Ogie juggles new Universal deal and TV5 Plus: Christine Patrimonio is Gabriela Silang Bubble Gang turns 18!

Singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid re-newed his recording contract with Universal Records on Wednesday, his home label for the past five years. He released three hit albums under Universal Records –The Great Filipino Songbook, Ngayon at Kailanman: The George Canseco Songbook, and The Songwriter and The Hitmakers. All albums earned Gold Record awards.

Although he is handling the Music Department of TV5, his new home network, Ogie believes that the Kapatid Network is not yet in the mood of taking a crack in putting up their own record label in the tradition of ABS-CBN’s Star Records or the Kapuso’s GMA Records. This is also the reason why he opted to renew his contract with Universal since he shares a good relationship with them and the company has taken good care of his recording career.

“They (Universal) know the pulse of the consumers when it comes to recording. As a songwriter, we complement each other. I have never done an all-OPM album and it was their idea that I come up with one. Through all these years, my albums were mostly made up of my own compositions. When they offered me to do the Songbook, it was something new for me and true enough, it did well in the market,” Ogie recalled.

With the renewal of his contract, Ogie is set to release a new album early next year. The concept of the new album is still under wraps, but Universal Records assures fans that the new album will complement Ogie’s stature as one of the icons of the local music industry.

The singer opened a new chapter in his career when he transferred to TV5 a few months ago. He is currently working on three shows – the gag show Tropa Mo Ko Unli, the drama series The Gift, and the musical The Mega and The Songwriter.

If he will have his way, Ogie says he wants to do another collaborative album. “I want to work with other artists like Gloc 9 and Abra since their kind of music is something that I haven’t done before. I did work with them in my anniversary concert where I did rap with them pero siguro iba rin ang dating if I would do a song with them for my album,” he said.

The singer is also busy taping for The Gift, a new teleserye where his knack for drama, comedy and music will be put to good use. The story of a musician who became an instant father to the orphaned child of the woman he considers the love of his life has been in the development for the last three years long before Ogie signed up with TV5.

The singer is also very much excited with The Mega and the Songwriter since there has not been this kind of musical show for a long time. “I have great fun working with Sharon and we should not forget that Sharon is, first and foremost, a singer before she became an actress so it’s nice to see and hear her singing again,” said the singer.

***

Christine Patrimonio, the daughter of PBA legend Alvin Patrimonio, is making her acting debut in Gabriela, a period movie directed by model-turned-movie star Carlo Maceda. She feels fortunate that despite being a newcomer, she was picked to play the role in the biopic of Grabiela Silang, one of the few female heroes in our history. The script was written by Frank Rivera.

“Gabriela” was screened in a special preview last Sunday at SM North EDSA where Tintin was supported by her family and friends. Of course, present was her proud parents, dad Alvin and Mommy Cyndi. Her dad, according to Tintin, even skipped a game in MOA (Alvin was manager of the San Mig Coffee Mixers) just to attend the premiere of her film.

“Gabriela” tells the story of the historical figure and her husband Diego Silang who led the Ilocanos in revolt against the Spanish rule in 1763. After her husband’s death, Gabriela took over his role in rallying their community.

Tin said she had a hard time playing her role, especially her death scene, where she was hanged. “Mahirap ‘yung scene na binitay ako. But direk Carlo was a big help why I was able to do the scene,” Tin told the press who came to watch her acting debut.  “I was kind of frustrated na kasi I was having a hard time getting the scene across plus I feel dehydrated already. I wanted to go home na sana pero happily I was able to get the scene done.”

Tin said she was excited when the film was offered to her although she admits having second thoughts as well. “Kasi first film ko pa lang tapos ang bigat ng role na gagampanan ko but I consider myself lucky that I got the part since I know it’s a challenging role,” said the champion tennis player. “I was feeling kind of pressured because filming was taking quite a long time plus the role was really heavy for a newcomer like me.”

How was it working with Carlo Aquino who plays her husband Diego Silang?

“He was very supportive,” said Tin. “At first, I was really very nervous and I was really shaking because of extreme pressure but Carlo helped me relax. I was really intimidated at first but Carlo was really a big help in our scenes.”

Another reason why Tin agreed to do “Gabriela” was because it will be shown in schools. “We want to share to the students her story so that they’d know more about her,” said the former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate.

Also in the cast of this OnCam Productions offering are Ricky Davao, BJ Forbes, Justin Pinnoy. Rob Sy, Jeffrey Santos, Arthur Solinap, Nene Tamayo and Archie Adamos.

***

Bubble Gang, GMA Network’s longest running and top-rating gag show, is celebrating its 18th anniversary this month. This is indeed a milestone for the pioneering gag show created by the comedy group of GMA 7.  Bubble Gang has indeed withstood the test of time and continues to gain momentum as it affirms his hold to its billing as the longest running and most popular gag show on Philippine television.

In its 18 years, Bubble Gang has weathered the storm of losing some of its mainstays to rival programs of the same genre. It has been copied, parodied, morphed but it remains unmatched for its comic delight. The show had its share of pitfalls but has managed to hold on. Many programs have dared challenged Bubble Gang’s superiority as a gag show but the fact remains that the show had held its own despite the onslaught from the opposition.

As it marks its 18th year, Bubble Gang is presenting a new set of young comedians culled from month long auditions that the show has called for. It may have lost some of its more popular mainstays who have moved on to other networks but nevertheless, Bubble Gang continues to hold sway.

With mainstays Michael V (who is the show’s creative director), Rufa Mae Quinto, Maureen Larrazabal, Antonio Aquitania and Boy 2 Quizon plus its new recruits, the Bubble Gang fanatics will continue to have their fill of delightful humor every Friday night. Congratulations and more power!

***

Singer and TV actor Mark Tupaz of Shamrock is organizing a concert for his brother-in-law Jun Lota who is battling cancer.

“His condition has taken a toll on our family and we are hoping for your support,” he says.  Friends from the entertainment industry have extended a helping hand to stage a very rare and special collaboration of of musical talents.

On October 7 (Monday), Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Moymoy Palaboy and Shamrock will be performing at Area 5 (formerly Ratsky) in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. All proceeds will go to his ailing brother-in-law. Tickets at P1,500 each are available at the venue. Show starts at 8 p.m. (FREEMAN)