Ogie: Won’t forsake singing career

“Sikil,” the movie directed by Roni Bertubin talks about unspoken passion…It could be a person, a place, or an event or occurrence that prevents you from achieving your dream. It’s the story of one who loves, the one being loved and the one waiting to be loved. It’s also the story of waiting to be understood, loved and respected as a person.

“Sikil” is the story of three childhood friends who grew up, loved and experienced pain, portrayed by Ken Escudero, Wil Sandejas, and Ashley Silverio.

“Kuwento ito ng pagpaparaya at pagmamahal na walang hinihintay na anumang kapalit. At dito makikita na higit na mas masaya ang magparaya para sa kasiyahan ng mas nakakarami,” says film director Roni Bertubin of his first feature film.

“Sikil” initially got an X-rating from the MTRCB and was nearly barred from being shown. But the film was eventually approved starting April 2 at the Ultra Vistarama in Cebu, and at Robinson’s Bacolod on April 9.

The film drew raves when it was exhibited at Monstra Valencia, Spain, at Cancun Film Fest in Mexico and at  Palm Spring Int'l Film Fest in Los Angeles. It will be shown in its entirety, as it has been approved without cuts, in Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo and soon in Manila.

Aside from Ken, Wil and Ashley, “Sikil” also stars veteran performers of movies and stage namely Sylvia Sanchez, Dido dela Paz, Ernie Garcia and Ms. Anita Linda. Incidentally, the Entertainment Press Society (ENPRESS, Inc.) has already reviewed “Sikil” for its 5th annual Golden Screen Awards to be held in May.

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KC Concepcion got good reviews for the initial episode of her month-long drama anthology which featured her with Ms. Ai Ai delas Alas. The said episode showcased KC's flair for comedy and did credibly in her role.

For the second episode of I Am KC, with the title “Yes Sir” and director Andoy Ranay, KC plays the role of Kate, a chief-of-staff of a hotel and girlfriend to Budoy  (Luis Manzano). Because of the demands of her job, the two end up with misunderstandings. Vowing to take care of her ailing grandmother, she is determined to succeed in her career. In this light romance, Kate will grow closer to her boss Ed, played by veteran actor Albert Martinez. Through their friendship, the two will learn wonderful lessons about life and the meaning of true happiness.

Kapamilya fans of KC Concepcion can join the I Am KC: Who Am I Text Promo. Each week, viewers will be asked what character KC plays in the episode. To join, just download featured ringtones by texting KC <letter of answer> to 2366, Saturdays from 12 noon to 11:59 p.m.. Each download costs P15. They will get a chance to win P300 cellphone load and a bonus prize of P10,000 if they are the first texter to be drawn with the correct answer. And at the grand draw, a brand new cellphone will be given away! Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 1350 Series of 2008.

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After the successful launching of their first albums, Boy Abunda's “Love Life: Life Songs and Life Stories with Boy Abunda!” and Gretchen Barretto’s “Unexpected” both released under Star Records have already turned gold.

“Love Life: Life Songs and Life Stories with Boy Abunda!” is a special collection of songs and conversations featuring 10 tracks of inspiring, uplifting songs and conversations with his Nanay Lesing and closest friends in showbiz like Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Makisig Morales and Sharlene San Pedro, Erik Santos, and Kris Aquino.

Boy is known for his riveting interviews with people from diverse walks of life. In the album, every conversation is followed by a song that includes Now and Forever (Martin Nievera), When You Wish Upon a Star (Aiza Seguerra), Childhood (Raki Vega), Tears in Heaven (Kris Lawrence), Don't Worry Be Happy (Niccolo), Time After Time (Destiny's Dolls), Song For Mama (Charice Pempengco), and You Changed My Life in a Moment (Ogie Alcasid). The carrier single is “It's My Turn” which is a beautiful remake of the 80's hit by Erik Santos and Raki Vega.

Gretchen's colorful life is reflected on the 12 unforgettable love songs which she beautifully sang in the album. "Unexpected" contains the carrier single Please Don't Ask Me, Fly Me to the Moon, A House is Not a Home, Moon River, An Affair to Remember, More Than You'll Ever Know, More, I Will, An Unexpected Song, All the Things You Are, Love Me For What I Am, and Ikaw Lamang.

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Even if he's busy with his TV career and his impending return to the movies via "Love is Deaf…And Blind," Ogie Alcasid won't forsake his singing career. In fact, he's finishing a new album under Universal Records tentatively titled "The Great Filipino Songbook." 

He had wanted to call the compilation a tribute album but Ogie nixed the idea, thinking it may sound like a tribute to heroes. He has already recorded nine songs and Ogie hopes to release the album next month. It's made up of love songs like "Malayo Pa ang Umaga," "Doon Lang," plus hit songs of Rico J. Puno, Prof. Ryan Cayabyab, George Canseco, among others. And he's mighty proud of this new musical project.

He will also be doing the Original Sound Track of the animation film "Urduja" for APT Films but this will be released by Universal Records also. It's an all-original song line-up done by Joey de Leon, with Mon Faustino as arranger. Ogie penned the carrier single titled “Babae” to be sung by Regine Velasquez.