Syobis Philippine Showbiz Entertainment News, TV, Movies, Music, Videos, & Pinoy Celebrities

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.

From 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, Philippine Entertainment News

Excel V. Dyquiangco

Summer is at its peak. And after giving you our take of the Sexiest Female Celebrities, we give you their counterpart in the male king: the top 10 sexiest male stars based on our own survey.

Sexy is defined not just by their well-sculpted bodies or six-packs abs. It is defined through their attitude and their confidence. And for these ten male celebrities, sexiness is defined as that and so much more.

Andrew Wolff – The commercial model turned bad boy of the entertainment industry stole hearts when he was linked to several actresses, like Gwen Garci and Ethel Booba. Despite this image, many are still clamoring that they want Andrew more onscreen. Who wouldn’t? He already has his face – and body – plastered on billboards all over EDSA. Now, they want to see him in their homes too.

Alfred Vargas – The good boy from Ateneo de Manila gave rise to a slew of screams and shrieks from ladies, who all want him. He started out as part of an onscreen triumvirate of Kristine Hermosa and Jericho Rosales, but then blossomed to a full-blown hunk with substance in his many television and movie performances. The best of luck to you, Alfie!

Luis Manzano – Who would have thought that Vilma Santos’ first-born would be more than just a household name? And forward it a few years later, and “Lucky” has evolved to become Luis, and along with that, comes his good built. For Luis, he didn’t need to star in any sexy moves to show that he is sexy. One look at his piercing eyes and captivating smile, and that is sexy!

Dingdong Dantes – The skinny boy who started out in a string of goodie two-shoes performances proved that he does belong to this list. It was his stint in Encantadia that made him noticeable to the public, with his fighting skills and the armor he donned. Talk about sexy.

Dennis Trillo – Just one look at his intense eyes and mesmerizing look made the girls scream for Dennis Trillo. He didn’t have to bare his bod for him to become sexy – it all took great acting abilities and good relationships with his co-workers. Plus, the string of awards he won didn’t hurt either.

Christian Vasquez – The hunk from Iloilo proved that he got it. When he appeared for a telephone company’s advertisement a couple of years back, no one ever dreamed that he would enter show business, and then show off his wares. But he did, and thanks to just more than his body, Christian is very versatile in every genre he is involved with.

Marc Nelson – The sportsman attitude probably did him in. He could do anything – from kayaking, bungee jumping, parasailing, scuba diving and many others. These activities make him sexy. Girls want a man to protect them, and with Marc around, they sure are protected.

Richard Gutierrez – The chubby little kid, who oftentimes plays Susan Roces and Eddie Gutierrez’s son on television now has metamorphosed into not just one budding actor, but a sexy budding actor. With television series such as Mulawin, Sugo, Captain Barbell and now, Lupin, Richard proved that he got what it takes to make girls fall in love with him.

Wendell Ramos – Just like Dingdong, Wendell was as skinny as a bat when first started out in the movies. Long years of absence later, he came back with a vengeance – and how! Now, the skinny Wendell has grown into a hunk, to say the least. And he is good in comedy, too.

Rafael Rosell – He first gained public notoriety when he landed the male role in a toothpaste commercial. Now a Bench model, Rafael proved that he could be as sexy as hell when he wants it. Plus, his killer smile and his wavy hair all add glitter to his identity, not just as an actor, but as the embodiment of male physique.

There you go. The sexiest brood in Philippine showbiz. If you have violent reactions, feel free to post your own choices here.

Tags: Philippine Sexiest Men, Sexy Filipino Celebrities, Philippine Entertainment News, Philippine Showbiz

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

Who’s hot and who’s not? In the cutthroat world of show business, sexiness may be defined in various ways, but for a few select, sexiness may not be all glamour, nice curves and radiating smiles. In fact, sexiness might just come from the heart.

While consulting popular magazines in this quest, Syobis.com also did our own survey of showbiz followers to come up with the top ten sexiest female celebrities in Philippine showbiz. This list inlcude women who have redefined age, boundaries and culture (in no particular order):

Roxanne Guinoo – Who would have thought that the sweetheart from Star Circle Quest Batch1 would shed her naïve image to come out with a sultry billboard pose along EDSA? But frankly, Roxanne doesn’t need to explain anything. She has already proven her point – she could be charming or tomboyish in her next project and a sly vixen in the next.

Iza Calzado – She started out as a commercial model for a shampoo but then ventured into television and movies, earning her stature as one of the most sought-out actress in Philippine cinema. With a string of movies to date, Iza could melt any guys’ hearts with that charming smile and radiant looks – not just with her hair but with her overall personality as well.

Katrina Halili – Just like Roxanne, she was also a product of a talent search. Even then, guys get captivated by her tall, and slender figure. And she didn’t disappoint. Indeed, with a string of sexy movies to her name, Katrina definitely showed her versatility as a sexy actress.

Angel Locsin – The Darna suit did her in. With her long braided hair tucked underneath a red-capped helmet and her cleavage showing, Angel fought villains left and right with her sexy figure to match. And to think that she started out in the business as just your ordinary tomboy.

Isabel Oli – What endeared her to fans is that tear-jerking commercial on television. From then on, Isabel caught the eye of the growing public as she shed one image after another and finally, garnering the fame she rightfully deserves – not as a sex symbol but as an actress with substance. And she has a great body too.

Eula Valdez – She has defied aging, and redefined what beauty and sexiness are all about. Once a cover for FHM, Eula has proven that she is still the one to beat. The moment she gives anyone that warm smile or purses her lips, then get ready to be caught in her world. To think that when she was a teenager, she was a bit chubby. That’s sexy, though.

Rufa Mae Quinto – It’s too obvious isn’t it? Her voluptuous shape and outlined curves gives a new definition to sexy. Guys just couldn’t keep their eyes off her – not just her physical appearance but the way she delivers her punch lines onscreen. She has proven herself not just as a sexy star, but as a bankable comedienne as well.

Vina Morales – Her toned figure and her slightly athletic built symbolize the epitome of not just a fit woman but someone sexy too, which she has proudly flaunted on her Showgirl concert series. Vina could easily pass as one of the contestants of a body building competition and why not? She is still as sexy as hell.

Cindy Kurleto – Her classic and timeless beauty gives an added edge to her definition of “sexiness.” She gives anyone that smile, and she’s already sexy. She walks with an air of confidence, and she’s still sexy. She starts to talk, and she’s more than sexy. With Cindy, everything about her is sexy.

Cassandra Ponti – Herself a product of Pinoy Big Brother Season 1, Cass literally swept the viewing public with her wit, intensity and of course, her sexy figure. It just took minutes before her audience immensely took her in as one sassy girl that adds dimension to sexiness. And her being a cover girl in some leading magazines did help too.

Tags: Philippine Sexiest Women, Sexy Filipino Celebrities, Philippine Entertainment News, Philippine Showbiz

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

Ronnie Ricketts still squares off with a different kind of nemesis – one that seemed impossible to defeat. — the Big C.

For years now, Ronnie has been an advocate in fighting cancer through various campaign materials, through sports and through the movies he makes. It started back in 1998 when he was chosen as a spokesperson for the Philippine Cancer Society, doing talks about cancer, along with his wife Maris. He hasn’t looked back since then and he enjoys what he does, aside from acting in front of a camera.

Ronnie became passionate in his campaign against cancer, which is admirable considering he’s not even a cancer survivor himself. He has engaged himself, along with his fellow actors and artists like Onemig Bondoc, Alvin Anson, Dinky Doo, Onyok Velasco, Jeffrey Santos and TJ Trinidad, to speak to a group of students in schools about anti-smoking, which eventually leads to cancer.

Instead of smoking, he leads the students to a different route of leisure like sports or martial arts. In fact, he belongs to a group of martial artists called Bakbakan International, teaching the sports to interested individuals at least twice a week.

Ronnie is also part of campaign tours and basketball tournaments to raise funds for cancer victims. Aside from basketball, he also joined a cycling event before called “Bike for Life” with Fr. Robert Reyes and James Auste, a cancer survivor. This was held at The Fort in Taguig City.

And when he does movies, notice that he doesn’t smoke or drink. His latest offering, Lagot Ka Sa Kuya Ko, imparted subliminal messages to viewers by having no smoking signs and banners flashed onscreen.

Ironically, he was once offered to do a cigarette commercial worth 3.5 million.

“I turned it down, of course,” Ronnie says without an inch of regret in his voice. “My reputation as a supporter in fighting cancer is far more important and much greater than that kind of money.”

And because of this, he has received an award from the World Health Organization back in 2004 in Malate Church, and from a group of doctors known as the Philippine Oncologists at St. Luke’s, for his firm stand and belief in bringing this kind of disease to justice.

As a known fighter against cancer, he also has some share of problems. “Sometimes, people just come up to you and ask help for their cancer-stricken family member, believing that you have the money to help them,” he says sadly. “If I can afford it, I will pay. But I can only help so much. And I get really frustrated about this.”

The lack of funds of the Philippine Cancer Society, he adds, also causes a burden to his battle. But despite all of this, he remains strong and steadfast in kicking out cancer for life.

He has these advices to share to kick out cancer for good – avoid smoking, eat right and healthy, exercise, live a healthy lifestyle and of course, pray.

“When you do have cancer, don’t ever give up,” Ronnie says. “Always have a positive outlook in life.”

Tags: Ronnie Ricketts, Philippine Celebrity, Philippine Entertainment, Philippine Showbiz News

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

No one saw it coming. With the high costs of making a movie, producers opt to churn out movies that have low costs, minimal working hours and days for both staff and crew and yet, still star big-budgeted actors and actress, with tight storylines and top caliber and quality directors at the helm. And so: the Filipino independent films, or better known as Pinoy indie films, have begun.

Indie films are generally similar to big-budgeted movie productions except that their cost is limited and that they don’t have huge productions companies to back them up. And these films also have limited distribution in theatres nationwide.

With such indie films as Lav Diaz’s “Batang West Side”, Maryo J. Delos Reyes’ “Magnifico”, and Ramona Diaz’s controversial “Imelda”, it is not quite far that these indie films will not only be recognized here, but also abroad.

Among the successful independent films that were generally applauded here and abroad are:

Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros by Auereus Solitos, about a young boy who discovers his yearning for the same sex. It reaped the Best Film Award at the Asian Festival of First Films in Singapore, and the Golden Zenith Award for Best Fiction Film at the 2005 Montreal World Film Festival, before taking the trophy for Best Feature Film Award at the Berlin Film International Festival.

Ang Kubrador by Jeffrey Jeturian, about the story of a female bet collector whose nobility remained intact despite the many hardships in her life. It won all the major awards at the 8th Osian’s Cine Fan Film Festival in New Delhi, India, including Best Film and Best Actor for Ms. Gina Pareno.

Rigodon by Sari Dalena and Keith Sicat, a story of three immigrant Filipino workers following the 9/11 incident. The film won the Best Feature Film Award during the 8th International Panorama in Athens, Greece. The film was also recently shown at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC and was also invited to be screened at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.

Donsol by Adolf Alix, a story of two people who fell in love despite failed relationships. It received the Special Jury Prize in the Asian Marine Film Festival in Makuhari, Japan and was also part of the Dominican Republic International Film Festival.

Rugby Boyz by Khavn Dela Cruz, a story on Filipino boys playing a game of rugby or soccer. The film received a Special Mention from the Jury of the Minister President of North-Rhine Westphalia of the Oberhausen International Short Film Festival in Germany. The film was also shown at the Shoot Me Film Festival, The Hague, Netherland and at the 13th Barcelona Independent Film Festival.

With prestigious awards such as these being handed out to Filipino independent films and filmmakers in international awards, more award-winning films are sure to come.

And definitely, more producers and directors would dabble more into the unknown – experimenting and discovering new stuff that would make their films not just up for international awards but films that are worth seeing and worth every cent.

So expect the Filipino independent film industry to only flourish giving us Filipno moviegoers some quality movies for once.

Tags: Filipino Independent Films, Philippine Movies, Philippine Movie Industry, Pinoy Movies

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

Gerald Anderson first caught the eye of the Philippine entertainment audience with that mestizo look and that boyish charm on Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Teen Edition a couple of months ago. Although he didn’t turn up to be the voting public’s sole winner, seventeen-year old Gerald’s future was already laid out for him.

Now, fresh from his stint as the Amboy-look from that Pinoy reality television show and touted to be the next Aga Muhlach, Gerald proves that he has more to offer. With a string of commercials and a high school preppy movie under his belt, he has audiences hooked every night on ABS-CBN’s tele-serye Sana’y Maulit Muli. As Travis, the despondent partner of Jasmine (played by Kim Chiu), he soulfully weaves a character so genuine that it is quite difficult to determine who the real Gerald is.

And with the successful following of the mini-series, Gerald Anderson talks about Sana’y Maulit Muli, reincarnation, what event in his life he wants to change, and what he wants to replay over and over again, and his love team with Kim Chiu.

Do you believe in reincarnation? If so, what do you think were you in your previous life?

Yes, I believe in reincarnation. I would probably be an eagle in my previous life since I really want to fly.

How are you and Travis, your character from Sana Maulit Muli, different and similar?

Travis and I are similar in that we are both Amboy, we move the same way and we know how to take care of our families. When I love someone, just like Travis, I would do anything to win that love.

Travis and I are different because Travis is too emotional. I am not like that.

Is there a part of your life you want to change?

No. I love every part of my life and I don’t regret doing anything. Even my bad experiences make me who I am now.

Is there something in your life you’d rather forget?

None. Everything is in order.

Would you still want to become an actor if given a second chance?

Yes. I love what I’m doing right now.

Is there an event in your life you’d want to play over and over again?

During my PBB days. Masaya sa loob. Kahit six weeks lang kami sa loob, I wish we stayed there longer. I really didn’t miss anything – even my computer, cellphone and other gadgets I have. Sana mas matagal kami sa loob.

Is your tandem with Kim Chiu for real or reel?

For reel. We are just friends.

Tags: gerard Anderson, Philippine Showbis Celebrities, Philippine Showbiz news, Philippine Entertainment,