Kiko Rustia produces and hosts new show ‘Dis Is Pinas’

Kiko Rustia is taking a new challenge in his career. After hosting “Born to Be Wild” with Dr. Ferds Recio, he is making a big leap by being the host and producer of his own show titled “Dis Is Pinas” which will be aired on GMA News TV starting April 5, Saturday, from 11:30 to 12 noon.

Kiko is a businessman-traveler-TV host who can’t get enough of the world. In his earnest quest to learn about the importance of nature and heritage sites, he will travel around the country to meet the local residents and hear their stories. In this program, Kiko will show us the value of protecting our environment, preserving our culture and remembering our history.

In his thirst for knowledge, his first venture is to know more about his ancestral town. Kiko will travel back to Ilocos and tell viewers about his new discoveries while backpacking. The first episode will feature the controversy of the Tirad Pass, the first Ilocano migrants to the US, the Malacañang of the North and the tribes of Ilocos.

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The premiere night of the indie film “Echoserang Frog,” the launching movie of Shalala, a TV5 talent and former co-host of German Moreno in “Walang Tulugan,” was held Monday at Fisher Mall, a newly opened mall in Quezon City. It was the first time a movie premiere was held at its premises.

Present at the premiere screening was lead star Shalala, his director Joven Tan, and his manager Noel Ferrer who announced that “Echoserang Frog” was able to get 30 theaters for its opening day today.

“We just want to make an entertaining movie where we can all have a good laugh,” said Direk Joven who thought of giving Shalala a break in the movies three years ago. Last year, he sat with Shalala and Noel to discuss with them “Echosarang Frog” to be Shalala’s first solo starrer.

“We just want the people to be entertained. Wala naman pretension ang pelikula namin. Gusto lang namin na makapagbigay ng aliw sa mga tao. Hindi naman mabigat ang tema ng movie,” said the former showbiz magazine editor-turned director.

“Echoserang Frog” casts Shalala as a simple person who loves to do acting jobs, even bit roles. When a lawyer tells him that he inherited a million pesos from a relative, Shalala decided to produce an indie film. The process of doing an indie film with a small budget provides the framework for the story.

“Ipapakita namin sa movie ni Shalala ang normal na nangyayari sa isang production ng indie film like sa casting, catering, budgeting, yung mga realidad sa paggawa ng movie. Hindi kami nagpapatawa pero the situations are funny,” Direk Joven said.

Lending Shalala support are Derek Ramsay, Alvin and Angelo Patrimonio, German Moreno, Edgar Allan Guzman, Lilia Cuntapay, Kiray Celis, Amy Perez and a lot more.

Shalala admits losing sleep and getting butterflies in his stomach now that his solo film is about to be shown. “I feel as if I am going to die because of sheer nervousness. I know having a solo movie is a big risk but we are praying that ‘Echoserang Frog’ makes money. Basta bumalik lang ang puhunan ng mga producers ko, I’d be happy,” said Shalala who was almost in tears when he addressed the people who attended the premiere.

“Hindi pwedeng wala si Kuya Germs sa movie ko dahil malaki ang utang na loob ko sa kanya. Kung anuman ang na-achieve ko sa ngayon, malaking bagay doon ay dahil kay Kuya Germs dahil siya ang unang nagtiwala sa akin na may puwang ako sa showbiz,” said Shalala. He also thanked the stars who agreed to appear for free in his solo movie. “I will be forever grateful for their support. Never did I imagine I will do a solo movie. But I am thankful for the opportunity. And I am praying hard na suportahan kami ng mga tao.”

“Echoserang Frog” opens today in cinemas nationwide.

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Lawyer Vince Tanada, founder and president of Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF), is proud of the accomplishments of his theater company. Their most recent production titled “Bonifacio: Isang Sarswela” had a total number of 449 shows held in various places all over the Philippines, both in Metro Manila and in the provinces. We had the chance to watch its last performance at the Adamson University two weeks ago.

PSF recently celebrated their 13th anniversary and in their celebration, Lawyer Vince proudly said that their partnership with Department of Education had been most fruitful in pushing their advocacy to make theater a tool for learning and to make theater more accessible to the public.

PSF  is now preparing for their next production to be staged in July. Titled “Filipinas,” this is another original play written by Lawyer Vince with World War II as backdrop.  They presented excerpts from “Filipinas” during their event at the Diamond Hotel and we were impressed.

Lawyer Vince was named New Movie Actor of the Year of PMPC Star Awards for the Elwood Perez film “Otso” and said his victory was a pleasant surprise. He wasn’t expecting anything, and just came to the awards night because he was nominated. “Win or lose, I wanted to be there to show my appreciation for being nominated,” he said.

He just finished a new film titled “Esoterica Manila” which topbills singing idol Ronnie Liang and directed by Elwood Perez.