PBB alums topbill Star Magic Studios’ first movie venture

MANILA, Philippines — During the pandemic lockdown, live shows and film productions were not allowed. Everything was done virtually and audiences of last season’s Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) only relied on their smartphones and other digital devices to get to know each of the housemate and watch the goings-on inside Bahay ni Kuya. The housemates and their supporters were also able to connect via the Internet-based social networking sites.

A quick look around will give you clear proof that most people, if not all, are attached to their smartphones and no longer talk even if they are with family or friends. Former housemates Amanda Zamora, Chico Alicaya, Gail Banawis, Andi Abaya, Ralph Malibunas, Kobie Brown and Richard Juan are aware of how people have become “connected” virtually yet “disconnected” from reality.

The PBB alums who topbill Connected, the initial movie offering of Star Magic Studios, recently shared their thoughts on whether or not social media holds out the promise of connection.

“In the (movie) trailer, it stated that you’re connected yet still disconnected,” began Andi. “I think social media plays a huge role in our lives, although it may not always be advantageous when we don’t put a limit on it throughout the day.

“To prevent the ‘disconnection,’ we must connect with people not just through social media but also by hanging out or bonding with family and friends. Mas makakabuo kasi tayo ng good relationship sa mga taong nakapaligid sa atin kung merong communication or even simple talk.”

Richard agreed that social media strengthens existing relationships. In his case, he can easily connect with loved ones, who are miles away from the Philippines.

“For me, as a millennial, hindi ko masabi na we’re a disconnected family. I mean, social media has always been such a huge part of my life. I can chat with my family every single day. It’s been two and a half years since I last saw my mom (in the flesh). She’s still in Hong Kong right now and I still don’t have the chance to fly back home. Social media really connected us as a family much better.”

According to Ralph, he never loses his connection with his mom and young brother, who are currently in France. It’s no secret that prior to joining PBB, Ralph was working as a nanny and cleaner in Paris. In his audition video, he narrated how tough it is to be an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). It was his OFW mom, who found a way for him and his brother to be with her in France.

Gail said establishing meaningful connections is one of the advantages of social media, “but if you gonna go deep, there’s such an influx of information on the Internet, so parang hindi sanay ‘yung mga parents (of today’s generation), kasi di ba our parents would say, ‘Ang dami mong alam.’ So, I will have to say that’s the distance between our parents and us.”

Amanda Zamora.

Andi would like to make it clear that she has a good relationship with her family. “I want to be closer to them and create great memories with them.”

The easiest way to stay connected with the fans is also through online. Netizens are clamoring for Andi and Kobie to work as a loveteam. The two seemingly are playing sweet music together. Kobie revealed that he is courting Andi during a guesting in Magandang Buhay.

Asked if they are exclusively dating, Andi said that they are still in the getting-to-know-you stage. “We’re taking our time po kasi parang mas kinikilala ko si Kobie, mas kinikilala n’ya ako and yung families namin. So, no rush.”

Equally showing good chemistry are Amanda and Chico, who are also being paired in Connected. The two reportedly got along instantly inside the PBB house. Their bond became stronger after they got evicted at the same time. In fact, fans now fondly call them ChiManda.

Amanda said she doesn’t have a “dream connection,” but she hopes to have a lasting connection with the other housemates, especially now that they are together in one movie.

“We had lots of fun this whole weekend. I also look forward to the different activities that we will be having until the premiere,” she declared.

Chico, for his part, said the whole experience of shooting the movie with the housemates was really nice. “Marami talaga akong ma-mi-miss but, of course, I also miss my sister, who is in Cebu.”

Meanwhile, Star Magic and ABS-CBN Entertainment Production head Laurenti Dyogi expressed his pride over the Kapamilya talent arm’s debut movie venture.

“Early part of last year, we had PBB Season 9 Connect and we had 18 alumni. Six of the housemates were able to come up and be part of this movie. We’re very proud that this is the first movie of Star Magic Studios and we’re very grateful to direk Ted for being generous of his time, talent and energy para gabayan ‘yung ating mga bagong artista. And so, with this small project of ours na maraming magandang mensahe tungkol sa kabataan, sa pag-ibig, sa magulang, we’re hoping that people will appreciate this project that we have,” he said.

(Connected will be available for streaming starting on July 22 on KTX, iWantTFC, TFC IPTV video-on-demand and SKY Cable. Catch the stars in the final leg of their mall tour on July 23 at Robinsons Las Piñas.)