Backroom talents in ABS-CBN’s ‘Pasion de Amor’

ABS-CBN’s new show Pasion de Amor will feature two new faces: former varsity athlete turned aspiring actor and model Benj Bolivar, and Century Tuna Superbods grand winner Mauro ‘Maui’ Lumba, who join the cast of the sizzling primetime drama that airs right before TV Patrol.

Pasion de Amor, which is directed by Eric Quizon and premiered last June 1 on the Kapamilya network,is the  story of love and revenge between two sets of siblings, the Samonte brothers (played by Joseph Marco, Ejay Falcon and Jake Cuenca) and the Elizondo sisters (Ellen Adarna, Arci Munoz and Coleen Garcia). The original was first aired in 2007 and featured Mexican superstar Mario Cimarro in the lead role.

 In this currently-airing ‘Filipinized’ version, Benj plays the best friend and co-worker of Joseph Marco’s character. “The story is, I met him at this bar called Armada na owned by the family ng mga Elizondo sisters. Si Joseph, nag-apply doon. Ako ang naging best friend niya. Matagal na ako dun sa bar, kaya marami akong alam na family secrets ng magkakapatid.”

The show is Benj’s first acting assignment since Moon of Desire, which was almost a year ago. Benj was surprised when he got the callback from the show’s staff. “Nag-audition ako, nu’ng nagpa-go-see sila ilang months ago,” he says. “Di ko nga inexpect ang callback, hanggang tinawagan nila ako at sinabing na-shortlist daw ako.”

He’s been learning a lot from his co-stars, especially Joseph Marco who, like him started out modeling until he got his big break in showbiz. He’s been advising Benj to be patient with the pace of his career. “Ine-encourage niya ako lagi,” says Benj. “Wag daw ako maiinip, and to just take it one day at a time daw.”


But Benj’s bigger goal is to eventually make his mark as an indie film actor. He dreams of doing gritty character roles like the one done by his idol, Hollywood actor Michael McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club, the Oscar-nominated film about a Texas electrician who suffers from AIDS.
According to Benj, he’d be willing to do any role or character—he’s even open to gay roles or play a serial killer—as long as what he’s asked to do is essential to the story. “Okay lang naman sa akin,” he says. “Lalo kung kinakailangan talaga.”


          Meanwhile, Century Tuna Superbod winner Mauro ‘Maui’ Lumba also wants to try doing character roles, and he finally gets his chance with his role in Pasion de Amor, where he plays a kontrabida-type role as one of several ‘goons’ employed by the Samonte brothers as they exact revenge for the death of their sister. It might not be a major role or guarantee a lot of screen exposure, but as far as Maui is concerned, it’s a step in the right direction, acting-wise. It’s what every beginner or newbie like him dreams of.

          Of course, there are still many things he longs to do to prove that there is room for him in this business. “Mahilig talaga ako sa mga action films and roles,” says Maui, who longs to prove that there’s more to him than just his good looks and hunky body. “Actually, ang dream ko, maging action star. Gusto ko sana buhayin ‘yung action genre ulit.”

Maui’s goal—aside from being an ambassador for health and wellness—is to prove that he is different and has the potential to stand out from among all the newcomers now angling for a spot in showbiz. Says Maui: “I just want to be different just by being consistent, but ‘yung roles sana, iba-iba and not always the same. I want to be challenged in different ways. Gusto ko din na ‘yung look ko, maiba sa ibang mga artista.”

          Like Benj, he’s willing to go out on a limb and take a risk with his roles and assignments. He’s excited to see what the future holds. “I really want to be an actor,” says Maui.
          He feels that all the guidance he’s received, the workshops and training he’s attended will really help him achieve his goal.  “Kailangan lang siyempre, tiyaga, and to be patient and believe in yourself,” he says philosphically. “Things will happen at the right time.”

Monster Energy Drink Lets You Experience Japan with Professional Rally Driver Ken Block.

What makes Monster Energy drink different from the rest of the energy drinks?

Aside of course from giving you the much needed boost to keep you going stronger,  Monster also gives you the chance to visit the Land of the Rising Sun to meet Professional Rally Driver  Ken Block as he drifts his Ford fiesta at the Gymkhana grid course.

Monster Energy and Ellen Adarna dares you to Unleash the BEAST with the KEN BLOCK’s JAPAN EXPERIENCE promo.

Monster Energy Drink is gearing up to unleash professional rally driver phenomenon Ken Block in Japan in July with the “2014 Ken Block’s Japan Experience”! Block will be in Japan, along with the top drift series, D1, and 16 of their best drivers for an all-out energy-filled weekend you won’t want to miss.
Roughly 10,000 spectators gathered in 2013 to enjoy the sounds of the engines and the intoxicating smell of burning rubber, and 2014 will be even bigger and better, including new obstacles, top racers and notable Monster athletes and personalities.

Monster will be showcasing Ken’s Ford Fiesta ST car across the country, culminating in two final days of Gymkhana on July 26 and 27, and ultimately, a YouTube release of the entire program for fans to enjoy.
Gymkhana is a motorsport phenomenon gaining popularity across the globe.  Similar to autocross, gymkhana courses are complex routes filled with various obstacles that drivers must navigate through, racing against the clock as they go in an attempt to finish with the fastest time.  Beyond just being a skilled driver, memorizing the course is a significant part of achieving a fast time.

Once the flag drops at the starting line, the driver must maneuver through a predetermined “track” performing many different driving techniques. What separates gymkhana from traditional autocross events is that the gymkhana requires drivers to perform reversals, 180 degree spins, 360 degree spins, parking boxes, figure 8s, and other mind blowing skills. Drifting is also encouraged where helpful or necessary. Essentially, a gymkhana is any event featuring a starting point, a finish line and some sort of “obstacle” to get through, around, or by, all within a certain time limit.  However, if you are thinking of competing or riding along in an event with Monster Energy and Ken Block, you better get ready to take it to the next level with features such military tanks, giant dinosaurs, beautiful Monster Girls, and other surprises.

This year, three lucky fans plus a guest will get a chance to meet Ken Block and check out his new ride in the Land of the Rising Sun. What’s more, the winning auto enthusiasts will be accompanied by showbiz’s most desirable, Ellen Adarna!

For your chance to join Ken Block in Japan, be sure to pick up a Monster Energy Drink at any participating store nationwide & text “MONSTER <OR#/store location>” to 2600. The complete details of the mechanics can be found at www.monsterenergy.com.

Mechanics:
How to join and who are eligible to join:
For a texter to qualify, he/she must:
a) be a subscriber of Smart, Talk n Text, Sun Cellular, Globe or TM, whether in post paid or pre- paid plans;
b) be at least 15 years old
c) be registered to MONSTER ENERGY DREAM RIDE PROMO. 
d) have purchased any variant of Monster Energy drink in participating stores nationwide within the promo period.
e) have sent the Official Receipt Number of the purchase by texting MONSTER <OR#/store location> to 2600. (Example: MONSTER 1234567/ABC Supermarket Makati). P2.50/txt for Globe, TM, Smart & TnT; P2/txt for Sun Cellular.
f) have sent his/her entry within February 15 to April 15, 2014

How to earn entries in the raffle:
1. Buy any variant of Monster Energy drink between February 15 to April 15, 2014 and text the official receipt number to 2600. Each OR# submitted will be awarded 1 raffle entry (regardless of how many Monster Energy drinks purchased).
Syntax: MONSTER <OR#/store location> to 2600. (Example: MONSTER 1234567/ABC Supermarket Makati).
2. Entries with the correct syntax will receive a confirmation of their entry
3. An Official Receipt Number can only be used once. (Part of the verification process is for the potential winner to produce the winning Official Receipt together with the winning SIM card).

How to register for the weekly raffle:    
1. Subscribers have to register to validate their entries for the raffle. Only one name per mobile number is allowed, but a user may register his/her name using several mobile numbers.
2. To register, subscribers have to enter the following information in the correct format and sequence as shown below.
Txt MONSTER REG <name/address/age> to 2600.
Example: MONSTER REG Jo Uy/#4 Atis St, Cubao/30.
3. Registration is one-time and is free of charge.

Besides the grand experience, other prizes include, Monster Energy Gears (inclusive of shirt, cap, hoodie, backpack) and Ken Block Rally Fiesta RC Cars.

The grand draw will be held on April 21, 2014.