Not unusual twin or look-a-like story but probably this one from iWant is something unusual or out of the comfort zone of telling story about twins being separated. This particular story is quite interesting judging from the trailers that are being played on commercials and what was presented during the press conference.  So, whatever the story will be let us read more according to what they can share and expect to see to it as it airs.

Julia Barretto finds herself tormented by one unfortunate event after another after she crosses paths with a doppelganger, a girl who looks exactly just like her, in the mystery psycho thriller “I AM U,” streaming on iWant starting this February 26 (Wednesday).

The iWant original series features Julia as two identical yet vastly different girls—Elise, who has the best of everything in life, and Rose, who has close to nothing.

The two unexpectedly meet when Rose saves Elise’s life. Both thankful and in awe of the their similarity in looks, Elise invites Rose into her world, treats her as her twin, and shares everything she has—including her house, family, and friends.

As soon as Rose becomes comfortable, however, Elise sees her as a threat and suddenly wants her out of her life.

In a party that changes everything, Elise bullies Rose into hiding inside a closet during a game of “Truth or Dare.” While inside, an accidental fire ensues, leaving Rose locked in.

Elise and her friends cover up the tragedy and think everything is behind them--until one by one, they fall to their mysterious deaths.

How are the deaths linked to Rose’s demise? Who will be left unscathed?

The digital series is helmed by iWant’s “Past, Present, Perfect?” and “Uncoupling” director Dwein Ruedas Baltazar, and produced by Dreamscape Entertainment in partnership with The IdeaFirst Company. Its cast also include Ina Raymundo, Richard Quan, Cedrick Juan, Kokoy De Santos, Adrianna So, Claire Ruiz, Lander Vera Perez, Yayo Aguila, Jenny Miller, and Tony Labrusca.

Meet two Julias in “I AM U,” on the iWant app (iOs and Android) or iwant.ph for free starting February 26 (Wednesday). For updates, like www.facebook.com/iWant, and follow @iwant on Twitter and @iwantofficial on Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantPH.

Mang Inasal, your most love unli-rice go to food establishment and the home of leading branded grilled chicken, recently received the top plums in the prestigious 2019 Araw Values Awards. An achievement that makes the brand stands out even more prouder than before.

Mang Inasal was recognized for its exceptional work on their Solb ang Pinoy, Gawad PiliPinoy, HoLEAFDay Araw ng Kalayaan, and Buwan ng Wika Pampilipit ng Dila campaigns.

“It has always been our desire at Mang Inasal to cultivate our rich Filipino culture and to promote positive Filipino values by reflecting them in our digital marketing campaigns”, says Camille Cacapit, Mang Inasal’s Digital Marketing Manager. “As a Filipino quick service restaurant with a nationwide presence, we aim to inculcate Filipino pride through our food, services and our distinct brand messaging.”

Mang Inasal’s Solb ang Pinoy, a digital video that celebrated unique Filipino craftsmanship and work ethics, won a Gold Araw Values Award under the Advocacy and Branded Communications - Love of Country and Respect for National Customs and Traditions category. The material featured two beloved Pinoy craftsmen – the barong maker and the banig weaver. The video garnered 8 million views, 100 thousand reactions, over 1,000 comments and 8,000 shares. Meanwhile, two digital contents -- the Independence Day and the Eid Mubarak Leaf posts -- each received Silver in the Technical Awards Production Design category. The materials were cited for their creative use of banana leaves as a design element.

The Eid Mubarak Leaf post also bagged the Bronze Araw Values Award under the Advocacy and Branded Communications - Love of Country and Respect for National Customs and Traditions.

The video featuring Mang Inasal’s 2019 Gawad PiliPinoy awardee, Iloisa Romaraog-Diga, received a Bronze Araw Values Award under the Advocacy and Branded Communications - Respect and Care for Life and Dignity and Rights category.

The winning video showed how Session Groceries, the online portal Diga helped establish, has been providing Benguet farmers an alternative online distribution channel, enabling them to command better prices.

The Gawad PiliPinoy Session Groceries video also received two Bronze Technical Awards: one for Sound Design and another one for Cinematography. Lastly, for the Buwan ng Wika Pampilipit Dila, Mang Inasal received another Bronze, again under the Love of Country and Respect for National Customs and Traditions. By creating challenging tongue twisters or "pampilipit dila" in Filipino, Mang Inasal challenged Filipinos on the street to test their skills. Utilizing a foreigner as host further fueled the fire for our kababayans to showcase their dormant Filipino skills. The 2018 video proved to be a hit – garnering over 4 million views, 74,000 reactions, over 1,000 comments, and 5,000 shares.

“We share these awards with DDB Philippines who have made all these digital initiatives possible. Indeed, these Araw Values Awards inspire us to continue developing and posting similarly themed contents,” Cacapit added.

The Araw Values Awards is a biennial event sponsored by the Ad Foundation. They aim to recognize advertising campaigns that uphold Filipino values based on the Ad Foundation’s ARAW cornerstone values — love of God, commitment to truth, honesty, and integrity; love of country and respect for national customs and traditions; reverence for family unit or marriage or responsible parenthood; respect and care for human life, dignity and the rights of all; respect for law and authority and the promotion of self- discipline; and concern for and preservation of the environment.

Dressed in green and blue, Kathry Bernardo and Daniel Padilla appeared in a media launch of PayMaya in a James Bond themed event. It was more than a year when the two are seen together on screen, fans were very much delighted seeing the two together partnering to bring campaign to the public. “Teen Royalties” Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla played in this action-packed project that sees them sharing the many perks and rewards of going cashless through PayMaya’s “BalikBayad” campaign.

Serving as a follow-up to PayMaya’s widely successful “Don’t Pay Cash. PayMaya!” campaign last year which gave birth to a catchy video and jingle set to the tune of the hit ‘90’s Eraserheads song “Ligaya,” the “BalikBayad” campaign sees Kathryn and Daniel in action-packed scenes teaming up to beat a common foe–cash.

Set as a typical ‘90’s action movie complete with guns, goons, and even the penultimate “Pinoy Kontrabida” in the form of Rez Cortez, the campaign video features the two young celebrities using the powers of PayMaya to tackle everyday transactions that are typically paid with cash, such as grocery shopping, paying bills, buying load, and online shopping, among many others.


“We’re very excited to have KathNiel representing the ‘BalikBayad’ campaign, because just as these two big celebrity icons have made a comeback for PayMaya this year, our users can also expect something to come back–in the form of cashback–every time they use PayMaya instead of cash,” said Mark Jason Dee, Head of Growth and Marketing of PayMaya.

“PayMaya is a young and fun brand and we’re definitely lucky to have collaborated with Kathryn and Daniel in this campaign, because they represent the exciting and energetic lifestyles of most of our users,” Dee added.


Filipinos can get in on the most rewarding mobile wallet experience by downloading the PayMaya app on their iOS or Android devices and using the code PAYMAYAKATHNIEL upon signing up to get an instant reward, apart from the many other cashback and discount perks they can get by being a PayMaya user.

In February alone, PayMaya users can get as much as P6,000 in cashback when they participate in the mobile wallet’s various promos for bills payment, buying load, paying for goods and services via QR, online shopping, and sending money, among many others.


PayMaya has also expanded the list of merchants and establishments under its PayMaya Preferred program, which gives additional cashback to users who scan to pay with PayMaya QR on top of the regular cashback that they usually receive. Some of these new partners include Landers Superstore, Mercury Drug, KFC, Robinson’s Department Store, Total Alabang and Valenzuela, and Toys ‘R Us, among many others.

Bringing back time and convenience

But aside from getting monetary rewards in the form of cashback every time they pay, users are also able to make more time and experience greater convenience when they use PayMaya.

With PayMaya’s virtual card, for example, users can instantly gain access to a payment card which they can easily use for online shopping and other digital payments for a faster, more efficient payment experience.

PayMaya also recently introduced the ability to transfer money from users’ PayMaya account to other bank accounts, eliminating the need to wait in line at bank branches in order to make a bank deposit.

“PayMaya users can definitely look forward to even more features and services that will give them more convenient ways to pay as well as awesome rewards in the months to come,” Dee added.

To know more about the BalikBayad campaign and how you can get all of these exciting perks from PayMaya, visit www.paymaya.com/balikbayad or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.



Top-rated actors Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla were officially unveiled as the latest brand ambassadors for PayMaya’s “BalikBayad” campaign, which encourages Filipinos to experience the most rewarding mobile wallet app in the country today which gives them cashback and other perks for their cashless transactions via PayMaya.



Onscreen love-team and real-life sweethearts Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla share a sweet moment onstage at the official launch of PayMaya’s “BalikBayad” campaign, where they star in an action-packed video taking the lead in the battle against a common foe—cash.



PAYMAYA SOLIDIFIES ITS POSITION AS THE MOST REWARDING MOBILE WALLET IN THE PHILIPPINES TODAY. Through the launch of its new “BalikBayad” campaign, PayMaya is encouraging more Filipinos to experience the convenience, safety, and rewards of going cashless through the help of iconic young actors Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. Joining them at the official launch of the campaign were PayMaya Founder and CEO Orlando B. Vea (2nd from left), President Shailesh Baidwan (2nd from right), Head of Marketing and Growth Mark Jason Dee (rightmost) and Head of Brand and Marketing Services Heidi Garayblas (leftmost).



AN ACTION-PACKED “BALIKBAYAD” ADVENTURE WITH FRIENDS AND FOES. Local movie and TV celebrities Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla were officially unveiled as the newest brand ambassadors for PayMaya’s “BalikBayad” campaign through an action-packed video where they battle a common foe—cash. Present during the launch were the actors who played the “villains” in real life, led by veteran actor Rez Cortez (5th from right) along with his motley band of “goons” (seated). Supporting “KathNiel” during the launch, meanwhile, were they real-life friends Dominic Roque (leftmost), Ria Atayde (2nd from right), Juan Miguel Severo (2nd from right), and Joe Vargas (rightmost). Also in the photo are PayMaya executives led by Founder and CEO Orlando Vea (4th from left), President Shailesh Baidwan (4th from right), Head of Marketing and Growth Mark Jason Dee (3rd from right), and Heidi Garayblas (3rd from left).



Local film and TV royalties Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla strut the “green carpet” before the official premiere of their latest “BalikBayad” video project as the newest brand ambassadors of PayMaya, the most rewarding mobile wallet app in the Philippines today.


Ria Atayde (left) and Dominic Roque (right), real-life friends of both Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, join the premiere night of PayMaya’s latest “BalikBayad” campaign featuring the Teen Royalties in an action-packed video sharing the many perks and rewards of going cashless with PayMaya.



Juan Miguel Severo, real-life friend of both Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla who starred alongside them in the movie “The Hows of Us”, join the premiere night of PayMaya’s latest “BalikBayad” campaign featuring the Teen Royalties in an action-packed video sharing the many perks and rewards of going cashless with PayMaya.      


Joe Vargas, real-life friend of both Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, came out to support the teen royalties at the premiere night of PayMaya’s latest “BalikBayad” campaign featuring ”KathNiel” in an action-packed video sharing the many perks and rewards of going cashless with PayMaya.



Aside from “KathNiel,” celebrated veteran actor Rez Cortez (2nd from right) also made a comeback as the inimitable “kontrabida” in PayMaya’s latest “BalikBayad” campaign video, which saw him and his goons battling the two young actors in a cash versus PayMaya action sequence.



Some lucky “KathNiel” fans were able to see and interact with their idols Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla when they were launched as the newest faces of PayMaya’s “BalikBayad” campaign, which shares the many benefits and perks of going cashless by using the most rewarding mobile wallet in the Philippines today.

Amidst the issue of the network, these six Kapamilya celebrities once again strengthened their ties with ABS-CBN after inking their respective network contracts recently.

The lineup of Kapamilya stars was led by singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, who signed his two-year contract with the network. Besides his regular appearance in the “ASAP Natin ‘To” stage, Ogie is also set to appear in another season of “Your Face Sounds Familiar” this year. Also renewing his contract as an ABS-CBN artist is “Pamilya Ko” actor JC De Vera. When asked about what his fans can expect from him this year, JC answered, “They can expect a more diverse, more well-rounded JC. I’ve done drama, action, and now I’m still doing comedy. For this new contract, I’m sure ABS-CBN will still give me more challenges, which I like.”

Meanwhile, actor-model Kit Thompson shared how thankful he is on signing his first-ever three-year exclusive contract with the Kapamilya network, describing himself as “privileged” for the opportunity. Kit is currently doing an upcoming teleserye titled “Ligaya” with Ivana Alawi, who also signed a network contract with ABS-CBN recently.

On the other hand, fans can still see more of momshies Karla Estrada and Melai Cantiveros, who both signed their respective two-year contracts as Kapamilyas. Besides sharing their promise of bringing more happiness this 2020, Karla and Melai also revealed what excites them more about this opportunity. “We are more excited about the service that we can give to all our loyal ABS-CBN viewers,” Karla said. A movie is also in the works for Karla and Melai, together with their “Magandang Buhay” co-host, Jolina Magdangal.

Completing the lineup is “A Soldier’s Heart” star Carlo Aquino, who shared his gratitude towards ABS-CBN. Carlo, who is a homegrown talent of the Kapamilya network, shared that he can’t imagine life without ABS-CBN. “I grew up with them; this is where I learned to act, to sing, and I know that they will continue this legacy in the next generations to come,” Carlo said.

Present in the signing were chief operating officer of broadcast Cory Vidanes, TV production head Laurenti Dyogi, Star Magic head Johnny Manahan, and head of treasury Rick Tan. Also present were singer Regine Velasquez, talent manager Leo Dominguez, and Cornerstone head Erickson Raymundo.

One of the most talked about senator, Senator Nancy Binay brought in her big guns about cyberbullying as she talks about it in a launched book “Charcoal Confessions: 46 Home-Brewed Tips vs. Online Bullying.” This is a new book where she detailed her experience with cyberbullying and imparted lighthearted ways to project positivity amidst online harassment.

“After three heat-intensive years of being the center of online hate, there are many personal realizations that somehow led me to understand the feelings of those who have been bullied in social media and the painful experiences they’ve been through,” she said.

“Charcoal Confessions,” published by ABS-CBN Books, is a product of the senator’s self-reflection and features tips on dealing with online bullies based on her own experience with bashers and also the experience of her family.

She also underscored her inspiration for writing the book. “Truth be told, social media has negatively impacted today’s generation. It has become more of an obsession rather than a way to help build relationships and encourage communication,” Senator Binay said.
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“This is why I wanted to share how my perspective and positive attitude about life helped me in my journey towards healing,” she added, citing that the new read has tips on rebuilding one’s self worth and becoming self-aware and tips on ‘taking all the bad and making something good out of it.’

“Charcoal Confessions” follows the success of her first social media manual, “Make Love Not War,” also published by ABS-CBN Books featuring her collaboration with social media celebrity/ parody Senyora Santibanez.


Find amusing ways to counter cyberbullying with Sen. Nancy Binay’s “Charcoal Confessions,” now available in ABS-CBN Store, Lazada, and Shopee and in leading bookstores nationwide for only P299. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit abs-cbn.com/newsroom/.

It's always great to hear new kind of music from different kinds of artists. Creating a great love and interest to music, we all know that as there are plenty of talented artists in musicians here in the archipelago.

Here’s another upbeat jam that embraces a more eclectic sound. Alex Bruce’s second single “Go Crazy” under Sony Music Philippines is a collaboration with Filipino-Canadian songwriter and producer August Rigo, the other half of the songwriting duo behind BTS’s worldwide smash “Black Swan.”

The sophomore track takes listeners to the Filipina rapper’s musical journey and the struggles that she has to overcome in her bid to discover a bigger world outside of dreams and opportunities. “The song is all about me dreaming big,” the young talent reveals in a statement. “It’s also about my vision of how the world will interact with me and my music. Literally, it’s about pushing through my blueprint and perspectives, no matter how hard it is.”


Having written or produced songs for Justin Bieber, One Direction, Kehlani, and BTS to name a few, Rigo takes pride in being part of Alex Bruce’s upcoming release. The hitmaker who co-wrote three tracks on Justin Bieber’s multi-platinum album, My World 2.0 and brought a distinct flavor to several pop, R&B, and hip-hop releases of the last decade, once again enlisted his fellow songwriter and producer Vince Nantes to come up with a potential hit that appeals specifically to Bruce’s charismatic persona.

“My management and I had been speaking to Sony Music’s Roslyn Pineda about possibly working together, and they thought that Alex and I would be a great fit,” Rigo shares about how he ended up writing for the rap sensation. “I wanted to make sure to capture the energy and vibe of Alex’s current music because I really loved what they had going on. I just wanted to incorporate some of my vibes with hers to create something real fresh and new but still true to her and what she has built thus far.”

Alex returns the favor by expressing how truly honored she is working with the musician for the global stars. “Actually, I didn’t know him at first, until I was introduced to his body of work. I was a big fan of those artists he worked with. I remember the first time I chatted with him over Skype, and got amazed after finding out how down to earth this person is. He’s so kind, accommodating, and friendly despite his accomplishments. He just unlocked a new version of me.”

Bruce previously released “Pull It Off,” her first single under Sony Music Philippines. It peaked at number 3 on Wave 89.1’s weekly countdown, setting the record for the youngest female artist to chart in the R&B/hip-hop radio station’s history.

Alex Bruce’s latest single “Go Crazy” is now available on Spotify and other music streaming/download platforms worldwide.

Renowned Australian singer-songwriter and producer Rick Price partners with our Filipina artist and pop sensation Morissette in a classic ballad song that will hit the waves, this is a 2020 version of “Heaven Knows.”

Released on Valentine’s day, the classic ballad is rearranged with a fuller sound and a more contemporary touch. “The original recording of Heaven Knows is basically piano and voice only,” the award-winning Rick Price discloses. “The new version is a duet and has a full band added with lush strings and background vocals. It was such a delight to record and I can’t wait for you to hear it.”

Morissette, on the other hand, gave the previous iteration a different spin with her adept and powerful vocals. The Asia’s Phoenix, who happens to be a Wish 107.5 Hall of Fame awardee, stayed true to the song’s enduring message of romantic longing, while making sure to deliver a transcendent performance. “Working on this track, RP and I kind of agreed that we didn't want to make the verses predictable, but to keep the chorus singable and heartfelt,” the Akin Ka Na Lang songstress shares. “He also allowed me to put my own flavor and twists into the melodies.”

Pairing made in heaven

After working with Asia’s songbird Regine Velasquez on the remake of “Nothing Can Stop Us Now,” Rick Price returns with a lovely duet featuring one of the biggest music stars in the country, Morissette. The collaboration, according to Rick, was indeed monumental not only because it pays tribute to one of the biggest hits of his career, but also gives him a chance to revisit the song with a talented singer who knows how to interpret the material with precise emotional heft. “Thankfully my record label Sony Music was able to put me in touch with Morissette,” the multi-platinum recording star gushes. “I fell in love with her voice. She made me cry: truly the voice of an angel. Morissette is a wonderfully talented artist and a delight to work with.”

The young diva shares the same sentiment on collaborating with Rick Price. According to Morrisette, “Getting to work with an international music icon such as Rick Price is already such an honor, and with a song that I didn't only grow up to but should continually be passed on through generations. This project inspires and challenges me to appreciate and do different types of music.”

A classic love anthem

“Heaven Knows” was originally released in 1992, and peaked at #6 on ARIA Singles Chart. In the Philippines, the beloved Rick Price anthem became a staple adult contemporary smash with longevity that spans for more than 25 years. Resonating with music fans from opposite sides of the generation spectrum, young and old, the chart-topping tune is perfect for the season of love and romance this month.


Even Rick Price himself has no idea why the song continues to make a mark up to the present day. “It’s hard to say why this song has stayed around for so long. It just seemed to strike a chord with so many people. I imagine almost every human being experiences heart break and loss at some point in their life and it’s comforting to know we are not alone in that process.”

The 2020 version of “Heaven Knows” is available now on Spotify and all music streaming and download platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

Here's another musicality with pinch of Filipino heart in music. Fresh from reaping various accolades and wrapping up the first part of the sold-out I Used to Know H.E.R. Tour, two-time Grammy winner H.E.R. has recently released a soulful single called “Comfortable.”

Produced by DJ Camper with additional backing vocals from Anthony Clemons, Jr., the latest jam from the Filipina-American R&B star showcases a more stripped-down approach reminiscent of her early releases. Thev earnestness of her lyrics, paired with the sultry mood of the song, arrives with captivating grace beyond her years—a quality that makes “Comfortable” a standout.

The newest track from the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has recently earned positive reviews from music publications. Hypebeast praised its “return to fundamentals,” and went on to acknowledge, “the right amount of modern production cues crescendoing by the song’s end.”

The song is also part of the official soundtrack of The Photograph, starring Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield.

“Comfortable” follows a handful of tracks released in previous weeks, which includes “Sometimes,” a heartfelt ballad that H.E.R. performed during the 2020 Grammy Awards Ceremony where she was nominated for five major awards, and “Slide,” a chart-topping urban radio hit featuring California-born rapper YG.

H.E.R.’s “Comfortable” is now available on Spotify and other music streaming/download platforms worldwide.

Another song from the Asia's Nightiangle that will definitely capture your ears and your attention. Lani Misalucha just released her comeback single under Star Music titled “I Can’t Give Anymore,” after signing an exclusive two-year contract under the music label last December.

“I Can’t Give Anymore” is a modern ballad written by three writers—Filipino, American and Korean—and is the “Asia’s Nightingale’s” effort to reach a more global audience for her music.

“It’s not like the traditional, old school ballad songs that we know of which are usually heavy. The approach of this ballad is very forward, something fresh for Ms. Lani Misalucha,” ABS-CBN Music creative manager Jonathan Manalo explained.

Lani says that she’s thrilled to work again with Star Music, especially since her last project with the label was her “The Nightingale Returns” album in 2014 featuring well-loved OPM songs.

The powerhouse belter is also aware that branching out is inevitable, given that the music preference of people nowadays are evolving. “First of all, the type of music that I do somehow already has a specific target market. Now what we’re trying to do is reach out to the young people, the millennials through these efforts where we put it out [on digital platforms]. And then we’re also trying to do a song which the younger generation can relate to,” she said.

“I Can’t Give Anymore” will only be one of the all-English songs that will be rolled out one after the other until a 12-track album is complete. Aside from this, she is also set to breathe life into an upcoming ABS-CBN teleserye’s theme song and headline a concert after the album’s release.

Lani is just one of the versatile artists under ABS-CBN Music—a distinguished home to many of the best OPM music of today from the country’s leading media and entertainment company, ABS-CBN.

My thoughts about Congressman Joey Salceda's "The Rural Agricultural and Fisheries Financing Enhancement System Act" started, realizing that I once lived with my grandparents during my childhood days, this gives me the privilege to experience and witness being in farm fields, and understand the rigorous process of farming. We may find it easy seeing it in our Farmville games, but it doesn't work as easy as that. It takes weeks of preparation before planting and much more days taking care before harvesting, and even before milling into the rice that we eat.

I even found myself once, immersed into a family of fishermen, it gives me a much bigger view and understanding of how fisherfolks breathe their lives and sweat day and night for their livelihood.

After having an evening of idea-sharing with the good Congressman Joey Salceda, his authored bills are impressive, and I believe it is what this country needs to govern it wisely. A reform or enhancement in the existing laws.

Most of my relatives and poster families are farmers and fishermen, even though the surroundings are naturally abundant still, they do need help or assistance in making those products reach the market. Finances are just one of the many problems they encounter that plays a huge factor in making that dream of growing their business - farming and fishing.

So, what does "The Rural Agricultural and Fisheries Financing Enhancement System Act" will do to these folks? The act is actually a component of the banking reforms the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas requested of Congress as part of its strategy to achieve the A-level credit rating for the country. It is to ensure that the banking services are accessible to farmers, however, Salceda has introduced enhancements to the proposal so that banks could also support missionary financial inclusion projects in rural communities.

Under the Salceda proposal, lending to programs or projects that seek to make financial services like virtual banking available at little or no cost to farmers can be considered in assessing a bank’s compliance with the Agri-Agra Reform Law. “Agri-Agra requires banks to lend a certain portion of their portfolio to farmers and fisherfolk. Of course, it has not worked to the fullest because farmers aren’t banked in the first place. High-risk ang farmers for conventional banks. Bukod diyan, malayo ang bangko sa bukid. Marami pang requirements kaya magpapabalik-balik ka. Siyempre, ‘yung iba, sa malapit na five-six na lang hihiram.” Salceda said.

This is what I think, one of the common problems of our farmers and fishermen is getting financial assistance through loans, that sometimes end-up asking from third-party players. Making the land wealthy farmers bankrupt because of the piled unpaid loans. Forcing them to sell their lands.

Another problem is the hassle of opening an account in the banks. We all know that most of our farmers and fisherfolks don't have much documentation which is required by the banks.


“Fortunately, we no longer have to do physical banking because of virtual applications that allow you to open a bank account in your cellphone and borrow from a BSP-registered bank. And because virtual banks operate at lower costs, mas mura ang loans na kayang ibigay. Virtual banking will grow even more accessible when my Virtual Banking Act is passed. Once that happens, my amendments to Agri-Agra will also help ensure that even farmers from remote communities can be included in the banking and lending system. Basta may signal – so let’s also pass the Public Service Act amendments.” Salceda added.

“The bills I have been filing are all interconnected. Social infrastructure, financial inclusion, and protections, improvements in the business environment – all of them are part of a vision that foresees the country’s emergence as a predominantly middle-class society, yung pati farmer negosyante. These Agri-Agra amendments are crucial, especially the provision on financial inclusion for rural communities.” Salceda explained.

Congressman Salceda is right, all of the bills that he authored are interconnected to each other and are needed by the country. In my opinion, probably you may or you may not agree, the last piece of that connection are the people. No matter how great the idea is if the people aren't open enough and ready to accept the changes they will just shrug it off.

Nostalgic as it is, the iconic TV series that gave lessons and learning about youth issues is finally returning. Not on TV but on stage with real live acting. This 90s teen barkada Pinoy TV series will be given a platform to give learning about life in a perspective of a youth. The musical will roll its curtain off starting March 2020.


Oh by the way, this is one of the shows that basically introduced today's big names in the industry like John Lloyd Cruz, Jodi Sta. Maria, Paula Paralejo, Paolo Contis, Desiree Del Valle, Patrick Garcia, Baron Geisler, and Kaye Abad. It was not just another teen TV show but a portrayal of life's situation. Every Sunday afternoon, viewers saw the trials and triumphs of eight close friends as they navigated their way through their relationships, families, and the challenges of growing up. “What set “Tabing Ilog” apart was that it tackled the realities of teenagers growing up at the time,” said Raymund Dizon, business unit head of Star Hunt and executive producer of the original series. The show did not shy away from topics like teenage pregnancies, pre-marital sex, bitter arguments with parents, alcoholism—themes that are still very relevant today.


“The challenge now is that the teenagers have evolved,” Dizon says. “How do we know better the teens of today? What are their challenges, their aspirations? When we revive the show, we wanted to make sure that it’s relevant to both the youth and the people who grew up with the original show.” The musical will star a talented mix of Star Hunt artists and theater actors, including rising stars Kiara Takahashi, Abi Kassem and theater actress Gab Pangilinan, who will be alternating as Eds delos Santos; Sky Quizon, Hanie Jarar, and theater actor Ian Pangilinan, who will take turns playing Rovic Mercado; Batit Espiritu and Emjay Savilla who will alternate as Badong Magtibay.


Meanwhile, Jem Macatuno, Gian Wang, and Gabby Sarmiento will take on the role of James Collantes while Argel Saycon, Star Hunt alumni Ellyson de Dios, and theater actor Vino Malabot will play the role of Fonzy Ledesma.


From the all-girl Filipino idol group MNL48, Abby Trinidad, Belle Delos Reyes, and theater actress Mia Canton will alternate as George Fuentebella. Lou Yanong, Missy Quino, and theater actress Teetin Villanueva will play Corinne Ledesma. Shawntel Cruz, and theater actresses Krystal Kane and Justine Narciso will play Jerry Ricafort. Art Guma, Ian Hermogenes, and theater actor Franco Ramos will alternate as Ely. And playing Sammy Collantes are Brei Binuya from MNL48, Star Hunt and Theater actor Noel Comia, and Lie Reposposa.





Joining them to play multiple roles are theater and veteran film actors Jojit Lorenzo, Paolo O’hara, Agot Isidro, and Joann Co.


Members of the show’s artistic team, meanwhile, come from the country’s premier theater groups, including the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Red Turnip, Dulaang U.P. and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. They are composer and musical director Vincent De Jesus (“Changing Partners,” “Himala,” “Care Divas”), director Topper Fabregas (“Tribes,” “Rabbit Hole,” “Company”), and choreographer JM Cabling (“Ang Lihim ni Lea,” “Bent”). Writer and director Jade Castro (the play “Dalawang Gabi,”; films “Endo,” and “LSS”) bridges the story from screen to stage.






“Tabing Ilog: The Musical” will run from March 7 to April 26 at the ABS-CBN Dolphy Theater at the ABS- CBN compound in Quezon City. Tickets are priced Php 1000, Php 1200, Php 1500 and Php 2500, and are available online in KTX. The production is also open to showbuyers. Contact 0977 836 0315 for tickets and inquiries.