Pokwang Breaks Down as She Talks About ‘A Mother’s Story’

Pokwang expressed her overflowing gratitude for being given a launching movie, A Mother’s Story, scheduled for release on October 12. She told reporters during the photo shoot for the film, “Mataas pa sa bubong ng ABS-CBN building ang kasiyahan ko. Finally ay nabigyan ako ng pagkakataong magkaroon ng launching movie. Maraming salamat sa Star Cinema at sa TFC. Totoo nga ang kasabihan na maghintay lang dahil may nakalaang bonggang-bongga para sa iyo.”

But the difference in this movie is that the comedienne will deliver a dramatic performance. Pokwang will play an illegal immigrant desperately working to provide for her children. “Ako rito si Medi, isang ina na gagawin ang lahat para sa kanyang mga anak. Nag-TNT (tago nang tago) siya sa Amerika para maghanap ng trabaho. Dahil iligal nga ang stay ko, hindi ako makalaban sa mga amo kong umaapi sa akin nang bonggang-bongga. Pero tiniis ko lahat ‘yun.”

Pokwang shared that her character is very much similar to her real life experience before she entered showbiz. Prior to being a stand-up comic, she worked as an entertainer in Japan and in Abu Dhabi. “Sobrang laki ng naitulong nung karanasan ko bilang OFW noon para sa character ko rito sa movie. Alam ko na kung ano ang pakiramdam ng isang ina na malayo sa anak dahil nagtatrabaho abroad. Kaya kami ni Direk John D Lazatin, titigan na lang ang motivation niya sa akin kasi nga sasabihin lang niya, ‘Alam mo na!’ Alam niyang hindi nalalayo si Marietta Subong (her real name) kay Medi.”

She confessed that there were times on the set that she would feel very much affected even before the take. “Kaya ibinuhos ko na lahat ng kaya ko. Ayaw daw niya na umarte ako na parang artista. Gusto kong ipakita mo sa tao ‘yung sakit na naramdaman mo nung nag-OFW ka at nalayo ka sa anak mo, na wala ako sa tabi niya habang may sakit siya hanggang sa kunin na siya ni Lord. Ang laki nang naitulong nung experience ko.” Pokwang then started to cry while doing the interview as she remembered her six-year-old son who passed away while she was working in Abu Dhabi.

After having gone through those painful experiences, Pokwang related how very thankful she is now being blessed with a successful showbiz career. “Ngayon natutunan ko na ‘yung mga nangyayari sa buhay natin na masasakit, balang araw may matututunan tayong aral dun. Hindi na siguro mawawala ‘yung sakit, pero ginagamit ko na lang na tuntungan para maabot ko pa ‘yung iba ko pang mga pangarap. Ito na siguro ‘yung kapalit ng lahat ng sakit na naranasan ko sa buhay. May sunrise rin pala.”

Playing her children in the movie are Rayver Cruz and Xyriel Manabat. “Anak ko dito sina Rayver at Xyriel. Nung maliit pa si Rayver ang gaganap sa kanya si Aaron Junatas. Hindi naman talaga sila magrerebelde. Sa movie kasi ni Ate Vi (Vilma Santos) na Anak, si Claudine (Barretto) doon talagang nagrebelde. Sina Rayver at Xyriel, dahil nga matagal akong nawala, lalayo ang loob nila sa akin.”

Source: www.push.com.ph

'Ikaw ang Pag-ibig' to Hit Theaters on September 14

The wait is over. The much anticipated family drama "Ikaw ang Pag-ibig" is set to hit theaters nationwide on September 14.

Written and produced by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, the film revolves around a woman named Vangie Cruz, whose family life and career as a video editor are disrupted when her only brother, a newly ordained priest, Fr. Johnny Agustin, is diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

With Vangie’s dysfunctional family gravitating around her brother’s illness, they find themselves drawn to Ina, the Virgin Mary.

“Ikaw ang Pag-ibig” stars Jaime Fabregas, Nonie Buencamino, Shamaine Centenera, Yogo Singh, Ina Feleo (Vangie), Marvin Agustin (Fr. Johnny), and Jomary Yllana, with the special participation of Eddie Garcia.

It commemorates the tercentenary of the Devotion to Our Lady of Penafrancia.

“Ikaw ang Pag-ibig” is endorsed by the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines and the Manila Archdiocesan and Parochial Schools Inc.

Here is the trailer of Ikaw ang Pag-ibig.

Toni Gonzaga Supports Boyfriend Direk Paul Soriano by Attending his Movie

TV host-singer Toni Gonzaga has put to rest speculations that all is not well between her and boyfriend Paul Soriano by attending the premiere of his movie, "Thelma," at SM Megamall on Sept. 4.

“Ang ganda ng pelikula,” Toni told Bulletin Entertainment and other members of the press at the after screening party.

The controversial actress admits getting teary eyed over some scenes in the film.

“Back-to-back kami ni Ate Uge (Eugene Domingo’s nickname). Hindi na kami magkandaugaga ni Ate Uge sa pagiyak,” she said.

Recall that Paul, Toni and Maja hogged headlines recently after rumors spread that something romantic brews between Paul and Maja behind Toni's back. Paul and Maja had flatly denied the issue even as Toni herself said nothing of that nature is going on.

Maja broke down when she addressed the issue a few days back. “Masyado na. Tinatapakan na masyado ‘yung pagkatao ko. Tao lang din po ako na nasasaktan. Hindi porke’t artista...,” she said between sobs.

Paul in a separate Bulletin Entertainment report only shook his head when asked about the rumor. He dubbed the rumors "unfortunate" and "unfair” since he only sees Maja “like a little sister.”

He insisted that what he and Maja have is a “work relationship” and that linking them together was”unnecessary.”

How does Toni feel about it? The report mentioned that Paul is "certain" that Toni is unaffected by the issue because they are “very secure” about their relationship.

Asked to comment about Maja's tearful interview on "The Buzz" where she admitted causing the fistfight between Matteo Guidicelli and Coco Martin on Sept. 3, Toni simply said, "Irespeto na lang natin kung ano yung mga nangyayari at pinagdadaanan niya [Maja].

"Bata pa si Maja hindi siguro makakatulong kung marami pa tayong magsasalita para sa kanya. Hayaan na lang natin siya on her own. I think what she needs right now is the love and support na mabibigay ng tao sa kanya especially in this tough time that she’s going through."

“Thelma” tells the story of a teenage barrio girl from Ilocos Norte who uses her gift for running to improve her life and those of her loved ones. The movie also stars Tetchie Agbayani, John Arcilla, Eliza Pineda, Jason Abalos, Sue Prado and with the special participation of Philippine Track and Field champion Elma Muros.

Maja Salvador Co-Produced Thelma

Just before filming wrapped up for “Thelma,” lead actress Maja Salvador accepted an offer from producer Rino Que to join them as co-producer.



Without as much as a second thought, the drama actress conceded and did not collect the rest of her talent fee for the film. It is Maja’s first time to become an industrial partner in a business venture, a move that stemmed from her faith and confidence in the project.



“Thelma” is an indie film produced by Time Horizon Pictures about a marathon runner who battles against the odds. To get into the athletic mode, Maja was trained in long-distance running by national athlete Elma Murros.



The training introduced Maja to running as a sport, and which she now uses as a measure to keep fit and lose weight.



There were a lot of sacrifices made in the making of the movie. Maja endured bruises in her feet and legs as she ran on rugged country roads, oftentimes bare-footed as she played a poor peasant’s daughter in the picture.



While fast-track running is her thing in the film, the same can’t be said of Maja’s attitude towards her acting career. “I’m not in a hurry, ako yung artista na hindi nagmamadali,” she told media during the film’s launch at the ABS-CBN’s 9501 Executive Lounge recently.



The actress said she loved her profession too much she will not want to rush in a bid to become a very big star. It’s not among her wishes, she explained.



Maja has just finished a high-rating teleserye, “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin,” which sealed her partnership with Coco Martin. She’s embarking soon on an international promotional tour for “Minsan” but hoping to make a stop in Hawaii in October for the screening of “Thelma” at an international film festival in the island.



“Thelma,” described by its director, Paul Soriano, as an inspiring film, also stars Jason Abalos, Tetchie Agbayani, John Arcilla, among others. It has won the nod of Star Cinema, which has agreed to distribute the film starting on Sept. 7.

Anne Curtis on No Other Woman

Anne Curtis is excited about her latest film No Other Woman, which also stars Derek Ramsay and Cristine Reyes, because she gets to showcase her mettle as an actress. “I think this is really the last adult film from Star Cinema for this year,” explained Anne. “It’s a mature love story affair so I’m excited kasi puro mga rom-com (romantic-comedy) ang mga napapanood natin [so] for a change it’s something with depth.”



The actress also shared the project also serves as a first. “It’s the first time that I’m portraying a role that deals with domesticated life kasi laging boyfriend-girlfriend ang issue [ng past movies ko]. Ito kasi mag-asawa na [and] it’s a first for me. Ibig sabihin ready na ako for mature roles, hindi na pang-bagets. Kasi iba na naman. Bago na naman kasi laging comedy o kaya love story, ito parang it’s something far from ginagawa ko in the past.”



Anne related that when she dubbed for the movie, she was surprised when she saw her acting in this project. “Naloka talaga ako, sabi ko, ‘Oh my gosh!’ Pero ang galing kasi parang natawa ako sa sarili ko kasi I’m not used to seeing myself on the big screen na ganon so nakaka-excite din. I was so excited to get into the role and I was super involved sa script and everything and made sure everything [was] maayos.”



But she clarified that although she is ready to take on more mature roles, it does not necessarily mean that she is willing to go daring in all of the projects. Anne continued that her priority is to make sure that her projects have good stories. “I don’t think anymore the issue here is sexy, eh. Parang it’s such an old issue. It’s not that anymore, eh. It’s more of the scripts that are given now. My generation parang lahat kami we’re attacking more mature roles, which is good,” said the actress. “I think that’s the fun part of being an actress, when they realize your worth as an actress.”



When she was asked about her love scene with Derek, Anne said that they were both uneasy at first. But it was a good thing that they had worked together before on some projects so they were able to pull off the intimate scene. “I mean it’s normal [to feel uneasy] but at the end of the day, happy ako na hindi ito ‘yung first time na naka-work ko si Derek. Kasi kung first time, ang laking ilang factor talaga,” shared Anne. “At least naka-work ko na siya before sa The Wedding [and] magkapitbahay pa kami dati so walang ilangan factor.”



She added that she and Derek have gotten closer because of the movie. “Sabi nga namin iba na ang level ng closeness namin. Iba na ang friendship natin ngayon. So it’s good that before we did the intimate scene parang we shot so much before, parang na-establish ‘yung characters namin.”



Source: www.push.com.ph

Pokwang Pressured for First Solo Movie

In her very first starring role, Pokwang takes on a dramatic role in TFC and Star Cinema’s movie entitled A Mother’s Story. She plays an illegal immigrant in the U.S. who takes up odd jobs to earn money for her children back home. “Oo nga, super excited ako. Bonggang launching movie ito. Nakakatawa nga kasi sa lahat ng komedyante ako ang nabigyan ng launching movie na drama. Challenge sa buhay ito bilang artista kaya pinaghusayan ko talaga. In fairness sa director at writers namin, talagang piniga nila ako.”



As a former OFW herself, Pokwang shared that she didn’t have much difficulty internalizing her character. “Kwento ito ng isang OFW na nanay. Lahat gagawin niya at isasakripisyo para sa pamilya niya. Sobrang nakaka-relate ako sa pelikula. Hindi ako masyado nahirapan sa pagiging OFW. Pero may parts na challenging talaga. Kasi ita-tackle sa movie yung mga issue ng inaabuso, yung pagiging illegal abroad, wala kang laban kasi kapag illegal ka dun. Pero personally, wala akong na-experience na minamaltrato ako. Alam mo naman ako, palaban ako day!”



Although it took this long before she was given a solo movie by ABS-CBN, Pokwang stressed that there’s no sense feeling hurt for that matter. “Kaysa naman wala ‘di ba? Timing lang talaga. Siguro nakita naman ng management, Star Cinema at TFC na ito ang right time para sa akin. At kung pressure ang pag-uusapan habang papalapit ng palapit yung playdate, ito yung time na ‘di ka talaga makakatulog. Pero pinagdadasal ko naman. Sabi ko nga lahat ng pressure sa buhay mawawala basta ipagdasal mo lang.”



Joining Pokwang in this movie are Xyriel Manabat, Rayver Cruz, Nonie Buencamino, Ana Capri, and Daria Ramirez with the special participation of Beth Tamayo.



A Mother’s Story will be shown in theatres on September 28.



Source: www.push.com.ph

Thelma on Theaters This September 7

Time Horizon Pictures, in cooperation with Abracadabra Productions and Underground Logic proudly brings an indie film about a young runner’s determination to reach her goals and dreams. It is a story of a simple young girl from the province named Thelma whose family is beset with challenges when she discovers her uncanny gift of speed. Her talent then opens doors for her – to elevate her family’s situation and change the course of her own life. But to do that she will have to run- against all obstacles, against personal hindrances, against shadows from her past, and against her own self-doubts.



Starring Maja Salvador in the title role, the movie also stars Tetchie Agbayani, John Arcilla, Eliza Pineda, Sue Prado, Elma Muros and Jason Abalos.



Helmed by Paul Soriano (Chasing Manila, A Journey Home) and distributed by Star Cinema, the movie is set to open in theaters nationwide on September 7, a week after the screening of Toni Gonzaga‘s “p’Wedding Tayo, p’Wedding Hindi.”

Sharon Cuneta Excited With New Movie

Megastar Sharon Cuneta has expressed her excitement over her newest movie project under Star Cinema.



“I’m excited kasi it’s a different project, a different kind of mother I’m going to portray,” she said.



She added, “Direk Lauren Dyogi is going to direct it so I’m very excited.”



Cuneta said she is set to shoot the new project by October.



Her role in this film is a former overseas Filipino worker who comes home to her kids and finds work in a call center.



She further explained her character, “It’s about a family and a mother’s relationship with all her children, and also the family that she slowly gets to realize and embrace in the call center. It’s about family and working families and how they change me and affect me as a person. It’s about being a woman and a mother.”



Cuneta is confident that she could give justice to the role.



“I actually know someone who works in a call center. I can get a lot of tips from him,” she said.



The cast for the upcoming movie is yet to be finalized, and Cuneta refused to give out any name. She said, however, that a list of the prospective stars has already been shown to her.



“The lineup for the cast was presented na kanina, but ayaw ko naman i-pre-empt. Baka hindi pa sila nakakausap. There’s going to be a big announcement.” she said.



Meanwhile, Cuneta admitted she is still looking forward to doing a reunion project with ex-husband Gabby Concepcion.



“I’m still hoping for that. I’m pretty sure it will push through but just not as soon as everyone hopes,” she said.



“Pati ako fan ako nung love team naming ‘yon, so I’m excited (laughs). Miss ko na rin yung team-up. Hopefully, mga next year [we can do the project].”



Source: www.push.com.ph

Kim Chiu Starstrucked With Vilma Santos

Kim Chiu was admittedly star-struck when she finally met Batangas Governor Vilma Santos during the story conference of their movie The Healing last August 23 at the ABS-CBN compound. She could hardly believe that it has been a year since she reenacted a scene from The Dolzura Cortez story for Vilma’s TV special. Her portrayal was so remarkable that it paved the way for them to have a movie together.



Adding to Kim’s excitement for this huge project is the fact that Vilma is very vocal about her admiration of the young star’s accomplishments in life. “Ito na naman ako, wala akong masabi kanina pa. Masaya and excited ako. It’s something new for me to do a horror movie under Star Cinema and to work with Ate Vi. Nahihiya ako sa kanya. First time ko din makakatrabaho si Direk Chito Roño. Magaling siya sa mga suspense and horror movies so excited ako. Nakakatuwa and nakaka-touch na ako ang napili para sa movie na ito.”



Although she’s still overwhelmed by Vilma’s mere presence, Kim is looking forward to their bonding time on the set once they start shooting in October. “Busog na busog naman ako sa papuri. Alam ko madami akong matututunan sa shooting namin, sa personal life at sa pag-arte kasi siyempre matalinong-matalino si Ate Vi. Habang matagal kaming magkasama, hindi lang yung alam ko ngayon sa buhay, siguradong mas malalim pa yung matututunan ko.”



Kim added that she won’t really miss having a love team in this movie since she already has enough leading men in her ongoing soap, My Binondo Girl. “Hindi ko pa alam kung kailan ako magkakaroon ng movie na iba naman ang leading man. Pero sa ngayon ang focus ko muna sa movie namin ni Ate Vi. First time ako gagawa ng horror movie na may halong kwento tungkol sa faith healing. Medyo mahahati yung oras ko dahil sa My Binondo Girl, pero masaya naman ako dahil madaming work at blessings ang dumadating. At siyempre pagbubutihan ko ito sa lahat ng ginagawa ko.”



Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Gerald Anderson and Sarah Geronimo Feel Pressured With Second Movie Together

Currently gearing up for his follow-up movie with Sarah Geronimo after the success of Catch Me, I’m in Love, Gerald Anderson admitted he feels the same apprehension that his former onscreen partner Kim Chiu feels now that they’ve embarked on separate projects. “Siyempre ganun din sa akin. Ganun talaga eh, sanay kami na magkasama kami lagi sa mga show so ito yung first time na magkahiwalay kami,” he shared during the launch of the Puma FAAS shoe line last August 20 at the TriNoMa Mall in Quezon City. The 22-year-old Fil-Am actor once again showed off his athletic side as he finished the obstacle course set up by Puma in just 5.5 seconds in his FAAS running shoes.



Gerald said he is happy with the way Kim’s career is going now especially after seeing her in her new primetime series My Binondo Girl which premiered just last week. “Sobrang cute. Sobra akong nakyu-cute-an sa trailer nila. Nagulat ako actually kasi hindi ko masyado familiar sa kuwento niya and then nung nakita ko parang sobrang cute,” he admitted.



Now that he is focused on his upcoming movie project with Sarah, Gerald admitted he is excited to start working with the Popstar Princess again. “Nag-storycon na kami for our new movie. Inaayos na yung schedule at kuwento. Sila na naman yung writers namin sa last movie namin so excited kami. DJ si Sarah dito at ako ay isang normal na lalake lang (laughs). Para kaming aso’t pusa dito so cute siya. Magbibigay si Sarah ng advice tungkol sa love. Sobra na nga kaming excited para masimulan yung movie. Para magsama-sama ulit kami,” shared Puma’s current celebrity ambassador.



Although he admitted there is pressure once again for them to surpass the success of their first movie. Gerald said he would rather focus on providing a good quality film that everybody will enjoy. “Siyempre okay lang na may pressure para mataas yung standards. Kahit nung unang movie namin mataas na yung standards for us and sobra kaming na-pressure pero sa tingin ko lahat naman kami nagwo-work, mas nagfo-focus kami under the pressure. Excited ako sa kuwento, yung teamwork na gagawin namin dito para mapaganda yung movie. Siyempre this time mas madali na para sa aming dalawa ni Sarah kasi nagsama na kami sa isang movie. Nakapag-adjust naman kami. Kumbaga sanay na kami at mas kumportable na kami sa isa’t isa,” he added.



When asked if and when the chemistry that they project onscreen translates offscreen as well, would he ever plan to court his leading lady? “Tingnan natin. Sa ngayon, siyempre siyempre mas gusto ko muna makilala siya at makilala niya ako. Basta okay naman ako ngayon. Masaya ako kasi madaming work,” he said.



Source: www.push.com.ph

Vilma Santos and Kim Chiu on Star Cinema's The Healing

Although it’s been two years since she did In My Life with Star Cinema, Vilma Santos felt right at home as she sat down for a story conference of her new movie The Healing at the ABS-CBN compound yesterday, August 23. She was particularly excited to work with Kim Chiu whom she personally chose to be part of the project. “I was telling her kanina, even with her TV soap My Binondo Girl, makikita mo yung two characters na ginagampanan niya… Marami tayong magagaling na new breed of stars. Lahat sila marunong sumayaw, lahat sila marunong kumanta. But one thing with Kim, nakikita mo yung ibang role na kaya niyang gampanan. She’s a versatile actress at parang siya lang yung talagang iba-ibang talento ang kayang i-offer sa tao.”



Vilma was also impressed with the way Kim’s life story and the way she made her dreams come true despite her struggles while growing up. “Yung background ng tao ay importante. Baka sabihin naman showbiz na showbiz dahil gagawa kami ng pelikula. Pero napapanood niyo naman si Kim ‘di ba? How she takes care of her family, kung paano at saan niya nilalagay ang pera niya, which is very important. Marunong siya sa buhay and she's very serious about her craft. Kasi ‘yan naman ang labanan ngayon sa dami ng artista eh. Sino ang tatagal sa mahabaan? Yun yun.”



When asked about her considerations before she agreed to do the film, Vilma stressed that she’s not after a material that would get her an acting award. It’s more for her love of the craft which paved the way for the success that she’s enjoying right now. “When I say challenging, hindi naman kailangang pang-award or kailangang relevant yung movie kasi kahit papaano, modesty aside, mayroon na akong ganoong contribution sa industriya. At this point, I am looking for something new. Story-wise, first time ako gagawa ng ganitong proyekto. In terms of chemistry at kung sino naman ang pwedeng pagsamahing artista, this time we have Kim and myself. And with Chito Roño as our director, ano pang hahanapin mo?”



Although their target shooting date is still in October, the beloved governor of Batangas made sure that she has the blessing of her constituents for her to do a movie. “Kahapon lang sa flag ceremony at sa iba’t ibang bayan na iniikutan ko. Sinabi ko sa kanila na, ‘O, baka naman pwede akong makaraket ng isang pelikula.’ Sabi naman nila, ‘Opo!’ ‘O, alam niyo ha, na kapag medyo may time na wala ako dito...’ ‘Opo!’ Gusto ko lang i-assure sila na lahat ng proyekto at programa well-implemented. Na kapag nag-umpisa ako mag-shoot ng pelikula, imo-monitor mo na lang pero implemented na lahat. So payag naman sila. And I really miss doing films. I miss showbiz. Kung kaya ko lang talaga [mas madalas pa sana]. Kasi a big part of me ay dito nagnggaling sa pelikula at utang na loob ko yun, kung nasaan man ako ngayon, sa industriya ng pelikula.”



Source: www.push.com.ph

Sharon Cuneta Set to Do a Movie with Star Cinema

Sharon Cuneta is set to do a movie under Star Cinema.



On Tuesday night, Cuneta attended a story conference with Star Cinema's executives.



"Shooting na sa October. Basta ang role ko ay nagta-trabaho sa call center, the story is about family," she said.



"Ibang klaseng nanay ako dito, Madrasta was different kind, ito din," she added.



Cuneta's comeback film will be directed by Lauren Dyogi.



The actress also hopes that the movie with former husband Gabby Concepcion will also push through.



"We are still hoping for that. I'm pretty sure it will push through but as not as soon as everybody hopes. Ayaw ko naman mag-comeback ng love story na immediately Sharon-Gabby agad. Let's do our own muna, pero papasaan ba, darating din yon eh, Sharon-Gabby yon. Pati ako fan ako ng love team na yon," she said.



Meanwhile, Cuneta expressed her interest in venturing into producing films.



"I'm gonna go into co-production with certain projects lang, at saka I'm hoping kahit hindi ako ang artista sa iba makiki-co-prod, co-prod lang with Star and Viva, dadahan-dahanin," she said.



Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Eugene Domingo Praises Toni Gonzaga's Comedic Timing

Eugene Domingo was all praises for her Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi co-star Toni Gonzaga when the former faced reporters during the mini-press conference for the movie scheduled to open this August 31. Eugene and Toni play two friends with conflicting beliefs on love and marriage. According to Eugene, Toni exhibited an impressive sense of comedic timing in Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi. “Napakagaling ni Toni. Singer kasi siya so mahusay ang timing niya. Marunong siyang magbigay ng iba’t ibang tono. I think sa mga kasabayan niya walang siyang katulad. She stands out. Ang husay niya sa hosting, sa singing. Excited ako para sa concert niya kasi alam kong kayang kaya niya ‘yun.”



Eugene further shared that audiences will get to see a different side of Toni in this movie. “Natutuwa ako na tinanggap niya itong role sa Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi kasi ba naman, konti na lang mukha na siyang tuta. Hindi siya conscious sa magiging hitsura niya. Ang gusto ko sa kanya is game na game siya. At lahat yata ng batang aktres na nadidikit sa akin e nagiging bakla. Si Angelica (Panganiban), ngayon si Toni.”



Many would quickly conclude that in this project, it would be the more senior Eugene who would extend tips to Toni. But Eugene confessed that during the filming, it became the other way around. “Hindi totoo ‘yung inaakala ng marami na dahil beterana ako e sa akin sila natututo. Baliktad kaya. Nakukuha ko ang energy nila. Nai-inspire ako lalo magtrabaho dahil sa kanila. Nakikita ko ang passion sa kanila so I’m reminded of how I was ten years ago. Dapat ageless ang passion.”



The movie industry seems to be producing more and more comedy flicks in the past couple of years. When asked why she thinks such is the case, Eugene attributed this to the desire of many to find an effective diversion. “Hindi nakakagulat ‘yan kasi sa TV ngayon wala nang masyadong sitcoms. Puro na drama. Mula news hanggang late night puro drama na. Ang gusto na ng mga tao ngayon at kapag nagbayad sila ng 200 pesos sa sinehan, nakakalimutan nila ang mga problema nila. Bukod dun nagkakaroon sila ng insights about life, love. Ganun ang tema nitong Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi.”



Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi is Eugene’s fifth movie for this year, and she is set to do two more. The theater-turned-movie actress expressed her gratitude to producers who entrust her with projects and the people who enjoy paying for tickets just to watch her. “I feel so blessed talaga. Wala nang masyadong nagpo-produce ng pelikula ngayon at ang dami-daming artista na pwedeng kunin. Nagpapasalamat ako.”



Source: www.push.com.ph

Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi Teasers

Here are teasers of the upcoming movie Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi starring Eugene Domingo and Toni Gonzaga. The movie opens in theaters on August 31.

Toni Gonzaga on Wedding Tayo Wedding Hindi

Sinabi ni Toni Gonzaga na sa paggawa ng pelikulang Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi na magbubukas sa mga sinehan sa August 31, ang pinakamahalagang bagay na kanyang natutunan ay ang pagkakaroon ng bendisyon ng pamilya bago ikasal. “Hindi talaga magwo-work ‘yung you and me against the world,” paliwanag ni Toni. “Kailangan ma-win mo ‘yung pamilya ng bawat isa para mag-work ang relationship. Kasi lagi nilang sinasabi, ‘Ah kahit ‘di agree ang pamilya basta nagmamahalan kayo…’ kasi at the end of the day kung sino ang pamilya ng lalaki na mahal mo, pamilya mo rin sila.” Hindi naman ito problema ni Toni sa boyfriend niyang si Direk Paul Soriano dahil boto ang pamilya ng direktor kay Toni.



Tinatalakay rin sa pelikula na pinagbibidahan din nina Eugene Domingo at Zanjoe Marudo ang paghihiwalay; annulment or divorce. Pero para kay Toni, hindi raw siya pabor sa annulment. “Anti talaga ako kasi babae ako, eh. Mas malaki ang nawawala sa babae so bilang babae what God has put together, let no man separate, not even the papers.”



Ibinahagi rin ni Toni ang pananaw niya para maging matagumpay ang isang relasyon. “I think every relationship is a work in progress. Once na nag-give up ang isang tao o isa sa inyo, hindi na magwo-work pero kung ‘yung dalawang tao may effort kaya natin ito.”



Hindi rin ito ang unang beses na makakatrabaho niya sina Eugene at si Zanjoe. Una niyang nakatrabaho si Eugene noong 2006 para sa pelikulang You Are The One. Papuri pa ni Toni kay Uge, “Si Ate Uge from the first time that I’ve worked with her, scene-stealer siya at applauded ‘yung mga eksena niya non. So pagdating talaga sa comedy si Ate Uge talaga ang maasahan at andami ko talagang natutunan sa kanya bilang artista.”



Si Zanjoe naman ay naging leading man niya sa You Got Me (2007). “Si Zanjoe nung una ko siyang makatrabaho mahiyain pa siya, tahimik. Antagal niyang mag-open up. It takes awhile bago kami maging lapat na lapat sa isat isa, although di siya mahirap pakisamahan dahil totoong tao.”



Source: www.push.com.ph

Vilma Santos Confirms Movie With Kim Chiu

After much speculation if she will do another movie this year, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos has finally confirmed that she will topbill another Star Cinema project.



In an interview with “Showbiz News Ngayon,” Santos said she will work with actress Kim Chiu in a horror-suspense film and they will start shooting in September.



“Oo, confirmed. It’s a horror movie, horror-suspense. Tentatively, ang shooting namin ay September. May commitment ako talaga sa Star Cinema. Dapat nga kay Sharon but unfortunately, hindi nga nagtutugma ang schedule namin so naging Kim Chiu. Kaming dalawa ni Kim under Chito Roño,” she said.



Meanwhile, aside from her upcoming film with Santos, Chiu was also elated over the warm welcome of her supporters in her primetime comeback.



“Nakakatuwa kasi sa lahat ng mga shows ko, ngayon lang ako nag-block screening. Akala ko premiere night kaya nakakatuwa dahil ang daming mga fans na dumating, ang daming mga kaibigan kaya nagpapasalamat talaga ako. Sana abangan siya ng mga tao and tanggaping siya ng buo,” she said.



“My Binondo Girl” started to air on ABS-CBN on Monday.



Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sam Concepcion: Next Big Leading Man

Young actor Sam Concepcion said he was overwhelmed by the positive reviews of his movie, "Way Back Home," especially after being touted as the country's next big leading man.



In an interview with Push.com.ph, Concepcion said he still has a lot to learn as an actor.



“Wow, para sabihin niyo 'yun thank you talaga," he said, referring to the "next leading man" tag.



"Pero start pa lang ‘yan. Marami pa akong kailangan patunayan. There are so many things I need to learn as an actor, as an artist, and as a person. Kasi habang tumatanda ka, the more you experience, the more you know, the better actor you are,” he added.



Concepcion also lauded his co-stars in the movie, particularly actresses Julia Montes and Kathryn Bernardo.



"You saw naman in the movie, iba sila mag-capture ng audience. Just to be able to work alongside the 2 of them, sobrang thankful na talaga ako," he said.



Asked to choose between the 2 leading ladies, he said, "Mahirap naman pumili kasi they're both talented and sweet."



Concepcion first worked with Bernardo in defunct ABS-CBN television series "Super Inggo."



He said he did not expect to be paired with the "Mara Clara" star since they are from different batches of Star Magic.



“Si Kathryn super sweet. Una ko siyang nakatrabaho sa 'Super Inggo.' Ang liit-liit pa niya nun. Si Makisig (Morales) pa ang love team niya nun, tapos ako naman si Empress. Ngayon dalaga na siya, iba na, mature na kapag nakausap mo. Si Julia ganon din. At alam ko kahit pagkatapos ng movie, we’ll be hanging out with each other,” he said.



Meanwhile, Concepcion said he is thankful for the blessings, as well as the trust and support that he has been receiving from fans. He also vowed to do his best in his career.



Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson Invite Public to Watch Second Movie Together

Actor Gerald Anderson and Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo called on the public to support their second movie project.



In an interview with ABS-CBN News on Thursday, Geronimo said she and Anderson are working hard to make their movie beautiful.



“Nagpapasalamat kami sa lahat ng tumanggap ng tandem namin ni Gerald. Sa bawat project namin, ang goal [namin] ay mapasaya kayo, ma-entertain kayo nang husto,” she said.



Geronimo is hoping that people would appreciate this film the same way they patronized "Catch Me...I'm in Love," the Pop Princess' first movie with Anderson.



“Tulad ng sabi ni Direk Cathy, ang gauge ng pagiging magaling na aktor, hindi basehan sa klase ng role o storya, kundi kung paano mo na-execute. Yun ang pagtatrabahuhan namin na maging iba kahit simple lang ang characters and storya namin,” she said.



Anderson, for his part, said he is looking forward to working again with Geronimo as they are already comfortable with each other.



“Excited ako sa kuwento, 'yung teamwork na gagawin namin dito para mapaganda ang movie. Siyempre mas madali na para sa amin ni Sarah kasi nagsama na kami sa isang movie. Adjusted naman kami. Teka, adjusted from what? Ha ha ha. Mas sanay na kami sa isa't isa,” he explained.



The movie is set to be shown before the year ends.



Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kathryn Bernardo Doesn't Want to Assume That She is a Big Star Already

Parehong naging emosyunal sina Kathryn Bernardo at Julia Montes, ang mga bida ng pelikula ng Star Cinema na Way Back Home nang ganapin noong Martes, August 16, ang premiere night. Nawala daw ang kaba nila nang makita kung gaano kadami ang nagpakita ng suporta sa kanilang launching movie. Puro good reviews din ang nakuha ng pelikula mula sa mga nanonood.



“Masaya kasi nakita namin sa mga scenes kinikilig din sila, naiiyak din sila,” kuwento ni Kathryn nang ma-interview after the screening. “So natutuwa kami kasi effective. So sana ‘yung mga ‘di pa nakakapanood sana magustuhan din nila.”



Dahil sa magandang review sa pelikula, inaasahang lalong kikilalanin ang dalawa bilang promising young actresses. Confident na ba sila ngayon na lalo pa silang sisikat? “Hindi pa rin po ganun ka-confident,” sagot ni Kathryn. “Siguro na-lessen din po [ang kaba] pero hindi mo pa rin masasabi ‘yon. Ayoko pong mag-assume so sana ‘yung mga tao willing silang magbayad [para mapanood ang pelikula]. Wag bibili ng fake DVDs ganyan. ‘Yun ang talagang wino-worry ko. Tingnan natin ang week na ito kung susuportahan nila.”



Dahil sa phenomenal success ng kanilang pinagbidahang remake ng Mara Clara, marami ang nagsasabing sina Kathryn at Julia na ang next big stars. Dahil din sa magandang launching movie, sinasabing hindi raw ito malayong mangyari.



Pero para kay Kathryn, masyado pang maaga para mabansagan silang young superstars. “Hindi ko rin nilalagay sa ulo ko na young superstars kasi hindi naman parating kami lang. May darating [na bago]. ‘Yung sa akin po ibinibigay ko lang po ‘yung best ko sa lahat. Ayoko namang mag-expect na ako lang kasi maraming kakompitensya din. So ngayon ine-enjoy ko lang po ang blessings.”



Sa nasabing premiere night, sa lahat daw ng papuring narinig ni Kathryn, pinakagusto raw niya ang pagbati sa kanya ng ABS-CBN executives na sina Star Cinema Managing Director Malou N. Santos at ABS-CBN Entertainment Productions Head Cory Vidanes. “’Yung makita ko lang na happy po ‘yung mga boss, sina Tita Malou, Tita Cory, makita ko lang na kino-congratulate kami at umiiyak sila, ‘yun eh. Sobrang magandang prize na ‘yon. Makita ko lang ang Mara Clara family, ‘yung Growing Up family na proud na proud sila sa akin, para sa akin okay na ‘yun eh.” Ang Growing Up ay ang upcoming teen-oriented teleserye na pagbibidahan nina Kathryn at Julia soon.



Bukod din sa dalawang dalaga, umani rin ng magagandang reviews ang kanilang mga leading men sa pelikula na sina Sam Concepcion at Enrique Gil na nagpadagdag kilig sa mga manonood. “Kasi sina Enrique at Sam talaga tinutulungan ako para kiligin ang audience. Kahit na first time naming magka-love team natutuwa ako kasi kinilikig ang mga tao sa mga scenes namin, sa fish jokes namin [ni Enrique] so salamat kasi effective actors sila.”

"Way Back Home" Combines a Touching Story with Powerful Cast

The movie Way Back Home tells the story of how a family was torn apart because the mother (Agot Isidro) stopped caring about anything else except for her missing daughter Joanna (Kathryn Bernardo). As a result, Jessica (Julia) grew up embittered by the fact that her accomplishments in school are not enough to bring back her mom’s zest for life. Until one day, they unexpectedly cross paths with Joanna and their family becomes complete again. But instead of being happy about it, Jessica’s insecurities get the best of her as Joanna wins over not only their mother’s love but even the affection of their schoolmates’ as well. How long will the rivalry between the two last? When will Jessica stop punishing Joanna for her miserable childhood?



It’s a simple enough storyline and one that is used many times before in Philippine movies and soaps. Nevertheless, the dramatic prowess and mass appeal of both Kathryn and Julia prove to be a refreshing treat to moviegoers. Those who have watched the movie can’t help but shed tears every time their characters go through heart-rending circumstances. Aside from the big confrontation scene between the two during a school retreat, Kathryn particularly shines when she has a heart-to-heart talk with Agot, asking permission for her to go back to her family in the province. She is endearing all throughout the film and shows great promise as a certified dramatic actress. Julia, on the other hand, wows audience with how easily she transforms from a rebellious teenager to a loving daughter and sister in the movie. One of her notable scenes is the part where she finally voices out her long-buried resentments to her mother.



Although Julia and Kathryn don’t necessarily need a love team to make the movie work, viewers who are looking for a romantic angle won’t be disappointed at all. Enrique Gil and Sam Concepcion proved to be great additions to the cast since they established on screen chemistry with Kathryn and Julia, respectively. The two pairs even complement each other with Kathryn and Enrique's cheesy but sweet encounters together with Julia and Sam’s love-hate relationship in the film.



All in all, Way Back Home is a must-see film that’s not only value for money but is also good entertainment for viewers of any age.



Source: www.push.com.ph