KATRINA HALILI, MAS KONTRABIDA KUMPARA KAY IWA MOTO!
Mas mukhang kontrabida raw si Katrina Halili kaysa kay Iwa Moto kaya dapat silang magpalit ng role sa Magdusa Ka. Flattered naman si Iwa rito na napapanood sa Nuts Entertainment tuwing Sabado ng gabi, pagkatapos ng Imbestigador.
Sabi ni Iwa: “Natutuwa naman ako kay Katrina dahil nagbida rin siya sa wakas. Matagal na rin siyang kontrabida kasi. Siguro, balang araw, mabibigyan din ako ng ganyang opportunity.”
Sa games portion napapanood si Iwa pagdating ng Nuts. Kasama niya si Paolo Contis sa nasabing show at meron silang Tanay Bounty Hunters game ngayon doon. Lagi siyang naka-two-piece kaya panoorin.
Halaw sa Diyaryong Bomba, sa panulat ni Arthur Quinto
Lea Salonga On Her 30th year In The Philippine Showbiz
Lea Salonga aside from Sharon Cuneta is also celebrating her 30th year in Philippine Showbiz with a concert entitled Lea Salonga… My Life Onstage, it will be held at the PICC Plenary Hall on May 23 and 24. Lea Salonga will have as special guest no less than Aga Muhlach, who will do a duet with her. Lea Salonga and Aga Muhlach did two very successful movies together in “Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal” and “Sana Maulit Muli.”
Suppose to be, Aga Muhlach will be the special guest but will not be mentioned in the promos. Aga Muhlach said, “She asked me to guest. I said yes but we agreed that my name will not be mentioned in the promotions so that I can still back out anytime,” he said smiling and went on to joke, “but I’d love to sing duet with her. So that people will know that I am a good singer, too. Imagine doing a duet withLea Salonga? For sure, her voice will carry mine and people will presume Aga Muhlach can actually sing.”
When Lea Salonga was asked that it has been a long time since she appeared in a full-length movie. Will she mind doing another flick? Lea said, “I don’t mind and if I could squeeze it, why not? But only with Aga (Muhlach),” she remarked with a big smile.
Aga was just smiling and shyly expressed how honored he was with that statement. “Yeah, it will be a project I would love to do. Sana nga magkaroon ng chance to do that. Although I know she is very busy and that her commitments extend to until August of 2009? But really, why not? It’s something that will be good to do,” he said.
Lea Salonga… My Life Onstage will delve into the different chapters of Lea’s life, with images straight from the past to supplement a magnificent live performance accompanied by a full orchestra featuring songs from her various performances and records.
Kapitan Boom and Invasion Top Weekend NUTAM for April
ABS-CBN shows conquered both primetime and daytime weekend NUTAM for April 2008. According to AGB Nielsen, Kapitan Boom starring Jon Avila is the number one weekend program nationwide for the month of April beating PBB and I Am KC which placed 2nd and 3rd respectively. In the weekend primetime race, on the other hand, Invasion: Philippines Versus the World captured the top spot. Wowowee and ASAP placed 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Here are the Top 10 weekend programs for the month of April based on a survey conducted by AGB Nielsen Media Research Philippines among NUTAM households:
Top Weekend Programs (Primetime)
1. Komiks Presents Kapitan Boom (ABS-CBN) - 31.1%
2. Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus (ABS-CBN) - 28.2%
3. I Am KC (ABS-CBN) - 28.1%
4. Goin’ Bulilit (ABS-CBN) - 27%
5. Bitoy’s Funniest Videos Yari Ka! (GMA-7) - 26.1%
6. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA-7) - 24.5%
7. Rated K (ABS-CBN) - 22.3%
8. Pinoy Idol (GMA-7) - 21.4%
9. Tok! Tok! Tok! Isang Milyon Pasok (GMA-7) - 20.5%
10. Kap’s Amazing Stories (GMA-7) - 20.5%
Top Weekend Programs (Daytime)
1. Invasion: Philippines vs. The World (ABS-CBN) - 29.5%
2. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 23%
3. ASAP ‘08 (ABS-CBN) - 18.8%
4. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 17.7%
5. Your Song (ABS-CBN) - 17.6%
6. Cinema FPJ: Da King On ABS-CBN (ABS-CBN) - 16.1%
7. The Buzz (ABS-CBN) - 15.6%
8. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 15.5%
9. Love Spell (ABS-CBN) - 14.1%
10. Entertainment Live! (ABS-CBN) - 13.8%
Source: AGB Nielsen Media Research, Philippines
Kim Chiu replaced Pops Fernandez as host at 38th Box-Office Entertainment Awards
Si Pops Fernandez dapat ang kapareha ni Gabby Concepcion bilang co-host ng 39th Box-Office Entertainment Awards na ginanap last May 13 sa RCBC Plaza. Pero sa hindi inaasahang pangyayari, biglang nagkasakit ang Concert Queen at hindi niya nakayang mag-host noong gabing ‘yon.
Bagama’t naiintindihan naman ng Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc. ang kalagayan ni Pops, biglang nagkaroon ng problema ang production team. Kailangan nilang humanap agad ng papalit sa kanya.
Ayon sa nakalap na impormasyon ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), tatlo ang pinagpilian bilang kapalit ni Pops. At the end, the production team decided na si Kim Chiu ang ipalit kay Pops at maging co-host ni Gabby.
Ayon sa kuwento ng taga-production, noong mismong araw ng awards night lang nila nakausap ang handler ni Kim from Star Magic kung pupuwedeng maging co-host ni Gabby ang young actress. Bagama’t short notice lang ang invitation kay Kim ay pumayag pa rin siya, kaya naman napakalaki ng pasasalamat ng mga taga-production sa kanya at sa kanyang handler.
Mas humanga ang production team sa ipinakitang professionalism ng Kapamilya star. Aminado raw kasi si Kim na ninenerbiyos siya at hindi masyadong confident sa sarili dahil first time pa lang siyang maghu-host ng isang awards night. Idagdag pa rito na noong gabi ng awards night lang niya nakita at pinag-aralan ang binagong script.
Ayon pa sa source ng PEP, napahanga raw ni Kim ang mga taga-production dahil never nilang naringgan ng reklamo ang young actress. Kahit kinakabahan at first-timer si Kim as host, nagawa naman niya nang maayos ang kanyang trabaho.
Comment pa nga ng mga taga-production, sana raw lahat ng artista—mapabaguhan man o hindi—ay katulad ni Kim na walang ere sa katawan.
Bukod sa pagiging host ng 38th Box-Office Entertainment Awards, tumanggap din ng award si Kim kasama ang ka-love team na si Gerald Anderson as Most Popular Loveteam of Movies & TV.
Aside from Kim, napahanga rin daw ni Gabby Concepcion ang mga taga-Guillermo. Kahit alam nitong si Pops ang makakasama niya as co-host at napag-aralan na niya ang script with Pops in mind na siyang kabatuhan ng linya, wala raw silang narinig na reklamo sa aktor sa pagbabago ng script.
Mapapanood ang 38th Box-Office Entertainment Awards sa Sabado, May 17, at 7 p.m. sa NBN 4 at Net 25.
Sharon Cuneta still against “Dear Heart” remake; GMA offers KC the role of Darna
After the presscon ng Caregiver ng Star Cinema kagabi, May 14, sa Studio 1 ng ABS-CBN, pumayag si Direk Chito Roño na mag-stay pa ng ilang minutes si Sharon Cuneta para ma-interview ng entertainment press kahit may shooting pa ang Megastar ng ilang eksena nila sa pelikula.
Maraming sinagot na mga katanungan si Sharon tungkol sa Caregiver, ang pagse-celebrate niya ng 30th year sa show business, at pati na ang tungkol sa ex-husband niyang si Gabby Concepcion kahit na may pakiusap na before the presscon na wala na sanang questions about Gabby.
“DEAR HEART” REMAKE. Isa rin sa itinanong kay Sharon ay tungkol sa napabalitang paggawa ng movie ng eldest daughter ni Robin Padilla na si Queenie sa Viva Films. Ang unang pelikula raw na gagawin ni Queenie ay ang remake ng Dear Heart, na kauna-unahang pelikula ni Sharon opposite Gabby.
“Ngayon ko lang nalaman na si Queenie ang gagawa nun,” nagulat na sabi ni Sharon. “Pero ayoko pa ring ipagawa ‘yon kahit kanino, kahit pa sa isang prinsesa. Si KC [Concepcion, Sharon's eldest daughter] lang ang may karapatang gumawa nun. Pero she’s 23 na, kaya hindi na rin puwede, and it upsets her. I was only 15 nang gawin ko ‘yon. Kung gagawin ang Dear Heart you have to create a unique kind of magic for this generation.
“Ang ganda-ganda namang bata ni Queenie and, of course, I love Robin. Ang tawagan nga namin niyan, ‘kambal,’ because we’re very similar. Of course, Robin is very smart… I’m not saying I’m smart, pero ‘yong jokes niya, whenever we see each other, it always synch. Hindi lamang talaga nag-synch ‘yong mga balak niya sa buhay sa mga balak ko naman sa buhay ko. Who’s gonna make the remake daw?”
Sinabi sa kanya na ang dating niyang home studio na Viva Films ang mag-remake nito.
“If Viva will remake it, it will break my heart. Kahit sino pang artista, hindi porke anak ni Robin. It will break my heart, because Dear Heart is… That’s one in a lifetime thing,” pagtatapat ni Sharon.
Matatandaang hindi rin sinang-ayunan noon ni Sharon ang planong si Sarah Geronimo ang magbibida sa Dear Heart. Hindi na rin natuloy ang naturang plano.
Kung sina KC at Richard Gutierrez ang gagawa ng remake ng Deart Heart, papayag ba si Sharon?
“As I’ve said, I was only 15 nang gawin ko ‘yon and KC is now 23. Hindi na bagay sa kanya,” saad ng Megastar.
Biro ng ilan, hihintayin na lang ba ng Viva Films ang anak niyang si Frankie para matuloy ang remake ng Dear Heart?
“Hindi rin, wala naman siyang koneksiyon sa tatay nun!” natatawang wika ni Sharon. Si Frankie ay anak ni Sharon sa second husband niyang si Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan samantalang si KC ay anak ng Megastar kay Gabby Concepcion.
POSSIBLE PROJECTS WITH ROBIN & RICHARD. How about a project with Robin?
“My God, we’ve been talking about the project for two years now!” sabi niya. “Nakapag-meeting na kami ng ilang beses, but for some reasons, di pa natutuloy. Parang may laging unang nabubuong script, pero siyempre nagtatrabaho din kami, hindi naman kami puwedeng maghintay forever. Tapos dumating nga ang project na ito, ang Caregiver.”
May susunod na ba siyang project aftre Caregiver?
“Yung susunod na project, pagmi-mitingan pa after we promote this movie. Ewan ko kay Tita Malou [Santos of Star Cinema].”
Totoo bang may gagawin silang movie ng dati niyang boyfriend na si Richard Gomez?
“Hindi ko pa rin alam, but those movies are set to be done,” sagot niya. “But hindi ko pa talaga alam kung ano ang exact na project, kung sinu-sino talaga ang makakasama ko. So unless Star Cinema announces something, it’s hard for me to say.”
KC AS DARNA? Naitanong din kay Sharon kung totoong in-offer ng GMA-7 ang role na Darna kay KC para sa pagbabalik nito sa telebisyon via Captain Barbell Meets Darna, kung saan si Richard Gutierrez ulit ang gaganap na Captain Barbell.
“Yes, she’s been offered,” pag-amin ng Megastar. “But I’m not so sure if she is committed. What I know is that she will do the movies first, and I think that’s the best decision.
“Nakakatuwa, but can I tell the truth? I guested noon in Captain Barbell [of Edu Manzano and Herbert Bautista] as Darna, because that was the intro sana to what was the full-length movie of Darna na ako na ang gaganap. So people are waiting. Pero ako na ang nakiusap na huwag nang ituloy.
“Ang hirap kasi noon, hindi katulad ngayon na maganda ‘yong mga harness na ginagamit. Noon, four days lang akong nag-shooting as guest, napakasakit talaga sa katawan ‘yong mga bakal na pinagsasabitan sa akin. Bakal as in bakal talaga, kaya hindi ko na ginawa!” natatawang pagtatapos ni Sharon.
Blind Item: Man for Hire
TINULOY nga ba ni sexy actor ang pagiging man for hire niya?
Remember the blind item we did more than a month ago about the sexy actor na may web cam scandal?
Akala namin, doon magtatapos ang balita pero nagulat kami, nakatanggap na naman kami ng panibagong set of web cam starring the sexy actor.
Just like the first one na two-in-one actually dahil two separate days ito, the next two sets, ibang araw na naman dahil iba ang kasuotan niya.
More disturbing lang this time dahil the new sets were attached to an email being distributed to gay yahoo groups. Ang heading, man for hire na raw siya.
Ayaw namin itong paniwalaan ngunit ng ipinakita namin ang video sa kapitbahay naming dito na si Lito M, bigla siyang may naalaala.
May nag advertise daw sa kaniya about the actor and when he asked for the actor’s number, aba, tumama ito sa file niya.
Ano naman ang masasabi rito nina Paolo Contis, Paolo Bediones at Paolo Ballesteros?
| Official Statement on Lolit Solis retraction |
For once I’ll keep my mouth shut. I will let you guys do the talking after reading the official statement of Star Magic re: Lolit Solis retracting her column feed insinuating Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby were in some hotel in some rendezvous. So bring it on!
Anyway, here’s the statement:
Ms. Lolit Solis finally agreed to give a retraction. “There’s no factual basis for my article, which came out on October 15, 2007. I am extremely sorry for dragging the names of Sam and Piolo. “SAM, PIOLO, I AM SORRY FOR THE HURT AND EMBARASSMENT I CAUSED.”
From the beginning, all that ABS-CBN Star Magic artists Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby wanted was for Ms. Solis to retract her story as well as apologize. It can be recalled that Piolo and Sam wanted to settle this libel case as early as the season of Christmas but Ms. Solis has shown no real contrition and has not retracted her statement. What she has said is that she wants to “make areglo” by apologizing. With no retraction forthcoming, there can be no settling of this case. Now that she has finally done so, Piolo and Sam withdrew the case against her.
ABS-CBN Star Magic is very happy that the truth has finally come out. Piolo and Sam have fought for what is right. The two have proven themselves to be true gentlemen and Christians by making their stand that they will withdraw the case once they get a retraction and an apology. Let it be stressed that Piolo and Sam won this battle even if they decided to withdraw the case against Ms. Solis.
So go react =)
Gabby and Claudine’s teleserye ready to roll
Cameras will start rolling for “Iisa Pa Lamang”, the highly anticipated teleserye starring Gabby Concepcion and Claudine Barretto on ABS-CBN. This Monday, May 19th is their first taping day with the entire cast.
This is the start of regular television appearances for Concepcion after his guest stint in an episode of “Maalaala Mo Kaya”.
“Iisa Pa Lamang” can be considered as one of the most ambitious projects of ABS-CBN. Some of the most talented actors and actresses from different generations will team-up in this teleserye.
Aside from Concepcion and Barretto, “Iisa Pa Lamang” also stars Diether Ocampo, Angelica Panganiban, Cherie Pie Picache, Laurice Guillen, Matt Evans, Melissa Ricks and Ms. Susan Roces. Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha will sing the program’s theme song.
“Iisa Pa Lamang” will be directed by Ruel S. Bayani and Manny Palo.
Don’t miss other announcements regarding ABS-CBN’s “Iisa Pa Lamang”, the most awaited teleserye on Philippine television
Sharon raring to do movie with KC, not so with Gabby
Actress Sharon Cuneta, known as the Philippines’ “Megastar”, can’t wait to make a movie with her eldest daughter KC Concepcion–but she’s thankful that no film project is being prepared for her and KC’s dad, her ex-husband Gabby Concepcion.
“I’m looking forward to make a movie with my daughter actually. I’m sure she’s gonna do very well. She has a three-picture contract with Star (Cinema). So she’s gonna start the ball rolling then, maybe up to that,” Cuneta added.
Sharon has repeatedly said in interviews that she’s afraid that any movie she will co-star in with Gabby will spark rumors about their past–as well as insinuations about what their present relationship is.
Being a veteran of showbiz intrigues, Sharon said any rumors about her and Gabby at this time might hurt her present family.
“Tama ‘yung decision niya at saka ng managers niya na huwag munang ma-associate with me or her Pa (Gabby Concepcion) you know, the usual na ini-expect,” Cuneta told abs-cbnNEWS.com during a press conference for her Nestle Ice Cream commercial held at Annabel’s Restaurant in Tomas Morato.
KC (Maria Kristina Cassandra Cuneta Pangilinan in real life) is legally adopted by Sharon’s present husband, Senator Francis Pangilinan. KC, however, uses her biological dad’s family name as her screen name.
Sharon has two daughters with Senator Pangilinan.
Up to KC
Sharon said that KC is old enough to decide whether she wants to star in a film with her biological father. “It’s up to her also if she wants to do a movie with her Papa so no problem,” Cuneta said.
Recently, KC said that she prefers to do a film first with her mother. Sharon said that she feels good about KC’s statement.
“I’m so touched naman by her. Because I really taught her naman to love and respect her Papa. And she remembers that anything that happened between me and her Papa was not her fault at all. It’s different ang relationship ng asawa at mag-ama, so iba yon.
“But I’m very proud of her for saying that. At siyempre bilang nanay pumapalakpak ang tenga ko… Siguro naman even her Papa will agree na dapat lang naman, parang mommy mo kaya ang naghirap sa iyo. I’m very secure, we are crazy about each other, me and KC,” Cuneta said.
Last April 30, a teary-eyed KC signed a three-movie contract with the ABS-CBN’s movie outfit Star Cinema
KC’s first ever film will be a light romance flick to be directed by Joyce Bernal.
KC’s first leading man is GMA-7 contract star Richard Gutierrez, in a casting coup that set aside the rivalry between the two networks.
Roderick Paulate misses lost playtime as child actor
Veteran actor Roderick Paulate, who was a popular child star during the 1970s, said today’s kiddie stars have more opportunities to behave like children compared to his generation.
Paulate, now fondly known as “Kuya Dick” to younger showbiz denizens, said his life as a child star was totally different from the lives of current child performers.
“Iba kasi noong araw. So kapag kami nila Maria (Maricel Soriano), kami nila Vi (Vilma Santos) kapag nakikita namin ‘yung mga bagets ngayon–parang ang laki talaga ng pagbabago. Ngayon kasi mas nakakapaglaro na sila, sabihin na nating mas pasensiyoso ang mga direktor,” Paulate said.
The actor explained that being a child actor and star during his time meant losing a great part of one’s childhood. He said that child stars of his generation were not allowed to play and behave like children during movie or TV shoots.
“Kasi noong mga panahon namin parang hindi kami pwedeng maglaro sa set; kailangan nasa corner kami kasamang magulang at tinuruan ng script. E, ngayon yung mga ganyan, yung naglalaro sa script. Kaya ang akin lang siguro ang na-miss ko lang yung paglalaro at pag-e-enjoy,” the actor added.
Now, when Paulate observes the child actors he works with, he said he could not help but feel some pain over the chances he lost to play and enjoy life like other ordinary children.
Kasi parang bata pa lang kami noon very competitive na kami nila Gina (Alajar) nila Maria, nila Snooky (Serna), parang ini-inject na lahat ng gagawin mo kailangan magaling ka yung ganoon,” he added.
The actor also admitted that he feels awkward seeing new batch of child stars playing on the set when they have tapings.
“Ngayon aaminin ko naiilang ako kapag medyo naglalaro sa set na nagre-rehearse. Bumabalik yung alaalala ko yung sinabi ni Marlene Dauden na ‘huwag kayong maglalaro kapag nagre-rehearse,’ sila Lolita Rodriguez, so parang naga-adjust adjust ako ng konti…So biglang naaalala ko na iba na ang panahon: dapat mag-enjoy kayo. O sige so okey lang pero kapag take na , take na,” he said.
Paulate being a professional actor also gave his unsolicited advice to current child stars by saying that they have to do their work with dedication and passion while having fun.
“So I think yung masa-suggest ko sa mga bata siguro just enjoy it, mas maganda yung bata sila na hindi nila nalalagpasan yung dapat nilang pagdaanan bilang bata. Pero pagdating sa trabaho dapat ay mahalin din nila yung trabaho. Siguro ipaliwanag na din sa kanila yung importansiya ng professionalism, ‘yung importansiya ng pagmamahal sa trabaho pero huwag mawawala ‘yung fun, kasi ‘yun yung nawala sa amin. Hindi ba lagi naming sinasabi nila ni Snooky na nag-skip kami ng childhood parang doon na lang namin iniisip na itong trabahong ito, laro na lang ito. So gusto ko laging mag-enjoy,” he said.
As a child star, Paulate already worked with legendary actors including Gloria Romero, Lolita Rodriguez, Pilar Pilapil, Susan Roces and Fernando Poe Jr.
In 1968, Paulate received the Best Child Actor award from the country’s most prestigious award giving body — FAMAS.
In 2000, he won the Asian TV Award for Best Drama Performance by an Actor with his role in ABS-CBN’s longest running drama anthology “Maalaala Mo Kaya” episode “Wristwatch.”
Paulate is a regular castmember of ABS-CBN’s “That’s My Doc!” with actor Aga Muhlach.
Chito Roño unleashes a different Sharon in ‘Caregiver’
Critically-acclaimed director Chito Roño unleashes the acting prowess of Megastar Sharon Cuneta in “Caregiver,” Star Cinema’s groundbreaking project this year.
Roño said viewers will see a different Cuneta for this film, after the actress took her thespian skills to a level never seen before.
“Find out, siguro naman with Sharon and me, [there] is something special.”
Roño also described his experience of working with the Megastar:
“Naku, ibang klaseng ka-trabaho si Sharon ang taas ng energy. Ewan ko kung saan nanggagaling ang energy niya. Pero hindi siya mabigat na ka-trabaho magaan siya sa set at isa ang masasabi ko: Kahit minsan marami siyang personal na problema masiyahin pa din siyang tao, and isa siguro yan sa mami-miss ko after the shoot na si Sharon na palaging nakangiti palaging masaya.”
He also revealed that like ordinary mortals, the Megastar also had her good and bad days.
“Hindi naman problemang problema pero sa araw-araw naming pagsasama may mga good days at bad days din. So ‘yung mga bad days na yon kahit sabihin mong bad day ‘yon lumalabas pa din ang pagiging masaya.”
‘Caregiver’ based on real lives
Roño admitted that the story behind “Caregiver” was based on real lives of caregivers abroad — their dreams, pains and sacrifices.
“Marami, ako personally may mga kilala ako na kinopya ko ang ibang bahagi ng sitwasyon sa pelikulang ito,” he said.
He said that aside from research, he actually talked to other caregivers who willingly shared their experiences.
“Caregiver’ tells the story of Sarah, a schoolteacher who opted to work as a caregiver in London for her family’s future.
It is a movie that tackles the hardships in the lives of OFWs, through the life of Filipina caregiver Sarah.
Roño said that at this point, he’s not thinking about possible awards that the film might receive.
“Naku lagpas na ako diyan, hindi ko na iniisip yan ang sa akin lang ay gawin ko ang pelikulang gusto ko at alam kong magugustuhan din ng manonood. I want to offer them something special everytime I do a movie for them,” Roño said.
Eighty percent of the film was shot in London for three straight weeks.
The cast includes British actors Saul Reichlin, Matthew Rutherford, Claire Jeater and a powerhouse cast of Filipinos — John Estrada, Rica Peralejo, Makisig Morales, John Manalo, Jhong Hilario, Mickey Feriols, Lotlot de Leon, Marita Zobel, Anita Linda, Ella V., Ima Castro and veteran actress Boots Anson Roa.
The film is Cuneta’s 30th anniversary offering to fans and supporters and also in celebration of Star Cinema’s 15th year.
Makisig’s European adventure
Makisig Morales flew to London with his father Jong to shoot the upcoming movie Caregiver with Megastar Sharon Cuneta last April 11 to 19. Despite the long 14-hour flight, with a stopover in Dubai, Makisig enjoyed the trip because he flew business class for the very first time. “Nakakaaliw dahil may sarili kaming TV. Nakakanuod ako ng madaming videos at masarap humiga!” he shares.
While in London, father and son stayed at the local Days Inn, which was very accessible to and from the different shoot locations. Even though he was in the land of fish and chips, Makisig still craved for Asian food so he and Daddy Jong looked for nearby Chinese restaurants whenever they wanted a bite to eat. The 12-year-old also made sure to buy souvenirs like keychains, scarves, and a hat decorated with the British flag. In between shooting scenes with the Megastar, Mak had a grand time visiting Big Ben and other British landmarks, as well as playing in playgrounds near shoot locations.
Aside from battling jetlag, Mak also had to deal with the freezing weather. He also experienced having to put on prosthetics for a crucial scene, a procedure that took almost the entire afternoon. “First time ko po malagyan kasi kunwari po nabugbog ako. Mahirap rin pala kasi napapapikit ako ng matagal tsaka yung dugo pumapasok sa mata ko,” he explains.
Working with director Chito Roño was also a new experience for the young actor. Mak had already been told of the veteran director’s strictness so he made sure to follow directions well. “Once lang po ako napagsabihan. Okay naman po. Hindi naman po ako natakot dahil mabait pala siya,” Mak admits.
On her part, Sharon got so fond of Mak that she took to calling him “Anak” on and off the set. Makisig even got to meet Sharon’s husband Senator Kiko Pangilinan, who also happened to be in town to meet some British embassy officials.
Because of the harsh weather, Sharon and Makisig would wait inside a van while waiting for their next scene. To kill time, they would watch movies on Sharon’s iPod. When the Megastar asked Mak what he had on his iPod, she was astonished to learn that he didn’t even have one. She promised the young star that she would give him one once they returned to Manila.
Mak didn’t want to think too much about what his Tita Shawie said so he was surprised when the Megastar kept her promise at the cast pictorial of Caregiver. Even though Mak was already done with the shoot, Sharon kept insisting that he stay on, which was just a ruse so she could give him his very own iPod Video. “Sobrang nagulat po ako kasi hindi ko akalain na maaalala pa niya yun. Masayang-masaya po ako,” Makisig relates.
| Rica takes on the role of Caregiver |
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Rica Peralejo will soon appear on the big screen in the much-anticipated Sharon Cuneta film, Caregiver. In this Star Cinema offering, she plays an OFW health worker in London like the Megastar. During the cast pictorial for the movie, Rica revealed that she felt fortunate to see another side of the Megastar. “Walang akong masabi sa kanya (Sharon). You’re working with the Megastar and the least you would expect from somebody as big as her is ‘yung alalayan ka pa. Last na ‘yun sa mga iniisip kong gagawin niya para sa akin, pero ginawa pa rin niya,” she shares. Many actors might feel some pressure in working with a top-notch actress like Sharon Cuneta, and Rica wasn’t an exception. “Natakot ako na hindi maka-deliver. Ang kapal naman ng mukha ko kung ako pa yung hindi maka-deliver. May mga moments kami sa London na dahil sa sobrang lamig at sa jetlag na minsan iniisip ko ‘Sana Lord magawa ko ‘to!” she said. But Rica is very thankful for the opportunity to work with Sharon, which to her is an enjoyable learning experience.
Rica also confesses that she felt so blessed being with the Megastar. When she developed a slight cough while shooting in London, she was surprised to wake up on the plane and have Sharon give her some medicine. “For someone who’s so busy thinking about her work, family, and studies, she took time to check on me. Hindi na lang ako nakapagsalita. Blessed talaga ako.” she shares. Rica also added that director Chito S. Roño was another major factor for her to enjoy their London shoot, saying he helped her give justice to the role. Although having a lot of OFW friends helped her get into the character, Rica says that she placed her whole trust on her director. “I trusted Direk to take me through the whole movie. I would be better kung katulad ng isang Chito Roño ang mag-guide sa akin. He makes you do your best. Though there are times you would feel scared of him, it’s a good motivation for you to do your best. He gives me the challenge to do better than what I can already do,” she elaborates. Rica couldn’t be more excited for audiences to see the film for them to understand why she was very happy to do the movie. |
Caregiver aside, Rica asserts that she would rather focus on her studies now than to act again on screen. “I’m not really planning my career right now. I’m not even thinking about what to do next. I don’t think acting is my priority right now,” she says. She’s currently busy taking up Creative Writing at Ateneo and doing co-hosting duties on Umagang Kay Ganda so she has other things to keep her occupied.