Christian Bautista Online

What keeps Christian smiling

mnoceja — Sun, 26 May 2013 00:51:00 +0000

LIVE FEED By Butch S. Raquel (The Philippine Star) | Updated May 24, 2013 – 12:00am

Christian Bautista returns to TV acting via GMA 7’s upcoming soap With A Smile

A decade of serenading the hearts of Filipinos has swiftly passed for Christian Bautista. He began his singing career in a contest aired on TV way back 2003. Christian Joseph Morata Bautista became widely known across Asia as Christian Bautista. He is today’s Asia’s Romantic Balladeer, a model, a host, an actor and he is not stopping just as yet.

The 31-year-old balladeer continues to expand his wings and explore more things to improve and hone his God-given talents. He has tried doing things he has never done before, and some people may criticize him for that. But for him, you only live once and that is exactly the reason why he lives his life to the fullest.

After 10 years of twists and turns, ups and downs, Christian is definitely here to stay.

On a personal note, his parents, Ebert and Jo, were co-workers in government in the early ’80s.

How is your stay with GMA so far?

“So far, my stay with GMA has been very eventful! I’m happy that I got to do the rounds to guest in the special shows of GMA and GMA News TV. I am glad that I am able to be part of Eat, Bulaga! during Saturdays. I’m happy that I was able to be part of Party Pilipinas, yet sad that it ended already. But I’m excited for the new role that I’m doing for the new soap opera offering of GMA, With A Smile.”

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Are there any big adjustments that you made ever since you became a Kapuso?

“Yes, there were adjustments that I needed to do since my move to GMA. I had to fill the roles and the tasks that I am assigned to do. I’m given a responsibility that I am focused to achieve and excited to supplement that with my music through Universal Records, and my musical theater project Cinderella with Resorts World as Prince Charming this year.”

One of your projects in GMA is the soap With A Smile. What can you say now that you are

“I’m thankful and excited for this chance that was given to me. The fans have been waiting to see me act again on TV. I’m also happy that I get to do this project, which gives a positive influence and outlook for its viewers.”

Are you more comfortable in doing romantic-comedy soaps?

“Right now, yes. I believe this role is going to be fun to play with.”

What can you say about your character? Is it very different from the real-life Christian Bautista? What did you find in your character in With A Smile that you could relate to?

“There are similarities and differences with my character that I’m portraying. I could relate to my character’s headstrong attitude when he wants something done.”

How are you preparing for the soap?

“We worked with Sir Leo Martinez to (form) our characters into shape. I’m transforming some habits and nuances to adapt to the new role. And most of all, I’m having fun.”

What can you say about your co-stars in With A Smile, Andrea Torres and Mikael Daez? Have you met them already?

“Yes, these two are pros. They are very easy to connect with. I feel comfortable and challenged to work with them.”

What other side of Christian Bautista that you want to show to your fans and supporters worldwide, especially in Asia?

“I want them to see me act again in a different light. I want them to see the depth of this new side of acting that I’m gonna portray.”

Are there any other things (aside from singing, modeling, hosting and acting) that you want to do?

“Wherever the road takes me, if my heart directs me and God guides me, I’d love to promote a song or album in America or Europe one day.”

You have said in an interview that one of the reasons why you decided to go to GMA is Eat, Bulaga’s connection in Indonesia. You have mentioned that you have charity endeavors there, would you like to share with us what these are?

“I’m a part of World Vision Philippines and Indonesia. If my career inspires others to help these organizations then that would be it.”

What can you say that your career in Indonesia is getting stronger?

“It’s definitely a big part of me. I want to explore different avenues in which where I can maximize my career there.”

Are there any future plans for your career in Indonesia?

“Right now, I’m promoting my First Class album. I’m excited to release a new one also.”

Are there any plans of releasing a new album?

“Yes. It is in line with our new soap With A Smile.”

What makes you smile?

“Love. Joy. Peace.”

How do make your fans, friends and family smile?

“By simply showing them how important and valued they are to me.”

What do you do to survive all the pressures that you encounter? When things don’t seem to go your way, how do you manage to smile and be happy?

“I pray and I let God deal with the issues.”

What’s your inspiration now?

“My inspiration now is to be a good person to everyone around me.”

How long will Christian kiss Karylle?

mnoceja — Sun, 26 May 2013 00:38:45 +0000

By Yugel Losorata | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom – Wed, May 15, 2013 10:10 AM PHT

Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom – Christian Bautista and Karylle answer questions from the media during the press conference of their newest stage musical, Cinderella held at Maxim’s restaurant in Resorts World Manila in Pasay City, south of Manila on 23 April 2013. (George Calvelo/NPPA Images)

Expect inhibitions to fly out the window when two actors used to working with each other reunite for a major theater project.

Karylle plays the title role and Christian Bautista is Prince Charming in Resorts World Manila’s production of the classic fairy tale “Cinderella,” which premieres in October.

“My kiss is gonna be longer and I put that in the contract,” said Christian in jest, referring to previous intimate moments on stage moments opposite Karylle..

One-two punch

Karylle and Christian acted opposite each other in Ballet Philippines’ Rama Hari last year. They also represented the Philippines in the TV musical drama series “The Kitchen Musical” in 2011.

“We know each other so well and we work hard when we work together,” Christian added.

Karylle, on the other hand, is ready to give Cinderella ”a new flavor.”

“This is one of the biggest things I’ll do in a long time,” she pointed out.

She agrees with Christian in saying that working together in previous projects is a big plus in getting the job done.

“Feeling mo kaya mong lumipad pag ang kasama mo kilala mo.”

Karylle is excited to share the stage with Christian again.

“Can’t wait to sing with Christian again. Been a while since I did a full-on musical,” she said.

Plotting his moves

Christian already knows what to do for “Cinderella.”

“Maghahanap kami ng angles that have not been done before,” he revealed.

“There’s pressure in doing this but we’re making use of that pressure to make a better show. We’re not resting on our laurels and it will be a team effort,” he added.

This year’s “Cinderella” production, described as a modern, updated version, will be staged at the 1,500-seater Newport Performing Arts Theater which boasts the largest LED wall in Southeast Asia.

Christian unveils Park Inn by Radisson Davao

mnoceja — Tue, 14 May 2013 23:09:39 +0000

By Edu Jarque (The Philippine Star) | Updated May 15, 2013 – 12:00am

Star of the starry night: Christian Bautista sings Colors Everywhere

MANILA, Philippines – Christian Bautista set the tone for the night’s celebration in full color during the formal opening of the Park Inn by Radisson Davao. And what a colorful evening it was!

Kickstarting the event with a soulful rendition of his hit Colors Everywhere, the crooner, clad in a metallic blue jacket, serenaded the invited guests from Davao and its nearby cities, Cebu and Manila.

Adding glamour and excitement to the festivities was the eye-catching presence of Filipina-British model and TV host, Georgina Wilson. The statuesque beauty was revealed to be the face of the Park Inn by Radisson Davao as its celebrity endorser. Wilson is seen to add that va-va-voom zing to the hotel’s marketing and promotional activities.

Complementing the affair’s entertainment was a steady exhibition of suites of young men and women garbed in colorful costumes and bestride on stilts, mimes, tribal dancers, jugglers and living statues. The program was put together into dazzling effect by the former president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and now, creative director to the SM Hotels and Conventions, Nestor Jardin.

Seen in the crowd were movers of trade and industry, manufacturers and businessmen, entrepreneurs and traders, civic leaders and social arbiters, members of the academe and tri-media, government and NGO officials, entertainers and lovers of life — quite a veritable list. Spotted on the red carpet were Department of Trade and Industry Sec. Gregory Domingo, president of SM Prime Holdings Hans Sy, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group (Asia Pacific) president Simon Barlow and EVP for Revenue Generation Lucinda Semark, Department of Tourism regional director Art Boncato and Davao City councilor Al Ryan Alejandre. In the spirit of the celebration, the invitees came in shades of red, blue, green and yellow, reflecting the colors of the hotel.

“The opening of Park Inn by Radisson Davao marks a new era for the Park Inn by Radisson brand in Asia Pacific,” explained Barlow, who heads the Asia Pacific arm of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups. “Guests can expect to experience the friendliness and vibrancy of the Park Inn. It is focused on delivering the modern essentials of a great hotel experience that will resonate well with international and domestic travelers.”

“As part of the Carlson Rezidor global hotel network, the hotel will benefit from the patronage of 10 million Global Club Carlson members. In addition, we believe the hotel and the brand will appeal strongly to the Philippines’ burgeoning domestic market of 35 million travelers seeking affordable accommodation that is fresh and uncomplicated.”

Elizabeth Sy, president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., emphasized, “We are excited with this opening of Park Inn by Radisson Davao as we bring to the market a distinctly unique hotel brand with a very contemporary and vibrant look and feel. We are confident that the property will deliver a great hotel experience that will continue to thrive on the upbeat outlook on the Philippine economy and tourism.”

Overseeing this global vision of the hotel is Park Inn by Radisson Davao GM Geir Sikko.

Park Inn by Radisson Davao is set as a mid-scale hotel. Relatively casual yet hip, this can be seen in details such as the color scheme of bright red, blue, yellow and green used in the company cars, extending all the way to the interior of the hotel, with a color premise assigned for each floor. The lobby is bathed in warm yellows and greens, while its restaurant, named RBG — Restaurant Bar and Grill — is done in red, black, and white reminiscent of Piet Mondrian paintings. Color comes alive everywhere in this hotel, staying true to Park Inn’s global catch phrase Adding Color to Life.

A quick tour during the open house revealed that the rooms are spacious, bright, clean and well-appointed. Park Inn by Radisson Davao has a total of 204 rooms, 198 of them standard and the other six junior suites. In keeping with the overall design, it has an invigorating splash of bright colors, unlike the sterile designs of most other accommodations.

Radisson Blue Hotel Cebu director for Sales and Marketing Ann Olalo points out, “Amenity-wise, Davao’s newest hotel has a really nice pool on the second floor, a pool deck where one can sun-tan, read a book or unwind over cool drinks and snacks. There’s a gym with the latest in fitness equipment. There are also venues for meetings and small conferences, and there is free Wi-Fi connection everywhere in the hotel.”

Public relations manager Meg Sta. Ines described the overall theme as very modern design, with vibrant decors artfully and strategically placed throughout the building. “You don’t see hotels with all these colors,” she remarked. “When you stay with us, you don’t feel all too stiff. It’s all welcoming. You feel relaxed.”

And, of course, there’s the restaurant. RBG offers a mix of Mediterranean, American and local cuisine prepared in a style that is healthy and delicious. Overseeing the food prep is 2 Michelin star celebrity chef Ritchie Loteria of GMA Network fame.

Part of the menu features Filipino dishes, such as kare-kare, sinigang and the city’s famous specialty, the blue marlin. “We likewise serve our popular burgers and good quality rib-eye steak. We don’t use a lot of sauces and cream,” Olalo adds, “Whatever we do, we do it well.”

Located just 15 minutes away from the airport, Park Inn by Radisson Davao is also conveniently connected by a covered bridgeway to SM Lanang Premier, which houses the SMX Davao Convention Center. “The idea is to have a hotel where attendees of SMX conferences and other similar events could conveniently be billeted. It’s a good philosophy,” GM Sikko declared.

“Park Inn by Radisson Davao is a welcome addition to our existing hotel portfolio that includes the Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay, the Pico Sands Hotel in Batangas and the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City,” commented Sy. “Our plan for the near future includes the construction of Park Inn by Radisson hotels in Clark, Pampanga, SM North EDSA Complex in Quezon City, Bacolod City and Iloilo City.”

Christian wows ‘em in Taipei

mnoceja — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:59:43 +0000

(The Philippine Star) | Updated May 14, 2013 – 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines – Christian Bautista wowed fans during his Flower of May concert last May 5 at the open area of the Taipei Main Station South Gate 2, produced by Western Union in cooperation with Taiwan Foreign & Disabled Labor Office, Indonesian Economic & Trade Office to Taipei, and Economic & Cultural Officer of the Philippines, a de facto embassy in Taiwan. The audience was a mix of Indonesians, Taiwanese and Filipinos. — Reported by CARLO OROSA