Remember that day? Of course you do! Who can forget the epicness, the amazingness and blow-by-blow account that clearly shows why the world fell in love with this teen from Utah

TDC has full coverage of David’s Day in Utah, 09 May 2008! To highlight D Day, let’s reminisce with his performance vids below:

David Archueta @ LIVE Utah Homecoming – Fox13 Smoky Mountain Memories

02-26 David Archuleta @ DN’s LIVE – FULL CONCERT: SBM, IMAGINE & ANGELS

For the rest of the coverage that includes LIVE footage, RECAP videos/news, BTS & audio slideshows from Fox13 News, ABC4 News, Deseret, Herald Tribune, Salt Lake Tribune, 97.1 ZHT, 101.5 The Eagle, KBull and of course AI, you can all find them HERE

Happy David Archuleta Day y’all!

~ JR

ps1: Look at what @anafeleo posted as a gift for this day NA BTS pic!

ps2: And check out what Kari sent on this day! An uber serene David, relaxing at home

ps3: And the surprise tweet of the day! From the man himself!

ps4: When David met Andi – Extreme Makeover awardee aired during 10 May 2012 primer epi & 13 May 2012 Main Epi

Pre-orders Served!

Actually, the CDs had been available since Friday in selected stores to those who pre-ordered the album during last month’s Megamall Pre-sale Launch.

Apart from this, Ivory & Astroplus were kind enough to consider my request to get advanced copies of the album for a special shipment to worldwide fans.

Hence, the Listening Party last Friday right after Nandito Ako Finale.

Digital Copies Soon from MyMusicStore!

Watch out for MyMusicStore announcement. They will definitely offer the whole album real soon!

More Goodies from Ivory on March 31

In addition to the official release of Forevermore to Astroplus and Odyssey stores nationwide on Monday, March 26, there will be a fan gathering at Astroplus in The Block and at Odyssey in SM Megamall on March 31st, as announced by Ivory Music. The Forevermore Music Video will be released on the same gathering!

It Took a Village

As mentioned above, Ivory & Astroplus were kind enough to consider my request to get advanced copies of the album for a special shipment to worldwide fans.

You see, @lorms was supposed to go to the US some time in March. But the CD release got delayed and @lorm’s trip got postponed to later this year. The good news was that her officemate would still travel and was so kind enough to help the Archies get the CDs offshore!

But the delay in the release of the CD got us all worried if we could still do the special shipment. So I decided to ask help from Ivory on the possibility of getting “advanced copies” of the album. Ivory was so understanding of our plight and agreed to let me know as soon as the stocks hit the warehouse! The target was for a March Week2 release date.

After a couple of false alarms, I finally got the go signal to get the “hawt copies” on March 23 Friday 2pm. I was still cooking up something that day (and had to finish a report at work – dang RL keeps getting in the way, no?!) but I was hopeful I could finish this special mission within 2 hours tops!

WRONG! Took me almost 6 hours to get the lot (55 for Lorma, 10 for Naree and 15 for me) of CDs from the Ivory warehouse to Lorma’s hands.

* Since am not familiar with the warehouse location, had to circle the block 3x
* Had to contend with traffic and circling unfamiliar places w/ traffic wasn’t the best experience!
* Astroplus had to tag the pre-orders with their list and stamp the receipts individually
* AstroPlus had to coordinate with its Ayala store cos some of Lorma’s pre-orders were placed with another branch w/ partial payment arrangements
* Astroplus had to coordinate with My Multiply for the online orders which were supposed to be delivered to my office

So you see how much I love these guys? The trouble they had to go through just for us fans!

By 7pm I was back in the office, eagerly waiting for Lorma and show her our “harvest”! LOL The two of us had to work still, packing the stuff – Lorma on her 60 CDs and me on my 15 CDs (with me still working on another special mission) in time for her officemate’s flight the next day. You can say that both of us had an all-nighter in our respective rooms!

Lorma wrote a nice recap of her Forevermore experience HERE

Meanwhile, here are pics of the 1st CD I had my hands on Notice the background, they were still unpacking the boxes, counting the stocks!

Again, thank you Jeff & Connie of Ivory for granting my request! Thank you Choy & Lei of Astroplus for helping make this happen. Jeff even took the time to meet me. We had a very interesting and lengthy talk, some details I was sworn to secrecy (LOL), some I will be able to share as the days progress.

A “Lambing” from Ivory Records

Lam-bing (noun) def: a caress, a tender request

On March 31st, the Forevermore Music Video will be unveiled simultaneously in MYX and during the fan gatherings with Astroplus (The Block, SM North EDSA) and Odyssey (SM Mega). Something is likewise in-store for international fans.

So, Ivory asks of Archies worldwide — can we propel the MV to the #1 spot on both MYX International Top 20 and Pop MYX, at the same time? Ivory believes that this will be a wonderful gift to David who has worked extra hard on this project.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhTzgrkysUI

CAN WE ARCHIES? CAN WE? DO WE? MUST WE? Whatdyathink?

Let me end this mini-saga with something Jeff said about his Forevermore experience

I wish all artists can be like David Archuleta! Our time schedule for this project was crazy! It was Murphy’s Law till the end! But working with someone like David made it all worthwhile. Not only is he one of the best musicians we have ever worked with, he is probably the nicest, kindest artist. Working with him upclose, we now understand why his fans love him so much. He truly deserves the respect and accolade given him. We look forward to working with him again. And for the Archies out there – watch out! We have more goodies for you!

~ Jeff Joson, Ivory Records

Episode 16 (3/12/12)

Episode 17 (3/13/12)

Episode 18 (3/14/12)

Episode 19 (3/15/12)

Episode 20 (3/16/12)

BTS PIX WEEK 4

Thanks Ms. Ana Feleo for sharing!

Thanks Myk for sharing!

One more from Ms. Ana

And of course, from the lovable Kari!

That THING you do Josh! Photo credit Kari

Nandito Ako – Week 1 Epis w/ Subtitles

Nandito Ako – Week 2 Epis w/ Subtitles

Nandito Ako – Week 3 Epis w/ Subtitles

Nandito Ako – Week 5 Finale Week Epis w/ Subtitles

Episode 11 (3/05/12)

Episode 12 (3/06/12)

Episode 13 (3/07/12)

Episode 14 (3/08/12)

Episode 15 (3/09/12)

BTS PHOTOS FROM WEEK 3

BTS photo sent by RS Francisco who plays Volta

Photo credit: Unknown but YOWZA!

Thanks @kariontour for Wednesday's BTS pix!

Are you just pushing me away because you're falling in love with me? WOOOOORRD!

Thanks @anafeleo

Thanks Ms. Joann!

Nandito Ako – Week 1 Epis w/ Subtitles

Nandito Ako – Week 2 Epis w/ Subtitles

Nandito Ako – Week 4 Epis w/ Subtitles

Nandito Ako – Week 5 Finale Week Epis w/ Subtitles

Episode 6 (2/27/12)

PART 1

PART 2

Episode 7 (2/28/12)

PART 1

PART 2

Episode 8 (2/29/12)

PART 1

PART 2

Episode 9 (3/01/12)

PART 1

PART 2

Episode 10 (3/02/12)

PART 1

PART 2

BTS PIX FROM WEEK 2

This is Direk mac's control center. Thanks @MyDearWriterfor sharing

BTS pic of the day from @karinontour. HAH! David has got the moooves!

Another from @karionotour

Location shoot attracting peeps. From @kariontour

Always smiling for everyone Thanks @MyDearWriter for sharing

The Balut Escapade, LOL Thanks Direk for sharing - I was there when this happened!

Secluded shooting spot in the metro. Thanks @candicerose

Nandito Ako – Week 1 Epis w/ Subtitles

Nandito Ako – Week 3 Epis w/ Subtitles

Nandito Ako – Week 4 Epis w/ Subtitles

Nandito Ako – Week 5 Finale Week Epis w/ Subtitles

Did IT really ALL happen? David Archuleta in Manila for 38 days – acting, singing, modelling and everything else in between? I feel like am just waking from a wonderful dream….

Given that his 2-year hiatus from his showbiz career is set looming in the near horizon, spending that much time outside his home turf is nothing short of amazing – and puzzling to most.

Trust TheArchuletor

But the set of opportunities and collateral benefits generated from David’s latest and longest stay in Manila dispelled all anxieties about his decision. The stream of appearances and extent of exposure is like manna from heaven for fans who are already bracing for his long absence. And what David has achieved in all these 38 days in the Philippines is something all of us should be proud of.

And the HAAAARDWORK! The effort he dedicated to make those 38 days matter, I cannot even… I have seen it upclose. Have talked to people who worked with him. I have covered almost all major events. Just for the sheer passion of making things happen in the best possible way and accomplishing SO much in the time he had chosen to spend here — my hats off, David.

Sure, at the start, the news about the acting part was a bit iffy to most fans. Let’s face it, we have known David to be the master musician. But as an actor? In a mini-series at that, that could possibly rival the gripping angst, over-the-top melodramas and unbelievable twists and turns you usually find in Mexican or Asian telenovelas? (and that’s why they are that popular worldwide!)

Fast forward and here we are, all mesmerized and hooked into following the live streaming of Nandito Ako – even if majority of us do not understand half of what’s happening on screen, LOL.

Then consider the OPM album, the PyroPalooza guesting, then the Bench endorsements… WHEW!

But am getting ahead of myself.

Am writing this hours after David left Manila. You’ve seen the Send-Off of Well Wishers. You’ve seen the TeamAirport welcome. And I – along with my partners in crime in Archuleta Philippines – Kricket, Lorma and Naree – have tried to bring you as much coverage of David Archuleta’s Journey in Manila (DAJIM) 2012.

What’s left are the BTS stories and shenanigans… Oh we have TONS! So please allow me some indulgence as I go back and reminisce where it all began…

When Josh Bradley Invaded Manila

With the official confirmation from the man himself, Filipino Archies started preparatory work for David’s arrival. LOL, we all know the drill by heart. Reconnect with contacts, rally the troops, and marshal resources for a grand airport welcome! Now, I know that a lot of international fans are incredulous at how we can get some information that fast and that solid! I also understand that some of what we do here cannot literally be done in some places. Well, I suppose that’s why it is [enter shameless plugging here] “More Fun Here in the Philippines”!

Pushing the Envelop, Spreading the Love

One of the things that I learned in life: there is really no harm in asking! Like I knew I would get VIP access for his arrival, thanks to a guardian angel that will forever be not named. But then I thought, we may not have the same chance again… a lot can happen in two years…

So I pushed my luck and asked if it were possible to have more VIP slots, primarily so I can have some of the hard working Archies share the VIP access experience. So at 1st, I was given five (5) slots. Then my forever favorite girl, Kricket of Archuleta Philippines had this brilliant idea to raffle off one slot to the general fanbase, use it as incentive to pump up online voting for WAIT MV @MYXph. Genius, right? So that became the 2nd reason to optimize the opportunity — and ended up getting seven (7) precious slots!

Aileen, the winner of the Grab Your VIP Access Promo had her dream come true that day!

At the VIP Lounge with Jasmine & Eula, the 4 AP Archies who helped Team Airport this year + the VIP promo winner (not in the pix: Naree who was taking he pix & myself cos I was talking with Perci at this time)

In the Wee Hours of the Morning

There were other Archies I would have loved included in the VIP group but the timing of David’s arrival put a damper on some Archies’ plans. I mean, how do you tell your parents or kids or spouse about getting up early and trooping to the airport. Here’s an example of an imaginary conversation with an Archie go-getter:

Archie: Dear, am heading out very early tomorrow…
Family: Why? And how early? (looking suspicious now)
Archie: To welcome DA… Time: Ooooh, about 3 or 4am… (making furtive glances…)
Family: Let me get this straight: so you go to NAIA, at an ungodly hour to welcome David.
Archie: Yuuuup
Family: But you really, actually DON’T MEET him, right?
Archie: Maaaaybe… So what’s your point?

(Chuckling) Somehow, somewhere that exchange may have happened. Buuuut, am not saying which household

Given David’s ETA, that means most Archies will be trooping to the meeting place (Wendy’s, right Kari?!) as early as 3am. So we didn’t expect too many Archies to join us – two vans at the most. But on the eve of David’s arrival, the request to join came pouring in, which brought the total count to 85 pax, requiring 5 vans!

Anna (@ascphil) and Lorma (@lorms) and the car rental (LOL) scrambled for more vehicles pronto, especially since I needed the vehicle details for the special vehicle pass. I was just able to arrange for 3 vehicles earlier. And we were to add 3 more for security clearance — at the last minute?!

But everything else went like clockwork. For last minute preparation, the Team Airport movers spent the night at Lorma’s pad. And we girls had some fun

Naree & I were the advance party. We left for the airport at 4am and the rest of the girls went to Wendy’s to meet the rest of the Team Airport contingent.

NAIA 2 – An Archie’s Paradise

Let me tell you, if I could only request David which terminal he should use every time he visits, let it be NAIA 2 please! Like it was built to support an Archie’s dream! (1) easily navigable from immigration to exit; (2) VIP Room almost viewable from the the hall walk-way & curb; (3) Greeter’s Area right in front of VIP Lounge and (4) most understanding security group!

Security assisted us in every way possible. Our group was properly endorsed as all security personnel had a list of the vehicle details and my name. The parking space allotted to us were exactly where David will come out.

After securing our passes, Naree & I were immediately ushered to the VIP Room so we had plenty of time to relax. While Naree and I were fixing the banners inside the VIP, Eula & Jasmine came in. Naree decided to stay in the VIP Room and befriended a couple of people in Jasmine’s & Eula’s
& entourage. Me, I set off to meet the Team Airport contingent. As the vans rolled in, I opened each van, greeted the Archies and ushered them to where we were allowed to line up. While organizing, press people swooped on them and took their respective coverage of Team Airport

My hats off to the NAIA 2 Security personnel. Thank you for the wonderful treatment the fans received. Once again, thank you dear sweet friend-who-shall-not-be-named for all the help!

My Conversation w/ Perci as we Wait for David

At 5:55, the airport blared the good news. David’s plane finally landed! Suddenly the atmosphere changed – became electrically charged. I decided to go out and talk once more to Team Airport. Lorma, Ferj and I discussed the tactic for videotaping. So Lorma handled the UStream on behalf of Archuleta Philippines while Ferj and I tagged team for the video recording, making sure different angles were caught.

I positioned myself in the immigration gate to wait for David. Then I noticed that I was standing side by side with Perci, VP for TV5′s Creatives & Entertainment. Serendipity? What else can I do but talk to him! Here’s a gist of our exchange:

PressCon – You see at that point, we had no idea how we could get attend the presscon. So I asked Perci if we can we be allowed access. I mentioned that Archuleta Philippines which covers anything David, is the lead for Team Airport and am a blogger for an international fan site – and that should count for being with the press, right? Result: I got invited and got three slots for Archuleta Philippines Thanks Perci!

Interesting bit after he approved of the access, he whispered back, “Just help us from the fan war, ok?” I needed time to take that in. Now, where would he get such an idea? This was the first time we met and the only Archies he had met so far, that I know of, were those involved with the TV5 Online interviews. As far as I know, Naree and Lorms weren’t able to talk to him…

UPDATE: who could forget this?

TRIVIA: Still waiting for David, this guy came out of immigration and out loud told to no one in particular “He is there. The kid is there. I sat next to him….” I wonder who was he referring to, LOL. Oi, we know of course

As soon as David appeared in the horizon, the surroundings changed yet again. Somehow it reminded me of antlers, all standing in attention when they sense something coming. And when he emerged from immigration, one had to ask: how the heck could anyone look that refreshed after a 16-hour flight?! No offense to the guy who declared he sat next to him but the latter had jetlag written all over him. But David? Noooooooo. All smiles, all fluffy hair and all international heartthrob to behold!

Thank you to local Archies — from Archuleta Philippines, Pinoy Archies, Archienoys, Architects and all other Archies from different fan groups – for pulling together to make a grand welcome for our guy

Just a side note: A day before David’s arrival, I learned that someone was campaigning against the Team Airport effort. I was told that this person claimed that it was useless and a waste of time because the Archies do not even see David for more than a minute. That it was best that they do not join anymore. Funny thing is that you see this person lording it over during the airport welcome. Well, what can I say except that there are some people who really don’t get it. That at times, it is not about us… right?

The PressCon and A Surprise Fan Session

From NAIA, we proceeded to EDSA Shang to attend the presscon. On the way there, people kept texting us where we were. Found out people were starting to converge at EDSA Shang, like the vans literally followed David’s car, LOL. Well, the arrangement was for the vans to take Team Airport back to the meeting place or alight at any point in EDSA that was convenient for them. So I had to tell them that they needed to go home.

Meanwhile, Naree was on the driver’s seat as we were enroute to Shang. The girl was driving while spazzing. Yet, it was taking us forever to get to Shang cos she kept on letting all the cars pass us by! I said “Naree! We may not make it to the presscon! And she was, “♬ La-la-la-la-la♪”. Repeatedly I sang “♪ ♫ Am trying to be like Jesus…♬ ♪” while Naree went her merry-driving-way!

Last month, I uploaded a video of the presscon, totally forgetting that I have the other half unposted. I have split that video into two parts which you can find below. (Part 3 is the original video posted in January.)

PART 1 – 1st PressCon in Manila – NEW POSTING!

PART 2 – 1st PressCon in Manila – NEW POSTING!

PART 3 – 1st PressCon in Manila

So that completes my documentation of the 1st presscon David attended during his more than one-month stay in the Philippines.

But that’s again, getting ahead of the biggest surprise that I got that day. While waiting for us to be called into the presscon (Yes! Naree & I made it with hours to spare, LOL), I got an interesting call from TV5 informing me that David wanted to meet the Team Airport movers after the presscon. Naree and Lorma got separate invitations to meet David for their participation with TV5′s online interview.

Still in shock, Naree and I called a couple more Archies who helped with Team Airport but could not be included with the NAIA VIP. You can just imagine how rattled we all were with the turn of events! I mean, I couldn’t thank Perci enough for allowing us to attend the presscon but to even get the golden opportunity of meeting David that early into his Manila journey? PRICELESS!

Re-posting that impromptu fan session below, in case anyone missed it -

Moreover, Myk of TV5 offered to videotape the event for me or take pictures for me, so I could join the group. But I decided to do it myself. Told Myk that I’d rather that others get their chance to have their pictures taken with David. I got that wonderful opportunity during the 2010 round table presscon. I’d like to onpass the thrill of that experience to others. That was the whole point of bringing in as much Archies that we could to various events. And this was one of the best times ever!

The group’s initiative to livestream and ask David to give a shout out to international fans at the airport and during the fan session were moments that made the events of David’s 1st first day in Manila a real-time global experience.

Seven minutes of pure, unadulterated bonding moment with David Archuleta, shared worldwide. HEAVEN!

Hello everybody! Hope you’d been enjoying just my answering questions!

LOL. Shouldn’t David know by now that he could just ramble all day and we’ll still be enthralled?

Starting and Ending the Day with a Clear Purpose

Immediately after the special fan session, Naree and I looked for one of the TV5 executives to discuss some possible fan activities for David.

Now it can be told that Archuleta Philippines and ARCH (Angels Reaching Out w/ Caring Hearts) were planning to pay David a tribute. We didn’t know if this would even be possible because we had to assume David’s schedule would be hectic. All we knew was that we have a message to deliver, we have TV5′s willingness to listen and we really, really wanted to give back something to David while he was here. So what do we have to lose by trying to suggest or asking for a chance?

On Naree’s initiative, details were discussed and it was agreed that Naree will submit a formal proposal to TV5.

It was a good thing that the proposal was discussed at an early stage. Because the succeeding days proved to be quite hectic! The first week were marked by a harried pace of David building the foundation for Josh Bradley. From promo photoshoots, recording of the OST, story conference and 1st day of shooting – you’d be amazed where David gets his stamina.

You can take a peek of TDC’s documentation of David’s 1st week in Manila in the following threads:

lnternational Heartthrob David Archuleta: Back in Manila!

David Archuleta – Day 02 in Manila: The JOSH Journey Begins…

Day 03 – A Day of Rest for David Archuleta: But the Media Buzz Continues

David Archuleta: Lights! Camera! Action! Day 04 – First Day of Shooting & Beyond

So, we started Day 01 of DAJIM 2012 (David Archuleta’s Journey in Manila) with a purpose. We ended it with the same gusto and spunk. Sometimes, all it really took was simply asking. At times, we also needed to push the envelop A lot of dreams and wishes were fulfilled on this day alone. And we learned a lot more things to brace for in the coming days as David plunged straight into the world of Josh Bradley.

Not a shabby start, right? And a Friday the 13th at that!

Let me end this with a Week 1 Recap in action –

from Paparazzi on 22 January 2012

from theofficialarchuleta YT channel

from TV5

~ jackryan4DA

PS – Watch out for BTS tales part 2, as I take on #FollowArchuleta LITERALLY – stories of our Week 2 shenanigans as we track down mall tours, tapings, shootings, bloopers, comedy of errors and what have you’s… all for the love of Josh, I mean David!

That’s all. Carry on, folks

OK, we have one more…

I think Mr. Ben Chan is in cahoots with David to slay us over and over and over again..

Hold the Presses! The TEASER for the BTS Photoshoot is here!

THE WHOLE ENCHILADA – BTS BENCH PHOTOSHOOT & LISTEN TO THE BACKTRACK MUSIC!

MORE MEDIA BUZZ

01 FROM INSIDE PINOY

02 FROM PAULTHEPRGUY

BENCH x DAVID ARCHULETA

Joining the international list of Bench’s endorsers for its clothing brand and professional hair care label Bench Fix is American Idol’s season 7 runner-up David Archuleta. As we all know the singer, now an actor – all thanks to TV5′s Nandito Ako, has made the Philippines his second home (just for a month though). Having a wide fan base in the Philippines, Archuleta is surely not gonna be missed (much) by his Filipino fans contrary to his declaration of a retirement of some sort because of a recently wrapped up TV series shoot, an OPM album in the works and now… as endorser of Bench!

Here’s a behind the scene peek of his shoot for the brand:

Adding modeling and acting on his plate, David Archuleta is definitely moving forward and beyond his music career! And with Bench and professional hair care label Bench Fix, he is on his way in paving his Philippine Idol status by appearing in the brand’s gigantic billboards and ads!

We spent 5 weeks spazzing over the Journey-Towards-Nandito-Ako. Now we are invited to another stretch of five weeks to witness the actual unfolding of that same journey. Perhaps even more witnesses, we are enjoined to be collective participants of this once-in-a-lifetime trek to international stardom.

If you missed watching the livestream, here is a set of uploads. Enjoy while it lasts:

WEEK ONE

Episode 1 (2/20/12) with English Subtitles

PART 1

PART 2

Episode 2 (2/21/12) with English Subtitles

PART 1

PART 2

Episode 3 (2/22/12) with English Subtitles

PART 1

PART 2

Episode 4 (2/23/12) with English Subtitles

PART 1

PART 2

Episode 5 (2/24/12) with English Subtitles

PART 1

PART 2

Other links where you can watch replays of Nandito Ako:

http://www.pinaswinnawin.com/2012/02/nandito-ako-pilot-episode.html

or from here

http://www.phnoy.com/2012/02/nandito-ako-february-20-2012-pilot.html

or from here

http://www.watchfilipinotv.com/2012/02/nandito-ako-first-episode-tv5-20-february-2012/

See, there are plenty more

“‎Love is just one word and yet, it means everything in this world. We find it everywhere. but true love thus the hardest to find. Some people live and die without finding their true love, or maybe they have, but didn’t know until it was too late. So when we find our true love, hold on to it and never let go. Cause that’s what I would do.”

~ Josh Bradley; Nandito Ako

MEDIA BUZZ

01 FROM TODO ENTERTAINMENT.COM POST PILOT EPISODE

DAVID ARCHULETA’S NANDITO AKO EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS By EDGAR O. CRUZ
Feb 21, 2012

The best expectations for Nandito Ako’s pilot last night happened without too much effort!

On its first airing, lead actor David Archuleta appeared when the mini-serye opted to start with David singing the team song in a grand concert in the present time. This effective technique avoided fans from waiting in case of a straight retelling of the story.

Nandito opted for straight narrative allowing logical storytelling and avoiding the use of flashbacks that could be confusing to young viewers.

A fast-paced series, the first edition managed to summarize a plausible start-up story in all of 45 minutes, from the back story of Josh Bradley, David’s character, how he got separated from his mother (as played by G Tongi) to live abroad and his decision to return to the country as a singing idol. Director Mac Alejandre effectively mixed big and small scenes to recreate the story, mixing tenderness and tension to kick off a story worth following.

Early at this point, it shows that Nandito Ako is enjoying heavy placements from advertisers. Even before it could start, commercials started airing. This distribution scheme was effective enough to prevent viewers from thinking/feeling they were watching TVCs instead of the drama series.

Willie Revillame’s Wil Time Big Time ended right on time at exactly 9:15 p.m., preventing viewers from waiting which could have led them to channel surf or dose off if it aired overtime.

Nandito Ako should set up a model for TV5 how to do its shows. Instead of keeping up with competition, it must create its own rules. By featuring an actor with real instead of expected demand, TV5 effectively focused on the show’s promotion instead of creating demand for it.

If I were you, I will not rely on the ratings charts as Kantar Media / TNS and People’s Rating will naturally report ABS-CBN and GMA-7 ratings respectively as superior to TV5’s for the timeslot. If you enjoyed Nandito Ako, that’s enough proof it’s a blockbuster hit!

02 FROM MANILA BULLETIN ARTICLE

FROM SINGING TO ACTING TO SERVICE By RONALD S. LIM
February 22, 2012, 10:56am

MANILA, Philippines — The past month has been replete with new milestones for American Idol grad David Archuleta.

For one, there is his first turn as an actor for the new TV5 serye “Nandito Ako” alongside local talents Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Eula Caballero.

The 21 year-old also recorded his own version of the song “Nandito Ako”, a bestselling tune that was composed by Aaron Paul del Rosario and first popularized by OPM legends Ogie Alcasid and Lea Salonga. The only other foreign artist to record it was Mexican songstress, Thalia, and it resulted in a bestselling album for her here in the country.

By next month, Archuleta will be experiencing yet another milestone as he takes a two-year break from showbiz to become a Mormon missionary. Just like his decision to pursue acting in the Philippines, it’s not the most conventional way to go about with a Hollywood career – but that’s exactly how Archuleta wants to do it.

“It’s always a scary thing when you make a decision that everybody tells you doesn’t make sense. You never know what’s going to happen. But it was kind of the same thing with American Idol. I didn’t know what was going to happen. It ended up being so fulfilling for my life. This is just another one of those things,” he explains.

A NEW EXPERIENCE

Archuleta says it was with the very same trepidation that he took on his hand at acting here in the Philip-pines. While he has already appeared on shows like “iCarly” and “Hannah Montana” playing himself, his role in the TV5 serye as international artist Josh Bradley is his first time actually acting as a character.

“I was very reluctant because I didn’t know what this experience would be like. I would have to go out and be such a long way from home for such a long time. It was something that I’ve never done before,” he says. “But TV5 was always very open and easy to work with and they made things very easy and comfortable for me. It just showed even more when I arrived here.”

That arrival back in January was the beginning of what would be almost two months of acting workshops, recording sessions, and shooting scenes in Metro Manila.

Being a newbie actor working with far more seasoned thespians presented a lot of challenges, not the least of which is the fact that he had to interact with them in Filipino – a language he only knows bits and pieces of.

“Coming into it I was very nervous since I’m not an actor. It’s a job that I don’t really know how to do. They tried to keep the Tagalog words as simple as they could so it could sound natural. It was a challenge be-cause the rest of the cast most of the time would be speaking in Tagalog and I would respond in English for the most part. It was a challenging experience,” he shares.

Doing the serye, says Archuleta, opened his eyes to an entirely new way of expressing himself, and is something that he intends to pursue even further after he has served his time as a missionary for the Church of the Latter Day Saints.

“I do lay myself bare to an audience when I sing, but it’s in a different way. Acting and singing are very similar in that way where you become very vulnerable and you open yourself up and express an emotion,” he explains. “I’m not the best actor out there. But I can’t wait to keep growing. It’s so much fun and a lot of work. I think that if I keep on working on it I can get better, because it’s just a great thing to share with people.”

PREPARING FOR MISSIONARY LIFE

More than just opening up new avenues for artistic expression, Archuleta says that his months-long stay in the country has prepared him for the rigors of missionary life. A rigid set of rules are in place for Mormon missionaries, who are encouraged to limit their phone communication with their family, dress conservatively at all times, and stay away from television, movies, the Internet, and most secular music.

“The fact that I’ll be going on a mission, it’s nice that I’m here, in a way. It’s taught me a lot about myself as a person as well. I started to get more out of my comfort zone. This is the most difficult thing that I’ve done and it was great to take on the challenge,” he shares.

Fans also shouldn’t worry about him disappearing from the scene while he fulfils his obligations to his church. While here, Archuleta says he has written and recorded songs that he hopes will fill the space that he is going to leave behind.

“I’ll be gone for two years, and I don’t want to leave my fans with nothing. I just feel like it would be so disrespectful after all they’ve done to support me,” he says. “I want to make sure that the songs will be there. Even though I’m not here physically for my career, I still want to have the music there.”

His two year absence may cast a long shadow of uncertainty on his artistic career, but Archuleta says it something that he is ready to face.

“This is a decision that took a couple of years to make and finally make happen. Even though it’s scary, I know that it’ll be worth it. I’ve learned to trust that feeling in my life. I just have to keep following that feeling,” he declares.

03 FROM PHILIPPINE ENTERTAINMENT PORTAL (PEP.PH)

Eula Caballero sheds tears as David Archuleta says goodbye
by Rommel Gonzales
22 Feb 2012

Makabagbag-damdamin ang paalamang Eula Caballero at David Archuleta sa set ng TV5 mini-series na Nandito Ako.

Kuwento ni Eula sa PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), “Yung pinaka na-appreciate ko, yung depth nung pagkatao niya. [What I appreciate the most is the depth of his character]

“Nung nagkukuwentuhan kami, wala lang… parang nung una, sobrang light lang ng kuwentuhan. [We would talk, at 1st, just light exchanges] ‘How are you, have you slept well?’ Ganun [Things like that] …

“‘Tapos biglang napunta sa family… ‘tapos alam mo yung ganun siyang klase ng tao.[Then the talk would shift to his family.. he is that kind of a person]

“Natanong ko siya about his mission, kasi kung narinig ninyo yung tungkol sa mission niya, so natanong ko siya.” [I asked him about his mission]

Ang tinutukoy ni Eula ay ang two-year mission ni David para sa The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Patuloy ng Kapatid young actress, “Sabi niya, ‘I’m happy that I’m doing this for my religion.’

“Parang nabubuo daw siya lalo, mas lalo siyang nabubuo. [He feels whole. He feels the mission will complete him]

“‘Tapos sabi niya, ‘It’s just making me sad because I’m afraid that everyone might move on with their lives without me.’

“Na parang masanay na lang na wala siya kasi sobrang haba daw ng two years. [They might get used to without me cos 2 years is a long time]

“Sabi niya pa… Lalo na yung mga sisters niya, na may isa daw na sister niya na magsi-sixteen, ‘tapos yung isa, parang magdyu-junior high, sabi niya, ‘I wish I could be there with them when that happens.’ [Esp my sisters. One of them will just turn 16 and another is about to ente junior high]

“Sabi ko, ‘Oh, my God!’

“Naiiyak na talaga ako habang sinasabi niya yun kasi siya mismo, teary-eyed din.” [I got choked up with what he was sharing and even he was teary-eyed]

Dagdag pa ni Eula, “Alam mo yung ang lalim ng pagkatao niya, ang dami niyang iniisip… yung pamilya niya. [You know,when you consider the depth of his character... he has a lot on his mind, but most of all his family]

“‘Tapos sabi niya, may last month pa daw siya bago siya mag-mission, gusto daw sana niya i-spend sa Philippines kasi sobrang napamahal na siya. [He still has a month to go on his mission. If given a choice, he wanted to spend it here in the Philippines because he has grown to love this place]

“Sabi ko, ‘Yeah, of course! We would be happy.’

“Sabi ko nga sa kanya, ‘TV5 would love that you can do guestings in other shows.’

“‘Tapos sabi niya, ‘I’d love to but I just want to spend it with my family in Utah.’”

Mami-miss daw ni Eula si David.

“Sobra, sobra!” bulalas niya. [I will terribly miss David]

“‘Tapos nung nag-Batangas kami, nung first night in Batangas, sabi niya… ayun na naman, iyon na naman yung nakakaiyak, kasi namumula na yung mata niya. [Then during our trip in Batangas, on our 1st night there... he started to get sentimental again cos he started getting teary-eyed again]

“Sabi niya, ‘I’m gonna miss this, guys.’

“‘We’ve been like taping every day, we’re filming every day and we’re together every day, we’ve been together lunch break and dinner break and all that.’

“‘Tapos sabi niya, ‘I’m gonna miss this because I know you guys have other projects to do after this…’ and eventually daw mada-divert namin yung attention namin.

“Sabi niya, ‘But me, I’m just gonna miss this and I hope I can see you guys again.’

“Sabi ko, ‘Oh David, you’ll be very missed by us.”

To rest of the article talks about Eula – http://www.pep.ph/news/33097/eula-caballero-sheds-tears-as-david-archuleta-says-goodbye/1/2

05 FROM RANDOM REPUBLIKA

David Archuleta’s Nandito Ako: The Big Deal on this Mini Serye
Saturday, February 25, 2012

TV5′s newest mini serye Nandito Ako premiered this week with a bang. The show which stars American Idol Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta and the network’s primetime princesses Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Eula Caballero was a worldwide trending topic last Monday. The show’s title and related keywords also trended every single day during its pilot week! Looks like TV5 has created a new record. With this buzz the show has created, things seem to be turning out well for the Kapatid network as a primetime player. Will it be able to sustain the momentum? That we have to find out in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, in case you missed the first week of airing, read on for some random stuff on the characters and try to catch up on the story through our synopsis.

MAIN CAST

Jasmine Curtis-Smith, David Archuleta, and Eula Caballero Images: phstars.com

David Archuleta as Josh Bradley
Josh Bradley is an international singer with Filipino-American roots. Due to a hotel fire when he was six, Josh got separated from his mother Cara and was brought to the US by his American uncle. Through a Philippine concert tour years later, Josh is bound to meet the girl who once tried to save his life and find out about the truth that his mother is still alive.

Jasmine Curtis-Smith as Anya Dionisio
Anya Dionisio is the daughter of Teresa, a GRO. Her father was an American who died in a hotel fire. It was during this tragic fire incident that the young Anya first encountered same-aged Josh whom she tried to save from falling off a building. Both were saved by the rescuers and are about to meet again years after.

Eula Caballero as Holly Posadas
Aside from being pretty and popular in school, Holly Posadas also comes from a rich family. She always aims to please her mother but often fails to reach her high expectations. She and Anya eventually became friends after a rough start. Based on the preview, a love triangle is looming as they will both fall for the same guy.

Gelli De Belen as Teresa Dionisio
Teresa Dionisio was a GRO at Clark Air Base when she bore a child to an American. She and her daughter Anya were supposed to go to the United States until a tragic hotel fire killed Anya’s father.

G Toengi as Cara Aguilar Bradley
Cara Bradley is Josh’s mother who fought for her child’s custody but got separated from him because of a hotel fire. Josh was made to believe his mother Cara died from the tragedy.

Aiko Melendez as Margareth Posadas
Margareth Posadas is the snobbish and inconsiderate mother of Holly. Holly always falls short in her attempts to win Margareth’s love and affection.

SYNOPSIS

Led to believe that his mother Cara died in a hotel fire, Filipino-American Josh Bradley had no choice but to move to the United States when he was just six years old. He later on became an international singer and this career allowed him to return to the Philippines for a concert tour. He will soon discover the truth about his mother’s survival and cross paths again with Anya, the girl who once tried to save his life during that fateful fire incident.

The only link Josh and Anya have since the hotel fire -- parts of a broken watch from Josh's mother Images: Nandito Ako pilot episode (February 20, 2012) screencaps

MORE MEDIA BUZZ

06 David Archuleta (subtitled) Follow his Week04 Sked @ Paparazzi (18 Feb 2012)

07 Anne Curtis (sister of Jasmine) on DA @ Paparazzi

08 DA bits & pieces in a clip of TV5 Trade Launch =feat @ Paparazzi

09 David Archuleta (subtitled) – Happy with his Pinoy Experience @ Juicy! (20 Feb 2012)

10 Nandito Ako (subtitled) Trends WW @ Juicy (22 Feb 2012)

Nandito Ako – Week 2 Epis w/ Subtitles

Nandito Ako – Week 3 Epis w/ Subtitles

Nandito Ako – Week 4 Epis w/ Subtitles

Nandito Ako – Week 5 Finale Week Epis w/ Subtitles

It was a difficult day to #FollowArchuleta. I had a deadline to beat at work and it being a Saturday, I had some pressing domestic chores to attend to. Motherhood duties beckon, LOL.

So much as I want to line up at the earliest for David’s last back-to-back signing sessions, I could not.

So am thankful for Lorma & Naree who made sure I got my Bench purchases in time to get the early entrant tag.

But even when I got there 2.5 hours before the event started, finding parking space was a challenge. It was so full and the waiting line was uuuunbelievable, I didn’t even make it Megamall’s entrance.

So I ended up parking at The Shang!

VIDEOS

DA @ Signing – SM Megamall (18 Feb 2012)

DA @ Signing Part 2- SM Megamall (18 Feb 2012)

DA – WAIT a-capella @ The Block, SM North (18 Feb 2012)

It was so funny or bittersweet. David started talking about this being his last performance, when the signing session had not even started… only David!

DA @ Signing – The Block, SM North (18 Feb 2012)

And, this is BenchTV’s footage

Interesting that @lorms was able to film this last performance from the left side of the stage – which was what you saw on the Ustream. Meanwhile Naree took the front

and I was able to find a post at the right side. We had all angels covered! And we didn’t even plan on it!

DA – Narito Ako acapella @ Bench Launch SM The Block (18 Feb 2012)

All in all, this was such a surprisingly eventful day. You see I didn’t expect to get so much from the back-2-back autograph sessions cos I was ill-prepared with all the other tasks I had that day.

But it turned out so much more than expected. I didn’t expect to get anything signed cos I wasn’t sure if there was enough time to buy the Bench items so we can be given a free pass inside the venue. But we did – on both SM Megamall and The Block signing!

Didn’t expect to have music that afternoon, and there we were, mesmerized by two a-capellas!

Thank goodness to co-Archies who were willing to get the Bench purchases for me and to other fans willing to give up their spot so I can take a better shot. Thanks also to my brother – who busted me for being there (LOL). He had a breakfast meeting with a client at Gloria Maris Resto which was just across the activity center. So they shot the Wait footage, while they were on the look out for me. He knows me too well, LOL!

When we met at the escalator as I was about to enter the activity center. Naree & Lorms were wondering who he was – probably because he was TALL – a 6-footer! He was impressed with David of course but found him talkative! I had to stop myself from saying that David could talk the whole day and we will be fine with it. I think that is sharing too much information, right? Even between siblings…

I likewise didn’t expect to learn from Kari that David opened our gifts the night before (the ones Naree and I were unable to give during the Bench Launch @ Trinoma) and how much they appreciated them. To hear Kari say that it was a most thoughtful gift… you can imagine how that made me feel

I also didn’t expect that we will be allowed to have all the pictures that we have, signed by him. He was so generous with his time and attention.

PHOTOS

01 From @BCBench

VIDEOS

PANORAMIC VIEW & SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO DA @ Bench Launch (17 Feb 2012)

DA BENCH CLIP AD SHOWN BEFORE THE START OF FASHION SHOW @ BenchLaunch (17 Feb 2012)

PHOTOSHOOT VER #1 SHOWN AT THE START OF THE FASHION SHOW

PART 1 – DA ENTRANCE & NANDITO AKO UPCLOSE

NANDITO AKO thanks to BenchTV

PART 2 – TMH UPCLOSE

TMH thanks to BenchTV

PART 3 – GOOD PLACE – LET IT BE MASH UP UPCLOSE

GOOD PLACE – LET IT BE MASH UP thanks to BenchTV

PART 4 – CRUSH UPCLOSE

CRUSH thanks to BenchTV

PART 5 – ATM UPCLOSE & EXIT

ATM thanks to BenchTV

PHOTOSHOOT VER #2 SHOWN AFTER THE FASHION SHOW

DA – SIGNING SESSION @ BENCH LAUNCH

More Videos from BenchTV

PHOTOSHOOT TEASER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi3u985qAw8

STORE TOUR: NANDITO AKO A-CAPELLA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-kDBPmV138

FULL BTS OF BENCH PICTORIAL/PHOTOSHOOT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUUpmYLNHuI

STORE VISIT: MEGAMALL & THE BLOCK SM – I see meeeeeeeeeee, LOL!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiJC0ZXH7OA

BTS BENCH FIX

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb7RQvz1E3I

MORE PHOTOS

HUGE billboard along Mantrade (cropped from photo from Archuleta Phils

Love the perspective of SuperBuknoy's pic!

01 BTS pix from @BCBench

02 NARRE’S PHOTOS

~ MOOARR pix to add later~