan was able to ask the film's male lead stars, Joshua Garcia and Ronnie Alonte, what their wishes for this season are. They must be really good guys, they're getting what they asked for. 

What are those?  Watch the videos and find out:

Ronnie also leads another filmfest entry, Reality Entetainment's horror flick "Seklusyon", which is also among the top 4 box-office earners as of this writing. 

Kapamilya Play-Offs 2016

I was given the privilege to cover the Kapamilya PlayOffs 2016 last Sunday at Mall Of Asia Arena for this blog site and for No Ink. The Star Magic boys were divided into two teams: Team Black (led by Daniel Padilla) and Team Blue (led by Gerald Anderson). The venue was filled with cheers, shrieks and screams from fans who went all the way to see their favorite stars play friendly basketball. But the game was so intense, for fans it was like watching a Ginebra "do-or-die" game. After four quarters, 40 minutes of ball game, Team Black prevailed with the score 96-93.

Here are some exclusive photos on the court, and at back of house, captured by your Dakilang Fan:

Team Black was coached by PBA legend Alvin Patrimonio. no less.

Coached by another PBA legend, Jerry Codinera,
Team Blue gave a really good fight, they were on lead of as high
as 9 points during the first half,

Though his team lost, Gerald was no doubt the Star of the Game,
scoring a whopping 48 points.

Xian also played center for Team Black!
Rumored girlfriend Kim Chiu managed to make it to the game.

Zanjoe Marudo played strong center for
Daniel's team. 

Ejay Falcon was part of Team Blue.

Gerald's best friend, Rayver Cruz

Axel Torres was named Most Valuable Player of he game,
earning 25 points for Team Black.

Aside from being part of the winning team,
Vin Abrenica is happy to be part of an upcoming serye.

Marco Gumabao, who is part of the primetime
serye "Magpahanggang Wakas". 

Hashtag Jon Lucas was part of KathNiel's
"Got To Believe", thus he joined Team Black.  

Paulo Angeles had an impressive game
especially on the first half.

Daniel's best friend, Patrick Sugui, was fresh from a
well-received MMK stint the night before the game.

Anjo Damiles actually had allergies that day, thus I didn't take
a close-up shot of him. 

Young JV Kapunan was named one of the Mythical 5
players of the name after an outstanding game for
Team Gerald

Diego Loyzaga had an intense game for
Gerald's team. 

Hashtag Jimboy Martin played for Gerald's team.

The very supportive Kathryn Bernardo and friends cheered
all throughout the game!

Present to support were "Vince and Kath and James" stars
Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia.

Loisa Andalio cheered for Team Black. 

Also spotted were Girltrends Chienna Filomeno
and Erin Ocampo

Julia Barretto led the ceremonial toss.

Daniel experienced minor injury during the game,..

... But managed to get up just minutes later.

With few seconds left in the game, Ronnie Alonte
had a major, painful injury...

... But he was able to get up (thank God!) to receive
his Mythical 5 award, and grant me an interview afterwards.

Daniel graced interviews after the game. 

TEAM FORD-a WIN!

And Daniel received the best reward after winning the game.