You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?

There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!

Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!


Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!

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Showing posts with label Robert R. Requintina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Robert R. Requintina. Show all posts

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Gela Atayde marks milestones in 'Time to Dance'

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA


AT A GLANCE

  • Robi Domingo, who also hosts the dance program, praised Gela for her debut as a television host.


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Gela Atayde

New Generation Dance Champion Gela Atayde showcases her passion for dance by hosting the survival reality show “Time to Dance” on ABS-CBN beginning Saturday, Jan. 18.

During a media conference on Jan. 16, Gela got emotional as she recalled the creation of the dance show.

"This is a passion project of mine. It was pitched to me to have a dance show. It was the idea of Star Magic kay Direk Lauren (Dyogi). It was he who believed in me in the first place. My mom (Sylvia Sanchez) helped me conceptualize these things. It was a collaboration of different productions," said Gela, the daughter of Art Atayde and veteran actress Sylvia Sanchez.

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Gela added: "But my mom would always say na dahil nakita nila yung puso and passion ko sa dance but also for the community. Being in the community, I see the ins and outs and what happens. I want to help those who wish to dance more, especially those who cannot afford it."

Robi Domingo, who also hosts the dance program, praised Gela for her debut as a television host.

"We can see Gela's passion and all the show's personalities from different walks of life. The show is timely because the last dance show of ABS-CBN is World of Dance. 

"Then we also have Your Moment with singing and dancing. Then the last dance segment was Girl on Fire na sobrang lakas din ng appeal. I'm sure magiging malakas din ang impression nila sa 'Time to Dance.' (Then we also have Your Moment, which includes singing and dancing. Then, the last dance segment was Girl on Fire, which also had a powerful appeal. They will also make a strong impression on 'Time to Dance.)

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From left: Robi Domingo, Gela Atayde, Vimi Rivera, and Ken San Jose

"Mapapanood niyo rito ang mga iba't ibang tao na may iba't ibang problema na ang goal talaga nila ay sumayaw at hindi pa huli ang lahat sa programang ito. (You can watch here different people with different problems whose real goal is to dance and it's not too late for everyone in this program)

"Grabe rito ang puso ni Gela. I think umiyak ka rito ng 52 times. Everytime may elimination, iiyak na naman si Gela. It's how she shows her heart and passion. I think it's endearing," said Robi. (Gela's heart is so heavy here. I think you cried 52 times here. Every time there's an elimination, Gela cries again).

Gela, 21, who has also been in a young modeling and acting career, said she was inspired her elder brother Rep. Arjo Atayde of Quezon City to dance when she was 12.  When asked if she’s been in other types of dancing, like ballroom and others, she replied that she's only been in hip-hop and street dance.

“Watching Kuya Arjo dance back when he was a competitive dancer sparked my love for dancing. But today, other talented dancers around the country inspire me to grow in dance continuously,” Gela said. “This is the path I have always wanted to take."

She has been motivated by many people, like her first former coaches, Coach Von and Chinky Asilo, in her former dance team — Poveda Enciende — for raising her to be the dancer she is today. 

“All the values they taught me from when I was 13 to 18 have brought me here. They are the two people that keep me going. Aside from them, my family and friends continuously support me. They are my motivations.”  

Gela isn’t a newbie in the international hip-hop street dance competition scene. She’s a champion in the 2017 Dance Worlds and a bronze medalist in the International Cheer Union in Orlando, Florida. She was also a champion locally in the Beacon Dance Competition and at the Chosen Ground 15 in 2019.

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Gela Atayde 

Another milestone for Gela was recording her first song for the theme of Time to Dance with Kyle Echarri.

Members of the Time to Dance council include Ken San Jose, Vimi Rivera, Chips Beltran, Lema Diaz, and Jobel Dayrit.

"I feel honored to be a judge in the show. It's nice to participate in this show, share my input with the contestants, and be part of their journey throughout the show," said Ken.

Vimi said: "I want to thank ABS-CBN and Nathan Studios for providing the dance community with this platform. Yung mga nakapasok na dancers sa show, they are the lifeline of the program. It allows for bridging the show and the dance community. I am so grateful na may respect na talaga sa dance community. Nagkaroon na ng opportunity ma-showcase ang dance groups natin. We are trying our best to showcase the dance community."

In choosing the grand champ, Vimi said: "You must be your best. It is still a competition. There will be one winner. As a dancer, you need to be skilled and creative. But on top of that, you have to be competitive. If your endurance and fighting spirit are shaky, you will not endure. There will be pressure. Pressure is good as long as you embrace that. We will have the best dancer at the end of the first season."

Ken added: "Dance is not just movement. They need to be skilled. As a performer, you must use your skills and emotions to tell a story so everyone can connect."

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Have you ever been in love? Star of the New Generation Jillian Ward answers the kilig question

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA


AT A GLANCE

  • Jillian takes on a challenging dual role as Tata, a humble Ilongga from the province, and Venice, a glamorous actress. 

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Jillian Ward

Star of the New Generation Jillian Ward recently shared her journey toward independence, reflecting on how this new chapter allows her to explore the complexities of love and relationships. 

Emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, Jillian expressed how stepping away from her family's influence has empowered her to better understand her feelings and desires. 

As she navigates the exciting yet challenging world of romance, the Kapuso actress embraces the opportunity to grow as an individual while opening her heart to the possibilities of falling in love.

"Independent na po ako ngayon. May sarili na akong space. Yun ang gift ko sa sarili ko. After work, doon talaga ako pumupunta. Nandoon na rin ang mga gamit ko. Pero umuuwi pa rin ako sa family house namin kasi hindi ko pa talaga kaya mag-isa. Ang hirap ng nagigising na walang pagkain. (I'm independent now. I have my own space. That's my gift to myself. After work, that's where I go. My things are there too. But I still go home to our family house because I can't really be alone yet. It's hard to wake up without food)," said Jillian during an interview for her latest series "My Ilonggo Girl" held at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.

"May yaya naman ako pero purposely naka-lock lang talaga ako sa space ko. Pahinga lang talaga ako. Feeling ko talaga independent na ako pero lahat ng kilos ko naka-update sa nanay ko. (I have a nanny but I purposely locked myself in my space. I'm just resting. I feel like I'm independent now but all my actions are updated with my mother.)

"Pinipilit ko talaga na maging adult na ako pero may nakatagong CCTV doon na nilagay ng nanay ko. May freedom na ako ngayon pero hindi ko pa talaga kayang humiwalay sa kanila. Madalas one day lang ako sa unit ko tapos uuwi na ako sa amin. (I'm really trying to be an adult but there's a hidden CCTV there that my mother installed. I have freedom now but I can't really separate myself from them. I usually spend one day in my unit and then I go home to my family.)

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Jillian Ward and Michael Sager

"Sa sobrang dami kong gamit, yung family house namin puro gamit ko na lang. Hindi ko matiis si mama. So, I'm semi-independent. (Because I have so many things, our family house is all about my stuff. I miss my mom. So, I'm semi-independent)," Jillian said. 

Jillian enjoys being a workaholic. After her three-year stint in "Abot Kamay na Pangarap," the young star said she started shooting for "My Ilonggo Girl." In between, she also finished a movie.

"Akala ko nga after 'Abot Kamay Na Pangarap' makakapagpahinga ako ng three months. Pero iba pala ang plano ni God sa akin.  After 'Abot Kamay,' nakapagshoot pa po ako ng movie. (I thought that after 'Abot Kamay Na Pangarap' I would be able to rest for three months. But God had different plans for me. After 'Abot Kamay,' I was able to shoot a movie).

"Proud po ako sa movie na yun. Hindi ko pa napapanood ng buo yung movie dahil ine-edit pa nila. Pero masaya po ako sa performance ko roon. Sana po panoorin nila. Parang dalawang linggo lang ang pahinga ko. (I'm proud of that movie. I haven't watched the whole movie yet because they're still editing it. But I'm happy with my performance in it. I hope they watch it. It seems like I only had two weeks off.)

"Noong Pasko, kasama ko ang family ko. Kumain at nagluto lang kami. Nag-music sa bahay. (On Christmas, I was with my family. We just ate and cooked. We played music at home)," said Jillian when asked how she celebrated the holidays.

First serious love team

Jillian mentioned that this would be her first experience in a love team for a television series. She is partnered with Michael Sager, who portrays her love interest in the romantic comedy program. Jillian expressed that she still feels awkward during the intimate scenes with Michael, but she said that Michael makes her feel comfortable.

"Michael makes sure na comfortable ako. Kinakausap niya ako at mine-message niya ako. Mahiyain pa rin kasi talaga ako. May side pa rin ako na bigla akong tahimik sa isang sulok. (Michael makes sure I'm comfortable. He talks to me and messages me. I'm still really shy. I still have a side where I suddenly go quiet in a corner.)

"Attentive rin naman siya. Dahil comfortable naman kami sa isa't isa, may chemistry naman kami. She did not plan to be in a love team. But then I realized gusto ko rin ma-explore ang iba't ibang character. (He's also attentive. Because we're comfortable with each other, we have chemistry. I didn't plan to be in a love team. But then I realized I also wanted to explore different characters.)

"Sa totoo lang kapag may mga scenes na super lapit kami ni Michael (Sager), medyo naiilang pa rin ako kasi nasanay ako na walang leading man. Parang bata ang nga role ko roon. Pero now parang Version 2.0. Dalaga roles na ako ngayon. It's time na talaga to grow and explore." (To be honest, when there are scenes where Michael (Sager) and I are super close, I still feel a little isolated because I'm used to not having a leading man. My role there was like a child. But now it's like Version 2.0. I'm not playing a young girl now. It's really time to grow and explore).

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The cast of 'My Ilonggo Girl'

Falling in love

For the first time, Jillian found the courage to share her feelings about experiencing love. She reflected on the moment her heart began to flutter and how the joyous warmth of that connection transformed her world. 

Jillian unveiled the vulnerability and excitement that accompanied her journey, revealing the depths of her emotions in a way she had never done before.

"Tinanong ko na rin yan sa aking mama. Nakaka-inspire rin naman ang may kilig sa life pero kung darating man, hayaan ko raw na ma-in love ako. Enjoy ko raw yun habang bata pa ako. Kung masaktan man matututo raw ako sa experience sa buhay. Mas open ako this year. (I asked my mom about that too. It's inspiring to have excitement in life, but if it comes, I should let myself fall in love. I should enjoy it while I'm still young. Even if I get hurt, I'll learn from life's experiences. I'm more open this year).

"Binibiro nga ako ng mga kaibigan ko sabi nila puro raw mga pusa ang kasama ko at kinakausap po. Apat silang pusa na lagi kong kinakausap. (My friends used to joke about me, saying that I only have cats with me and talk to them. There are four cats that I always talk to.)

"Nasanay na rin ako na growing up strict ang parents ko at parang baby nila ako. Pero ngayon binibigyan na nila ako ng freedom. So tingnan natin this year. At kapag nagkaroon ako noon, siyempre ipapakilala ko agad sa inyo. (I'm also used to my parents being strict growing up and treating me like their baby. But now they're giving me freedom. So let's see this year. And if I have one, of course I'll introduce you to them right away)," Jillian said.

Asked if she has fallen in love, Jillian laughed and answered: "Kayo talaga. Syempre, tao lang din. Pero wala pa talagang serious relationship. (Of course, we're only human. But there's no real serious relationship yet.)"

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On Feb. 23, Jillian will turn 20 as she celebrates her birthday. "Dito lang ako (sa Pilipinas) pero may taping ako. Masayang masaya ako kapag may work. Feeling ko magkakasakit ako kapag walang work. (I'm just here (in the Philippines) but I'm taping. I'm happy when I have work. I feel like I'll get sick when I don't have work).

"Kapag pumupunta ako ng abroad, work pa rin ang iniisip ko. Baka pwede kahit one week na vacation. Malay niyo, doon ko pala ma-meet siya. (When I go abroad, I still think about work. Maybe even a one-week vacation will do. Who knows, I'll meet him there)," she said.

Jillian stated that it doesn't matter if the guy is from showbiz; what’s important is that he is God-fearing.

"Sa akin kahit ano ang ibibigay sa akin ni God. Gusto ko God-fearing siya. Kapag God-fearing everything else follows. Iba pa rin kapag respectful ang tao. Tapos gagawa siya ng effort para kilalanin niya ang family ko. Na-i-in-love ako kapag super bait sa family ko. (For me, whatever God gives me, I want him to be God-fearing. When he's God-fearing, everything else follows. It's still different when the person is respectful. Then he'll make an effort to get to know my family. I fall in love when he's super kind to my family).

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Jillian and Michael

My Ilonggo Girl

GMA Public Affairs kicks off the new year with an exciting tale of love, identity, and transformation as it proudly presents My Ilonggo Girl, a regional romantic comedy series premiering on Jan. 13, Mondays through Thursdays at 9:35 p.m. on GMA Prime.

Jillian takes on a challenging dual role as Tata, a humble Ilongga from the province, and Venice, a glamorous actress. The story unfolds when Tata is thrust into Venice’s world, leading to a series of encounters that forever changes her life.

This marks Jillian’s much-anticipated return to primetime and her debut project with GMA Public Affairs. The award-winning actress expressed gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to portray two vastly different characters.

 “I feel so blessed and happy kasi 15 years na ako sa industry pero grabe pa rin ‘yung tiwala sa akin ng GMA, and first time kong magkakaroon ng teleserye with GMA Public Affairs. Nae-excite ako kasi ibang-iba siya sa mga nagawa ko na at marami akong natutunan na bago.” (I feel so blessed and happy because I've been in the industry for 15 years but GMA still has a lot of trust in me, and this is my first time doing a teleserye with GMA Public Affairs. I'm excited because it's very different from what I've done before and I've learned a lot.)

Jillian also teased what fans can look forward to in My Ilonggo Girl.

 “First time kong mag-kontrabida talaga tapos dalawa pa ‘yung characters ko. First time ko ring magka-character na galing province kasi mostly ang mga characters ko taga-Maynila. Ibang Jillian ang makikita nila dahil mayroong dalawang Jillian sa show na magkaibang-magkaiba. Ang role ko rin po rito, something fresh and light, pampagaan ng gabi bago matulog ang mga tao. (It's my first time playing a villain, and I have two other characters. It's also my first time playing a character from the provinces because most of my characters are from Manila. They will see a different Jillian because there are two Jillians in the show who are very different. My role here is also something fresh and light, to lighten the night before people go to sleep)," she said.

The series boasts a powerhouse cast composed of both young, and seasoned actors that include Michael Sager, Teresa Loyzaga, Arra San Agustin, Lianne Valentin, and Arlene Muhlach, alongside talented actors Empoy Marquez, Yasser Marta, Richard Quan, Andrea del Rosario, Vince Maristela, Patricia Ismael, Yesh Burce, youngsters Sabreenika Santos, Geo Mhanna, and veteran actress Ms. Carla Martinez.

Produced by GMA Public Affairs, the creative team behind hits like Lolong 1, Black Rider, and Makiling, My Ilonggo Girl promises to bring back kilig to primetime. The series is based on an original concept by Erwin Caezar Bravo and John Mychal Ferraren, with Bravo as head writer. 

Directing the series is Conrado Peru, supported by a creative team that includes Aeious Asin, John Bedia, Dickson Comia, and Lawrence Nicodemus.

Catch Jillian as she breathes life into Tata and Venice in My Ilonggo Girl, beginning Jan. 13, Mondays through Thursdays at 9:35 p.m. on GMA Prime. Global viewers can also tune in via GMA Pinoy TV. 

Monday, January 6, 2025

Rihanna shuts down a troll who insulted her on social media

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA


AT A GLANCE

  • The Barbadian musician has not released an album since 2016's Anti, which spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.


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Rihanna (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Pop superstar Rihanna responded to a troll who demanded new music and insulted her on Instagram on Jan. 1.

According to billboard.com, the exchange went down on Ri’s latest post, a video she filmed of herself celebrating with friends as the clock ticked down to midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Rihanna excitedly told the camera in the clip: "Y'all, I didn’t drink all year. I didn't drink all year." She captioned her post: "New year, new me."

A netizen wrote in the comments section: “We want an album forehead."

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The “Umbrella” singer quickly shut him down. She replied: “Listen, Lorenzo! You ain’t cute enough to be calling me by my black name you dizzy f–k!” 

The Barbadian musician has not released an album since 2016's Anti, which spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. 

Since then, Rihanna has appeared on a few remixes and contributed “Born Again” and “Lift Me Up” to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

The song received a Grammy nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media and an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.

Rihanna has hinted for years that a new LP is coming, but fans have learned to take her updates with caution, billboard.com reported.

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Hilda Koronel returns to acting via 'Sisa,' reveals favorite Filipino stars

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA


AT A GLANCE

  • Although Hilda lives abroad for almost 20 years, she expressed that she never misses acting. Her last film was The Mistress in 2012. 

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Hilda Koronel (Screengrab from YouTube)

After12 years, award-winning actress Hilda Koronel returns to the Philippines to shoot a historical film entitled "Sisa."

During a guest appearance on Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, Hilda said she was excited to do the movie.

"I'm going to do a historical thriller. It's called Sisa. They believe it's all about Jose Rizal's 'Sisa,' but it's not. It's an original story. Interesting," said Hilda. 

Asked how she would attack the role of Sisa, the award-winning actress said: "They see her as a mad woman from the beginning. She was damaged. Parang loka-loka siya. So dahil loka-loka, pinangalan siyang Sisa. That's it. But truly, she was not a crazy woman. She was a spy for the revolutionaries."

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"I did Lupang Hinirang, a period piece from the old days, but this one is different. I loved the story, and the presentation during the Zoom meeting was so interesting. It was so professionally done, and I thoroughly loved the synopsis first. Then I said give me a great script. And they did.

"Maraming ita-tackle rito na stories, and it's a very interesting story. Relevant pa rin and you have a bit of history. Mga twist and turn namin very interesting," Hilda said. 

Boy said Eugene Domingo and Jenics Garcia will be part of the cast. Hilda also explained how she prepares for a role.

"In a way, when I read the script, napapanaginipan ko na yung mga eksena. It's like a movie in my brain. And I see how I will attack and discuss that scene with them.

"They listen naman, and we collaborate. So I internalize, and I get into my role as anybody. Pagpapasok na ako ng kotse, 'Sisa' na ako.

"Tahimik na ako ng konti. Of course I greet everybody. Baka sabihin nila mataray ako. But I have to concentrate in one corner: I have to do my lines and I want to make sure na kung ano ang gusto ng direktor and gusto ko pareho. 

"Magsi-sink kaming dalawa. May sarili siyang interpretation I respect that. May sarili rin ako so pinag-uusapan namin dalawa," Hilda added.

Although Hilda lives abroad for almost 20 years, she expressed that she never misses acting. Her last film was The Mistress in 2012.

"I guess I've been at it for so long since I was 12 years old. My husband said it was time for me to stop already.

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"Ang na-miss ko yung country, the people. I missed my children and my grandchildren. I missed my maids. They are family to us," Hilda said.

Hilda was asked to send a message to her younger self.

"I think I was very afraid at that time. I would say, 'Lakasan mo ang loob mo.' Kinalakadkan na ako ng nanay ko since I was young. But I was too shy. I didn't even know what that meant yung maging artista ka." 

Hilda acknowledges that she still feels nervous when filming a movie on set.

"May kaba pa rin sa paggawa ng pelikula in the beginning. Pero nawawala yan as you go along. Sa umpisa lang yan eh."

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Advice for the young stars

Hilda shared some advice with the current actors.

"Just work hard and love your craft. I always say it takes a village to finish a movie. So treat everybody with respect and be on time. 

"Lahat yan. I respect them from top to bottom. Importante sa akin yun, she said.

Hilda also recalled moments when she scolded fellow actors. "Marami."

She revealed she never had a showbiz crush. However, she almost got into serious relationships with her leading men. "I won't tell."

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Hilda expressed that she feels flattered whenever critics refer to her as the gold standard in acting.

"I hope I can live up to that hype. I don't want to offend other actors who work with me. But that's how they see it. So what can I do? It's flattering, but I don't see myself like that."

Hilda, 67, also named some of the Filipino stars she admires. "Marami. Nora (Aunor) is good. Vilma (Santos) is good. I've worked with them. Ate Guy a lot with Viva Films. I love Dindo Fernando. I love Eddie Garcia. I love Christopher de Leon. I love Bembol Rocco. Marami."

On current stars, Hilda said: "Wala ako masyadong alam because I was out of the country. I took out my TFC because I used to cry a lot kapag nanonood kami ng mga Christmas. Naiiyak kaming mag-asawa. Nalulungkot ako."

Hilda said she will celebrate the holidays with her children and grandchildren in Manila.

Saturday, December 21, 2024

It's Showtime' to continue airing on GMA Network in 2025

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA


AT A GLANCE

  • "Its Showtime" premiered on GMA on April 6, 2024. 

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The cast of 'It's Showtime' (Facebook)

The popular noontime program "It's Showtime" will continue to air on the noontime slot of GMA from Monday to Saturday.

In an official statement on Dec. 20, ABS-CBN and the "It's Showtime" family expressed gratitude to GMA for their continued trust and support.

It added: "We will continue to inspire and bring happiness to our audiences. 

"Thank you Kapuso, Kapamilya, and Madlang People."

Before this, rumors were that the Kapuso noontime variety program, "TicToClock," would replace "It's Showtime" and begin in January 2025.

"Ang alam ko ay may nangyayaring negotiation ngayon ang It's Showtime and GMA. Yun lang ang alam ko sa ngayon," said Kuya Kim, one of the hosts of "TicToClock," during an ambush interview recently.

This was the same statement made by GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, when she officially addressed the rumors that "It's Showtime" will be replaced by GMA variety show “TiktoClock” once the former’s contract expires this month. 

“We are in negotiations now for the renewal of ‘Showtime,’” said Annette in November.

"Its Showtime" premiered on GMA on April 6, 2024.

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid talk about meaning of having 'green bones'

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA


AT A GLANCE

  • The inspirational and heart-wrenching drama touches on the belief that finding green bones in a person’s remains is proof of one’s goodness in life. 

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Do you believe in green bones?

There is a fascinating belief among certain cultures and traditions that when green bones are discovered within an individual's cremated remains, it is a significant indicator of that person's goodness during their lifetime. 

This notion suggests that such bones symbolize virtues like kindness, compassion, and moral integrity, reflecting a life well-lived. 

The phenomenon is often interpreted as a spiritual acknowledgment of the individual's positive impact on the world and the people around them, further enhancing the reverence paid to the deceased during memorial practices.

From the creators of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 Best Picture and Best Screenplay winner Firefly, GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs proudly present their official entry for this year’s MMFF – Green Bones.

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Dennis Trillo

Co-produced by Brightburn Entertainment and distributed by Columbia Pictures, Green Bones aims to be an inspiring cinematic experience just in time for Christmas.

Dennis and Ruru discussed their thoughts on green bones during a media conference in Quezon City.

"When first heard about it, interesting siya. Parang wala pang ganitong materyal na ginamit sa movies. Sana maging curious din ang mga manonood kung bakit may pelikula about Green Bones," said Dennis.

Ruru said he was grateful to be part of a unique project like Green Bones.

"I am grateful for this project because ito ang kauna-unahang Metro Manila Film Festival project ko. Naikwento ko ito kay Dennis na last year, habang nanood kami ng Firefly ni Bianca (Umali), bigla kong naramdaman na feeling ko magkakaroon ako ng MMFF next year.

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Ruru Madrid

"Noong binasa ko yung script, parang meant to be na sa akin ang project. Napakaganda ng storya at buhay na buhay ang bawa't character na nasa Green Bones," said Ruru.

Preparations 

Green Bones follows the story of soon-to-be-released prisoner Domingo Zamora (Dennis Trillo), who was incarcerated for the murder of his sister. His release is jeopardized by newly assigned prison guard Xavier Gonzaga (Ruru Madrid), who makes it his mission to keep Zamora behind bars.

The inspirational and heart-wrenching drama touches on the belief that finding green bones in a person’s remains is proof of one’s goodness in life. Ruru’s character, Xavier, jaded from the tragic death of his sister in a senseless crime, does not believe criminals could hold such a bone in their bodies. 

His suspicions about Dennis's character, Dom Zamora, are fueled by the latter’s strange behavior inside the penal complex, even as the prisoner’s reputation is that of an already reformed man.

Dennis and Ruru opened up about their experiences and the extensive preparation they undertook for their roles in Green Bones. 

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National artist Ricky Lee

They discussed the unique challenges they faced and the research they conducted to understand their characters better. Together, they painted a vivid picture of their dedication and the collaborative efforts that went into bringing their characters to life on screen.

"The moment na sinabi sa akin ito, naghanap na kaagad ako ng tamang framework para sa pelikulang ito. Marami akong pinanood na mga Wong Kar-wai movies kasi kailangan ko mapuntahan yung difference ng cinema at television," said Ruru.

Ruru added: "Nagtrain ako ng meditation para maging matibay ang pag-focus ko sa bawa't eksena na gagawin ko. Nag hanap din ako ng scent ni Javier para maramdaman ko na nasa character na ako agad. Everytime na ginagamit ko siya, nagki-clear sa utak ko yung lahat ng natutunan ko sa buhay. 

"After namin gawin yung movies, ang tagal kong makawala kasi nasa akin pa rin si Javier sa sistema ko. Pero na enjoy ko yung process na pelikula," Ruru also said.

Dennis elaborated on the distinctions between producing a movie and creating a television series. He highlighted how movies typically have a condensed, singular storyline that unfolds over a relatively short period, often culminating in a two-hour experience.

Zig Dulay.jpg
Zig Dulay

In contrast, a television series is designed for extended storytelling, allowing for character development and plot intricacies to evolve over multiple episodes or even seasons. 

Dennis also noted the difference in pacing and the collaborative processes involved in each medium, emphasizing how these elements impact the creative choices of directors, writers, and actors.

"Magkaiba ang TV at pelikula. Sa pelikula namin, mas less ang dialogue kumpara sa TV na lahat ibibigay sa'yo. Dito nagtitinginan pa lang kami alam mo na kung ano ang ipinapahiwatig ng eksena. Kailangan ko rin dito mag sign language. Iba rin ang looks namin dito," said Dennis.

Ruru expressed his admiration for Dennis's performance in the movie, highlighting how impressed he was with his acting skills and the depth he brought to his character. 

He described Dennis as exceptionally talented and praised his ability to convey emotion and connect with the audience throughout the film.

The cast of Green Bones with GMA Network executives and Green Bones creative team.JPG
The cast of Green Bones with GMA Network executives and Green Bones creative team

"Very vocal naman ako na isa si Dennis na tinitingala kong actor so noon pa man iniisip ko kung paano ang magiging dynamics namin. Nagtatanong ako kay Bianca kasi nagwork na sila together sa Legal Wives so nagtatanong ako about Kuya Dennis. 

"Everytime naman na lalapitan ko si Kuya Dennis at kapag may tanong ako at sinasagot ka naman niya. Everytime na nasa set kami, mapifeel mo na focus kami sa kanya-kanyang characters," Ruru also said.

Green Bones is directed by award-winning director Zig Dulay, the filmmaker behind “Firefly.” Zig is known for his hit TV series Maria Clara at Ibarra and Sahaya.

Based on the original concept of GMA Public Affairs’ senior manager for documentaries JC Rubio, Green Bones was written by National Artist Ricky Lee and MMFF 2023 Best Screenplay winner Anj Atienza.

Mikoy Morales, Royce Cabrera, Sofia Pablo, Sienna Stevens, Kylie Padilla, Pauline Mendoza, Gerhard Acao, Raul Morit, Victor Neri, Ruby Ruiz, and Enzo Osorio complete the film’s star-studded cast.

Catch Green Bones in theaters beginning Dec. 25.