Search for next MTV Pinoy VJs is on

To all young Pinoys out there, if you believe you have what it takes to be the next VJ, then this bit of news should interest you.

MTV Pinoy, the local edition of the world’s premier youth entertainment brand is in search of new VJs. These talented young people will be the voices and faces of MTV in the Philippines and they will follow in the footsteps of MTV Pinoy’s first batch of VJs – Sam Pinto, Yassi Pressman, Andre Paras and Josh Padilla.

Male and female aspirants aged 16 and above are invited to join the nationwide search.  Potential candidates should be articulate, witty, oozing with confidence, clued in to pop culture, passionate about music and most of all, must be Pinoy sa Puso. As part of the challenging selection process, participants will perform tasks such as read a prepared spiel in English and Filipino, and do interviews. They will also be asked to sing, dance or show off a special talent. The search will end with the announcement of winners this October 3, after which they will begin their careers as MTV VJs.

Those interested in becoming MTV VJs can simply visit the MTV Booths in the following venues for auditions from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on these dates: Ayala Center Cebu on June 21; Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro on July 5; MarQuee Mall in Pampanga on July 12; Glorietta in Makati on July 20; and Trinoma in Quezon City on August 3.

MTV Pinoy is a partnership between Viacom International Media Networks, a unit of Viacom Inc., home of popular entertainment brands like MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Paramount Channel and more.

MTV Pinoy focuses on original productions, events and programs geared specifically towards Filipino viewers. This combination of MTV, the cultural home of the millenial generation, music fans and artists and Viva Communication’s much vaunted expertise with the local music market is expected to revolutionize the viewing habits of young Filipinos.

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One movie that you should not miss is “Kamkam” (Greed) from the script of Palanca awardee Jerry Gracio and directed by multi-awarded filmmaker Joel Lamangan. We had the chance to watch the movie during its special press preview last June 13 and we can say it is one of the best films we’ve seen this year.

This is the story of a local thug named Johnny portrayed by Allen Dizon who has three wives played by Jean Garcia, Sunshine Dizon and Jackie Rice. They live in an impoverished community called Sitio Camcam since the residents just took over the place from its owner. In “Kamkam,” we will see how the character of Johnny lords over the place with his many businesses and corruption while the place is up for demolition. This is also the story of complicated families, most especially their children who are affected by the complicated situation in their dwelling place.

“Kamkam” is a study of the corrupting power of patriarchy even among the poor and how it breeds absolute power that corrupts and destroys families, relationships and communities,” explains screenwriter Jerry Gracio.

The movie will also show the love angle among the youth amidst the turmoil in their turf. Playing young lovers in the story are talented GMA performers Joyce Ching, Hiro Peralta, Rita De Guzman and Lucho Ayala. Also playing important roles are Emilio Garcia, Jaime Pebanco, Kerbie Zamora,Tony Mabesa and a lot more.

“The story of ‘Kamkam’ is very complex. I want to focus on the lives of families living in corruption in a small community. One of the highlights here is the confrontation scene among three wives played by Jean, Sunshine and Jackie. Serving as backdrop is the demolition and rotten system in the government. This is a very timely and relevant movie of our times,” said Lamangan.

It was a pity that a fire gutted Barangay Aplaya in Kawit, Cavite where the movie “Kamkam” was shot. The fire broke out three days before the production finished filming. Now the place is just a memory that will be seen in the movie. “Kamkam” is produced by Heaven's Best Entertainment. It will be shown on July 9 in selected theatres nationwide. There are plans to send this new film in international film festivals.

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We dropped by the taping of Bubble Gang last Monday, where we had the chance to chat with Jackie Rice, one of the mainstays of the long-running gag show on GMA-7.

Jackie was not the first choice to play the role of Allen Dizon’s third wife in the movie, but she was certainly a good replacement. She acted well and held her own against Jean Garcia and Sunshine Dizon. And she agreed to do a love scene with Allen and Kerbie Zamora, who plays her boyfriend in the film.

We asked Jackie what made her decide to accept the role even if there was a need for skin exposure. “The movie has a good script and I liked my role. Besides, I would like to work with Direk Joel Lamangan. This is my first movie with him and I would like to work with him again because I learned a lot from him,” said Jackie.

It was also her first time to work with some cast members like Allen, Sunshine, Emilio Garcia, Jim Pebanco, Elizabeth Oropesa and she said it was a pleasant experience.

“I am willing to accept any kind of role as long as it is good and I will receive talent fee for it,” she said jokingly. “Basta may kakainin ako bukas, okay lang sa akin to accept any kind of role. Besides, I really have a good role in ‘Kamkam’ because the movie’s conflict started when I moved in to the place where Allen’s two wives also reside. Markado ang role ko.”