Tackling piracy
Ogie Alcasid wears many hats — he is a singer, songwriter and an actor; but he is also the president of the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), a group of Filipino musicians advocating the growth of the music industry in the Philippines.
You have been very aggressive on your anti-piracy drive lately. Tell us more about it.
Piracy is an evil that exists. It's been a major issue that is slowly killing the music industry in our country. We're doing our best to protect not just our interest, but of the bigger issue of intellectual property rights.
We just launched an online music store, OPM2Go, where people can download all their favourite Filipino music for a very reasonable price of Php15 (Dh1.27) per download. It's a very reasonable amount, so people do not have to engage in piracy.
The music industry has been very good to me, and I think that OPM2Go is a great way for me to give back and help the next generation of musicians and artists.
Besides making downloadable music affordable, how do you think piracy can be better addressed?
Better enforcement and regulation. Even bigger markets abroad are struggling with this, so it will require a concerted effort. I think we also need to educate Filipinos to have a better appreciation for local music, and with that comes respect for the hard work that artists put into their music. Respect means you will not just steal it, no matter how you love the music. I think making it downloadable at a reasonable amount is a big step, considering cost is an issue with consumers, especially now that times are really hard.
What has been the feedback so far?
It's been very encouraging. I am glad that there are music lovers who will still pay for the music, instead of just downloading it from somewhere, even if available freely. It's a good start.
We have the full support and backing of record labels, producers and artists, who will directly benefit from the site because they will automatically receive their revenue share or royalty, instead of having to wait for producers to make the transfer.
Royalty payments are also a big issue for us, so I am thankful this project is addressing so many challenges all at the same time.
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TV royalty unite on the big screen
Prime-time TV royalty Coco Martin and Marian Rivera are going to do a movie for Regal Films. Although their shows appear on rival networks, the two have agreed to do a film together for the first time.
Martin has an option in his contract to do a movie outside of his home studio, and he chose to do one with Regal, with one specific request — to be paired with Rivera.
Kim: Let Gerald be
Now that Gerald Anderson has formally confirmed he is courting Sarah Geronimo, die-hard fanatics of erstwhile partners Anderson and Kim Chiu (pictured) have allegedly been sending Geronimo hate mails.
Chiu has appealed to their fans to support Anderson in both his career and personal life, admitting she has since long moved on. Although there are reports of a reunion project, Chiu is certain she and Anderson can be successful either on their own or in a new love team.
She admitted she is currently close to Xian Lim, her on-screen partner in her last TV project.
Rocco turns to Rochelle
Dancer-turned-actress Rochelle Pangilinan is just happy to be chosen as Rocco Nacino's leading lady in the currently in-production indie film Lam-Ang. Although she is only the third choice — the role was initially offered to singer-actress Karylle then to model-turned-actress Isabelle Daza — Pangilinan believes she's fit for the part.
Since pursuing acting full-time two years ago, Pangilinan has earned rave reviews for her performances in several TV and movie projects. She is in fact earning high praise for her role as the antagonist in The Broken Vow afternoon series, where she plays a socialite wife spurned by her husband.
I have been rich since birth
Sharon Cuneta posted controversial tweets last week after her ongoing problems with senior actress and close relative Helen Gamboa spilled into public consciousness recently.
Cuneta, who considers Gamboa her second mother, is married to Senator Francis Pangilinan, while Gamboa is married to Pangilinan's political rival, Senator Tito Sotto.
Cuneta admitted she was hurt when she read an interview in which Gamboa allegedly said riches can make a person forget one's roots, in reference to Cuneta's still unconfirmed billion peso contract with TV5. Cuneta retorted on Twitter: "I have been rich since birth."
She calmed down in subsequent tweets, saying she hopes the issue with Gamboa will be resolved quickly.
