Insight 360 Films will hold the first “National Mia Day” on January 13 at the Cinema 1 of SM Megamall in honor of women whose name is similar to the main protagonist of the most-awaited romantic comedy film “Mia.”
The special event, which will be held simultaneously with the advanced screening of the film “Mia,” has already create massive buzz on various social media platforms—attracting thousands of inquiries from curious netizens all over the country.
“The moment we posted the trailer of ‘Mia’ on Facebook and Youtube, we’ve noticed so many people tagging their friends and relatives named Mia. It gave us an idea to celebrate the National Mia Day two days prior to our movie’s theatrical release on January 15,” explained executive producer and Insight 360 Films president Chris Cahilig.
“So far we’ve received thousands of messages from women named Mia from all walks of life asking how they can participate in the event,” he added.
But with or without a free pass, legions of netizens are raring to go and watch award-winning director Veronica Velasco’s “Mia” after viewing its beautifully crafted trailer, which has garnered, to date, close to 10 million views.
One netizen posted: “There have been a lot of ‘hugot’ films since 2018, but one thing is sure about this one—the trailer makes you curious about the situation of Mia.”
“Trailer pa lang ang ganda na. Paano pa kaya ang buong pelikula. Gusto kong manood . . . Mia,” another remarked.
Indeed, the trailer gave local movie fans a glimpse of the strong chemistry between Mia the doctor and EA the forester, with Coleen’s classic raw beauty complementing EA’s charmingly boyish looks. It doesn’t hurt, either, that both of them display considerable acting chops.
Many commenters excitedly revealed their plans about watching “Mia”. One gushed, “Omg! I feel this movie. Panonoorin kita kahit mag-isa ako!” while another suggested that watching “Mia” will be a perfectpre-Valentine’s date.
Some netizens shared that they would save up for the film, while one declared, “This movie will be my birthday gift for myself; I can’t wait!”
A compelling story about finding love, healing, and hope, “Mia” was directed by Velasco and produced by Insight 360 in partnership with Viva Films.
The film depicts the story of Mia, portrayed by Coleen Garcia, a doctor who turned self-destructive alcoholic after her fiancé’s tragic death, and Jay, played by Edgar Allan Guzman, a forester and environmental advocate who transforms mined-out lands into rainforests. The promise of love and healingcomes when Jay decides to pursue the heartbroken Mia.
Other cast members of “Mia” include well-known actors William Martinez, Yayo Aguila, Billy Crawford, Star Orjaliza, Jeremy Domingo, Sunshine Teodoro, Pau Benitez and Xenia Barrameda.
Co-written by Velasco and Jinky Laurel, the film is a refreshing take on the usual romantic-comedy and “hugot” films, shining a light on relevant concepts such as grief, self-love, and acceptance.
As the first Filipino film of the new decade, local movie buffs believe that “Mia” will exceed expectations and make its mark among the best of Filipino romantic-comedy flicks.
“Mia” will show on cinemas nationwide on January 15.
"Mia", a unique and realistic story of love, hope and healing, starring Coleen Garcia and Edgar Allan Guzman. An upcoming film of award-winning director Veronica Velasco "Mia" is produced by Chris Cahilig of Insight 360 Films in partnership with Viva Films.
Filipinos, known for their love of good stories, almost always know when a film is compelling just by viewing its trailer. And when a local movie trailer goes viral and receives positive comments, Pinoys will surely await its run in cinemas.
Ever since the release of its trailer, Filipino moviegoers have been anticipating its arrival in the big screen.
To date, the official trailer, which was launched last November 11 on various prominent YouTube and Facebook channels has become viral, garnering over eight million organic views on Facebook, and over 500,000 on YouTube.
Comments on the different sites also show how ‘Mia’ is truly one of the most anticipated films of 2020, citing the exceptional on-screen chemistry of its lead actors Coleen and EA, its relatable plot, and its arresting cinematography by Noel Teehankee which observers noted as comparable to Hollywood and South Korean films.
“Sabi ko bagong Hollywood movie ‘to ah. Ayan na laseng na ‘yung Americana tapos biglang (Pinoy) film . . . luh!” exclaims Youtube user greekgodlamb who ends his comment with a series of applause emojis.
Netizens likewise noticed Coleen’s natural beauty and compelling acting, as well as EA’s charm as the lead actor.
“May chemistry! (I) had goosebumps actually. The storyline seems relatable, the soundtrack complements the vibes of the story. I’ll watch this,” comments Youtube user Jaja upon seeing the trailer.
“Napakaganda ni Coleen! Natural beauty, even without makeup, ang kinis pa rin,” a netizen commented. “Nag-mature na talaga si Coleen; ang galing-galing na niya,” another added.
Meanwhile, other commenters gushed over EA’s performance. “Crush ko si Edgar noon pa. Galing umarte noon pa. It’s nice to see him in a movie,” one Facebook user said.
Netizens also expressed their love for the film’s official soundtracks titled “Sa Iba Na Lang” performed by duo B.O.U. and “Ikaw Na Nga Talaga” by 1:43. Both songs were written by Jayson Dedal and arranged in Sonic State Audio Studio.
Produced by public relations guru and award-winning filmmaker Chris Cahilig of Insight 360 Films in partnership with Viva Films, ‘Mia’ tells the tale of a self-destructive alcoholic, Mia, a doctor struggling to heal from the tragedy of her fiance’s death, and Jay, who transforms mined-out land into rainforests.
With its screenplay co-written by Velasco and Jinky Laurel, the film shows that conflict can sometimes lead to something beautiful, as Mia and Jay’s clashes also show that their chemistry is undeniable.
Aside from the acting prowess of the lead actors, netizens are also intrigued by the film’s unique and realistic take on love and healing, and are eager to watch the movie to see how the story will unfold.
Other cast members include veteran actors Yayo Aguila and William Martinez, Billy Crawford, Star Orjaliza, Jeremy Domingo, Sunshine Teodoro, Pau Benitez and Xenia Barrameda.
Two days prior to its much-awaited showing on cinemas nationwide on January 15, 2020, “Mia” will hold the National Mia Day at the Cinema 1 of SM Megamall which lucky women named Mia will given free tickets to attend the film’s special screening.
The cast and crew lead by Coleen and EA will likewise be holding a series of mall shows in Sta. Lucia Mall (January 5), SM Dasmarinas (January 11) and Fishermall Malabon and Quezon Avenue (January 12).
The iconic duo of Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez are set to serenade you in TWO-GETHER AGAIN, happening on February 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, 2020 at The Theatre at Solaire.
Better known as the Concert King and Queen of the Philippines, Martin and Pops are undeniable music royalty, and you’ll get to see them share the stage as they perform their most memorable hits.
On Valentine's 2020, Starmedia Entertainment and DSL Events and Production House, in association with Solaire Resort and Casino, are very excited to bring back on one stage the country's most iconic concert royalties, The Concert King, MARTIN NIEVERA and the Concert Queen, POPS FERNANDEZ in TWOGETHER AGAIN.
Fresh from their successful 8-city US tour last August that had an equally successful, Martin and Pops fans clamored for their turn to witness this much-awaited reunion. The country’s most iconic concert royalties, whose undeniable chemistry on and off the stage captured the hearts of many, are finally coming together again for two special shows this Valentine’s.
Seasons have passed, things have changed but Martin and Pops still prove that TWOgether, they are still SENSATION!
Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez respectively gained their fame as individual performers, but it was when they both hosted the famous TV variety show "Penthouse Live" that fans became captivated by their chemistry and followed their on and offs screen romance.
Despite a shift in their love story, Martin and Pops remain very good friends today but they undeniably still have that same magnetic chemistry when they perform together on stage.
It has been ten long years since Martin and Pops reunited and headlined a major concert in Manila on Valentine's day of 2010 and it's about time that they come TWOGETHER AGAIN for a Valentine special a decade after!
No doubt, many fans are eagerly waiting and very excited to see this iconic tandem perform together again, live! With grandiose production numbers, their engaging rapport with the audience, and just the "kilig" we all get from The Concert King and Queen, TWOGETHER AGAIN is sure to be a treat for everyone this Valentine's!
Tickets are now available at all TICKETWORLD outlets (8891-9999 ( www.ticketworld.com.ph) at Php 7500, Php 5500, Php 3500, Php 2500, Php1500,
and Php 1250.
TWOGETHER AGAIN is Co-Presented by: PLDT and supported by Major Sponsors: Farlin Baby Products, Zim Cleanser, Nurture, Debt Aid Consulting International, and Doon Thai and Asian Fusion Cuisine and Minor Sponsor: West Avenue Suites. Media Partners: Philippine Star, People's Journal, People's Tonight and Crossover 105.1
The show is also for the benefit of Knox United Methodist Church.
Motorcycle taxi riders have gotten a new reprieve as a QC Regional Trial Court granted a 20-day temporary restraining order against the riders cap imposed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) that limited the number of Angkas bikers to 10,000 in Manila and 3,000 in Cebu.
Citing the irreparable injury that would be suffered by the bikers if the number of bikers is limited to 30,000 in Metro Manila and 9,000 for Metro Cebu, to be divided equally among the providers, is not restrained and considering the urgency of the situation, the QC RTC Branch 223 issued the TRO enjoining the LTFRB from implementing the riders cap for a period of 20 days.
It may be recalled that the Technical Working Group of the LTFRB, which was overseeing the implementation of the pilot program for motorcyle taxis, issued on December 19 the Revised Guidelines practically slashing the number of the 27,000 existing Angkas bikers to 10,000 in Metro Manila. This was met with uproar by netizens and commuters who have come to rely on Angkas for their daily commute.
Also, the QC TRO affirms the stand that several congressmen as well as the Philippine Competition Committee (PCC) took in previous weeks.
In a statement before the previous year ended, House Committee on Transportation chair Edgar Sarmiento aired his concern about the suspension of motorcycle taxi services. "Habang hindi pa naaayos ang efficiency ng mass transportation, kailangan natin talaga ang support muna ng isang sektor kung saan tinutulungan nila ang mamamayan na umabot naman sa pinupuntahan nila sa madaling panahon," he stated.
For his part, Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, previously slammed the LTFRB for its arbitrary decision to drastically reduce the number of bikers of the ride-hailing firm Angkas, calling it an anti-consumer and anti-competitive behavior. "Why don’t they just open the market to new players? And why the arbitrary reduction of licenses at the expense of consumers’ choice and welfare?” Sarmienta stressed.
In an interview, Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) commissioner Johannes Bernabe said that forcing Angkas to displace 17,000 riders will take away what was rightfully obtained by the company.
“Being big per se is not necessarily bad. It’s the abuse of that dominant position [that’s bad]," Bernabe was reported to have said. “Angkas grew out of its own efforts,” Bernabe said in the interview. “In a sense, you are taking away what Angkas has worked hard on obtaining, which is a driver base,” he added.
After series of issues on Motorcycle Taxis, TWG, LTFRB, DOTr, a press briefing by Angkas chief transport advocate George Royeca was held to share and clear things on Angkas activities.
Royeca: I own 60% of Angkas.
Out of 117k trained, only 26k are activated. There is 63% failure.
Angkas assisted 360 bikers daily, 20k bikers are retrained, and put up 50 field support and retraining activities during the 6-month Pilot.
Angkas MC trainers are trained by a US firm that trains the US Marines and the PNP HPG.
As far as surge pricing, Angkas will comply to LTFRB, new fare price will start today.
Angkas in GenSan and CDO now operates as Angkas Padala.
App-based motorcycle taxi service provider Angkas has committed to work with government regulators in ensuring the success of the motorcycle taxi pilot run.
In a press briefing, Angkas Chief Transport Advocate George Royeca said that they will continue to work with government regulators and not against them, even as he expressed his hope for the riders cap to be lifted so that everyone can proceed with the extended pilot run smoothly and without any hitches.
Angkas commends regulators
“First off, I would like to commend the government for seriously considering motorcycle taxis as an added transport option for Filipino commuters amid the ongoing traffic crisis,” Royeca stressed. “We are also hopeful that lawmakers will find merit in what we have been espousing all these months—that motorcycle taxis are crucial to addressing our countrymen’s mobility problems,” he added.
Royeca also clarified that they are not picking a fight with government regulators. “Right from start, we worked hard to be compliant with everything the LTFRB and the DOTR’s TWG had set in the first motorcycle taxi test run. For six whole months last year, there was never any problem,” Royeca noted.
“It must be noted that we complied with everything that the TWG asked us to do in the initial test run. We did a re-training of all our riders. We gave our riders safety vests based on the recommendation of the TWG. We are continuously complying to the best of our abilities with the new pilot guidelines,” Royeca revealed.
Not against competition
Royeca also emphasized that he was not against competition in the motorcycle taxi industry. ‘I would like to emphasize that even back then, I knew there will be new players as soon as motorcycle taxis become the subject of legislation and regulated,” he noted. “I have never aspired to establish a monopoly,” he stressed.
When word got out that the LTFRB will be extending the run with new players, Royeca was interviewed in the media and was reported to have said that he was totally fine with the inclusion of new players in the test run extension. “This means that people have begun to realize the importance of motorcycle taxis in helping our commuters beat the daily traffic,” he noted.
In a presentation he showed during the briefing Royeca reported that a total of 117,166 bikers have applied with Angkas. Of that number, 36,797 bikers were onboarded. However, only 26,478 were retrained and activated for the first pilot run and 10,378 were deactivated.
Three years to build a competent and safe bikers fleet
“It took us three years and dozens of safety training sessions and hundreds of hours of training to come up with a fleet of 27,000 competent bikers,” Royeca shared. “You cannot build a competent and safe biker network overnight,” he added.
Royeca also reported that in the three years since Angkas started, the Angkas app was downloaded three million times. In the course of the pilot run, they have recorded millions of rides. In terms of the service’s safety record, Angkas riders had only .003% accidents with zero fatalities.
Angkas also has in place an Emergency Response Team and Medical Accident Network with six Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)-trained full-time employees, 42 EMR-trained biker respondents, 12 on-call doctors, and eight affiliate hospitals. During the initial pilot run, the average response time recorded was 30 minutes.
Royeca also reported that Angkas has set aside an accident emergency fund to cover expenses above and beyond what’s provided by the private insurance. The company also ensures proper financial controls and standard operating procedures for quick fund disbursement for immediate patient assistance.
Investing continuous safety training and support
“We have invested so much in continuous training – our trainors have been trained by a US firm that trains the US Marines and conducts motorcycle rider licensing and accreditation for the California and Pennsylvania State Department of Motor Vehicles. They have also undergone training with the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (HPG), and we are continuously working on updating and improving further our trainings,” Royeca noted.
“Moreover, I believe a support system for our bikers is necessary after they’ve passed our screening in order for them to continuously provide excellent service to our customers,” Royeca added, stating that their system averages doing assistance to 360 riders per day.
In terms of training, Royeca reported that they have retrained over 20,000 bikers for the initial pilot run. They had a total of 50 field retraining activities with riders getting retrained practically every week.
For six months from July to December of 2019, the safety record of Angkas was reported as 99.997%. “We tried our utmost best to maintain a high safety record for the benefit of all our passengers. We are proud to say that our high service standards were maintained in the test run,” Royeca stressed.
When asked about their pricing scheme, Royeca said, “The reason for our dynamic pricing is essentially to be able to encourage more bikers on the road to meet the demand. But because it is not allowed in the pilot, we will comply. We just want to give a heads up that this may result in bikers going back to habal-habal and that there'd be substantially fewer Angkas bikers on the road.”
The riders cap: the real issue
“So, again, I would like to emphasize that our fight is with a particular provision and not with the government bodies. Our fight is with the riders cap—an unfair and anti-competitive provision that will effectively punish the majority of our riders who have been working hard for six months,” he noted.
“What we really want is to have the cap removed or increase the cap for all motorcycle taxi providers, not just Angkas, because the market is still terribly underserved and we need more bikers on the road,” Royeca emphasized.
“We will try our best to be compliant with government rules and regulations,’ Royeca declared. “And I would like to reinforce on public record that we have always and will continue to work with government regulators and not against them. But on the same breath, we ask for fairness, in consideration of all the hard work we have done to comply with government regulators since last year.”
