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Archive for July, 2007

Pinoy Showbiz News, Celebrities, Movies

Jade Castro, A New Breed of Filmmaker

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

It doesn’t hurt to be in the right place at the right time as in the case of new filmmaker Jade Francis Castro, who helmed his first short film Hopya Love Me Too in 2000, and which participated in the Cinemanila International Film Festival and even won the Kodak Award that year.

At such a young age of 28, he has always loved movies, cinema and films. It’s in his innate ability to communicate different stories that mirror reality to a wider audience which gave him that chance to speak out his mind. When he got into college, he immediately pursued a degree in Film at the University of the Philippines.

Endo by Jade CastroFrom then on, it was fairly easy for Jade to get into the film industry with a lot of his friends in similar fields getting him to do a lot of things at the same time, particularly working for both commercial and independent features and shorts, television, and music video in numerous abilities.

“The people you meet in film school may be more important to get your career started than the actual learning,” he says.

He co-produced the Cinemalaya entries Sarong Banggi and Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros and has written various film reviews for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Pelikula Journal. After writing the screenplay for First Day High back in 2006 and co-writing the screenplay for D’Anothers back in 2005, he believed it was time to settle on another path.

He finally landed on his first feature-length film, Endo, a finalist for the Cinemalaya International Festival this year. The film revolves around the story of Leo, who keeps on handling odd jobs one after the other and hasn’t been able to stick to a permanent job. The question that follows Leo’s terminable contracts is: Will he be able to give security and permanence to his love affair with the spirited dreamer Tanya? The movie stars Star Circle Quest graduate Jason Abalos and veteran actor Ricky Davao.

Asked what he calls his style of filmmaking, Jade is more character-driven. “It is a balance of allowing the actors freedom to do what they wanted with their characters and specific detailed instructions.”

How is directing a film different from directing a music video or a commercial?

“It takes longer to shoot, obviously. But also takes longer to prepare. Studying a film script alone takes a lot from the director. It requires deeper analysis and understanding,” he says.

At this point in his life, all he really does want to do is to direct and direct films of all genres. He would like to be known for as a director who makes good movies.

That’s Jade Castro, a new filmmaker to look out for.

Tags: Jade Castro, Philippine Filmmakers,

30 Jul 2007 Excel Dyquiangco 1 comment

Pinoy Showbiz News, Celebrities, TV & TV Shows

Mariel Rodriguez: A Dream Come True

By Valerie Tort

The bubbly yet sophisticated Mariel Rodriguez graced the heavy spotlights as a commercial model and gradually walked her way in becoming an actress.

Before Mariel’s hosting stints, she landed a couple of commercials for beauty, food, and other consumer products such as Clean and Clear, Close Up, and Pizza Hut. With hardwork and lots of guts, she flew off the Philippines for an audition to the Singaporean-based TV series Rouge, which was aired on MTV Philippines. Rouge started her acting career not only in Singapore but also here in Manila.

Mariel Rodriguez

As soon as she came back to the Philippines, Mariel Rodriguez joined the team of the adventurous and thrill-seeking hosts of GMA7’s Extra Challenge. Aside from a couple of TV guestings for teen-oriented programs, Mariel eventually graced the MTV Pilipinas studio and joined the other MTV veejays’ wacky and cool stints for the music lovers.

With her mindset to do the best in every work given to her, it is no wonder why Mariel Rodriguez became a successful TV personality in her three-year stay in the entertainment industry.

“In every endeavor I do, I promise myself to do my best. Everytime I’m given a job whether as host or actress, I give my everything to get the job done,” Mariel said in a newspaper article.

Maria Erlinda Termulo is popularly known as Mariel Rodriguez to her fans and to the avid viewers of ABSCBN’s noontime game show Wowowee and the Filipino-pioneered reality show Pinoy Big Brother. Full of hopes and dreams, Mariel Rodriguez sketched her career path at the start of her acting and hosting stints. The goal-oriented host aspired to be one of the Philippine actresses she admired in the movies and the television shows.

Mariel began to visualize herself as a villain in her younger years.

“When I was young, I always liked playing kontrabida—Cherie Gil roles. I think I could do an okay villain,” she said. On the contrary, the mainstream entertainment industry accepted Mariel Rodriguez as the funny girl-next-door who radiated a vibrant aura that contaminated everyone who saw her.

“When I entered showbiz I really thought that I was going to do more of acting, and that’s really what I wanted to do from the start. I wanted to be a dramatic actress,” she said. “But lately, I’ve leaned more towards comedy and hosting. It is really far from what I wanted to do but if I was given a choice, I want to do drama and be in movies. I also want to be in a teleserye,” the model-turned-host added.

Reflecting from her first acting stint to her latest Maalaala Mo Kaya guesting, she saw how she was transformed from the playful performer of Rouge to a serious actress in the Philippine primetime.

“The Mariel in Rouge? All I cared about was looking good in Rouge. I swear. Whenever I would watch a scene I’d say, ‘Oh no, I have no lip gloss there,” or, like ‘Oh no, that’s not my best angle,’” she recalled.

“I didn’t feel conscious, even when I had a crying scene and my face got even more distorted (referring to her role in Maalaala Mo Kaya). I was dedicated to give justice to my role as compared to the Mariel in Rouge. I’m definitely more mature now,” Mariel said.

Mariel felt that she owed her biggest break to Pinoy Big Brother and learned a lot from the experience. “I’m really lucky that my manager is also a host so he really guided me every step of the way,” she said.

From all these work experiences Mariel had, she knew that there is still something out there to be learned—whether it may be in the field of acting or another kind of hosting for a different kind of television show.

“I don’t think I’m on top. I’m still working my way,” she said.

Mariel Rodriguez is just blossoming as an actress. No wonder if she will once again captivate the audiences as they see her more serious side just like in Maalaala Mo Kaya.

Tags: Mariel Rodriguez, Philippine Celebrities,

25 Jul 2007 Valerie Tort 16 comments

Pinoy Showbiz News, Celebrities, Movies

Aga Muhlach, Philippine Movie’s Ultimate Leading Man

By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

Aga MuhlachIt was through 80s famous youth film “Bagets” that teen sensation Aga Muhlach became a household name. His boy next-door image and killer smile made him an incomparable star even until now that he has grown up and happily married to beauty queen/ TV-Host Charlene Gonzalez.

As many people say, Aga is the man with no angle. Whatever pose or action he registers on screen, he’s still a head turner. It also applies to his career as he is one of the most bankable and award- wining actors that many actresses are dreaming to work with.

Joyce Jimenez (“Narinig Mo Na Ba Ang La8st”), Claudine Barretto (“Kailangan Kita” & “Dubai”), and Kristine Hermosa (All My Life) are few additions to his leading ladies. On his new flick, the booming young actress Angelica Panganiban becomes his love interest.

“I’ve been craving for a project like this. Makasama ko ba naman ang ultimate leading man … saan pa ba naman ako? This is it,” Angelica’s excitement shows when asked about working with the A –list actor in “A Love Story.”

This year, Aga is also set to shoot in a Star Cinema and Viva Films venture that will match him with hot star Anne Curtis.

With veteran actresses, Aga doesn’t only make blockbuster films but also critically acclaimed projects. In “Sinungaling Mong Puso” with Star For All Season Vilma Santos, he bagged the best actor award from FAMAS while in “Napakasakit, kuya Eddie” with ex partner Janice de Belen, he won the best Supporting Actor trophies from Gawad Urian.

The romantic dramas “May Minamahal” with Aiko Melendez and “Sana Maulit Muli” with international artist Lea Salonga he won best actor trophies from Metro Manila Film Festival and FAMAS.

Again with Maryo J. delos Reyes’s film “A Love Story,” Aga will work with another premier actress, Diamond Star Maricel Soriano. On another project, if the production will push through, he will reunite with Mega Star Sharon Cuneta. Their first team up was in the movie “Kung Ako Na Lang Sana.”

Ace Actor

Aga’s most recent big screen project was 2005 film “Dubai” with Claudine and John Lloyd Cruz. The said OFW-oriented movie gave him an acting award from Star Awards for Movies.

a-love-story.jpg“Binabasa ko pa lang ang script, I got excited already. I’m back! And I’m back with a project na maipagmamalaki ko,” Aga shares about his latest movie that will be shown on August 15.

“Maria (Maricel Soriano) and I have never worked on a project before, magkaibigan kami pero heto na ang chance na makatrabaho ko s’ya. Ang Feeling ko kumpleto na ako.”

Nowadays, Aga is maintaining his lean physique for his health and for his work.

“I think it’s my responsibility to look good and feel good for the movie. It’s about time and I am not getting any younger,” Aga said.

On the small screen, Aga is again starring in a new sitcom with Bayani Agbayani, Nova Villa, Pokwang and Roderick Paulate. In “That’s My Doc” that will start on July 29, his love interest is the Ms. International 2006 Precious Lara Quicagaman.

Of course, you will remember Aga’s first show under ABS-CBN, which was the hit “Oki Doki Doc”.

Aga as the head of the family

Aga confesses that he is a homebody and enjoying quality time with his beautiful family. His wife and their five-year-old twins Atasha and Andres are also sought after endorsers now.

“Napakasuwerte kong magkaroon ng asawang tulad ni Charlene. Sabi ko nga sa kanya, para kang isang anghel na bigay ng Maykapal sa akin,” Aga’s praise to his wife.

On the other hand, when it comes to Luigi or Igi Boy his son with Janice, Aga radiates a caring father longing to raise his son well. Igi Boy is having a problem with his study.

“We can’t do anything about it. My son doesn’t like school talaga. May ganu’n talaga. You cannot force naman your child, so, ako, hindi ko na lang siya pinagagalitan parati,” Aga says.

This nephew of one the Queens of Philippine Cinema Amalia Fuentes and cousin of former child wonder Niño Muhlach, is really more than an all-time heartthrob. He also exemplifies that he’s not only the best partner on screen but also in real life.

Tags: Aga Muhlach, Philippine Celebrities,

23 Jul 2007 Phoebe Dorothy Estelle 4 comments

Celebrities, Music, TV & TV Shows

Iya Villania: Beauty Inside Out

by Valerie Tort

Iya VillaniaIya Villania is one of the mainstream talents in the Philippine showbiz industry that started as a commercial and print ad model.

Her features that resembled like an anime figure is Iya’s stepping stone in becoming one of the hottest model and product endorser especially for Globe ads. Not only her stardom was due to the “anime look” but also her screen name Iya.

“Iya’s not my real name. It’s actually the name of an Anime character. They presented me as ‘Iya’ when I first appeared on TV because they thought the name suited me. I looked like an Anime character daw kasi!” Iya recalled.

‘Raelene Elaine Villania’ is her name known to some of her friends and classmates, ‘Bubba’ is her nickname with her family, and simply ‘Iya’ for her loving and supportive fans.

Music was close to her heart even in her formative years. She loved participating in school concerts, church choirs, and would sing to her family during one of her “home concert performances.” The bubbly Iya continued her passion for music by performing on stage with one of the Philippine singing talent Geneva Cruz in a concert tour in her hometown, Australia. Since her mother was one of the people who made the show possible, she was xxx to do the front act of Geneva’s concert.

Luckily, she became one of the MYX VJs. “Being a VJ is, for me, the perfect job. I can be myself. I can do what I love doing. just playing around with music. It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, because I used to see Donita Rose and I’m. like, ‘Wow, what she’s doing is so fun! I love music!.’”

Before becoming a VJ, a hosting job opportunity opened its doors along with numerous product endorsements and TV shows that made her shine.

“School ends in December in Australia and starts in June here in the Philippines. So for six months, I did nothing but attend VTR’s. At first, I felt bad because I wasn’t getting any callbacks. I even began to think something was wrong with me,” Iya recalled.

Thanks to Arnold Vegafria, the talent manager who spotted her in Australia and to her perseverance in going to endless VTRs, she landed modeling stints for Globe, Sketchers, Coca Cola, Bench, Palmolive, and Silka Papaya.

Soon, she was launched as one of the GMA7 talents in their youth-oriented show Click. After some time, she landed a hosting gig for Gamechannel and a full-blown acting career in her debut movie A Beautiful Life. She still embraced acting with open arms, even if her first love was music.

“I didn’t quite dream of being in showbiz when I was a kid,” the host of the Sunday primetime show U Can Dance said.

Iya Villania is also a goal-oriented person even outside the Philippine showbiz industry. She knows what she wanted after her career is over.

“It’s fun, but it’s a dangerous business, really. There are new people constantly coming in. A lot of people in show biz my age make the mistake of thinking that it’s gonna be here forever, that they can live off show biz for the rest of their lives. Some of them stop pursuing their education,” Iya said.

Iya VillaniaIya Villania made sure that she would be prepared when the time comes she needs to say goodbye to showbizness.

“I keep my priorities straight. I promised my family and myself that I’d study. So I’m keeping my word. I like studying,” Iya said.

The model-celebrity made sure she can juggle up her school commitments alongside her modeling, hosting, and acting stints.

“The reason I took up AB Psych in De La Salle University is because if ever I can become a full-time student again, and I really want to take up Law or Medicine, I can always shift to BS. I’d like to be a doctor, or maybe anything that has to do with helping people,” Iya confessed her plans after showbizness.

“I’m scared to dissapoint my parents and my priority is to finish my studies. That’s the reason why I’m picky with my commitments,” Iya Villania said.

Studying is also a therapeutic activity for the model-host-actress. Keeping in touch with her normal life is one of the best gifts school can give her.

“I think it’s probably one of the biggest reasons why I stay real and also feel so normal. because I’m around so many students and not artistas, So It makes me feel like I’m one of them, because I am. The only difference is that I work on TV. and people see me on TV,” Iya confesed.

Iya Villania is a real and normal person valuing education and every blessing she did receive.

At the end of her typical day, Iya bows down her head and thanks the Lord for all the blessings she received.

Tags: , Philippine Celebrities,

12 Jul 2007 Valerie Tort 1 comment

Pinoy Showbiz News, Celebrities, Special Features

The Irony of Angel Aquino

By Valerie Tort

Angel Aquino It is very ironic that the fashion model, actress, and the six-year fashion and lifestyle show host Angel Aquino is not included in the heightened alert for fashionistas these days.

“I’m not into fashion. I don’t buy jewelry. I don’t buy clothes. I don’t buy any fancy stuff. But I’m making an effort,” Angel confessed.

Her maturity as a woman brought an impact in the simplicity and essence of her life. Angel Aquino made it a point to do her best every time she was given another opportunity to work with the film icons and superb film directors and producers.

“I guess I have accepted that I am older so I’m now trying to organize my life better because I now value everyday. A day can’t pass that you did not do anything. So now, everyday is an effort for me to get there, to realize and finally tell myself I’m quite accomplished.”

Her accomplishments from the runway to the TV screen made Angel Aquino a versatile celebrity. Since she already reinvented herself several times through her career progress, Angel’s passion for acting was a surprise.

“I would give up hosting and modeling for acting,” she said.

Angel Aquino starred in several indie films (independent films) aside from landing a couple of roles in the Philippine showbiz industry.

“It seems that the mainstream showbiz people do not think of me for their movies. I do a lot of indie work,” Angel Aquino said in an interview.

However, her tough job as a TV personality involved several change in her lifestyle. To be slim and fit all the time is one of the challenges every celebrity has. How does she keep her weight down despite her attendance to events, product launches, and numerous parties?

“I love to eat. I’ll eat anything as long as it doesn’t feel super heavy in the tummy. People do not know it but I love to eat. I go to a lot of good restaurants. It is just that I choose the food I eat—fish, chicken, veggies, seafood, and avoiding beef and pork dishes like the yummy but fattening lechon,” she said.

In addition, Angel Aquino’s father side possessed a slim built. It became her advantage since weight and looks are some of the vital elements that would keep a personality stay in the showbiz industry.

In her teenage years, she never appreciated her looks and figure.

Angel Aquino“When I was younger, I was an Olive Oyl. Mukha talaga akong posporo with black head! I was dark tapos I had really, really black short hair. I could not grow my hair because it was really ugly and frizzy. I was ugly,” Angel reminisced.

She even thought people around her were making fun of her when they told her to try modeling. It was when Angel Aquino landed a modeling job that made her believe the people who surrounded her.

“I thought they were making fun of me when they told me to try modeling in a hair commercial. I felt insulted until somebody actually asked me to do a VTR for an ad. I saw my hair moving and I thought, ‘Wow, it must be true!’ So hindi pala nila ako iniinis….I never thought I would become a model,” the TV host-actress-model said.

She is not only a role model for the TV viewers but also for her kids. Angel Aquino is a hands-on mother to her two beautiful teenage daughters She makes it a point to take care of them even if her schedule is jam-packed with shootings, tapings, and gigs.

“I want to personally take care of them. I want to personally bring them to school every day and pick them up. I just want to get them through until college—that’s every parent’s responsibility. I really want my daughters to be empowered. I encourage them to pursue their dreams. And after that, it’s all guidance na lang.”

She abandoned her wings as Angel Aquino continued to succeed in her career as an actress and a mother to her daughters while she kept her feet on the ground and lived a simple life.

Tags: , Philippine Celebrities,

09 Jul 2007 Valerie Tort 0 comments

Pinoy Showbiz News, Celebrities, Movies, TV & TV Shows

Marvin Agustin Has Double Inspirations

By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

Marvin AgustinMore and more bachelor actors become unwed fathers and award winning actor and businessman Marvin Agustin is one of them. One of Philippines’ top TV stars is proud being the father of fraternal twins – Santiago and Sebastian.

Indeed, the Asian Treasures star has carved successful careers both in the entertainment industry and restaurant business, even before his sons came. At an early age he took the responsibility of supporting his family while his father did his time in jail years ago.

Launched as member of Star Circle Batch two, Marvin immediately became a favorite in various teen oriented shows and his tandem with Jolina Magdangal marked smash hit projects both in boobtube and the big screen.

They did “Gimik,” “Labs Ko si Babes” “Hey Babe,” F.L.A.M.E.S. the movie” and “Kung Ayaw mo, Huwag mo”. Jolina and him re-teamed for the top rating program “I Love NY” aired at GMA last year.

His wacky personality was exposed further with his buddies Dominic Ochoa and the late Rico Yan in the sitcom, Whattamen of ABS-CBN.

But his first serious acting break was the mini series “Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako” where he was paired with Kristine Hermosa. He also demostrated his dramatic prowess in “Esperanza” where he played the brother of Judy Ann Santos.

The much deserved award finally came when he portrayed the character of former boxing champ Rolando Navarette in “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” He won Best Single Performance by a Lead Actor in 1st Golden Screen Entertainment TV Awards in 2004.

Since then, Marvin went on to appear in many award-winning movies including “Kutob”, which one gave him best actor trophies from Metro Manila Film Festival and Luna Awards.

Marvin The Businessman

Marvin was discovered in a restaurant where he worked as a waiter. Now, he is not only a TV and movie personality but also a restaurant and bar owner. He established Sumosam, Oyster Boy Bar, Café Ten Titas and managed a franchise of Mr. Donut.

marvin2.jpg“Walang hatian na nangyayari kasi both ventures (acting and entrepreneurship) are very close to my heart. Ini-enjoy ko pareho. You have to love what you’re doing para hindi siya maging trabaho,” Marvin answered on how he handled his showbiz career and businesses.

He considers his twins as his inspirations and guides to his many roles. And it seems his kids are his lucky charms, too.

“Ang kukulit na nila they’re turning two this year,” Marvin shared about Sebastian and Santiago.

After “I Love NY” and “Asian Treasures” he will play another challenging role in new teledrama “Mga Mata ni Angelita.”

In his latest flick, “Angels”, Marvin was able to work for the first time with film director Dingdong Dantes. Marvin says Dingdong was a good and very sensitive director.

Asked whether he would like to try directing, too: “Wala pa siguro right now. Ang dami ko pang bagay na dapat asikasuhin muna. Although gusto ko it’s been a dream. Pero saka na natin mare-realize iyan.”

Despite being a full-fledged dad, Marvin’s name is still being linked to beautiful young ladies like Pauleen Luna, Valerie Concepcion and Angel Locsin. He is being paired with his “Angels’ producer and “Asian Treasure co-star Angel and as rumor has it, they’re a hot items.

Marvin would not claim that they have relationship but he said Angel is a very close friend. Looks like there’s another inspiration for our boy…

Tags: , Philippine Celebrities,

02 Jul 2007 Phoebe Dorothy Estelle 0 comments