It's Me, Gracee: Martin Del Rosario

Martin Del Rosario in his most challenging role as BARBS in BORN BEAUTIFUL

Barbs Born Beautiful Thursday, January 17, 2019

GMA Artist Center star Martin Del Rosario proves that versatility is the key when it comes to shining brighter in the showbiz industry as he portrays his most challenging role to date, as "Barbs" in "Born Beautiful" which is the most awaited sequel of Die Beautiful that focused on the life and death of Trisha, best friend of Barbs. This movie earned awards and not to mention raving reviews in 2016.

People were all expecting that Christian Bables will be playing the role after the successful movie but tables have been turned and fast forward to the present, Martin Del Rosario proved that he has definitely catch the attention of the netizens when the trailer of Born Beautiful was released. Everyone loved how beautiful Martin looked as Barbs and how he nailed his role as a transgender.

Martin plays the role of Barbs, a transgender who sets out on her own adventures following the death of her best friend Trisha which was played by Paolo Ballesteros. After Trisha's death, Barbs continues to join beauty pageants and becomes torn between two men.

Martin shared why he accepted the role as Barbs, he also watched the movie "Die Beautiful" saying, "Gandang ganda ako sa movie, it's an honor to be part of the sequel kahit na fall back ako hindi ako yung original talaga na cast dito tinaggap ko pa rin sya kasi it's a challenge - challenge accepted, gusto ko talaga sya gawin pangalawa, gumawa na din ako ng movie before with IdeaFirst yung Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B, alam ko yung tiwala nila Direk Perci and Direk Jun na sobrang quality at magaganda talaga yung ginagawa nila na films."

Coming from a successful film Die Beautiful, how does Martin feel doing the sequel of the movie? "I feel pressured, but at the same time, Honored na ako ang napili nina Direk Perci Intalan and Direk Jun Lana. Of course people will be expecting a lot from the sequel and from me as the new Barbs pero naniniwala naman ako na ginawa namin ang lahat para pagandahin or at the very least, pantayan yung success ng Die Beautiful.

Since Paolo Ballesteros made an award winning performance as Trisha in Die Beautiful, Martin shared that Paolo shared some tips when they were together during the shoot. Paolo taught him how to fix artificial nails using mighty bond then how to have boobs when he is wearing his sexy outfits then how to fix his hair since he will be wearing a lot of wigs in the film, all the beauty tips came from Paolo and Martin said he is thankful to him because even from the start he has been very supportive of him playing the role of Barbs.

For Martin, the preparations went beyond the usual acting workshops and required a complete physical transformation, "I had to go on a strict diet to shed pounds para naman maayos akong tingnan sa mga damit na pambabae. I avoided working out para mawala yung muscles ko habang nagpapapayat ako. Then nag aral din ako nag tamang walk, nag attend ako ng two sessions kay Wilma Doesnt. Pero ang pinaka mahirap sa lahat yung waxing experience na hindi ko talaga kinaya. I ended up shaving the rest of my body hair na lang. And of course I have to psyche myself prior to actually getting into the character. Mahirap and complex ang character ni Barbs kaya kinailangan ko talaga pag aralan."

Martin described his journey as Barbs in Born Beautiful as, "Mahirap, ito yung pinaka challenging na ginawa ko sa buong career ko pero at the same time ito yung pinaka fulfilling bukod sa ito yung biggest break na nakuha ko, ang daming mga first time na nagawa ko dito, grabe yung preparations, hindi lang dun sa kissing scenes, physically din."

Martin added that he has a lot of realizations after doing the film saying that a lot of the LGBT community has experienced one way or the other of having problems being accepted by the society, there's still a struggle with acceptance even at this time and age plus it doesn't matter what gender a person is, we all deserved to be loved and give love.

Martin Del Rosario has been a Kapuso since 2014, he has been part of several notable and top rating teleseryes of GMA Network such as Buena Familia, Pinulot Ka Lang sa Lupa, Mulawin VS Ravena, Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka.

BORN BEAUTIFUL is under the direction of Perci Intalan and Juna Lana. Showing on January 23 in cinemas nationwide!

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GMA Network's advoca-serye HINDI KO KAYANG IWAN KA premieres on February 26 via GMA Afternoon Prime

Entertainment Sunday, February 25, 2018

GMA Network always makes it a point that they don't just create teleseryes out of nowhere, they always create something that will stand out - story-wise, relatable, notable performances by actors and actresses and a story where viewers can learn.

Beginning February 26, GMA Network proudly unveils its first-ever "advoca-serye" in Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka, topbilled by Yasmien Kurdi, Martin del Rosario, Jackie Rice, and Mike Tan.

This Afternoon Prime soap, which tackles one of the most serious and fatal diseases in the world, brings to light the struggles of a woman who is HIV positive and how she battles her own frailties and demons in life.

"Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka" is topbilled by GMA Network's prime actors Mike Tan and Martin Del Rosario together with Ms. Yasmien Kurdi.

During the exclusive screening of Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka, the cast shared details about their advoca-serye. All of them said that this is a project that is really worth saying YES to, people will learn more about HIV.

Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka follows the life of Thea who, after marrying Marco and raising their fraternal twins together, her blissful life shatters when she tests positive for HIV. Without knowing who she got it from, Marco is led to believe that she cheated on him and files for legal separation, taking their kids with him. Her disease worsens and she loses her will to live. But when she unexpectedly meets her daughter a few years later, she finds it in herself to fight more than just HIV--her greatest opponent, herself.

Joining them in this ground-breaking project are multi-talented and versatile artists: award-winning film actress and TV director Gina Alajar as Adelaida Angeles, Marco's elitist and territorial mother who always resorts to schemes in order to get what she wants; Shamaine Buencamino as Magda Balagtas, Thea's superstitious mother who will fight with her through and through; Charee Pineda as Anna Balagtas, Thea's older sister who deeply cares for her mother and sibling; Ina Feleo as Sofia Angeles, Marco's older and principled sister who is a doting aunt to the twins; Mike "Pekto" Nacua as Tantoy Cruz, Thea's cousin who will fight for her; Catherine Rem as Olga Cruz, Thea's feisty cousin who works and resides in Manila; Caprice Cayetano as Angela Angeles, the daughter of Thea and Marco who grows up as a daddy's girl; Seth Dela Cruz as Maurice Angeles, Thea and Marco's son among the

fraternal twins.

Yasmien breathes life to Thea Balagtas, a simple provincial girl with a promising career as a public accountant. She falls in love with Marco and marries him. Eventually, they are blessed with fraternal twins whom they love very much.

Mike is Marco Angeles, a handsome and charming lad who falls in love with Thea and marries her despite his mother's refusal. He remains independent and grounded even though he was born rich.

Martin is Lawrence De Leon, Thea's college friend from a well-off family. Secretly, he is in love with her even though he dates a lot of women and develops HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) from this.

Yasmien shared her experience on her remarkable role and how she adjusted and did her own research about her role having a fatal disease.

Hindi Ko Kayang Iwas Ka is also a project of Direk Maryo J. Delos Reyes before he passed away last January. The cast shared how memorable it is to work with him and what they've learned from him.

After watching the pilot episode of Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka, I must say that this is yet another must-watch teleserye of GMA Network. I actually love the on-screen chemistry of Mike Tan and Yasmien Kurdi, plus the get together of Starstruck alumina is really exciting proving that after the artista search, they've all come a long way now. Ms. Gina Alajar's performance here is really worth watching as well,s he's like the Cruella De Vil of the Philippine afternoon prime, her lines as the antagonist will surely be one for the books.

The series aims to raise HIV awareness and educate viewers on its effects upon a person's life through an intriguing drama--that even in our weaknesses, strength can be found if we only rise and have the courage to fight for our loved ones and ourselves.

Under the direction of Neal del Rosario, don't miss Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka beginning February 26 after The Stepdaughters on GMA Afternoon Prime.

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Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23 B: Official Entry to Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino showing from August 16-22

Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B Sunday, August 13, 2017

The first time that I watched Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B was during the Quezon City International Film Festival or QCinema 2016. It was produced by IdeaFirst Company of Direk Jun Robles Lana and Perci Intalan.

This year, Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B is part of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino which is under The Film Development Council of the Philippines. There are12 films that will participate in the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, scheduled from August 16-22.

The line-up is a mixture of different genres, with some films making their Philippine screening debut.

Fortunately, I was given a chance to watch the movie again during its special screening at UP Film Institute with fellow bloggers, film enthusiasts and students.

I felt like I was a student again especially after watching the film and seeing all these students eager to ask questions about the film and to the cast as well. The venue was jam packed plus I noticed that everyone's really attentive while watching the film, they scream to the intense parts and they all applaud after the watching the film too.

Unlike any other horror movies, Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B features a lady (Jewel - Ryza Cenon) who not only transforms into a Manananggal but also have a soft heart that she only opened to Nico (Martin Del Rosario). Jewel used to be reserved and just silent but when she met Nico, they shared a lot of things in common which includes having a pet turtle. Nico named his turtle Dumbledore while Jewel named hers Edward.

They've been constantly hanging out to the point where Jewel finally got close with Nico's Grandmother and she was treated like part of the family. Until news break out about mysterious killings in the metro and the big similarity with all the dead bodies are: They all have a missing heart. It was a bloody kill and most of them were Male and had a big poster of "Pusher Ako" with them.

Ryza portrayed not just a typical manananggal but a manananggal that is triggered by sexual urges, the aftermath is that she transforms into a manananggal then the rest is history. Although it was not really mentioned in the movie how she became like this, most manananggal stories got this in their bloodline which also explains how Jewel became one.

According to Ryza, when they shot those delicate scenes, she needed an hour before the shoot so that she can condition herself. She said that it was needed in the story which is why she gave them her go signal. It terms of being typecast and getting more sexy and daring roles after this movie, according to Ryza, for as long as the script is good and it will help the movie, why not but she still needs to review the material. For me, she perfectly nailed the role, with her sexy and fit body, I think girls will be more inspired to achieve the bod of Ryza Cenon, indeed she is one of the most beautiful and talented actress in the industry. I just hope she'll get to portray more "bida" roles in the future, let the girl get her own spotlight because she deserves it.

Martin on the other hand portrays a different role in this movie compared to his usual roles in his past projects. In this movie, he is the typical boy-next-door. A guy who takes very good care of his grand mother and is recovering from a bad break up after her girl friend ditches him for someone who is much powerful and has a lot of money. Martin can very well portray any given role, from bida to kontrabida, name it, he can very well deliver it.

Do Martin and Ryza believe that Manananggals exist?

Ryza said she believes that they do, she've heard a lot of stories about it. Martin said that he wanted to believe that they do exist but he needs to see it first before he can totally believe that they really do exist.

I just loved one question from a student who asked the main cast specifically Ryza and Martin, if Jewel and Nico will be married someday, will there be a chance that they will call one another as "My Other Half", this is, by far one of the sweetest, cutest and brainy question of the night that made everyone laugh and applaud, but Martin's response is way clever, "I'd like to call Jewel, My Better Half". Indeed. Uwian na, May nanalo na!

“Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B” opens in cinemas nationwide August 16 as part of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino. Directed by Prime Cruz.

Rated R-16 by the MTRCB.

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Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B: The most daring & challenging role of Ryza Cenon

Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B Thursday, October 20, 2016

There are different kinds of aswang. One of which is what we call manananggal. The ‘Manananggal’ is one of the most famous mythical creatures in Philippine folklore. Almost everyone have heard about the Manananggal, either from stories by older relatives or seen them featured in movies and television shows.

The name Manananggal comes from the Tagalog word “tanggal” which means detach. Manananggal literary means “one who detaches.” It is believed that they split or separate half of their body, to hunt for food.Since they are a kind of aswang, they hunt for same food, fresh blood, fetus, human organs especially heart and liver.

Many have claimed that they have indeed seen a "Manananggal" but none really showed any evidence of it. Since then, a lot of movies and tv shows used this as their main subject especially come Halloween season.

Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B is produced by IdeaFirst Company of Direk Jun Robles Lana and Perci Intalan. It is part of this year’s Quezon City International Film Festival or QCinema which will be held from October 15 to 22.

During our interview with the lead stars of Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B, both Martin and Ryza shared how they enjoyed filming the movie. According to them, filming a horror movie always bring the excitement in them but for this movie, the spotlight is on Ryza since she has a lot of daring scenes in this movie. It's a whole new Ryza Cenon.

Jewel became one.

According to Ryza, when they shot those delicate scenes, she needed an hour before the shoot so that she can condition herself. She said that it was needed in the story which is why she gave them her go signal. It terms of being typecast and getting more sexy and daring roles after this movie, according to Ryza, for as long as the script is good and it will help the movie, why not but she still needs to review the material. For me, she perfectly nailed the role and with her sexy and fit body, I think girls will be more inspired to achieve the bod of Ryza Cenon, indeed she is one of the most beautiful and talented actress in the industry. I just hope she'll get to portray more "bida" roles in the future, let the girl get her own spotlight because she deserves it.

Do Martin and Ryza believe that Manananggals exist?

Watch Martin & Ryza's interview here:

During the screening at Robinsons Galleria, GMA Artist Center and fans of both Martin and Ryza were in full support of the movie.

Check out their upcoming screenings below:

October 21, Friday - 1:30pm - U.P. Town Center

October 21, Friday - 3:30pm - Trinoma

October 21, Friday - 6:00pm - Gateway

October 21, Friday - 6:30pm - Robinsons Galleria

Watch the trailer of Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B

For more details:

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialGMAArtistCenter

IG & Twitter: @artistcenter

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The Armory Co-Owned by Martin Del Rosario Now Open at Congressional Ave. Quezon City!

Entertainment Monday, May 23, 2016

More and more people nowadays look for places where they can have fun after struggling whole day at work or at school after grueling hours of work or studying and more, but it's always best to be with your friends or officemates to de-clogged all these stress and start anew the next day. What better way to do this than by partying all night at the newest party venue in town, all roads lead to THE ARMORY located at Congressional Avenue Extension, Quezon City.

Along the far-off Congressional Avenue Extension in Quezon City are some commercially successful food establishments fast making the strip " the next go-to dining area up north. For those sick and tired of the traffic and congestion common in the Fort, Makati, Ortigas, Greenhills, and even Tomas Morato areas, Congressional provides a more convenient and understated alternative. There are the Brewing Point Neighborhood Cafe, Chimes Square, and Box Park, among other cool, new joints in the area.

Another one to launch in the flourishing Congressional area is The Armory, so called for its rugged, barracks-themed facade, interiors, and overall ambiance. By offering quality in its line of beverages and services, plus the night-out experience it gives, it's poised to be the first bar and grill to spice up the party scene up north.

The Armory's location is strategic, as it's just a detour away from Quezon City's most congested areas. It's just 12 minutes away from Katipunan; 15 minutes from Trinoma/SM North; and 20 minutes from Tomas Morato. It's a mere 30 minutes away from Sampaloc, Manila.

The distance will surely be no issue once you step into The Armory and relish the full experience.

Grapefruit Mojito

Mocktails

"The Bunker," the first floor of the Armory, is a restaurant that complements its subtlety with the wide variety of cocktails tended right at the counter and the delicious food choices delivered to your table by the accommodating staff. It's a friendly place for some chillaxin', but you can have fun here, too, with a beer pong table and a DJ playing some cool beats on the side.

At the second floor is "The Armory" proper, where the real shindig happens. While hard liquor, beer, and cocktails are served here, the DJs are other reasons why it's worth the sneaking. One of the city's hottest DJ groups, Impact Manila—who plays at Black Market, Aracama, and at "Happy Thursday" joints—is a regular DJ here. So, expect nothing but the ultimate jams when they're manning the booth!

"You'll have a different kind of drinking experience at The Armory. It's actually the first time that a bar in Quezon City is serving craft cocktails," says GMA-7 actor Martin del Rosario, The Armory part-owner whose a first timer in a "major" type of business.

"From the military warehouse theme to the accommodating staff, we'll make sure everyone up north who decides to drop by will have a great time!"

"The Bunker" is open all days of the week, while "The Armory" is only open from Wednesdays to Sundays.

Both "The Bunker" and "The Armory" have each day of the week tailor-fit for any party goer's mood. These are Dropout Wednesday, which caters to students on a budget but would like to take a good mid-week break from school; #Squadgoals Thursday, which invites barkadas looking for some turned-up get-together; Ambush Friday, which provides surprise promos to make sure the weekend is welcomed with a bang; and Suicide Saturday, which seals the deal for a legit, lit night-out.

The student-friendly promos are perfect for students coming from Diliman-Katipunan like UP Diliman, Miriam, Ateneo, FEU-NRMF, Philippine School of Business Administration, among others; and Sampaloc like UST, FEU, University of Manila, San Beda College, and San Sebastian College - Recoletos, and more.

Stuck up north yet thirsting for some awesome party escape? Check out The Armory, a bar and grill alternative for those looking for the best party experience in the northern part of the city!

Once his much-praised drama series Buena Familia wrapped up last March, GMA-7 actor Martin del Rosario made himself busy brushing up on his marketing skills, talking to sponsors, securing permits, monitoring social media, and other kinds of legwork for a new business he's part of. The place is The Armory along the flourishing Congressional Ave. in Quezon City, which the young entrepreneur successfully launched last May 20. The Armory is poised to be the first bar and grill to excite the party scene up north.

"I've always been into business. Di din kasi forever ang pag-aartista—kailangan may fallback or sideline man lang," said the 23-year-old Del Rosario, who heads a group of other young entrepreneurs.

"You'll have a different kind of drinking experience at The Armory. It's actually the first time that a bar in Quezon City is serving craft cocktails. From the military warehouse theme to the accommodating staff, too, we'll make sure everyone up north who decides to drop by will have a great time!"

Apart from being a part-owner, Del Rosario specifically takes charge of the bar's marketing efforts. His work spans from brand building to social media management.

"It was mid-last year when the concept came to be, and my business knowledge and little experience when I had my own online retail store were very useful. We finally found a good location in November last year," narrated Del Rosario, who was a business administration student at the University of the Philippines Diliman before shifting to Broadcast Communication.

On choosing the location, he said that he wanted to cater to "Northeners" like him who would usually face the dilemma of going down south of Metro Manila just to have good, quality time.

"We targeted the residents near here like Tierra Pura and Mira Nila. Maganda sa QC kasi maluwag and less traffic. It's also perfect for students coming from schools in Quezon City and Manila. We wanted The Armory to be the next go-to place among Northerners seeking for some fun!"

How invested is Del Rosario with his new baby? He went through a two-week bartending course under "The Barman" Dondz Bolante to learn a new skill.

"Hilig kong mag-mix ng mga bagay-bagay kaya talagang nag-aral ako ng bartending. I saw the opportunity to do it here at The Armory and gaya ng pag-aartista, nagustuhan ko din sya."

With his new venture, is Del Rosario turning his back on showbiz? Not quite.

"Kahit sino naman pwedeng mag-put up ng business, basta may sipag at tiyaga. Pero my goal pa din is to finish school. But habang may savings pa, nag-business na din ako," he said. In fact, Del Rosario is very excited to invite his showbiz friends to come visit his new venture.

"Sobrang welcome sila dito! First time akong gagawa ng drinks for them. I'll be grateful over their support for me and the business, too. Fans can just approach me and say hi if they get to catch me here!"

From getting home late due to tapings to manning The Armory, Del Rosario said he has learned a lot about time management and setting his priorities in this new endeavor.

"Mahiyain ako dati—introvert kumbaga! Chance ko na 'to to meet other people," he added with a laugh.

Del Rosario has a new drama series in the pipeline, so he's expecting to have busier days in the next months. But the talented actor remains thankful.

"Katulad ng acting, nagustuhan ko din talaga ang business. I wanted to be a well-rounded person and I guess this new opportunity is helping me become that."

"I'd like to invite sina Kylie Padilla and yung Buena Familia family ko. Pati yung mga friends ko sa ABS, welcome sila dito!"

Thank you so much GMA Artist Center & Martin Del Rosario for inviting us!

The Armory

Congressional Ave. Extension

Quezon City

For more details:

Facebook.com/TheArmoryQC

IG: @thearmoryqc

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialGMAArtistCenter

IG: @artistcenter

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Martin Del Rosario in his most challenging role as BARBS in BORN BEAUTIFUL

GMA Network's advoca-serye HINDI KO KAYANG IWAN KA premieres on February 26 via GMA Afternoon Prime

Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23 B: Official Entry to Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino showing from August 16-22

Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B: The most daring & challenging role of Ryza Cenon

The Armory Co-Owned by Martin Del Rosario Now Open at Congressional Ave. Quezon City!

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