Derek Ramsay remains loyal to TV5

Derek Ramsay is one actor who believes in the value of commitment and loyalty. He has remained loyal to TV5 and will stay with the Kapatid network for as long as he is needed.

Unlike other stars who signed up with TV5 but opted to rescind their contract to enable them to sign up with other networks, Derek is sticking it out with the Kapatid network.

He is happy with the way TV5 has taken care of his career by giving him interesting programs like "Amazing Race Philippines," the action series "Kidlat" and his forthcoming action TV series titled "Amo" directed by Cannes Best Director awardee Brillante Mendoza.

The Kapatid Network is likewise supportive of his other endeavors, especially in the field of sports. When Derek competed in a Frisbee competition abroad, he was supported by TV5.

What excites him now is the airing of the TV series "Amo" where he gets to work with Direk Brillante Mendoza for the first time. The series took nine months to make, but all 12 episodes are now in the can and ready for airing come August 20.

The series, which tackles the war on drugs by the Philippine government as well as corruption, has Derek playing the role of a bad cop. It also features award-winning actor Allen Dizon and newcomer Vince Rillon.

Derek says working with Direk Brillante is an experience he will always remember. In one scene, Direk Dante told him to just run inside the alley and chase Vince. He was told not to stop running until he hears Direk Brillante say cut!

So he did as he was told. After the scene, the real cops who were with them told Derek that they won't go inside the alley because there are snipers inside and they might get hurt.

"I was surprised when they told me that.  But I trust my director and I will do just as I was told," said Derek at the presscon of "Amo" held at the Quezon Room of Seda Hotel last Tuesday.

"Amo" is a crime miniseries that tackles today's most controversial topics such as the Philippine government war on drugs, and also depicts situations including the rampant vigilantism against suspected illegal drug personalities.

It features the story of Joseph, a high school student peddling crystal meth or shabu initially to his fellow gang members and later on to a much bigger market in Metro Manila.

"Amo" also shows the controversies revolving around the Philippine National Police in the government's campaign against drugs as well as its role in rightfully enforcing it.

The series also stars Allen Dizon, Felix Roco, Apollo Abraham, Archie Adamos, with the special participation of Baron Geisler.

"Amo" premieres August 20 on TV5.

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The producers of 90s Live, a concert featuring the soloists of 90s bands -Jett Pangan of The Dawn, Paco Arespacochaga of Introvoys, Wency Cornejo of After Image, Cookie Chua of Colour it Red, Medwin Marfil of True Faith, Naldy Padilla of Orient Pearl, Dong Abay, Lei Bautista of Pretty in Pink-must be laughing their way to the bank.

The concert held at The Theatre at Solaire was jampacked. The mood was set right by Jett Pangan who sung "Enveloped Ideas" popularized by The Dawn. It immediately had the crowd roaring with delight.

It seemed that the crowd that filled up The Theatre was waiting for that moment to unleash all of their energy as they heard their favorite songs sung by these music artists who were also enjoying themselves performing for the appreciative crowd, who didn't mind the bad weather and braved the rains going to Solaire. They were also unmindful of the fact that they might have to swim on their way home if the roads are flooded.

As far as the audience is concerned, the 90s Live concert is for them to enjoy from start to finish.

Paco sang "Kailan Man," an Introvoys hit. Wency Cornejo told the crowd he won't be happy if the audience will not make some noise as he proceeded to sing "Mangarap Ka" with Paco playing the drums.

Wency, catching his breath, said he should not be doing stuff a 50-year-old can't do. "Nakakapagod," but the audience didn't mind. Then he and Cookie Chua sung "Habang May Buhay" which Wency said was meant to be sung as a duet.

Each of the artists sang a signature song of the band where they belong. In the latter part of the show, they paid tribute to fellow artists by singing their songs like Francis Magalona's "Kaleidoscope World," Eraserhead's "Ang Huling El Bimbo," and other hits like "Multo Sa Paningin,""Laklak" and "Anong Paki Mo (Sa Long Hair Ko)."

It was a fun night where the artists and the audience just wanted to enjoy. And enjoy they did.