‘Ang importante, hindi nila nakikitang nagwawala ang mommy nila sa labas with other men.’ – Maui Taylor

MAUI Taylor was only 14 years old when she joined showbiz as part Viva’s stable of teen stars in such youth oriented shows as “TGIS” and “Anna Karenina.”

She then became a member of the Viva Hot Babes and was launched as a sexy star in “Gamitan,” a big hit so it was followed by more sexy flicks like “Hibla,” “Sex Drive,” “Huling Birhen sa Lupa,” “Bugbog Sarado.”

Then she got married and had two sons, Antoine and Matteo, now 10 and 8 years old. Her marriage to her non-showbiz partner lasted for seven years. In 2020, Viva revived her acting career in the comedy “Pakboys: Takusa.” “After that, tuloy-tuloy na uli,” she says. “I did ‘Gusto Kong Maging Porn Star’ 1 and 2. Then I did ‘69+1’ with Janno Gibbs, ‘Kaka,’ ‘Crush Kong Curly,’ ‘My Husband, My Lover,’ ‘Deception,’ ‘Pantaxa: Laiya’. Hindi ako pinabayaan ng Viva at tuloy-tuloy talaga ang projects ko.”

She now stars in the new Vivamax movie, “Haliparot,” that will start streaming on October 20. She plays the role of the mother of Aiko Garcia, who is being launched in this erotic drama about a mom and her daughter who share the same man, the hunky newcomer Matthew Francisco. She has a sizzling bed scene in the movie where she is shown topless.

Does she worry her sons might get to see it?

“Naisip ko rin ‘yun, but at this age of the internet, hindi mo naman na maitatago ‘yun.

Feeling ko, I can handle it kasi matatalino na ang mga bata ngayon. I think maiintindihan ng mga anak ko na part ito ng trabaho ng mom nila. I am just playing a role, a character.

Ang importante, hindi nila nakikitang nagwawala ang mommy nila sa labas with other men.”

***

John Arcilla is best known as a drama actor who has won best actor awards both here and abroad for acclaimed films like “Heneral Luna” and “On the Job, The Missing 8.” But now, he can add game show host to his credentials.

The actor-turned-game show host has reason to rejoice as his new show, “Spingo” on TV5, is undoubtedly making its mark as the newest game craze that ignites TV viewing across the country. It currently continues to give away fabulously big prizes to both studio contestants and home players every day.

“I never really thought I’d be hosting a fun game show like this personally, so I want to thank all the viewers who watch and support our show everyday,” says John. “This really opened new doors for me at parang nagkaroon ako ng bagong career. Kasi dati, kilala lang ako for portraying villain roles, lalo kay Coco Martin. But now, very encouraging ang feedback ng audience sa social media sa my kind of hosting. Napakainit ang pagtanggap sa ‘Spingo’ ng viewing public at mas dumarami pa ang nanonood araw-araw, kaya naman mas ginaganahan kami to give away much bigger prizes in the show.”

To date, “Spingo” has given away over P3 million since the show premiered last month.

More studio players are also becoming big winners, including Alex Calleja who took home P910,000, Tuesday Vargas with P411,000, cosplayer Resty Siarez with P852,000, and E-gamer Trisha with P510,000.

“Spingo’s” edge is its interactive feature that allows home viewers to win by playing the game on the app while watching the show.

Five home players have already hit the blackout jackpot and took part in the grand prize of P100,000 per day, including Richard Mabua Rafols of Manila and Ma. Reyna Ocampo of Marikina who recently came to the TV5 studio to meet the hosts.

***

Fil-Am writer-director Gerard Pizarro is making a TV series titled “Mt. Samat” to be shot in Bataan. He started as a lawyer specializing in civil and business litigation in San Francisco, California. He also did research and development for government agencies after 9-11.

But he also wants to tell his own stories and make movies, so he then turned to filmmaking and took up film at the San Francisco Film School, USC School of Cinematic Arts and American Conservatory Theatre. He then directed the movie “Blood on Canvas,” a legal thriller that won awards in the Michigan Film Awards, Honolulu Film Festival, Golden Ace Awards and Las Vegas Festival.

This is based on a true story he himself experienced as a practicing lawyer. “It’s about a young Filipina painter shot in the head but survived the shooting,” he says. “I visited her in the hospital. She was with her boyfriend when it happened. He claims she tried to kill herself, but I smelled something fishy going on, so I became her civil lawyer and we filed a case for her to get justice. You can now watch it on youtube and Google.”

Gerard will reveal the details of “Mt. Samat,” his latest project in the forthcoming American Film Market in Santa Monica, California on October 31. The TV series is based on the life story of his own father, Tony Pizarro, which came out as a biographical novel titled “The Man Behind the Uniform” in 2021.

His dad was born in 1940 in Orion, Bataan, then WWII broke out. The series will start in 1941 when the Japanese invaded the Philippines and will be a family saga showing his dad’s own experiences in Bataan, his move to America in 1959, trying to fit in and find his own place in the sun as an Asian in America, and raising his own family there. It’s an inspirational success story.

Gerard was born in the USA in 1966 and has visited Bataan a lot of times. He was impressed by the Mt. Samat Memorial Cross Shrine or Dambana ng Kagitingan that showcases Philippine heroism in World War II and this will be reflected in the series.

JILLIAN Ward is currently tagged as “Star of the New Gen” and “Queen of Day time Drama” as her current GMA afternoon series, “Abot Kamay na Pangarap” continues to skyrocket to high ratings for more than a year. She now also stars in the new season of “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko” in the four-episode “Captain Kitten” that airs Saturday, 6:15 p.m. A press con was held for her with co-stars Gabby Eigenmann (as the main villain, Dr. Tom), Kim Perez and Shuvee Etrata in attendance. Also in the cast are Archie Alemania and Angela Alarcon.

“I got excited when they told me I’ll be back in ‘Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko’ kasi I started with it as a child star six years ago in 2017,” she says. “Ang kasama pa namin noon was si Lola Gloria Romero, who I really miss. Our new episode is ‘Captain Kitten’ and I play the title role, a student na nabigyan ng special powers para maging superhero to help animals na naaapi.”

She says doing “Captain Kitten” is such a welcome break for her. “Kasi one year na akong nagdadrama sa ‘Abot Kamay na Pangarap,’ so breaker talaga itong ‘Daig Kayo’ for me as this is action and fantasy. Yes, may fight scenes ako rito and may action stunts ding ginawa. ‘Yung mga suntok, sipa ginawa ko talaga myself kasi gusto kong ma-experience.”

In real life, is she close to her lola?

“Yes, sa lola ko sa mother’s side. I really have good memories with my lola kasi sila ni mama ang nagpalaki sa akin. Lately, I’m at work the whole week kaya bihira ko na siyang makakuwentuhan, dahil nga busy ako lagi sa taping. Regular siyang nanonood ng ‘Abot Kamay na Pangarap’ and, this time, I’ll make sure manood din siya ng ‘Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko’ kasi alam kong magugustuhan niyang panoorin na nag-action ako rito.”

***

Keana Reeves is part of the sexy drama “BJJ: Woman on Top” now streaming on Vivamax.

She says she feels sad she was not required to undress in the story.

“Akala ng ibang tao, maghuhubad din ako kasi nga Vivamax ang pelikulang ito,” she says.

“Hindi naman ako binigyan ni Direk Linnet Zurbano ng bedscene. Comedy pa rin ang mga eksena ko with Angela Morena as my boss. I’ve seen the bedscenes they do now and definitely, mas daring sila ngayon. Sobrang tapang nila.”

Keanna is Janet Duterte in real life and first gained fame in 2004 when she admitted she started as an escort girl and some of her clients were politicians. In 2006, she won in the celebrity edition of “Pinoy Big Brother” where Rustom Padilla outed himself from the closet to her and later became BB Gandanghari. It opened doors for her to do movies and TV series.

She just turned 53 last September 24. “Ilang years na lang, senior citizen na ako, so I want to have additional income other than showbiz. I ventured into business at nagkaroon ako ng motorcycle dealership kasi mabili ang motor ngayon. Noong birthday ko, I also launched my own line of anti-aging products, RK Skin Care, doing online sales for additional income.”

***

Zanjoe Marudo and Elijah Canlas receive praise for their performances as a down-and-out boxer and a gifted pianist, respectively, in the Netflix movie, “Keys to the Heart.”

Zanjoe Marudo and Elijah Canlas are currently getting raves for their performance in “Keys to the Heart,” a film now shown on Netflix about a down-and-out boxer who reconnects with his long-lost mother and his younger brother who is a gifted pianist on the autism spectrum. It is adapted from a 2018 South Korean film by Reality MM Studios, Creative Leaders Group 8 and VIVA Films.

Zanjoe stars as the boxer, Joma; Elijah is Jayjay, the brother; and Dolly de Leon plays their mom, as directed by Kerwin Go of “Mina Anud.”

Zanjoe’s compelling performance is getting great feedback. Viewers note the maturity and depth of his acting as he essays the role of a troubled and washed-up boxer in the movie.

His outstanding portrayal can be gleaned from his natural ability to be credible as his character, a has-been boxer. The subtlety of his nuances and impeccable comedic timing were a great complement to the complexities of his role.

In turn, Eijah Canlas’ preparation for the role is so remarkable as he learned not just to play the piano with authenticity and competence, but remarkably managed to bring to life a genius pianist with savant syndrome.

Elijah spent some time with a piano teacher to help him with the technical know-how of a real pianist and he also exposed himself to people with autism to experience and live their life and behavior. The two actors are proving that they are, indeed, two of the best drama performers of their generation.

She will be seen in “Shake, Rattle & Roll Extreme” which she hopes will be part of this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

IZA Calzado returns to acting after giving birth to her daughter Amihan on January 26. The actress stars in the episode “Glitch” of the Regal horror trilogy, “Shake, Rattle & Roll Extreme.” She has previously appeared in SRR8 in the episode about a killer babysitter, “Yaya.”

In “SRR: Extreme,” she plays a fashion designer and single mom with two kids, Migz Cuaderno and Jewel Milag. She has lost her faith in God, then a terrifying thing happens to their household. During the movie’s press conference last week, the actress expressed her joy at reuniting with showbiz writers.

“This is the first press con I attended since the pandemic and it’s so nice to see you all again,” she said. “It feels great to be working again and I really enjoyed making this film.

Sana, makapasok siya as official entry sa MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival).”

She was asked about the extremes she has experienced in her life. “Naku, ang dami kong extremes sa buhay ko as I have lived a full life. Once, I almost left my career because of love, buti hindi nangyari. Some of the extremes are extremely shocking so it’s better to leave it at that and hindi puedeng i-share.”

The last SRR movie was shown in 2014. Regal producer Roselle Monteverde was asked why she decided to revive it this year. “Kasi uso ang horror ngayon,” she said. “Malakas ang horror films, like ‘Insidious’ and ‘The Nun.’ People love getting a good scare. Itong ‘Extreme,’ we chose terrifying stories with a twist, ‘yung magugustuhan ng lahat ng viewers, from millennials to Gen Z.”

The three stories of “Extreme” are “Mukbang” (a Korean term for eat-all-you-can) directed by Jerrold Tarog, “Rage” by Joey de Guzman and “Glitch” by Richard Somes.

***

Cinemalaya best actress Ruby Ruiz is on the threshold of a Hollywood career with the TV series “Expats” that she just completed shooting in Hong Kong with Nicole Kidman. In it, Ruby plays an overseas Filipino worker who gets to work for Nicole’s character. It will be shown on Prime Video in January of 2024. It is said that Nicole Kidman usually doesn’t allow her co-stars to have a picture taken with her, but in the case of Ruby, she was the one who requested that they have a photo together. This means that Ruby’s acting must have really impressed her a lot.

Ruby stars in the Vivamax movie that streams this Friday, “Langitngit,” a psycho-sex thriller. Vivamax movies have a lot of psychotic heroines, but Ruby in “Langitngit” really tops all of them as the meanest, baddest bitch of all. She plays a religious fanatic who lives in a decaying old house. Since this is Vivamax, they have the obligatory sex scenes provided by Manang Medina (first seen in “Lagaslas”) and Itan Rosales (first seen in “Kamadora”).

But the true central character in the film is Manay Flor, Itan’s grandma who turns out to be a not-so-distant relative of Norman Bates from “Psycho.” It’s an acting piece and Ruby Ruiz really delivered and made it a personal showcase of her formidable acting talent.

We tell her she’s truly a very bad girl and she’ll give “a very good girl” a run for her money as she really dominates the movie and gives an authoritative, finely nuanced performance as a murderous crone. The title refers to the noisy creaking of the old bed that makes lots of scandalous noises while Manang and Itan are making out on top of it, which sends Ruby to the infernal regions of lunacy.

***

Will Ashley is elated to be part of the Kapuso stars who guest regularly in “Regal Studio Presents.” At the show’s second anniversary press con, he’s introduced with Althea Ablan as they are paired in the coming episode, “Poster Boy,” where he plays the title role no less.

“I’m really thankful po to Regal for their trust in me,” he says. “I was also in their ‘Mano Po 3: The Flower Sisters’ na maganda rin ang role ko.”

In the hit series, “Prima Donnas 1 and 2,” Will was paired with Jillian Ward. It’s said that Sparkle wanted to launch them as a love team, but Jillian begged off as she prefers to go solo. Did he feel bad about Jillian’s decision?

“Not really. Ang management po ang nagde-decide what is best for us and, as of now, okay naman po sa akin na nagsosolo rin ako kasi there’s more opportunity to explore the possibilities for myself as an actor who can work with anyone and play different kinds of roles. I think blessing din namang hindi kami ang magka-permanent love team kasi we can have our own individual careers. Ako po, nagkasunod-sunod ang projects ko. I’m in ‘Unbreak My Heart’ and also in a new movie, ‘X & Y,’ directed by Adolf Alix. It’s about a May-December affair and I’m paired with Miss Ina Raymundo.”

He’s 21 and Ina is 47 so there’s a great disparity in their ages. How does he feel about it?

“Okay naman po. I always welcome new experiences and si Miss Ina, mas matagal na siya sa industry kaysa sa akin and I am sure na marami po akong matutuhan in working with her. We have a love scene daw so I’m preparing myself for that.”

‘Sino bang ayaw? Lahat naman, gusto noon. But ayoko munang isipin.’ – Carla Abellana

CARLA Abellana has signed up with All Access to Stars Talent Management which also manages Marian Rivera and Maine Mendoza, among other. Its president and CEO Mike Tuviera officially welcomed her in a grand press con at Sampaguita Gardens last Tuesday.

“I’m overwhelmed,” says Carla. “This is the warmest welcome I’ve been given since I joined showbiz 14 years ago. I didn’t expect it to be this big.”

All Access offered a sumptuous buffet dinner and raffled off several cash prizes to the attending press people. Carla was very candid in her replies in the Q&A. Has she forgiven her ex-hubby Tom Rodriguez?

“Matagal na. Definitely, I’ve moved on. I’ve closed that chapter in my life and I am happy where I am now. I’m more at peace and you cannot attain that peace without being able to forgive. I’ve also moved to my new house and I’m happy with my pet dogs.”

Is she ready to work with Tom again?

“At this point, huwag na muna. I won’t be comfortable. And we’ve been paired several times before so sana, iba naman. Ang dami ko pang ibang gustong makatrabaho. I’d like to work with Piolo Pascual, whether it’s a movie or a teleserye. I’m now also more brave and adventurous to try new roles, like subukan kong mag-contravida and do other genres like suspense-thriller.”

How about a Girls’ Love series?

“Why not? As long as it’s well written and tastefully handled.”

Is she ready to fall in love again?

“Sino bang ayaw? Lahat naman, gusto noon. But ayoko munang isipin. Kalilipat ko lang sa All Access and there are so many possibilities na puede kong gawin with them, so dito muna ang focus ko.”

Carla has just finished a new soap for GMA-7, “Stolen Life,” where she’s paired anew with Gabby Concepcion.

***

Shayne Sava was the winner in the last “Starstruck” and her runner-up was Lexi Gonzales. They’re both thankful they are now regulars in the stable of Kapuso stars who have appeared in several episodes of “Regal Studio Presents” that is shown on GMA-7 every Saturday afternoon at 4:15 p.m.

Since she won in 2019, Shayne has appeared in several drama series. Her usual screen partner was Abdul Rahman but in “Regal Studio Presents: Mother, Mother, Where are You?,” she is paired with Dustin Yu Shayne.

She admits winning in “Starstruck” has changed her life for the better. “Hindi lang po ako kundi ang family ko,” she says at the press con of “Regal Studio Presents’” second anniversary. “Nakapagpagawa po ako ng bahay at patuloy ang suporta ko sa kanila, sa mama ko, financially at lalo na sa mga kapatid ko na ako ang nagpapaaral.”

She also dreams of going back to school someday to finish her college studies. “I want to take up either journalism or broadcasting, kung mabibigyan ng pagkakataong makapagtapos ng pag-aaral.”

***

Angela Morena plays Elise, the lead character in “BJJ: Woman on Top.” BJJ means Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She has completed her first contract with Viva for 10 films. She’s now on her second contract for another 10 films and “Woman on Top” is her third movie for this new contract.

“Actually, I’ve finished two other new films, ‘Japino’ with Vince Rillon and ‘Ahas’ with Gold Aceron, so bale five more films pa at tapos na uli ang contract ko sa Viva,” she says.

Despite her busy schedule, Angela finished college last July and graduated with a degree in business administration major in marketing at the St. Nicholas College in Pampanga.

“Talagang pinagsikapan ko pong makatapos ng college to serve as a role model for my four younger sisters. Stephanie and Micaela (Raz, who are also with Viva) are now also in college. ‘Yung two younger sisters namin, aged 18 and 14, are in high school.”

Does their mom watch their sexy flicks?

“Hindi po. She watched one, ‘yung ‘Bata Pa si Sabel’ starring Micaella. Umiyak siya. After that, ayaw na niyang manood.”

How about her dad?

“Hiwalay po sila ng mom ko. I was 12 when they separated. He now lives in Bacolod and we communicate by video call.”

In “Woman on Top,” she plays a jiu-jitsu player and she has actual fight scenes in the movie. How long did she train? “Bale three days po, diretsong BJJ lang, then on the actual shoot, may coaches po kami on the set to teach us how to do our fight scenes convincingly.

Mahirap po siya, andami kong pasa after each fight scene. It will start streaming on Vivamax this Friday, September 29.”

It’s such an honor for her to work with very talented actors Dennis Trillo, Sid Lucero and Bea Alonzo.

ANDREA Torres has played lead roles in several soaps and she just got much acclaim for her portrayal of Sisa in “Maria Clara at Ibarra.” So folks were surprised that she’s now playing a villain role in “Love Before Sunrise.”

“Wala namang problema kasi idol ko talaga si Bea Alonzo,” she says. “Nung lumipat pa lang siya sa GMA, I wish I’d be given the chance to work with her and now it’s granted. I’ve seen her movies with John Lloyd Cruz at hanga talaga ako sa kanilang dalawa. Si John Lloyd, nakatrabaho ko na sa sitcom na ginawa niya with GMA, so now, I welcomed naman the opportunity of working with Bea.”

It also helped that their lead actors are Dennis Trillo and Sid Lucero, who are both formidable in drama.

“We all know the calibre of Dennis and Sid pagdating sa acting,” she adds. “They are both multi award-winning actors so it’s a great challenge to work with them. Sa story kasi, Bea and Dennis first fell in love with one another but hindi sila nagkatuluyan due to some personal problems. So si Dennis met me and si Bea naman, si Sid. I’m just thankful sa GMA they included me sa cast ng series na ito na puro batikan ang mga kasama ko.”

She says she has been observing Bea on the set during their taping and she personally know how dedicated Bea is to her profession as an actress.

“I noticed that she really studies the script in detail. Inaaral niyang mabuti and there are things in it na usually, ‘di mo na mapapansin, little things lang, but siya, napapansin and kinu-question niya para malinaw ang lahat sa kanya. Sa bagay, ganun din si John Lloyd, metikuloso sa script, so pareho sila kaya sila nagtatagal sa industriya.”

***

Comedian Jerald Napoles and his real-life sweetheart Kim Molina have separated. After doing several movies and TV shows together, Kim is now paired with Empoy Marquez in the horror-comedy, “Zombabe.” Jerald, in turn, stars with Ryza Cenon in the comedy-drama, “Instant Daddy,” an adaptation of the hit Mexican movie “Instructions Not Included” shown 10 years ago that raked in $100 million in its worldwide release and has also been successfully remade in France and Brazil.

The story is about a hunky cab driver, Val (Jerald), who is surprised when a former lover, Julie, played by Danita Paner, suddenly leaves him their baby daughter for him to raise, when he didn’t even know they begot a love child. Ryza Cenon as his helpful neighbor, Kate, helps him with his child, Mira (child star Althea Ruedas.)

How does it feel to be separated from Kim after they did several movies together? “Okay lang naman as we have our own individual career paths and different branding,” Jerald says. “Part din ito ng aming growth as actors, na maipareha naman kami sa iba.”

Will viewers used to seeing him in comedy be alienated seeing him doing drama in “Instant Daddy”?

“Kaya nga big challenge for me ang ‘Instant Daddy’ kasi mas identified sa comedy, which I can do kahit walang script at improv lang. But as an actor, I would like to show that I can do other kinds of roles. I want to show na malawak ang range ko in acting at para bago rin naman ang makita nila sa akin.”

Is it true that he is not the first choice for the lead role of Val? It’s Direk Cris Aquino who answers: “Yes, when it was first offered to me, they had a big drama actor in mind, then a big comedian, pero ipinaglaban ko si Jerald hanggang dulo,” he says. “And you’d see we made the right decision kasi napakagaling ni Jerald not only in the comic but also the dramatic scenes.”

“Instant Daddy” opens in cinemas nationwide on October 11.

***

Regal and GMA-7 are celebrating the second anniversary of their successful collaboration in “Regal Studio Presents” that is shown every Sunday at 4:15 p.m. “I would like to thank GMA for collaborating with us,” says Regal’s Roselle Monteverde. “We started airing the show two years ago at the height of the pandemic when a lot of showbiz people were jobless. Our aim is to help and also to give a break to new stars, writers and directors.

We’re so glad that after eight seasons, viewers continue to watch the show every afternoon. We’re now on our ninth season and we have lined up several special original stories to entertain the audience as we celebrate our second anniversary.”

Eleven of their stars who appear in various episodes of the show were invited to the anniversary event: Shayne Sava and Dustin Yu, Yasser Marta and Lexi Gonzales, Will Ashley and Althea Ablan, Larkin Castor and AZ Martinez, Royce Cabrera, Migz Cuaderno and Carlo San Juan.

The episode on October 1 is “The Dream Band” starring Brianne Bunagan (daughter of Michael V) and Carlo San Juan as a rakista who discovers the difference between his passion and reality. And on October 8, the featured story is “Poster Boy” with Will Ashley as the cute boy on a poster who magically comes to life, as requested by his avid fan, played by Althea.

Coming up soon is “Mother, Mother, Where are You?” with Shayne Sava starring as an influencer from abroad who comes to Manila and is assisted by Dustin Yu in her search for her mother.

Another forthcoming episode is “My Fake Family” starring Migz Cuaderno as an orphan boy who gets a scholarship to a top university and has to come up with a fake family when he is interviewed by the school authorities.

Bea is happy to see his growth as an actor.

BEA Alonzo loves doing her second series with GMA-7, “Love Before Sunrise,” opposite Dennis Trillo.

“Mataas na agad ang level of trust namin kasi sabay kaming ni-launch 21 years ago sa Star Circle in the show ‘KTBU’ then he moved to GMA,” she relates. “I’ve seen his growth as an actor thru the years and I’m happy for him. Pero somehow, nailang pa rin kami kasi first taping day namin kasi first scene namin, we are in a relationship na. So medyo mahirap kasi kailangan makilala nyo munang mabuti ang isa’t isa. But as professional actors, we got over that easily as we have to make the scene work.”

She came to admire Dennis more after working with him. “I saw his discipline when it comes to his craft as an actor. Sa set, tahimik lang siya. There’s an air of mystery in him, but you can expect him to deliver once he faces the camera. He studies his role well at bawat eksenang gagawin niya.”

Bea says GMA offered them several projects to choose from and they chose the story of “Love Before Sunrise.”

“He felt ito ang material na bagay, tamang-tama para sa first series namin and I agree with him. I think it’s one reason why he’s successful. He knows how to choose the right projects.”

In the story, Bea plays Stella and Dennis plays Atom. They fell in love years ago but broke up as they realized it was not the right time for them. They meet other people along the way but, years later, their paths will cross again and they discover they still have feelings for each other.

Director Mark de la Cruz says Bea and Dennis have an electrifying chemistry on screen. They not only look good but they also act well together.

***

Eugene Domingo laughs off the rumor she died last Friday.

A Facebook page wrote: “At about 11 AM, Sept. 15, 2023, our beloved actress Eugene Domingo passed away. She was born on July 23, 1971 in Manila. She will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page.”

Some folks acknowledged it and sent their sympathy but a lot more doubted its veracity as such significant news concerning an award-winning actress like Eugene would surely be reported immediately by various legitimate news sources.

Eugene now joins a long list of celebrities reported to have died when the truth is that they’re all still alive and kicking. The veteran actress has just finished shooting a new movie, “Becky and Badette,” where she shares top billing with another comedian, Pokwang.

This is written and directed by the multi-awarded Jun Lana. It is the story of two women who have been rivals since high school. Eugene is also one of the recipients of the Film Development Council of the Philippines or FDCP in giving recognition to iconic Filipino comedians, in line with the celebration of the 3rd Philippine Film Industry month this September, with the theme “Tuloy Pa Rin ang Tawanan.”

Uge is now happily married to Italian film critic Danilo Bottoni and they’ve been together for seven years. They’re currently touring Europe.

***

Jeffrey Hidalgo, who initially began his career as a singer and subsequently ventured into acting, has now embraced the world of film directing. In his latest film, “Ligaw na Bulaklak,” he takes on multiple roles, including co-writing the story alongside Lou Gopez and Dennis Marasigan, as well as portraying a character in the movie–a detective in search of lead actor Arron Villaflor, who has been taken captive by a crazed fan, portrayed by Chloe Jenna.

What will Direk Jeffrey say to detractors who would accuse him of copying the plot of “Misery”?

“We don’t hide na it’s inspired by ‘Misery’,” he says. “It’s actually a homage to ‘Misery’ but, if you’d notice, marami na kaming binago. For one, the ending is totally different from ‘Misery.’ Tapos may back story ang character ni Chloe along with Jeric Raval, who plays a mysterious mute man in her life.

“A movie is just like a song. Maraming paulit-ulit na melodies and the difference na lang is in the treatment and execution.”

When posed with the question of which aspect of his career–singing, acting, or directing–is closest to his heart, Jeffrey shares, “Given the choice, directing is really on top of the priorities in what I enjoy doing. I find much more satisfaction in filmmaking.”

To demonstrate his commitment to directing, he reveals he is currently working on a new film titled “Salawahan” with one of the current “Vivamax Queens,” Angeli Khang.

Meanwhile, “Ligaw na Bulaklak” is set to begin streaming this Friday on Vivamax.

MEGAN Young and Mikael Daez were married in January 2020 and they are now having fun working together in the hit Kapuso primetime drama, “Royal Blood,” where they also play a married couple.

Mikael is the son of Tirso Cruz III, a business magnate who is murdered. One of the suspects is Diana (Megan), the scheming wife of Mikael. Viewers find her acting very effective, especially when she tries to make Mikael believe in all her machinations so they can get his family’s wealth.

“I’m really enjoying portraying my role kasi it’s totally different from what I am in real life,” says Megan. “Ganun din naman si Mikael, ibang-iba rin ‘yung character niya in what he is in real life, and we both enjoy the challenges our roles offer. Both our characters harbor deep, dark secrets.”

“Royal Blood” started airing in mid-June and now, after three months, it’s on its last few episodes as it escalates to its shattering climax on September 22.

The fans of Megan and Mikael are forever asking them when they will have a baby.

“‘Yung mga ganyan, you cannot naman just put a date on it,” says Megan. “If it happens, it happens. We’re open to what God will give to us. We just go with the flow. The important thing is our marital relationship remains very strong and we’re just enjoying our life together.”

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Ogie Alcasid will sing his unforgettable hits in “Ogieoke the Concert,” which will be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on September 29, 8 p.m.

Joining him are two very special guests: Gian Magdangal, the star of the recent hit, “Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical” and world-class soprano Lara Maigue.

“And there will be a lot more surprise guests na hindi ko na ia-announce para surprise talaga!” he adds.

“Ogieoke” promises to be an unforgettable evening of songs and music.

“Parang videoke talaga ang set up on stage with a giant screen at lahat ng songs may video and lyrics so the audience can sing with us,” says Ogie. “14th anniversary rin ng Newport World Resorts and they asked me to help celebrate it. It’s going to be fun concert, lively and not stiff or formal like other concerts. Puedeng sumabay kumanta ang audience.”

Will he sing “My Way,” a videoke favorite that is said to be dangerous as it has caused deaths?

“Yes. Favorite kasi ‘yun ng late dad ko. I sang it sa US concert as a tribute to my dad and the audience gave me a standing ovation. Napapansin ko nga, nagiging personal song ko na siya.”

Tickets to “Ogieoke The Concert” are available at TicketWorld and SM Tickets outlets. Prices range from P1,000 (Bronze) to P7,800 (Platinum). For further information, call JhayR dela Cruz at 0917 818 9847, Raf Sangco at 0917 807 9387, or Jimmy Iglesias at 0917 872 8734.

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‘I just do my best in whatever job they give me.’ – Dennis Trillo

Dennis Trillo is celebrating his 20th anniversary in showbiz. In 2001, he was 20 years old when he joined ABS-CBN as a batchmate of Bea Alonzo and Alfred Vargas. Now, they’re all with GMA-7.

Dennis moved to GMA in May, 2002 to be the leading man of Jolina Magdangal in the afternoon drama, “Kahit Kailan,” which was directed then by Ruel Bayani, who later moved to ABS-CBN.

Since then, Dennis has done a lot of hit shows and GMA gave him the title “Drama King.”

How does he feel about this? “I’m flattered, but I’m not conscious of labels,” he says. “I just want to thank GMA for all their trust and support to me all these years. And ako naman, I just do my best in whatever job they give me.”

And as he celebrates his 20th anniversary, he is assigned another great show where he is now reunited with Bea Alonzo, “Love Before Sunrise,” where he plays the role of Atom and Bea plays Stella. How does he feel about working with her again after they did the teen show “K2BU” at ABS-CBN two decades ago?

“I am just too happy and grateful to work with her again,” he says. “Kasi sa ABS-CBN noon, bagets pa kami. Sobrang bata pa niya, teenager. But through the years, it’s nice to know we’ve both grown in our respective careers and now, pinagtagpo kami uli to work together again. And ‘Love Before Sunrise’ is just the perfect project for our reunion on screen.”