Bryan Termulo

Another talented Filipino has made a name in the recently held World Championship of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Los Angeles, California. He is Bryan Termulo, who won a Silver Medal for the original composition “You” (originally sung by Basil Valdez), another Silver Medal for the rock song “Vehicle,” and a Bronze Medal for an R&B song he rendered.

Bryan Termulo was first runner-up in “Pinoy Pop Superstar” Year 3 in 2007. His talent and his good looks landed him a role in GMA-7’s teleserye “All My Life.” A native of La Union, Bryan said it wasn’t singing but dancing that he was interested in when he was young. “So I joined dancing not singing contests. I discovered I could sing when I was in high school.’’

Bryan was studying nursing in Bulacan when showbiz got in the way. He joined “Pinoy Pop Superstar” and that started his career in performing.

Bryan recently released his debut album aptly titled “Begin” (produced by DJ Mod a.k.a. Noel Macanaya under WBW Records). Four of the songs are covers, and the six others are original compositions by Francis Luis Salazar. Bryan launched the album via a concert last month at Teatrino in Greenhills.

This time around, he will start the second leg of his mall show to promote the same album, distributed by Star Records worldwide. The “Begin” CD has 10 tracks, five of which are Tagalog originals, an English OPM and four remakes. The songs are: “Tangan Pa,” “Sayang ang Bukas,” “Danny’s Song,” “In My Life” (a Beatles original); “Begin” (title track); “I Will” ( a Beatles original); “Bihag,” “Paanong Nangyari, “ “More Today Than Yesterday” and “Dapit Hapon.”

Bryan’s mall tour schedule at SM Supermalls follows: Aug. 15, SM Rosales Pangasinan; Aug. 22, SM Rosario Cavite; Aug. 27, SM Sta. Rosa, Laguna; and Aug. 27 SM San Lazaro.

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Pinoys’ love of Koreanovelas continues

Fans of both Koreanovela star Kim Bum (of “Boys Over Flowers”) and local showbiz princess Maja Salvador are in for a treat when they tune into their TV sets these days.

As a sequel to their highly successful RC Cola TV ad campaign aired last year, everybody’s favorite cola drink plays out the romance a bit longer this time. Just like in the original TV commercial, the idea for the new installment harps on the Filipinos’ undeniable love for Korean telenovelas – just one among many very distinct and endearing Pinoy traits that is now part of daily life, much like drinking RC Cola is.

“Love ng bayan ang telenobela, love din ng bayan ang RC Cola,” states Rizza Alfonso, senior marketing manager of Asiawide Refreshments Corporation, the company behind RC Cola in the Philippines.

Romance, take two

In the much-anticipated sequel, the storyline picks up from the rooftop scene where Maja and Kim are about to lock lips. Kim brings out a necklace with a heart-shaped pendant, and proceeds to lovingly wear it around Maja’s neck.

The romance is heightened by dazzling fireworks – in the shape of multi-colored hearts in the sky – that intensifies the moment further. And while toward the end there is no actual depiction of a real kiss – just a suggestion, as the two bring their lips closer to each other – the storyline works out just as well since it is a reflection of the Pinoys’ amusing conservatism when it comes to the physical depictions of romance.

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Solar releases ‘Ip Man 2’

A well-choreographed martial arts movie, “Ip Man 2,” must not be missed, especially among martial arts enthusiasts. It will open in Metro Manila theaters on Aug. 18.

The movie, dubbed in English, stars Hong Kong actor Donnie Yen, known to have tutored Bruce Lee. Yen’s parents were both martial artists. Yen grew up surrounded by the fighting arts.

“Ip Man 2” features Yen as an instructor of wushu, and later challenges a Western boxing champion to defend his people. At that time, the Chinese were very much despised by Westerners.

Before Ip Man can begin teaching wushu in a space lent to him by a newspaper publisher, he must fight all the masters in martial arts.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Aug. 11 go to Cory Quirino, John Gokongwei, Rodolfo Reyes, Dr. Francis C. Agcaoili, Susan del Rosario, Gene Bruno, Maricon Borja, Claire Isidro, Lissa Japsay, Jasmine “Chat” G. Sacay, Alex Ilagan, Menchie Dulay, Suzette Tongson and actress Iza Calzado. Condolence to the family of actor Charlie Davao who passed away Aug. 8, two days after friends and colleagues from Balik Samahan offered mass for him at the PGH Function Room.