Jaafar Jackson ought to have a concert tour a la MJ

After the global box-office success of “Michael” (The Biopic of Michael Jackson), Jaafar Jackson, who portrayed his uncle, MJ, ought to have a concert tour. As the cliché goes, strike while the iron is hot. MJ fanatics comme moi are clamoring for more of Jaafar.

Aside from his uncanny resemblance to MJ, he captured Michael’s energy, moves, charisma and emotional presence. It seemed like he brought MJ back to life. Instead of merely impersonating MJ, Jaafar channeled the spirit of his performances while bringing his own vibe into it. Since he’s a Jackson, it didn’t feel like a parody at all.

There’s authenticity in his performance that can’t be manufactured. I asked my good friend, Renen de Guia, whom I fondly call the “Concert Producer King” of Ovation Productions, if he’s open to the idea of mounting a Jaafar Jackson concert. He said that it crossed his mind after watching “Michael.”

Aside from the King of Pop’s timeless hits, Jaafar can also sing his own songs if he would have a concert tour. Long before he stunned the world with his awesome portrayal of MJ, Jaafar already had music videos such as Got Me Singing. While Jaafar continues to honor the legacy of MJ through a live concert, it will be his chance to prove that he has genuine star power beyond the movie.

Juicy info about Jaafar’s mom

Here’s a juicy backstory about Jaafar. His Colombian mom, Alejandra, used to be the longtime partner of his uncle Randy. When they split up, Randy’s brother, Jermaine became Alejandra’s shoulder to cry on. One thing led to another. So, Jermaine and Alejandra tied the knot. Alejandra has two kids with Randy and also two with Jermaine. One of them is Jaafar. That makes Jaafar’s cousins his siblings, too. Their unusual family dynamic kinda reminds me of Karla Estrada, who has kids with Rommel Padilla (Daniel) and his cousin, Naldy Padilla (JC). In their case, the showbiz circus goes on even off-cam.

Jaafar with his mother, Alejandra Oaziaza, who was previously the longtime partner of his uncle Randy Jackson before marrying Jaafar’s father, Jermaine Jackson — Randy’s older brother — in 1995.

Dollyisms

In the spirit of fun, here are my Dollyisms on the “buzz du jour:”

Robin Padilla and Kiko Pangilinan clash during a heated Senate échange:

“I -SHARON” nyo nalang yan sa làbas ng Senado para walang gulo (since Sharon Cuneta is their common denominator).

Wedding date of Bea Alonzo and Vince Co remains to be a guessing game amid “pre-nup” concerns:

Their wedding hashtags could very well be #BEyAanmosila and #COnVINCEdbakayo.

Kim Domingo suddenly reveals that she has a Thai BF amid rumors linking her to a politician as her benefactor:

Kim walang lihim na ‘pakimkim.’

The action-drama ‘Pasakalye’ is directed by Roman Perez Jr. and stars Marco Gumabao, Andrew Muhlach and Denise Esteban, among other cast members.

Launch of Star Worx

5/5 (May 5) was a high-five kind of day at TV5 as it launched Star Worx (SW), the network’s premier talent management arm. Formerly known as MediaQuest Artists Agency, the rebranded SW signals a bold leap forward. Leading this charge is star-maker nonpareil Johnny Manahan, a.k.a. Mr. M.

The first block of SW artists wowed us all with their show-stopping vocal performances and electrifying dance numbers. They have been immersed in a “bootcamp of brilliance.”

From grueling choreography sessions and vocal performance mastery to nuanced acting workshops and perfecting their Filipino fluency, the cuties are now ripe for stardom. Make way for SW 16: Marthena Jickain, Adam Buck, Amo Wilding, Chan Martin, Nico Matugas, Patrick Ballesteros, Spencer Capistrano, Wayne Leonard, Carmela Lorzano, Celyn David, Kaitlyn King, Keisha Serna, Nathalie Apollo, Rahil Gatali, Selina Griffin and Steph Razon.

The future of showbiz has arrived. They are camera-ready and armed with main character energy.

Here are quotes from Mr. M:

“Our SW artists have that X factor. They have discipline, the willingness to work and learn. The younger they are, the better because we want them to grow with us.

“In this age of social media, I still believe in the power of TV. Instant fame online is easy come, easy go. There’s something about staying power on TV. It gives legitimacy to stardom.

“Entertainment is soft power. If our economy was stable, our entertainment sector can go global. K-pop would not have become as big as it is now if Korea’s economy was not stable.”

The first block of Star Worx artists is now ripe for stardom.

The gripping ‘Pasakalye’

Brace yourself for a high-octane descent into the heart of the criminal underworld in the gripping action-drama, “Pasakalye,” now streaming on VMX. It is helmed by VMX cult director, my fave, Roman Perez Jr.

The film is about a street-level drug syndicate operating under the legit front of a talyer that doubles as a sanctuary for the city’s outcasts. Under the iron rule of a paternal figure, two brothers find themselves on a collision course that threatens to blow up everything — their ties as well as their ambitions. It stars Marco Gumabao, Andrew Muhlach, Denise Esteban, Angelica Hart, Neil Tolentino, Yian Gabriel and Jeric Raval.

After being engrossed by “Pasakalye,” I must say that it will teach you a thing or two about survival of the fittest, este fiercest.

Here are quotes from Marco and Andrew:

Marco: “It’s my first time doing full action. It’s sort of a tribute to my dad (Dennis Roldan) who used to be an action star.”

Andrew: “I changed my look for this film. I even colored my hair and observed BMX bikers in order to play my role well. It was quite challenging to ride a BMX because it has no brakes. So, I had to train to avoid accidents.”

Marco: “Our film’s title is ‘Pasakalye’ ‘cause literally paikot ikot kami ni Andrew while riding our bikes and figuratively ‘cause our story has many twists and turns.”

Andrew: “My fave scene was the one that Marco and I shot on the bridge at 4 a.m. We had to finish shooting before sunrise to achieve the desired effect. Dala ng dama ko (ang) brotherhood namin in that scene.”

Marco: “It’s a refreshing change that VMX now has action movies like ‘Pasakalye.’ So, subscribers have other genres to choose from aside from the sexy material that VMX is known for.”

Andrew: “The tagline of our film could be ‘Ang tunay na buhay nasa kalye.’ It’s better to be street smart than just intelligent.”

‘Check In,’ a drama exploring the hushed secrets that transpire inside short-time haunts, is headlined by Victor Relosa, Chester Garcia, Anya Austria and Aliya Raymundo, with Christopher Novabos as director.

‘Check In’: A provocative drama

VMX continues to expand its slate of daring originals with the film “Check In,” a provocative drama that explores the hushed secrets that transpire inside short-time haunts. Directed by Christopher Novabos, it is headlined by Victor Relosa, Chester Garcia, Anya Austria and Aliya Raymundo. Take a peek into their mysterious world, which will make you gasp, “If only the walls could speak.”

Here are quotes from Aliya, Chester and Victor:

Aliya: “Our movie serves as a cautionary tale to married men. Why check in when you have your own home and a housewife waiting?”

Chester: “I ask Aliya her limitations before doing our love scenes. But, of course, I still follow the director’s vision. It’s a balancing act.”

Victor: “Doing films in VMX has given me a chance to explore different genres. Unlike in mainstream, you usually get stuck in one genre. No stereotype in VMX and more creative freedom.”

Aliya: “I have it. So, I flaunt it. I have no qualms about playing sexy. Aside from enjoying it, it’s also my stepping stone for my music career.”

Chester: “We don’t just bare our skin but also bare our souls in our adult storytelling.”

Victor: “The controversy between Benz Sangalang and me about who’s the VMX King does not bother me at all. That’s for the audience to decide. I’m not into titles. Just focus on (putting) in the work.”