BY now as consultant to GMA 7 talent management arm, GMAAC,. Johnny Manahan or Mr. M must have laid down plans on developing new breed of artists. Like an overhauling perhaps? He sees a need in improving their image to make them saleable to the market.

“The audience love to dream and these are fulfilled in a way. ..through some of the artists works and personal lives,” he stressed.

Mr. M will help determine which artist will be a part of a show or teleserye.

An old hand in building stars he tells aspiring talents that the love for the craft will help them survive the tough and intrigued-filled world of showbis. “We will train them but luck is part of the magic. It is being at the right place at the right time,” he says.

New music releases

TWO iconic OPM bands, Callalily and This Band team up for an alternative pop-rock single entitled “Bahala Na.” In their collaborative track, Kean Cipriano and Andrea Manzano exchange melancholic verses that ponder questions about staying in love. The song also gives a bit more piercing hurt in the heart as it hinges on the real struggle of saving relationships.

Meanwhil;e, Truefaith tries to rekindle a spark through their latest track called “Refriend.” Here, the band delivers cherry-pop melodic keyboard riffs followed by romantic patterned verses. The track also underpins second chances and high hopes of being friends again after a messy breakup.

Vivamax celebrates 6 months with incredible milestones

VIVA launched Vivamax last January 29, 2021 to fulfill Boss Vic del Rosario’s dream of bringing entertainment directly to Filipinos here and abroad which they can enjoy anytime, anywhere.

The presence of global streaming platforms and local broadcast and telecommunication giants did not deter Boss Vic from pursuing his vision.

Six months later, we are proud to share that Vivamax is on its way to becoming an essential part of every Pinoy’s entertainment fix.

To date there are 600,000 Vivamax subscribers and within this short period of time is now the Number 1 entertainment app on Google Play, outdoing other long established local and international streaming brands.

Starting with over 500 titles, with a mix of Filipino content, Tagalized Hollywood and Asian content (including the biggest offering of Korean blockbuster films), Vivamax continues with its commitment to add at least 15 new content every week — a combination of originals, premieres, exclusives and all-time favorites.

Priced at PHP149 per month, with TV casting on Smart TV via Chromecast or Apple AirPlay, the cost of unlimited viewing entertainment has never become this affordable to everyone.

Since its launch, Vivamax has featured originally-produced series, movies, documentaries, concerts starring some of the brightest and most exciting stars in the industry. Sarah Geronimo (Tala), Sharon Cuneta ( Revirginized), Vice Ganda (Gandemic), Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles (Ang Babaeng Walang Pakiramdam, Ikaw at Ako at ang Ending, Pakboys), Xian Lim (Parang Kayo Pero Hindi), Kylie Verzosa (PKPH, The Housemaid), and Sharon Cuneta (Revirginized).

But wait, there’s more!

Currently in various stages of production are films and series that will star Anne Curtis, Sarah Geronimo, Aga Muhlach, Bela Padilla, Cristine Reyes, Empoy, Alessandra, Julia Barretto, Toni Gonzaga, Alex Gonzaga, Matteo Guidicelli, JC Dantos, Diegoaga, JM de Guzman and many others.

The pandemic has not stopped Viva from actively producing content. It is still the busiest studio in the country working with some of the most bankable directors, creative stalwarts and prolific showrunners in the industry.

Also in place are several production and licensing deals with other top studios – Star Cinema, Regal, IdeaFirst, Project 8, Reality, Black Cap Pictures, BlackOps Asia, TBA, Cignal Entertainment, Brillante Mendoza’s Centerstage Productions, The Probe Team, etc. to deliver diversified shows that will appeal to various audience tastes.

Now available in Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Middle East and Europe with plans to roll out in Australia, New Zealand and North America in the next few months, Vivamax is truly a global brand.

Access to the platform is made easier as Vivamax has also partnered with SM Retail (600 outlets), Globe Telecom and Grab Philippines. This is on top of other available payment gateways GooglePlay, Apple Appstore, Huawei Appstore, Vivamax.net, Gcash, Visa/Mastercard., One Globe, Paymaya, Lazada, Shopee, Load Manna, cable operators and others.

It is time to get Vivamaxxed! Subscribe now.–REMY UMEREZ