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! 

Blessed ElNella

Elmo Magalona and Janella Salvador have much to be thankful for.

With all these new loveteams introduced, theirs remain as one of the most followed and loved by their supporters, and casual viewers. As announced by ABS-CBN TV Production unit Dreamscape last week, they are set to star in a new teleserye this year with Nash Aguas. They also have an upcoming Star Cinema movie, in pre-production works now, with other teen stars like Diego 

Loyzaga, Sofia Andres, Maris Racal and Ronnie Alonte.

Their respective singing careers are on full swing as well. Elmo continues with his sold-out nationwide mall tour of his album under Universal Records. Janella, meanwhile, will stage her first digital concert for Star Music and One Music PH this Sunday at 5 PM. And we are all invited to witness it, by registering this early at www.onemusic.ph

But before we get too excited with all these blessings that have come ElNella’s way, let’s look a little back at the successful pre-Valentine mall show this reel (or going real na ba?) couple earlier this month at Trinoma. These pictures only prove that they look so good and kilig together, right? 

Practicing their duet before going on stage. 

  

Uy, holding hands!

Moe-ya looks good with messy hair, no? 

Truly, Janella is one of the best young performers today. 

Ginalingan ang pagpapakilig!

Uwian na!!! 

Photo op with their ever loyal supporters!

"Dakilang Fan" moment with the two!

Gimme 5 Is Here To Stay!

It may have been a while since we last saw them performing together. With the emergence of several other boybands, one may wonder what happens next for them. Were they just on leave because of that dreaded "awkward stage"? Or is it the end for their group?

But last Thursday, social media was rocked with the announcement of the return of Gimme 5, via a second album under Star Music. Their loyal fans just got so excited and ecstatic over the news. Their "bias", as the fans regard them, are transitioning from cutie-cutie boy group to a more matured, serious boyband.  

Three years ago, they were launched as this tween boy group who charmed our young hearts with their catchy hits "Hatid Sundo" and "Aking Prinsesa" off their debut album, which, as of May, reportedly has reached the Gold status. They were even seen together in several TV projects like "Wansapanataym: Perfecto", "ASAP" and the top-rating serye "Bagito". And to top it all, they headlined more than 20 sold-out mall shows all over the country, the last in Pangasinan in May.  

So what have these guys been up to during that short break or "hiatus"?

Grae Fernandez, touted as the next leading man among them, had been part of "Pangako Sa 'Yo", where he was paired with Andrea Brillantes. He also made rounds of guestings in several shows like "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" and "Ipaglaban Mo", showing his promise and potential in dramatic roles, reminding us of a younger Paulo Avelino and, well, Mark Anthony Fernandez, his father in real life.

Brace Arquiza may have also done some memorable TV dramna stints like in "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" and "MMK: Ang Dakilang Fan", but viewers remembers him more these days as one of the best teen dancers around. His performances in "ASAP" and "It's Showtime" proved that, if given the right training and exposure, he can be the next dace floor heartthrob, just like Rayver Cruz and John Prats back when they were younger.

When not busy with his showbiz commitments, John Bermundo busies himself in studying as he is currently on Senior High, Grade 11 under the K-12 program. He also does occasional stage acting for his group, Philmarts. And he has a semi-regular stint on the daytime series "Langit Lupa".

Chinito cutie and former commercial kid wonder Joaquin Reyes did several guestings for "MMK". He also took time studying other musical instruments, which he now uses everytime he performs for shows.

And of course, there's Nash Aguas, who has been a star to us ever since he was 5. He played an important role in the recently-concluded long-running afternoon series "Doble Kara", with loveteam partner Alexa Ilacad. And he enrolled in college last year, taking up Film Making. Looks like he has plans of directing and/or making films and TV projects in the future, behind the camera that is!

Now, they're grown up! Boys no more! "Binata na", as some of us would put it. GIMME 5 IS SO BACK - and they're here to stay. 

Is Direk Cathy "Maldita"?

During my "Writing for Mainstream Media" talk with students and teachers in Palawan last weekend, one of the questions raised to me during the "Q & A Portion" was, "maldita po ba si Direk Cathy?"

I laughed at the question, and at the same time thought about it seriously. MALDITA was a big word for me to describe such a kindhearted and brilliant director. But somehow, the question was valid - early last year, there was this controversy that came out about her attitude towards her co-workers and talents on the set. Direk Cathy Garcia-Molina was able to clear her name, of course, in no time. She explained her side already. Her colleagues, artists and co-workers, including me, defended her. But for me, I believed, I still had to answer, with cameras on and more than a hundred audience listening, to vouch on how great a person and a director she really is.

Stolen shot of Direk Cathy on her first
meeting for "Forevermore".

I'm a big fan of Direk Cathy's movies ever since. I've watched most of them in cinemas: "One More Chance", "Unofficially Yours", "My Amnesia Girl", "You Are The One", "Miss You Like Crazy", "My Only U", "A Second Chance", "Just The Three Of Us", just to name a few. In fact, I told her and my close friends that I actually saw and still see myself in Sarah Geroimo's Laida Magtalas in one of her biggest hits, "A Very Special Love". I am in love with someone like Miggy Montenegro (played by John Lloyd Cruz). That's how great she is... She can tell our life's story on the big screen without her and us knowing that she is doing it, beautifully. She is more than just a box-office director - she is a master story teller. And only a few can be considered that.

Lull time on the set of "Forevermore" with our
dependable PA Jernee Gratones.

So working with her, when I was starting out, would be a great honor I thought. I wished for it. And it happened, not once but twice. First, on Kathryn and Daniel's big primetime hit Got To Believe, then next on Liza and Enrique's breakout TV series Forevermore. We had several moments in meetings and on the set. She has become more than just a director to me - she is a friend.

Creating Xander's look in "Forevermore"

I saw how passionate and intense Direk Cathy can be during creative and preprod meetings. She wants the best from the material, and from us. She puts so much value on human's real emotions - she would point out and make you feel yourself how a person would feel when he/she would be put in a situation, like what we always write on our teleseryes. She speaks her heart out. She can be frank, straightforward. Yes, she says some bad words on the set. Most of us do! But we don't take them personally, because we know, after a sequence or take, she's gone past it and she would be the one to approach you to give you a hug, reassurring that "nothing personal, just work". And afterwards, we can joke and laugh at each other, hang around like really good friends. She would even personally call writers to suggest scenes, dialogues, ask for revisions if she felt what you wrote isn't working under circumstances on the set... The best part is, she acknowledges your hard work and she's generous with compliments.

Coaching Jerome on the taping of
MMK's Grandparents Day episode

I personally witnessed how she brought out the acting chops in Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano, on the set of the seryes we've worked on. She didn't mind spending 2 hours in just one sequence to bring out the best in them. She is patient, considerate, helpful, but she knows and believes that her actors can do and be more. Pinipiga niya ang mga ito to their very best. When she could have given up, walked out... She stayed with and stood by them. And look at where these four young superstars now are! Even on one MMK episode, she was only supposed to visit her good friend Direk Elfren Vibar, but ended up coaching and motivating Jerome Ponce as he played a flighty gay character, really far from his "real" self.

Online biruan with Direk,

On the set, everytime I'd visit, she would be so generous in sharing to me her experiences, her insights. We would even joke at each other, like recently on social media, when I saw her cameo as the hotel chambermaid in the Aga Muhlach-Dayanara Torres film, "Basta't Kasama Kita". She is really cool!

On the set of "My Ex And Whys" in Tagaytay

Now, I'm excited for her newest film, My Ex And Whys, her first on the big screen with LizQuen. This time, her film tackles the pains of breaking up and moving on. You know, just when you thought you've already moved on, here your ex is, trying to win you back. Kaloka lang di ba? And knowing Direk Cathy, she was able to come up with scenes and lines that would surely trigger our emotions. Dun pa lang sa "Pangit ba ako?" line ni Liza that everyone's talking about, and "bakit ikaw pa rin?" to which many of us can connect. We also get to see how Liza and Enrique have grown into becoming reliable and competent artists of this generation, under Direk Cathy's guidance.

At G2B's New Year party, The shirt I was wearing
was a gift from her.

So to answer the question, NO. Direk Cathy is NOT maldita. She's a great director, one of the best we've got, and she's a master storyteller of the story of our lives.