Maricel, Roderick reunite in ‘In His Mother’s Eyes’

November 21, 2023

POPS Fernandez is turning 57 on December 12 and we tell her at the Hitmakers’ 20th anniversary concert press con that she looks much younger than her age. “Thanks, but I will soon be a lola,” she says. “My eldest son, Robin, who’s 36, will be a father in early January. His partner Mia is giving birth to a baby boy. Gusto ko sana, girl naman, but a baby is a blessing, boy or girl man. Basta sabi ko, ang itatawag sa akin is Lolli-Pops. I’m really excited.”

Does she miss acting?

“I do. Boss Vic said I will make a movie daw for them in 2024. So, let’s see. Sabi ko, light lang. Kasi madrama na ang buhay ko. Puede ring thriller as I love watching suspense-thrillers. The last movie I did, ‘Zsa Zsa Zaturnaah,’ was 2006 pa.”

How about her love life? Any new romance in the horizon? “Wala. Masaya naman ako as of now. I’m happy where I am. Single, but not sad at hindi naman ako naghahanap. Pero kung may darating na worth it, why not? I have a song titled ‘Always Loved,’ which I myself wrote, and its message is that before you know where you want to be and discover where you really want to go, you have to love yourself first.”

And she says that is exactly what she is doing right now, prioritizing herself. “After being semi-retired, I realized I’d love to do concerts again. I want to sing live again on stage, that’s where I really want to be. So I’m guesting in the Hitmakers concert on December 1 and on February 9 and 10, I will have my own 40th anniversary concert so don’t miss it.

I’m very blessed as I never really expected my career would last this long and I’m grateful for everything that happened in my life and career.”

***

‘Maricel plays Lucy, an OFW who left her special son under the care of Dick as Bibs, her brother.’

Maricel Soriano and Roderick Paulate did a lot of movies before, all comedies. Now, they are together again but in a dramatic thunderbolt, “In His Mother’s Eyes,” which opens in theaters nationwide on November 29. They play siblings who are at odds with each other.

Maricel plays Lucy, an OFW who left her special son under the care of Dick as Bibs, her brother. Her son, Tim, played by L.A. Santos, has autism and grows up without knowing Maricel is his mother.

The film is written by Gina Marissa Tagasa and Jerry Gracio, produced by Florita Santos and is the film feature debut of long-time teleserye director FM Reyes.

How would Maricel rate newcomer L.A. Santos in his most challenging role to date as her autistic son?

“He played it very well. May scene kami na I hugged him. It’s the first time for me to do it after not seeing him for a long time and nahihiya siya sa akin. He doesn’t know how to react at naisalya niya ako nang bonggang-bongga. He was so apologetic after the take but it came out very convincing.”

We notice in the trailer that Roderick’s character is very mean to her. “‘Yun ang gusto ni Direk FM. May nangyari kasi sa aming bilang magkapatid at ayoko siyang kinakausap,” said Roderic. “Before we shot the film, Direk FM met with us. He said, hanga ako sa inyo. I know your calibre sa comedy. Pero dito, gusto ko, ibang atake. So kinargahan niya kami ng emotions at very bitter lumabas ‘yung character ko. It helped na may galit naman ako talaga kay Maria sa totoong buhay,” he joked.

Both Maricel and Roderick are very proud of their movie and screenwriter Gina Marissa Tagasa says the concept really belongs to Direk FM himself. “Sa kanya talaga ‘yung story idea,” she says. “Jerry Gracio and I feel flattered na sa amin niya ipinagkatiwala ang pagsulat sa buong script. And we’re so happy that Maricel, Roderick and L.A. are really very convincing in bringing to life the characters that we’ve written. This is a family drama that deserves to be seen by the whole family.”

***

Jeffrey Hidalgo plays his most daring role in “Sugar Baby” as Mr. Santos, the operator of a secret firm that offers the services of sugar babies to sugar daddies. He himself is a sugar daddy to Robb Guinto and they have a sizzling love scene together. So how is it?

“This is the boldest I’ve done so far,” he says. “I read the script and I liked it and I also like my role. After playing a drug lord in ‘Ssshhh’ for Direk Roman Perez Jr, I really want to do more character roles and this one is quite challenging. I also want to help our new director, Christian Paolo Lat.”

What about his next directorial job?

“I will start shooting a new movie next week in Cavite, ‘Salawahan,’ with a script by Raquel Villavicencio. It will star Angeli Khang in a love triangle movie. She gets involved with two brothers, Albie Casiño and Van Allen Ong.”

So does that mean he’s now putting his career as a singer on the back burner? “No. I have a new song coming out on December 1, ‘Sana Masaya Ka.’ It’s a Christmas song and a duet with Nicole Asencio, who co-wrote it. She’s the daughter of Iwi Laurel. Iba ang style niya, quite jazzy. Then sa New Year’s Eve, Geneva Cruz and I are doing the New Year 2024 Countdown show in Newport Resorts.”

How is his sister, Arnee, who is also a singer?

“She’s now based in the US She has two sons with her first husband, who’s Fil-Am, but they’re officially divorced and she’s gettingmarriage to an American this coming April. She’s there with my mom, who now also has a new husband, also an American. She’s now known as Belinda Brown.”

When did his parents separate?

“Oh, matagal na. I was in my 30s. Tanggap na rin namin kasi we see them na laging may away. I am now staying with my dad and two younger brothers.”

Blessing in disguise

Mario E. Bautista

November 16, 2023

“Shake, Rattle & Roll Extreme” did not make it as an entry in the Metro Manila Film Festival and lead actress Iza Calzado thinks this might work to the film’s favor.

Iza Calzado with daughter Deia Amihan. Photo from Iza Calzado’s Facebook account

IZA Calzado is happy that her comeback vehicle after giving birth to her daughter Deia Amihan is “Shake, Rattle & Roll Extreme.”

“A primary consideration is that I’d be required to shoot for only 6 days,” she says. I don’t wanna be far away from my daughter for so long, like if I’d do a teleserye.”

She posted her baby’s photos wearing the Darna costume for Halloween and looks like Deia will also get into showbiz like her mom. “She loves having her pictures taken. We brought her to the Foreign Affairs so she can have a passport and she was smiling and very friendly to everyone.”

How does she feel “SRR Extreme” didn’t make it as an official entry in the Metro Manila Film Festival and will be shown on November 29?

“Everything happens for a reason, so siguro, baka blessing in disguise. ‘Shake Rattle & Roll’ is a franchise that has made a strong cultural impact through the years. And I know a lot of its fans are waiting for the newest edition of SRR, kaya kahit kailan mo ipalabas ‘yan, kahit hindi pa kasali sa filmfest, may built in audience na ‘yan.”

Regal producer Roselle Monteverde says that after “Extreme” didn’t make it as an entry in film fest, she got an offer from a big streaming company who is willing to buy it.

“Our movies during the pandemic were not shown in theaters but via streaming,” she says.

“So ‘SRR Extreme’ is Regal’s first movie to be shown in cinemas and a lot of people are excited to see it on the big screen. So we decided to release it in theaters. As Mother Lily’s daughter, I grew up with all the ‘SRR’ movies made by our film company. I don’t get to watch all our films, but when it comes to ‘SRR’, lahat sila, I watch them. I am now proud to say that I think we have made the best ‘SRR’ movie ever. I am proud of all the actors and the directors as they really gave their best to make ‘SRR Extreme’ a fitting offering as Regal celebrates its 60th anniversary in local showbiz.”

***

Krissha Viaje started as a wholesome singer discovered in the singing contest “Little Big Star,” then she did supporting roles in soaps and films. She now gets to play the lead role in the new Viva One Wattpad series, “Safe Skies, Archer,” and has agreed to do a love scene with her leading man, Jerome Ponce, with whom she gets to work for the first time.

“Both of us ni Jerome, first time namin to do a bed scene and me, I really prepared myself to do such a scene, ” says Krissha. “Pero si Jerome, siya po ang nanginginig at kabadong-kabado.”

Jerome confirms this. “First time ko, tapos, ni-require ni Direk Gino Santos na shirtless ako, kaya grabe ang nerbiyos ko,” he says. “I wasn’t confident enough kasi galing ako sa soap na puro drama lang, confrontations, so doon ang experiences ko. Pagdating sa bed scene, wala, kaya sobra ang kaba ko.”

“Safe Skies, Archer” will start streaming on November 20 on Viva One. It is the second book in the hit University series on Wattpad written by Gwy Saludes.

Since it’s their first time to be paired and work with each other, how is it?

“I’m grateful na siya ang kapareha ko kasi magaling talaga siya,” says Krissha. “He’s more experienced than me when it comes to acting and he’s very generous kaya natulungan pa niya ko sa mga eksena namin.”

They’re both single. So, is there a possibility of romance blooming between them while they’re playing the roles of Yanna and Hiro in “Safe Skies, Archer”?

“We don’t really know,” says Jerome. “As of now, we’re just enjoying working with each other. Kung may iba pang pupuntahan yun, only time will tell.”

***

Rhen Escaño played a student terrorized by a ghost in her last film, “Rooftop.” Now, in Viva’s new fright flick, “Marita,” she plays the title role of the ghost herself, who haunts the students in a school where she used to be the top theater actress.

“Mahirap palang manakot,” says Rhen at the “Marita” press con at Viva Cafe. “‘Yung character ko, si Marita, puno ng poot at paghihiganti dahil feeling niya, naapi siya nung nabubuhay pa siya. Kaya ngayon, nagsasabog siya ng lagim sa mga estudyanteng tine-terrorize niya. Lahat ng scenes ko, nakakapagod.”

Her suicide scene where she hanged herself in front of the audience in their school’s theater was difficult to shoot. “Noong first take, I felt hindi convincing ang pagkakakuha kasi maluwag ‘yung lubid sa leeg ko. Hindi ako happy so I asked for a second take.”

Their director, Roni Benaid, told her there is no need for a take two since the first one seems okay. “Sabi niya sa akin, kaya mo pa ba? Kasi alam niyang natetensiyon na rin ako.

I said yes and ako mismo ang naglagay ng lubid sa leeg ko at hinigpitan ko. Nang tumalon na ako, parang masasakal talaga ako. Buti na lang nag-cut na si Direk and they helped me get the rope off my neck.”

They shot the film in an old school that looks haunted and during their shoot, she really felt something spooky on the set. “I love watching horror films kasi hindi ako matatakutin.

Then while shooting a scene in the dark theater, dalawa kami on stage waiting for a take.

Walang masyadong ilaw except for the camera. Nakatayo kami sa stage, may biglang dumaan sa ibaba, naka-white. Sabi ko, ano ‘yun? Nakita rin pala nung katabi ko. So that means two of us saw the apparition. It’s so creepy! Well, I just hope it’s a sign na marami ngang manonood ng movie na ito on November 22 and it’ll be a big hit.”

Full of regret

Mario E. Bautista

November 14, 2023

‘Inubos ko lahat and yet nauwi din sa hiwalayan. Masakit talaga para sa akin’ – Kylie Padilla

KYLIE PADILLA
Photo from Kylie Padilla’s Instagram account

KYLIE Padilla is full of regret when she talked about her failed marriage with Aljur Abrenica.

“I just wish nagtira ako ng para sa sarili ko kasi I gave it my all talaga,” she declares.

“People in relationships will go through struggles, so ipaglalaban ko pa rin para sa mga anak ko. Inubos ko lahat and yet nauwi din sa hiwalayan. Masakit talaga para sa akin.”

She got pregnant while doing “Encantadia” in 2016 and gave birth. Their second son came in 2019. They separated in 2021. Soon after that, Aljur got hitched with AJ Raval and the persistent scuttlebutt is they already have their own love child, but they have yet to formally admit it in public.

In a way, Kylie is still fortunate as GMA continues to support her career. She is never without an assignment. After their break up, she was given a very good project where she played the title role, the sports drama “Bolera,” on primetime. It was a big hit. She did more shows after that and also a movie, “Unravel,” with Gerald Anderson. She’s also said to be doing another new movie with Enrique Gil and Derrick Monasterio for GMA Pictures.

In contrast, Aljur made the wrong decision when he suddenly left GMA when he was still officially under contract with them. GMA gave him so many good projects but it’s apparent he doesn’t know which side of his bread is buttered. He transferred to ABS-CBN, thinking he’d be successful there like Paulo Avelino, who was ousted in “Starstruck” when he won, but now definitely has a much more flourishing acting career than him. But Aljur’s career remains in the doldrums.

***

Louise delos Reyes played the role of the restless spirit in the horror hit “Deleter” and she also just starred in the suspense thriller series on Viva One, “Deadly Love.” Now, she stars in Viva’s new horror movie, “Marita,” showing in theaters on November 22. Looks like she enjoys scaring the audience.

“The truth is that this is the type of project that really excites me now,” she says. “Kasi before, wala akong ginawa kundi magpaiyak sa soaps. Personally, matatakutin ako, but I now enjoy scaring people. Masaya makitang nagsisigawan sila sa loob ng sinehan.”

In “Marita,” she plays Sandra, a teacher who is tasked by their school to organize a theater group called Sinag Diwa for their students. It turns out they are staging their production in an old theaterf that has not been used for some time and turns out to be haunted by the vengeful ghost of Marita. At first, ayokong maniwala sa multo but while we are rehearsing, strange things start to happen at lahat kami ay inisa-isa niyang multuhin.”

She used to be just one of the teen stars in GMA’s youth-oriented shows like “Tween Hearts.” How does it feel that she now plays the role of the teacher of her younger students?

“I just turned 30 last September,” she says. “So puede na talaga nila akong teacher. On our first shooting day, I felt like bumalik ‘yung time na teenager din ako and I was starting in GMA. But we all have to move on. Okay lang naman for me to play more mature roles.”

***

Angela Morena plays a half Japanese-half Filipina who goes to Japan to look for her Japanese dad in the sexy drama, “Japino,” that is now streaming on Vivamax. She ends up working as a sexy dancer in a bar.

“Shooting the movie on location in Japan is really an eye opener for me,” she says. “Ang dami talagang gustong magpunta sa Japan not only to travel but also to work there.

Maganda naman kasi talaga roon, malinis pa ang paligid. And once you’re there, you’d try to do anything to stay there, legally man or hindi.”

Her character is named Ayu. “Si Ayu, she looks tough and aggressive. Akala mo, matapang talaga siya, but deep inside, she’s just longing for love and validation. Gusto niyang makita ang ama niya, so she can get legal Japanese citizenship.”

Ayu’s mom is played by Lara Morena, also a dancer. But she has since returned home to the Philippines and Ayu is left with her boyfriend, Yuki, played by Ali Asistio, who is also a Japino looking for his own Japanese dad.

“Lahat ng naging OFW o nagkaroon ng kamag-anak na OFW, dapat panoorin nila ang ‘Japino’ kasi tiyak na makaka-relate sila sa mga sitwasyon at experiences namin dito as illegal migrants in Japan,” adds Angela. “Akala mo lang masarap ang buhay roon, pero actually mahirap, kasi kinakabahan ka na anytime, baka mabuko kang wala ka palang proper documents at pabalikin na lang agad sa Pilipinas.”

More originals, please

Mario E. Bautista

November 9, 2023

‘We feel that the Barbie-David love team deserves an original material like their Klay-Fidel characters in “Maria Clara at Ibarra”’

THE Barbie Forteza-David Licauco series “Maging Sino Ka Man” ran for less than two months and it failed to make a dent at the higher ratings of Coco Martin’s “Batang Quiapo.” Too bad since their “Maria Clara at Ibarra” had already established them as a major love team. Take note “Maria Clara” is an original show, unlike “Maging Sino Ka Man” which is an adaptation of a blockbuster 1991 movie.

We’re really wondering why GMA chose this as the follow-up project for Barbie and David, when the same title and the theme song had already been used by ABS-CBN in 2006 with John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo.

We feel that the Barbie-David love team deserves an original material like their Klay-Fidel characters in “Maria Clara at Ibarra” that captured the hearts of viewers even if it’s already common knowledge that Barbie has a boyfriend, Jak Roberto.

To begin with, the characters they played in “Maging Sino” didn’t fit them well, specially David as a sanggano-bad boy type that just doesn’t suit him. He is best playing a Korean type of executive, looking debonaire in classy suits and exuding a suplado image.

As one of our helpers said: “Si David, ‘di bagay na bad boy. Mas bagay sayang bebe boy.” And he just lacks the “angas” the role calls for. Sana, hindi nasayang ang success ng Klay-Fidel love team with Dino-Carding not doing well.

And while we’re at it, we hope GMA will take note their original shows like “Abot Kamay na Pangarap,” “Prima Donnas,” “First Yaya,” “Lolong,” “Royal Blood,” to name a few, all did well compared to the remakes they did, so we think they better come up with more original ideas thank just bank on remakes or adaptations.

***

Matteo Guidicelli’s career is on a roll. After not having acted for sometime, he now has a new TV action-drama series on GMA-7, “Black Rider,” that airs weeknight after “24 Oras,” and a new fantasy-action movie, “Penduko,” for Viva Films.

His last acting assignment on TV was “Bagani” on ABS-CBN in 2018, then he focused on hosting game shows like “Masked Singer Pilipinas” and “Born to be a Star” on TV5. He now enjoys working with the cast and staff of “Black Rider.”

On the big screen, he feels blessed to have been chosen to play Pedro Penduko in Viva Films’ official entry in the coming Metro Manila Film Festival opening in theaters this Christmas Day. He is asked if he’d ever invite his wife, Sarah Geronimo, to join him as a Kapuso.

“We never know,” he says. “She is officially with Viva and it’s up to Boss Vic del Rosario what his plans for her are. But it would be nice if we could work here together.”

He no longer wants to answer questions as to when they will have a baby. “A baby is a gift from above, so it all depends on the Lord kung kailan Niya kami bibigyan. We leave it all up to Him.”

***

Showing this Friday, November 10, is “Japino,” made for Vivamax by acclaimed filmmaker Brillante Mendoza as producer of his Centerstage Productions. This was filmed on location in Fukuoka and in the winter capital of Sapporo, Japan last January in the middle of the icy winter season.

“Sobrang lamig, nagne-negative zero ang weather,” says Denise Esteban, who is one of the four main stars of “Japino,” the others being Vince Rillon, Angela Morena and Ali Asistio. “I got so excited when they told me I’d be a part of this movie, kasi first time ko po lumabas ng bansa at mag-abroad. Tapos sa Japan pa at makakita ako ng snow for the first time din.”

But she almost didn’t make it because she was detained by the immigration official at our airport. “Nakatuwaan yata ako kasi noong tinanong kung ano ang gagawin ko sa Japan, akala yata magti-TNT ako roon. Pinatawag ako sa loob ng and I was interviewed for half an hour. Kabadong-kabado ako kasi baka lumipad na ang eroplano namin papuntang Japan nang wala ako. Tiyak na papalitan na ako sa cast.

“Kung anu-ano ang hiningi, hindi lang birth certificate ko kundi pati marriage contract ng parents ko, pati ID ng father ko. When they asked me kung anong work ko, sabi ko, artista ako sa Viva. Ano raw movies na ang nagawa ko? So I opened the Viva app and showed them my movies. Finally, they let go of me at umabot pa ako sa flight namin to Japan.”

Is there a possibility she might fall for a Japanese guy in real life? “Puede naman kasi sa experience ko, mababait sila. ‘Yung mga na-meet namin sa shoot, puro magagalang, yuko ng yuko to show respect. At napaka-honest nila roon. Mag-iwan ka ng gamit mo, hindi mawawala, pagbalik mo nandoon pa rin.”

She says she is proud to be part of a film like “Japino” that offers insights about the life of Filipino overseas workers abroad. “Dito sa atin, kapag nagtatrabaho ka sa abroad, akala nila, marami kang pera. But I realized hindi madali ang buhay ng mga kababayan nating nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa. Anumang kinikita nila roon, pinaghihirapan nila nang husto. At totoo rin ‘yung feeling na sobrang maho-homesick kasi lahat ng mahal mo sa buhay, malayo sa iyo.”

Heartfelt story of mature love

Mario E. Bautista

November 7, 2023

RURU Madrid will be facing two formidable female villains in “Black Rider,” Katrina Halili and Gladys Reyes, who did goody-goody roles in their last shows and are now happy to play bad girls once more. Katrina played the mother of Jillian Ward and sisters in her last drama, the hit afternoon show “Prima Donnas 1 and 2.”

“I’m a sexy assassin in ‘Black Rider,’” she says. “I was resting in El Nido, Palawan when they called me. I didn’t know it will be an action role. I trained in martial arts, shooting guns, doing stunts, fight scenes, pati pagsakay sa big bike. It’s hard but na-enjoy ko naman. Natagtag uli ang katawan ko and I lost the fats I gained while on vacation.”

Gladys’s last soap was “Madrasta” where she played a good girl. In “Black Rider,” she plays Madam Sasha Buenaventura, the wife of a mayor, Zoren Legaspi.

“All out contravida ako this time,” she says. “I didn’t accept shows during the pandemic kasi puro lock-in taping. But I can’t say no to ‘Black Rider’ to support Ruru dahil pareho kaming Iglesia ni Kristo members. Worried lang ako na Carmina Villaroel might get jealous of me. Kasi patay na patay sa akin ang mister niyang si Zoren dito.”

Zoren is seated in front of her and keeps on laughing. “Hoy, tawa ka nang tawa,” says Gladys. “Bakit parang ikinahihiya mo ako? Aminin mo, ‘yun naman talaga ang role mo as Mayor Alfonso, sinasamba mo ako at hindi kita masisisi.”

***

Arron Villaflor has done many sexy dramas with Vivamax where he almost always have butt exposure in his love scenes. He says his friends chide him, “Nakita na namin ang puwet mo.” Does he regret going sexy?

“No, when Viva first offered me to join them, two years na akong walang trabaho and depressed na because of the pandemic,” he says. “I consulted my parents. They said ‘yan ba talaga ang gusto mong gawin? It’s a very hard decision, after coming from doing wholesome shows, but I think I’m old enough to make decisions for myself. It’s a big gamble but I think it’s worth it. This is a career move for me to do more mature materials and I’m glad that Viva is giving me good projects ever since I joined them.”

His latest film, “Tuhog,” will start streaming on November 3. “I play a soldier who gets assigned in Mindanao and went missing. My girlfriend, Apple Dy, and my dad, played by Joko Diaz, thought that I was killed. They consoled each other and eventually, sila ang nagkaroon ng relasyon.”

But it turned out he’s still alive and was just held captive by rebels. He returns home but suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), acts strangely and has become sadistic to Apple when they make love.

“Sa mga nagawa ko sa Viva, naiiba ito and I consider it siyang pinakamabigat as it required a lot from me,” says Arron. “I’m really happy na sa akin nabigay ang ganito kagandang role and I think I gave it justice naman.”

***

“When I Met You in Tokyo” will entertain, inspire, and make people believe in the power of love again.

Christopher de Leon

Christopher de Leon has lately been playing villain roles like in “Lolong” and “Batang Quiapo.” But he’s back to playing a romantic lead role in the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival entry, “When I Met You in Tokyo,” where he is reunited with his perennial partner, Vilma Santos.

Of all their films, our personal faves are the three films they did with National Artist Ishmael Bernal: “Relasyon” and “Broken Marriage” (which won best actress awards for Ate Vi) and “Ikaw ay Akin” (which gave Boyet a best actor award. Brother Boyet or Bro Bo turned 67 years old on October 31 and he certainly looks much younger than his age. He is very well-preserved and really knows how to maintain his lean figure.

In “When I Met You in Tokyo,” he plays the role of Joey, an OFW in Japan, just like Ate Vi’s character as Ason. Their relationship starts on the wrong foot as Ason thinks Joey is “mayabang” but they soon get to know each other better.

“It’s a simple love story, a feel-good movie about relationships among people in our age bracket now,” says Bro Bo. “We made sure na light lang siya, something viewers would easily enjoy. We’ve made many intense movies na heavy drama, but we feel na sa panahon ngayon, after the pandemic, people just want to be entertained by something that would inspire them and make them believe in the power of love all over again. So don’t miss ‘When I Met You in Tokyo’ when it opens in cinemas on December 25.”

Will Vilma, Boyet win in this year’s MMFF?

Mario E. Bautista

October 31, 2023

‘Will history repeat itself for Vilma and Boyet in their film fest entry this coming December?’

THE endearing love team of Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon are back on the big screen in “When I Met You in Tokyo” and they’re so glad it qualified as an official entry in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) this Christmas Day.

Their last film together was “Mano Po 3: My Love” in 2004. It was also an entry in the MMFF that year. It won so many awards, including best picture, best actress for Ate Vi and best actor for Boyet de Leon.

“Mano Po 3” was filmed in Bangkok, Thailand. This time, their reunion movie is shot on location in Japan. Will history repeat itself for Vilma and Boyet in their film fest entry this coming December?

“It’s all up to the judges,” said Ate Vi. “As of now, we’re just happy that we made it as an official entry sa MMFF. This is a simple love story with a good script that also touches on the lives of OFWs. It offers a lot of good insights and lessons about relationships and how it is to be an OFW.”

She is turning 70 years old (she’s the youngest-looking septuagenarian we know) on November 3. What is her birthday wish?

“It’s not just for myself, it’s for the whole film industry. We all know mahina ang mga sinehan so ang wish ko, mababaan sana ang bayad sa movie tickets, kasi yung P400 now, masyadong mahal for an ordinary wage earner. Kahit for three years man lang, para maibalik ang panonood ng mga tao sa sinehan at maibalik ang sigla ng local film industry.”

***

Lovi Poe is so thankful to have a very understanding husband like Montgromery “Monty” Blencowe. “A few days after our August wedding in England, I left him to go back to work immediately and we haven’t seen each other since then,” she says. “Hopefully, I might get to see him in L.A. during the Christmas break.”

It’s an open book that she has had many boyfriends before. So what makes Monty stand out from all the rest?

“It’s hard to explain, but the fact that he’s the one I chose to marry says a lot. I’m so proud of him and all his accomplishments as a scientist. Even my mother and my sister, they like him.”

Any plans to have a baby soon?

“None yet. We’re still getting used to the idea of being married and right now, we’re much more focused on our work and just being together. So starting our own family would have to wait.”

Lovi had a special lunch with the press as the jewelry line she is endorsing, Imono, is launching its holiday collection for the coming Yuletide season. Its owner-designer, Goldy Hing, expressed her admiration for Lovi as a singer and an actress.

“Her talent has really grown a lot since she joined showbiz and she’s one of our finest celebrities today,” says Goldy. “We really made the right choice in selecting her as our brand ambassador.”

***

We are glad the last two local films shown in cinemas did well at the tills: “Five Breakups and a Romance” and “A Very Good Girl.”

In “Five Breakups,” both Alden Richards and Julia Montes deliver first-rate performances as the dysfunctional lovers in a story that is a sensitive examination of a painful relationship that didn’t work.

Suckers for the obligatory happy ending will surely be disappointed, but viewers who enjoy “mapanakit” movies with heartbreaking endings, like the past works of Villamor, will no doubt relish all the copious tears effortlessly shed by Alden and Julia in this heartbreaker.

Villamor’s script is so well written that we really get to care and sympathize with her characters. The same cannot be said of “A Very Good Girl.” Whereas “Five Breakups” is grounded in the reality of failed relationships, “Good Girl” is an escapist revenge fantasy that is not convincingly realized. They really spent much for its pricey production values, but the revenge story reminds us of similarly themed local movies like “Nuuk” and “Untrue” where Aga Muhlach and Cristine Reyes both go to an extremely great extent to carry out their very elaborate vengeance scheme that only the gullible would buy.

Also, pardon us when we say that Dolly de Leon is miscast in the role of a filthy rich woman. She just fails to project the grandiosity and imperiousness that the role requires.

A very rich woman will also surely attend quickly to her overlapping (sungki) lower teeth and consult an orthodontist to straighten them. Everyone who also saw the movie was saying the late Cherie Gil would have been much more credible in such a role. Dolly is certainly much better off playing the toilet cleaner in “Triangle of Sadness” and as the poor dying mother in “Keys to the Heart.”

Ruru Madrid impresses as Black Rider

Mario E. Bautista

October 26, 2023

The actor refuses to use a body double for his stunts and was even injured in one of the dangerous action scenes for the series.

RURU Madrid is GMA’s resident young action star. After the huge success of “Lolong,” he now topbills “Black Rider,” which will replace the short-lived “Maging Sino Ka Man” on November 6.

“I’m really thankful to GMA sa tiwala nila sa akin,” said Ruru. “‘Black Rider’ is the biggest project assigned to me and my role as the lead character, Elias Guerrero, is one of my toughest assignments ever. As a crimefighter, maraming malalaking action scenes na ginastusan talaga ng GMA and I really gave it all my best, to the point na naaksidente ako one time. I injured the ligament on my knee kasi ayokong magpa-double at ako mismo ang gumagawa ng sarili kong stunts. I had to get a physical therapist to help me on the set.”

“Black Rider” is directed by Richard Arellano and Rommel Penesa who both lavishly praise Ruru for being so committed to the project and to his role as the Black Rider.

“Sobrang lakas ng loob ni Ruru in doing even the hardest fight scene and the most dangerous stunts,” said Direk Richard. “Kahit sabihin naming kumuha na lang ng double, hindi siya pumapayag kasi ayaw niyang dayain ang eksena.”

Ruru is also glad GMA gave him a powerhouse supporting cast: Matteo Guidicelli as Paeng Policarpio, Raymart Santiago as Gregorio Ricarte, Katrina Halili as Romana Nadela, Raymond Bagatsing as Edgardo Magallanes, Zoren Legaspi as Alfonso Buenaventura, Gladys Reyes as Sasha Buenaventura, Gary Estrada as Fredo Policarpio, Rio Locsin as Alma Guerrero, Roi Vinzon as William Romero, Empoy Marquez as Oca, Ishko Moreno as Tiagong Dulas, Almira Muhlach as Rebecca Chen, Maureen Larrazabal as Baby Lyn, Aleck Bovick as Lorna, Bodgie Pascua as Lolo Sito, Vance Larena as Uno, Ashley Rivera as Paloma, Jon Lucas as Calvin Magallanes, Luis Hontiveros as Philip, Prince Clemente as Onat, Jayson Gainza as Estong, Janus del Prado as Miguelito, Kim Perez as Matias, Marco Masa as Benjie. With such a glittering cast, “Black Rider” is really one primetime show not to be missed when it airs on mNovember 6.

***

Heaven Peralejo and Marco Gallo were the leads in University Series Book I, “The Rain in España.” How do they feel they now play support to Krissha Viaje & Jerome Ponce in Book 2, “Safe Skies, Archer”?

“I’m personally happy for Krissha and Jerome,” replied Heaven. “There are six books in the series and we all know that everyone will be given lead roles in their own screen adaptation so we’re just happy to give them our full support.”

“Personally, it’s also fine with me to support them,” said Marco. “We’re really a barkada and I’m happy to bond again with everyone. This is really a saga and I’m glad to be part of this saga about six friends. And after I saw the trailer kanina, I’m really happy with the results. It looks very promising.”

After “The Rain in España,” the movie “The Ship Show” and now, “Safe Skies, Archer,” how would they describe their relationship at the moment? Has it reached another level?

“As of now, what you see is what you get,” said Heaven. “‘Yun na lang muna. We’ve gotten to know each other better but basta ‘yun na lang muna, what you see is what you get.”

“As of now, we just enjoy each other’s company,” said Marco. “We don’t want to rush into commitment because right now, our careers remain to be our utmost priority.”

***

Two of Vivamax reigning queens, Angeli Khang and Azi Acosta, play the lead roles in “Sila ay Akin,” story by National Artist Ricky Lee and directed by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Mac Alejandre.

We asked Azi’s role in the movie that starts streaming this Friday.

“I’m Josie, asawa ni Vince Rillon as Pao,” she replied. “Azi naman as Marites is paired with Victor Relosa as JC. Our husbands are both macho dancers sa gay bar and tanggap namin ang klase ng trabaho nila, pati ‘yung gay lover ni Vince na si Gerald Madrid.”

How is it working and sharing topbilling with Azi who is said to be her rival as “Vivamax Queen”? “Magaan ang feeling ko sa kanya. At bilib ako kasi magaling siya umiyak. She really knows her craft and she exceeded all expectations. We had fun working together.”

What can Direk Mac say about the charges of indecency against Angeli filed by a group of guardians of morality called Social Media Broadcasters for doing explicit scenes in her films? “There will always be self-proclaimed guardians of morality. Seventies pa may ganyan na, ‘di ba? I don’t know about the legalities, but I’ve always known that what is truthful and just, that is what will prevail. Art will always have more impact in the public’s consciousness. History has already proven that through the years.”

Paolo Contis happy for ex LJ Reyes

Mario E. Bautista

October 24, 2023

‘I wish them all the best.’ – Paolo Contis

PAOLO Contis and LJ Reyes were together for six years and they had a daughter, Summer, in 2018. They eventually parted ways in 2021.

Paolo has a new girlfriend, Yen Santos, while LJ went to New York where she married Philip Evangelista. What can Paolo say about this? “I have nothing to say,” he says. “Basta I’m actually happy that she’s getting married. I wish them all the best.”

2023 has been lucky for Paolo when it comes to his career. He’s a host in “Eat Bulaga” and is also in “Bubble Gang.” He is in the cast of several movies. He did the horror-comedy “Ang Pangarap Kong Oskar” and “The Cheating Game” that have already been shown.

He has now completed a new romance drama with Rhian Ramos for a new film company, “Ikaw at Ako,” co-starring with Boots Anson Roa and Ronaldo Valdez that has a December playdate. He is also in the cast of two other new movies, “Fuchsia Libre” for Mavx Productions and “The Journey” with Patrick Garcia. He is turning 40 years old this coming March. Any plans of settling down for good with Yen?

“None. Dapat munang paghandaang mabuti ‘yan and I feel all these good opportunities coming my way are part of my preparation for my future. Darating din tayo doon, sa tamang panahon.”

***

Book one of Wattpad’s University series, “The Rain in España,” was a big hit on Viva One. So now, they are showing the second book, “Safe Skies, Archer,” which will now focus on the new love team of Krissha Viaje as Yanna and Jerome Ponce as Hiro, the pilot in the story.

How would Krissha describe her character, Yanna?

“Yanna is a tourism student,” she says. “She’s known for being liberated, afraid of commitment when it comes to relationships. I’m thankful to Viva as this is the most challenging role in my entire career since I joined ‘Little Big Star’ as a child singer.”

How about Jerome Ponce, how will he describe his role as Hiro?

“His dream is to be a pilot and to study in the best flying schools in Florida, the USA. Kaso magkakakilala sila ni Yanna, at ‘yun, tatamaan sila sa isa’t isa.”

The lives of Yanna and Hiro will change when they meet each other. At first, they agree to have a no-strings-attached, no-label kind of relationship. But eventually, they will fall deeply in love and become more involved with each other. But just like most young loves, their relationship hits a snag and they part ways.

After five years, they meet again. They now have their own flourishing careers. They are more mature in their views in life. They realize they haven’t really moved on from each other and try to find out if love would be truly lovelier for them the second time around.

***

Viva launches another new nymphet in “Haliparot,” now streaming on Vivamax, Aiko Garcia, one of the two winners in their artista search “Pantaxa: Laiya,” the other being Angelica Hart. She plays a 17-year-old high school student raised by a single mom, Maui Taylor. She and Maui later figure in a love triangle with the hunky Matt Francisco.

Matt seduces Aiko and she happens to be a willing victim. “Actually, when I was told that I will have a launching movie, sabi ko, kaya ko na ba?” says Aiko. “Kasi, probinsyana lang ako from Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. I just came to Manila to go to college.”

A talent manager brought her to Viva. At first, she was hesitant to go sexy. “Youngest ako of two kids. My dad died when I was only 8 and my single mom raised me and my older brother by herself. But when I joined ‘Pantaxa: Laiya,’ doon ako nasanay magpa-sexy kasi lahat ng kasali, game na game sila. Kung gusto mong manalo, dapat ready ka ring gawin kung anuman ang kaya nilang gawin.”

Will she let her mom watch “Haliparot”? “Ay, huwag na lang. Trailer pa lang ang napanood niya, na-sad na siya. Sabi niya, ‘yan ba talaga ang gusto mong gawin? Sabi ko, ‘Ma, gusto ko talagang mag-artista so stepping stone ko ito.’ Ang dream ko talaga, makagawa later ng mainstream movie na drama.”

A ‘Swiftie’ lolo

Mario E. Bautista

October 19, 2023

You don’t have to be a fan to enjoy Taylor Swift’s “Eras” concert film.

You do not have to be a Swiftie (how Taylor Swift’s fans are called) to enjoy “Taylor Swift: The ERAS Tour” concert movie. We watched it last weekend with our two granddaughters, both Swifties, and the theater was packed with young women who know the lyrics of Taylor’s songs and turned the moviehouse into a sing-along as they sang and danced with her.

Taylor started her career when she was only 14 years and now, after two decades, she remains on top of the game as she knows how to reinvent herself as a singer-songwriter.

She started as a country singer then went into pop, incorporated rock and electronic elements into her music. She also ventured into synth-pop and hip hop. Her discography in the ten albums she did is properly represented in the “Eras” tour, so it’s a real treat for her fans.

The film was shot during her shows at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California in August, directed by Sam Wrench, who earlier also helmed the concert movie of Billie Eilish. It uses so many cameras to film the whole thing, done with astonishing camera work from every vantage point and with a high-tech giant screen behind Taylor.

It does not only give you the chance to watch Taylor from a front-row seat, but also captures all the joyful energy and immersive spectacle – with all the colorful light and eye-popping special effects. It’s really much more intimate and sometimes, you get the feeling that you’re on the same stage with her, listening to her sing and banter with the live audience.

Taylor gives a vibrant and rousing performance as she displays her amazing musical dexterity from various phases of her long career. We read that the actual concert ran for 3 hours and 15 minutes. But in the movie, they have edited out all the intervals where she changes costumes, etc. and came out with a tight and swift 2 hours and 30 minutes. Taylor has a dynamic stage presence and the captivating charisma of today’s hottest pop star performing at the peak of her dazzling musical powers.

***

Ricky Davao is currently in the GMA primetime drama, “Love Before Sunrise,” playing Andrea Torres’ dad. But he is also busy singing and acting on stage in a new original musical, “Silver Lining,” to be shown at the RCBC Theater in Makati starting this weekend, October 20, 21, 22 and also on 27, 28, 29. It tells the story of three friends from an exclusive boys’ high school who have formed a band for their 50th anniversary homecoming.

But they’re told they’ll have limited exposure so they then write a full musical about their life in the ’70s. As the nostalgic story slowly unfolds before their eyes, histories unknown to them rise to the surface – discovering how complicated life was in their teenage years.

From the title itself, it shows the characters’ search for the proverbial silver lining amidst challenging times.

The story is told in two timelines: the present and the 1970s. In the present, Ricky Davao stars as Leo, Joel Nunez is Anton, Raul Montesa plays Raul and Nenel Arcayan is Josie.

Playing their younger selves in the ‘70s are Albert Silos, Noel Comia Jr., Jay Cortez and Sara Sicam.

“I’m proud and happy to be part of this musical which is a dialog between the past and present generations,” says Ricky. “The arguments between the young and the old are very organic. The audience will make a lot of realizations about the different generations. But I’m also very nervous kasi we are singing very new and original songs. And this is the first time I’m working with the cast and production people, including our director Maribel Legarda. I’m so amazed sa rehearsals namin because they are all so good and very technical. Ninerbiyos ako, ano ba itong pinasok ko? But ang ganda ng music, ang ganda ng story, very relatable and it shows how theatre can be a truly powerful medium. So watch it at RCBC Theatre this weekend and get your tickets now.”

MMFF unveils final 6 films, rounds up official entries to 10

Mario E. Bautista

October 18, 2023

The 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) promises a spectacular lineup this December with a total of ten films that viewers can choose from.

The MMFF executive committee yesterday announced that it has expanded the roster of official entries from eight to ten. The six newest additions offer a diverse selection of dramas, romance, comedies, and horror films. They are:

“Firefly” is a gripping drama from GMA Films, featuring a star-studded cast including Dingdong Dantes, Max Collins, Epi Quizon, Alessandra de Rossi, and more. Directed by Zig Dulay.

“GomBurZa” is a historical drama chronicling three heroic priests, with a cast led by Cedrick Juan, Dante Rivero, and Enchong Dee. Directed by Pepe Diokno.

“When I Met You In Tokyo” is a heartwarming romance-drama starring the beloved tandem of Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon. It is directed by Rado Peru and Rommel Penza.

“Becky and Badette” is a comedy from IdeaFirst Company, helmed by Jun Lana. The ensemble includes Eugene Domingo, Pokwang, Agot Isidro, and more.

“Mallari” is a horror-drama directed by Derrick Cabrido centered around the first Filipino serial killer. Piolo Pascual plays the lead.

“Broken Hearts Trip” is an LGBT-themed comedy produced by Smart Films Productions, OPC with BMC Films. It is directed by Lemuel Lorca and features Christian Bables, Andoy Ranay, Iyah Mina in the cast.

These new entries join the initial four films announced in July, creating a ten-film lineup for the 49th MMFF. The previously revealed movies include “A Mother and Son’s Story,” “(K)Ampon,” “Penduko,” and “Rewind.”

The 49th MMFF is set to run from December 25 until January 2024.

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