An auspicious Year of the Wood Dragon for showbiz’ men of the moment
GONG xi fa cai to our ChineseFilipino brothers!
As the Year of the Wood Dragon begins today, so has good fortune landed on the doorstep of two of the busiest men in show business at the moment. Who they are and what the Chinese New Year has in store for them are coming up in today's column right now!
Ever-popular actor-senator Bong Revilla, who was born in the year of the Horse—one of the luckiest Chinese animal zodiac signs in 2024—has clearly made a galloping start to the year, what with the super successful premiere of his top-rated GMA Network actioncomedy sitcom, "Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis" Season 2 a week ago.
"It's definitely a good start," Sen. Bong happily remarked over a catch-up lunch this week, attributing the impressive numbers, which the maiden episode on February 4 chalked up to the collaborative effort of the cast and crew to make this the show's best season yet.
"The team worked hard, and it paid off," he added, citing the names of his lady lead Beauty Gonzales and TV "sidekick" Niño Muhlach among a long list of glittering stars cast in the sitcom.
With horses known for their energetic disposition, Sen. Bong acknowledged that he is actually enjoying a frantic promo schedule for the show, which even had a motorcade in Mega Manila on the day of its premiere.
"I was amazed by the crowds that came out for us," he gratefully expressed. "And that's the reason why I never tire of giving the fans quality entertainment whenever I can. Marami pa kaming malalaking sorpresa at pasastage bog para sa kanila sa show kaya wag na wag silang bibitaw!"
Looking ahead, Sen. Bong also gave a peek into the rest of his showbiz plans for the year, which are just as grand as the Year of the Dragon portends to be. While he remains tight-lipped about the details, he hinted at potentially starring in two movies this year. He explained that he doesn't want to announce anything official, emphasizing that his responsibilities in the Senate must always take priority.
"I can only take on acting projects during Senate breaks, so we'll see," he reminded the media huddle, erring on the side of caution.
But if his movie plans indeed push through, one will surely be a major must-see, with fellow action stars Coco Martin and senators Lito Lapid and Robin Padilla sharing the big screen with him.
To be produced by the Revilla FAMILY MOVIE OUTfiT, IMUS PRODUCtions, Sen. Bong acknowledged the magnitude of such a stellar fiLM AND AGREED EVEN THE BILLING OF four big action stars would need quite a discussion.
Finally asked by The Manila Times Entertainment if it's safe to assume that he is busying himself with all his acting projects this year because 2025 will see him busy on the campaign trail, Sen. Bong no longer played coy AND DEfiNITIVELY REPLIED, "YES, I'LL BE running for reelection."
With his track record a-galloping too in bills approved on the Senate floor, coupled with his sitcom's continued success, Sen. Bong's flOURISHING CAREER IN POLITICS AND showbiz certainly sets a promising trajectory for the year ahead.
More power Sen!
Just over a month since arriving in the Philippines, initially just to launch a Christmas single, "The Voice USA" Season 19 fan favorite Ryan Gallagher happily announced this week he is staying put in Manila. In fact, he even signed an exclusive management contract with the tireless and intensely passionate husband-and-wife-slash-artist duo of Ice and Liza Diño-Seguerra's multimedia powerhouse Fire & Ice PH and feels he's made the best decision to establish his career this side of the world.
Now, whether or not Ryan believes in Feng Shui or is even faMICHAEL miliar with it, those who do will tell him he has played his cards perfectly. Research tells us, you see, that the crooner's birthdate is October 23, 1988, making him a dragon who is making his big move in this highly anticipated Year of the Wood Dragon.
If all this doesn't jack up Ryan's luck twice over, no master geomancer CAN EVER fiGURE OUT WHAT WILL.
Then again, luck is only secondary to what Ice and Liza know full well will spell success for Ryan in these islands. Read pure talent and genuine charisma.
Ryan, of course, is The Voice conTESTANT WHO flOORED KELLY CLARKSON when he brilliantly sang Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion's "The Prayer" during his blind audition. And though classically trained, the man can smoothly switch musical genres and still capture hearts just as he does when singing opera.
And so, to mark the auspicious beginning of his Philippine career, Fire & Ice is proudly presenting Ryan in his highly-anticipated debut concert, aptly dubbed "The Voice of Ryan." Scheduled as a postValentine must-see, it happens at the Music Museum on February 17.
Joining Ryan on stage are some of the most talented artists in the country, including Concert King Martin Nievera, Filipina Soprano Lara Maigue, and, of course, Asia's acoustic icon Ice Seguerra, to create an unforgettable night of music, showcasing the man of the moment's diverse musical genres and styles.
"Just the fact that I get to share the with Martin, Ice, and Lara is a privilege and something I will remember forever. The amount of talent is incredible!" Ryan enthused at a preChinese New Year get-together in QC.
Award-winning musician and arranger Ivan Lee Espinosa will be Ryan's musical director for the concert, while Liza will serve as creative director and Ice doubling up as guest and stage director.
Just as excited as Ryan, Ice likewise told us, "Prepare to witness a new side of Ryan in this concert, as I am thrilled to share his remarkable versatility. While many know him as an exceptional classical singer, I was pleasantly surprised by his incredible range.
"As the stage director collaborating with my wife Liza as the creative director, my intention is to showcase these diverse qualities in Ryan, which led us to aptly title the show 'The Voice of Ryan.'
"The audience will have the opportunity to experience the various dimensions of his talent, spanning rock, indie, and contemporary genre, so brace yourself for an unforgettable surprise!"
If you say so, Ice, we believe!
Sen. Bong's "Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis" Season 2 airs Sundays on GMA Network.
Tickets for "The Voice of Ryan" are now available at Ticketworld, with updates accessible via Fire and Ice PH on Facebook.