THE PALAD VOICES

Two Small Voices with unique talent and a three-stringed Ukulele is all it takes for these brothers to live life another day.

Jun Drel, 7 years old and his 8 year old kuya Darel John, sells their one of a kind music through harana for P20-40, a way to make ends meet.

Born in Baroy, Lanao del Norte, Jun-jun and John-john’s (their nicknames) father was a farmer in their hometown. When their parents separated their father decided to bring them to Davao, to start anew.

Fate may be not on their side at that time because when they arrived in Davao, their father Meli didn’t have the chance to get a job. They even have to sleep, eat and live in Agdao Flyover during their first few days in the city.

That is why the Palad brothers came to the rescue and decided to work in the streets at such a tender age. They have to step-in and take full responsibility of their own lives in order to survive.

A chance of a lifetime came in a very unexpected situation. The night seemed to be ordinary to the brothers became extraordinary after offering a harana to person at the Sta. Ana Police Station.

The guy was John Paul Seniel, a reporter in GMA Testigo, who was inside in their vehicle, when these 2 kids offered a song to serenade him for a few bucks.

“ At first, I thought manaygon lang sila mao nisugot ko pero katong nadunggan nako, na-impress ko kay mga hawod gyud ug adunay silay mga original compositions”, John Paul shares with Insider.

The kids even made Testigo’s pick-up their own stage, as a growing number of audience came to watch the talented duo singing some familiar and entertaining Visayan songs.

After John Paul featured them in Testigo’s segmet Bida Ka, then came the donations from generous individuals and institutions to help and support the children.

Recently, the Samahan ng Mga Musikero sa Davao Inc. organized a concert dedicated to street kids and the Palad brother’s were one of their artists featured to perform at the Taboan in Matina Town Square.

In an interview before the show, Jun-jun was the talkative one , while his Kuya John-john was just quietly observing his younger brother.

When asked, what are their plans now that they are famous, they both answered, “Mag-artista!”.

And artista indeed! Now that John Paul already made it official during the concert that Jun-jun and John-john will have a regular stint in GMA’s morning show UNA KA BAI which will start its airing this October.

Currently, the brothers are taking some special classes as a preparatory for grade2 next school year, sponsored by the Kuru Sawa Development School.

A documentary film entitled, “ Ako ug si Kuya, The Selling Music of the Palad Brothers”, will be featuring the children’s life story already started it’s principal photography directed by John Paul Seniel himself.

“I’ve already chosen the theme song which is , Ako Ang Mangubra sa Tag-bainteng Adlaw, an original composition of the kids. The documentary will be my entry for a Human Rights International Festival”, he says.

More Q and A with the Palad Brothers prior to the show:

How many songs do you know?
Jun: “ Bainte dos (22).”

Among your 22 songs, do you have any favorites
Jun: “Mangubra”.
John: “Pare”

Who taught you how to sing and play your instrument?
John: “Papa.”

Things youv’e learned in school?
Jun: “Panatang Makabayan ug Math, naka-100 mi sa quiz!”
John: “Math, Addition”

What do you want to be ?
Jun: “Ako gusto nako na ma-Sundalo!”
John: (thinks for a moment) “Mag-Doctor.”
Jun: “Magdoktor ka?Maayo baya og kabalo, hala ka!” (teases his brother)

Now that you are famous, do you have any plans?
Jun and John: “Mag-artista!”

Should a kid be working on the street?
Jun and John: “Dili.”

Where should they be?
John: “Dapat sila mag-eskwela.”
Jun: “Sa paaralan!”

Message to your Kuya John Paul?
John: “Nalipay mi kay imo ming gitabangan.”
Jun: “Thank you kay ikaw ang nakakita sa amoa.”

Pearl Farm Experience

Yeng Constantino

She may be childish and bratty but she is Pinoy Dream Academy Grand Star Dreamer!

Josephine Constantino known as Yeng is already a household name, after her song Hawak Kamay became a hit even before the show ended.

“Never ko talagang inisip na ako ang mananalo kasi hindi po ako and pinakamaganda, nandyan po si ate Irish at si Ate Michelle. Sa pataasan ng bose, nandyan si ate Jill at ate Panky. Hindi ring ako kasing galling ni Kuya Yvann, Emman at Davey.”, Yeng shares with Southern Living before their PDA Mall Show at SM City Davao .

Luck may be her twin sister because after her PDA success, the next award she received was the Best Theme Song in the 32nd Metro Manila Film Festival the for the movie . Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo. Not to mention the Most Promising Female Recording/Concert Artist in the 2006 Box Office Entertainment Awards.

Undeniably, Yeng’s Hawak Kamay was considered the 2nd national anthem that time, because everybody can relate to it, even kids memorized it by heart.


After her 1st album that made it to platinum, will this be the way for her to enter in showbizlandia?

She says, “ Sa ngayon aside sa voice lessons, nag-wo-workhop po kami sa acting. May nabasa rin ako sa newspaper na magkakaroon daw kami ng soap ni Sarah Geronimo and Rica Peralejo, pero hindi ko po alam kung matutuloy yon.”


This Rocker Chick is certainly one of the busiest artists today, because of her shows, album tour and endorsements. Though she likes what her career is happening today, she admitted that she feels tired and exhausted.

“ Napapagod din ako, kasi tao lang tayo. Pero kapag kumakanta na ako at nakikita kong napasaya ko sila, nawawala po dahil kontento ka na dun”, she says.


More Q and A with Yeng Constantino:

SL: What was the first thing you bought from your prize money
Yeng: “Binigay ko lahat sa parents para makabili po kami ng lupa.”

SL: Qualities that made you the Grand Star Dreamer?
Yeng: “Actually po hindi ko po talaga alam. Kasi po during the show, nung nag-mall tour pa kami sa PDA maraming naiinis sa akin, nararamdaman ko po kapag nagpipirmahan na ng autograph.”

SL: How do find the Dabawenyos?
Yeng: “Wow talaga! Hindi namin in-expect ito na may nakakilala sa amin, kasi po sa Manila hindi po ganito kagrabe ang response sa amin.”

SL: How’s your former band?
Yeng: “Okay naman po sila, bago lang po sila nagperform sa UP.”

SL: Do you intend of going back to your band?
Yeng: “Hindi ko pa po masasabi, pero sa ngayon ang papa ko po ang nagma-manage sa kanila.”

SL: What’s your musical style?
Yeng : “Sa ngayon alternative, pero gusto ko rin matutunan yung other r genre katulad ng pop, ayoko naman din kasi mag-stick lang sa alternative.”

SL: Describe yourself in three words?
Yeng: “Mapagmahal sa pamilya.”

SL: Do you have plans to be an artista?

Yeng: “Sa ngayon po uma-attend ako nga workshop, tapos sa summer special ng your song, nandoon po ako, pero sina Irish at Kuya Jay-ar sila yung may partner. Ako, dito drummer sa banda.”


SL: Is there any plan for you and RJ (Jimenez) to be paired as a loveteam?

Yeng. “Nge! Hindi siguro kasi po pina-package po kami as solo artist.”


SL: What does an artist mean to you?

Yeng: “Sila po yung mga natural na moody, pero yung mga emotions nila nagagamit nila ito para makagawa ng kanta, tula o obra maestra!”


SL: Who were your close friend in PDA?
Yeng: “Lahat po, pero mas-close po ako kina Kuya Jay-R (Siaboc), Ate Panky (Trinidad) at si ate Irish (Fullerton).”


SL: If you were not hailed as Grand Star Dreamer, who do you want it to be?

Yeng: “Lahat naman po deserving, pero dahil pinapapili niyo po ako, gusto ko si ate Panky.”


SL: Why?

Yeng: “Kasi po nag-iisa lang siya, walang ng Panky sa mundo siya lang talaga. Ang lakas ng dating ni ate, at ang galing pang kumanta at magcompose.”

SL: What's your message to aspiring artists?

Yeng: “Huwag po kayong titigil kung gusto nyong matupad ang pangarap niyo. Tapos kapag narating niyo na ito huwag kayong hihinto, i-explore niyo pa kung ano pa ang magagawa niyo.”

JaRla Labsteam Commentators

I know I'm a little bit late in saying this to you, but i have to thank you guys for reading my Jarla Labsteam article. It gives me joy that somebody can just consume his time in reading an article written by by some stranger. I hope, your time will always be available to read and commend on my other stories. Have fun!God Bless you guys!

Richard Gutierez in the Flesh

He made the Filipinos fell in love with him first as the lovable Enzo of the youth oriented show Click. Then came his break for Mulawin, and after that Sugo and Captain Barbel was his identity as the Super Idol.
Richard Gutierez, one half of the Gutierez Twins power duo, is up to his new suave moves as he plays Lupin part of GMA’s first quarter explosion.
Lupin, is the series loosely based on the original French version titled "Arsine Lupin," which is already a classic, Richard here plays the modern Robinhood.
This 23 year old, is very excited about his new series, but humbly claims that he is not expecting to exceed what Captain Barbell has achieved.
“ Kung hindi man namin malampasan ang Captain Barbell, sana kahit mapantayan lang. Hindi rin kasi natin masasabi na the same ang response because Captain Barbell and Lupin have different time slots”, he shares with Southern Living.
Knowing that, Lupin is quite different from his previous roles, how did he prepare himself ?
“Nag-aaral din ako ng mga magic tricks kasi and role ko dito snatcher kaya dapat mabilis ang kamay.”, he says.
Southern Living happens to get to know more of Richard's new character during their Hataw Dabaw show at the NCCC Mall, recently.
Q and A
Tell us about your new show Lupin?
Richard: Lupin ay isang magaling na magnanakaw, kinuha naming ito sa French version. It is an action-pact adventure na may love story and comedy din.
How do think this will affect to the kids watching?
Richard: Si Lupin kasi may reason kung bakit siya nagnanakaw. Ang mga ninanakawan lang niya yung mga magnanakaw din. Pagkatapos isasauli din niya sa mga tunay na may-ari.
Any preparations for the role?
Richard: I have to prepare for the stunts, and also nag-aaral din ako ng mga magic tricks.
Do you any stunt double?
Richard: as much as possible gusto ko ako yung gumagawa ng mga stunts ko, kung may double siguro kung kinakailangan lang.
Richard: I was attached with the role of Captain Barbell it was to totally recreate myself through Lupin.
Cesar Montano was part of the cast, but because of his decision to run for senate what will happen now?
Richard: We are looking for replacement of Cesar Montano, Nakakapanghinayang because I wanted to work him.
If you are to choose to replace Cesar Montano, who would it be?
Richard: I don’t want to talk about it and let’s allow GMA to decide , basta ako I really wanted to work with great actors.
What characteristic of Lupin that you can identify yourself.
Richard: Yung pagiging happy go lucky niya. Si Lupin kasi kahit may problema o pumalpak ang mga plano nila , hindi siya madaling mataranta.
If you are the real Lupin, what do you plan on stealing?
Richard: Ako gusto kong nakawin ang painting na Spolarium, kasi priceless . Mapapaisip ka talaga kung paano mo nanakawin at itatago kasi nga napakalaki nito.
Talking about your girls, will in the Lupin has to choose with these three lovely ladies?
Richard: Hindi ko masasabi kasi si Lupin, ang puso niya para talaga sa mga babae, madaling umibig.
Any message to your Dabawenyo fans ?
Richard: Sa Lahat ng mga Dabawenyo, patuloy pa rin sana and inyong pagsuporta s GMA 7, pangako po na maspagagandahin pa ng GMA ang mga shows namin para sa inyo. Katulad nito sa Lupin, para siyang pelikula.

Maricel Soriano as Inang yaya

In the tradition of bringing substantive, visionary and non-conventional films, Unitel Pictures brings another heartwarming story entitled Inang Yaya (Mommy Nanny), that will surely capture the hearts of the Dabawenyos.

Featuring Maricel Soriano as Norma, she is both a mother to Ruby and nanny to Louise, the two girls struggled to share the woman they love. Caught between them, every day becomes a balancing act for Norma, trying her best not favor one over the other.

Another dilemma she will be facing is to choose whether to go with Louise’s family abroad to live with them, but to leave her daughter again without a mother or to stay with Ruby but leave Louise which she also considers as her daughter.

According to Maricel, it’s her first time to do a movie with Unitel Pictures and she was excited about it, and so happy on doing the project.

“ The movie is universal hindi lang ito para sa mga nanay o sa mga kasambahay natin, dahil kahit tayo pwedeng makarelate sa movie.” Maricel shares with the Davao media in a recent presscon prior to her premier night at the Gaisano Mall.

Directed by Pablo Biglang-awa Jr. and Veronica Velasco, who was also there during the presscon, says that the 2 girls in the film, Tala Santos and Erika Oreta, underwent an audition because they wanted news faces for the roles.

When asked if Maricel Soriano was the first choice for the role as Inang Yaya, Pablo answers, “ Yes at wala ng iba, at kahit pa busy ang schedule niya willing kaming maghintay para magawa ang movie na to with her because our boss Tony Gloria really wanted this role solely for Maricel.”

Is the film meant to entertain or a tearjerker?, Veronica says, “ Hindi ko masasabi kasi during the film maririnig mo yung mga tao na humahalakhak, pero kapag lumalabas na sila sa sinehan namumugto ang mga mata.”

“ Kaya nga dapat niyong panoorin kasi kahit ako di ko ma-explain, pero kung mapanood nyo na tapos magkakausap tayo uli, magkakaintindihan na tayo” Maricel adds.

More Q and A with Maricel Soriano:

Southern Living: I’ve heard you also co-prod this film, is it your first time?

Maricel: “Oo, pangalawang beses ko ng magco-prod, yung una ginawa namin ni Cesar Montano, Kung Kaya Mo Kayak Ko Rin.”

SL: Did you personally choose this film?

Maricel: “Yung manager ko si Wyngard Tracy at si Tony Gloria ang unang nag-usap.”

SL: We noticed that the kids were not the ones we usually see on TV, why is that?

Maricel: “Hindi ako ang may kasalanan niyan, nakikisali lang ako dito (laughs)!”

SL: How did you handle them?

Maricel: Yung mga bata pinagtyagaan namin at tulong-tulong kami na i-motivate sila.

SL: What was the kids initial reaction when they are working with the Diamond Star?

Maricel: “Hindi nila ako kilala, kaya kung mapapansin mo ang mga bata sa movie natural yung mga emotions nila at hindi halatang umaarte.”

SL: Aside from your regular sitcom John and Shirley on ABS CBN, do you have any plans on doing another teleserye after Vietnam Rose?

Maricel: “Hindi na muna nakakapagod kasi yun, araw-araw ang taping.”

SL: How about comedy movies?

Maricel: “Kung maganda ang materyal.”

SL: How do you classify a good material?

Maricel: “Depende kasi yan, katulad ng Inang Yaya, pagkabasa ko pa lang sa script may kurot na sa puso.”

SL: How do you see yourself few years from now?

Maricel: “Mahirap sagutin yan, gustuhin ko man na planuhin ang buhay ko may iba kasi ang in-charge dun, kaya kung ano yung mangyayari sa akin tatanggapin ko”.

What’s your secret in staying young?

Maricel: “Magdasal lang, totoo yan walang halong charing.”

SL: In your opinion, should mothers stay at home for their children, or have a nanny to watch over them?

Maricel: “Para sa akin, maganda kung nandyan ang nanay para sa mga anak niya, pero sa katulad naming nanay na nagtatrabaho, mahirap naman kung pagsabaying ko, kaya iniiwan ko sa yaya nila o sa nanay ko.”

SL: After doing this movie, is your view of the nanny’s job has changed?

Maricel: “Oo, kasi tayong mga magulang na nagtatrabaho, sa kanya natin iniiwan yung mga bata. Pagdating natin galing sa trabaho yung laging tinatanong natin, “Kumusta ang mga bata?” Nakakain na ba sila?”, pero ang hindi natin nagagawa ang tanungin sila ng , “ Kumusta ka na?”, walang ganyan! Walang kumustahang nangyayari (laughs)! Kaya ang movie na to tribute sa mga kasambahay natin.”

The 13 Housemates

This years Araw ng Dabaw, the 13 PBB Housemates visited the Dabawenyos. During the presscon I got to know them better. The nice part is that they are as real as what we see them inside the PBB House.

Take thirteen ordinary Filipinos with high hopes to become famous. Place them under one roof for one hundred days and there your you have it, the Pinoy Big Brother 13 Housemates invading the primetime television.

Knowing that the 1^st Season of PBB was already over last year, people can’t get enough with the 13 Housemates namely: Rico Barerra, JB Magsaysay , Rachel, Bob , Jenny Suico, Sam Milby, Chx Alcala, Franzen Fajardo, Jason Gainza, Say Alonzo, Uma Counie, Nene Tamayo and our very own Cassandra Ponti.

After the PBB Fever, what keeps them busy?

The JB-Say loveteam will be having a movie with Judy Santos and Ryan Agoncillo while Jason is part of Judy Ann and Piolo’s soap, Sa Piling Mo.

Sensitive Hunk Rico Barrera starred in Gulong ng Palad soap, while Say and Chx are regulars in Studio 23’s news gag show Wazzup Wazzup.

Our very own Cass is already shooting for the new season of Komiks wherein she portrays as Valentina while her loveteam Uma is one of the segment hosts of Megastar’s show , Sharon.

The most successful housemate of all is Sam Milby because he already had a box-office film with Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd, Close To You. He also had his first self-titled album. Enjoying his loads of commercial endorsements and an upcoming soap opera.

As the teleserye ng totoong buhay continues, PBB is in the search for another lucky housemates to experience Pinoy Showbiz. But before that happens let’s get to know more about the 1^st Pinoy Big Brother 13 Housemates.

Southern Living happens to interview all of them during a press meeting prior to their show at the SM Entertainment Plaza, here are some Q and A:

To Nene, some says you don’t deserve to win because you always play safe in the game, what is your reaction?

Nene: First time kong narinig yan ng personal, Hindi natin sila masisisi dahil hindi naman natin ma-please and lahat ng tao di ba?

Who’s your bet for the Celebrity Edition?

13 PBB Housemates: Si Keana!

Nene: Oo, kay Keana talaga kami dahil hindi namin inasahan na ganun pala siya at napaka-totoong tao niya.

During the 100 days, there were three popular loveteams, what’s new?

Say: Kami ni JB ayaw namin ang term na loveteam kahit nung nasa loob pa kami ng PBB house dahil yung nangyari sa amin sa loob, totoo yun.

Uma: Kami naman ni Cass were more than friends but less than lovers.

Nene: Sa totoo lang, mas nakagaanan ko na ng loob si Bob.

Bob: Ang maganda lang sa amin, hindi namin minamadali and isa’t-isa

JB: Pero alam niyo(Talking to the press), si Nene lumambot na, hindi na nanuntok.

Cass: Si Bob, laging pumupunta sa bahay niNene!

To Chx, are you still attracted to Sam until now?

Chx: I was attractive to him before , pero hindi na ngayon because he changed.

To Sam, what d you think about Chx when you entered the PBB House?
Sam: I like her, inside the house we’re really getting close but then she left.

What’s the real score between you and Toni Gonzaga?
Sam: We are friends, we’re pretty close.

To Rachel, you were the Ate of the group now outside the house do you still act as the elder sister ?

Rachel: Oo, naman inaalagaan ko pa rin sila, hindi naman talaga nagbago nung lumabas na kami ng bahay.

What’s the lesson you’ve learned in the PBB?

Nene: Obeying the rules!

Jason: Siguro, yung pagpapahalaga, tayo sa bahay hindi natin masyado pinahahalagahan yung mga malilit na bagay, pero laking bagay pala yun kung mawawala na.

What is your reaction, that people prefers your season rather than the Celebrity Edition because they find your show more exciting?

Uma: Oo totoo yun, kasi sikat na kasi sila at alam na natin kung ano sila.

JB: Kaya siguro naging exciting yung amin, kasi kami din ang nauna.

What do you think is the best strategy in order to stay longer in the PBB House?

Franzen: Kami wala naman kaming strategy, siguro ang best strategy talaga ay ang pagsunod sa mga utos ni Big Brother.

What is your message to the Dabawenyos?

Jason: Ang mga taga-Davao at Taga-Batangas pare-pareho lang ang korte ng mukha natin kaya ang gaganda at and ga-gwapo ng mga Dabawenyo.

Uma: Ang linis ng Davao, grabe!

Jenny: Mabuhay Davao!

Rico: Maraming salamat.