Elmo Magalona steps out of comfort zone with PNL Sessions

His fans are accustomed to see him performing on stage and acting in a scene. This is what constitutes Elmo Magalona’s creative pursuit and comfort zone. In Pie Night Long (PNL) Sessions over PIE Channel, Elmo shows his gift of the gab, Sunday nights from 8 to 10. It’s refreshing to see how Elmo, with his co-host Vivoree, a Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) alumna, hosts and holds the show together. PNL Sessions is the virtual weekend musicfest edition of Pie Night Long, a show that sees jocks-hosts living the life of workers and giving viewers love and life advice, among other things, from Mondays to Fridays, 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

“This is actually my first venture as a host,” said the Kapamilya artist in a recent virtual press conference. “Kaya sa lahat po dito, feeling ko ako yung pinaka-inexperienced (Among the hosts here, I feel I’m the inexperienced), but I want to take on this experience talaga, (so for me to) show a different side of me.”

So far, his hosting stint in PNL Sessions is “so good.”

“Ang ganda nung experience, nakakausap ko rin ang iba’t-ibang (I also get to talk to different) creative minds when it comes to music,” said he.

Joining him in the interactive weekend tambayan, available on TV and in any devices, is Vivoree, whose talents are also performing and acting.

“I came from PBB. Hindi ako madaldal talaga (I don’t talk that much) at all,” shared she. “I’m medyo quiet and observant. Here, in Pie Night Long Sessions, I’m able to express myself more. I’m able to showcase my love and appreciation for music more. My first love is really singing, but I didn’t have the platform or like the chance to showcase it to the whole world (then).” The multiplatform show also grants her and Elmo the chance to cook up performances. “So, I have the chance to show the whole world that I can sing,” said Vivoree.

Elmo with the rest of the hosts of the PIE Channel shows during the mediacon.

The tandem of Elmo and Vivoree is another highlight of the Pie Night Long Sessions.

“Actually, I’m happy that I get to work with Vivoree,” said Elmo. “Before, nakasama ko siya in acting workshops. For me, my fans are very supportive and nowadays, they are very welcoming of any (work) partner na makasama ko. Since we, me and Vivoree, both love music, we work very easily dito sa PNL Sessions.” Yes, the two click well.

“Our fans are very supportive of us,” agreed Vivoree. “With Elmo, they know that he is musically inclined din. Talagang nag-wo-work yung tandem namin kasi we both love music nga. They are very supportive.” So, everything goes smoothly between them. Their work partnership can be compared to, let’s say, a voice that sits well with the melody of a song.

“Like I said earlier, this is the first time that I get to be on the other side of the spectrum since mas sanay nga akong nag-pe-perform or acting as the character,” said Elmo of the enjoyment in doing PNL Sessions. “This time, I’m the one asking our musical guests like how they work on their craft. Since PIE is an interactive channel, na nakaka-engage namin kaagad ang ating mga Ka-tro-PIE, nagugustuhan ko rin yung pwedeng mag-react agad ang ating mga viewers sa mga naririnig nilang songs na binibigay namin sa kanila (I like the idea that our viewers can easily react to the songs we’re playing in the show).”

In the show’s teaser, Elmo and Vivoree invite everyone to a weekend treat or me-time with PNL Sessions after a week of doing school work or beating work deadlines. The show engages one to listen to the sounds and talks, jam and sing along with artists and wait for their requested songs.

During the virtual interview, Elmo, who essays the role of lawyer Joseph in Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla’s TV series 2 Good 2 Be True, was also asked to give a message in inspiring the young people. His answer was: “Siguro just always follow your heart, but that also comes from siguro how I was raised by my parents, na masunurin din ako talaga (I am really obedient). Just always follow your heart and you follow the good path. That’s all I can say.”

Aside from the Pie Night Long Sessions, viewers are also treated to public service and relevant information in Brgy. Piesilog, from Mondays to Sundays, 10 a.m. until 12 noon, and hottest music videos, also Mondays to Sundays, from 12 noon to 4 p.m., in Pieborito’s Playlist Natin!. Also part of the Brgy. Piesilog barkada are Gretchen Fullido, Migs Bustos and Nicole Cordovez, while Pieborito is hosted by Janine Berdin and Raco Ruiz.

PIE Channel is also available on pie.com.ph, YouTube, http://youtube.com/iampieofficial, Sky Cable Channel 21 and Cablelink Channel 100.)