TV5 FORGES AHEAD WITH CIGNAL TV AS A NEW PARTNER

TV5 President and CEO Robert Galang announced a new partnership between the long running broadcast institution and Cignal TV, the country’s top pay TV provider, which would be its major block timer as the network reclaims its position as a contender for the top position in the country’s broadcast industry. 

He also serves as head of Cignal TV — a subsidiary of MediaQuest Holdings in a concurrent capacity. The partnership, according to him, would be seamless considering the complementary blending of the strengths that each organization brings to the table. 

Cignal TV’s nation-wide reach and technological prowess combined with the innovative and creative nature which TV5 has been known for all these years would be an exciting package for Pinoy viewers. 

The new partnership aims to redefine the entertainment scene by offering topnotch shows and talents that can greatly boost TV5’s re-programming goals which have been an ongoing plan since late 2019, and now bolstered by Cignal TV’s other digital assets. 

"We are revving up our entertainment content creation and will need creatives, talents, directors, scriptwriters, cameramen, etc.," Cignal TV and TV5 Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said. 

According to the Chairman, if they are willing and able to work with the network, then TV5 and Cignal TV are prepared to offer alternative jobs for the relevant displaced workers over time, a clear sign that they are more than ready to welcome new people and program ideas into its fold. 

A major new asset is the NBA that is now available live on Cignal TV as well as TV5 and One Sports. 

“The NBA coming to Cignal TV and TV5 only strengthens our position of bringing the best sports to our Filipino viewers throughout the country,” Galang said. 

        Also coming this August 2020, is TV5’s first salvo of an interesting mix of lifestyle programs and game shows hosted by various artists with proven versatility and mass appeal. 

Its new morning show called Chika, BESH! (Basta Everyday Super Happy) brings together winsome movie and TV personalities Pokwang, Pauleen Luna, and Ria Atayde. In the fitness-centric show Fit for Life, actress-host Jessy Mendiola will draw from her own fitness transformation journey in inspiring viewers to commit to a healthier lifestyle.  Get ready for intimate conversations and real life talk on Usapang Real Life with Luchi Cruz-Valdez. 

There will also be two new game shows that will be headlined by loveable comedians -- Wally Bayola and Paolo Ballesteros for Bawal na Game Show; Jose Manalo and Pokwang for Fill in the Bank – with both shows promising loads of fun and prizes. 

Coming back to TV is Bangon Talentadong Pinoy which aims to reflect the creativity of Filipino artists regardless of the current situation and will be hosted again by Ryan Agoncillo  who will be joined by talent scouts John Arcilla, Janice de Belen and Joross Gamboa in the pilot episode. 

According to Galang, “Our commitment is to celebrate the lives of today’s Filipinos by providing informative as well as inspiring and uplifting entertainment content, and hopefully, in so doing, we are able to make lives, a little better, a little safer, and a little easier in these changing times

BL Actors TayNew and BrightWin Goes to Meet Fans on VLive with Globe

FILIPINO fans of the popular Boy Love (BL) phenomenon in Thailand can now be part of the biggest online meet and greet of BL stars worldwide.

Using the VLive app platform, Thai entertainment provider GMMTV launched its first ever "Global Live Fan Meeting" last May 30. Now, the online meet and greet is set to culminate with the highly popular BrightWin of 2gether on June 20.

Set to be livestreamed on VLive at 2pm, Filipino fans can purchase tickets on the VLive app.

As a special treat to loyal subscribers, 100 Globe subscribers can get a chance to  meet and interact with Thai BL actors for free by recreating a photo or video of their favorite scene of TayNew or BrightWin, post it on their Twitter together with the screenshot of the recreated scene, tag @enjoyglobe and use the hashtags #Recreate, #GlobeBL, #GlobeVlive and #GlobeAtHome.

Through Globe and VLive’s partnership, Pinoy fans of the Thai BL series can now relive all those sweet romantic feels, along with thousands of other fans across the world.

The Global Live Fan Meeting will offer fans special performances and the rare opportunity to interact with the actors. Fans can also win special prizes during the online fan meet event.

For those who are not able to join the meet and greet, fans can still binge-watch and enjoy their favorite Korean and Thai content through affordable data packages and promos from Globe. 

Download the VLive App now and register to your favorite Globe prepaid and postpaid video streaming offers to enjoy your favorite Korean and Thai BL content. For more information on Globe plans and other data packages, visit www.globe.com.ph.

For more information and updates on the Global Live Fan Meet, follow Globe on Facebook and Twitter.

#GMATeleBahay honors LGBTQ and frontliner fathers with two-part special episodes

TODAY, Saturday (June 20), GMA Network pays tribute to LGBTQ fathers who take pride in parenting and dads who are working on the frontlines amidst the pandemic with #GMATeleBahay’s two-part special episodes which were remotely shot and produced online. 

“Para sa lahat ng amang may paninindigan…”

Spearheading the Father’s Day special titled ‘Beautiful Father’ is Kapuso comedian Super Tekla who portrays the role of a diligent gay father who unwillingly lives away from his son (David Remo) in order to make ends meet and provide for his education. Also starring in the heartwarming special is the equally entertaining Maey Bautista who plays as David’s aunt.  

The comedy-drama special dedicated to all the fun and persevering LGBTQ fathers is under the helm of esteemed director Zig Dulay. It is also noteworthy to mention that the online special was filmed in different locations with Super Tekla in Quezon City, Maey in Pampanga, and David in Marikina.

“Pagbati at pagpupugay sa lahat ng frontliners at mga tatay...”        

    

After the fun comes the tear-jerking and timely story titled ‘Proud Ako Sa’yo’ about a frontliner father who constantly worries for the safety of his son who, just like him, also risks his life to battle the on-going coronavirus pandemic. This second installment features veteran actor-director Ricky Davao as the father alongside award-winning Kapuso actor Martin del Rosario as his son.

This relevant and moving Father’s Day special dedicated to all the valiant frontliners and fathers is directed by LA Madridejos. Film director Isabel Quesada together with Martin’s family also lent a hand in making the special come into existence.

Meanwhile, Program Manager Dennis Bentulan and Senior Program Manager Helen Rose Sese were behind the concepts for both special episodes.

May #GMATeleBahay’s two-part specials remind everyone to express their gratitude and love to all fathers and father figures alike this coming Father’s Day. Catch the two special videos today only on GMA Network’s official social media accounts.

Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA's international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.

NETFLIX IS BUILDING A HOME FOR PINOY STORIES

MANILA, May 25, 2020 - Netflix today announced a new slate of beloved and critically-acclaimed Pinoy films across a variety of genres - from horror, comedy, to critically-acclaimed drama. Partnering with leading production studios, including Viva, ERJ Found Films, Black Cap Pictures and Changhe Films, the latest lineup opens Netflix members to a world of diverse storytelling from the Philippines.

“We are constantly amazed by the creativity of storytellers and the quality of talent coming out of the Philippines,” said Raphael Phang, Manager of Content Acquisition at Netflix. “Filipinos are avid entertainment fans, so at Netflix we are committed to bringing the best stories locally and from around the world to our members here.”

“With the world's inevitable shift to digital platforms for content, it is reassuring that Netflix gives us a showcase of Filipino titles for more audiences and markets to have access to,” said Liza Diño, Chairman and CEO of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). 

“Of the five films that Netflix will be releasing, at the FDCP we are especially excited about the inclusion of  'Lola Igna', a heartwarming film from our very own Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino which won Best Picture, and the multi-awarded 2016 film 'Pamilya Ordinaryo' ('Ordinary People') which is one of our Cine Lokal hits when it screened in theaters and a winner in Venice Days of the Venice International Film Festival. This growing slate of Filipino content on Netflix is a true reflection of the diversity of what Philippine Cinema has to offer. And Netflix giving space to more Filipino films is an affirmation that the Philippines has the potential of globalizing its local market."

These films follow the success of other Pinoy titles on Netflix, including Eerie, The Girl Allergic to Wi-Fi, and Miss Granny, which were among the top ten most popular titles in the Philippines in 2019, as well as the December 2019 release of Filipino Netflix Film Dead Kids by award-winning director Mikhail Red

.

“I feel very grateful as a filmmaker that my work has reached audiences all around the world thanks to Netflix,” said Director Mikhail Red. 

“It is my goal to use storytelling and genres to get my message across, entertain, and engage people at the same time. Netflix has granted me the perfect platform to connect with an audience anytime and anywhere. Even my older film, ‘Birdshot’, which has been on Netflix for three years is still getting fresh reactions online from viewers seeing it for the first time.”

The five Pinoy films coming to Netflix are listed below. 

PINOY SUNDAY (Changhe Films Ltd)

Synopsis: Inspired by a 1958 Roman Polanski short, this lighthearted examination of modern life in Taipei follows two Filipino immigrants, Manuel and Dado, during their day off from work, when the chance discovery of a discarded couch leads to adventure.

Director: Widing Ho

Cast: Bayani Agbayani, Jeffrey Quizon, Nor Domingo, Dave Ronald Chang, Meryll Soriano, Alessandra de Rossi

Release date: June 5, 2020

Quote from the Director: “I never thought the feature debut I made ten years ago can have a second life and finally get shown to the Philippine audience, thanks to Netflix. It is a tremendous honor to have my second movie after ‘Cities of Last Things’ to be included on a platform which has done so much to promote filmmakers' works from around the world to a global audience. I am lucky to be part of the family.”

SUNOD (Black Cap Pictures Inc)

Synopsis: As the medical expenses for her daughter stack up, a mother takes a demanding call center job where the building's sinister secrets begin to haunt her.

Director: Carlo Ledesma

Cast: Carmina Villarroel, Mylene Dizon, JC Santos, Kate Alejandrino, Krystal Brimner, Rhed Bustamante, Susan Africa

Release date: June 14, 2020

Quote from the Director: “Having Sunod screen theatrically during the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival was an incredible experience, and now I'm excited for the film to find a new audience online, especially on Netflix, which has the best streaming. Speaking on behalf of myself and my crew, we took great pains to make the movie look and sound good, so it'll be a rush to see it stream in high quality.”

LOLA IGNA (ERJ Found Film Production Co.)

Synopsis: An elderly woman finds her life disrupted when her family and village realize she has a chance at a world record for being the oldest grandmother alive. (Lola Igna was awarded Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Musical Score and Best Actress at the 2019 Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino Awards Night)

Director: Eduardo W. Roy Jr.

Cast: Angie Ferro, Yves Flores, Meryll Soriano, Maria Isabel Lopez, Royce Cabrera, Jojo Riguerra, Armando A. Reyes

Release date: June 18, 2020

Quote from the Director: “I felt flabbergasted when I got the news from Netflix that the team loved my film, not just one but two of my films. I’m personally thankful to Netflix for introducing ‘Lola Igna’ and ‘Ordinary People’, to a larger audience, not only in the Philippines, but to the whole world. Now my films can be easily accessible anytime, and anywhere around the world.”

UNTRUE (Viva Communications, Inc.)

Synopsis: Mara moves from the Philippines to the country of Georgia, where she meets a mysterious man, Joachim. They develop feelings for one another, until Joachim claims to hear peculiar sounds and see visions of a strange woman.

Director: Sigrid Andrea Bernardo

Cast: Cristine Reyes, Xian Lim

Release date: June 22, 2020

ORDINARY PEOPLE (ERJ Found Film Production Co.)

Synopsis: Barely making a living as pickpockets, a teenage couple in Manila resort to desperate measures when their one-month-old child is kidnapped. (Ordinary People was awarded Best Film, Best Editing, Best Actress, Best Director at the 12th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, as well as Best Actress at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and FAP Awards)

Director: Eduardo W. Roy Jr.

Cast: Ronwaldo Martin, Hasmine Kilip, Maria Isabel Lopez, Sue Prado, Ruby Ruiz, Raymon Lee, Karl Medina, Erlina Villalobos, Menggie Cobrarrubias

Release date: To be announced

To make this Independence Day even more special, Jo Koy: In His Elements, will premiere globally on Netflix on June 12, 2020. For the first time ever, comedian Jo Koy takes Netflix to the Philippines in his new special, Jo Koy: In His Elements.  Koy celebrates his heritage by telling jokes about life as a Filipino-American while highlighting the culture of Manila. Koy uses this opportunity to shine a light on other Filipino-American performers by welcoming to the stage famed breakdancer Ronnie, Grammy-winning producer !llmind, singer/songwriter Iñigo Pascual, and comedians Andrew Lopez, Joey Guila, and Andrew Orolfo.

Statement on the Release of Interim Guidelines on the Conduct of Film and Audiovisual Production Shoots To Mitigate COVID-19

On April 27, 2020, the Department of Health (DOH) issued Administrative Order 2020-015, which directed National Government Agencies (NGAS) to develop and submit sector-specific plans and guidelines on COVID-19 public health standards to the DOH. This will be consolidated and endorsed by the Secretary of Health to the Inter-Agency Task Force On Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and complied with by the private sectors involved.

On April 29, 2020, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) manifested to DOH its intent to submit Health and Safety Standards for the Film and Audiovisual Industry and has since been in coordination with DOH for the drafting and development of such.

From April to May, the FDCP conducted several consultation meetings to gather suggestions and proposed recommendations from the sectors on the safe conduct of all stages of production shoots amid COVID-19.

On May 15, 2020, the IATF-EID released Resolution No. 37, placing the country under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) and General Community Quarantine (GCQ) except for Cebu and Mandaue City which remains under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

Under both MECQ and GCQ conditions, Film, TV, and Music Production have been allowed to operate on a 50% capacity.

Pending approval from the IATF-EID on the submitted Film And Audiovisual Production Shoot Guidelines On The Risk-Based Public Health Standard for COVID-19 Mitigation, the FDCP undertook to adopt interim or provisionary guidelines as the Film and Audiovisual sector gradually opens up, and business starts to commence starting May 16, 2020, under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine and General Community Quarantine areas.

On May 16, 2020, the FDCP issued Memorandum No. 6 on the Interim Guidelines on the Safety Protocols for the Conduct of Film and Audiovisual Production Shoots to Mitigate Covid-19. This is to make sure that productions nationwide who are planning to conduct business activities are well informed and guided by safety and health measures issued by the government.

On May 18, 2020, the FDCP officially received a copy of the Safety Protocols related to COVID-19 submitted by the Interguild Alliance, a community-based network of various groups representing different relevant sectors in film, television, and advertising. FDCP has reviewed the same and endorsed the document to the Department of Health (DOH) on May 19, 2020, for the agency's consideration.

As of today, May 22, 2020, the FDCP is closely working with the DOH on the final draft of the COVID-19 Safety and Health Guidelines for the Film and Audiovisual Industry.

Meanwhile, FDCP's Memorandum Order No. 6 on the Interim Guidelines On Safety Protocols for the Conduct of Film And Audiovisual Production Shoots to Mitigate Covid-19 shall take effect from May 16- May 31 or until the final guidelines from the FDCP and DOH are approved by the IATF-EID.

For everyone's guidance and strict compliance.

USEC. MARY LIZA B. DIÑO

Chairperson & CEO, FDCP

“DUNE” REVEALS NEW PHOTO OF HERO-IN-TRAINING

WARNER Bros.’ epic adventure “Dune” has revealed a brand new image, this time showing Timothée Chalamet's Paul Atreides in deep training for what lies ahead.

Director Denis Villeneuve tells of the film’s hero Atreides: “His survival depends on being able to make the right decisions and adapt to different dangerous situations. It's a very beautiful story about someone that becomes empowered.  

"Like any young adult he is looking for his identity and trying to understand his place in the world, and he will have to do things that none of his ancestors were able to do in order to survive. He has a beautiful quality of being curious about other people, of having empathy, something that will attract him towards other cultures, and that's what will save his life.”

ENTER THE WORLD OF “TENET” WITH BRAND NEW IMAGES

WARNER Bros. Pictures has unveiled brand new images from Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film “Tenet.”  

Check them out below and watch “Tenet” only in cinemas soon.

(Watch the film’s trailer at http://bit.ly/TenetTrailer1.)

About “Tenet”

Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” is an action epic evolving from the world of international espionage.

Nolan wrote and directed the film, utilizing a mixture of IMAX® and 70mm film to bring the story to the screen.  “Tenet” was filmed on location across seven countries.

The international cast is led by John David Washington and also includes Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Clémence Poésy, with Michael Caine and Kenneth Branagh.  

“Tenet” is being produced by Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan.  Thomas Hayslip served as executive producer.

Nolan’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Hoyte van Hoytema, production designer Nathan Crowley, editor Jennifer Lame, costume designer Jeffrey Kurland, visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson, and special effects supervisor Scott Fisher.  The score is composed by Ludwig Göransson.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Syncopy Production, a Film by Christopher Nolan, “Tenet.”

Warner Bros. Pictures is distributing “Tenet” worldwide and has slated the film for release beginning July 16, 2020.  Join the conversation online and connect with #Tenet