Governor Daniel Fernando Bulacan's Main Man

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Showbiz Plus BG Elite extends help to entertainment media Miss Universe-Phl Rabiya Mateo has a big heart

BULACAN’S Governor Daniel Fernando

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Will BTS‘ New Year's eve concert push through?

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Contents

Elite 3BG extends help to Entertainment Media

FILM producer and publisher Baby F. Go launched BG Elite Media Club, composed of entertainment journalists.

It aims to tide them over during the pandemic and other crises...

S ho wb iz Pl u s E D I T O R I A L S T A F F Maridol Ranoa-Bismark Editor-in-Chief Miller Achurra Creative Director Danny Vibas Editorial Consultant Anabel E. Tan Editorial Assistant Nonie Nicasio Contributing Writers Joey Sarmiento Eton Concepcion Baby F. Go President/Publisher Jean Go-Marasigan Vice President/ Marketing Director

Anne Venancio-Bendanillo Project Manager Jerome Philip F. Go Admin and Finance

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HILE every reasonable effort is made to verify information, facts and figures, the magazine and its editors assume no responsibility for errors of misrepresentations that may appear in the publication. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of the writers‘, not the company‘s and its editors‘. Printed in the Philippines.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No part of the magazine may be reproduced in full or in part without prior written permission from the editors.

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Bulacan's main man

SOME people chase public office as if it’s the most precious thing on earth.

Others step into it as naturally as one enters his own home— with confidence, ease and respect for everybody who dwells within...

10 Miss Universe-Phl Rabiya Mateo has a big heart

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Will BTS' new year's eve concert push through?

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show 14 Stars off their

Pandemic Hairstyles

So this is how the new normal set looks like

On the cover

Daniel Fernando Bulacan governor Daniel Fernando has come a long way from his bullied days in school, where his height was a challenge he had to overcome.

Today, he is Bulacan’s main man, on top of projects that promote his Daniel Fernando Bulacan governor Daniel Fernando has come a long way bullied constituents’ welfare.

He’sfrom alsohisan days in school, where his height was a challenge he had to overcome. award-winning actor and a doting Today, he is Bulacan’s main man, on top of projects that promote his passionactor for and family and constituents’ welfare. He’suncle also anwhose award-winning a doting uncle whose passion for family and for excellence knows no bounds. for excellence knows no bounds.

The officers of BG Elite Media Club, which producer-publisher Baby F. Go (third from right) launched recently (from left) Jerome Philip Go, Jean Go-Marasigan, Joey Sarmiento, Maridol Bismark, Miller Achurra and Anne Bendanillo

BG ELITE EXTENDS HELP TO ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA

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ILM producer and publisher Baby F. Go launched BG Elite Media Club, composed of entertainment journalists which aims to tide them over during the pandemic and other crises. The club was born out of the need to help members of media who suddenly found themselves disenfranchised after their publications shut down or adopted costcutting measures on the heels of the Covid-19 pandemic. Thus, cutting it was launched at the height of the ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine) in Metro Manila last September.

“We have tied up with PC Goodheart Foundation to maximize our efforts in providing medical, financial and other forms of assistance to our members. This is the time to join hands and rise to the occasion,” says Go, who has helped other members of media in an informal way.

The club has given away rice sacks to members, and plans to hold medical missions and other fund-raising events to help members. Go also plans to put up a mobile clinic fully equipped with medical instruments under the supervision of a

health professional. This will visit each club member to conduct health checkups and medical procedures.

The officers of the BG Elite Media Club are Joey Sarmiento, president; Maridol R. Bismark, vice president; Anne VenancioBendanillo, secretary; Miller Achurra, creative director and Jerome Go, treasurer.

Jean Go-Marasigan is vice president for finance.

Go’s BG Productions International has produced 15 films, many of which have won awards in international film festivals, since 2013.

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Bulacan governor Daniel Fernando with his nephews and nieces Dane Bautista, Aldrich Ramirez, Naomi ‘Mitzi’ Ramirez, Bernadette Ramirez and Niño Bautista.

Bulacan’s main man

By Maridol Ranoa-Bismark Photos by Mon Almazan

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ome people chase public office as if it’s the most precious thing on earth. Others step into it as naturally as one enters his own home—with confidence, ease and respect for everybody who dwells within.

This holds true for Bulacan governor Daniel Fernando, who has been in office for almost two years now. The former actor (Scorpio Nights, Mistah, 4 I BG SHOWBIZ PLUS

Malvar, Amaya, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Kirara, Angkan, etc.). The 58-year-old government official never thought he’d end up holding the highest office

in a province of 21 municipalities, 3 component cities and 569 barangays.

All he knew was he always wanted to help people in his age group. At 18, he was appointed Sangguniang Kabataan chairman, a position he earned after hosting basketball tournaments and other projects for his fellow youth. Imee Marcos (the late President Ferdinand Marcos’s eldest daughter, now a senator) was national chairman.

The position was therefore, meant for the young man who traces his roots to Guiguinto, Bulacan. Fernando held on to the job for four years (1980-1984).

‘I would never have sought public office if I felt it isn’t part of God’s plan.

Other government posts followed. Fernando was elected senior board member of Bulacan twice, after earning the highest number of votes. The Central Luzon Media Association named him Most Outstanding Board Member.

Even with overwhelming public approval, Fernando never felt entitled to a higher government post. Before he ran for vice governor, a position he occupied from 2010 to 2019, Fernando went on his knees for guidance.

“Lord, is this Your plan for me? Please decide for me,” he prayed.

The answer came in the form of strong public support for his candidacy. Bulakenos saw Fernando’s passion to help when he launched the Damayang Filipino movement, which helps Bulakenos who need blood. He held medical missions, gave scholarships, and sponsored feeding programs.

The people catapulted him to the second highest BG SHOWBIZ PLUS I 5

Provincial Vice Governor (2011), Foremost Advocate of Good Government (2011), Best Provincial Official of the Year (2011) and Exemplary Public Service Awardee (2011).

The governorship was the next natural step. Fernando buckled to work with a 10-point public agenda: universal health care, quality education, a vibrant local economy and jobs, sustainable agriculture and strong cooperatives, caring for the poor and marginalized, infrastructure, tourism and cultural heritage, clean environment, peace, order and security and good, responsible governance.

One of the acid tests to Fernando’s leadership occurred at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Its proximity to Metro Manila made Bulacan an easy target of the life-threatening virus.

quarantine center to check the spread of the infection.

Everyone goes through Oplan Sita, which cracks the whip on people without face masks and face shields, half-naked men roaming the streets and other wayward persons.

Health is not Fernando’s only concern. So is the economy.

“We must provide jobs, funds for businessmen, and look into the collection of real property taxes,” the governor says.

To do this, Fernando enforces discipline, especially in his own ranks.

After all, government officials should be shining examples of discipline themselves. Fernando doesn’t mince words when correcting his own officials if needed.

“You have to be hands-on and check the work, even on Sundays. You have to study your every move. The position

Fernando wasted no time. He fast tracked the construction of the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (MPL), which was completed in only 30 days. It increases the Covid testing capacity of Bulacan to at least 300 a day. Results are available in a few hours, thus allowing those who test positive for Covid to seek treatment faster.

The new laboratory also tests for TB, flu, HIV and Hepatitis B and C, through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machine.

Months before he inaugurated the MDL, Fernando formally opened the Bulacan Infection Control Center (BICC) in Malolos. This three-story isolation hub for suspected and confirmed Covid cases has 250 beds, the required medical equipment and staff in PPEs. Fernando is just as proud of the Bulacan Center GeneXpert Laboratory, which has machines that let people know within 45 minutes if the person has Covid or not. The machine can also test for tuberculosis. Each machine can test four persons at a time.

Fernando banned home quarantine and ordered that OFWs stay in a

of governor is a sensitive one. You are answerable for everything that happens in the province,” he says.

It helps that the governor is a bachelor and considers Bulacan an extension of his own home. The concerns of the province occupy his, 24/7.

Good thing he gets a lot of help from a retinue of young nieces and nephews who eagerly help Uncle Dan. Naomi ‘Mitzi’ Ramirez, a Petroleum Engineering student at UST (University of Sto. Tomas) talks with her uncle’s constituents when they visit the governor’s home to ask for help. She and the other nephews and nieces distribute Christmas gifts and calm down the inevitable hotheads who are waiting for their turn.

“You learn patience,” Mitzi admits.

She also speaks before parishioners during yearly novena masses come fiesta time to thank everyone for supporting her uncle.

“We follow Tito Dan’s wishes,” Mitzi says. Helping her busy uncle fulfill his duties has helped Mitzi (and her cousins) a lot. She has conquered her fear of public speaking.

office in their province. And Fernando gained more followers. He was named 2014 Outstanding Local Legislator (Vice Governor Category), Gintong Palad Public Service Awardee (2013), Gawad Amerika’s Most Outstanding Public Servant (2012), Most Outstanding Public Servant (2012), Most Outstanding

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‘I want to make people happy each day. Everything is temporary. That’s why we should be good to others.’ from the bottom as Kagawad first. She has to prove herself and learn the ins and outs of public service.

Nino Bautista, 17, also helped give away medicines, calendars and others in his uncle’s behalf. Like the rest of the family, he knocked on doors at the height of summer to campaign for Uncle Dan. But Nino doesn’t mind the sunburn and the discomfort. He wants to see his uncle happy.

Aldrich Ramirez, 17, visits churches to pray with his Uncle Dan. He could have been an actor like his famous uncle, who accompanied him to the Star Magic office in ABS-CBN for a pictorial. But Aldrich’s dad put his foot down. Studies first, the family patriarch ordered.

Bernadette Ramirez, 18, also divides her time between studies and helping her uncle. And the youngest nephew, Dane Bautista, four, is his uncle’s stress buster.

The 21-year-old Mitzi wants to follow in her uncle’s footsteps as officer in Sangguniang Kabataan. But Fernando, who could easily tap his wide network to help her, said no. She has to start BG SHOWBIZ PLUS I 7

Even if the doting uncle loves his youngest nephew to bits, Fernando doesn’t spoil the boy. Uncle Dan says no when he thinks little Dane doesn’t need the extra toy he’s asking for.

Such close family ties isn’t surprising for this typical Filipino clan steeped in religious tradition. The Ramirezes (Fernando’s real name is Cesar Ramirez) keep a life-sized Sto. Niño image at home. The seven siblings join their parents in praying the Holy Rosary and the Angelus at 6 p.m., every single day.

Images of the Sto. Niño and the Sacred Heart stand proud in the governor’s official residence in Malolos, Bulacan.

Whenever he can, Fernando goes out of his way to pray the Holy Rosary at Our Lady of the Bleeding Heart of Mary church in Baguio. When his mother got sick of pneumonia, he sought solace at the Mt. Carmel Shrine in New Manila, Quezon City.

“My mom was confined in the hospital,” he recalled. “The doctor wanted to intubate her. I said no. I knelt before Our Lady, and promised to love my mother even more if my request for help was granted.”

The family matriarch survived and lived for nine more years (she passed away in February). Her fourth child wept unabashedly before the altar because the Virgin Mary answered his prayer.

That miracle strengthened Fernando’s faith, and humbled him. He realized more than ever his dependence on God. “He has given me so much,” he muses. “I would never have sought public office if I felt it isn’t part of His plan.”

When public office beckons, Fernando goes to a quiet place where he 8 I BG SHOWBIZ PLUS

asks himself: Is this what the Lord wants me to do? If he gets yes for an answer, he asks for guidance to do his best. He reasons out that since God gave him the responsibility, He will also be there to guide and enlighten all the way.

Fernando’s prayer every morning when he wakes up is an appeal for guidance.

“I ask the Lord what I should do to help others. I want to make people happy each day. Everything is temporary. That’s why we should be good to others,” he relates.

For a government official like Fernando, being good to others means being content with what one has to avoid corruption. It means leaving no stone unturned to make his constituents’ lives

better, even if it means rocking the boat of lazy officials’ lives.

This way, Fernando has put his bullied days behind him. The boy his classmates in elementary bullied because he was the shortest in class is no more. The boy whom classmates pushed around in high school is gone.

In his place is a government official people look up to, an artist with a Best Actor Award from Gawad Urian in 1989 to his name.

Fernando looks forward to climbing more mountains, navigating stormier seas as government official. He doesn’t flinch because he knows Someone Up There is guiding him.

For this God-fearing man, that’s what matter most.

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Miss Universe–PHL Rabiya Mateo has a big heart TEXT by Eton Concepcion / Photos: CTTO

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iss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo is not just another ravishing face and articulate beauty who bested over 40 candidates to win the muchcoveted title. The Fil-Indian who has a striking resemblance to former Miss Universe Philippines and Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner-up Shamcey Supsup also has a heart of gold.

She made her birthday last Nov. 14 even more meaningful by raising funds for the victims of typhoons Ulysses and Rolly in Cagayan and Metro Manila. Rabiya, whose first name means princess or queen in Arabic, joined other celebrities who appealed for help on behalf of the typhoon victims by posting a call to action in her Instagram account “I can’t completely celebrate and be happy on my birthday today knowing the situation of some Filipinos in Cagayan.

That’s why I wanna ask help from everybody with a generous (heart). Any amount will do. Please contact 09176053868 for more details.

“All donations will be distributed for the benefit of our brothers and sisters in Cagayan and around Metro Manila who were greatly affected by Typhoon Ulysses and Rolly.

“Lalaban tayo, Pilipinas!”

When her name was announced as winner, Rabiya was incredulous.

“I could not believe that I won.

I called up my Mom and I told her that I got what she wanted, the Miss Universe Philippines title,” the Ilonggo native said after winning in the semi-virtually conducted pageant, held in Baguio Country Club in Baguio City amid the danger of the corona virus pandemic.

A licensed therapist and works as coordinator and lecturer, Rabiya graduated cum laude with a Physical Therapy degree at Iloilo Doctors College. “I grew up in Balasan, Iloilo. I did not have a happy 10 I BG SHOWBIZ PLUS

childhood having raised by a single mother. My father, an Indian, American citizen, left us, with my younger brother, when I was only five.

I had to work to help my mother earn a living at an early age. I took modeling and had to earn my scholarship in order to finish college,” the 5‘6”model revealed.

“I would want to use the face of Miriam Defensor-Santiago. She was an Ilongga, but what I admire about her is that she used her knowledge, her voice to serve the country, and I want to be somebody like her, somebody who puts her heart, her passion into action, and after all, she is the best president that we never had,” Rabiya answered when asked, “If you could create a new paper currency with the image of any Filipino on it, dead or alive, who would it be, and why?” during the final Q&A portion which many believed clinched for her the crown. Narciso Y. Santiago, Jr., hus-

band of the late Senator, expressed on FB, their family’s “heartful gratitude and appreciation” to her.

Growing up, a lot of things happened in the period of time. I grew up and became more mature. I was able to invest in myself and practice self-love. If there will be one thing that I want other people to know, is that, I am beautiful, then and now. The only difference is that, now, I know better,” Rabiya said in her Instagram story.

Mateo is the second half-Indian Filipina to wear the Miss Universe-Philippines crown after 2010’s Venus Raj, whom Rabiya said she admired the most. Rabiya learned about beauty pageants from her Mom who told her about Sushmita Sen, the Indian woman who was crowned Miss Universe in Manila in 1994, three years before she was born.

Rabiya said she wishes that someday she would meet her long- lost father, now said to be working as a doctor in Chicago.

Right after winning as the country’s representative in Miss Universe 2020, Rabiya became an instant threat to the crown and was lambasted by critical pageants fans around the world, belittling her chances of winning in Miss Universe.

Filipinos are pinning their hopes for a fifth Miss Universe title courtesy of Rabiya.

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WILL BTS’ NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT PUSH THROUGH?

BY DANNY VIBAS

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S this is being written, a big group of fans of K-pop band BTS—practically acknowledged as the world’s most popular pop band—is threatening to boycott the band’s planned New Year’s Eve live concert billed 2021 New Year’s Eve Live.

The group, called BTS Gallery Fan Union, posted in South Korea’s social media outlets what it calls “a petition” to fellow BTS fan communities to boycott the concert slated December 31 at KINTEX Exhibition Center 1 in Goyang City in South Korea.

The fan union objects to the chosen venue as being too small and inappropriate for the concert which will be the BTS‘s first nonvirtual performance since the pandemic.

The fan union judges KINTEX Exhibition Center 1 as “inappropriate” for a concert because it is an exhibition hall.

While finding the venue too small and inappropriate, the fan union is outraged by the prices of concert tickets. The length of time BTS will perform has not been announced.

The tickets are being sold at W154,000 KRW ($138 USD) to W275,000 KRW ($246 USD), depending on the “package” selected (KRW stands for the South Korean currency the Korean won). Seems it’s the first time ever BTS concert tickets are being sold at such steep prices.

Union members suspect that because BTS will not be the only band that will perform in the concert, their idols will have a shorter time to entertain them. If Big Hit Entertainment, the concert producer, reasons 12 I BG SHOWBIZ PLUS

out the costlier tickets is due to the many guest performers, the fan union shoots back that it is only BTS they care for and are raring to watch. Guest performers who appear in the concert are just a promotional gig.

Announced guest performers are NU’EST, GFriend and ENHYPEN, bands Big Hit Entertainment has come to manage recently. Big Hit Entertainment is the company that created BTS in 2013 and manages the seven boys in the band.

Another reason the fan union is very angry with Big Hit is the “packaging” of the tickets for marketing purposes and the seating arrangements that go with the packaged tickets. The tickets were planned to be sold only to fan groups selected through a raffle.

The fan union accuses Big Hit as being too greedy for money.

BTS had to call off its tour of nearly 40 concerts in Asia, Europe and the United States, which had been due to begin in April, as the coronavirus spread around the world.

The band’s virtual concert in October drew more than 990,000 viewers from 191 countries, and fetched some 50 billion won ($45 million) in ticket sales. The concert was called “Map of the Soul ON:E.” On June 14 this year, the boys also had a

virtual concert which reportedly was the first ticketed online concert for an international market. It was dubbed Bang Bang Con: The Live. According to the authoritative Rolling Stone Magazine, the concert had more than 756,000 concurrent viewers from 107 countries—an online audience enough to fill 15 concert stadiums. It is, by far, the largest paying audience for a livestream show in this pandemic.

Rolling Stone estimates that the concert yielded between $19 million and $26 million in ticket sales—at $26 ticket for official fan club members and $35 for nonmembers.

That’s how hot this South Korean boyband is!

Is it only young people who adore those boys who are actually in their 20s?

No, even adult professionals who buy and read Wall Street Journal dig them.

The magazine created a stir among BTS fans after it posted an interview with BTS for being the 2020 Music Innovator, reaching the top of the U.S. charts, uniting millions of fans around the world, shattering records, and its upcoming album BE. The highlight was a special edition in November with BTS member V on the cover (V’s real name is Taehyung).

According to the WSJ Shop Official Website, V’s solo cover, as of this writing, is leading with 3,664 copies sold. It is the best seller among all the members and the group edition.

V’s special edition cover is even being praised by famous people in high fashion.

Eva Chen, director of fashion partnerships at Instagram, former editor-in-chief of Lucky, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and beauty director of Teen Vogue, updated her Instagram story with Taehyung’s WSJ cover.

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Stars show off their pandemic hairstyles by nonie v. nicasio

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he Covid-19 pandemic is the new equalizer. It has kept Juan and Juana dela Cruz and our more popular celebrities from visiting the salon or barber shop for a haircut.

Result: it’s each to his own when it comes to hairstyle. Celebrities either do their own hair, or ask their respective partners’ help in cutting their locks.

Their followers see their favorite celebrities’ new hairstyle on social media and post various comments. Thus, the posts become viral in no time at all.

Here’s how some celebrities are making waves with their new hairstyles.

Liza Soberano Does the ABS

CBN star want her hairstyle to have a Korean effect? Or has the long quarantine made her plain bored? After all, Samgyupsals (Korean restaurants) and mukbang (Korean for eating show) are not the only Korean things that are in these days. K-pop fans also go for Korean haircuts.

Liza spiced up her version of the Korean hairstyle by flipping up the slightly wavy ends of her hair.

Patrick Garcia The mestizo actor joined the bandwagon by sporting a new haircut courtesy of wife Nikka Garcia. He fully documented the whole process in his Instagram account. The former child

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actor’s followers also saw how Patrick and his wife further cemented their bonds as Nikka lovingly snipped her husband’s locks.

Maris Racal Maris

herself cut her bangs during the pandemic because she had to find something to get busy with. The result pleased the PBB (Pinoy Big Brother) alumna, who said in her Instagram account, “I gave myself a micro fringe. So far, I’m loving it.”

Denise Laurel The versatile

actress sprang a surprise at the height of ECQ for two reasons. She not only dyed her hair golden brown. She also permed it to produce curls.

Judging from her sweet smiles in her Instagram account, Denise is happy with her new look.

Ryza Cenon The award-winning actress shortened her long hair recently. She posted the reason in her Facebook account: “Short

hair, don’t care. #hairproblem #severehairfall Thank you @ lancelot_rage for saving my hair.”

The pregnant Ultimate Female Survivor of StarStruck Season 2 also had a haircut because she is in that interesting stage.

Some pregnant women experience hair thinning and shedding due to stress.

Julia Barretto Julia proved

that she can look ravishing no matter what hairdo she chooses to wear.

Her Instagram account shows that Dennis Padilla and Marjorie Barretto’s daughter can look smashing even after she trimmed her bangs. Netizens showed their approval to Julia’s new look by posting positive reactions.

Heart Evangelista The wife of Sorsogon Governor Chiz Escudero’s shoulder-length hair enhances her fashionista look. Heart’s Instagram story further proves that she stands out no matter what hairstyle she chooses to wear.

OUTSTANDING INDEPENDENT FILM ICON Gawad Amerika Awards 2020

THE 19TH ANNUAL

GAWAD AMERIKA AWARDS

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SHOWBIZ

Angel Locsin springs Christmas surprises

A happy Christmas Eve awaits Filipinos who continue to work in the streets amid the pandemic as Iba Yan and host Angel Locsin surprise them with their Noche Buena package.

Each week, two Kapamilyas will receive the surprise from Angel during the show’s newest segment Tuloy Ang Pasko sa Iba Yan. In the recent episode, Iba Yan surprised Divisoria helper Jinggoy, who was one of the house fire victims in Happy Land, Tondo, Manila, last April.

Jinggoy shared that saving his 72-year-old father, Domingo, who suffered from stroke, was the only thing on his mind as the fire destroyed their home.

As the breadwinner in the family, Jinggoy also needed to work for his wife and two kids plus his four other siblings and parents.

Meanwhile, Angel also highlighted the dedication of our farmers to their work. The show revealed how they continue to toil as they battle the pandemic and the typhoons.

Watch the inspiring stories of Iba Yan on A2Z channel 11 on its new episodes every Sunday.

A2Z channel 11 is available in Metro Manila and some parts of Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, and Pampanga. It can also be accessed via cable TV at satellite TV nationwide.

Viewers can continue to follow the show on Sunday, 6:30 PM on Kapamilya Channel on cable and satellite TV (SKYcable channel 8 SD and channel 167 HD, Cablelink channel 8, G Sat Direct TV channel 22, and in most channels operated by members of Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association).

The show is also on the Kapamilya Online Live YouTube channel and the ABS-CBN Entertainment Facebook page, as well as on the iWant app or iwanttfc. com. Viewers abroad can also catch it on The Filipino Channel on cable and IPTV. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visitwww.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

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Museo Pambata launches Star of Hope campaign Museo Pambata encourages children to be the beacon of light … the hope of our future. Museo Pambata is a children’s interactive museum, the first of its kind in the Philippines, that provides an alternative to the formal classroom environment.

“In 1986, after the Edsa Revolution, my father, and my aunt came up with the “Star of Hope” which made a lot of people happy,” says Bambi MañosaTanjutco, president of Museo Pambata.

She adds, “During these times of crisis, Museo Pambata wants kids to feel that there is always a rainbow after the rain, light at the end of the tunnel, and a new day after a long, dark night … that there is HOPE for a better world. They have to be inspired, make them feel that Christmas is not canceled. Children are our future beacons of light, so I thought of reviving the “Star of Hope.”

Bambi adds, “The Star of Hope speaks of the Bayanihan spirit and the Filipinos’ creativity. It is a “do-ityourself” star which will ignite a child’s imagination and artistry as they dress up

the star frame, symbolizing their vision of happiness and hope. For every DIY “Star of Hope” purchase, another parol kit goes to a child from Museo Pambata’s 500 adopted children, coming from four barangays in Manila. The families of these children will also receive a Noche Buena basket.

One of these gifts is given to a child from Museo Pambata’s 500 adopted families picked from four barangays in Manila. These families will also receive Noche Buena baskets.”

“Every kit can spark inspiration in all of us to do acts of kindness and generosity,” enthuses Bambi. “It can inspire creativity and encourage bonding as we work with our hands, spending quality time with our children. The parol itself can fuel hope in ourselves and the future generation so they may continue to shine bright and build a better world.”

Museo Pambata encourages everyone to help bring Christmas cheer to these families, and make a child’s star shine brighter. For donations, call Charlot at Museo Pambata, at 0966-384-9694. n

Red Broadband launches broadband services

Red Broadband, a new partnership to bring to every Filipino home the latest unlimited fiber broadband and payTV service, is formalized between Cignal TV and Radius Telecoms. Radius Telecoms COO Jenevi L. Dela Paz, Meralco president and CEO Atty. Ray C. Espinosa, Radius Telecoms president and CEO Exequiel C. Delgado, Cignal TV President and CEO Robert P. Galang and Cignal TV CFO John L. Andal were present to ink the partnership. Spending more of our lives online due to the pandemic, there is a crying need for faster and more reliable internet access for online education and work from home needs.

Radius Telecoms, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and the only telecommunications carrier in the Philippines that delivers services on an end-to-end fiber optic platform, is responding to this nationwide clamor with RED Broadband, the country’s newest and most reliable broadband internet player. Cignal TV, Inc., the country’s premier Direct-to-Home satellite provider transmitting 120 channels, including free-to-air, SD, and HD channels to households nationwide is partnering with Radius Telecoms to bring to every Filipino home the best fiber broadband and payTV service designed for every household budget. RED Broadband is offering to consumers unlimited fiber internet + Pay TV plan for P1299 per month. n

Cignal TV and Radius Telecoms MOA signing (from left): Radius Telecoms COO Jenevi L. Dela Paz, Meralco president and CEO Atty. Ray C. Espinosa, Radius Telecoms president and CEO Exequiel C. Delgado, Cignal TV president and CEO Robert P. Galang and Cignal TV CFO John L. Andal.

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So this is how the new normal set looks like By danny vibas

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n daily TV shows, such as on TV 5’s new noontime fare Lunch Out Loud, the new normal means social distancing and wearing face shield.

On the set for full-length feature films and TV series, add locked-in for at least 14 days of work.

“Locked-in” means everyone involved lives in one venue which may or may not be where the filming or taping is done.

If the set for the filming or taping is in a different place, it should be nearby and less than a 30-minute drive in a sanitized bus for the stars and the director. After the shoot, everyone is chauffeured back to the sleeping quarters where swabbing is done before anyone can go back to their assigned 18 I BG SHOWBIZ PLUS

suites and rooms. Everyone also undergoes swabbing every morning before he or she can face the camera for the day’s workload.

So exactly how does it feel to be in a locked-in taping?

Recalls Tony Labrusca who went through it for the ABS-CBN 2 series Bagong Umaga: “It was tough, especially in the beginning. You’re very emotional because you’re out of your comfort zone. Unlike the old taping routine, where you’re able to go home to your family, we can’t leave.

“On the other hand, I consider myself

lucky because everyone is nice. We treat each other like family. I was half-expecting to see attitude from these people I work with when we were already on our third week in lock-in. But I’m happy to say that everyone is OK.” When he’s done with Bagong Umaga, Tony will transfer to the locked-in set of the movie version of his successful BL (Boys Love) digital series Hello Stranger for Star Cinema.

Michelle Vito, another cast member of Bagong Umaga, who had just gotten out of the locked-in set of Ang Sa Iyo ay Akin rues: “It was very tough because I was just on my own and didn’t have anyone to assist me. At least now, I have a plus one—my mom. The sadness is lessened.

“I just miss seeing my dog. But I’m happy to still have work because I need to help my family; also because I’m able to do that one thing I’m very passionate about—acting.”

Yves Flores was among those who first experienced what it’s like to be in a lockedin set. He was part of the defunct war drama A Soldier’s Heart.

“We stayed in Tanay. There was no TV and no [phone] signal. We were the only people in the area. We had a hard time because we had to follow new rules and experience the ‘new normal’ ahead of everyone else,” he recalls.

“This locked-in set for Bagong Umaga is an improvement because we’re staying in a hotel with wi-fi. We can contact our families whenever we want to.”

Barbie Imperial, also in the cast of Bagong Umaga, confided to have broken down because of depression during the first week.

“I was used to being with my family all the time. I cried because I miss my Kuya so much.

It’s good that my mom is here with me now.

“What’s also good about this team is that we’re like family. If I’m having a hard time with a particular task, I can easily approach the team for advice. It’s important that you are able to share your worries with people, para ‘di naiipon.”

She added: “Imagine how hard it is for us to just be in our hotel room. When we peek through our windows, we see the people outside, but aren’t allowed to be with them.

“However, I’m grateful since I know a lot of people have lost their jobs. I’m the family breadwinner, so I’m always game. I’d do anything for family.”

For young actor Kiko Estrada, being in a locked-in set requires major adjustments. He points out: “But everyone is taking care of us in order to bring out the best in us as actors.

For that, I have nothing to complain about.”

How does he cope with being away from the family?

“If you miss your family, you can always do FaceTime. Locked-in is good because it gives you focus. You also have nothing to do but to study your script. It’s also the ideal setup for actors because they get to be in character longer.”

The series’ lead actress, Heaven Peralejo, admits: “Of course, being away from my family is hard for me. What served as my coping mechanism was when my mom and grandma sent food. Somehow, I felt like I was still at home.”

She further reveals: “I’m doing this for my mom [a cancer survivor]. I will keep pushing myself in order to help the family.

I work for their happiness and security. I also want to be able to, at least, reduce the stress that my mom is feeling when she watches this.”

The series can be viewed weekday afternoons on free TV via A2Z Channel 11 and online via the Kapamilya Online Live channel.

In one of her vlogs, Kathryn Bernardo shared what it’s like to shoot in the new normal.

At the start of the video, Kathryn, her mom Min Bernardo, and assistant Diana were shown undergoing swab tests, a day before the actress shot a commercial.

“Naiyak ako kasi ang feeling ko ay may pumasok na cotton buds inside my nose.

We have to wait for 15 to 30 minutes for the

Safety officer Rene was also around in that taping. The Department of Health requires a safety officer’s presence for every 50 persons on the set . His duty is to remind everyone in the shoot to practice safety protocols like proper wearing of masks and face shields, social distancing, and hand sanitization.

Snacks and meals are served packs.

Everyone is encouraged to bring his or her own utensils.

Indie filmmaker Samantha Lee had a team of only four people when she shot her latest short film, Until It’s Safe, an LBGTQ+ film. This former ramp and commercial model identified herself years back as a lesbian.

The film had only two actors, one in Manila (Jasmine Curtis-Smith) and another in Los Angeles (Ella Lentini), who doubled as co-director. They played a couple

result,” the young actress bared.

While shooting, she documented how they worked amidst safety protocols.

She even interviewed members of the production staff on camera.

Denise Ochoa, make-up artist, stressed: “Mas naging conscious (ang) lahat ng tao (kasi) medyo deadly na ang corona virus.

“When I do clients, I take time to clean talaga. What everyone has to learn about sanitation is that it is not the same as disinfection. For example, sanitation is just purely cleaning your brushes or your sponges, even your makeup.”

Lulu, who is in-charge of wardrobe, gave the steps she takes in keeping Kathryn’s clothes safe to use.

The clothes should be properly laundered, sprayed with alcohol inside and out, and sprayed with disinfectant inside and out, even if they had been through a UV steamer. Lulu uses a UV bag that sterilizes accessories.

Hairstylist Chris Rodil explains he disinfects his tools and materials by washing brushes and hair extensions, shampooing them, drying them, and placing them inside a sterilizer. He sprays his curling tools and flat iron alcohol, uses wipes, and puts all of them in a sterilizer.

separated by the Pacific Ocean in the middle of a pandemic.

To direct straddling two continents, Sam propped a phone up to a Zoom call livetransmitting the recorded feed to the other half of the crew across the globe. Until It’s Safe, which tackles themes of longing in the time of corona virus through a long-distance relationship, was one of the first Filipino films to shoot through the pandemic.

Here’s one more account of how a commercial is filmed in the new normal.

This is from Camille Aragona, a Filipino producer and assistant director who has worked on film, television, and advertising.

Though she’s worked on set after set, she said that this time around, “the process is unrecognizable.”

Massive adjustments on the set were necessary, she revealed. Unlike before, when it took 10 people to move a scaffolding, now it must move with three from the skeletal crew.

While on set for an ad, she had to remind actors to put on their masks in between takes, to avoid spreading the virus.

“Sometimes they get comfortable and forget that the virus might be just around the corner, since they are so into their character,” she shared. n BG SHOWBIZ PLUS I 19