Got To Believe and Against All Odds

‘Got to Believe’ and ‘Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala’ to Air in Other Asian Countries

ABS-CBN’s action-suspense-drama “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala” (with international title “Against All Odds”) will be aired in three Asian countries, while the hit romantic-comedy “Got to Believe” drew huge interest and inquiries from regional content buyers who attended the annual content market conference Asian Television Forum (ATF) held recently in Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

“We are very glad to end 2013 with strong international sales of our drama content. ‘Got to Believe’ and ‘Against All Odds’ are two of our best produced dramas of 2013 and they are attracting a lot of markets together with ‘Be Careful with my Heart.’ These three dramas represent the continuous evolution of our storytelling and improved production values that are being appreciated abroad particularly in Asia and Africa,” explained ABS-CBN Head of Integrated Acquisition and International Sales and Distribution Leng Raymundo.

Through its International Distribution Division, ABS-CBN proudly showcased to international content buyers the two top-rating dramas that will surely bring avid viewers of Filipino soap operas worldwide a whole new viewing experience this year.

As of January 2014, “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala,” topbilled by the ‘Queen of Pinoy Soap Operas’ Judy Ann Santos, was already sold to Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The series captivated foreign buyers with its brave and compelling storyline about the journey of Anessa (Santos) as well as its unique brand as the first “advocacy-series” on PH TV that advocated women’s rights.

“Got to Believe,” meanwhile, also received numerous inquiries and has strong probability of being picked up by other Asian countries. The onscreen magic of sought-after teen stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla and the light romantic story of the series appealed to buyers since it’s different from the usual heavy drama offerings of ABS-CBN to the market. “Got to Believe” is set to end its run soon but still continues to dominate the ratings game brought about by the KathNiels cult following amongst young Filipino fans.

“Against All Odds” and “Got To Believe” are among the many Filipino dramas made available to international viewers by ABS-CBN International Distribution.

ABS-CBN International Distribution has been recognized in the global arena as a reliable foreign content provider. It has been a premier source of high quality Filipino programming in over 50 territories all over the world and has sold over 30,000 hours of content worldwide. Living up to this recognition, ABS-CBN International Distribution commits to add to its line-up of high-caliber programs and movies with cast and storylines that appeal to various cultures.

Press Release originally from my friend Starmometer.com.

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Savemore

First Savemore Market opens in Gensan!

Finally! A grocery store 5 minutes away from my house opened few days before Valentines. The Savemore Market; A chain of neighborhood grocery stores under the SM Food Retail Group.

Savemore Market is located at Purok Malakas, San Isidro, one of the most populated Barangays in the city. Shoppers can expect the same service in food retail found in other SM malls. This move and venture definitely give easy access and comfort to people living in the area.

Savemore Market offers a wide variety of products including a full line of groceries, a wide range of fresh meat from different suppliers, fresh seafood, and quality local fruits and vegetables. For food lovers out there, they now have a dedicated stall selling ‘lutong bahay’ meals near the entrance of the grocery other than the food offered by tenants like Waffle Time, Takuyaki, Master Siomai and more.

Services are also available here in Savemore.  There’s the Bills Payment, Salon, Lotto Sweepstakes, Western Union Money Transfer, and a Watsons Pharmacy.

So what are you waiting for? Shop now at Savemore Market and get a scoop of Nestle Speculoos ice cream for a minimum purchase of 300, half the price of 1 whole chicken, and buy 1 take 1 offers from Pepsi, Magnum Gold Bars and Bonus Peanut Butters.

Here are the photos I took during the opening last February 11, 2014. 

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Sam Milby

Things You Still don't know about Sam Milby

The few hours of hanging around the hotel was nothing compared to the more than 3 years of wanting to have Sam Milby as a guest on The Morgan Show. You can just imagine how delighted I was that it finally happened, almost 700 Miles outside Manila, in the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, General Santos City. 

I first requested for this interview right before Sam left for Hollywood. When he came back, he got so busy that it was never materialized. I tried pushing for the interview when I visited him on the set of ‘Wansapanatym’ and ‘Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala’ 2 years ago but the situation didn’t permit me to do so. I didn’t lose hope. I know it will still happen but I didn’t think it will be right after the Chinese New Year and Valentines! This must be a lucky year for me that the wooden horse brought him to where I was.

This year marks Sam’s 9^th year in the industry. 8 years of that included the undying issue of his sexuality. It’s pretty outrageous that Sam would be in a position where he would need to comment from time to time on matter regarding his sexuality than just concentrating on his craft and improving his talents and capabilities. The showbiz world revolves around a judgemental society who has innate love for intrigues and scandals. They have aggressive thoughts that they wouldn’t mind hurting people just as long as they get to air their opinions on matters with what only their eyes have seen and their ears have heard.

I’ve known Sam for around 6 years now and never was an instance that I saw traces of homosexuality. I know one when I see one! Sam is even more of a ‘straight’ and more of a gentleman than the many celebrities we have in the industry. Not because he is soft spoken and has that extra kindness would mean that he is gay. He is just a compulsive and a shy guy.

For those of you who have been regularly checking my magazine and my posts, You know that I have always been vocal in pointing out things and issues that need to be addressed. This is not a discourse to defend him but just an article for you to know him better the way I did.

Sam is one of the most likable and lovable celebrities. I first met him few years after he got out of the Pinoy Big Brother House. He has always been the same person that I’ve known; humble, kind and accommodating. He is apprehensive but loosens up when he is comfortable with the person he is with. He suddenly becomes loquacious and shares a lot of stories. I’m always ecstatic whenever I’m with him and having that precious little moment & conversation. What's more nice about Sam is he does not only appreciate the love, care and support coming his way but he also values them. 

I Love Sam! He is not perfect so anyone else but we all can have a perfect moment with him. His presence brightens the surrounding. His smile is enough to turn a bad day into a blissful one. His eyes sparkle like there are big stars in a gloomy night.

  

I’m sure you will all be happy to see him act again! He will be back on Primetime this March as he takes the role of a merman on ABS-CBN’s Teleserye remake of #Dyesebel. He plays the character of ‘Liro’ a new character that was added on the Mars Ravelo masterpiece. Sam will discuss more of this new project on the video below.

By the way, Sam recently opened PROST in Fort; a german pub and restaurant. Prost means Cheers in German. The resto takes pride of an abundant selection of sausages and mains that any meat lover will absolutely go for. Prost is a bistro where people dine in for a starter. If you want to grab a bite before heading to a party or clubbing, then Prost is the place for you. For inquiries and reservations, call +632.828.3940 or visit Prost Braumeister at G/F Fort Pointe Building, 26th Avenue corner 5th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Next month, he is opening another business, Third District, a specialty coffee shop in Katipunan right across Ateneo. He went to Hongkong and had a crash course in coffee making and blending for this venture. Sam has extra ordinary love for coffee and he’s very happy that he is more involved in the process and operation.

It’s with great excitement that I’m sharing to you this 30-Minute Exclusive Video Interview I had with Sam. Fall in love with him more as he opens up things you still don’t know about him.

Sam, who will turn 30 this May, is definitely A dream guy! Any woman would be so fortunate to have him as a significant other. A heartthrob, A racer, A singer, An actor, A businessman and most especially A handsome being; inside and out. Undoubtedly one of the most desirable bachelors we have in our country.

Note: Please leave your comments below! 

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Dennis Trillo

Many Faces of Dennis Trillo

If you have been checking out my interviews and articles on Morgan Magazine, you would know that most of the celebrities I featured are from ABSCBN, only seldom that I get to promote from other networks. Maybe becoz it is easier for me to set a schedule with a Kapamilya Star than with a Kapuso. GMA-7 didn’t have any conferences for Bloggers yet then. Only recently, that they started allotting events specifically for the online writers and bloggers.

That could have been the reason why Dennis Trillo was a little uncomfortable at the start of the video interview. He is not used to having sit-down conversation with an editor he just met. He was like caught off guard. Nevertheless, he was gracious and kind enough to have accommodated me. We managed to smoothly finish the interview at the Mint Café of Green Leaf Hotel. 

Special thanks to his Manager Popoy Caratativo and Luminary Talent Management Joey Rada for allowing me to interview GMA7’s award-winning actor, Dennis Trillo.

The very first time I saw Dennis Trillo on TV was around 10 years ago when he was still with ABS-CBN doing a Teleserye ‘Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan’ with Claudine Barretto. Ever since then I started watching his TV Shows and Films. Actually, as of this writing time, I’m watching his Teleserye Gagambino and Majika being replayed on Fox Filipino. 

Abelardo Dennis Florencio Trillo Ho, more known as Dennis Trillo is a multi-talented and multi awarded artist of GMA7. He had around 40 Television Shows and 19 films. He had a total of 12 nominations and won 11 awards, including Best Actor at FAMAS, FAP, Golden Screen and Star Awards for Movies and Best Supporting Actor at Golden Screen and MMFF. His most recent teleserye #MyHusbandsLover  gave him another nomination for Best Actor on TV.  It was GMA7’s bravest and smartest Teleserye ever produced and conceptualized. A gay-themed story that was well received by audience and made it the most controversial and intriguing drama on TV. 

Dennis’ portrayal of Eric actually made him the brightest actor of GMA-7. He was insanely good on his delivery including ideal nuances of a real modern homosexual. He hasn't had a role that meaty since Aishite Imasu 1941. He pared down to nothing but grit and gave a performance of profound sensitivity and deep compassion. He got praises not only from critics but also from directors and co-actors.

Dennis journey to establish himself as one of the finest and most respected actors of his generation continues apace on that 'My Husbands Lover'.

The interview I had with Dennis was more like of answering a slam book on video. Things we still don’t know about him. Information we would want to hear directly from him.

I was nervous the entire 30 minutes that we were together.  I thought we wouldn’t have the same chemistry I had with the other celebrities I interviewed in the past. It was after the interview that I realized that he wasn’t uneasy answering the questions. He is just a typical simple shy guy who is very quiet and soft-spoken. He is like those Hollywood celebrities who become private when not working. Now I’m regretting that I didn’t ask all the questions I wanted him to answer. I should have taken the risk. I should have considered his cute smile and low tone laugh to be a go signal that he is game and cool all the way.

I hope you guys will like this video conversation we had. So many things I discovered about him. From a possessive lover to a crybaby to a frustrated Rockstar, Dennis never runs out of factors that will make you love him more. There is still so much about him. Hopefully in the future we all get to discover that.

To Dennis, Thank You so much for your time and for your kindness. God Bless You, Your Career, and Your Dreams! Wishing you all the love and success in the world. Take Care! 
You rock! You definitely do!

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KNOW YOUR LIMITS -THEN IGNORE THEM

National best-selling author John Mason will show you how to take the lid off and capture momentum for your life in his new motivational book “Know Your Limits–Then Ignore Them.”

“Know Your Limits-Then Ignore Them” contains 101 “Nuggets of Truth” to help you break through barriers, reach new heights and live your dreams. Each nugget is a source of sound wisdom, proven insight, and practical principles. 

In this book you will learn how to:

• Overcome fears and find success
• Go farther than you can see
• Use what you already have to go to the next level
• Make your problem your promotion
• Lift limits and multiply your opportunities
• Nothing significant was ever accomplished by a realistic person
• It is better to be alone than in the wrong company
• Don’t end up like concrete, all mixed up and permanently set
• If you find an excuse, don’t pick it up
• Climb out of the grandstand and onto the playing field
• and 90 other valuable nuggets

“Know Your Limits-Then Ignore Them” is a powerful book that will help you live a fulfilled life.

PRAISE FOR “KNOW YOUR LIMITS–THEN IGNORE THEM”:

“These powerful ‘nuggets of truth’ are awesome food for the soul. Get ready to blow the lid off of limited thinking and create your own recipe for unlimited happiness and success.”

–Mark Victor Hansen, Co-Author, Chicken Soup For The Soul

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

John Mason is a best-selling author, minister and speaker. He is the founder and president of Insight International, an organization dedicated to helping people reach their dreams and fulfill their destiny.

He has authored fourteen books including “An Enemy Called Average,” “You’re Born An Original – Dont Die A Copy,” “Let Go of Whatever Holds You Back,” and “Believe You Can” which have sold over 1.4 million copies and have been translated into twenty-five languages throughout the world. His books are known as a source of Godly wisdom, scriptural motivation and practical principles. He is undoubtedly one of Americas most quoted Christian authors. His writings have been published in Readers Digest along with many other national publications.

Known for his quick wit, powerful thoughts and insightful ideas, he is a popular speaker across the U.S. and around the world.

Product Details:
Title: Know Your Limits--Then Ignore Them
Author: John Mason
Binding: Soft Cover
No. of Pages: 96
Size: 3.5″ x 6″ (portrait)
ISBN-10: 971-0453-49-1
ISBN-13: 978-971-0453-49-8
SRP: P195.00/copy

Published by Lifebooks, “Know Your Limits--Then Ignore Them” is now available in all branches of National Bookstore, Powerbooks, Philippine Christian Bookstore and Fully Booked nationwide.

For more inspiring books, visit www.acts29pub.com and follow Lifebooks on Facebook (www.facebook.com/lifebooks.ph) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/LifebooksPub).

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Christian Bautista

Christian Bautista In a Valentine Concert!

Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista, with his soothing voice and memorable ballads, will serenade those who will watch his Heart’s Day show “Ace of Hearts,” February 14, 8 p.m., at the Ace Hotel, Kapitolyo, Pasig. The show will be his first V Day show in the country in recent years.

“It feels good to, once again, be part of the Valentine’s Day celebration of Filipinos – may they be single, in a relationship, or married,” says Christian. “Iba pa rin siyempre ‘pag Pinoy ang nag-se-celebrate ng Valentine’s.”

The show’s repertoire will include some of the most romantic OPM and international tunes, plus some of Christian’s biggest hits like The Way You Look At Me, Everything You Do, among others.

The Romantic Balladeer will also be joined by two revered theater actresses Sheila Valderrama, who recently bagged the Best New Female Recording Artist from the Awit Awards, and Cris Villonco, Christian’s leading lady in the upcoming musical “Ghost.”

The concert will also be the first time that Christian and Cris will perform a song from the musical, slated to premiere mid of 2014.

“It will be a romantic show,” assures Christian. “I hope you will come and join me in this romantic musical journey.”

Ace Water Spa also provides a unique romantic experience as it is the first Spa in the country that boasts of incorporating European Spa Concepts.

For tickets to the show and inquiries about the hotel, please visit www.acewaterspa.com.ph.

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The Walking Dead Season 4

THE WALKING DEAD SEASON 4 Premieres on February 10 on FOX.

Zombies are never seasonal! They will always haunt and thrill viewers!

“Survival of the fittest” will be more evident on The Walking Dead Season 4, where two groups of survivors were pitted against each other. The second half of the season spells an uncertain future for Grimes and each person he had encountered and traveled with on his journey. It will leave fans a question of: ‘How will Grimes and his people survive without each other?

This much anticipated series will premiere on February 10, 2014. Viewers will be feasting their eyes on the ninth episode of Season 4, the first half of which ended November 2013 and left them clamoring for what will happen next in the saga of Rick Grimes and his unlikely band of survivors. FOX will be premiering the second half of The Walking Dead Season 4 at 11:35 AM with a replay at 8:55 PM, ensuring that the show’s followers will be catching the freshest update on this highly acclaimed show that dramatizes the zombie apocalypse.

The second half of Season 4 will be shown in Parallel Play on FOX, where the episodes are shown on the same day as their US release. Viewers in Asia will be getting their dose of The Walking Dead on the same day as their US counterparts, so they won’t miss a moment of what’s to come in a season that has been critically acclaimed for its first half.

Season 4 began with Rick Grimes relinquishing his leadership of his pack of survivors while they worked to establish a relatively peaceful existence at the prison. However, with the outbreak of a flu-like virus and “The Governor” still at large, peace is the farthest thing from the new community’s reality. The onslaught of new walkers brought about by the increasing deaths due to the virus forces Grimes out of his hiatus to come to the fore in defending the group.

Viewers were gripped by the shockers that came out mid-season, particularly the reappearance of The Governor, who had all the while been wandering on his own and attempting to carve out a new existence. The times he spent with new people, forming new relationships culminate in the desire to care for his newfound family, so much that he dreams of conquering the prison so that they may live there. In the battle that ensues, events result in The Governor ordering the murder of all inhabitants of the prison. The prison is destroyed and overrun with walkers, its inhabitants – including Grimes and his son Carl – scattering in all directions.

“Survival of the fittest” was most evident in the first half of The Walking Dead Season 4, where two groups of survivors were pitted against each other, but the second half of the season spells an uncertain future for Grimes and each person he had encountered and traveled with on his journey. The question on everyone’s minds is: How are Grimes and his people to survive without each other? Finally, the continuation of Season 4 will provide answers to the hungry questions of The Walking Dead fans all over the world.

Catch the premiere of the second half of The Walking Dead Season 4 on February 10, 2014 at 11:35 AM with primetime encore at8:55 PM, only on FOX!

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Christian Bautista

Can’t believe that it has been 10 years since the very first time I met Christian Bautista! He was just starting his career in the industry while I was about to finish college. That very first time took place in Gensan, the same place where we just had the interview over coffee.

You can just imagine how happy and giddy I was spending few hours with him talking about what has happened in that span of time.

Coming from the success of his portrayal as the prince charming in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, Christian will be seen again on stage for the adaptation of ‘Ghost the Musical’ March of this year, originally by Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Tony Goldwyn, and Whoopi Goldberg. A good start for a rooster like him in the year of the horse.

In Feng Shui, the Rooster and the Horse make a good pair. The Horse’s unpredictable nature wouldn’t be a very natural match for the Rooster’s exacting perfectionism and success.  In fact, Christian will come out with a new studio album (his 9th), this time under Universal Records featuring covers of Movie Theme Songs. He might also have a concert with Richard Poon early this year.

From a runner-up in a singing show, to being a multi-platinum artist and respectable stage actor and to be acclaimed as an Asian Sensation, Christian Bautista is definitely the most successful singer of his generation. He has well established his position to becoming the next Icon in the music industry.

He is one of the nicest and the smartest celebrities I know. Despite his international success, he never fails still to be accommodating and welcoming to fans and supporters. He talks with sense and truth. Indeed like a dream Prince Charming to many Cinderellas  out there.

Much has happened in that 10 years.

A decade of music for him and a decennium of my admiration towards him.

Christian who has fear of failing now wants to apply all the learning he had from the past. This time he wants to control the music and his work and not the other way around. He wants to sing more original songs. And he will try to enjoy life as much as he can and not just let another 10 years pass without the adventure and thrill.

This 20-minute interview is like answering a slam book on video. It’s light, fun and very conversational. You’ll see a jolly and a witty Christian Bautista. I guarantee that you will smile and you’ll love him even more after watching this video. Enjoy!

P.S.: To Christian Bautista!

I Love You! Cheers to another Decade! You’ll forever have me! Your SuperMorgy!

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Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo

Daniel Padilla will be Kathryn Bernardo's escort on her upcoming debut.

On March 26, Kath will be celebrating her 18th birthday with Dj, his rumored boyfriend as his escort. There is no confirmation yet but the preparation and the main celebration might be televised including the much anticipated 18 men who will give her roses. 

Any guess on who would they be? More of the story in this video!

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Anne Curtis

Dyesebel Trailer

At the recent Kapamilya Trade Event in One Esplanade, ABS-CBN and Dreamscape showed the The trailer of the much-awaited TV remake of "Dyesebel" to the advertisers.

Present in the event were the stars of the show headed by the new Dyesebel, Anne Curtis.  Leading men Sam Milby and Gerald Anderson were both topless on stage.

Other cast members include Dawn Zulueta, Andi Eigenmann, Gabby Concepcion, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ai-ai delas Alas and Eula Valdez.

Watch it here:

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