Mia The Movie: Blackouts and Bru

In #MiaTheMovie, 
They say time heals all wounds pero paano kung hindi lang nasugat, kundi nawasak at tuluyan nang nadurog ang puso mo? 

Kaya si Mia (Coleen Garcia) pilit dinaraan na lang sa alak ang sakit, para makatulog, para makalimot, kaya lang literal na nagigising sya na walang alaala kung sino, saan, at ano ang ginawa nya. 

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Magaling si Coleen sa paganap niya bilang si Mia and parang mas maganda siya kapag bare face lang and no heavy make up.

Bakas din sa mukha nya ang sakit na dinadala  nya at napaisip pa nga ako kung talaga bang alcoholic sya dahil natural ang kanyang pag arte. 

Bilang Nanay nga, pati ako nagalala kung ano nga ba ang pinag gagawa ni Mia kapag nalalasing at nagbblack out sya. 

Na ilock ba nya ang pintuan ng bahay dahil baka pasukin na lang sya sa bahay o pagsamantalahan ng masasamang loob. 

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Maganda ang pagkaka produce ng pelikula. Hindi mukhang tinipid at I love the movie's cinematography, the drone shots, and pati na din ang mga trivia na hinihirit ni Edgar Allan Guzman. 

Magaling din si EA at kahit unang beses lang sila nagpartner ni Coleen maganda ang mga scenes nila together. As expected mahusay din ang supporting cast lalo na si William Martinez at Yayo Aguila. 

Pero ang agaw eksena at malamang hindi agad malilimutan ay si Bru.. Ang Bromelia plant na naging karamay ni Mia. 

Para sa mga mahilig sa RomCom, mag eenjoy kayo sa pelikula, lalo na kung sawa ka na sa mga natitirang mga MMFF movies at sa mga nalipasan ng mga English movies ngayong linggo.

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 perfect pre-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 healing comes 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. 

* Photos by Orange Magazine TV

McJim’s “Pitaka” (The Wallet), “Sinturon” (Belt), and “Bag” have been selected to compete in a total of 22 prestigious film festivals

True to its enduring values of quality, style, and elegance, trusted leather goods brand McJim Classic Leather is unstoppable as it continues to gain international recognition for its troika of masterfully produced short films under its “Get Reel” online campaign, just over a year after its debut video, “Pitaka,” made waves in the internet.

 Director and PR entrepreneur Chris Cahilig attributes the success of McJim’s short films to the brand’s adherence to its timeless philosophy of quality, style, and elegance.



McJim’s “Pitaka” (The Wallet), “Sinturon” (Belt), and “Bag” have been selected to complete in a total of 22 prestigious film festivals—as of this writing—in the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Australia, Mexico, and Venezuela, a record-breaking feat for a commercial brand.

“Pitaka,” the first of the three short films, was recently chosen as finalist in the 2018 Wales International Film Festival and received nomination for an award on October 4.



Chris Cahilig, the director and executive producer of the three short films, said that the successive recognitions that the McJim viral videos has been getting abroad is proof that even branded shorts can be at par with the quality of commercially produced films.

“With its advocacy of delivering superior quality to its consumers, McJim is able to prove that it can produce not only world-class leather goods but also world-class films that are able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the international market. This is because the brand has always faithfully adhered to its timeless philosophy of style, quality, and elegance,” says Cahilig.

“McJim remains committed to bring out the best of the Filipino before the world. The numerous recognitions that its short films are getting are proof that the brand has been successful in carrying out this goal,” he notes.

Karl Medina and Art Artienda breathe life into “Pitaka’s” strong and relatable narrative, which extols Filipino family values of sacrifice and perseverance


Apart from the Wales International Film Fest, “Pitaka” was earlier selected to participate in international film festivals in Italy and the US, namely San Mauro Torinese International Film Festival 2018; Cefalu Film Festival in Palermo; Diwa Filipino Film Showcase of Seattle 2018; Culture of Life Film Festival 2018 in Memphis City; 2019 Dramatic Shorts Film Festival in Denver; and Los Angeles CineFest 2019.

“Pitaka” depicts fraternal love and the Filipino elders’ sense of responsibility as exemplified by Kuya, portrayed in the film by Karl Medina, who sets aside his personal dreams to provide for his younger brother, a character played by 1:43’s Art Artienda.

Following in the wake of “Pitaka” is the quirkier and more daring “Sinturon” (The Belt), which tackles marital fidelity and features Mercedes Cabral and Kiko Matos. “Sinturon” made it to three international film fests, namely Nebrody Film Fest and Corti A Sud-Polla In Corto in Italy, and Love Shorts Film Festival 2019 in the US.

“Bag” starring Ross Pesigan and Wayne Avellano earns praises for its honest and straightforward portrayal of gay-straight friendships.



The LGBT-themed “Bag,” the last of the three short films, snagged 12 official selections for McJim in international film festivals for its honest portrayal of a gay-straight friendship. It follows the story of an openly gay young professional Paolo (Ross Pesigan), who, after a series of bad breakups, finds comfort and refuge in his straight best friend Carlo (Wayne Avellano).

“McJim may be a male brand, but it shows its modern and mature view of gender issues through a gay-themed and stereotype-breaking content like ‘Bag.’ What makes McJim’s short films a cut above the rest is how it tackles values and attitudes that build our society as a better and more progressive one,” says Cahilig.

The bold move has definitely paid off as “Bag” is poised to join the following film fests: the First International LGBTQ Coming of Age Short Films Festival, which will be held simultaneously in Paris, France, and San Francisco in September this year; the Los Angeles CineFest 2019; the 2018 LGBTQ Shorts Film Festival; the International Shorts Film Festival (Australia) 2018; Outflix Film Festival 2018 in Memphis; QUEER-Streifen Regensburg 2018 in Germany; Shorts Mexico 2018, the largest international shorts film fest in Latin America; 

Five Continents International Film Festival 2018 in Venezuela; OutReels Cincinnati 2018; London International Motion Pictures Awards 2019, Queerbee LGBT Film Festival 2018 in London; and 2019 Dramatic Shorts Film Festival in Denver.

Behind Pitaka’s visually poetic direction of photography is Cesca Lee, known for the films T.P.O., Purgatoryo, and Otso. “Sinturon” and “Bag,” meanwhile, were shot by the equally talented cinematographer Patrick Ferrer. Archie del Mundo wrote the screenplay and was also line producer for the three short films.

For generations now, McJim Classic Leather has been the leading and trusted brand for classic leather goods and accessories of superior quality and design.

For more information, visit and like the official McJim Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMcJIM/.

Filipino boyband 1:43's "Trapik Tralala" enjoys heavy airplay on FM radio stations

Love in the time of traffic gridlock in 1:43's comeback single "Trapik Tralala"


TRAFFIC congestion wastes your precious time. And it may also cost you your love life.

This is the bittersweet theme of revitalized Filipino boyband 1:43’s comeback single titled “Trapik Tralala,” which speaks of a young man’s growing exasperation as he finds himself stuck in traffic on his way to see the girl of his dreams.

Composed by OPM icon Jim Paredes and arranged by Sonic State Audio Studio’s Jonathan Ong, “Trapik Tralala” was originally a part of the APO’s 1996 album Dating Alternatib but which was not released as a single, then.

“Pagod na pagod, inis na inis, sa haba ng trapik, sa tulo ng pawis / banas na banas mukhang hindi aabot / Inip na inip sa kahihintay, na-lowbat ang cellphone wala pang powerbank / Walang magawa kundi maghintay lamang,” goes the song’s intro.

The guy fails to make it to his date but what the hey, he opts to look at the brighter side of things—he composed a song while stuck in traffic.

“Sa tagal ng trapik nalanta ang sabik, ang balak na pag-ibig ay naunsyami / nasayang na ang gas, pagkakatao’y nawaldas / Hindi na umabot, hindi na nakita, ang balak na pag-ibig ay na-tralala / Di bale, okay lang, nakagawa naman ng kanta,” the ditty goes.

Although it has yet to be released on various digital music platforms, “Trapik Tralala” is already enjoying heavy airplay on FM radio stations nationwide. On September 1, Friday, it will be available on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, and Deezer in over 240 countries worldwide.

Chris Cahilig, 1:43 founder and manager, is confident that “Trapik Tralala” will resonate with millennials, young office workers, and the new generation of music lovers whose professional and romantic lives are often jeopardized by the metro’s worsening traffic problem.

“Trapik Tralala is a song so close to home that nearly everyone can relate to it. After all, it shows that love can be tricky—when traffic gets in the way. The band had a great time recording it, and the fact that it is an original APO composition shows how 1:43 is totally committed to promote OPM,” Cahilig relates.

He further points out that despite the horror stories involving traffic, “Trapik Tralala shows that there are ways to turn things around and making music is one of them.”

The revitalized 1:43 features four talented and charismatic young men in the persons of Art Artienda, Ced Miranda, Jason Allen Estroso, and Wayne Avellano. The band bagged the 2013 Star Awards for Music Song of the Year for the monster hit “Sa Isang Sulyap Mo” and scored the “Most Promising Performing and Recording Group” recognition in the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation’s 45th Box-Office Entertainment Awards.

Aside from the monster hit “Sa Isang Sulyap Mo,” 1:43 also popularized the songs “Hayop Sa Ganda,” “Pag-Ibig na Kaya,” and “Ang Saya-Saya,” which became the official theme song of the GMA-7 sitcom “Ismol Family.”

1:43 is co-managed by Cahilig and Mario Colmenares of Primetime Events and Talent Management. For booking inquiries, interested parties may send a message at chriscahilig@gmail.com or primetimetalents@gmail.com, or through the 1:43 Facebook page.

Alex Medina is so good even when he’s bad

Alex Medina is one of those actors who exudes a roguish charm that reminds me a lot like my showbiz crush Robin Padilla. although he has been a staple in the Indie scene for the past few years, I must admit that the first movie I saw him in was Heneral Luna. But despite his limited screen time in the movie, his scenes were among the ones that I remember most.

In Echorsis, however, Alex Medina gets most of the screen time as Karlo, the sweet talking gigolo who victimizes gay men into falling in love with him and filling his wallet.

Chris Cahilig and Alex Medina

Much like his father, respected character actor Pen Medina, Alex showcases his acting chops in every scene, I even noticed some of  those in the cinema beside me swooning just like his victims on screen.

And as he makes the 180 degree switch from gigolo to someone who is possessed by a vengeful gay spirit, Alex ably conveys to the viewers his internal struggle despite delivering some of the funniest lines in the movie.

Alex Medina stars in gay horror comedy "Echorsis"

I am a fan of  the Medina family, I love how they give justice to any role, acting wise.   I never knew about  Alex Medina  until I saw the movie "Heneral Luna". After watching him played the bit role of Capt Jose Bernal, I prayed that someday he will do another movie again, and I would of course watch it. Then an invite from 'Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good And Evil” arrived in my email, a week before the premiere.  Surprisingly, Alex Medina could really act and effortlessly at that. I love how he delivered his lines with conviction as a gay charismatic gigolo who was hell bent on swindling money to his gay lovers. This guy is oozing with sex appeal, he has the looks, and charms. Truly the son of Pen Medina, Alex is a natural.  If youre a fan ,watch this movie and have a good laugh along the way.




 Producer Chris Cahilig graced  the premiere of Echorsis  last April 3 at SM North Edsa together with lead actors Alex Medina, Kean Cipriano, John Lapus, 143 band and the few cast of the movie. The film is directed by award winning director Lemuel Lorca of Ned's Project fame.

JUST LIKE any independently produced Filipino film, “Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good And Evil” by critically acclaimed director Lemuel Lorca is at risk of being pulled out of movie houses if it doesn’t perform well on its first day.

Thus, the cast and crew of the much anticipated horror-comedy film appeal to Filipino moviegoers to watch “Echorsis” on April 13, its opening day.

“Sana sumugod sa sinehan ang milyon-milyong nag-aabang sa ‘Echorsis’ sa opening day pa lang para manatili ito sa line up ng mga pelikula,” says Alex Medina, who plays the lead role of a gay-swindling gigolo in the movie.

“Naranasan namin sa ‘Heneral Luna’ na matanggal dahil mahina ang benta ng ticket nung first day,” he relates. “Mabuti na lang naging matagumpay ang campaign sa social media na madagdagan ang mga sinehan.”

In “Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good and Evil,” Medina portrays the role of Carlo, a sweet-tongued and charismatic gigolo, who was possessed by a gay spirit after the death of his lover Kristoff (John Lapus).

The film, which likewise topbills Callalily vocalist Kean Cipriano as Father Nick, was written by Jerry Gracio and produced by Chris Cahilig of Insight 360. It is rated R13 by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

Lapus is optimistic that Filipino audiences—particularly the lesbian, gays, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community—will rally behind “Echorsis.” However, he encourages them to come out and watch the film on its first day, to ensure its long run in the cinemas.

“Nababasa namin sa comments sa official trailer ng Echorsis na maraming naghihintay na ipalabas ito. Sana lang maglabasan sila sa April 13 kasama ng kanilang mga friends para manood bago pa maging huli ang lahat,” he stresses.

According to Cahilig, “Echorsis” is an intelligent and out-of-the-box brand of comedy.

“The Filipino moviegoers are ready for a black comedy like ‘Echorsis.’ The box-office records of well-made films such as ‘That Thing Called Tadhana,’ ‘English Only,’ and ‘Heneral Luna’ gave us the courage to push through with the project despite its unconventional plot,” explains the producer.

“I am confident that apart from enjoying the patronage of the LGBT community, ‘Echorsis’ will likewise lure the straight population to the cinemas because of its organic humor and its message of love, forgiveness, and acceptance,” says Cahilig.

“Echorsis” takes pride in bringing together a powerful and award-winning production team led by Lorca, who recently won the best picture trophy in CineFilipino for his film “Ned’s Project.” He is joined by cinematographer Sasha Palomares, editor Benjamin Tolentino, production designer Paul Infante, assistant director Lorna Sanchez, line producer Sarah Pagkalinawan-Brakensiek, and production manager Rowena Concepcion. International composer and arranger Jonathan Ong and his Sonic State Studio team did the music and scoring.

“Echorsis” has been the talk of the town even weeks prior to its April 13 opening in cinemas nationwide. Its official trailer has so far gone viral and received over four million views.

Completing the ensemble cast of “Echorsis” are Alessandra de Rossi, Chokoleit, Kiray Celis, Mich Liggayu, Ruby Ruiz, Negi Negra, Bekimon, Nico Antonio, Francine Garcia, Odette Khan, and 1:43’s Yuki Sakamoto, Anjo Resurreccion, Gold Aquino, and Yheen Valero. 

“Echorsis” is supported by BellaVita Land Corp. and McJim Classic Leather.