It's Me, Gracee: Pokwang

Pokwang on Magpakailanman’s 'NANAY KONTESERA' this July 10

Entertainment Thursday, July 08, 2021

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POKWANG now a certified KAPUSO as she signs contract with GMA Network

Entertainment Sunday, June 20, 2021

GMA Network is delighted to announce that well-loved comedian and award-winning actress Pokwang is now a certified Kapuso after signing a contract last Friday, June 18.

Present in the virtual ceremony were Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, Senior Vice President for GMA Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, First Vice President for Drama Redgie A. Magno, First Vice President for Business Development Department III Darling De Jesus-Bogedon, First Vice President and Head of GMA Regional TV and Synergy Oliver B. Amoroso, Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angel Javier Cruz, Vice President for Comedy, Infotainment, Game & see Reality Productions Janine P. Nacar, Senior Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl-Ching Sy, Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, Assistant Vice President for Comedy, Infotainment, Game & Reality Production Bang U. Arespachochaga, GMA Artist Center Assistant Vice President and Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun Ferrer, Senior Program Manager Enri Calaycay, and GMA Artist Center Senior Talent Manager Daryl Zamora.

Pokwang is known for her versatility on screen as seen on various TV programs and movies she starred in throughout the years. Her decision to become a Kapuso was driven by her passion to showcase her many talents and to grow more in the industry.

Pokwang mentioned during the Bloggers Conference that before she left her previous network, she made it sure that she was able to say goodbye to those who helped her through the years and she was happy that they were able to part ways in a nice and memorable manner. She added that they understand her and they wished her all the best.

“Marami pa akong gustong gawin as an artista, as a host, marami pa akong gustong i-share na experience ko sa pamamagitan ng mga programa para sa mga manonood. Gusto kong ituloy-tuloy kung ano pa ang gusto kong gawin bilang artista. Malaki ang pasasalamat ko kasi siyempre nagbukas ng pintuan sa akin ang GMA.”

On top of her list of Kapuso artists she dreams to work with one day are Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Alden Richards, Barbie Forteza, Ai Ai delas Alas, Maine Mendoza and Dennis Trillo.

As she begins this new chapter in her showbiz career, the Filipino audience can expect no less from Pokwang, “Mas lively, mas masaya, para akong isang apoy na pansamantalang pinigil pero ngayon pasabog na, masaya, magaan lang, mas maibibigay ko ang comedic side ko. Dito sa GMA, nakikita kong back ako sa kung saan ako nalilinya talaga, which is comedy. Masaya lang talaga!”

Mamang, as fondly called by her fellow artists in the Entertainment industry said that even though she will have a hectic schedule now that she is a Kapuso, she will make it sure that she can balance her time when it comes to her business. Her Poklee Food Products is booming especially her recently launched Roasted Rosemary Honey Chicken that is always sold out! Pokwang added that she will not stop doing this business because a lot of people are counting on her and she loves cooking as well . She wishes that she can also feature her cooking talent is a show now that she is in GMA Network so that she can showcase her other talents.

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSJXSAFb1/

Meanwhile, netizens shares their love to Pokwang saying that they will support her wherever she goes because she is indeed a very talented artist and that it is just wise to move forward and showcase her talent especially if there's a greener pasture available for her.

Currently, Pokwang is gearing up for her role in Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kuwento and will be guesting in various GMA programs including The Boobay and Tekla Show, All-Out Sundays, Sarap ‘Di Ba, among others.

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Edsa Woolworth in Theaters starting January 14 Nationwide!

Direk John Lazatin Friday, January 09, 2015

EDSA WOOLWORTH is the second film from the silver screen tandem of comedienne-actor Pokwang and director John-D Lazatin. It has equal parts drama and comedy that easily brings to fore universal values of love and compassion among family members.

The ties that bind this family go beyond language, race, culture, food, and even blood.

Bound by a stubborn affection and the utmost respect for each other, despite their quirks and idiosyncracies – the Woolworth family stick together.

They go through a rollercoaster of life-changing experiences that define their decisions and their choices. With personalities that collide, they fight and bicker along the way, and yet there is a tenderness felt for one another that sneaks in even in the most mundane instances.

Present during the grand presscon of Edsa Woolworth were Prince Saruhan, Steven Spohn, Lee O' Brian, Ricci Chan and the Queen of TFC Pokwang together with Director John D. Lazatin who is now based in the US working for TFC.

After winning international critical acclaim for her powerful performance in the drama, “A Mother’s Story”, which garnered 18 FAMAS nominations in 2012, Pokwang is back in another heart warming story that will touch everyone's heart especially those who knows how to value their family that much.

Pokwang plays the role of "Edsa Woolworth", the eldest and only daughter in a crazy,

dysfunctional family headed by an American father, Papa Frank and two younger brothers Boni and Paco. A nail technician-massage therapist, it is allabout work, work, work for Edsa.

She is willingto sacrifice her dreams, and even her love life in order to care for her family, especially after her mother, Mercedes, passed away seven years ago. Edsa is selfless, always placing the needs of her family above all else. But when she meets the man of her dreams, who has everything she desires in a partner, Edsa struggles to reconcile her love of family with her capacity to be kind to herself too.

Direk John mentioned that when they saw Lee, they knew that instantly he was fit for the role and even Pokwang thought so. He plays the role of Chad, an incredibly attractive guy who manages his family’s business. Even though he comes from an affluent background, he is grounded enough to go after what he wants. And he knows what he wants after he feels a growing attraction and affection for Edsa, in spite of their rather curious first encounter.

Ricci Chan also plays a vital role in the movie, he is Bonifacio – or Boni – Edsa’s younger brother; stepson to Frank. He is the ambitious sibling with a good head for business, and he maintains a flourishing flower shop. He has a deep love and a high regard for Papa Frank (played by Steven Spohn) but has issues if he is emotionally strong to care for his stepdad and his failing memory.

Prince Saruhan is a newbie in the showbiz industry and he auditioned for the role, luckily he landed it because according to Direk John, he has a dramatic face. He is half Filipino, half Turkish. He is Paco. Paco’s real mother passed away during childbirth. Unable to care for Paco, his dad, Rudy (Joji Isla), gave him up for adoption to Papa Frank and his late wife, Mercedes. The Woolworths took him in as their own. He is devoted to Papa Frank and loves his crazy “siblings” Edsa (Pokwang) and Boni (Ricci Chan) to death. But while Paco feels indebted to his adoptive family, he continues to search for his long-lost father to find answers and to feel whole. He is faced with a very stirring decision once he knows the truth.

Steven Spohn plays the role of Frank, Frank is married to Mercedes, the late mother

of Edsa and Boni. He misses Mercedes so much, and when he experiences bouts of Alzheimer’s, the pain and nostalgia becomes more palpable. Despite his fading memory, he is very fond of his stepchildren Edsa and Boni, and adopted son Paco. He narrates his life, which is essentially tied to the lives of all those around him, until the movie’s delightful conclusion.

Princess Ryan and Lee Robin Salazar are also part of the movie.

When asked why Pokwang was chosen for the role, Direk John said, “Pokwang is one of those rare gifted, versatile actresses who is very relatable. Moviegoers identify or empathize with her characters. Her on and off-screen personas are also very positive that she’s able to inject humor and lightness even in the face of most dire challenges in life. She projects the character of our overseas Filipinos that TFC serves worldwide.”

Lee, Prince and Steven will be staying here in the Philippines till next week and they will be able to check out some of the tourist destinations in our country like Boracay. It was also mentioned that Pokwang already introduced them to some Filipino dishes like Adobo which they find really delicious.

Edsa Woolworth open in cinemas this coming January 14 nationwide!

Watch the full trailer here:

For more details:

http://www.edsawoolworth.com/

https://www.facebook.com/edsawoolworth

https://twitter.com/edsawoolworth

http://instagram.com/edsawoolworth/

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Edsa Woolworth Opens on November 14 in US & Canada theaters

Edsa Woolworth Wednesday, November 12, 2014

“EDSA Woolworth is a film that looks into a blended Filipino and American family whose members, at first glance, have everything clashing – personalities, lifestyles, life goals, name it. If you were to match a whole family, this one’s a mismatch. But the journey each member takes to look beyond what doesn’t work and focus on what does – within themselves and with others – is a story that will resonate among many families nowadays. In the end, it’s all about love and values.” – John-D Lazatin, director, EDSA Woolworth

“EDSA Woolworth is the perfect Thanksgiving holiday entree for the family. It doesn’t overwhelm with too much, but it bursts with interesting flavors that are tasty and entertaining, sometimes surprising, and guaranteed to leave the family talking about it.” – ABS-CBN North America Managing Director Olivia De Jesus

The holiday season is here and this has been the time that major film studios roll out their biggest and brightest movies to entertain the family.

The road to Thanksgiving weekend in cinema history has been filled with big screen offerings for everyone in the household: from the mega-box office performers like “Frozen” and “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” to the hilarious Robin Williams starrer, “Mrs. Doubtfire”, and the quirky Jodie Foster-helmed “Home for the Holidays”.

In 2011, ABS-CBN TFC made its intrepid entry into the world of film production with “A Mother’s Story”, also released in November in time for the holidays. This seemingly unassuming, family-oriented movie about an overseas Filipina working mother in the U.S. who sacrifices much for her family in the Philippines surprised many with 18 nominations from the Filipino Academy of Motion Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) in 2012. It was also adjudged Best Film at the 2012 Migration Advocacy and Media Awards (MAM) awarded by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.

The FAMAS-nominated star and director of “A Mother’s Story” – versatile comedienne actress Pokwang and ABS-CBN Global Head of Theatricals John-D Lazatin, respectively – have teamed up anew for TFC@theMovies’ second film, which will open this Friday, on November 14, in 30 theatres in the U.S. and 11 in Canada as another Thanksgiving theatrical offering for the family.

EDSA Woolworth: The story of a “different” kind of family

What is EDSA Woolworth? Who is EDSA Woolworth?

Lazatin continues: “EDSA Woolworth as a character is Pokwang. In her name alone, you can see already two cultures, two races, put together. It stands out; so do Pokwang’s character and her family in this film, in more ways and reasons than one.”

Lazatin explains why he teamed up with Pokwang anew for the movie. “Pokwang is very relatable,” he said. “Whether she plays bizarre comedic roles or straight up drama, viewers identify or empathize with her characters. She brings passion and authenticity into her roles which connect easily with viewers.”

With the always brilliant funny girl, Pokwang, in the title role, expect generous moments of laugh-till-it-hurts hilarity in EDSA Woolworth. Expect some daring, too, especially with her character’s relationship with charming Chad Bauer, played by American actor Lee O’Brian. Their easy chemistry ignites onscreen and brings the audience into their private space, whether to swoon, laugh or cry.

Excellent cast and crew

The interesting family dynamics full of quirks and idiosyncrasies come into full play through the spot-on acting by the very capable cast. The film assembled the dignified Stephen Spohn as Papa Frank Woolworth, the talented Ricci Chan as Boni Woolworth, and Prince Saruhan as the angst-ridden twentysomething Paco Woolworth. Enriching (or complicating) their lives are popular “Adobo Nation” co-host Lee Robin Salazar as Patrick and Princess Ryan as Shayne.

Lazatin tapped writer-director Noel Nuguit for EDSA Woolworth’s story and screenplay, and relied anew on “A Mother’s Story’s” FAMAS-nominated cinematographer Shayne O. Sarte and editor Mitos R. Briones. The film’s photography captured the beauty of the San Francisco Bay Area which many viewers will be able to identify.

The music will linger in the viewers’ minds. Original songs sung by artists are on www.EDSAWoolworth.com home page: “Dressing Room” by Summer Breeze, “Undone” by Manny Garcia, “Dancing All Night Long” by Michelle Martinez are available on iTunes, and “Felt Like Love” by Ricci is a free download from the film website.

Watch the Trailer here:

For more on EDSA Woolworth showing in US and Canada this Friday, visit www.EDSAWoolworth.com or www.facebook.com/edsawoolworth.

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About ABS-CBN International

ABS-CBN International was founded in April 1994 to be of service to all Filipinos. With the launch of The Filipino Channel (TFC), the company became the first and most successful Filipino content distribution company in the U.S. The company offers telecommunication, retail, theatricals, money remittance and cargo services, online audio and video streaming, IPTV, On Demand, along with philanthropic support for Filipinos and the communities they now call home. Based in Redwood City, CA, ABS-CBN International is a subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corporation, the Philippines’ largest entertainment and broadcasting company, through ABS-CBN Corporation’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ABS-CBN Global Hungary Kft. For more information, visit www.tfc-usa.com.

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My Illegal Wife Showing in Theaters on June 11!

Direk Tony Reyes Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Skylight Films brings together Zanjoe Marudo and Pokwang in “My Illegal Wife” – the most hilarious family comedy that will culminate the second quarter of 2014.

'My Illegal Wife' Grand Press Conference 3 220x160

'My Illegal Wife' Grand Press Conference 1 220x160

'My Illegal Wife' Grand Press Conference 18 220x160

'My Illegal Wife' Grand Press Conference 23 220x160

The whole cast held a grand presscon at Dolce Latte Gourmet and Cafe to answer all the queries of the press.

According to Direk Tony, he was amazed with Zanjoe's ability when it comes to comedy.

"I'm amazed with Zanjoe kasi parang nakita ko ang young Vic Sotto sa kanya."

Nagkataon din na idol ni Zanjoe si Vic kaya walang naging problema."

Zanjoe on the other hand is very grateful to have worked with Direk Tony who has been a veteran director. Zanjoe is very transparent that he idolizes Vic Sotto. He said that he loves watching his films way back until now and would also love to work with him in the future.

As for Pokwang who has been in the showbiz industry for 10 years now, she feels blessed that she is continously having wonderful projects from Star Cinema and she always have the best partners in comedy.

Zanjoe and Pokwang are considered as the king and queen of Skylight Films because of the success of their respective movies in 2013. Zanjoe starred in the Wenn V. Deramas comedy “Bromance” where he played dual roles of identical twins with two different genders.

Pokwang, on the other hand, made waves in her crazy role in Don Cuaresma’s “Call Center Girl” where she portrayed the role of Teresa – a mother who goes all-out to win back the affections of her estranged daughter.

“My Illegal Wife” marks another big-screen team-up of Zanjoe and Pokwang after “Cinco.” Directed by Tony Y. Reyes, who was at the helm of hits like Star Cinema’s “Enteng Ng Ina Mo,” “My Illegal Wife” is about a loving single mom Clarise (Pokwang) who will do anything and everything to make her family happy even if it means that she does an outrageous feat such as tricking Papa Henry (Zanjoe) – a hot stud suffering from amnesia – into believing that that he is legally married to her.

The film is not only a laugh-a-minute comedy for the entire family but it is also a heartwarming story that explores the limitless boundaries of true and lasting love. Moviegoers can look forward to a zany and wacky movie experience with the hysterical tandem of Z and Powkie plus the inimitable comedy of Direk Tony.

It also assembles some of the country’s comedians such as Empoy Marquez, Joy Viado, Pooh, Edgar Allan Guzman, Beauty Gonzalez and Ms. Anita Linda along with up-and-coming stars Mikylla Ramirez, Steven De Guzman, and introducing the desirable Ellen Adarna.

Spoofs of other blockbuster movies and teleseryes were also featured on their poster:

“My Illegal Wife” opens in cinemas nationwide starting this

Wednesday, June 11.

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Call Center Girl Opens in Cinemas on November 27!

Call Center Girl Movie Wednesday, November 20, 2013

I super love Pokwang because she is a versatile actress and I don't find her acting when it comes to comedy corny which is why I always watch her movies . This year, Pokwang makes a grand comedic comeback as she takes on the title role of Star Cinema’s upcoming family movie Call Center Girl.

Call Center Girl is Pokwang’s 11th film under Star Cinema. Pokwang was previously seen in several of Star Cinema’s blockbuster hits such as A Mother’s Story and the horror-thriller The Healing; most recently, she appeared in a very special role in Kim Chui’s Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo? and she was also part of the of the romantic comedy 24/7 In Love, which marked the 20th anniversary of Star Magic.

Call Center Girl is the first comedy film of Don Cuaresma, who is known for his masterpiece in ABS-CBN, these are the top-rating soaps like Ina, Kapatid, Anak, Maria La Barrio; Rubi, and 100 Days To Heaven. The scriptwriter is Kriz Gazmen who was part of the creative team behind Star Cinema’s blockbuster movies No Other Woman, Sisterakas, and Ang Tanging Ina Nyong Lahat.

Call Center Girl is a comedy movie with a superb cast guaranteed to make you laugh till you drop: Chokoleit, K Brosas, Ogie Diaz, John “Sweet” Lapus, Dianne Medina, Alex Castro, Ejay Falcon, and Aaron Villaflor; with Pokwang, Jessy, and Enchong. The movie is set against the backdrop of the Philippines’ fast growing call center industry.

The movie is about Teresa (Pokwang) who is in a desperate race against time to unite her family and win back the affections of her estranged daughter Regina (Jessy Mendiola). By some twist of fate, Teresa (who worked in a cruise ship for 13 years) lands a job in a call center where her daughter Regina is employed thus providing her with the perfect opportunity to rekindle her broken relationship with her daughter.

Because of this, Teresa enters a diverse bunch of people from different walks of life. She then gradually appreciates the concept of extended families. Ultimately, Teresa and Regina learn the true value of family as both discover their individual purposes in life.

According to Pokwang and Sweet Lapus, people can relate to this movie because they will

appreciate more their love ones and would want to make some time and effort to be with their love ones because time is indeed very precious.

Call Center Girl is part of Star Cinema’s ongoing 20th anniversary and will be shown in cinemas nationwide starting Nov. 27.

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Star Cinema's Brightest stars in one movie: 24/7 In Love

24/7 In Love movie Thursday, November 15, 2012

Seen in the poster are the team-ups of Zanjoe Marudo and Bea Alonzo; Angelica Panganiban and John Lloyd Cruz; Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo; Zaijan Jaranilla and Xyriel Manabat, with Piolo Pascual; Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson; Diether Ocampo and Maja Salvador; and Pokwang and Sam Milby.

It was a fun-filled BlogCon :-) Indeed with the presence of Ms. Pokwang, no one in his/her right mind can't appreciate her humor. I feel so lucky to get the privilege to be invited in the BlogCon of the official 20th anniversary film offering of Star Magic :-)

When Mr. Piolo Pascual or everyone calls "Papa P" entered the room, we got all star struck! he is without a doubt a HUNK! Body, looks, aura, personality, everything and I really don't care what controversies say about. Like what Ms. Mae Czarina Cruz (one of the Directors of the film) said, Piolo Pascual has established his name in the industry. He's a one fine actor and nobody can put him down. Plus, he's a good man :-)

Ms. Maja Salvador also graced the BlogCon and she is so pretty! :-) I can totally assure you that in the future, the right man will come along :-)

Thankfully I got the chance to ask Ms. Pokwang a question.

"From what we have seen in the trailer, your team up with Mr. Sam Milby looks really cute, how was it like working with Sam Milby?"

Ms. Pokwang answered candidly,

"One word: Yummy. Panoorin niyo kung paano kame nagpalitan ng... saliva!"

Manay Ethel Ramos was also there, (she is one of the most famous Entertainment writer) I even rememeber before when she was also present at the BlogCon of The Mistress, John Lloyd joked her and said "O Mam Ethel, Blogger ka na din?" we all laughed :-)

She asked Ms. Maja about her recent break up with Matteo Guidicelli, although at first she was hesitant and she keeps on saying "Kasama ba sa movie yun? kasama ba sa tanong yun?" :-) She answered with all sincerity that there was no theird party involved, if there's any, it's his sports activities. We all know that Matteo is a tri-athlete. He's very active with sports and although Maja tried to keep up with him, of course nowadays, Maja is busy with all the hectic schedule and, their relationship suffered from all this. They'll be seeing each on the premiere night since most of the Star Magic talents will be there.

The Story

In the movie, Pokwang's character finds "first-time" romance with the character of Sam Milby.

Former high school sweethearts, the characters of Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson find chance to reunite and rekindle their relationship.

As they did in real life, celebrity couple John Lloyd Cruz and Angelica Panganiban find love in scenic Vietnam in the film.

Another real-life couple, Bea Alonzo and Zanjoe Marudo, portray a career woman and a gay man, whose one night together takes their relationship to the next level.

Piolo Pascual, meanwhile, becomes a match-maker for the characters of child stars Xyriel Manabat and Zaijan Jaranilla.

A secretary secretly in love with her boss, the character of Maja Salvador makes daring moves to woo Ken (Diether Ocampo).

An avid fan of celebrity heartthrob Billy Fernandez (Daniel Padilla), the character of Kathryn Bernardo will do anything possible to personally meet the man of her dreams.

Billed as a romance anthology, "24/7 In Love", according to Panganiban, is about finding someone to be with if the world is "about to end."