Singing Competition Rising Star sold in UK & US, how about the Philippines?

UK's ITV is bringing Israel TV's Rising Star to the European market soon! But the biggest deal so far for this innovative program is its newly inked contract with America's ABC. Expect to have a new show to watch out for aside from Idol, X Factor & The Voice.

This new reality singing competition has already touched down in Scandinavia. Franchises have been sold to Italy and Hungary as well. For America's ABC, the show will initially have 10 episodes come Summer 2014.

What is the format?
Let's directly read it from the maker's official website as we quote...

RISING STAR is a trailblazing interactive talent format that hails a new era in home entertainment. Its launch marks the first real-time voting by viewers via an innovative free app that is fully integrated into the show.

Home viewers decide – by voting via the app – who advances, while the viewers’ pictures appear on the large screen facing the contestant. If the performer secures 70% of the viewers’ and the judges’ votes, the screen rises in the studio and the new star is revealed. From the very first minute of the very first episode, viewers will continue to play an integral role in every decision made on the show throughout the entire season.

RISING STAR’s record-breaking debut on Keshet Channel 2 – and the overwhelming response and participation from viewers – has set a new bar for the future of talent shows. Since its debut, over 1.5 million viewers have been exposed to the show each episode, capturing an incredible 49.4% share, making it the highest debut of a TV show during the September launch season in 15 years. Over 4.5 million votes have been tallied through the app, which has been downloaded more than 1.3 million times. RISING STAR has far outperformed all second screen data ever recorded in Israel, with a participation rate 10 times higher than previous shows, and a conversion rate (viewers to second screen participation) of over 30%.

Produced by Tedy Productions for Keshet Broadcasting

Or better yet watch a clip of this show...

It would be so nice to have our own franchise of this as The Voice of the Philippines proved to be entertaining. It gave us a closer feel of the great format that it is in the UK and the US.

But if ABS-CBN is full with Got Talent, X-Factor and The Voice franchises, how about GMA Network gets this one? They have the Studio 7 which is perfect for Rising Star's set.

Filipinos The Filharmonic Conquer The Sing-Off Season 4

They're in it to win it! Filharmonic, a musical group composed of Filipinos living in America, is making some big waves in Sing-Off season 4. 

Who are they?
Let's get it right directly from the biography in their Facebook page.

Los Angeles has a long history of producing musical acts and in keeping with this tradition, it now presents you with The Filharmonic, a boy band unique in their musical talent and cultural diversity. The group consists of six members: Vocalists VJ Rosales, Joe Ilagan, Trace Gaynor, and Barry Fortgang, Vocal Bass Jules Cruz, and Beatboxer Niko Del Rey. Their melodic vocal style exemplifies an urbanesque hip hop sound with 90's nostalgia.

Watch their performance.

Here's an interview after their first performance.

What Judges had to say...

So far, the comments of the judges can be summarized into one word: entertaining. That's good enough since they are competing with really good groups as well. But mind you, The Filharmonic is competitive so we Pinoys must watch out for them.

Son Of God Movie, A Promising Bible-based Film

Another movie that takes its core from the life of Jesus Christ as told in the Bible. The Son of God movie is promising based on its trailer.

Produced by the couple who produced The Bible over at History Channel, Mark Burnett and Roma Downey are serious about retelling the story of Jesus Christ but this time with the major parts of his existence.

This one is exciting aside from the fact that another production house is releasing Noah, an Old Testament account in the Bible.

Saying Goodbye to MARVEL Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D

To be honest, I looked forward to this show. But after six episodes, seems like it’s going to be another show to be dropped off the list.

Yes, when the first few teasers came out, we were all in the same page of excitement that MARVEL is venturing into a TV series with real people. We all thought, “now HEROES will be just part of history.” Apparently, it didn’t reconcile with our excitement.

We have to give credit to the people behind this show who tirelessly give everything they have to showcase a hi-tech production and thrilling stunts. However, these are not enough to create a TV phenomenon. These and a great story. S.H.I.E.L.D lacks the latter. Add to that lack is the awkward casting.

The Outsider thinks that there’s an identity crisis in the show. It’s supposed to have a serious approach with some goofy characters. However, the mixture of both serious actors and goofy ones turned out to be awkward. Is it the directing? No idea. Is it the scriptwriting? No idea. Is it the casting? Could be.

Here’s saying that before this season approaches its season finale (or could be series finale), we’re dropping it. Yes, we’re dropping it like a hot kamote!

A series without making the goal clear with its viewers.

One thing is show is best at: teaser. It’s good until you watch the actual episode.

To our Filipino readers who await to watch this on local cable TV, try it but can’t assure you’d fall in love to it like the case of HEROES or 24 or something else better.

Backstreet Boys Still Young-Looking in Walk Of Fame Launching

Did you grow up dancing to the tune of "Get down, get down, and move it all around?" If so, you'll probably like this update.

The most phenomenal boy band in the 90s, Backstreet Boys, has earned themselves a Walk of Fame star in Los Angeles, California. The star was unveiled last April 22, Monday with the gang complete.

A.J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Kevin Richardson, Nick Carter, and Brian Littrell were all present that day. They looked young still but not as young-looking as One Direction. Truly, they have made a mark in the history of music.

What's your favourite Backstreet Boys song?