Strike while the iron is hot.
That’s a saying many businessmen would say when one of their products suddenly becomes a bestseller. And, that also applies to Viva Films and Blank Pages new film starring unexpected box-office star Empoy.
Fresh from the success of the mega-hit movie Kita Kita, Empoy will, again, delight his new legions of followers with his very own brand of comedy and pampakilig in this latest romantic comedy, The Barker, directed by comedian Dennis Padilla.
The Barker is Empoy’s big screen comeback after Kita Kita box-office record- breaking turn in July. This time, Empoy is teamed up with Viva Princess Shy Carlos, whose acting chops got noticed in Ang Pagsanib Kay Leah Dela Cruz.
This 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.
Fusing Dennis’ expertise in comedy and Empoy’s style makes The Barker 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, yung fun… everything!” enthused Dennis.
The shooting 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, known for producing films based on true events that are socially relevant since its founder, Arlyn de la Cruz, is a senior journalist.
Joining Empoy and Shy 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 opens in cinemas nationwide on Wednesday.
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GMA is first local TV network to implement closed captioning in Philippine free TV
Leading broadcast station GMA Network has officially started implementing closed captioning this month, becoming the first local TV station in the country to do so.
Offering a more inclusive viewing experience, GMA’s closed captioning enables its viewers to read a full transcription of the dialogue as well as other key elements of the program such as background music, effects, etc. at the bottom part of the screen. This is especially beneficial to viewers who are deaf or who are hard of hearing.
The Network’s move is in compliance with Republic Act No. 10905, which requires “all franchise holders or operators of television programs to broadcast or present their programs with closed caption option…”
An initial test of this service was applied to the film Mission Impossible aired in Kapuso Movie Festival on Sept. 28.
Currently, the Network is fully implementing closed-captioning in all movie blocks shown on GMA-7 and select movies on GMA News TV and will be operational on certain television models.
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GMA Network dominated this year’s COMGUILD Awards, reaping 13 out of the 22 awards both for television and radio categories during the 12th Annual Conference of Journalism and Mass Communication Students of the Philippines.
COMGUILD Hall of Famer Mel Tiangco was accorded the Media Persona of Excellence award. Mel co-anchors 24 Oras and hosts the weekly drama anthology Magpakailanman.
Peabody-awardee Jessica Soho, was again recognized as Best Magazine Show Host. Her top-rating Sunday program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho took home the Best Magazine Show award.
Vicky Morales was named as the Most Outstanding Female News Presenter of the Year for the Network’s flagship newscast 24 Oras.
Meanwhile, Unang Hirit further cemented its presence as the country’s leading and longest-running morning TV show, taking home the Best Morning Show citation.
Weekly infotainment show I-Bilib won the Best Educational Program while host Chris Tiu, was named Best Educational Program Host.
Several programs and personalities of leading local news channel GMA News TV were also recognized by COMGUILD. Senior news reporter Raffy Tima was the Most Outstanding Male News Presenter of the Year for GMA News TV’s noontime newscast Balitanghali.
Good News was Best Entertainment News Show while Morales was named as the Best Entertainment News Show Host. Lifestyle show Pop Talk won Best Lifestyle Program.
GMA’s flagship AM radio station DZBB also took home major awards. COMGUILD cited Saksi sa Dobol B as Best AM Radio Program while Mike Enriquez Best AM Radio Anchor.
Meanwhile at the COMGUILD Academe’s Choice Awards held recently, Alden Richards won the Most Loved Male Teen Endorser. Eat Bulaga’s phenomenal love team AlDub, in turn, took home the award for the Advertisers’ Most Admired Love Team. In addition, concert prince Bae-by Baste was named Most Admired Child Endorser.
