Edu Manzano lends continuity to Walang Kapalit

By Isah V. Red
Actor and Optical Media Board Chairman Edu Manzano is becoming even more visible on television these days. He is the interim host of Pilipinas, Game Ka Na Ba? after Kris Aquino went on leave due to her delicate condition as she tries her best to keep Baby James. Kris gave birth last Thursday to a four-pound baby, two-weeks before it was due.

Edu is also starring in Walang Kapalit, the much-awaited drama series that re-unites Milan stars Piolo Pascual and Claudine Barretto.

Yet, it is Edu and Dina Bonnevie (who also plays an important role in the re-telling of the Nerissa Cabral-illustrated novel Hindi Nahahati ang Langit) who are giving it continuity from the 1985 film version to the currently running extended version on television.

In the original Mike de Leon film, Edu played Ronald, the man who stood between the ill-fated stepsiblings and lovers Noel and Cynthia (who has resurrected as Melanie). Noel was played then by Christopher de Leon.

Hindi Nahahati ang Langit was (and I believe still is) the best movie ever translated to film from a komiks material, even if De Leon later swore he had nothing to do with it after its producers tried to convince the director to put a different ending to his original film.

This was also the movie that galvanized Edu Manzano’s stature as a star and as an actor, holding his own vis-à-vis the overrated Christopher de Leon.

In this TV serialization, Edu and Dina plays a couple with each a child from their respective previous marriages, Noel (Piolo Pascual) and Melanie (Claudine Barretto) who grew up as brother and sister.

Edu’s participation here (and also Dina’s) legitimizes the serialization of the illustrated serial turned into one of the best films that the local movie industry has ever turned out with.

I have yet to watch an episode of this serial, but based on the plugs that constantly bombard audiences about the new show, it shows some promise. But, of course, Wenn Deramas is no Mike de Leon, and there should be no comparison. And TV is not film. Walang Kapalit and Hindi Nahahati ang Langit should never be discussed in the same breath.

I am just glad that I can watch Edu Manzano again as an actor.

Better, more tolerable Game Ka Na Ba?

Another facet of Edu’s talent has re-surfaced on TV when he took over the hosting chore from Kris Aquino of the daily noontime game show, Pilipinas, Game Ka Na Ba? when the latter had to take a leave from television.

I have never really watched the game show with ardent enthusiasm, but sometime ago I peeked at how Edu was hanging on as host. Although I was told that the first few days on the show wasn’t exactly the best that ever happened to the actor, the episode I caught didn’t at all show any trace of incompetence on the part of the temporary host. As a matter of fact, I found the show very enjoyable with Edu clowning around with the contestants.

Edu can be self-deprecating and naughty without being vulgar. He is not patronizing, and neither snubby. He is, most of the time, funny and witty, keeping the pace of the show in metronomic efficiency.

Too bad, he is not going to stay on the show permanently. In fact, with him around, the show’s ratings has improved greatly and is keeping the guys in Eat... Bulaga! on the edge of their seats.

Migz gets nod from Regal matriarch

Regal Films matriarch Lily Monteverde is supporting Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri’s candidacy for senator this coming election in May.

Lily Monteverde is known to back up candidates during election times. “Hindi na bago sa akin ang sumuporta sa kandidato kapag malapit na ang eleksyon. Namimili ako ng i-a-adopt ko, not necessarily one who is from the show business, but at least may showbiz connection at makakatulong sa industriya,” Monteverde said.

“Maraming lumalapit sa akin, pero namimili ako na sa aking tingin ay karapat-dapat na maging isang mambabatas ng ating bayan,” she added.

Zubiri said he is thankful for Mother Lily’s endorsement and said he would be very happy if his former girlfriend, actress Vina Morales, would also support his candidacy.

“Once elected to the Senate, I would find ways how to help the industry. It’s time Filipinos recognize the movie industry’s contribution, not only in economic ways, but more importantly its contributions to the Filipino cultural heritage,” Zubiri said.

Zubiri, who is familiar with the show business’ inner workings, said once elected to the Senate, he will immediately address problems that continue to hinder the movie industry’s growth such as the imposed heavy tax burden, the audience’s colonial mentality and preference for foreign films, and the piracy problem that could kill the local movie and music industry.

Zubiri, who is running for senator under the administration’s Team Unity, is one of the most prolific lawmakers during the 13th Congress.

He was responsible for authoring landmark legislations such as The Biofuels Act of 2006, The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, The Rent Control Act, The Wildlife Conservation Act and the Armed Forces Rate Base Pay Increase Act among others.

Coritha challenges Al Gore

Coritha is challenging Al Gore to consider the Philippines as a venue for the planned Live Earth concerts that will be staged in seven countries on July 7. Conceived and organized by the former vice president to combat global warming, the concerts are expected to attract an audience of two billon people.

“We may be small in size geographically,” the singer-songwriter says, “but what has size got to do with an issue that affects the whole of humanity and the survival of this planet?” China, Japan, Canada and the United States are some of the countries that will host the planned concerts. The Philippines is not part of it.

Describing the countries that will participate in the global event as First World, Coritha is now asking Al Gore to consider a Third World country like the Philippines as a venue to bring the issue of environmental preservation closer to home. “We don’t want to be just viewers,” she points out. “We want to be participants, singing and performing our songs to help the environment. Besides, our country is in dire need of help at the rate we are destroying our environment.”

Known for her environmental songs such as “Sierra Madre” which became big hit in the early ’80s and her award-winning song “Inang Kalikasan” which won in a United Nations-sponsored songwriting competition, Coritha is still hopeful that Al Gore will give the Philippines a chance. She is now promoting her new environmental song titled “One Earth” to encourage all Filipinos to join her in her quest to have the Philippines stage the Live Earth concerts versus global warming. The song is not available in record stores but only through her Web site. To listen to it, Coritha is inviting everyone to visit her Web site at www.coritha.com.