Arjo Atayde's 'Bagman' Premiered At Trinoma And Gets Very Encouraging Feedback

ARJO ATAYDE is excited as his digital series, “Bagman”, has started streaming on iWant.  It had a special preview at Trinoma and the response is very encouraging. He considers this as his most challenging project to date as he plays the title role of “Bagman” and the show required him to do action and dramatic scenes he has never done before.

“It starts with me as an ordinary barber na tahimik ang buhay,” he says. “But for the sake of my family, napilitan akong sumubok na gumawa ng illegal para sa governor namin. Nakalusot naman at after that, nagtuloy-tuloy na ang paglubog ko sa corruption at hindi na ako makaahon pa. No holds barred ang violence sa action scenes dito kaya very thrilling talaga lumabas on screen.”

Ajo and Maine

Arjo wants to clarify that he and Maine Mendoza are just exclusively dating and not yet officially on. He’s not fazed by bashers who are fans of Maine’s love team with Alden Richard. “Basta I’m very, very happy po. I think that’s what matters now. As far as my career is concerned, ABS-CBN is taking good care of me, so I can’t complain. About my personal life, it is also good right now. I’m really happy so kontento po ako. What you see na mga pino-post namin ni Maine is what you get.”

He doesn’t seem to hesitate to defy his bashers when it comes to Maine. “As I said before, she’s worth fighting for, so dedma na lang siguro ako kanila. I’m really happy. And I see her also happy. And I think that’s all that matters to me.”

Maine has introduced him to her parents and he admits being scared at the start.  “Well, of course, I think every guy naman would be scared to meet the family of the girl he’s courting but but I faced my fears. I have to and I want to because I want to show that malinis ang intention ko sa anak nila. Okay naman sila. They were nice to me and I’m happy I did it.”

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

Derrick Monasterio Heads Star-Studded Cast Of Youth Summer Movie About Hunks & Babes, 'G! Lu' (Go! La Union!)

Derrick Monasterio with Ruru Madrid, Kiko Estrada, David Licauco

DERRICK MONASTERIO was last seen as a special guest in the pilot week of “Dragon Lady” opposite Bea Binene. He doesn’t know yet as to when he will get a new soap from GMA-7. “But okay lang kasi I’m busy with two new movies,” he says at the storycon of “G! LU” (which means ‘Go! La Union’), a youth oriented film intended for release this summer produced by Arnold Vegafria with Ben Chan and Rein Entertainment, the production company of Lino Cayetano and Philip King. King is also the film’s writer and director.

“Aside from ‘G! LU’, I’m also in the comeback movie of GMA Films launching comedian Tekla in his first starring role,” adds Derrick.

In “G! LU”, he will co-star with five other young hunks: Ruru Madrid, Kiko Estrada, Enzo Pineda, David Licauco and Teejay Marquez. Their leading ladies are beauty title holders managed by Arnold: Miss Philippines World Katarina Rodriguez, Bb. Pilipinas runner up Chanel Morales, Miss Eco Tourism Cynthia Tomalla, Miss Multinational 2017 Sophia Senoron, Miss Multinational 2018 Kimi Mugford, and model Michelle Dee, the daughter of Melanie Marquez and Derek Dee. Shooting will start soon on location in San Juan, La Union, now the new in place for young people as far as beach resorts are concerned.

Is Derrick aware that they will be required to show off their bodies in the movie? “Yes, of course. It’s a beach movie and we will be shirtless in a lot scenes as we will be shown surfing. We'll be in swimming attire, especially the girls who will be in bikinis.”

Is he doing any special preparation for his beach scenes? “No, I always work out naman three times a week so I just need maintenance to be in good shape. Siempre, I have to be ready kasi all the guys here are buff and into physical fitness so for sure, we’ll be compared with each other.”

The movie’s director, Philip King, is a newbie and this is his directorial debut. We ask him why chose such a difficult project with such a big cast, and to be shot on location at that, for his first project? “I’m aware that it’s a demanding project but I think I’m ready. And the material is near to my heart as it’s about a barkada and, when I was single, I had my own barkada so the material is near to my heart and I can re
late to the characters in the movie.”

Arnold Vegafria says the movie is different from other youth films shown recently as all the members come from rich families. No one comes from a life of poverty. They belong to a group called the Valley Boys Club and the movie is about the last seven days of summer when they’re about to graduate from college and have to push the limits of their youthfulness.
Derrick plays Brian, whose family owns shipping and trucking empires started by his grandpa. He’s in a rivalry with his cousin, Ryan played by Enzo Pineda, who happens to be their grandpa’s favorite. A near death experience in La Union will make them re-evaluate their relationship as rival cousins.

Ruru plays Albert, the smartest member of the group who’s an honor student as a software engineer. He’s paired with newcomer Kimi Mugford, who plays an aspiring singer-songwriter. Kiko Estrada is Carlos, the coolest member who just wants his friends to live their best lives ever, often referred to as “maangas but sweet”.

David Licauco is Patrick Dy, the richest barkada member as his Chinese family owns a huge chain of shopping malls in Metro-Manila and he is the heir apparent to the empire. He is often pressured to be like his tycoon dad and this somewhat clouds his own view of himself.

Teejay Marquez is Ramon, the chick boy in the group who’s the captain of their soccer team but he suffers a knee injury and is forced to undergo rehabilitation, during which time, he becomes close to his male nurse and discovers his true self and sexual orientation.

Arnold Vegafria has worked with Regal, Star Cinema and GMA Films. He also produces the local franchises of the Miss World and Mr. World pageants. He feels he’s now ready to tackle more creative pursuits like film production and is optimistic that “G! LU” will be a blockbuster and he hopes it will be finished in time for the opening of classes in June.

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

Chanel Latorre Gets Biggest Break As The Wife Of Arjo Atayde In Iwant's Digital Series, 'Bagman'

CHANEL LATORRE gets her biggest break on TV as Samantha, the wife of Arjo Atayde in iWant’s Digital series, “Bagman”.  Chanel has done many acclaimed independent films shown in festivals abroad, like “Bagahe”, “Magkakabaung”, “Babagwa”, “Baka Siguro Yata”, “Woman of the Ruins”, “Alimuom”, “Maid in London”. She has also done an international movie in Hongkong, “Wan Chai Baby”, where she played a domestic helper who got into trouble after her American employer was murdered.

“More than one hundred kaming nag-audition for that role and I felt so lucky when I was the one chosen by the American director, Craig Addison,” she says. “Another international film I did is for Brillante Mendoza, ‘Prey’, where I played a writer and got to act with French actress Isabelle Huppert.”

Chanel Latorre with Arjo Atayde

Two other memorable films she did are “Of Sinners and Saints” where she played the battered wife of Polo Ravales who gets into a relationship with a priest who helps battered women, played by Italian actor Ruben Maria Soriquez, and “Maratabat” where she had a very realistic rape scene with the late Kristoffer King that somewhat traumatized her. On TV, she has appeared in many teleseryes mostly on GMA, like “Legacy”, “D’Originals” and the latest was “Contessa”.

In “Bagman”, produced by Dreamscape for iWant Digital, she plays Samantha, the pregnant wife of Arjo Atayde, a barber who becomes the “Bagman” or intermediary of a corrupt governor played by Raymond Bagatsing.

“When my mother and I first saw Arjo Atayde as a contravida in ‘Ang Probinsyano’, my mother and I quickly noticed how good an actor he is,” she says. “My mom even said, ‘this boy will hit it big someday at sana, makatrabaho mo yan balang araw’. So, when they got me to play his wife here in ‘Bagman’, the first person I called up was my mom to tell her na ako ang kapareha ni Arjo sa bagong series na ito.

Chanel with the cast of BAGMAN on iWANT

"Arjo is really good and he seems to improve in every project. I’m really thankful to be part of this project. It is a very daring leap from the traditional stories that we usually see on TV. Just like Netflix, iWant has a big potential in offering streaming services at sana, mapapanood din ito sa buong mundo to show our ingenuity and talent sa entertainment industry.”

The first 6 episodes of “Bagman” can now be seen on iWant, the next 3 episodes on March 27 and the final 3 episodes on April 3, using IOS or Android apps or web browser iwant.ph.You can also access it through Chromecast at Apple Airplay.

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

Snooky Serna Enjoys Plaving Contravida Role As The Scheming Salida In 'Sahaya'

SNOOKY SERNA was last seen in “Pamilya Roces” as the sister of Gloria Diaz who turns out to be the mother o Andre Paras. She’s happy to have a follow up show right away, “Sahaya”, where she plays a contravida role as Salida, the mother of Benjamin Alves who doesn’t like Manisan, played by Jasmine Curtis Smith, for her son.

“Scheming yung character ko rito,” she says. “Akala mo, mabait, pero mapagkunwari pala. Mapagmahal siya sa anak niya, pero mapaghiganti sa daughter in law niya. Ako ang dahilan kaya mahihiwalay si Bianca Umali as Sahaya from her mom, Manisan, who’s played by Jasmine Curtis Smith as a young woman, and later by Mylene Dizon. I really have to work hard on my role kasi nakakapanibago. Kasi nung kabataan ko, specially when I was a child star, ako yung laging api-apihan, kinakawawa, sinasampal.

"But now, ako yung matapobreng nananakit, nananabunot kaya maiinis talaga sa akin ang viewers. So big challenge for me ito and I welcome it kasi bagay sa age ko now that I’m 52 years old na. E, nung teenager ako, napagdaanan ko na rin yang roles ni Bianca Umali at yung love team-love team nila ni MIguel Tanfelix.  Multi-faceted ang villain roles, maraming layers, kaya masarap paglaruan sa age ko ngayon.”

When it comes to her personal life, Snooky is very open in her relationship with former Bulacan politician, Ramon Villarama.

Snooky Serna with Jasmine Curtis Smith

“Four years na rin kami. But before we had a relationship, matagal kaming naging magkaibigan, about 28 years. Wala akong masasabi about our relationship. I’m just thankful to the Lord that he came into my life and he’s helping me to be a better person.”

Do they intend to tie the knot someday? “Wala sa plano namin yan as of now. Tumigil na rin nga siya sa politics as he’s so busy with his businesses. He owns a school at siya ang chairman. At marami pa siyang ibang negosyo. Also, may mga bagay pa kaming dapat ayusin before we think of marriage.”

How is the relationship of her BF with her two daughters? “Ay, okay na okay sila. Magkakasundo sila. I’m really grateful na we all get along fine, pati ako with his family. There’s no conflict at all, thank God!”

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

Miguel Tanfelix On The Real Score Between Him And Bianca Umali Now That They're Reunited In 'Sahaya'

MIGUEL TANFELIX considers his role in “Sahaya” as Ahmad, a Badjao native, as one of the most colorful and challenging roles he has ever played. “Childhood friends kami rito ni Bianca Umali, who plays Sahaya,” he says. “We really studied Badjao culture to familiarize ourselves with the characters we play. A special set was built on a beach in Batangas to be the Badjao village where we live. Marami rin kaming underwater scenes so we had to learn ni Bianca how to dive and swim underwater. Love ko na siya rito since bata pa kami, but a city boy, Migo Adecer as Jordan, will come so magiging love triangle kami.”

His love team with Bianca, known as Biguel, has a huge fanbase since they were first paired in “Nino” and did several other soaps together. Rumors say that they were really on even off cam but things went sour when Ruru Madrid enter the picture.
“The truth is never naging kami,” he says. “Nagpaalam ako noon sa lola niya na manliligaw but I was told, huwag muna, so I didn’t pursue it.

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

Director Mikhail Red Excited Not Intimidated To Direct Charo Santos & Bea Alonzo In The International Co-Production, 'Eerie'

DIRECTOR MIKHAIL RED made waves when his film, “Birdshot”, got a lot of acclaim, won awards here and abroad and was bought for exhibition on Netflix. His next film, “NeoManila”, starring Eula Valdez was released by TBA Studios but hardly attracted viewers as it was not promoted at all.

And now, his first horror movie, “Eerie”, is a co-production between Star Cinema and a Singaporean company. It stars Charo Santos, Bea Alonzo and Jake Cuenca and it’s scheduled to be released simultaneously on March 27 in the Philippines and various other Asian countries. He’s now doing two new movies, “Dead Kids” for Globe Studios starring Sue Ramirez and other teen stars, plus the zombie movie, “Block Z”, for Blacksheep Productions starring the Liza Soberano-Enrique Gil love team.

Mikhail has definitely surpassed the accomplishments of his dad, Raymond Red, another indie filmmaker who never got to do mainstream projects the way Mikhail is doing now. Some folks claim that cinema is moribund because of other platforms like live streaming and cable TV. What’s his take on this?

director mikhail red with bea alonzo & charo santos in EERIE

“Personally, I take it more as a challenge for us young filmmakers so we can come up with film projects that will disrupt the system, di ba?” he says at the presscon of “Eerie”. “Like in the case of ‘Eerie’, it’s a co-production and we try to export films to find a larger audience. We have to widen our market. ‘Eerie’ is the first film in a six-picture deal with an international company, Cre8 Productions.

"So we filmmakers are forced to adapt, be more inventive, come up with different genres. And it’s nice for Star Cinema to partner with international companies, with their roster of actors who can also go international. This forces us to be on our toes to create more interesting stories for the medium. So for me, we are now really living in very exciting times kasi hindi magiging stale ang cinema at hindi paulit-ulit na lang ang mga ginagawang pelikula.”

He just wants to remind producers not to rush their film projects. “Itong ‘Eerie’, we started pre-production work on it in 2017, started shooting in early 2018, then we had our world premiere in the Singapore Filmfest late last year. And now, we’re releasing it internationally. Ganun talaga. Dapat hindi minamadali. Hindi pinipilit tapusin kasi may playdate na. You should have enough time to shoot, develop the script, do pre-prod, to polish the post-prod like color, sound, music. Otherwise, the quality of the movie will suffer.”

Wasn’t he intimidated directing Charo and Bea in “Eerie”? “Actually, I’m more excited than intimidated. I’m excited to work with Star Cinema as it’s the biggest local film company that we have now.  So this is a milestone for me. It’s a dream come true to work with Bea and Miss Charo and it turned out they’re both open to collaboration, so I will never forget the experience of working with them. Mas matagal na sila sa akin sa industry kaysa sa’kin, so lahat ng scenes nila, puro take one, laging perfect. When I got to know them in the course of the shoot, sobrang fun sila to work with at ang gaan ng atmosphere sa set.”

Charo butts in at this point and says: “He surely knows his craft. He has a shotlist of the scenes we’ll do and he knows the film language, so we simply trusted him.”

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

Gelli De Belen Plays Her Most Mature, Most Daring Role To Date In 'Pansamantagal'

GELLI DE BELEN just finished doing the heavy drama “Ika-5 Utos” on TV and she’s now doing comedy for the big screen. She was just seen in “Ang Sikreto ng Piso” and she now follows this up with “Pansamantagal”, which is written and directed by Joven Tan and opens in theaters on March 20. “Pansamantagal” is not your usual slapstick comedy but a romcom with a heart and a touch of drama. Gellli is paired for the first time with comedian Bayani Agbayani. So how’s the experience?

“We’ve worked together before, mostly sitcoms on TV, but this is our first movie together na kami pa ang magkapareha,” she says. “Iba ang working relationship namin ngayon ni Bayani rito. Siguro dahil mas mature na kami, we’re more comfortable with each other. First time namin to play romantic leads together and we help each other with our lines. We ask each other: how can we make this line funnier? Or more meaningful?”

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

Max Collins Happy To Play A Lead Role Once Again In 'Bihag' Which Will Replace 'My Special Tatay'

MAX COLLINS won the special jury prize for acting at the Metro-Manila Filmfest last December for her short but effective performance as the young Gloria Romero in “Rainbow’s Sunset”. We wrote then that we wish GMA-7 would notice her and give her a solo lead role. Well, our wish has been granted as Max now stars in her own afternoon soap, “Bihag”, the story of a young mom searching for her missing child.

“I’m so happy that the new project they gave me is a very intriguing,” says Max. “The title ‘Bihag’, or ‘Captive’, can mean a lot of things in the story, which is actually a combination of family drama, suspense, mystery and even action. I’m paired with Jason Abalos na nakasama ko na before sa ‘The One that Got Away’.”

She’s been married to Pancho Magno for over a year now. Any changes that happened in her life
since their wedding? “Oh yes, iwas na muna ako sa love scenes. Conservative si Pancho so ako na mismo ang umaayaw sa sobrang daring na mga eksena kasi vocal naman siyang ayaw niya. So, bilang respeto sa kanya, maski sa kissing scene, hanggang smack lang, hindi puede yung sobra. Sa bagay, ever since, hindi naman ako gumagawa ng sobrang sexy na eksena. Siya rin naman kasi, he doesn’t do such scenes. Hanggang sexy pictorial lang siya. After I got married, by choice, maski sa clothes that I wea, ayoko na rin ng sobrang revealing. Personal decision ko yun at hindi niya ipinagbawal.”

But it’s okay for her for Pancho to do sexy fashion shows where he is in his underwear? “Okay lang. Lalaki naman siya. Basta wag all out na ipapakita na lahat.”

Don’t they have any plans to have a baby soon? “Later siguro. We’re not in a rush kasi as of now, honeymoon stage pa rin kami. We still want to travel together. We’ve just been to Australia kasi yung sister niya who’s based in Victoria, kapapanganak lang. First apo in their family. E, ako, hindi muna puede kasi kasisimula ko lang mag-taping for ‘Bihag’. Matitindi ang requirements dito kasi may scenes na very physical. So after na lang siguro ng ‘Bihag’.”

Max Collins with husband Pancho Magno

How’s Pancho as a husband? “I cannot complain kasi family oriented talaga siya. Maasikaso, maalaga, malambing. Hindi lang kami husband and wife, we’re also the best of friends. We understand each other quite well.”

“Bihag” is directed by Neal del Rosario and Toto Natividad. The supporting cast includes Mark Herras, Sophie Albert, Neil Ryan Sese and child actor Seth de la Cruz as the missing son of Max and Jason. This will be replacing Ken Chan’s “My Special Tatay”.

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

Bianca Umali Gets Her Most Challenging Role To Date Playing The Title Role In 'Sahaya'

BIANCA UMALI celebrated her 19th birthday on March 2 and she says the best gift she got is playing the title role in the GMA primetime show, “Sahaya”, where she plays a Badjao maiden. Bianca has been very daring lately even in posting her bikini photos on her social media account and everyone says she has K or karapatan to do so as she is gifted with a truly curvaceous figure. Looks like she’s ready to say goodbye to her erstwhile wholesome and sweet image.

Bianca is one star who we saw growing up before our eyes. She started as a TV commercial model for a brand of diaper when she was only two years old. She then did many other TV ads, then she auditioned with GMA-7 and was tapped to be one of the hosts of the kiddie show, “Tropang Potchi”. It was there where we first got to interview her and learned that she’s the only child of her parents, but she has half siblings with both her mom and her dad. Her mom died of the big C in 2005 and her dad of heart attack in 2010, so she grew up with her paternal grandmother.

Bianca first appeared as a child actress in the TV remake of “Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit”. She played supporting roles in other soaps like “Magic Palayok”, “Kuwento ni Mariposa”, “Mga Basang Sisiw”, “Dading”, and was eventually paired with Miguel Tanfelix. They were given their first starring roles in “Once Upon a Kiss”, followed up by “Wish I May”, “Mulawin vs. Ravena” and, their biggest hit together, “Kambal Karibal”.

She now considers “Sahaya” as her most challenging project and role to date. What preparations did she take to play Sahaya? “Matagal po ang preparasyon kasi I have to take diving lessons dahil magaling sumisid ang mga Badjao,” she says. “And I have to learn how to swim underwater without the usual diving gears. Pinag-aralan din po namin ni Miguel ang language ng mga Badjao.

"I did a lot of research about the indigenous Badjao culture and had an immersion session with actual Badjaos. Pinag-aralan ko rin ang mga sayaw nila kasi may scenes where we perform their dances. I’m thankful to GMA-7 and proud na binigyan nila ako ng chance to be in this show that aims to show the Badjao’s way of life on TV so we can all have a better understanding of their unique culture.”

Based on her bikini photos on social media, it seems like she’s about ready to do more mature, sexy roles. “Yes, I want to do more mature roles kasi 19 na ako, but I don’t want to be judged based on what I post on my social media account. Iba naman yung pictures lang sa what I do on screen.”

“Sahaya” will premiere on March 18, replacing “Onanay”. Bianca has two leading men: Miguel Tanfelix as Ahmad, a Badjao boy in love with her, and Migo Adecer as Jordan, a boy from the big city who will also try to win her heart. Supporting them are Mylene Dizon as Manisan, Jean Garcia as Ricca, Ana Roces as Amang, Ashley Ortega as Mira, Zoren Legaspi as Pancho, Pen Medina as Marciano and Eric Quizon as Harold.

Doing special guest roles are Jasmine Curtis Smith as the young Mylene Dizon, Gil Cuerva as the young Eric Quizon, Benjamin Alves as the young Zoren Legaspi and Gabby Garcia as the young Jean Garcia. This is under the direction of Zig Dulay who did such acclaimed indie films as “Paglipay”, “Bambanti” and “Bagahe”. On TV, he directed the series “Sirkus” and several episodes of “Karelasyon” and “Tadhana”.

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

Diana Zubiri Back As The Mom Of Janine Gutierrez In 'Dragon Lady' And In I Flix' 'Mystified'

 

DIANA ZUBIRI plays the mom of Janine Gutierrez in “Dragon Lady”. Didn’t she have second thoughts accepting the role, considering the fact that she’s not really that much older to Janine?

“No, I didn’t hesitate to accept the offer of GMA kasi maganda naman yung role ko as Almira Sanchez,” she says. “When the story opens, hindi pa ako ang gumaganap but si Bea Binene as the young Almira, na nagkaanak ng isang batang isinumpa, si Celestina or Ina, na may features of a dragon, kaya nga ‘Dragon Lady’ ang title ng show. And when Ina grows up, ako na ang gumaganap na mother niya, who’s very protective kasi mahal na mahal ko ang anak ko at handa akong protektahan siya sa lahat ng mga nang-aapi sa kanya dahil sa kanyang kakaibang kaanyuan. So walang problema sa’kin to play a mother role kasi in real life, mother na rin naman talaga ako to two children who I love so much. Si James Blanco pala as Bryan ang leading man ko in "Dragon Lady'.”

Her eldest child is a boy named King, now 9 years old, from her first husband who passed away. Her second kid is a baby girl named Aliyah Rose, with her second husband, Andrew Smith. Aside from “Dragon Lady”, Diana is in another project, “Mystified”, to be shown live streaming on iFlix this month. It serves as a reunion for her original “Encantadia” co-stars: Iza Calzado, Sunshine Dizon and Karylle Yuzon. Is it true that they themselves produced it?

“No, we’re ready to do so, but iFlix said they’ll produce it so sila ang producer,” she replies. “They’ve seen ‘Encantadia’ and they like it, so gusto nila, malapit doon yung material. Lahat ng kasama namin sa ‘Mystified’, sila ring mga kasama namin before sa ‘Encantadia’, along with our original director, Mark Reyes.”

So how is it working with Iza, Sunshine and Karylle once again? “Okay na okay. Although we haven’t worked together for so long, we have maintained our communication with each other through the years so ganoon pa rin ka-warm ang samahan namin. Ang difference lang, lahat kami ngayon, may mga asawa na so mas mature na ang outlook namin in life at pati ang mga bagay na pinagkukuwentuhan namin.”

Diana Zubiri with James Blanco in DRAGON LADY

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

Kyline Alcantara On Her Being Linked To Miguel Tanfelix Then & With Manolo Pedrosa Now

KYLINE ALCANTARA is thankful to all her fans who trooped to Baguio City to watch her to be part of the annual Panagbenga annual parade of flowers. “Nagulat talaga ako nang makita ko sila roon during the parade to show their loyal support for me,” she says. “So I really want to thank them for all their time and effort, and also for continuing to support ‘Inagaw na Bituin’ in GMA-7’s Afternoon Primetime. Dahil sa palagi nilang panonood, talagang pataas nang pataas ang rating nito every day.”

Kyline’s career really got a big boost when she moved to GMA-7 and played the contravida role in “Kambal Karibal”. It even won her the best supporting actress award at the Asian Academy Creative Awards which allowed her to walk on the red carpet in the awards night held in Singapore.

But of course, with popularity comes intrigues and she felt hurt when fans of the BiGuel love team accused her then of stealing Miguel Tanfelix from his ka-love team, Bianca Umali. She admits crying over the false accusations and she was eventually vindicated because it’s Bianca who got linked to Ruru Madrid.

“Masakit mapagbintangang nang-ahas daw ako, but okay naman kami ni Bianca and we even guested together sa isang episode ng ‘Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko’,” she says. “So all that is now water under the bridge. I’m just very happy sa takbo ng career ko ngayon at sa very warm reception ng viewers sa ‘Inagaw na Bituin’.”

She’s now being linked to her leading man in the show, Manolo Pedrosa, but she says it’s too premature to jump into any conclusion. “Even as co-stars, we’re still on that stage of getting to know each other,” she says. “Pero okay kami sa set kasi masaya siyang katrabaho.”

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

After 'Itim' In 1976, Charo Santos Now Makes A New Horror Flick, 'Eerie', Hiatus Of 43 Years

CHARO SANTOS did her very first movie in 1976, “Itim”, when she was only 20 years old. It was directed by Mike de Leon, then 28 years old, and won her the best actress award in the Asian Filmfest that year. Now, 43 years later, she makes another horror film, “Eerie”, directed by Mikhail “Mik” Red, 27 years old. So we tell her she comes full circle from Mike to Mik.

In “Eerie”, she plays Sor Alice, a strict and overbearing old-fashioned nun in an exclusive Catholic girls’ school. Her foil is Bea Alonzo as Pat, a guidance counsellor with more progressive thinking. How is it being directed by a neophyte filmmaker like Mikhail?

“He’s okay, a fearless young filmmaker who’s not afraid to experiment and get out of his comfort zone to come up with compelling stories that will engage his audience,” she says. “I was impressed when we started the shooting kasi, just like Mike de Leon, he has a shotlist. May storyboard siya and alam na niya in his mind how the whole production will come out. He knows his craft, so alam niyang ginagawa niya. He’s very organized, very efficient. He shot the film chronogically, according to the sequential narrative, so he has already timed everything and all of us, we have to come to the set prepared.”

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

Bea Alonzo Appears In Her First Horror Film, 'Eerie', That Opens On March 27 Simultaneous With Other Asian Countries

BEA ALONZO appears in her first horror movie, “Eerie”, which had its grand presscon at the ABS-CBN Studio Experience in Trinoma. She plays Pat, a progressive minded guidance counselor in an exclusive school for girls which turns out to be haunted. She doesn’t believe in the supernatural and represents science. Charo Santos plays the strict and fanatical old-school nun, Sor Alice, who represents faith. The ghost is a student named Erika, who killed herself in the toilet. Pat starts to suspect it’s Sor Alice who actually killed the young girl who’s now a restless spirit.

“Very close ang material sa kabataan ko since I also studied in a catholic school na may urban legend talaga about a student na nag-suicide sa loob ng CR,” she says. “Marami namang ganyang kuwento sa mga eskwelahan kaya young students will be able to relate at magtatakutan sila while watching our movie.”

BEA ALONZO with Director Mikhail Red and Charo Santos

How come she has not tried doing a horror flick before? “May offer naman noong araw, pero tinatanggihan ko talaga dahil I felt I wasn’t ready. Kasi matatakutin ako and I’m not ready to go to dark places. Napanood ko lang yung horror film na ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose’, natakot na ako, hindi ako makatulog na mag-isa. But after I read the script of ‘Eerie’ by young director, Mikhail Red, and I learned that I will be working with Ma’am Charo, I just felt I can’t say no to this project. We filmed it for 20 days in an old seminary at marami talagang kahiwagaang naganap while we’re shooting it.”

So how is it working with Charo? “Siempre, intimidated ako noong una because of her stature. But I quickly felt comfortable with her kasi nakikipagkuwentuhan talaga siya. Not the type na alam mong small talk lang but you can feel na sincere talaga siya and she’s really listening to you.  She turned out to be very friendly and approachable.”

Recently, she declared in her social media account that 2019 is a year of change for her and posted her photo wearing a scanty swimsuit which she has never done before. She adds: “I want to forget about how I hated myself for being ‘fat’ in other people’s eyes and just remember the things that I love about my body. It’s the only body I am blessed with and I am thankful for my health because I can do things that make me happy. I hope this post could inspire other women to love themselves more—flaws and all. Let’s all work hard to better ourselves for us and not just so others could accept us.”

At the presscon, Bea looks so sexy and beautiful. She has every reason to be proud of herself. After doing three movies in succession (the first two are “Kasal” and “First Love”), she’s now all set to start a new teleserye with Richard Gutierrez and Ian Veneracion. “We’ll start taping in April,” she says. “Right now, we’re still training for our roles kasi very physical are requirements sa amin. Pero bago yun, watch muna kayo ng ‘Eerie’ that opens simultaneously here in the Philippines then also in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei on March 27, to be followed by Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia.”

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

Jodi Sta. Maria As A Possessed Girl In 'Clarita', Based On A True Story Of Exorcism That Happened In The 1950s

JODI STA. MARIA is not at all affected by reports that her ex-BF Jolo Revilla has replaced her with a new GF, a beauty queen named Angelica Alita. She doesn’t really want to make a comment about this and just says she’s currently more focused on her work as an actress and as a college student.

“Basta all I can say is that I’m happy where I am now,” she says. “The Lord is good and I am quite contented with what He is giving to me. I have so much gratitude in my heart now. I have new projects at nagagawa ko namang balansehin ang trabaho at ang pag-aaral ko.”

A lot of people admire her for her good relationship with ex-husband Pampi Lacson, with whom she has a son, Thirdy, now 13 years old, and with Pampi’s current partner, former actress Iwa Moto.

“Hindi naging madali ang proseso, marami rin kaming pinagdaanan, but with the Lord’s guidance, naging posible naman and we’re all okay now.”

Jodi is currently majoring in Psychology at Southville International College and she’s a consistent Dean’s Lister. She’s due to graduate next year. “It’s not easy, but very challenging na pagsabayin ang pagtatrabaho ko bilang aktres, pagiging estudyante and pagiging single mom to my son, but thank God, nagagampanan ko naman as the Lord is giving me enough strength to do all of them.”

Why did she take up Psychology? “Parang pre-med ito as an undergraduate degree, in preparation for my dream to become a doctor. And I like psychology as it helps you make understand your own self better. It helps you to become more compassionate in the way you treat other people, especially the broken ones who need our undestanding and not our judgment.”

Jodi is currently taping for a new teleserye and shooting a new horror film. For Dreamscape, she’s doing “Mea Culpa” with Bela Padilla, Tony Labrusca, Kit Thompson, Ara Mina, Sandino Martin, John Arcilla, Roxanne Guinoo and Polo Ravales. The horror movie she’s currently shooting is “Clarita”, based on the true story of a prison inmate in Manila City Jail who got possessed in the 1950s and started killing the other inmates. The actual footage about this is being kept by the BBC in London.

is is directed by Derrick Cabrido, who did such acclaimed indie flicks as “Children’s Show” about child street fighters that won the special jury prize at the Fantasporto International Filmfest in 2014 and the Cinemalaya film “Tuos” with Ate Guy and Barbie Forteza. Playing the priest who is assigned to exorcise Jodi in the movie is Ricky Davao and playing the bishop is Toni Mabesa.

About her lovelife, Jodi admits she’s seeing a non-showbiz guy but won’t reveal any details as she’s not yet sure if he’s really the one for him. “I’d like to keep it very private,” she adds.

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

Arnell Ignacio Resigns As OWWA Deputy Administrator To Tend To His Dad Afflicted With Stage 4 Cancer And Go Back To Showbiz

ARNELL IGNACIO says he was overwhelmed when many labor attaches from various countries sent him a message saying they’re sad that he has resigned as OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) deputy administrator.

“I was so surprised because my phone kept ringing after the news leaked,” he says. “I’m really leaving government with a very heavy heart. When I assumed the post three years ago, I dedicated myself to it fully, attending to the needs of our OFWs in various countries. But because I was so dedicated to my work, I forgot to give attention to my own family. Ang daddy ko, may stage 4 cancer na pala, hindi ko pa alam. My daughter na sanay na sanay na lagi lang akong nandiyan, siya nang namahala ng negosyo namin, lalo na ang Creative Hair Systems sa Annapolis, Greenhills. I was attending to the problems of other people around the world, but I neglected my own family.”

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

Confrontation Scenes Between Nora Aunor & Cherie Gil Get More Intense In 'Onanay' In Its Last Two Weeks

THE CONFRONTATION scenes of Nora Aunor and Cherie Gil in “Onanay” are getting more intense and engrossing so they’re now being talked about that the show is in its last two weeks, to be replaced by “Sahaya” starring Bianca Umali. Both Nora and Cherie are great actresses so viewers can’t help but be carried away by their effective performances as each other’s foil in the toprated primetime soap.

Nora’s intense performance showing her grief for the untimely death of her brother Dante, played by Gardo Versoza, also got lots of raves from netizens who said her acting prowess has remained unchanged through the years. They said the scene showing her crying over Gardo’s dead body is such an effective tearjerker.

Don’t miss the remaining episodes of “Onanay” as they would surely bring more tears to your eyes with more shocking turns of plots and astounding revelations involving sisters Mikee Quintos as Maila and Kate Valdez as Natalie. Director Gina Alajar surely deserved commendation for helming this primetime soap masterfully that viewers followed it on the air for eight months.

It remains unbowed even when it’s now up against “General’s Daughter” and some folks are joking that Angel Locsin’s alleged walking out on the set of her own show’s taping is obviously staged for her soap to be talked about now that “Onanay” continues to lord over it in the ratings game.

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

Nadine Lustre Goes Solo In 'Ulan', A Romance-Drama With A Touch Of Magic Realism

NADINE LUSTRE does a movie without her usual ka-love team, James Reid. This time, she’s paired with Carlo Aquino in the romance-drama with a touch of magic realism, “Ulan”. So how is it doing a movie without James?

“Siempre po, nakakapanibago kasi nasanay akong nandiyan siya, siya lagi ang kasama ko,” she says. “But we have to grow individually as artists. Meron din naman siyang ginagawang movie on his own and I think that’s healthy for both of us. And I enjoyed naman working with Carlo as my leading man, and also with Marco Gumabao and AJ Muhlach who played my first two boyfriends in the story. But they both turn out to be unfaithful and they break my heart. Masaya sila lahat kasama sa shoot at happy set kami lagi.”

NADINE with Carlo,  Marco, Direk Irene Villamor and child star Ella Ilano

Her last movie, “Never Not Love You” with James, was a big hit. Isn’t she scared that viewers might avoid “Ulan” since James is not with her? “Nakaka-pressure but I’m confident that viewers will like our movie kasi kakaiba siya, e. When I first read the script written by Direk Irene Villamor, I fell in love with it agad kasi may element ng fantasy. I play Maya, a girl who believe in tikbalangs kasi as a child, nakita kong may mga kinakasal na tikbalang and since then, I associate the rain with the sad moments in my life, with my failures and unhappy situation. Like when my parents died while it’s raining, so it’s my lola, Perla Bautista, who raised me. Parang bad omen siya for me. But I continue to wait, hoping the rain will also one day bring to my one true love. And while waiting for a ride sa isang waiting shed habang umuulan, doon ko naman nakilala si Carlo as Peter.”

And where did Direk Irene, whose recent hits are “Sid and Aya” and “Meet Me in St. Gallen”, get the concept for the movie? “I grew up in the province na maraming mga pamahiin,” says the young writer-director. “Sabi ng matatanda, kapag umuulan daw then sabay na umaaraw, may mga ikinakasal na tikbalang. Ayaw ng langit sa pag-iibigan nila kaya umuulan, dahil ang mga tikbalang, walang karapatang umibig. Tikbalangs are from our local folklore, creatures na half man and half horse, at part ito ng childhood memories ko.”

Is “Ulan” a horror movie? “No, no, this is not a horror movie. Hindi siya scary. I first wrote it as a short story at nang mabasa ito ni Direk Joyce Bernal, who’s our creative consultant for ‘Ulan’, sabi niya, bakit hindi mo gawing script for a movie. So I did, and when I presented it to Viva, nagustuhan naman nila. This is actually more a coming of age story, the personal journey of a young woman who got broken hearted and realized that, more than anything else, she has to love herself first. Then nakilala niya si Carlo Aquino as Peter, a volunteer sa isang non-government organization who proves to be her Mr. Right. Malaking Hollywood movie ang kasabay namin to open on March 13, ‘Captain Marvel’, kaya sana tulungan nyo naman kami para more people will be aware of ‘Ulan’.”

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

Lauren Young As Dessa In 'Hiram Na Anak', Lashes Back At Her Bashers

LAUREN YOUNG was such a vicious villain in “Contessa” and she now plays another villain role in her new soap, “Hiram na Anak”. Doesn’t she mind that she seems to have been typecast in contravida roles?

“Not at all,” she says. “I love my job as an actress and I’m just thankful na tuloy-tuloy lang ang trabaho ko sa GMA. After ‘Contessa’, I went to Korea to work for a Korean show with Ejay Falcon, then I had a vacation there for one week. When I came back home, I got a pleasant surprise dahil I was informed na may kasunod na agad akong bagong soap, ito ngang ‘Hiram na Anak’. Yes, contravida rin ako rito, pero hindi kasing sama ng role ko sa ‘Contessa’ kasi pumapatay ako roon ng tao. Dito, inagaw ko lang si Paolo Contis from Empress Schuck kahit alam kong may baby na sila at willing akong magsama kaming tatlo sa loob ng iisang bahay.” 

The production staff of the shows she has worked with all say that she might be so bad on screen, but off cam, she’s one of the kindest and most well behaved actresses they’ve ever worked with. “Thanks naman. They told me that themselves. E, bakit naman ako magsusungit o magmamaldita sa set when I love what I’m doing? I’m just appreciative of all the blessings that I get. Sa taping, you stay in an air-conditioned tent, libre lahat ng food nyo, may talent fee ka pa, so ang ganda-ganda ng work namin, magrereklamo pa ba ako?”

She really has a good attitude and this shows even in her relationship with her manager, Pia Magalona, the mother of her ex-BF, Elmo. “Seven years na kami. When Elmo and I broke up, I told her about it. I said if we could still work together professionally, I still want her to manage me. Sabi naman niya, work is work, so tinuloy namin. She’s really a good manager for me and she’s like my second mom. Marami na kaming pinagsamahan, but we don’t talk about personal lives.”

LAUREN with the cast of HIRAM NA ANAK

Has she heard about what happened to Elmo and his last girlfriend, Janella Salvador, who said she was physically abused by him? “Yes, but iba ang pagkakakilala ko kay Elmo. Ang hirap mag-comment diyan kasi no matter what I say, may magagalit sa akin. So the safest answer for me is: it’s none of my business. I don’t even know Janella. As for Elmo, we just say hi when we see each other. Hanggang dun lang.”

Has she experienced the same thing with Elmo? “Nope! Do you think I’d allow anyone to hurt me? Sapakin mo ko, sasapakin din kita. I don’t know.  For me, I think someone is lying. Sometimes, some people can bend the truth. But it’s really none of my business. Mamaya, sasabihin, nangingialam pa ako.”

When her line “someone is lying” was quoted in the intenet, Lauren got a lot bashing, saying that she has no right to imply that Janella is lying. Someone even sent her a photo of Janella with bruises on her arm, telling her that they wish someday, someone would also hurt her.

Lauren quickly answered them back: “ I never said she was lying. But fine okay, yeah sure. She’s a liar, I’m a sawsawera and I totally used this opportunity so that more people would watch my new show #HiramNaAnak. O, happy na kayo? THANKS!”

Then someone said she should try doing bold roles so her career would pick up and she also answered it: “Excuse me, I am very happy with my career as I always have consistent work. You are rude and if you were my fan, I would be ashamed to have you in my fandom because of how you speak to others. Shame on you for behaving this way. I’m not going to apologize for doing my job: which is to answer questions during a press conference. If my answers don’t please everyone, so be it.”

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz

Miss Universe Catriona Gray Makes A Triumphant Return To Manila Fully Supported By PLDT

CATRIONA GRAY had a triumphant return to Manila as crowds of jubilang people really flocked to all the locations she went to eager to see her do her signature lava walk and slow motion twirl. To thank the millions of Filipinos who supported her to become the 4th Pinay Miss Universe, she was seen in Makati and Manila on Feb. 21 and in Araneta Center, Quezon City on Feb. 23.  A Homecoming Special in her honor will also be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 24. It will be aired exclusively on ABS-CBN.

At her press conference, she says: “Standing here today, I am filled with utmost pride and I just wanna say thank you and this is all for you.” What would she do after her reign? “I would love to pursue music. I would further help developing our provinces and share more of what we have to offer as I fell in love with how rich and beautiful our culture is.”

The ever compassionate Catriona also makes it a priority to visit to the charitable organizations she heartily supports such as Love Yourself (an HIV/AIDS education awareness group) and Smile Train (for underprivileged children).

On Feb. 22, employees and officials of PLDT will be one with the Miss Universe in celebrating her victory as she pays PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan a courtesy visit at his offices in Makati City, a tradition that has been carried on since 2014, when PLDT HOME and Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. first forged their fruitful partnership in support of outstanding and inspiring women who make an impact in the international stage like the Miss Universe pageant.

Andrew L. Santos, PLDT First Vice President and Head, Consumer Marketing, said “PLDT supports world-class Filipino talents and we take pride in the achievements of outstanding Filipinas like Miss Universe Catriona Gray. Together with Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc., we continue to support them in their mission to bring pride to the country and help uplift the lives of Filipinos through service and nation-building.”

In 2017 when the Miss Universe pageant was held in the Philippines, PLDT HOME Fibr was at the forefront of the international event. PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan was an undeniable force that made the prestigious beauty pageant happen on Philippine shores and PLDT was a huge proponent of that effort. As a result, the leading and most powerful broadband network in the country, and leading mobile brand Smart, provided fixed broadband and mobile connectivity to power up the Miss Universe pageant.


Filipina beauty queens have always been at HOME with PLDT. Their rich history together started with MJ Lastimosa in 2014, continuing on successively with Pia Wurtzbach in 2015, Maxine Medina in 2016, Rachel Peters in 2017 and Catriona Gray who won the Binibining Pilipinas-Universe title in 2018.

PLDT has made it their commitment to sponsor major Binibining Pilipinas events and has been engaging most of the beauty queens and their respective courts as PLDT HOME brand ambassadors. As such, PLDT and the queens have both been reaching out to Filipinos from all walks of life spreading cheers and goodwill all over the country.

These ladies have also managed to endear themselves to the hearts of those they work with in PLDT. These men and women uphold their admiration and respect for the ladies even outside of the boundaries of work. For one, Catriona Gray has impressed PLDT officers and staff when she graced the PLDT HOME Fibr event in Davao last June. Above and beyond what was expected of her, Catriona spent precious time with a PLDT subscriber and her family, even shared a meal with them because she said, “I wanted to get to know them.” Catriona is naturally sweet and generous to everyone she works with and is diligent in her preparation for the work ahead of her.

And who would forget her answer to a question about whether she would bring a glam team to an out-of-town event or not? Catriona, without batting an eyelash, said there’s no need because she could take care of herself and do her own hair and make-up as part of her Miss Universe pageant training.

PLDT Home ambassador and former Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2016 Nicole Cordoves, a close friend and one of Catriona’s mentors, can attest to the hard work and perseverance of the Queen through her Miss Universe journey. Nicole and Catriona will be meeting again as this week as she joins the activities as the PLDT Home Insider who will be giving exclusive access, interviews and sneak peak of all the happenings at the Miss Universe Homecoming.

PLDT believes that the true markings of a real Miss Universe is showcased not just in the excellence of her physical attributes, but more so in the inner workings of her soul. For this, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray is a real beauty inside and out.

Catch the Miss Universe Homecoming through live coverages of PLDT Home on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
#CatrionaGray #MissUniverse2018 #MissUniverse

Continue reading

Pinoy Showbiz