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GMA Network
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Mike Talplacido on diversity in Hollywood and making his debut film 'In This Moment'
"Filmmaking has always been in my DNA," said Mike Talplacido, a Fil-Am filmmaker who is set to make his debut film, "In This Moment." Growing up in the town of Sta. Rosa in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, Talplacido was raised by teacher-parents—Bonifacio and Edna, the latter passed away in 2018. "I have three sisters, and I'm the second oldest," he told us in an email interview. "Yes, I'm the only filmmaker in the family. My parents were both very supportive of me, thankfully. I think it's also because I pursued it more later in my life. I just wish my mom were still here to see some of the work I've done. I've been dedicating most of my projects to her. In fact, in the last three short films I made, I named the Filipina mom character after her: Edna. Princess Punzalan, Maria Isabel Lopez, and Evie Abat have all played moms named Edna in those films." Although he didn't have any formal training in filmmaking—he's business alum of De La Salle University and took his MBA at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—had been exposed to movies early on in his life, thanks to his father. "When I was a child, my dad often took us to the movies. We watched films starring FPJ (Fernando Poe Jr.) and Dolphy, but I had a soft spot for dramas, especially those featuring movie icons like Vilma Santos, Nora Aunor, and Sharon Cuneta. Growing up in the '90s, I became deeply immersed in pop culture. Ask me anything about the Regal Babies, the Gwapings, or the soap operas of that era, and we could talk for hours. Add in a conversation about Hollywood movies, and I'd be set! Year after year, I made it a point to watch all the Oscar-nominated films and tune in to every award show." He added, "So yes, it might sound cliché, but the love of film is in my DNA. I'm just glad I've been able to pursue filmmaking in a more formal capacity now, but that passion has been with me from the very beginning." Contributed photo Now the multi-disciplinary artist (he is a podcast host, author, writer, performer, and director) is based in North Carolina. His podcast, "Kiss My Mike," primarily focuses on topics related to LGBTQIA+ issues, AAPI advocacy, increasing Filipino/x visibility in film and entertainment, and uplifting other creatives. As a published author, Mike wrote and published a memoir titled "Kiss My Mike" in June 2021. The memoir navigates sexuality and racial identity, interwoven with his pursuit of the American dream, the pressures of a religious family, and the ultimate quest for acceptance. He has also done "The Perfect Couple" (short, 2022), "To Ken with Love" (short, 2023), #DONT (stage play, 2023) and "The Manalos" (short, 2025). We asked him why his debut feature film, "In This Moment," is a passion project for him. He replied, "In This Moment is a passion project for me for two reasons. First, the story is deeply personal. While not autobiographical, it reflects much of who I am, my experiences, and the people who have shaped them. "It follows an interracial LGBTQ couple in North Carolina grappling with infidelity, guilt, and the quiet labor of caring for an elderly parent. Think Marriage Story by Noah Baumbach, but centered on an interracial queer couple, one Filipino American like myself, and one a white North Carolina native like my husband, Chris. "Many elements are drawn from real life. The caregiving aspect mirrors our own experience caring for my husband's father, who recently passed away at age 95, and how such responsibilities can strain a relationship, compounded by family tensions, past trauma, and work pressures. "The infidelity thread, while not part of my marriage today, comes from earlier life experiences, both as someone who had made the mistake of being unfaithful and as someone who has been betrayed. There are also layers about identity, including the pain of family rejection for being LGBTQ, reflected in the narrative. "All of these make the story deeply personal to me, and why this project is so close to my heart. "Second, my husband and I are in the process of moving to the West Coast. In a way, this film is an homage to what has been my home for the past 17 years, and for my husband, it has been his home since the beginning. It's my love letter to North Carolina. "It's also an opportunity to tell a story set against the backdrop of the American South, but featuring an interracial LGBTQ couple. I don't often see narratives like this represented on screen. As we know, Filipino Americans are everywhere in the U.S., including the South, so it's important to tell stories about them and the places they call home. That makes this project especially meaningful to me." The LGBTQ drama, "In This Moment," stars upcoming Fil-Am actor Zeus Oira who is based in Southern California as Luis and John Wilkins III of Paramount+'s "The Game" and BET's "Bigger." Wilkins plays David, husband of Luis. Zeus Oira and John Wilkins III. Contributed photos For the casting in his debut movie, he used "Actors Access/Breakdown Express as our main platform to find the cast. We were so fortunate to discover such amazing talent, including Zeus Oira, an up-and-coming Filipino American actor, who plays the lead role of Luis, and John Wilkins III, who previously appeared in the film The Menu starring Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy, and who plays his husband, David. All of the other cast members were also found through our postings on Actors Access or on social media." Now based in North Carolina, Talplacido revealed what living in North Carolina has taught him. "It has taught me many things. One of the most important things is that no matter where you live in the world, there are far more things that unite us than divide us. Yes, we all come from different and diverse backgrounds, but at the most fundamental human level, in our core emotions and life experiences, we are all the same. We all experience happiness, joy, pain, guilt, and resentment in various forms. So, I hope this story resonates with people and allows them to see themselves in it, regardless of their backgrounds. "In terms of why I chose North Carolina, I moved here in 2008 to pursue higher education, earning my MBA from UNC Chapel Hill. Since then, I have built my life here, found a place I can truly call home in the U.S., and, most importantly, found the love of my life." He confessed that he has always been drawn to storytelling. "Back in 2004, during the Blogspot era, I started a blog called Kiss My Mike, which is where my nickname came from. I kept the blog going until 2008, writing entirely anonymously. I eventually stopped because I felt the pressure to hide my identity, especially since I was pursuing a different career at the time while finishing my MBA. "Then, in 2018, my mom passed away. She was the most important person in my life, though our relationship was not without its complexities. Her passing inspired me to write a memoir, also titled Kiss My Mike, which I self-published in 2021. And that book marked the beginning of my creative journey. "During COVID-19, I connected with many other Filipino filmmakers through the audio app Clubhouse. I began collaborating with them, and that's when I wrote my first short film, 'The Perfect Couple.' Several months later, we filmed it in California, starring Princess Punzalan, Camille Aragon, and Julian Bataclan. From there, I continued making short films, each one teaching me more and deepening my love for the craft. I also wrote and produced a stage play called #DONT, which premiered at the Hollywood Fringe Festival to five sold-out performances. And now, I'm working on my first feature film. I truly hope to keep creating stories for many years to come." He said that it wasn't easy to be a queer Filipino trying to break into the entertainment industry. "Breaking into the entertainment industry not only as a queer person but also as a person of color, is full of challenges," he pointed out. "I don't even know where to begin. For one, there is still a lack of representation for our stories, both on screen and behind the scenes. Recent reports showing that diversity in Hollywood is actually eroding make this even more heartbreaking, especially when compounded by current socio-political factors. "Beyond that, there is always a shortage of financial support for queer and POC filmmakers. Access to resources to get films made is limited, so I find myself relying heavily on the community for support, whether that's through sharing our stories, uplifting each other's work, or helping us connect with audiences who need to see themselves represented. "But I remain optimistic. I know it's possible, so let's do this!" Representation, he added, is important because "it shapes culture and influences behavior. The more we see ourselves reflected, the more others, who may not know much about us, can see us too. I believe this fosters empathy. It reminds us that, even though we come from diverse backgrounds, whether in race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, there is so much we share. The emotions I mentioned earlier remind us that, at our core, we are more alike than we may think." As for the challenges he encountered so far in the making of his LGBTQ drama film, Talplacido said, "Since we are an indie production, we have to do as much as we can with as little as we have. That means being creative in addressing some of the challenges we face in production, such as art design and locations. So while we may not be able to film in a studio, we've been able to find practical, affordable locations that still work perfectly for the story. "Fortunately, I have an amazing team. I'm working with two producers: Miralee Menzies, who owns Menzies Talent Agency and is one of my co-producers. We previously collaborated on '#DONT' and on my last short film, 'The Manalos.' Our other producer is Lily Patel, a writer and actor who has worked on many other film projects. And with such a great team, I'm confident we can address any challenges that are still yet to come." As for his idols in filmmaking, he names Luca Guadagnino at the top of his list. "I'm a big fan of Luca Guadagnino. His films, such as 'Call Me By Your Name,' 'Queer,' and 'Challengers,' are some of my favorites. I love how his storytelling evokes such deep emotion, grounded yet emotionally expansive. If I can create a film that captures even a fraction of what he has been able to achieve, I'd be happy. "I also admire filmmakers like Yorgos Lanthimos, Denis Villeneuve, Christopher Nolan, and Danny Boyle for their bold visions and distinctive storytelling styles. Among AAPI directors, I'm especially inspired by Jon M. Chu and the incredible work he has been doing. I also hold deep admiration for Ang Lee, Bong Joon-ho, and Celine Song, whose storytelling continues to push boundaries, elevate representation, and resonate with audiences worldwide. "Honestly, I just love filmmakers. I respect what each and every one of them is doing — it's hard work!" As for his dream project, he admitted that it would be a dream to make a film in the Philippines. "It's one of those potential full-circle moments that would allow me to pay homage to my hometown and my culture. I would also love the opportunity to work with Philippine-based actors and actresses. There is so much incredible talent there, and I would be honored to collaborate with them in the future. "Aside from 'In This Moment,' which is a dream project for me, I hope to adapt my memoir 'Kiss My Mike' into a feature film. It's the story of a gay Filipino immigrant navigating both his sexual and racial identity, kind of like 'Sex and the City' meets 'Emily in Paris' but centering on a gay Filipino immigrant in his 20s. "I would also love to adapt my stage play #DONT into a feature film. I've been workshopping the script and entering it into screenplay competitions to make it the best it can be, and I'm happy with the successes so far. My dream is to bring together some of the most talented Filipino and Filipino American cast and crew for that project, elevating our stories and sharing them with a worldwide audience. "I think it's okay to dream, right? But it's also important to keep doing the work—keep writing, keep pushing in hopes that some day, the stars will align, and we'll find ourselves actually living our dreams." —MGP, GMA Integrated News
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dave Shapiro, Sound Talent Group Owner, Dead at 42 in Plane Crash
The post Dave Shapiro, Sound Talent Group Owner, Dead at 42 in Plane Crash appeared first on Consequence. Dave Shapiro, who represented such bands as Sum 41, Lamb of God, Pierce the Veil, Opeth, Parkway Drive, Built to Spill, I Prevail, Clutch, GWAR, and more as owner of Sound Talent Group, died in a plane crash in San Diego on Thursday morning (May 22nd). Two other Sound Talent Group employees and other individuals, all of whom have not been publicly identified yet, were also killed when the 1985 Cessna Citation aircraft crashed at roughly 4 a.m. in the Tierrasanta neighborhood, reports Billboard. The plane crashed onto a residential block, setting several homes on fire. UPDATE: One of the other victims has been identified as Daniel Williams, founding drummer of the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada. Details here. 'We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends,' said a spokesperson for Sound Talent Group. 'Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today's tragedy. Thank you so much for respecting their privacy at this time.' Shapiro previously worked at The Agency Group and United Talent Agency before launching Sound Talent Group with Tim Borror and Matt Andersen. Billboard notes that Shapiro was an experienced pilot, and owned the company Velocity Aviation, where he also served as a flight instructor. In addition to the aforementioned bands, Sound Talent Group also represents such acts as Animals as Leaders, Beartooth, Between the Buried and Me, Black Veil Brides, Corrosion of Conformity, Devin Townsend, Down, Helmet, Hot Water Music, In This Moment, Killswitch Engage, Story of the Year, Zakk Wylde, and dozens more. Earlier this year, Sound Talent Group announced the 'Summer of Loud Tour,' a North American metalcore package featuring Beartooth, I Prevail, Killswitch Engage, and Parkway Drive that is set to kick off June 22nd. Our condolences go out to the families and friends of Dave Shapiro and the other victims of this plane crash. A video featuring Shapiro when he worked at The Agency Group, as well as a news report on the crash, can be seen below. Popular Posts Trump Warns Springsteen: "He Ought to Keep His Mouth Shut Until He's Back Into the Country" New Reality TV Show That Sees immigrants Compete for US Citizenship Has Backing of Trump Administration: Report Holy Shit, You Have to See Footage from System of a Down's Concert in Brazil Bruce Springsteen Gives Trump the Middle Finger with Another Defiant Concert Guns N' Roses Share Video of Axl Rose Repeatedly Falling Onstage: Watch Neil Young to Trump: "I'm Not Scared of You. Neither Are the Rest of Us" Subscribe to Consequence's email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
In This Moment returns to Springfield this summer
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Rock band In This Moment will be performing in Springfield this summer. According to the Gillioz Theatre Facebook page, In This Moment's Hell Hath No Fury Tour will be dropping by the historic theatre on Tuesday, July 29. Tickets for the general public go on sale on Friday, May 9. You can purchase them here. In This Moment has five singles and an album certified Platinum and Gold. They have also received a Grammy nomination in 2020 for Best Metal Performance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR -
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
In This Moment Announce Summer 2025 US Tour
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways The post In This Moment Announce Summer 2025 US Tour appeared first on Consequence. In This Moment have announced the Summer 2025 'Hell Hath No Fury' US tour, featuring support from Wargasm, Kat Von D, and The Pretty Wild. The outing kicks off July 16th in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and runs through August 16th in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In addition to the headlining dates, ITM will make an appearance at Inkcarceration on July 20th in Ohio and UNHINGED Fest on July 27th in Denver. Get In This Moment Tickets Here A Live Nation ticket pre-sale for select dates begins Tuesday (May 6th) at 2 p.m. local time using the code FREESTYLE. General ticket sales start Friday (May 9th) at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster. In other news, In This Moment recently signed with a new label, Better Noise Music, and according to the band's press release, are working on the follow-up to 2023's Godmode. Check out the full list of tour dates below. In This Moment's 2025 Tour Dates: 07/16 – Green Bay, WI @ Epic Events Center * 07/18 – Cadott, WI @ Rock Fest 07/19 – Peoria, IL @ Prairie Home Alliance Theater * 07/20 – Mansfield, OH @ Inkcarceration Festival 07/22 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works * 07/23 – Chattanooga, TN @ The Signal * 07/24 – Chesterfield, MO @ The Factory * 07/26 – Council Bluffs, IA @ Harrah's Stir Cove * 07/27 – Denver, CO @ Unhinged Fest 07/29 – Springfield, MO @ Gillioz Theatre * 07/30 – Memphis, TN @ Graceland Sound Stage * 08/01 – Dubuque, IA @ Q Casino – Back Waters Stage * 08/02 – Grand Rapids, MI @ GLC Live at 20 Monroe * 08/03 – Wheeling, WV @ Capitol Theatre * 08/05 – Rochester, NY @ Kodak Center Theater * 08/06 – Schenectady, NY @ Proctors Theatre * 08/08 – Detroit, MI @ Masonic Temple Theatre * 08/09 – Hammond, IN @ The Venue at Horseshoe * 08/10 – Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room at Old National Centre * 08/12 – Richmond, VA @ The National * 08/14 – Worcester, MA @ Palladium * 08/15 – Hanover, MD @ The Hall at Live! * 08/16 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Tropicana Showroom at Tropicana Atlantic City * * = w/ Wargasm, Kat Von D, and The Pretty Wild in this moment tour art 2025 Popular Posts Subscribe to Consequence's email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Relish in ‘In This Moment' Cocktails at LimaMar Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
They always say 'There's no time like the present', so why not fully enjoy the moment with a cocktail? Owner and mixologist Ross Terry shows us how to make LimaMar Restaurant and Cocktail Bar's 'In This Moment' cocktail. In This Moment 2 oz Pisco 1 oz Aguardiente 1 oz Blood Orange Juice 1 oz Strawberry Shrub 1 Charapita In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all the ingredients minus the charapita. Take the charapita and squeeze the juice into the cocktail shaker. Drop the charapita into the shaker, and shake until well chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass with a big ice cube. Good Day Stateline's Spirit Day is sponsored by LimaMar Restaurant & Cocktail Bar at 221 E. State Street in downtown Rockford. LimaMar is the brainchild of owners Ross and Rosana Terry, who hoped to bring Rosana's Peruvian heritage to life in Rockford when they opened in 2019. From the rich authentic décor that you'll find on every wall inside the cozy space, to the dishes that Rosana creates in the kitchen, Peruvian culture takes center stage at LimaMar. The menu is filled with traditional Peruvian dishes like Ceviche, Conchitas and Causa, which find their roots in Japanese, Chinese and Spanish cuisine. You'll find Peruvian influences on the cocktail menu, too, with Peru's most popular alcohol, Pisco, in many of their inventive drinks. The most popular cocktail in Peru is the Piscosour, it's so popular there's an entire day devoted to celebrating it each year. LimaMar lives by the motto, 'We eat with our vision first, then comes the notes of the aroma & your palate will tell you the rest.'.