So, who can stop Erap (that’s former President Joseph Estrada) from running in 2010? Not the Commission on Elections, which already dismissed lawyer Oliver Lozano’s petition to disqualify him. Neither the Star Cinema, which will release a movie that stars the impeached President alongside comedian Ai-Ai de las Alas and hot mama Dionisia Pacquiao.
The movie is called Ang Tanging Pamilya.
I asked Star Cinema if they’re not violating the Omnibus Election Code with the release of the movie.
According to the production spokesman, since Erap has yet to officially turn in his certificate of candidacy (and they are hoping it would be on the last day—Nov. 25), the movie is still safe from any legal problems. The spokesman said that it should hit the theaters on Nov. 11, that’s a Wednesday.
The production team is also expecting Erap to promote the movie along with his co-stars. “He committed, and let’s just hope he could find time for it,” the spokesman added.
Once an actor, always an actor.
“I chose this kind of movie as my comeback vehicle because we need to have a good laugh even much louder than over the previous Tanging Ina flicks. I’m in good company,” Erap was quoted by the production team.
Comedy is not alien territory to Erap who, as a breather from his action roles, starred in the “Erap” series years ago, proving his comic ability and his magic at the box office.
In those movies, he had Nora Aunor initially as leading lady (Erap is My Guy), and then Boots Anson-Roa (Tatay na si Erap, etc). That’s what the Tanging Ina and Erap franchises have in common—both were patronized by the public who can’t seem to have enough of them.
Directed by Wenn Deramas (who also megged the Tanging Ina movies), Ang Tanging Pamilya also stars Sam Milby, Toni Gonzaga, Janus del Prado, Thou Reyes, AJ Perez, Igiboy Flores, Carl Camo, Miguelito de Guzman, Candy Pangilinan, K. Brosas and Carla Humphries, most of Ai-Ai’s children. Dionisia Pacquiao is having her movie “debut” as Sam’s mother; Erap and Ai-Ai play Toni’s parents.
Described as “a marry-go-around,” Ang Tanging Pamilya is the story of two pairs of lovers, Erap and Ai-Ai, as heads of a huge family and Sam and Toni, who want to get married after a two-year long-distance relationship. Coinciding with the wedding, Erap promised Ai-Ai to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.
“This is probably the most riotous of the Tanging Ina series,” admitted Ai-Ai. “It’s a big honor for me to star in a movie with Erap. ’Yung kissing scene namin ay malaking bonus para sa ’kin.”
The story
After a two-year long-distance relationship, Charlie (Toni) gets the surprise of her life when her US-based boyfriend Prince (Sam) pays a visit and proposes marriage. It makes her mother, Sunshine (Ai-Ai), excited since she’s also looking forward to her own church wedding, a promise made to her by her husband, Dindo (Erap), for their 25th wedding anniversary.
But Dindo vehemently disapproves of both weddings to happen. Charlie and her ever-supportive mom help Prince with Dindo’s nod and acceptance.
Getting Dindo’s approval is not the only obstacle the young, naive couple has to face. The wedding preparations are not going smoothly because of the arrival of Prince’s noveau riche mama, Marlene (Dionisia), who insists on doing things her way.
With that promising plot, will Erap be the box-office king again?
Perhaps, perhaps!
Are you ready to meet Patient X?
Get ready to see a different Richard Gutierrez and Cristine Reyes as they take on their roles as the doctor and the mysterious patient involved in the murderous rampage of aswangs.
Patient X is very different from past horror movies in terms of concept and fresh twists that will undoubtedly bring new meaning to “Philippine horror.” With world-class concepts and a powerhouse cast, Patient X is expected to be not just another “scare” but more rightfully, a “chillingly awe-inspiring” film. No doubt the movie is creating international buzz and is being awaited by film gurus in other parts of the globe.
Director Yam Laranas, fresh from his Hollywood stint, once more unleashes his impressive “horror and suspense” creative skills to make a masterpiece that will truly be an unforgettable experience to all moviegoers.
GMA Films president Atty. Annette Gozon-Abrogar quips, “The last horror movie partnership of GMA Films and Viva Films, Ouija, was a blockbuster hit. Looking at Patient X, I believe we have produced another suspense-filled horror movie that will make the audiences scream! Kudos to Direk Yam, Richard and Cristine!”
While Viva executive vice president Vincent del Rosario shares, “Viva is proud to have partnered with GMA Films and RGutz in this world-class and groundbreaking horror movie!”
GMA Films producer Joey Abacan adds, “I’m happy that Yam Laranas chose to work with GMA Films after his Hollywood stint. As producers, we learned so much from each other and from what I’ve seen from the final product, I realized that the resources that we gave to the movie were magnified by his creative genius. Actually, magaan ang process and this is one movie that I am proud of. This will be a real screaming experience!”
Viva senior vice president Veronique del Rosario says, “It’s always a pleasure doing projects with GMA Films. I hope the viewers will enjoy watching our latest earth-shaking offering—Patient X.
The 2009 Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival
The movies are novelty! The stories are unpredictable! The talents are flag bearers who are young, diverse and an emerging new breed! These are what will make the 2009 Cinema One Digital Film Festival an event when it opens at the Gateway Mall Cinema at the Araneta Center, Cubao on Nov. 13 and runs until Nov. 17. Its much-anticipated Awards Night will be held on Nov. 15 at the Dolphy Theater of the ABS-CBN.
Started by the country’s no. 1 movie cable channel Cinema One, and helmed by its director for programming and executive producer Ronald Arguelles, this year’s digital film festival is guaranteed to elicit great anticipation and much wider audience attendance because the event is in part of the ongoing 15th anniversary of Cinema One’s leadership in local cinema. The festival will also run its winning Originals like Confessional, Tambolista, Dose, Altar and Yanggaw. Plus there will also be the theatrical feature of selected acclaimed classics of multi-awarded filmmakers Danny Zialcita and Brillante Mendoza. Zialcita classics like Nagalit ang Buwan sa Haba ng Gabi, Bakit Manipis ang Ulap?, Palabra de Honor, Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan and Dear Heart will be screened while Mendoza’s films like Serbis, Masahista, Tirador, Kinatay and Lola will be featured.
Chosen deliberately from over 100 entries, this year’s festival has five finalists who each possess and speak a different voice. They have potentials to open a new genre or combine genres! Make new stars from its directors to writers to actors! Above all these year’s Originals is likely to become very competitive because of each the five finalist movies. Importantly, the jury members for this year’s festival competition are authorities in their fields. There’s none other than Batangas Governor and multi-awarded actress Vilma Santos, screenplay writer Armando Lao, award-winning writer and ABS-CBN creative manager Ricardo Lee, and Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino member and dean of the College of Mass Communication in UP Rolando Tolentino.
Maximus & Minimus is a “sweet comedy” by directors Nap Jamir and Jimmy Flores. A comedy of contrasts, it’s where excess and shortcomings happen and where bounty and scarcity is experienced by a woman who will realize changes are what her life needs. Paano Ko Sasabihin is a romantic comedy of writer-director Richard Legaspi where sparks fly between two people, literally without words but with lots of sign language (yes, sign language!), heart and laughter. Ray Gibraltar directs Wanted: Border, a horror-drama where one woman’s descend to madness is manifested through people who are looking for refuge. But it’s likely nightmare they end up to. Writer-director Melvin Brito helms Bala Bala. This mystery-fantasy follows the magical journey of two supposed healers who discover one thing they have in common why they cannot separate. Si Baning Si Maymay at ang Asong Si Bobo is a children’s film by writer-director Rommel “Milo” Tolentino where three characters are bound to make everybody relate to them with what they will encounter in their young lives.
The 2009 Cinema One Originals will not only promise entertainment but also enrichment for all movie audience! These movies are produced and owned by Cinema One Cable Channel and the Creative Programs Inc. through this yearly film festival project.
Pabrika Pictures and Pelipula
Here’s one movie directed by Jon Red (not related to me, Raymond, his brother insists.) Jon also wrote the screenplay.
The plot runs like this: Noynoy (Ryan Eigenmann) runs a barbeque stand with his friend Brad across the Red Light Beerhouse. This is where he sees and eventually falls for the bar girl Jewel (Gwen Garci). Although Noynoy is afraid to cross paths with Harry (Jeffrey Quizon), Jewel’s pimp, he proceeds to come up with an escape plan for Jewel, to “save” her.
Ang Beerhouse is a satire and black comedy set in a carnivalesque bar filled with colorful characters not far from our contemporary society—the corrupt but anonymous boss, his power-hungry henchmen, seductive sirens, low lives...together with a dreaming and struggling underdog... and the alluring muse. Sexy and funny, yet insightful. Ang Beerhouse will intoxicate you.
Starring Ryan Eigenmann, Jeffrey Quizon and Gwen Garcia with Kalila Agilos, Che Ramos, Catherine Racsag, Hector Macaso, Jun Ureta, Herbie Vetus, Raul Morit, Tado with special appearances by Joel Torre, Ronnie Lazaro and Soliman Cruz.
Joel Torre is the producer of the movie (in video).
F! girls’ reunion
Last Saturday evening became more fun and fabulous because F! returned for a one-night special.
Looking better 10 years after, F! girls Daphne Oseña-Paez, Angel Aquino and Cher Calvin are back to give their take on the latest beauty, fashion and lifestyle trends at the much-anticipated F! Girls Reunion Special by Olay.
F! was one of the longest- running and most awarded lifestyle magazine programs on Philippine TV, giving a fresh, fabulous, female perspective on food, fads and fashion.
Now for the first time in 10 years, style icon and host Daphne, model and award-winning actress Angel and Emmy award-winning journalist Cher get together to dish out their secrets to looking good at any age, from how to pick the right anti-aging cream, fashion tips and tricks to the power of organic food.
