WINWYN Marquez is a GMA artist, so she’s thankful the Kapuso Network has allowed her to do a mini-series for iWant streaming, “Beauty Queens.” “After I read the script, nagustuhan ko talaga at ang ganda pa ng role ko as a beauty queen na naging rebeldeng NPA,” she says. “Tapos, this will give me the chance to work with director Joel Lamangan and Miss Gloria Diaz as my mom. Hindi kami natuloy noon sa ‘Pamilya Roces.’ ‘Yun pala, dito sa ‘Beauty Queens.’”

She plays Tingting. “I’m the second child of Tita Gloria, a former Miss Universe in real life and also in the story. Elder sister ko si Maxine Medina and younger brother ko si Ross Pesigan. As our mom, Tita Gloria pushes me and Maxine to be Miss Universe also, just like her. But Maxine won as Miss International at ako naman, napasali sa Miss World and I end up as First Princess. Our only brother will turn out to be gay at siya ang mananalong Miss Gay Universe.”

Her first cousin, Michelle Dee, is competing in the Miss World pageant soon. Since she’s an international beauty title holder herself as Reina HispanoAmericana, did she give Michelle any advice? “I’m sure na mas maraming advice ang ibinigay sa kanya ng mother niya, si Tita Melanie (Marquez). I’m very confident na malaki ang laban niya kasi she comes from modeling. She’s doing very well even online. Malakas ang confidence niya and she’s very articulate. Basta ang sabi ko lang sa kanya, magdala ng extra everything: extra shoes, extra gown, even extra make up, kasi you never know as to when you will need them.”

How does she feel that her ex-boyfriend, Mark Herras, is said to be walking down the aisle soon with his new girlfriend, Nicole Donesa? “Honestly, I’m so happy for him, for them.

Push na nila ‘yan. I haven’t seen him for so long, but I wish him all the best, kung totoong they plan to settle down.”

Winwyn has chosen to enjoy being single.

“Wala. I’m going to spend Christmas in the States and I’ll go solo. I’m leaving on December 20 and stay with some relatives in Los Angeles. I will be back here on January 5 kasi tuloy-tuloy na ang taping namin ng ‘Beauty Queens’ by then. So, merry Christmas everyone!”

***
Aga Muhlach is ecstatic over the positive feedback his performance in Viva’s “Miracle in Cell No. 7” is getting after it was shown in special screenings. Most of those who’ve seen it are now predicting he’s a shoo-in to bag the best actor award in the coming Metro Manila Film Festival where the movie is an official entry.

Aga plays the role of Joselito, a mentally challenged man who is accused of a crime he did not commit. He goes to prison for allegedly raping and killing a little girl who he just actually wanted to help. Later on, his daughter Xia Vigor grows up to be Bela Padilla, who will do everything to prove that her father is truly innocent.

“Thanks for all the good comments but I don’t wanna expect anything,” he said. “I’m just glad that after so many years, may entry ulit ako sa Metro film fest, where I won two best actor awards for ‘Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal’ and ‘May Minamahal’ about 28 years ago. Pero kung mananalo ako uli for ‘Miracle in Cell no. 7,’ I promise, magpa-party ako to celebrate with you all.”

For the past several years, he spends Christmas quietly with wife Charlene and their twins, Andres and Atasha. “Pero ngayon, ibang-iba ang Pasko namin kasi I’m busy with the promo of our movie, sasama pa ako sa parada and then I will attend the awards night. Busy talaga. My wife and kids said they’ll help me promote the movie. Sasama raw sila sa float ng ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’ para ma-experience nila ang Parade of Stars on December 22.”

***
Patricia Javier looks very queenly indeed at the Thanksgiving lunch hosted by Noble Queen of the Universe where she won the crown. The pageant will have a delayed telecast at Net25 on December 14, so you can watch her how she bagged the title and bested the other contestants.

“I chose to join Noble Queen of the Universe as it’s an advocacy pageant,” she said. “Ang dami raw nag-apply as candidates, but they didn’t qualify kasi you have to have an existing advocacy that’s really for a worthy cause. Mine was health and wellness and women empowerment.”

Patricia will be leaving with husband Rob Walcher and their two sons on December 18 for their annual Christmas reunion with the family of Doc Rob in the US. They will have a white Christmas in Reno, Nevada then Patricia will participate in a fashion show for a cause in San Diego, California featuring the creations of Fil-Am designer Richard Barlis, with the proceeds going to children with autism.

***
“The Clash 2” will have its grand finals this weekend. The six remaining finalists are three guys and three girls. This is a more promising batch than that of Season 1. They’re younger and definitely more talented and better looking.

The three boys are Jeremiah Tiangco, “The Pop Heartthrob of Imus, Cavite” (our personal bet); Aljon Gutierrez, “Ang Pambatong Mangyan ng Mindoro”; and Nef Medina, “The Comeback Kid of Bacoor Cavite.” The three girls are Thea Astley, “The RnB Sweetheart of Qatar” (our personal bet); Jennifer Maravilla, “The Birit Beauty of Malabon”; and Antonette Tismo, “Ang Viral Princess ng Parañaque.”

Most of them believe it’s Jeremiah who’s their biggest rival on finals night because he can sing all sorts of genre with equal ease and he has mastery of technique. We think so, too.

Jeremiah’s advantage is he’s also good looking and stands tall at 5’9.” He has all the potentials of a singing idol that fans will scream for. How does he feel about the praises he gets from the other contestants?

“I’m truly honored, and flattered,” he says. “I’ve been singing since I was 3 years old and I’ve joined other singing contests sa ABS-CBN but I never made it because I weighed almost 300 lbs. then. Lagi akong victim ng body shaming. Wala akong confidence. It took four months of dieting and exercise for me to lose weight. When I joined ‘The Clash,’ I’m down to 150 lbs. If I’d win, I’d send my cousin who lives it with us to college and I promise to give 10 percent of my winnings to Victory Church in Alabang where we attend service.”

On finals night, he will sing Fantasia Barrino’s “I Believe” with his own signature vocal stylings.

Aljon is from a tribe of Mangyans in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro. Their home was destroyed by Typhoon Tisoy and he asked his parents to move here as their house needs major repair. He’s a lookalike of Mark Bautista and this is the first singing contest he joined. He’s known as the soulful balladeer in their place and he teaches voice to his Katribung Mangyans.

Nef (full name is Nephtali) Medina was already eliminated but got to rejoin “The Clash” as a wild card. He’s part of Jesus the Living God Church in Bacoor and has been a member of its music ministry since he was 6 years old. “I really thanked the Lord for giving me another chance,” he says. “Naisip ko, there must be a reason why I was brought back so I promise to do my best on finals night.”

Thea Astley, 19 years old, finished high school in Qatar where her dad works as an engineer. “There’s a big Pinoy community there and they make me sing in our gatherings,” she says. “I’m also a member of our Youth for Christ Music Ministry. Last year, I came home for college and enrolled at the Ateneo, majoring in political science. But after I qualified sa ‘The Clash,’ I stopped muna. My mom is coming home on finals night to watch but my dad has work so hindi siya makakauwi.”

Jennifer Maravilla is 26 and works as an events organizer. She went viral when she attempted whistling in a song number but failed to do so. Other singers like Angeline Quinto and Jonah defended her and encouraged her. As a result, she’s now one of the remaining finalists. Her forte is giving popular songs a new and different flavor like “Boom Tarat Tarat,” “Hayaan Mo Sila” and “Sayang na Sayang.” “I want to do songs kasi na makaka-relate ang masa pati yung mga tambay sa kanto,” she says.

Antonette Tismo is the youngest finalist at 16. She was also previously eliminated but managed to bounce back last weekend when she defeated Janina Gonzalez in the “Clashback” wild card round. She joined “The Voice” before and was chosen by Sharon Cuneta to join her in her concert tour in the USA so she got to visit Los Angeles and New York for the first time.

This Saturday, one of these six finalists will be eliminated, then on Sunday evening, the remaining five will compete with each other, live.

LOUISE de los Reyes says she’s happy to have moved to Viva as she’s been making one movie after another: “Para sa Broken Hearted,” “Hanggang Kailan” and “Sanggano, Sanggago at Sangguwapo.” Her fourth movie, “My Bakit List,” opens in theaters this Wednesday, December 11.

She’s happy with her role as it’s very challenging. “I play Dess, head writer ng isang TV drama who’s down on her luck,” she says. “The TV show I’m writing has poor ratings, I’m the breadwinner in our family and I found out that our house, naipatalo ng father ko sa sugal, then I’m also brokenhearted kaya desperate na ako sa buhay.”

She then goes to Ilocos Norte to unwind with her best friend, Brutus, played by Prince Estefan. There, her ex-boyfriend, Ejay, played by Ivan Padilla (last seen in “Maria” with Cristine Reyes and the Cinema One entry “Metamorphosis”), shows up, complicating matters for her.

When asked who else she’d like to be her leading man, she said it’s John Lloyd Cruz. “We both live in Valle Verde kasi at nakikita ko siya roon at ang baby niya, si Elias. Nung beybing baby pa, he’s so cute and looks like Ellen (Adarna), but now na lumalaki na, mas kamukha na ng ama. But lately, hindi ko na sila nakikita.”

She admits she now lives with her non-showbiz boyfriend who’s an architect-businessman. What can she say to haters who bash her for living in?

“Guys, magtu-2020 na po. Wala na akong ibang masasabi kasi, in this age, kahit ano naman ang gawin naming mga artisa, may masasabi pa rin sila sa iyo. Besides, I’m 27 na, I’m of the right age, hindi naman ako teenager na wala pang muwang sa buhay, so I guess I can now make such decisions for myself.”

***
Mylene Dizon is glad to have a Metro Manila Film Festival entry, “Sunod,” after she was last seen on the big screen in the Cinemalaya entry, “Belle Douleur.” “I play Karen, the boss of Carmina Villaroel in the call center where she works,” she says. “Actually, ang family namin ang may-ari noong building where the call center is located. It turns out it’s haunted pala and may multo ng isang bata na sunod nang sunod kay Carmina, kaya nga ‘Sunod’ ang title ng movie.”

Aside from this, she’s also in the new soap of Nora Aunor on GMA-7, “Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit.” We remember then when she was doing “Sahaya” that she said wants to take a long vacation from showbiz for a while because she wants to devote more time to her two sons.

“Yes, that’s true. But ikaw ba naman ang bigyan ng chance na makatrabaho for the first time ang isang Nora Aunor, won’t you grab it? Nagpakuha nga ako ng picture with her and sent it to my mother na Noranian. I’m really happy na nabigyan ako ng pagkakataong makatrabaho si Ate Guy. At saka, naisip ko, sayang naman ang trabaho. Aside from this, I’m doing the Part 2 of our iWant streaming mini-series, ‘Don’t Call Me Tita,’ where I’m paired with Aiza Seguerra as my lover. So sige, samantalahin habang may offer.”

She hopes to spend more time with her sons. “Kasi ‘yung eldest ko, si Tomas, teenager na. Sabi ko, baka he needs more guidance from me, tapos wala ako roon. I was really affected by that, so I really plan to spend more time with our family and focus on my sons so I won’t miss out naman on their growing up.”

THE tandem of Kyle Echarri and Francine Diaz is a hit in “Kadenang Ginto.” “Kathniel,” “Jadine” and “Lizquen” will eventually grow old and play more mature roles and it’s wise of ABS-CBN to prepare the teen love teams who will replace them. Now, the “KyCine” tandem (Kyle-Francine), stars in their own movie, “Silly Red Shoes” directed by James Mayo, streaming on November 23 and 27 as a special first anniversary presentation of iWant.

Francine plays Ashley and Kyle plays Chuck. “Silly Red Shoes” tells the story of Kyle, a young shoemaker who wants Francine to be the model for a pair of shoes. The problem is that Francine’s feet seem to change sizes everyday, until they discover a mysterious pair of red shoes that seem to be too perfect for her. Done with a touch of fairy tale fantasy, the movie also stars former QC Mayor Herbert Bautista as Francine’s dad, along with Anna Luna and Karen Reyes.

“We have good memories of shooting it on location Liliw, Laguna,” said Kyle. “It’s our first movie and we enjoyed doing it. It helped us explore our acting skills kasi iba ito sa ginagawa namin in ‘Kadenang Ginto.’ Ang role ko roon as Kristof, rich boy. Dito, poor boy ako na pabibo as Chuck at natuwa akong kaya ko naman pala.”

“Same with me,” Francine volunteered. “My role as Cassie in ‘Kadena’ is so different kasi she can say what she feels. Dito sa movie, as Ashley, akala mo, masayahin siya pero sa loob pala niya, durog na durog na siya.”

What did they discover about each other while shooting “SIlly Red Shoes”?

“I discovered that she is a really deep person,” said Kyle of Francine. “But she’s also cheerful. She will always put on a smile kahit anong mangyari.”

“He’s easy to get along with and we really got to know each other while shooting our film at mas lumalim ang friendship namin,” shared Francine. “We both like the message of our movie, which is don’t give up and always believe in yourself.”

***
Ejay Falcon feels honored to be part of the historical musical, “Damaso.” Loosely based on Jose Rizal’s immortal novel, “Noli Me Tangere,” Ejay plays the iconic role of Elias, the good friend of Crisostomo Ibarra played by newcomer Jin Macapagal.

“Sana, maraming kabataan ang manood ng ‘Damaso’ kasi maganda ang mensahe nito, lalo na para sa millennials,” he said. “I admit na sa panahon natin ngayon, mas gusto ng young generation of viewers ang mga romantic comedies pero sana, bigyan naman nila ng chance ang ganitong movie na nagpapakita sa ating history.”

He is also happy to be given the chance to sing in the movie since “Damaso” is a musical with 16 original songs.

“Dito ko pala maipapakitang may kakayahan ako sa pagkanta. In fairness sa songs composed by our writer-director, si Joven Tan, ang gaganda ng songs sa ‘Damaso’ and may important messages na bagay sa bawat character na kumakanta nito.”

With regard to his personal life, Ejay is very open about his relationship with “Starstruck” discovery Jana Roxas. They just came from a vacation in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan.

“Traveling abroad is very important for us kasi mas diyan namin nakikilala ang isa’t isa,” he said. “Ang sarap mamasyal with your loved one.”

So do we hear wedding bells ringing for them soon?

“We’ve talked about it but as of now, hindi muna. Sobrang busy sa dami ng ginagawa ko and we don’t want to be pressured dahil lang maraming friends namin ang nag-aasawa. It will come at the right time kapag pareho na kaming ready.”

***
Bela Padilla tackles her most challenging role to date as Edilberta, a female soldier who embarks on a personal journey of revenge in “Mañanita,” written by Lav Diaz and directed by Paul Soriano, opening in theaters on December 4. It was the Philippines’ representative in the main competition of the recently concluded Tokyo International Film Festival.

“I had to undergo training with real soldiers on how to assemble guns and shoot with rifles properly, pati kung paano maasinta ang target mo,” she revealed. “Marami akong pinagdaanang proseso, not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. Now, I can even also claim na magaling na ako with guns, kasi lahat ng pinatatarget nila sa akin, natatamaan ko, bullseye!”

“Mañanita” is a term used to refer to a song for those who celebrate their birthdays and also those who attend retreats before. Director Paul Soriano uses the “Mañanita” title as he wants to serenade the audience. The movie, which got a Grade A from the Cinema Evaluation Board, has many original songs.

We asked Bela about the reception the film got in the Tokyo International Film Festival.

“I felt humbled kasi they liked it so much. Lahat ng screenings namin, sold out and they watched it in rapt attention. After the screening, many Japanese viewers came up to me to say that the film’s quietness resonated with them. Isolated kasi si Edilberta and she seeks either vengeance or forgiveness. This is a character-driven film and I was able to relate to Edilberta kasi I’m at a point in my life where I’m always alone when I’m not working. I detached myself from being Bela to be Edilberta at ang laging kaeksena ko rito, hindi tao kundi baril,” Bela said.

“’Mañanita’ is a dream project for any actor and I’m thankful to Direk Paul as he allowed me to express myself in the character the way I want to. He’s very easy to work with kasi he and his team are very organized and he knows exactly what he wants for each scene. He is his own audience at naka-storyboard na sa utak niya ang every scene.”

After this, Bela will be seen with Aga Muhlach in Viva’s Metro Manila Film Festival entry, “Miracle in Cell No. 7.” Since she now writes her own script, next on her agenda is to be able to direct her own movie.

MARIAN Rivera just renewed her contract as endorser of Reverie by Beautederm for its line of home products. When they got Marian last year, they offered soy candle scents. Now, they also offer a Beauterderm Air Diffuser with several aromatic oils to choose from.

“The diffuser and the oils will increase moisture in your room for easier breathing and a good night’s sleep,” said Marian. “I’m happy to be the face of Beautederm Home kasi its president and CEO, Rhea Anicoche Tan, is now family to me.”

“It’s not surprising naman that we want her to remain as our endorser,” said Rhea. “Kasi last year, one month after she became our endorser, the sales of Beautiderm tripled agad. This coming Christmas season, Beautederm beautifully packaged home products are ideal as gifts for your friends and family. Since we started in 2009, Beautederm now has 100 outlets all over the country, also in Singapore and soon, in New Zealand and Europe.”

Marian is a hands-on mom and she really uses Beautiderm products for her and hubby Dingdong Dantes’ own home. But her fans are missing her and curious as to when they’ll see her again in a TV soap or a movie. “May pinaplanong soap but for next year na, Mauuna muna yung kay Dong na ‘Descendants of the Sun’. May usapan kasi kami na alternate kami in doing soaps para may maiiwang isa sa aming bahay to personally take care of our kids. Ako, hatid-sundo ko sa school si Zia at breastfed sa akin si Ziggy, so mas ako ngayon ang laging nasa bahay. Marami ring movie offers, pero next year na lahat ‘yan.”

Zia is now herself an endorser. What about Baby Ziggy? “Napag-usapan namin ni Dong na, as much as possible, we want them to have a normal childhood. Si Zia kasi, mas pinagkakaguluhan pa ngayon kaysa sa’min ni Dong. We decided na when she reaches four years old, tigil na muna lahat ng exposure niya, pati sa social media. Para maging normal ang pagiging bata niya. Right now, lahat ng kinikita niya sa endorsements goes to her own bank account at makukuha niya ‘yun when she’s of the right age.”

Marian has discarded her imported and branded bags and garments in favor of local products. “Parang natapos na ‘yung time na nahilig ako sa expensive branded na gamit so I sold them and bought locally made things, pati mga sinusuot ng mga anak ko. Nakita ko kasing maganda ang mga gawa rito sa atin so I want to support them. Parang mas makabuluhan kapag gawang Pinoy ang gamit ko.”

***

Janine Gutierrez won the best actress award in the recent QCinema International Film Festival for her crackerjack portrayal of a timid, oppressed young woman who becomes more assertive after she accidentally finds a gun left by a thug in their street. And she truly deserves her trophy. Her character is purposely made nameless to stand for all those women who are often treated marginally in our sexist and patriarchal society.

Janine is deglamorized in her role as a lowly saleslady in a department store who has to deal with their manager who constantly insults her, the drunken kanto boys in their place who make fun of her every time she passes by, her landlord who berates her for not being able to pay her rent on time, the abusive boyfriend of her roommate, the sari-sari store vendor who often ignores her when she’s buying something and her co-worker (Felix Roco) who rapes her.

The movie is actually divided into two parts. The first half is about the “Babae” in the title, who is Janine. At the climax of Janine’s story when she confronts her oppressor with a gun, her narrative is abruptly stopped and the second half of the movie unfolds. This is about the “Baril,” how it was made by a cop (Archie Adamos), used in the daring assassination of an activist by another cop (Allan Paule), inherited by that cop’s son who also grows up to be a cop (JC Santos), who then uses it on a balut vendor who turns out to be a drug pusher (an excellent Elijah Canlas), then another young thug (Sky Teotico) gets hold of it and uses it in a robbery and the killing of an old woman, before it finally falls into the hands of Janine who then uses it to take revenge on her rapist.

The film is the directorial debut of Rae Red (cousin of Mikhail and niece of Raymond), who also wrote the script and is most certainly a welcome addition to our roster of women filmmakers. She captures perfectly and unflinchingly all the grime and stressful elements of the underbelly of an overcrowded city that can be exhausting for anyone, man or woman.

She makes imaginative use of the musical score that relies heavily on percussion and the songs she chose that actually make relevant comments about us as Filipinos, like “Magnanakaw” by Asin that will surely make you say “Ouch!”

***

Nathalie Hart is back after giving birth to her daughter, Penelope, in Sydney, Australia. She looks so sexy at the press con of her iWant movie, “Barbara Reimagined,” a remake of “Patayin Mo sa Sindak si Barbara” which has movie versions in 1974 starring Susan Roces as directed by the late Celso Ad. Castillo, in 1995 with Lorna Tolentino as directed by Chito Roño, and as a TV mini-series in 2008 with Kris Aquino directed by Jerry Sineneng. When asked how she would compare her performance as Barbara to that of Susan, LT and Kris, she quickly demurred.

“Please, there should be no comparison,” she says. “They’re all established stars na and also, iba-iba kami ng interpretation. Magugulat kayo kasi ibang-iba ang version namin with Direk Benedict Mique. There are more jump scares para gulatin kayo and there is a twist in the ending that is so radically different from any of the past versions. It will really surprise and even shock you. This is a very modern retelling of a ghost story that you think you are already familiar with.”

So how did she quickly get back her sexy figure?

“My baby is now 10 months old and I breastfed her up to her seventh month so nakakapayat ‘yun. Also, I watch what I eat and I exercise kaya hindi ako talaga tumaba nang husto.”

***

Two negative incidents that happened in showbiz recently didn’t help the box office performance of the local films that they’re involved in: the horror flick “Santigwar” and the romantic movie, “Cara X Jagger.” In the cast of “Santigwar,” Alexa Ilacad, who plays her first starring role in the movie, spewed venom against Nash Aguas and it didn’t sit well with audiences who avoided her movie. It was first day, last day in most movie houses.

“Cara X Jagger” got a lot of publicity when Bianca Umali attended the premiere night of the movie which stars her yet-to-be admitted boyfriend, Ruru Madrid. She got so jealous because Ruru’s leading lady, Jasmine Curtis Smith, is his original crush. There’s also a story that Jasmine gave Ruru an expensive pair of sunglasses while they were shooting the film and Bianca later smashed it out of jealousy. Ruru tried to explain things to Bianca but she sped away and nearly hit him with her car at the parking lot. As a result, “Cara X Jagger” also laid a big fat egg at the box office.

To begin with, judging from the titles of these movies alone, you already know they have very little chance of making it at the tills. Why come up with titles that you still need to explain to moviegoers? Who the hell knows what “Santigwar” means except the Bicolanos since it’s a Bicolano word?

And some folks didn’t even know how to pronounce the title “Cara X Jagger.” Not a few people asked us: “Ano ba po ‘yun, Cara Times Jagger? And what does it exactly mean?”

Another movie title that is quickly a losing proposition is “Nuuk.” Who the hell would bother to google what or where Nuuk is? As a result, the Aga Muhlach-Alice Dixson also did poorly at the tills.

So time and again, we remind our producers and filmmakers to make their titles simple, catchy and easy to remember for them to have better chances at the box office.

Another movie that didn’t do as well as expected at the tills was Sarah Geronimo’s “Unforgettable.” After it was pulled out from theaters, Sarah and beau Matteo Guidicelli announced that they’re now officially engaged. It generated a lot of goodwill and congratulatory greetings from their friends and fans alike, prompting someone to quip that they should have made the announcement before Sarah’s movie was shown as it would have no doubt somehow helped “Unforgettable” at the box office.