He may be one of the most sought-after comedians today, but Vice Ganda, who plays the title role as “Petrang Kabayo” in the latest Viva Films offering, said he is actually a late-bloomer in his now flourishing showbiz career. He has amazed many, including fellow comedians, in his rather fast climb in the ladder of fame and popularity.

It’s ABS-CBN’s morning talent program “Showtime” that is giving him the best exposure, and his successful Araneta Coliseum solo concert proved his bankability as a performer.

But everyone knows of course that it wasn’t an easy climb to success for Vice Ganda. He started out in various comedy bars where he showcased his own brand of comedy. He said it took “blood, sweat and tears” before he finally landed the biggest break in his career. In “Showtime,” Vice became an instant hit.

It was in this show that comedy box-office director Wenn Deramas saw his potential. Watching him, Wenn conceived of the idea of Vice playing Petrang Kabayo. But Wenn said “this is not really a remake of Roderick Paulate’s ‘Petrang Kabayo,’ because we have an original story. But we asked the permission of the creator of ‘Petrang Kabayo,’ Pablo S. Gomez, to use the title. We told him Vice Ganda is playing Peter/Petra and Pablo was excited. It turned out pinapanood din pala niya si Vice sa ‘Showtime.’”

“Petrang Kabayo,” also starring Luis Manzano, Candy Pangilinan, Sam Pinto, DJ Durano, Makisig Morales, Eagle Riggs and Ms. Gloria Romero, with the special participation of Eugene Domingo, is an all-out comedy, Wenn added, but it also boasts moral lessons.

It tells of the story of Peter/Petra who ran away from his abusive father after his mother died. Luckily for him, he found a kind-hearted haciendera (Eugene) named Helena who took him as her own and provided him not only shelter but unconditional affection. She grooms Peter to be her heir in the event of her death. She showed only love and kindness, hoping Peter will also do the same to others, especially her employees.

But Peter has a bad temper, especially towards her mother’s loyal servant Maita and her beautiful and gifted daughter Samantha. Peter doesn’t know that Diobayo (the goddess of horses) watches his every move and to teach him a lesson, the goddess transforms Peter into a horse (Petra) whenever he acts surly and proud.

Peter/Petra is given only three chances to become a good person or he will forever remain a horse.
“Petrang Kabayo” will premiere on Oct. 10 at Cinema 10 of SM Megamall. Sponsors are Mane n’ Tail, Scratch It Card, Mang Inasal and Globe. Regular run nationwide starts on Oct. 13.

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The Boys of Six

If you are looking for vibrant, young and enthusiastic musicians, then you can find them in the Boys of Six, an all-male band!

They are Jeff on guitars, Jeremiah on keyboards, Lorenz on bass, JR on drums, Albert and Art on vocals.

Their debut album is entitled “Sama-Sama Walang Iwanan” and it appears to be cause-oriented.
The Boys of Six also write and compose their own songs, though they are equally excellent in performing some selected standards or revivals.

What makes them so distinct from other bands is that all of them are boyish, and fresh college students. As their debut album says, they will remain united.

They are one in saying that they also have quarrels or misunderstandings once in a while, but this is normal in any group. They take it as part of intellectual development and social growth.

If they push through with their being cause-oriented, we believe that the Boys of Six will be able to make a bigger and enduring impact on the music industry.

As such, it is their choice – the Boys of Six – especially so that they can write and compose their own songs.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Oct. 7, go to Joey Marquez, DoT Director Victoria Jasmin, Ms. Nelly Campos, Linda Punzalan, Ira Maniquis, Shoona Teves, Vanessa Valderama, Ramon Victor Roxas, Brenda Villasin, Norihide Joseph Ono, Mrs. Po Suan Velasco, Virgie V. Mariano, Engr. Abraham S. Gumatay, Ms. Pelita Peralta-Uy, and Anna Larrucea…