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.
Marc Jacob: Latak
July 14, 2009 at 12:00 am (Actor & Actress, Controversial Issue, Director, Entertainment & Lifestyle, Filmmaker & Movie, International films festival, Movie, PBB double-up, Philippines Daily Inquirer)
Tags: Boy Villasanta, Chanel Latorre, Chito Alcid, Cinemalaya, Hunky actor, Jowee Morel, Krystal Laxamana, Latak, Marc Jacob, Mash Mojica. Tia Pusit, Mercedes Cabral, Pia Millado, Ram Galura, Ricky Mansueto
Cinemalaya will start screening on July 17. One of its feature indie is Jowee Morel’s ‘Latak (Residue)’. Catch it on July 23, 2009 (9pm) at the CCP Little Theater.
‘Latak’ tackles the negative effects of drugs abuse and also touches on the very timely issues of abortion and reproductive health. It stars Marc Jacob, Chanel Latorre, Mercedes Cabral, Zach Urdaneta, Pia Millado, Ram Galura, Krystal Laxamana and Mash Mojica. Tia Pusit, Chito Alcid, Ricky Mansueto and Boy Villasanta costars.
For more info visit their multiply site at www.latakthemovie.multiply.com
Gabby, the new ‘Concert King’?
June 24, 2009 at 12:00 am (Actor & Actress, Controversial Issue, Director, Entertainment & Lifestyle, Filmmaker & Movie, Funny, International films festival, Movie, PBB double-up, Philippines Daily Inquirer)
Tags: ABS-CBN, Alegria Lounge, Boy Villasanta, Concert King Martin Nievera, controversial filmmaker Jowee Morel, Dennis Adobas, Entertainment, Gabby Concepcion, Gary Valenciano, Jam Morales, Joey Albert, Jowee Morel, Pure Energy
MANILA – He’s not Concert King Martin Nievera or “Pure Energy” Gary Valenciano but Gabby Concepcion proves he can still draw a massive crowd when he stages a concert of his own.
Take the gig Manila Pavilion held at the Alegria Lounge last week. It was jam-packed not only with casino-player types but the usual crowd of popular singers and performers.
Entertainment writer Dennis Adobas was surprised that day to see a long queue of Gabby followers who has not stopped admiring the actor despite a long hiatus from show business.
He was amazed by how Concepcion’s adoring fans had reacted to the hunk actor’s poster plastered all over the walls.
“Makalaglag-panty naman si Gabby,” said one of the two young women who passed by the lounge, where a framed picture of Gabby was tacked on a bulletin board. “Kaya nga ako, hindi na nagpa-panty,” another woman giggled.
“I appreciate fans that are very expressive of their thoughts and feelings. It’s just like in the United States where fans can say their piece very liberally without being ostracized by other people for being liberal and open,” said Gabby when told about the naughty comments.
As early as high noon, Concepcion’s ardent supporters were already milling around the hotel to reserve a seat nearest to the proscenium just to get to see their idol either in close-up or long shot.
Most members of the audience were in their forties, the same audiences who eagerly watched a teenaged Gabby at the height of his superstardom. His repertoire included original Filipino songs and adaptations.
“Gabby might not be as perfect a performer like Martin and Gary but he has the stage presence of a professional act. He’s so suave,” said Adobas, a seasoned critic.
The hour-and-a-half show wowed the crowd as the singer-actor proved his singing prowess. He owes his vastly improved singing style to famous female singers Joey Albert and Jam Morales, who coached Concepcion in the US and taught him tricks in the music trade.
Controversial filmmaker Jowee Morel, also a singer in his own right, said he was supposed to be part of Concepcion’s musical adventures in the US. She met with Albert and Morales for music lessons but their plans were halted because of schedule conflicts.
“Jam and Joey had made many contributions to Gabby’s success in the singing field. I should know,” Morel said.
After the show, Concepcion was whisked off to the venue’s lobby to greet fans and sign autographs. The autograph-signing and picture-taking session even took longer than the show’s running time.
Countless fans were frantic to get him to pose with them or just scribble some words on pictures or paper.
Truly, Concepcion should be given more chances to prove his mettle in singing.
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.
Artists vow to get anti-censorship bill passed
May 30, 2009 at 8:05 am (Actor & Actress, Controversial Issue, Director, Entertainment & Lifestyle, International films festival, Movie, MTRCB, PBB double-up)
Tags: Alexis Tioseco, Auraeus Solito, Dino Manrique of TFFTA, Emmanuel de la Cruz, Hai Balbuena, Joel Garduce, Jowee Morel, JP Carpio, Keith Sicat, Kiri Dalena, Mario Guzman, Mavs Deocampo, Sari Dalena, Teta Tulay, Vives Anunciacion, Young Critics Circle’s Nonoy
Internationally-renowned director Lav Diaz has joined other committed local filmmakers in calling for the scrapping of the repressive Presidential Decree No. 1986 created by the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, which is still in effect through the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
As a member of an ad hoc committee composed of cultural professionals mostly from the local film community, Diaz lauded as a landmark step the filing of a bill that strips “dictatorship-era” censorship powers from the government.
House Bill No. 6425, introduced recently in the lower House by Bayan Muna representatives Satur Ocampo, Teddy Casiño and Neri Colmenares, Gabriela’s Liza Maza and Luzviminda Ilagan, Anakpawis’ Rafael Mariano and Joel Maglunsod, and Kabataan’s Raymond Palatino, seeks to transform the current MTRCB into a film and classification body.
By throwing his support behind the bill, Diaz is showing his nationalist and true-blooded artist’s sentiments, one who is willing to sacrifice personal gains in favor of the public interest.
“The bill is twenty two years overdue,” said Diaz, citing the 1987 Constitution which enshrined freedom of expression in the Bill of Rights.
Diaz is the the award-winning director of such classic films as “Batang Westside,” “Death in the Land of Encantos,” and “Melancolia.”
“We are happy the progressive bloc in the House has engaged the local film community in an exhaustive process of fashioning a genuine fleshing-out of this unprecedented freedom gained by our people and marked in the Bill of Rights,” he said.
Free the Artists
Diaz has been very active in the formation of the Task Force Free the Artists (TFFTA) movement, which backs up the creation, revision, submission, deliberation and eventually, the passing of the bill in both branches of Congress.
He has confirmed his participation in a series of mass actions the progressive bloc might take to uphold the importance of the bill in the transformation of a service-oriented entertainment industry, especially in filmmaking.
Diaz has been a fixture in political rallies and demonstrations before, during, and after the EDSA Revolution.
“Kailangang ipaglaban ang ating mga artistic rights,” exclaimed Diaz, whose last two film opuses, namely “Death…,” and “Melancolia,” were disapproved by the censors board as unfit for public showing.
Nonetheless, his films, including these last two, were shown and are still showing abroad to critical and commercial affirmations.
Under the proposed bill, the ominous “X” rating, which stifles freedom of expression, will be replaced by a “Certified Not For Regular Theatrical Release” classification.
Diaz was joined by his colleagues in the local film industry–Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Young Critics Circle’s Nonoy, Concerned Artists of the Philippines’ Mavs Deocampo and Joel Garduce, Auraeus Solito, Kiri Dalena, Keith Sicat, Emmanuel de la Cruz, Alexis Tioseco, Mario Guzman, JP Carpio, Jowee Morel, Teta Tulay, Hai Balbuena, Vives Anunciacion, Sari Dalena, and Dino Manrique of TFFTA.
‘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.
Dan Alvaro’s son backs out from “MSM” film
January 12, 2009 at 12:00 am (Actor & Actress, Controversial Issue, Director, Entertainment & Lifestyle, Filmmaker & Movie, International films festival, Movie, MTRCB, PBB double-up, Philippines Daily Inquirer)
Tags: Dan Alvaro, Jowee Morel, Outline Films, Ram Alvaro, Strictly Confidential: Confessions of Men
Umatras ang anak ng action star na si Dan Alvaro sa pelikulang “Strictly Confidential Confessions of Men (MSM)” na gagawin ng Outline Films sa Lunes.
Ito ay sa kabila ng pagpirma ng kontrata ni Ram Alvaro, dalawampung taong gulang at pagkuha ng down payment mula sa kumpanya ng pelikula.
Ito ang ipinahayag ni Jowee Morel, ang direktor ng pelikula Sabado ng gabi.
“Nag-text si Ram sa akin just right now. Naaksidente raw siya at nabali ang kanyang kamay. Kailangan daw niyang magpahinga ng tatlong buwan kaya hindi siya puwedeng mag-shooting sa Monday.
“When I ask him kung anong nangyari, sabi niya, na-fracture daw siya. Sabi niya, wala naming benda ang kanyang kamay pero matindi raw ang fracture. So, parang hindi ako makapaniwala.
“Kasi, bakit wala siyang benda samantalang may fractured bone daw siya. Hindi ako agad naniwala. I know there’s something more than that,” pahayag ni Morel.
Nauna rito ay nakapagpiktoryal na si Ram para sa pelikula kasama ang iba pang aktor na gaganap sa mahahalagang papel sa mala-dokyumentaryong pelikula na patula.
Walang takot na nagpakita ng kanyang buong hubad na katawan si Ram katabi ang ibang kabituin sa pelikula.
Isang araw pagkatapos ng photo shoot ay nag-back out si Ram na ikinagulat ni Jowee.
Pati ang manager ni Alvaro na si Dennis Adobas ay parang natulala nang mabalitaan ang pasya ng alaga na nauna pang nagpaalam sa direktor kaysa kanya.
Samantala, sinabi ni Morel na tuloy ang kanyang paggawa ng pelikula na tatalakay sa “Men Having Sex With Men” na politically correct na tawag ng United Nations sa mga lalaki na nakikipagtalik na sekswal sa kapwa lalaki na madalas ay walang tamang precaution kaya humahantong sa HIV positive ang mga nakikipagtalik.
“Hindi naman porno ang gagawin ko. This is more of a documentary para makapag-ingat ang mga taong concerned at nang ‘wag silang mahawahan ng HIV virus,” paliwanag ni Morel.
Ang HIV virus ang sanhi ng sakit na AIDS o Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
Ayon kay Morel, pinaliwanagan niya si Ram na maghuhubad siya sa pelikula at magkakaroon ng kissing scene sa kanya aktor at pumayag naman anya sa simula ang anak ni Dan.
Wala pang kapalit si Ram pero naghahanap pa ang produksyon ng prosibleng kahalili niya.
Pinag-iisapan pa ng Outline Films kung maghahain ito ng asunto laban kay Ram.
Ang “Strictly Confidential Confessions of Men” sana ang maglulunsad kay Ram sa pagkabituin.
