Artists belonging to the Gen Z demographics are today’s column focus. Why so? It is because they happen to be boisterous and talented lot. Youth is not wasted on them as they show their followers and supporters in particular, and the public in general that indeed, the power of electric youth is not only for real but potent.
Topping the movers and shakers enumeration is the artist FelipJhon, the real moniker of Ken Suson who happens to be 1/5 of the Southeast Asian Superstar Pop Group, SB19.
Suson recently dropped the bomb with the release of his third single “Rocksta.” As of this writing, on YouTube, a day after its music video was screened, garnered almost 200K views and the digits are growing exponentially. The rap-hip hop ditty claimed number one status on several musical streaming platforms. And international and local music video reactors are throwing raves about the short but impactful anthem.
Suson admitted in an interview that he wrote his latest musical opus during the precious spare time he had at the height of their successful WYAT concert tour. The song being short, was on purpose so that listeners will want to hear it more. The insane bass vocal arrangements, a product of his genius since he wanted to maximize the force that his low register contains and its call to roar and rise, excite the positivity aspects of dreamers and wishers to work hard, love your talents, embrace your flaws, and realize your ambitions.
The music video brings the ooohs and the aahs because Ken showcased his lean and mean physique, his irresistible man-boy appeal—palpable and pulsating—and the fashion-forward statements, to die for.
“Rocksta,” Ken’s musical offering is just the tip of the iceberg as more groundbreaking songs will be heard with Complex, the Suson-produced EP that arrives this first week of February.
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Fresh darlings share precious screen time with seasoned performers in the highly anticipated melodrama Dirty Linen, from Dreamscape and ABSCBN. The Kapamilya quartet of Francine Diaz. Seth Fedelin, Xyriel Manabat, and Raven Rigor are the next batch of movers and shakers.
Diaz and Fedelin used to have different partners when they were part of the Gold Squad with Andrea Brillantes and Kyle Echarri.
Being part of Dirty Linen is an acid test of sorts for the new partners in terms of building their fan base and showing observers that they have what it takes when it comes to acting. It is not every day that they are cast in a high-octane drama with Janice de Belen and John Arcilla as your parents and Tessie Tomas as your grandmother, in the case of Diaz. With Fedelin, Joel Torre as your dad, and Janine Gutierrez screams big-time challenge in the acting department.
Former child star Xyriel Manabat is all woman now and plays as the torn and yes the third wheel in the blossoming relationship of the characters that the FranSeth portray.
Raven Rigor, who made it to the new hope 2023 list that we wrote, is the eldest son of Angel Aquino and Epi Quizon, with Manabat being her youngest sister. Rigor who is one half of the BL tandem he shared with Sean Tristan, cannot believe his luck that he is part of the drama, and with a role that will surely make a mark.
Of course, this rundown will not be complete if the cake-smearing shenanigan of Alex Gonzaga did not make the movers and shakers cut. Yes, it moved and shook a majority of people. Why it hit a raw nerve only means that good manners and right conduct will never be old-fashioned.
The youngest Gonzaga already issued a public apology, made amends with the aggrieved party, and let us give Catherine that.
The biggest take on this, is the reality that “being kind” to all must be intrinsic. That “fame”, “clout,” “connections” and “online followers and subscribers” do not entitle anyone to behave callously and treat others with disrespect. Kindness begets kindness. And so does love.
Goodness gracious, it is just the first month of the year and local showbiz is not only full of promise, but filled with pride with these Gen Z movers and shakers who deserve not only a round of applause, but the public’s admiration and support. Hope springs eternal for Pinoy Tinsel Town then.