Lukewarm response to ‘Talentadong Pinoy’ revival?

It seems TV5 is really interested in bringing “Talentadong Pinoy” back, if we are to believe rumors. We saw a picture of Ryan Agoncillo on Facebook together with some TV5 bosses led by Wilma Galvante and Noel Lorenzana. We believe they have had initial talks about reviving the show, which was one of the flagship programs of TV5.

However, we also heard that there was a lukewarm reception when TV5 conducted auditions for the talent show. We heard only a small number showed up. Probably, the people were not properly informed that new auditions for were being conducted. During the heydays of “Talentadong Pinoy,” a huge number of aspirants usually trooped to auditions.

If TV5 is really serious in bringing back “Talentadong Pinoy,” they should exert extra effort in informing the public of the auditions so that more people would participate. Maybe they should ask their major stars like Sharon Cuneta, Ogie Alcasid, Derek Ramsay and Richard Gomez to be members of the jury for star value.

But the first thing they should really do is try to win back Ryan who is now hosting a game show on GMA-7 and he seems happy with it. It would probably take a lot of convincing to lure Ryan back to its fold – which should not have been the case had they not unceremoniously cancelled “Talentadong Pinoy.”

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“Rak of Aegis,” the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) comedy-musical featuring chart-topping Aegis hits returns to the PETA PHINMA Theater stage this June to August. It is going to be a star-studded weekend when the show returns, as top personalities are sponsoring its first weekend run.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista is sponsoring the show on June 20, Congressman Alfred Vargas on June 21 and Senator Bam Aquino on June 22. We can expect more celebrities lending their support to “Rak of Aegis” which had been attracting huge crowds.

Last January, the PETA original production broke box-office records. From an initial line-up of 36 shows, “Rak of Aegis” ended its first run with seven more sold out performances. The musical drew crowds of theatergoers, including secret Aegis fanatics and theater virgins, who were wowed, touched and exhilarated by the show’s riveting music and heartwarming performances. Rak of Aegis’ massive following proves that this timely tale of hope, resilience and original Filipino rock tugs at the hearts of Pinoy audiences.

“Rak of Aegis” brought not only theater lovers but musical icons and prominent personalities to the theater. OPM President Ogie Alcasid, upon watching the show, stressed the importance of supporting music that’s sariling atin: “A show like Rak of Aegis is an embodiment of what we have to do as Filipinos – suportahan, tangkilikin at ipagbunyi po natin ang ating sariling musika!”

Rak’s popularity was even harnessed to raise funds for the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda by several groups who organized benefit shows of the musical.

Fans of the musical as well as those who will watch it for the first time can expect the stellar performances of power couple Isay Alvarez-Seña and Robert Seña, and break-out star Aicelle Santos as they revisit their roles for this re-run. Audiences should also be on the lookout for exciting interpretations by both old and new cast  members.

“Rak of Aegis” has a playlist of chart-topping songs by the iconic Aegis band such as “Luha,” “Halik,” and “Basang-basa sa Ulan.” The team consisting of playwright Liza Magtoto, PETA artistic director Maribel Legarda, (both were responsible for another PETA hit “Care Divas”), and actor-musician Myke Solomon, brilliantly placed the songs together to tell the story of a flooded subdivision and the lives of its love-struck residents.

The “Rak of Aegis” cast includes Kalila Aguilos, Kakai Bautista, Neomi Gonzales, Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera, Myke Salomon, Poppert Bernadas, Nor Domingo, Julienne Mendoza, Ron Alfonso, Phillip Palmos, Gold Villar, Gimbey Dela Cruz, Jet Barrun, Paeng Sudayan, Carlon Matobato and John Moran.

The re-run also features new cast members, Kimverlie Molina as Aileen, Oj Mariano as Kiel, Arnel Ignacio as Fernan and Jimmy Marquez as Jewel. Joining the ensemble are choreographer Gio Gahol and Abigail Sulit.

Catch “Rak of Aegis” at the PETA Phinma Theater from June 20-August 30, every Thursday 8 p.m., Friday-Sunday 3p.m. and 8p.m. For ticket reservations go to www.ticketworld. com.ph, or call TicketWorld at 891-9999. You may also contact PETA at 725-6244 or 0917-5765400 or email petatheater@gmail.com.

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Award-winning comedienne Pokwang stakes her claim to box-office supremacy when her movie with Zanjoe Marudo titled “My Illegal Wife” opens today in theaters nationwide.

In “My Illegal Wife,” Pokwang plays a single mom who will do anything and everything just make her family happy, to the extent of tricking a handsome stud (Zanjoe) that she is her wife. My Illegal Wife is not only a comedy for the entire family but also tells the story of true and lasting love. It explores the limitless boundary of true and lasting love.

Pokwang’s struggle as a mother is no secret. Her family is most important to her. She is doing everything to make her family happy, and can very well relate to her character in “My Illegal Wife.”