Young talents to dazzle in 'Dragons Unleashed' concert on May 22

Special guests are Ice Seguerra, Laarni Lozada, Lipstick Band, and Peggy Geisler.

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

May 19, 2024 11:41 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Celebrity makeup artist Bambbi Fuentes has expressed confidence in her upcoming talents andsharedsome advice on showbiz longevity.

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Irizz

Get ready! The "Dragons Unleashed" concert will dazzle fans as young and fresh talents bring their A-game to the Music Museum in Greenhills on May 22.

The young talents under Dragon Artists Management who will be part of the concert are Shira Tweg, Khai Flores, Christa Jocson, Mira Aquino, Elle Fernandez, RJ Ariar, and Ariz Rodil.

Other talents sharing the limelight are Jace Eusebio, Ash Carpio, Kisha Garcia, Keinrad Estallo, Ruby Garcia, Lindsay Magsaysay, Rjay Quenvido, Mark Cester, Shoogar, and Irizz.

Special guests are Ice Seguerra, Laarni Lozada, Lipstick Band, and Peggy Geisler. Janna Trias will host the show. Part of the proceeds will go to Servants of Charity. The show is directed by Vivian Poblete Blancaflor.

Celebrity makeup artist Bambbi Fuentes has expressed confidence in her upcoming talents and shared some advice on showbiz longevity, during an interview in Quezon City recently.

All of you are on equal footing. You have the looks and talents. But at the end of the day, the most important thing to do is to have that perseverance and the patience to pursue what you want.

"Pwede naman kayong sumikat. But the question is longevity. Kaya niyo bang tumagal? Maraming flash in the pan. So sana tumagal sila sa business. Kumbaga kahit matagal ka na, kinukuha ka pa rin. Hindi naman kami nagkukulang (bilang manager). They have workshops sa voice, acting, and dancing. 

(You can become famous. But the question is longevity. Can you last? Lots of flash in the pan. So I hope they last in business. Even though you've been around for a long time, you're still being hired. We are not lacking (as a manager). They have workshops on voice, acting, and dancing.)

"Importante talaga sa akin yung personality. Ugali or attitude ng mga bata. Kahit na may talent ka pero yung ugali mo hindi naman ganun kaganda, wala rin. Kahit na may contract kayo, kailangan ang mutual respect sa isa't isa. They can stay long forever," Bambbi said.

(Personality is really important to me, especially the attitude of children. Even if you have talent, your attitude could improve; nothing will happen. Even if you have a contract, mutual respect is necessary for each other. They can stay long forever.)

When asked which is more difficult to manage, a boy or a girl, Bambbi said, "They're just the same."

It's a dream come true for Bambbi to finally fulfill her dream of managing the careers of newcomers. While she is successfully known as the makeup artist to the stars (Marian Rivera, Ruffa Gutierrez, Aiko Melendez, Janice de Belen, Dawn Zulueta, Ai-Ai Delas Alas, Julie Anne San Jose, etc.), this hardworking stylist revealed she has been offered to manage upcoming showbiz talents on many occasions in the past.

"I was turning down artists from way back. During that time, I really fell in love with makeup, and I was busy then with Kris Aquino," Bambbi recalled, during an interview at her salon in Timog, Quezon City recently. 

"But did you know that in those years, there were two artists who later became popular in the entertainment scene? Umakyat talaga sila sa tugatog ng tagumpay. Isang banda at isang female singer." She refused to reveal these celebrities.

Those were the days. Bambbi said she was happy about these two entertainers' success and didn't regret rejecting the chance to manage them.

"I was turning down artists from way back. During that time, I really fell in love with makeup, and I was busy then with Kris Aquino," Bambbi recalled, during an interview at her salon in Timog, Quezon City recently. 

"But did you know that in those years, there were two artists who later became popular in the entertainment scene? Umakyat talaga sila sa tugatog ng tagumpay. Isang banda at isang female singer." She refused to reveal these celebrities.

Bambbi Fuentes

Those were the days. Bambi said she was happy about these two entertainers' success and didn't regret rejecting the chance to manage them.

Then came the pandemic, leading up to the lockdown. The business establishments were severely affected. It was at this point that Bambbi decided to revive her dream of establishing a management agency.

"I told myself, 'I want to give it a try!' One thing led to another. Our first baby was Khai Flores. Then came with a few talents and there were referrals hanggang sa nakabuo na kami," said Bambbi.

Sunshine Cruz slowing down in showbiz to prioritize her daughters

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

May 7, 2024 00:16 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Sunshine confidently asserts that she is presently thriving in a life full of happiness and contentment.

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Sunshine Cruz (2nd from right) with daughters Angelina, Sam, and Chesca (Facebook)

Actress Sunshine Cruz has announced that she is slowing down her showbiz career to focus on her three daughters.

"I want to focus on my kids muna kasi malalaki na sila. And they need guidance," said Sunshine. Her three lovely daughters are Angelina, Chesca and Sam.

She added: "Kasi si Angelina last year na niya sa college. So, Dean's List with honors. Sam, first-year college, Dean's Lister's din. Second honor naman si Sam. Cheska just finished her senior high. 

(Angelina is in her last year in college. She is on the dean's list with honors. Sam, a first-year college student, is also on the dean's list. Sam is second honor. Cheska just finished her senior high.)

"First choice niya sa school is Ateneo. Nakuha naman niya. So meron na akong Atenista at dalawang Lasallian. Kaya ko pa naman mag provide. Andyan din naman yung tatay nila so co-parenting kami.

(Her first choice in school is Ateneo, which she got. So, I already have Atenean and two Lasallian. I can still provide them. Their father (Cesar Montano) is also there, so we are co-parenting.)

"All of them sing, but the ones who have a contract with Universal Records are Sam and Angelina. Pero focus pa rin talaga sila sa studies. Ang pagtatrabaho kapag maganda ang natapos niyo, mag uunahan pa sa inyo ang trabaho," she said. 

(All of them sing, but the ones with a contract with Universal Records are Sam and Angelina. But they are still really focused on their studies. They should study hard so that they can have a good job.)

Aside from taking care of her children, Sunshine said she wants to rest for a while, considering she has been working non-stop since 2013.

"I want to rest because I've been working on overlapping projects since 2013. So I think this time mas maganda na magfocus muna ako sa mga bata," said Sunshine during the launch of her latest endorsement for Thiocell Glutathione Lozenge, which was held in Quezon City recently. Thiocell is the first and only Glutathione in lozenge form that allows glutathione to be absorbed by the body quickly, safely, and effectively, as reported in the International Journal of Dermatology.

Sunshine confidently asserts that she is presently thriving in a life full of happiness and contentment.

"My life is very happy. I am happy and content. I have endorsements. God is good. Bihira sa age ko na 46 at pinagkakatiwalaan pa rin ng mga brands. So that alone, I am very blessed. 

(My life is happy. I am happy and content. I have endorsements. God is good. It's rare at my age of 46, and brands still trust me. So that alone, I am very blessed.)

"And I have three beautiful and intelligent kids. So wala na akong mahihiling pa. Kung ano man ang dumating sa akin at kung ano man ang hindi dumating sa akin, I am still blessed.

(And I have three beautiful and intelligent kids. So I can't ask for anything more. Whatever comes to me and whatever doesn't come to me, I am still blessed.)

"I have to guide them and self-love muna. We have to love ourselves first. Alagaan natin ang sarili natin dahil isa lang ang katawan natin. We cannot expect a person to love us kung hindi natin muna mamahalin ang sarili natin," she added.

(I have to guide them and self-love first. We have to love ourselves first. Let's take care of ourselves because we only have one body. We cannot expect someone to love us if we don't love ourselves first.)

Sunshine Cruz

Advice for her girls

Sunshine allowed her daughters to date now that they are no longer minors.

"Meron ng nanliligaw matagal na. Very open ang communication ko sa kanila tungkol dyan. Alangan naman magtago or tumakas yung bata. 

(I have an open communication with them about being courted. At least they are not hiding or running away.)

"So mas maganda alam ng nanay. Kasi ang nanay naman ang makakapag advice ng maganda at maayos para sa mga bata.

(So the mother knows better. The mother can give proper advice to the children.)

Sunshine reminds her children to be cautious and avoid acting foolishly.

"Don't be stupid. Be careful. Kasi sayang naman ang galing nila sa school. Isang pagkakamali lang magbabago na ang buhay mo. So hinahayaan ko naman na enjoy nila ang kanilang kabataan kung gusto nilang lumabas with friends. 

(Don't be stupid. Be careful. It's a shame, considering they are educated. Just one mistake and your life will change. So I let them enjoy their youth if they want to go out with friends.)

"Hindi na sila menor de edad so pwede na silang makipag date. So the only thing that I can do is mag advice sa kanila at kausapin sila. It's up to them kung papakinggan nila ako but of course nandoon ang prayers na sana pakinggan nila ako.

(They are no longer minors, so they can start dating. So the only thing that I can do is give them advice and talk to them. It's up to them if they listen to me, but I pray they do.)

Sunshine's three girls understand her and allow her to do things that make her happy.

"You do what makes you happy. You deserve to be happy, Yun ang lagi nilang sinasabi sa akin. Kait ano ang decision ko, nirerespeto naman nila. Alam nila whoever makes me happy. Kung bumili man ako ng aso, masaya sila para sa akin," said the actress when asked if her children limit her from doing things that bring her joy.

Sunshine Cruz (center, seated) poses at the launch of her latest endorsement for Thioell

Staying healthy

As she turns 47, Sunshine reveals she maintains a healthy lifestyle and gets plenty of sleep.

"47 years na ako in July. I sleep a lot. I drink lots of water. Mahilig talaga akong matulog. Lead a positive life. Umiiwas lang ako sa mga negativity. Minsan may anxiety rin tayo. I say with my kids. Kapag kausap ko sila ang saya-saya. Ang kukulit.

(I will be 47 in July. I sleep a lot, drink lots of water, and like to sleep. I lead a positive life. I avoid negativity. Sometimes, we also have anxiety. I stay with my kids. It's fun when we are together.)

"We love dogs. Therapeutic sa amin ang dogs. I also work out three to four times a week. Now, I have a personal trainer, not just tone and firm. I'm building some muscles, she added.

(We love dogs. Dogs are therapeutic for us. I also work out three to four times a week. Now, I have a personal trainer, not just tone and firm. I'm building some muscles.)

Those killer dance moves from Teacher Georcelle

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Georcelle formed G-Force 19 years ago. When it was created, it only consisted of female dancers. A month later, the male members came in.

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Georcelle Dapat Sy (Images courtesy of Instagram)

Georcelle Dapat Sy, the mastermind behind G Force, the Philippines' leading dance group, has revolutionized the country's dance industry.

Today, the dance landscape has undergone a profound transformation. Georcelle's transformative influence has shifted the perception of dancers from mere backups to recognized artists. This significant shift has not only elevated the status of dancers but also opened doors to endorsements and industry recognition.

During a recent lunch in Quezon City, Teacher Georcelle, as she is fondly called, said her journey on the dance floor was not easy. When she was 11, her mom encouraged her to study ballet. Then she remembered the only time she was booed on stage in Tondo, Manila. 

"I was about to dance 'Swan Lake' on stage. Mga five seconds palang, parang gumapang na yung init ng dugo nila. Bi-noo nila ako. Ang sakit noon. Naka-tutu ako sa fiesta ng Tondo. Feeling ko maling platform yun sa akin," said the laughing Georcelle. She wasn't traumatized by the incident. Instead, it gave her strength and confidence to dance more.

Georcelle believes she got her dance moves from her father, a former journalist at the Manila Bulletin and a dance instructor. "He was into ballroom dancing. Before, they called it social dancing: boogie, tango, cha-cha. He also played the piano."

She couldn't remember when her love for dancing began. "Every time there's music, I dance. But I started my formal training in dance when I was eight years old. Before that, I went to my neighbors and danced using the cassette player. I remember dancing to 'Street Beat' by Toni Basil. When my mom saw that, she enrolled me in WYCA. When I reached 10, tumuloy na sa ballet, jazz, Hawaiian, tap dance. Three to four years of ballet only."My ballet instructor trained Liza Macuja."

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"My dad wanted me to become a ballerina, but I'm a big fan of pop culture. I like Madonna — I'm a Madonna baby. I was so attracted to Madonna then, but not Michael Jackson. I love their work, and I was drawn to Madonna.

"Then I went to the Cultural Center of the Philippines because I was told meron jazz doon. I had a classmate there who became my best friend. I was told to audition for the Adrenalin for the Sharon Cuneta Show. Erik Edralin, the founder of Adrenalin, gave me a break at 16. I was given a break to choreograph. 

"At 18, I was handling big shows and directors relied on me. Sobrang gusto ko yung ginagawa ko at tuloy-tuloy lang talaga yung ginagawa ko. Wala pa yung bilangan ng oras. Tigilan nga ako ng iba. Joke lang! Maybe because I have dedicated myself to dancing. I have dedicated all my life to dancing. My life is dancing and supporting dance artists who surrendered themselves to the craft," said Georcelle.

In 2008, Georcelle was launched as the face of dance in the Philippines, proudly known as “Teacher Georcelle," when she spearheaded a dance segment in a top musical variety show ASAP. This paved the way for me to be part of shows on ABS-CBN, such as Pinoy Big Brother House, Your Face Sounds Familiar, and Dance Kids.

Georcelle is married to her best friend and dance partner, who is now in charge of G-Force's business. "We have three lovely children who also show an interest in dance."

Teacher Georcelle's G-Force

Georcelle formed G-Force 19 years ago. When it was created, it only consisted of female dancers. A month later, the male members came in.

"Now that I already have a group of my own, my experience inquisitively attracted me to like life out of the limelight as a stage director. With directors believing in my capability and eventually giving me a great deal of trust, it became easy for me to slip into a director’s chair," she said.

Georcelle invited dance enthusiasts to experience the rhythm and high-energy atmosphere of G-Force Dance Studio.

"Filipinos are visual learners. But the beauty of coming to our class is that you will be able to understand how each movement is done. Saan ba siya nanggagaling? Sa elbow or shoulders? Sa wrist or sa fingers? Where do you get the strength or power? Those things.

"Second, you come to our class and enter our room full of energy and shared experiences and movements. Kapag pumasok ka, kasabay mo ang G-Force members na sumasayaw.

"At ang power ng music, kapag lumabas na sa speakers, susuntukin na yung emotions mo. You will not get that inside your room. You can't get that by just watching. To be able to join that room full of youthfulness and energy, you will not do that by just watching YouTube. To be able to participate in a conversation on how movements are done, you will not get that on YouTube," Georcelle said.

G-Force is preparing to take on the world with unparalleled energy, creativity, and passion. They are all set to spread their magic worldwide and make their mark on the world stage with their groove-ready performance.

"We're preparing our company to be a future-ready workplace. So, do we embrace AI? We don't push it away. We're part of a team that is curious about it. We also want to learn more about it and how to use it for G-Force.

"When G-Force started, it had to have the touch of your name. But now, G is a generation of force. Sila ang humaharap sa new technology ngayon. So saan ang ayaw na meron na ngayong AI?

"Because of our presence in the Middle East, there are now many requests for our global presence. In August, we will be in Canada to do G-Force projects. So again, the G is about something other than Georcelle. It's all about being global. 

"G evolves. And G, over time, nagkakaroon ng maraming meaning. It's there already. We've been in the Middle East for three years. The response is very nice. We're going back in November. But before November, nasa Canada na kami sa August," she said.

G-Force Project

The G-Force Project welcomes all ages, with classes for kids, teens, and adults in Hip-hop, Dancehall, Sexy Class, Contemporary, K-pop, and OPM. 

Not only do students get to share their love of dance, but they also meet new friends, build confidence, and enjoy themselves.

The students are in good hands. G-Force’s celebrity choreographers will teach them more than dance, honing the next generation of aspiring performers and creating a new breed of G-generational force.

“G-Force is more than just dance! It’s about character-building and self-discovery. You come to our classes looking for that sense of belonging and come out having that sense of becoming," said Georcelle.

G-Force Project has taught students the importance of discipline, teamwork, camaraderie, grit, and resilience. Some students return to the open classes G-Force conducts at their dance centers in Quezon City, Alabang, and BGC branches. It gathers all its students for a culminating future-ready dance performance at The Theater at Solaire on July 7.

Georcelle also announced the 10th-anniversary celebration of White Shirt Love, a revolutionary dance fitness class that has been creating quite a stir in the dance industry with its unique proposition to women—getting fit while awakening one’s femininity, getting empowered, and gaining love for oneself.

Dance is a career. However, not all places understand or accept it, she said.

"My dream is for society to fully accept that dance is equally essential as the other careers. Marami akong kilalang dance artists na hindi ina-accept ng parents dahil dancer lang sila. Imagine something na work na mahal na mahal mo and that's good for mental health.

"Ang daming nagwo-work pero hindi nila gusto yung work nya. Sabi nila hindi career ang dancing. Hindi ka mabubuhay d'yan. Humanap ka ng ibang trabaho. We can make a difference. Ngayon pa lang laman ng dancers ang TikTok. Aren't we making a difference already?" Georcelle asked.

Hollywood producer Carol Baum on 'It' girl Sydney Sweeney: She ‘isn’t pretty’ and ‘can’t act’

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Apr 18, 2024 08:47 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Baum said she realized this after watching Sweeney’s latest film, “Anyone But You,” on an airplane.

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Sydney Sweeney (Instagram)

Hollywood producer Carol Baum's comments about Sydney Sweeney, the star of the blockbuster rom-com movie "Anyone But You," have left many fans feeling disheartened. 

Baum, who revealed she does not understand Sweeney's popularity, stated that she "isn't pretty" and "can't act."

According to a report by pagesix.com, Baum made the comments at the Jacob Burns Center in Pleasantville, NY, last week. 

“I don’t get Sydney Sweeney. I wanted to know who she is and why everybody’s talking about her,” said Baum, producer of the hit movie Father of the Bride and its sequel.

Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney in 'Anyone But You' (Columbia Pictures)

Baum said she realized this after watching Sweeney’s latest film, “Anyone But You,” on an airplane. She also derscribed the rom-com is "unwatchable."

The producer further revealed that her students at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts couldn’t give a satisfactory reason why the 26-year-old star is so sought after, the same report added. “I said to my class, ‘Explain this girl to me. She’s not pretty; she can’t act. Why is she so hot?'” Nobody had an answer."

Baum admitted uncertainty about turning down a movie production involving her. We all want to get the movie made and who walks away from a green light? Nobody I know. Your job is to get the movie made," said Baum, in a report by the popular entertainment website.

Stars help Kathryn Bernardo celebrate her 28th birthday in El Nido

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Kathryn celebratesher birthday at Isla Amara Resort in El Nido, based on photos and videos splashed on X (formerly known as Twitter) Tuesday night.

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Kathryn Bernardo (Images by @Lance8637)

Stars came down in El Nido, Palawan, on March 26 to help actress Kathryn Bernardo celebrate her 28th birthday.

Kathryn marked her birthday at Isla Amara Resort in El Nido, based on photos and videos splashed on X (formerly known as Twitter) Tuesday night.

A heartwarming video clip captured the moment when the staff of the chic resort surprised Kathryn with a simple birthday cake and a bouquet of her favorite flowers.

 

Alden Richards, Dominic Roque, Jericho Rosales, Maymay Entrata, fashion designer Mark Bumgarner, Kakai Bautista, and Rambo Nunez husband of Maja Salvador, were among the celebrities who graced Kathryn's birthday party in El Nido. Darren Espanto, AC Bonifacio, and Tim Yap also greeted Kathryn.

The box-office star celebrated her birthday in style as she partied with friends and guests on a yacht.

At midnight on March 26, Kathryn's former sweetheart, Daniel Padilla, greeted her on Instagram with a happy birthday in Japanese.

Fans of Kathryn were thrilled to see her celebrating her special day, with many commenting that they had never seen her so happy again.

Netizens said Kathryn deserves to be happy.

In November 2023, Kathryn and Daniel shocked fans when they jointly announced their split on social media after 11 years of being in a relationship.