This February, Viva Films invites you to join in the fun as award-winning actor Paolo Ballesteros plays a guy trying to discover his true identity in “Amnesia Love”.
Found unconscious by the beach in a remote island in Zambales, the character of Paolo Ballesteros is taken in by a compassionate couple (Lander Vera-Perez and Maricel Morales ). When he wakes up, he cannot remember his name nor anything else. The couple’s daughter (Yam Concepcion) is skeptical about this guy’s condition, but is left with no choice but to let him stay in their home. Romance starts to brew between the two, but this amnesia patient displays some acts that are not exactly manly, and finds himself distracted by the sight of attractive men. When somebody from his past comes to shed light on who and what he really is, will the answers bring him peace or mayhem?

With a Best Actor award each from Tokyo Film Festival and Metro Manila Film Festival under his belt, Ballesteros said in an interview that he wants to keep making movies that would make people think. “Mapag-iisip yung tao…I want a good film na worth yung pagod.”
This outlook is shared by director Albert Langitan, who has worn different hats in the world of local production. He started out as a scriptwriter, then went on to direct reality shows and teleseryes such as Impostora and Super Ma’am. It is interesting to see how Langitan’s creative eye and Ballesteros’ passion for his craft work together to bring viewers a laugh-out-loud movie that’s hard to forget.

Adding spice to the film is Viva’s versatile actress, Yam Concepcion who was first launched to stardom via Erik Matti’s adult drama “Rigodon”. “Amnesia Love” is Paolo and Yam’s reunion film. They worked together in the 2016 Blockbuster movie, “Bakit Lahat Ng Gwapo May Boyfriend” with kapuso star Dennis Trillo and the Princess of All Media, Anne Curtis.
Joining Paolo, Yam, Lander and Maricel in the cast are Polo Ravales, Vandolf Quizon, Geleen Eugenio and Sinon Loresca.

“Amnesia Love” is showing in cinemas nationwide, starting February 28, 2018.

Fresh from the success of the mega-hit movie "Kita Kita", Empoy will once again delight his new legions of followers with his very own brand of comedy and "pampakilig" with this latest romantic comedy, "The Barker" directed by ace comedian Dennis Padilla.
"The Barket" is Empoy's big screen comeba k after breaking box office records last July. This time, Empoy is teamed up with VIVA Princess Shy Carlos, whose versatility in acting was showcased in "Ang Pagsanib Kay Leah Dela Cruz."
"The Barker" is  Dennis' Directorial debut but it was a perfect chemistry for both Dennis and Empoy from the conceptualization of the movie up to the last shooting day. A double whammy for the fans of the two comedians!

Fusing Dennis' expertise in comedy and Empoy's style, "The Barket" is a non-stop fun and entertainment of a movie that will surely tickle and 'make kilig' the viewers.



"Kahit na this is my first time na magdirek, I never encountered any difficulties naman. Napakagaan na katrabaho ni Empoy. Para nga kaming naglalaro lang sa set. You will see it sa entire movie, yung good vibes, yun fun...everything!" enhused Dennis.
The shooting for the movie began weeks before the theatrical screening of Empoy's mega blockbuster film "Kita Kita". As a fellow actor and now director, Dennis believed in Empoy's brand of Comedy.
"The Barker" is a co-production between VIVA Films and Blank Pages Productions, which is known for producing films based on true events that are socially relevant since its founder, Arlyn Dela Cruz, is a veteran journalist.
Joining Empoy and Shy in the "The Barker" are Jeric Raval, Wilma Doesnt, Ronnie Lazaro, Janice JUrado and The Greatest Love's Power couple Sylvia Sanchez and Nonie Buencamino. The film also stars newcomers Jemina Sy and Raffy Reyes.

"The Barker" will open on October 25 in Cinemas nationwide.

AJ Muhlack & Phoebe Walker Now Ready For Action in "Double Barrel"

AJ Muhlach sheds his boy-next-door persona as VIVA Films launches him as the newest action star in the very timely film “Double Barrel”, by master director Toto Natividad. He is paired with Phoebe Walker who won Best Supporting Actress at the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival for her performance in the horror film “Seklusyon”.

Muhlach plays the role of Jeff, a drug pusher who gets caught during an extensive police operation at a slum area. After begging for his life, Jeff is spared from being killed on the condition that he will become an asset to the police. He must divulge all the names of the drug lords he knows and join the authorities in extrajudicial killings (EJK).
Walker plays Martha, Jeff’s wife whose love for him leaves her with no choice but to take part in the never-ending violence. Armed with a gun and shooting down drug personalities, she and her husband are tagged as “mag-asawang birador” .


High-speed vehicular chases, hand-to-hand combat, not to mention gun fights and explosions, are employed in this engrossing action movie that is based on a true story.


Muhlach underwent rigorous fitness training as proven by his Instagram post last March. This former member of the boy group XLR8 showed off his well-toned body that is perfect for his role. Before this big break, he was seen in “Diary ng Panget”, “Talk Back and You’re Dead”, “Para sa Hopeless Romantic”, “Chain Mail”, and “Felix Manalo”. Muhlach also starred in the TV series “P.S. I Love You”, and “Bagets Just Got Lucky”.

Aside from the Erik Matti film “Seklusyon”, Walker’s other movies are “Unconventional” and “Gayuma”. This half-Filipino, half-British talented VIVA artist was part of the girl group Eurasia.

Jeric Raval, one of the biggest action stars in the ‘90s, joins the cast. He plays Inspector Bagani, a headstrong police officer who insists on eradicating drug users and pushers despite orders from his superiors to stop EJK. He is assisted by his loyal subordinate, SPO4 Lagman, played by mixed martial arts expert and model Ali Khatibi.

“Double Barrel” is showing in cinemas nationwide starting August 9, 2017.

I am a typical Mommy that performs so many tasks that opted me to rarely read books. Before, during my teenage years, I read a lot of books. I don't know the reason why but when I got Sarah Lahbati's book I immediately got the urged to read it. Maybe because of her being a Mom just like me. I am curious to know about her motherhood experiences, or maybe I just missed reading books.
Reading Sarah Lahbati's book entitled "TRUE BEAUTY: How to Glam Your Life Inside and Out" gave me some understanding and realization about being a woman and of course about life. With that understanding and realization I've learned 3 things of which I am going to share with you as you read this blog.

1. "My Parents were there every step of the way during my pregnancy. Here are photos of them with me at the hospital prior to my giving birth". (Chapter 7 under Mommy Matters page 87 to 88)

I do relate with this passage from her book because of my 2 labor and giving birth my husband was not with me or beside me. Well, for the reason that his work area is out of town that would really takes time going to where I'm giving birth. It was great that my Parents were always there when I gave birth to my handsome children. Just like Sarah, I am very thankful to have my Parents, despite of some circumstances, they are still there that I can hold on to.

2. Fashion should be a personal thing. Don't be obsessed about following all the newest trends. "Kung anong bagay sa iyo at kaya ng budget mo, stick to that". (chapter 4 under Personal and Practical page 40 )

Happy to hear it from her. I didn't expect that a woman on stature can say things like that since she is into fashion and a showbiz personality. But thank you for giving that inspiring message. We do believe that most of us want to be "in" fashion regardless of the status in life. But for me, be simple and be true to yourself. Not all trendy fashion matches your personality, wear what fits you as long as it is affordable and your comfortable.

3. You have the power to do anything. Just put your mind and heart into it. "Yung mga pangarap mong feeling mo hind mo kayang ma-achieve, matutupad ang mga yon! Basta maganda ang iyong hangarin, basta wala kang natatapakan o nasasaktan, at basta maging masipag ka, tutulungan ka ng Diyos". ( Chapter 11 Love Yourself page 126

For me this is a very powerful message and the topic is very appropriate at this time. Good thing that Sarah placed this passage on the last part/ chapter of the book.It is much easier to put into mind. All of the things that happens and happening to you all boils down to one thing, you loving yourself more than anything else. I will definitely keep it my mind. I have a lot dreams for myself and for my family. Yes, I will hold on to it and never hurt anyone in achieving my dreams. And have faith that God is always there to guide me and help me in all my endeavors.
Thank you so much Sarah Lahbati for your inspiring book, because of that, I will start reading again lots of inspiring books just like yours. And hopefully you could have your 2nd book. For sure I will have one of it and read it as well and I'll wait for that.

Mommies, if you want to know more about the book of Sarah Lahbati, just read HERE .
             

Better yet, get a copy of her first book, True Beuaty: How To Glam Your Life Inside and Out. In it she details all the difficulties, struggles, and hardships she has gone through from her awkward childhood days to her tentative teen years and beyond. And she shares all the triumphs she has had in overcoming self-doubt as well as the lessons she has learned that helped her become the confident young woman that she is today.
Beneath the glamor, Sarah's life has not at all been trouble-free. She may have emerged as the ultimate winner in the TV talent search that launched her career, but the journey getting there started out in the most heartbreaking, catastrophic way as her audition fell on that fateful day of Typhoon Ondoy. In this book, Sarah recalls the devastating sights she witnessed, the emotions she felt, the things she endured, and what made her trudge on in spite of it all.

In one of the 11 chapters, you'll also find a story about her encounter with a bully and how she prepared herself to stand up against anyone who would pick a fight with her. Then, she talks about her "ugly phase", and gives tips on how to feel confident about your looks regardless of your age, height, weight, and complexion.
There is a lot to learn about fitness and fashion in "True Beauty", but it doesn't stop there. Sarah gives a visual treat of the places she has visited. Her love for traveling started when she was a child, thanks to her parents who took her on holiday trips outside Switzerland and the Philippines. She sees the importance of traveling in widening the mind - learning about people, cultures, nature - and she shares her must-do things to make the most of every trip she takes.
Sarah's book will not be complete without her love story. How did her friendship with Richard Gutierrez turn into courtship? What was it like meeting his family for the first time? How did her own parents react to her relationship with the man who would become the father of her child?

Sarah proudly and lovingly describes Richard beyond his boy-next-door charm, thus making us see what she values most in a man who is trying to sweep you off your feet is truly "The One".
"True Beauty" also touches on Sarah Lahbati's passion for performing, the lessons she learned from life's challenges, finding inspiration and spreading positivity, and many more. It shows why she is now a picture of happiness.
Everyone is invited to get a copy of this fun and insightful read. Use it to celebrate your beauty and to further glam your life inside and out.


True Beauty: How to Glam Your Life Inside And Out is now available in all National Book Store and Powerbooks branches nationwide for only PhP 295.00. Only from VRJ Books.

VRJ Books is the publishing arm of Viva Entertainment. It's titles include the best selling books by James Reid and Nadine Lustre (Team Real), novelist and online sensation Marcelo Santos III (Para sa Hopeless Romantic, Para sa Broken Hearted, The Iwas-Sawi Project), comedienne Ethel Booba (Charotism) and blockbuster movie director Wenn Deramas (Direk 2 Da Poynt)

Viva Communications, Inc. and TV5 are set to launch MTV Top 20 Pilipinas, a weekly two-hour show that would highlight the hottest Top 20 OPM songs in the land based on requests and radio airplay. Hosted by VJ Aryanna, the show will premiere today, February 6.

VJ Aryanna, a 5'6 beauty, is a student and blogger who likes art, baking, travel, cats, playing the guitar and the ukelele. She's one of the 3 winners of the 2014 MTV VJ Hunt.

“MTV Top 20 Pilipinas” is one of the shows originally broadcast on MTV Pinoy. It promises to give top-notch musical entertainment and transform the viewing habits of young Filipinos.

Catch VJ Aryanna on “MTV Top 20 Pilipinas” every Saturday night on TV 5 beginning today, February 6.

Bakit Manipis ang Ulap? A 1985 film drama written and directed by Danny Zialcita, will be revived as a primetime teledrama by Viva for TV5 in February.

The new series is the latest to be launched by TV5, after Born To Be A Star and Tasya Fantasya.

The movie, which starred Chanda Romero, Laurice Guillen, Tommy Abuel, Mark Gil and Janice de Belen, is the story of romance, intrigue and betrayal in a family.

Optimum Star Claudine Barretto, Ruffa Gutierrez, Diether Ocampo Dindi Gallardo, Samantha Lopez, Bernard Palanca, Meg Imperial and Cesar Montano will lead the powerhouse cast of Bakit Manipis and Ulap?, under the watchful eye and able hands of multi-awarded filmmaker Director Joel C. Lamangan. All of the stars will be working together for the first time, for a TV project.

Claudine and Diether, however, have teamed up countless of times before for teleseryes and movies, so they will have no problem adjusting to each other. On the other hand, it is Cesar's first time to work with Claudine and Diether. Ruffa and Dindi are two of the country's best beauty queens/actress. Bernard and Meg, who both made their marks doing lead and character roles, are all excited about the project, their first for TV5. Claudine is returning to leevision after a long absence. She recently starred in a romance-drama film Etiquette for Mistresses, where she once again showed her acting prowess.

Diether too is going back to TV after a quite a spell, so he's looing forward to Bakit Manipis and Ulap? He was recently seen in an episode of Wattpad Presents on TV5.

The lead stars of Bakit Manipis and Ulap? Promise to provide the audience with high quality primetime viewing experience. Each episode will surely be a must-watch!

Taping for the series was off to a flying start, literally, with a helicopter used to shoot the opening scences.

Bakit Manipis ang Ulap? Will start airing on February 15 on TV 5.

To start the year 2016, yours truly attended a Grand Presscon of "Born To Be A Star" last January 4 at the Music Hall, Metrowalk, Ortigas. It is the first event that I attended for this year.

Viva Communications, Inc., discoverer of world-class Filipino Performers and home to some of the country's biggest names, like Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez, Rachelle Ann Go, Mark Bautista and Sarah Geronimo, launches a nationwide search for the next singing superstar via new reality singing show on TV5. Billed "Born To Be A Star", the weekly competition will air on Saturday primetime starting February 6.

The theme song of the said competition is "Bituing Walang Ningning" and it was sung by Kim Molina, a very talented singer-actress.
Multi awarded singer songwriter Ogie Alcasid will host the hour-long show together with Viva's young and promising singer-actress Yassi Pressman and Pop Heartthrob Mark Bautista.

Here are the videos during Grand Presscon:
On the other hand, four of the country's top-caliber performers namely concert queen Pops Fernandez, rockstar Rico Blanco, acoustic sensation Aiza Seguerra and Pinoy rap icon Andrew E will act as judges.
Star hopefuls will perform on stage each week until the Ultimate Star's name is called.

The Ultimate Star will receive a total of P3 Million in prizes, including P1 Million in cash, a P1 Million management contract from Viva Artists Agency (VAA) and TV5 and a real estate property worth P1 Million.

Contestants will have to pass two pre-audition processes befre they are able to sing in the show.

Auditions are open to male and female applicants, ages 13-18. Audition venues and dates are: SM City Bicutan on Jan 9 and 10; SM City Sta Mesa on Jan 16 and 17; SM City San Mateo on January 23 and 24; and SM City Novaliches on Jan 30 and 31. Five major audition legs will also be held in key cities like Cebu, Davao, Batangas, Dagupan and Metro Manila starting March.

Four new contestants will be introduced in the show per week. Each episode will show the making of the stars and their back stories apart from the competition proper itself. Viewers can expect to see not just tough and competitive performances on stage but also touching, real-life drama unfold before their very eyes.

Contestants who will make it to the weekly round shall undergo a make over session and mentoring form some of the country's highly regarded vocal coaches.

From the weekly set, lucky contestant will advance to the monthly round. The winner of the monthly round will proceed to the finals night.

Yassi Pressman during Presscon:
A primer will be aired prior to the pilot episode.

Yassi Pressman video invite for Born To Be A Star:
So, who will be the country's next big thing? Will he/she follow in the footsteps of the Megastar, the Asia's Songbird, the Broadway Gems or the Popstar Royalty? Find out as "Born To Be A Star" premieres on primetime television on Feb 6 over the Kapatid Network, TV5.
TV5 may also be viewed at the following cable channels: Cignal Digital TV, Ch.5, Destiny Cable, Ch.6(Analog) and Ch.10 (Digital) and Sky Cable, Ch.10.