Disney+ finally made available to stream the animated Disney short Us Again. From the start, the audience can feel that this short is special. There was a sense of hope and joy in this short that we've been missing for the past year. It's more than just about dance, it's about taking the time to do what you enjoy doing.
Keone Madrid, a Filipino choregrapher is responsible for the movement of the characters Art and Dot, an elderly couple who rediscover the joy of dance and that youth is only a state of mind. As we grow older, we get caught up in "adulting" and sometimes forget about what makes us happy. Keone chorographed the routine alongside his wife Mari Madrid which made it all feel so authentic. In this rehearsal footage, you see the beginnings of the choreo beside the final product.
"To stay present despite what’s around you. That youth is just a state of mind."
KEONE MADRID ON "US AGAIN"
Keone writes how he was in awe of the process: "Watching them [Art and Dot] dance our choreography fills me with so much joy, emotion, hope and inspiration (and some jealousy because the they do the moves way better than us). Then I’m simultaneously mind blown that the animators animated our choreography by hand..." He's reminded of all the times when dance was a normalized to a non-sensical career path, but believed that dance was more than just a hobby. Dance is a universal language that brings people together which Us Again reminded him.
Cover Photo Credit: Disney Animation Twitter
The latest Disney+ drama-comedy show, BIG SHOT is set to premiere April 16, 2021. It stars John Stamos who plays a temperamental college basketball coach, but must take a coaching job at an elite all-girls private high school. Also on the roster are Jessalyn Gilsig and Yvette Nicole Brown The series is 10-episodes and written and executive produced by David E. Kelley and Dean Lorey.
Fil-Am Tisha Custodio is part of the cast as Carolyn 'Mouse' Smith. The last Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) that featured an all-girls basketball team is the classic, Double Teamed. This series is more than just playing basketball. There's definitely going to be a comedic element to this light hearted series. The trailer shows messages of teamwork, determination, and being pushed to achieve greatness.
John Stamos said in a post that Marvyn Korn is one of his favorite characters to play. He applauds the young actors in the cast as rising stars. What a moment for the actors to share this experience with a veteran actor and the beloved Uncle Jesse.
Cover Photo Credit: Tisha Custodio Facebook
If you caught this week's episode of Marvel's The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, you might have heard Tagalog. The song Amatz by the controversial rapper Shanti Dope finds its way into the MCU. The latest Marvel miniseries on Disney+ follows two frenemy Sam Wilson (The Falcon) and Bucky Barnes (The Winter Soldier). The show picks up after the results of Avengers: Endgame and when Captain America (Chris Evans) gives his shield to The Falcon.
Episode 3, "Power Broker" takes the duo to a fictional Southeast Asian island of Madripoor. About a one-minute snippet of the song plays to set up the scene of Madripoor's low town. The beat and fast pace lyrics of the song fits well with the grungy aesthetic of the scene. The Philippines banned the song because of its controversial message. However, now Marvel puts Tagalog on an international stage.
In the credits, Amatz was written by Shanti Dope alongside co-writer Lester Vano (also known as Klumcee). This isn't the first time he has worked with Disney. He also worked with Disney star and singer Sabrina Carpenter on a remix of her song, Almost Love.
ABOUT SHANTI DOPE
Sean Patrick Ramos (born April 15, 2001), known professionally as Shanti Dope, is a Filipino rapper, singer and songwriter. He is known for his songs "Nadarang",[2] "Shantidope", "MAU", and "Amatz".
Shanti Dope started writing verses in 2013 following the footsteps of local rappers who use songwriting as a way to tell stories. Influenced by the idea of storytelling through rap, his first long verse got him into rapper Smugglaz' 2015 album Walking Distance. - WhenInManila.com
If this Valentine's Day weekend is a nice weekend in for you, here's a couple things to keep you occupied.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella on Disney+
The story of Cinderella has been remade many times, but you might not be familiar with this 1997 television film. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella stars singer Brandy and legendary Whitney Houston who's also a co-producer of the film. This groundbreaking film features a racially diverse cast with Filipino-American actor Paolo Montalban as Prince Christopher, Whoopi Goldberg, and more. If you've seen in, it'll take you back to your childhood. However for first time viewers, get ready to hear amazing music, a talented cast, grand costumes and productions.
Jo Koy on MTV's Ridiculousness
For the laughs, make sure to catch Jo Koy on MTV's Ridiculousness with Rob Dyrdek. The show highlights viral videos that failed at do-it-yourself attempts at stunts. We're sure they'll be funny commentary from JoKoy and friends. It airs tonight at 11pm PST/10pm Central on MTV. Check out a preview below!
Cover Photo Credit: Brandy Facebook
If you haven't heard Driver's License by Olivia Rodrigo, have you been living under a rock? The song has been out for less than a week and it's already all over social media. The half-Filipina actor and musician landed the No. 1 spot on the US iTunes and Apple Music charts, making her the first Asian-American woman to do it. The single also topped Spotify's Global Top 50 ranking. Just a reminder that this is her first single!
Olivia tells the story of getting her license and excited to drive to an ex's house. But now, she takes the drive alone to get over the heartbreak. The song which gives off major Taylor Swift and Lorde vibes has created a lot of buzz. Whether or not it's about a past relationship, you can't help but feel her emotions in the lyrics. BTW, it's also Taylor approved along with other celebs congratulating her on the awesome song! This ballad is definitely getting added to our "driving thru the suburbs" playlist!
I got my driver's license last week
Just like we always talked about
'Cause you were so excited for me
To finally drive up to your house
But today I drove through the suburbs
Crying 'cause you weren't around
Olivia is no stranger in writing great songs, "All I Want" featured on the Disney+ series, High School The Musical The Series and her character's breakout moment was certified Gold in the US last year. This is only the beginning for this young singer/songwriter, and we can't wait to hear what her EP will offer later this year. We can guarantee we'll be belting out along with her.
Besides music, you might also recognize Olivia from roles on New Girl and Disney Channel's Bizaardvark as Paige Olvera. However, in the time of staying home and binge watching, her biggest role so far would be as Nini Salazar-Roberts in High School The Musical The Series. She's currently filming in Salt Lake City, Utah for Season 2. So you still have time to catch up until the second season premiers sometime this year.
In a Disney video for Asian-American Heritage Month, Olivia talked about her Filipino roots. Her heritage came from her Great-grandfather on her dad's side who came to the US as a teenager. She also shared traditions that she enjoys like making Filipino food. Lumpia is one of her faves. Olivia, share your lumpia recipe with us! The video shows how proud she is of her family and Filipina roots.
With insane talent, crazy vocals, and a bright future ahead, we'll definitely be seeing more of Olivia. If you want to keep up with Olivia and her projects, make sure to check out oliviarodrigo.com for the latest.
