Mylan launches Hepatitis C awareness campaign in association with the Hepatology Society of Philippines

Around 1% of the estimated 100 million Filipinos have chronic hepatitis C1

Mylan, one of the world’s leading global pharmaceutical companies, in association with the Hepatology Society of Philippines (HSP), launched an awareness campaign for Hepatitis C in the country. The BEATHepC (Become educated, aware, tested and treated) campaign aims at spreading awareness about the disease. It will include dissemination of information through pamphlets and promoting screening among Filipinos at risk.

Michael de Mesa gives ‘pointers’ to sons Goeff, Ryan

For the first time, veteran actor Michael de Mesa and son Geoff Eigenmann are going to work together in a television series.  Their upcoming project, entitled Kasalanan Ba Ang Ibigin Ka?, will air weekday afternoons beginning June 4 on GMA-7. 

During the story conference held early this week at the GMA Network Center, de Mesa was asked by reporters from which parent did Geoff get his acting skills: from him or from ex-wife Gina Alajar. 

“Siyempre sa akin,” he quips.  “Joke lang. Pareho naman.” 

Michael de Mesa has been in the industry for close to two decades now, starting his showbiz career at the age of 15.  Sure, he has gained not just popularity but also respect from everyone in the industry because of his professionalism.  Does he share his “trade secret” to his sons who are following in his footsteps? 

“Yes. Tuwing napapanood ko siya tapos ‘pag nagkikita at nagkakausap kami binibigyan ko naman siya ng pointers.” 

ART IS A BANG: A Fire In The Soul

DLSU restages A Fire in the Soul: A Cantata

History has indeed told us the best stories in the world. Stories of war and death might make us think that its all black and blue. But here is a story that will tell you a deeper meaning of love, commitment, and fidelity.

A Fire in the Soul: A Cantata tells the story of a crucial event in the history of the Lasallian mission in Southeast Asia. On February 12, 1945, as American forces bombarded the City of Manila, a group of Japanese soldiers entered the De La Salle College campus on Taft Avenue and attacked the people who were living there. Twenty-four men, women, and children, and 16 La Salle brothers died in the massacre.   War turns human beings into monsters. It also forges heroes out of its flames. We tell this story to honor their memory, their service to humanity, and to remember them eternally. 

Created by Gabby Fernandez and directed by Peque Gallaga, the Cantata is one of the highlights of the yearlong centennial celebration of De La Salle University (DLSU) in the Philippines. Vicente Garcia Groyon wrote the libretto and Von de Guzman composed the music. 

A Fire in the Soul: A Cantata will have two performances only: February 26 (Sunday - Matinee) at 3pm and February 27 (Monday - Gala Night) at 8pm. Both shows will be held at Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium at the 7th Floor of Don Enrique T. Yuchengco Hall of DLSU.  The cast includes Michael de Mesa (Br. Egbert), Franco Laurel (Br. Antonius), Al Gatmaitan (Br. Mutwald), Jonel Mojica (Br. Friedbert), Miguel Castro (Br. Arkadius), Floyd Tena (Br. Athanasius), and Naomi Sison (Alma Mater).  Also, joining them are Onyl Torres (Japanese Captain), Nazer Salcedo (Japanese Soldier 1), Gary Fabricante (Japanese Soldier 2), and John Gilbert Arceo (Japanese Soldier 3).   

REEL DEAL: Valiente (2012)

in the 90's it has been a staple for Pinoys (and me when I was a wee boy) after watching Eat Bulaga, one of the most successful afternoon series, VALIENTE has also kept people glued to their screens. Now after 20 years, TV5 brings the series is back with casts from the original series and new ones who are also great actors and actresses from this generation.  A classic in Philippine TV that has been loved by millions of Filipinos bringing a very compelling story of love, deceit, revenge, and friendship now brought to life in the 21st Century.

After a successful run that spanned five years on two major networks, Valiente makes a grand comeback to capture once more the hearts of Filipinos who grew up watching the series as well as the new generation of viewers who would surely relate to the classic story two decades after.

Now airing on primetime for the first time and helmed by multi-awarded director Joel Lamangan, TV5’s Valiente recounts the epic tale of two families whose lives are intertwined by their desire to claim what they believe is rightfully theirs. The compelling story is given new life by a powerhouse cast of this generation’s most bankable actors, including Kapatid stars Oyo Sotto, Nadine Samonte, Niña Jose and JC De Vera.