REVIEW: Firefly - Let Your Imagination Make You Cry

GMA Pictures joins the Metro Manila Film Festival for 2023 with an emotional film filled with adventure, love, friendship, and a lot of imagination with FIREFLY. Directed by Zig Dulay, it stars Alessandra De Rossi, Euwenn Mikaell, Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Epy Quizon, Yayo Aguila, and a special participation by Dingdong Dantes.

Interestingly, many films with the word 'firefly' are known to be tear-jerkers with a very moving story. And when I heard the title of the film, I knew that this would really move the viewers and indeed I saw and felt it when I saw this at the premiere night of the film with the stars along with the key personalities of GMA Public Affairs like Jessica Soho and Kara David.

FIREFLY tells the story of a kid named Tonton, who went on a journey to find the island of the fireflies which his mother (Alessandra) would tell stories filled with magical creatures and one can fulfill one's wish when they would reach it. The unexpected travel would lead Tonton to meet Louie (Epy), Linda (Yayo), Billy (Miguel), and Erika (Ysabel) along the way. 

Replacing Chef Chico - Stories of Food, Love, and Fire

I was surprised that Netflix has not yet have their own original Filipino series until now with the release of Replacing Chef Chico which stars Piolo Pascual, Alessandra De Rossi, and Sam Milby. This series is directed by Dan Villegas and written by Antoinette Jadaone brings food and love in 8-episode course.

We might recall several similar series or movies with the theme of the show, yet it does stand out with how it plays with the premise of romance, Filipino food, and the ensemble that contributes to the flavor of the show. 

The show shares the story of the restaurant named Hain and how the head chef Chico (Sam Milby) struggles to keep it afloat and to prove itself as one of the best restaurants in Asia. His sous chef Ella (Alessandra) tries her best to serve the best story-inspired dishes which Hain is known for. Raymond (Piolo) comes as a consultant of the restaurant to observe and help Hain to regain its glory.

A Recipe for Romance: Netflix Unveils Stunning Key Art for ‘Replacing Chef Chico’

Are you ready to stir up some romance in the kitchen? Netflix has just served up the intriguing main key art of its forthcoming Filipino series, Replacing Chef Chico.

Replacing Chef Chico marks a significant milestone as Netflix’s first Filipino-produced series. It stands as a testament to a new era of exciting local content on the streaming giant, underlining the growing influence of Filipino storytelling on a much bigger scale. 

The newly released key art provides an enticing peek into the heart of the series. At the forefront is Chef Ella, reaching into a pot with a ladle in hand, while the two men—Chef Chico and Raymond—gaze at her intently, hinting at the love triangle that’s set to captivate viewers throughout the series. 

The stellar cast of Replacing Chef Chico includes Sam Milby (A Family Affair) as Chef Chico, Alessandra de Rossi (What If) as Chef Ella, and Piolo Pascual (My Amanda) as consultant Raymond. Each character brings their unique perspective to the table and is driven by different motivations as they try to breathe new life into Hain, the restaurant.

‘Replacing Chef Chico’: First Filipino-Produced Series Puts Love on the Menu

For Filipinos, romance and food make a sizzling combination, and the first local Netflix production in a series format serves up a zesty love triangle set against the backdrop of a high-end fine dining restaurant. 

Replacing Chef Chico is the brainchild of director Dan Villegas, assistant director Joi Bayan, and showrunner Antoinette Jadaone. It stars three of the biggest names in the local entertainment industry — Piolo Pascual (My Amanda), Alessandra de Rossi (My Amanda and What If) and Sam Milby (A Family Affair). 

5 Things Why Nothing Compares to Walang KaParis

Six years after their blockbuster film, Kita Kita, Director Sigrid Bernardo is back with a follow-up project starring Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez of the sensational love pairing, ALEmpoy.

As the pandemic wanes, production for films has also come back in full swing. This includes the latest Amazon Original, Walang Kaparis, which will be available for streaming in 240 countries on Prime Video starting March 23, 2023.

Director Sigrid Bernardo once again brings out the one-of-a-kind chemistry between Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez.

Here are five things you should know about the film:

Prime Video debuts trailer of Empoy-Alessandra De Rossi reunion movie ‘Walang KaParis’

What happens when art imitates life - or heart imitates life?

Trailer available now: https://youtu.be/Te8_9jYwCI8

The official trailer to the much-anticipated reunion movie of Empoy and Alessandra De Rossi, Walang KaParis, is finally out!

Produced by Spring Films and Viva Films, Walang KaParis also brings together the breakout tandem with their Kita Kita director (I See You) Sigrid Andrea Bernardo. The Amazon Original Movie literally means “no match” or “beyond compare”, and is a play on the story’s setting, one of the most romantic places in the world - Paris.

Walang KaParis tells the story of Jojo (Empoy), a Filipino artist in Paris, who has had many lovers, but not one of them could fill the chasm in his life occupied by the mysterious muse of his paintings. Then comes a day when a woman named Marie (De Rossi) walks up to him and claims to be the subject in his paintings. 

Alessandra De Rossi and Empoy Marquez Reunite for New Amazon Original Movie Walang KaParis

The breakout tandem known as Alempoy reunite with director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo in a new film

Prime Video members in the Philippines and more than 240 countries and territories worldwide can stream the film exclusively starting March 23

Prime Video has released the teaser key art for the new Amazon Original Movie Walang KaParis, a romantic drama which reunites the breakout tandem of Alessandra De Rossi and Empoy Marquez, popularly known as Alempoy. Walang KaParis is helmed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, the director of Kita Kita (I See You), which catapulted the pair to fame in 2017. Viewers will be able to stream the film exclusively on Prime Video starting March 23 in 240 countries and territories worldwide, alongside Kita Kita (I See You).

Walang KaParis revolves around Jojo (Empoy Marquez), a Filipino artist in Paris who has had many lovers, but constantly finds himself  desperate to fill the chasm in his life occupied by the mysterious muse of his paintings. For years, his heart is held captive by a woman with no name and no history. Like a compass, he looks for her in every girl he meets, hoping she will be “the one.” One day, a woman named Marie (Alessandra De Rossi) walks up to him and claims to be the subject of his paintings. 

Philippine blockbuster romance-comedies “Finally Found Someone” and “Kita-kita” top bill Kapamilya Box Office on TFC this September

“Love Moves in Mysterious Ways”.  This famous line from pop-jazz singer-songwriter Julia Fordham’s song of the same title, is perhaps one of most popular love song titles and which holds true in the September offering of Kapamilya Box Office (KBO) on TFC: “Finally Found Someone” and “Kita Kita” airing soon via TFC online (www.TFC.tv) and TFC IPTV starting September 20, in key countries worldwide.

Kapamilya Box Office on TFC offering “Finally Found Someone” is directed by one of the Philippine film industry’s fast-rising directors Theodore Boborol and with a story written and developed by Carmi Raymundo and Gilliann Ebreo, marks the much-awaited silver screen reunion of the mega blockbuster tandem of Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz. 

“Echorsis” lead star Alex Medina flattered by growing gay fan base

Mention Alex Medina’s name when chatting with a gay friend and chances are your chum will show all signs of being totally smitten.

Indeed, the ruggedly handsome actor and lead star of the horror-comedy film, “Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good and Evil,” has been the object of the local gay community’s sexual fantasies in the past few years, earning him the moniker “kilabot ng mga beki” or “gay heartthrob.”

“I like it,” Alex, the son of acclaimed actor Pen Medina, unabashedly admits. “If my being a gay heartthrob catches on, eh di sige, okay. I am comfortable with the way I am, which is why I’m fine with it. Nakaka-flatter s’ya actually.”

Medina relates that he used to receive numerous “indecent proposals” from gay fans on social media. However, such rabid attention eventually declined when he became more visible in movies and television.

REEL DEAL: Kid Kulafu REVIEW

Manny Pacquiao's monumental match with Mayweather maybe the most pivotal moment in his career and we have seen dozens of Manny tribute movies, documentaries and even TV shows. But what really made Manny who he is today? With many of these stories starts with his beginings in his boxing career, it has less known to the public how he started in the mountains of Bukidnon, his family's migration to General Santos and who introduced him first to the world of boxing.

These questions will now be answered by the upcoming film KID KULAFU by Paul Soriano. Based from Manny's ring name when he started out. Kid Kulafu or Emmanuel Pacquiao is played by Buboy Villar, known for his child sidekick roles and now a teenager and back on the big screen in a leading role. Buboy does have that resemblance of the young Manny yet imitating the moves and speed of Pacman is never a simple feat. 

Wacky Fun On The Set of "Basta Everyday Happy"

I have been to many set visits and found a similar pattern, but every experience is indeed fun. But it has never been as wacky like the set of GMA's morning show "Basta Everyday Happy" which is a cooking, variety, and talk show in one.  The show is hosted by Donita Rose, Alessandra De Rossi, Gladys Reyes and Chef Boy Logro.

It is interesting that the mix of different mix of hosts for the show, especially when they are known to be part of specific generes of entertainment, like Donita who is known to be a VJ, host and now a mom, Gladys known for her kontrabida roles and also a mom, Alessandra for her acting prowess in drama and comedy, and of course Chef Boy who is "The Kusina Master".

Cinema One Originals Film "Mater Dolorosa" Now Available on iTunes

Another milestone for Philippine cinema was recently achieved with the award-winning film “Mater Dolorosa,” which was first screened through Cinema One Originals, being made available online on the Apple iTunes store.

“Mater Dolorosa” tells the story of a woman who has taken over running her husband’s crime empire while trying to keep her family together. While this is happening, a new mayor steps in, bringing the need for change not only in her business—but in how her and her family must deal with ghosts from their past.

“Mater Dolorosa” stars Gina Alajar, Cogie Domingo, Alessandra de Rossi, Carlo Aquino, Felix Roco, Anita Linda, Rosanna Roces, Evelyn Vargas, Alwyn Uytinco, Mercedes Cabral, Jason Abalos and Phillip Salvador.

The film took home a number of awards, including the 2013 Gawad Urian Best Director for Adolf Alix, Jr., the 2013 Golden Screen Awards Best Actress award for Gina Alajar, and the 2013 Star Awards for Movies Best Supporting Actor for Carlo Aquino.

Alessandra de Rossi and Jean Garcia renew exclusive contracts with GMA Network

Internationally-acclaimed actress Alessandra de Rossi and seasoned actress and television host Jean Garcia renewed their exclusive contracts with GMA Network.

Present in the contract signing were GMA Entertainment TV's OIC Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA President and Chief Operating Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Manny Valera (Alessandra and Jean's manager), and GMA Vice President for Drama Redgie Acuña-Magno.

During the contract signing, Atty. Gozon said he is very happy that Alessandra and Jean chose to stay with GMA, "Natutuwa naman tayo na ang mga magagaling na artista ay nagugustuhang manatili sa Kapuso station. Magagaling na artista yan kaya we have always considered them as assets." 

Pahiram ng Sandali emotion-filled finale airs this Friday

GMA Network’s compelling drama on love and relationships, PAHIRAM NG SANDALI, concludes its run with a touching finale this Friday, March 15.

The series, which is under the helm of award-winning Director Maryo J. Delos Reyes, featured a formidable cast headlined by Ms Lorna Tolentino, Christopher de Leon, Mark Gil, Alessandra de Rossi, Max Collins, Neil Ryan Sese, and Dingdong Dantes.

As the program wraps up this Friday, will Cindy (Max) finally forgive Janice (Lorna)? Will the mother and daughter seek the path of reconciliation in the end?  

What will be Cindy’s reaction if she finds out about Alex’s condition? Will Cindy’s heart soften and give Alex another chance at love or be a father to her child?

Pahiram ng Sandali airs after Indio on GMA Telebabad.