No, Christian Bautista is not alone. Another Filipino has crashed into the Indonesian entertainment universe. And his name is Teejay Marquez.
Unlike other celebrities who get complacent, former Kapuso tween star Teejay Marquez doesn’t want to rest on the laurels he scored in Indonesia since 2016.
Keen showbiz watchers will remember that Teejay became a big hit in Indonesia when one of his Dubsmash videos went viral, earning him an avalanche of fans and followers in the progressive Southeast Asian capital.
This was soon followed with offers to star in a movie (Dubsmash The Movie), a TV series, as well as an endless stream of media interviews where he was hailed as one of the Philippines’ brightest and most promising young talents.
Last year, while taking a brief hiatus from his busy showbiz itinerary in Jakarta, he flew back to Manila for a much-needed rest. In August 2017, he signed up with Arnold Vegafria’s management outfit, ALV Talent Circuit, and at the same time signed up with Regal Entertainment.
It was late last year when Teejay flew back to Indonesia to start filming for a TV soap dubbed Siapa Takut Katij Cinta (Who’s Afraid to Fall In Love?), an adaptation of the 2001 Taiwanese drama series Meteor Garden, which was a big hit in the Philippines and the Asian region.
Because of his hectic taping schedule back then (Monday to Sunday), Teejay had no time to take on other Manila-based projects. Teejay’s calendar is much freer these days now. And, he’s back in Manila.
Asked to recap his last Indonesia trip, he shared, “I also flew to Malaysia for some documents, to Hong Kong for some social media jobs, and also to Manila.”
While there, Teejay was also able to launch his eponymous mobile phone app.
“It’s all about me—photos, videos, updates, and even games. Users can win prizes. When we launched in Indonesia, we had a game and the winner flew to Manila to have a date with me, all-expenses paid. We will be launching that very soon here in Manila,” he proudly shares. He also revealed his collaboration with telecom companies.
In the meantime, Teejay is very excited about his new project. He will soon star in a movie directed by Adolf Alix, Jr.
While here, he also hopes to sign with a major network, to star in a drama series and/or movie and maybe also close some endorsements and business ventures.
His manager Arnold Vegafria feels proud of his ward’s latest accomplishments.
He says, “With what he’s done in Indonesia, Teejay could rightfully be called our ambassador of goodwill. It’s rare to have someone so young and talented waving the Philippine flag proudly in foreign shores. But more than that, what’s admirable is that he’s managed to do all this while maintaining a very clean and wholesome image, making him a perfect role model for our Pinoy youth.”
Now that he’s gone past his tween years, Teejay feels ready for more acting challenges. He says, “Yes, I think I’m ready to do some daring roles and some challenging roles to show what I can do. Change is good!”
I am glad Gary Valenciano or the performer we know as Mr. Pure Energy, is finally cancer free.
Gary V had his first major television interview declaring that after his bypass operation, he underwent another medical procedure when in an incidental finding his cardiologist detected a malignant kidney mass. After the surgery his doctors declare he is now cancer-free.
As one of the country’s most respected Christian artists, the news on his health tested Gary’s faith as he faced another life-threatening challenge which he overcame with the help of one of the best medical teams in the country and an over pouring of prayers from family, friends, and countless fans from all over the world.
“Do know that I am ok now…and I’m ready to comeback soon. Don’t worry k?” Gary posted on official Twitter account for his close to 4 million followers who were worried about news that stated that he still had cancer.
Gary felt pain in his left abdomen and doctors discovered an incidental finding of a six-centimeter malignant tumor in his kidney. Gary went through another operation and doctors found out that the tumor was localized inside his right kidney.
Today, Gary is on the road to full recovery and doctors even said that his heart is so strong as if he has the heart of a 25-year old man.
Gary’s entire family, including his mother and sister who recently flew in from the States, is 100 percent behind him in his ongoing journey to full recovery as he gears up with exciting new projects and his grand return to both television and the live concert stage.
“I am miraculously saved. Doctors were baffled I was healing so well after my open heart surgery despite my diabetes,” says Gary. “When the doctors saw the tumor in my kidney and were able to take it all out without a need for chemo therapy or radiation, I can only say that this is the work of the Lord and nothing else. I am blessed.”
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Filipinos should be glad to know that the no-visa needed to visit the Republic of China (Taiwan) is extended for another year. The trial period will continue until July 31, 2019, and will be reviewed for further extension. This visa-free privilege is a reflection of Taiwan’s goodwill and friendship towards all Filipinos under the “New Southbound Policy,” which aims to build stronger bilateral relations and closer people-to-people connectivity between Taiwan and the Philippines.
Ambassador Michael Peiyung Hsu, Taiwan’s Representative to the Philippines, highlighted that the Philippines is not only Taiwan’s closest neighbor but also an important partner for Taiwan’s “New Southbound Policy.”
In recent years, both countries have launched a number of visa liberalization measures, which have resulted in a rapid increase of visitors. The number of two-way visitors hit a record high in 2017 wherein Filipino travelers going to Taiwan reached 290,784 while Taiwanese visitors to the Philippines reached 236,777. This mutual relaxation of visa restrictions is indeed an important factor in improving bilateral overall relations and enhancing people-to-people exchange and cooperation between the two countries.
Representative Hsu believes that it will surely enhance the two countries’ long-standing friendship and further strengthen the multifaceted partnership and cooperation. At the same time, on behalf of the ROC (Taiwan) Government and its people, Representative Hsu urges the Philippine Government and Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) to grant visa-free treatment to the people of Taiwan on the basis of reciprocity, so as to attract more Taiwanese tourists and business people to visit the Philippines. This is seen to produce a positive impact on various fields, particularly in tourism, investment, trade, education, culture, agriculture and fisheries. It will be a significant milestone in the bilateral win-win partnership and also enhance the friendly ties and mutual benefits between Taiwan and the Philippines.
A visa-free Filipino visitor must meet the following requirements:
1. An ordinary/regular passport with remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry (Diplomatic & official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment);
2. A return ticket or a ticket for the traveler’s next destination and a visa for that destination if it is required;
3. No criminal records or other records of misconduct in Taiwan;
4. A proof of accommodation (hotel) booking or host/sponsor’s contact information or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events, meetings and the like.
However, those who intend to stay in Taiwan for more than 14 days or for the purpose of study, work, missionary, employment, and other gainful activities are still required to obtain appropriate visas before entering Taiwan.
