It’s been days since she returned from New York, but Angel Locsin still can’t believe that she took part in the 37th International Emmy Awards as one of the nominees for Best Foreign Actress. But aside from her much-talked-about red carpet experience, the 23-year-old also fielded offers to do projects from several foreign production outfits. “May mga nagbigay ng calling cards e. Meron pang gustong makipag-co-produce sa ABS-CBN. Pero ayoko munang magsalita tungkol dun, ayokong pangunahan. Darating kung darating. Para sa akin yung experience lang talaga na ma-nominate is already something I can really be proud of. Okay na ako dun. Ayokong mag-expect ng higit pa dun,” she said in an interview with ABS-CBN reporters last Monday, November 30.
While Angel was grateful that her dramatic portrayal in Lobo got her to the Emmys, she admitted she would have enjoyed the trip more if her former leading man Piolo Pascual could have been there. She invited him to be her escort for the said event but unfortunately, the ultimate heartthrob was busy with his other work commitments. “Tinext ko siya kasi siya naman yung kasama ko sa Lobo, yung kasama sa hirap, sa puyat… And hindi ko naman maa-achieve yun kung wala din yung support niya. So tinanong ko kung gusto niyang sumama. Sabi naman niya gusto kaya lang medyo nagra-rush sila sa Lovers in Paris. Okay lang naman sa akin.Kinongratulate naman niya ako tapos nagpadala siya ng flowers,” she related.
With her latest achievement, Angel she has been getting even more accolades from her colleagues in the industry, particularly from John Lloyd Cruz who said that with or without an Emmy Award, he’s still proud of Angel’s talent as an actress. “Natense naman ako dun. Eto binabawian lang ako ni Lloydy dahil lagi kong sinasabi na fan ako ni Lloydy lalo na pagdating sa dedication niya sa craft niya. Wala ako masabi. Natawa na lang talaga ako. Salamat Lloydy,” she shyly remarked.
Angel further shared that her upcoming soap with John Lloyd is still in the planning stage because they want to make sure that they will be able to meet viewers’ expectations about their team-up. “Kasi yung kay Lloydy dahil masyado nga siyang pinaghahandaan and all. Inaayos yung story so right after Kokey namin siguro uumpisahan. Super natuwa ako lalo na nung narinig ko yung konsepto. Sana matuloy talaga siya. Kasi nung nalaman ko yung story tumayo yung balahibo ko e. Kaya lang hindi pa ko pwedeng mag-elaborate tungkol dun.”
When told that the multitalented actor is already looking forward to their first show together, she was quick to say that she also feels the same way. “Naku may time pa nga yung mang-asar nung first time naming nagkasama sa shoot ng ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID. Basta ang masasabi ko napakabait na tao yang si Lloydy at excited na din akong makasama siya dahil sa wakas makikita ko kung paano siya on at off screen,” she added.
As for her other projects, there has been talk that Eric Quizon wants Angel to play Alma Moreno in a planned biopic of his father Dolphy. Though she was clearly surprised by that piece of news, the young actress said that she’s willing to do the part if given the chance. “Wow. Talaga? Ngayon ko lang narinig ito ha. Sana matuloy kasi unang-una si Tito Dolphy ‘yan tapos si Direk Eric ilang taon ko nakatrabaho ‘yan. Yung thought lang na magampanan ko yung pinili niyang role para sa akin, exciting talaga. Sana matuloy at sana magampanan ko ng maayos.”
Angel Locsin is overwhelmed by John Lloyd Cruz’s all-out support
December 4, 2009 at 12:00 am (Actor & Actress, Comedians, Controversial Issue, Director, Entertainment & Lifestyle, Filmmaker & Movie, Funny, International films festival, Movie, MTRCB, PBB double-up, Philippines Daily Inquirer)
Tags: 37th International Emmy Awards as one of the nominees for Best Foreign Actress, ABS-CBN, Angel Losin, Celebrity News, Eric Quizon, GMA Network, Jake Cuenca, John Llyod Cruz, Jowee Morel, Lovers in Paris, PEP.ph, Philippines News
PBB: Double Up – Melisa Cantiveros
November 28, 2009 at 12:00 am (Actor & Actress, Comedians, Controversial Issue, Entertainment & Lifestyle, Funny, PBB double-up)
Tags: aul Jake, Bianca Gonzalez, Carol, Jason, Jowee Morel, Mariel, Mariel Rodriguez, Melai, Melisa Cantiveros, Melissa, MTRCB, Naked fan dance, PBB, PBB double-up, PBB evictions, PBB housemates, Pinoy Big Brothers, Princess, the Boy Astig of Mindoro, the Conservative Pharmacist of Tondo, the Inday Kengkay of Gen San, the Negosyante Prince of Cebu, the Romantic Stud of Samar, the Sassy Vamp of Cebu, the Struggling Mom of Davao, Tom, Toni Gonzaga
Dubbed as Inday Kengkay of General Santos City is 21 years old, Melisa Cantiveros. She is the funny girl to enter the Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up. Melisa looks at the positive side of things despite people teasing her about her looks. The aspiring teacher taking up Secondary Education at Mindanao State University hopes she can impart happiness to other people wherever she goes. Acting in theater is one of her interests.
Former Kuya Germs male talent is now a she
June 6, 2009 at 12:00 am (Actor & Actress, Comedians, Controversial Issue, Director, Entertainment & Lifestyle, Filmmaker & Movie, International films festival, Movie, PBB double-up, Philippines Daily Inquirer)
Tags: Akiro, boy-next-door, Japan, Jowee Morel, Kuya Germs, Latak, male matinee idol waving, Prof. Ryan Manal, Roger de Leon, signing autographs, TV show, Walang tulugan, Zyrene Verano
When Akiro, a graduate of amateur singing contests some years back, was taken in as one of German Moreno’s talents in his late night show, he was tagged as the “boy-next-door” type.
But as a matter of fact, he hated projecting himself as a male matinee idol waving, signing autographs, kissing and hugging shrieking fans, especially females.
While Akiro was being adored by many girls in the studio, he was fuming inside, even puking about the thought.
His co-hostesses, who were gorgeous young women, were all praises for him. Yet, his eyes were on his male co-hosts.
Although he had a spat with German over some issues, he left the show with an open heart.
He became a freelance actor and singer. He pursued training in music, performed in bars and private parties, and auditioned for roles in musicales and films, however small the parts were.
There were doubts over his sexuality, though. For instance, he quarreled with controversial director Jowee Morel, who eventually dropped him from a movie because of arguments over playing roles in the film “Latak.”
Akiro didn’t want to tackle walk-in type roles, and preferred bigger exposures which Morel couldn’t give him. That started Akiro’s ranting over Morel’s artistic disposition.
“Para siyang babae kung makatalak,” observed Jowee.
Last year, Akiro was still telling stories of how he was romantically attached to a Japayuki who had been sending him money from Japan to sustain his beauty parlor business.
“Inis na inis po ako no’n sa sarili ko no’n. Ngayon, ayaw ko nang magkunwari,” Akiro confessed.
From he to she
But “he” now sports the screen name, Zyrene Verano, which “she” uses in gay beauty contests.
She also used Zyrene in “her” recent special appearance at the University of Santo Tomas Albertus Magnus Auditorium. She sang the Donna Summer and Barbara Streisand duet “Tell Him” during the recital of Grand Music Palace piano and voice students.
According to Akiro, err, Zyrene, “he” took a leave of absence from show biz to go to Japan, and sought professional advise on having a transsexual change.
“He” eventually underwent orientation and counseling, but did “it” late last year in Thailand instead. The operation is cheaper in Thailand than in Japan.
“Ngayon po, may mga counseling pa ako at umiinom pa po ako ng mga gamot like hormonal tablets para maging babaing-babae ang boses ko, at ang lambot ng katawan ko. Umiinom din po ako ng glutathione para pumuti ako,” said Zyrene.
“Babaing-babae na rin po ang hugis ng aking katawan,” confirmed Verano. At that time, “she” was wearing a gown with a plunging neckline to boost her boobs and show her curves in the graduation ceremony.
“Dito rin po ako nag-aral ng voice lessons sa Grand Music Palace nina Prof. Ryan Manal and Roger de Leon.
“Ngayon po ay ipinagmamalaki ako ng mga magulang ko. No’ng una kong ipagtapat ang tunay kong pagkatao sa Daddy ko, akala ko, susuntukin niya ako. ‘Yon pala, niyakap pa niya ako. Naiyak ako.
“Sumasama pa rin sa akin ang uncle ko na madalas kong kasama no’n sa mga shows. At pati tatay ko, sumasama na rin sa akin sa shows.
Mas gusto ko po ang buhay ko ngayon.
“Wala pa po akong boyfriend ngayon. At wala pa rin pong nakagagamit sa akin. Ang mahal kaya po ng maintenance pag ginamit ka sexually. Manligaw muna silang lahat sa akin,” Zyrene quipped.
Hero’s welcome urged for Pinoy Cannes winner
May 25, 2009 at 12:00 am (Actor & Actress, Comedians, Controversial Issue, Director, Entertainment & Lifestyle, Filmmaker & Movie, International films festival, Movie, Philippines Daily Inquirer)
Tags: Babae Sa Breakwater, Brillante Mendoza, Cannes film festival, Critics, Filipino director is awarded, Hollywood critics, Jowee Morel, Kinatay, Manny Pacquiao, The Execution of P
Like Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, director Brillante Mendoza deserves to be given a hero’s welcome when he comes home, an award winning filmmaker said Monday.
Mendoza has bagged the best director award at the recently concluded 62nd Cannes Film Festival for his dark movie “Kinatay (The Execution of P).” This is the first time that a Filipino won the prestigious award.
Mario O’Hara said he is happy and proud of his colleague’s achievement in the prestigious international film event.
“Masyadong mataas ang pagpapahalaga ng Cannes sa sinumang nananalo kaya masuwerte si Brillante. Malaking karangalan ‘yan hindi lang para sa ating local movie industry kundi sa ating bansa, lalo na,” commented O’Hara.
He added: “Kung nabigyan si Manny Pacquiao ng gano’n katinding welcome, kailangang gano’n din ang ibigay kay Brillante. Magkaiba lang nga ng larangan ang kanilang pinanalunan pero ito ay para sa Pilipinas.”
O’Hara also exhibited his movie, “Babae Sa Breakwater,” during the 2004 Cannes Film Festival’s Directors’ Fortnight.
Mendoza’s triumph is also a victory for the Philippine movie industry as a whole. O’Hara said he hopes big filmmaking companies will give Mendoza a break and support so that he can further make movies that are worthy of international recognition.
“Ang Cannes ang stamp pad ng isang mahusay na direktor. It can also change the course of our filmmaking direction. Para makagawa tayo ng kikita at mananalo sa ibang bansa,” O’Hara suggested.
Controversial digital film director Jowee Morel is also proud of Mendoza’s achievement in Cannes.
“Wow! Fabulous.Very good. First in the history of the Philippines that a Filipino director is awarded in a big, credible film festival anywhere in the world,” said Morel.
The Execution of P
“Kinatay” notably features corrupt cops hacking a prostitute to pieces with blunt kitchen knives.
Mendoza, at Cannes for the second year running, again split the critics, drawing both hisses and applause for “Kinatay.” Last year’s “Serbis” was set in a Manila porn-theatre with long close-ups of festering boils and overflowing toilets, as well as the poverty and distress on the streets.
Still determined to portray the social reality around him, Mendoza in “Kinatay” traces 24 hours in the day of a trainee policeman, happily beginning with his wedding in the morning to close with the young man’s first outing at night with a band of corrupt colleagues.
To his surprise, fear and anguish, they pick up a prostitute accused of betrayal and wind up torturing, raping, killing and hacking her before disposing of the body parts across Manila.
“This is not just entertainment, these kinds of stories are real,” Mendoza said at Cannes.
Last year was the first time since 1984 the Philippines had a film competing for the top prize at Cannes, the Palme d’Or.
Critics
O’Hara, meanwhile, slammed Mendoza’s critics in the country.
“Dapat ay hindi nila sinisiraan si Brillante. Dapat, nakikiisa sila sa kanya. Ito ang dapat para umunlad ang ating movie industry.”
Armando Lao, “Kinatay’s” screenwriter, said he already learned how to shrug off negative criticisms, particularly those coming from Hollywood critics.
“Kasi, nasanay na ang mga Hollywood critics sa klase na pelikulang gusto nila. Ayaw nila talaga o hindi nila masakyan ang real time approach in filmmaking,” said Lao.
He also brushed aside acerbic remarks of local critics on his film. “Talangka mentality lang ‘yan.”
Lao stayed behind as Mendoza and film’s lead stars flew to Cannes to attend the festival.
“Busy rin si Dante (Mendoza) ngayon lalo pa at nanalo siya. Interviews ‘yan kahit saan,” he added.
Lao is already in the post-production stage of his directorial debut in “Biyaheng Lupa.”
‘Aurora’ director under fire over showing of banned film
April 30, 2009 at 12:00 am (Actor & Actress, Comedians, Controversial Issue, Director, Entertainment & Lifestyle, Filmmaker & Movie, International films festival, Movie, MTRCB, PBB double-up, Philippines Daily Inquirer)
Tags: Adela, Adolf Alix Jr., Aurora, Cannes International Film Festival, France, Jowee Morel, Manila, Mona, MTRCB, Rosanna Roces, Singapore Escort, UPFI, Young Critics Circle
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has asked the director of Rosanna Roces’ film, “Aurora,” to explain why the uncut version of the movie was shown at the University of the Philippines without the permission from the board.
The independent movie was classified unfit for public viewing by the MTRCB but it was shown just the same at the UP Film Institute (UPFI) Cine Adarna in January.
The MTRCB said the film was screened for commercial gain and without the corresponding permit to exhibit from the body, which is a violation of Section 7 of the Presidential Decree No. 1986.
The MTRCB has already instructed director Adolf Alix Jr. to submit his counter-affidavit to explain his side.
Alix will probably submit his counter-affidavit before he leaves for Cannes International Film Festival in France to attend the special screening of his film, “Manila.” He co-directed “Manila” with another Cannes-bound filmmaker, Raya Martin.
Filmmaker Sean Lim, the representative of Oxin Entertainment, had already submitted his counter-affidavit to the MTRCB. Oxin Entertainment is the company that released Roces’ film.
Lim, in his written testimony, said the film was part of an educational screening at the UPFI and the scheduled showing was under the pretext of the state university’s aim in promoting academic freedom.
Meanwhile, following the MTRCB’s move to question the showing of “Aurora” as well as “Sagwan” and “Strictly Confidential” at the UPFI, the planned screening for “Adela” and “Mona, Singapore Escort” has been aborted.
“To think that they’re all educational in nature and not sexually oriented films,” said Nonoy Lauzon, one of the respected members of the academe-based critics group, Young Critics Circle.
“Adela” is an award-winning creation of Alix while “Mona, Singapore Escort” is a digital film blown to 35mm by filmmaker Jowee Morel.
