Sexy actress Krista Ranillo is back in the headlines again. She has apparently traveled back to the US. This would not be any problem, you see, if not for the convenient fact that Philippine sports hero and boxer extraordinaire Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao is also in Los Angeles training for his megabuck fight with Joshua Clottey.
Krista Ranillo - back in the Pacman headlines again
What gives, Krista? Watch this video.
You see, if you didn’t get camera caught the first time around, this wouldn’t be happening. Watch this space, we will monitor the issue as it flies.
In the Philippines, you could not pick a more context and culture-laden term than sabong. This, in its literal meaning, is the act of cockfighting. Moving along the fairways of context it could also mean the pastime of a pre-dominantly male subculture, going to the cockpits and spending the whole day watching bred fighting roosters go at it. The term has some sexual connotations to it as well – that in itself is inevitable in this country. The sabungan (cockpit – literally, the pit where they hold cockfights) is where the sabungeros congregate. If you grew up in the Philippines you would know that this subculture has a language of its own, and a magnetism that draws in over 10% of this country’s population (that’s the number of total registered cockfighters in the Philippines – 8 to 10 million) towards the cockpits during weekends.
It is within such a context that this new indie film offering – Sabungero: Dangal at Tibay – takes place. Joel Torre stars plays Paco, a working-class man who has a working-class family, and pretty much leads a middle-class life. The movie plays out his initial ventures into sabong that eventually gets him hooked. Torre gives perfect rendition to the ups and downs of the life of a sabungero – his solid performance on screen give the viewers first-hand view of the drug-like rush of victory and the bitter desperation of defeat.
Also giving standout performances are a solid ensemble of actors – boasting experience and pure talent. Ricky Davao gamely plays the best friend, and Robert Arevalo plays “Tatang” – the dignified and respected, if not mysterious, cockpit owner. Maritoni Fernandez plays the role of the modern Filipina wife, wise in the affairs of her family and feeling the immediate effect of her husband’s new addiction.
Ricky Davao – the best friend
On the dark side, Nonie Buencamino plays the role of shady gambler to the hilt. Paco’s nemesis in this movie is the character of “the Congressman” played the multi-talented Leo Martinez – really, who else would you imagine in this role? Edwin Nombre plays the cockpit’s “Kristo”, the bet handler, while Sid Lucero and Lesley Martinez play Paco’s children caught in the crossfire.
Leo Martinez plays the bad guy in Sabungero
With a niche culture of this size, the movie is bound to connect with a lot of people out there. But with a treatment that is more honest than anything said about the sabungero culture than ever before, the movie is bound to ruffle some feathers in the high places as well. Harping on truth and reality may not earn the filmmakers more friends, but it serves no purpose making a film about the sabungero community that the viewers (hopefully sabungeros themselves, or people initiated to the culture already) can’t even relate too, or that which they will find contrived and faked. If you are not acquainted with cockfighting in the Philippines, this will probably give you the best chance of a ringside seat to what goes on – the film has that distinct insider’s feel to it.
Miguel Kaimo and Rozie Laurel Delgado directed the film. The original story was written by Troy Bernardo and the screenplay further developed by Luz Inocian. Most of these people are admitted newcomers to the movie industry – maybe that’s why no major film studio took a chance on the film. It feels right though, that this be an indie release, it would be totally awkward to expect this kind of honesty from the mainstream. Film music, score and sound was handled by Sound Weavers Recording Studio.
Catch the premiere showing on September 27, 2009, 4:00pm at SM Megamall Cinemas. Tickets will be available at the Megamall Box Office starting September 20. Provincial premiers are also scheduled on September 29th – expect the film in SM Lipa, SM Iloilo, SM Quezon, SM Cebu, SM Bacolod, SM Cagayan de Oro, SM Pampanga, and SM Davao.
Young actress Rhian Ramos continues to stake her claim to the bigtime as she stars in the remake of a Koreanovela well-loved and remembered by the Filipino TV audience. The original Koreanovela Stairway to Heaven hit the airwaves not 3 years ago and was an instant hit with the afternoon TV-viewing public. Rhian now teams up with Dingdong Dantes, one of today’s most sought-after leading men, as they bring the story of Cholo and Jodi back to life.
The plotline for the series is in itself Cinderella-esque, a story filled with elements of childhood love, cruel stepmothers and stepsisters, mistaken identities, and love triangles — sure to strike a note with us Pinoys. And with the beautiful Rhian Ramos playing one of the lead roles, what more could you ask for?
Rhian Ramos, or Rhian Denise Ramos Howell, has become a screen favorite and is starting to make her mark as one of the most beautiful faces her network can put in front of the camera. In fact, many would argue that she may have one of the prettiest faces in all of Philippine showbiz. Already a top endorser for numerous products, hers is a face that takes very easily to billboards and front covers of magazines. She came into the industry at age 15 and now she has worked her way into the hearts of many Filipinos.
Rhian Ramos talks to the press about her newest project, Stairway to Heaven
A very grounded individual
It is refreshing to see, from her numerous interviews and guestings, that there is a very grounded individual behind the pretty face. She is quick to deny any rift and tension between her and Marian Rivera, herself a top leading lady in the industry and girlfriend of Dantes. Many have been trying make an issue of the possibility that Dantes may fall for her as they work together. She has quickly put the issue to rest, and with her most disarming of smiles, allowed us to concentrate on this new project — which many are saying could make or break her career as a top actress.
(As an aside, I don’t really know why men like Dingdong Dantes are given license to “fall for” just about anyone. But hey, that’s just me.)
The story and the role could be very taxing for this young actress, as the plotline is filled with heavily emotional scenes and wet-your-hankie sessions. Ramos seems to agree with the effect this project might have on her career, but is enthusiastic about the challenge. After all, she probably wants to prove once and for all, to herself and to her critics, that she is a serious actress and that she has the talent to back up that claim.
Rhian Ramos is one of Philippine showbiz’s prettiest faces
Whatever the outcome, this “trial-by-fire” of sorts is not going to faze Rhian Ramos, that’s for sure. Judging from what is shown, jury may still be out on whether she’s leading lady material. But from all initial evidence — her TV castings to date — and all the issues linked with her, like that sex scandal thing, which she came through just fine — she probably will turn out just fine indeed. If she goes through this and handles herself well, her network will start counting themselves very lucky to have her on board.
Stariway to Heaven is set to premiere on September 14, 2009, primetime on GMA Network.
It seems that a lot of people are starting to notice Paula Taylor these days.
This Thai-born beauty is really getting around. She first came to the attention of many Pinoys during her stint in Amazing Race Asia reality TV game show with best buddy Natasha Monks. And although she was already a VJ for Channel V at that time, she was still an unknown entity to the Philippine entertainment public.
Paula Taylor’s classic beauty has captured the hearts of many Filipinos
Not anymore, it seems. The movie-going public immediately warmed up to Paula Taylor as she starred with veteran funny man Vic Sotto in the film Love On Line (LOL). The movie is already showing in theaters nationwide and is poised to become another box office hit for the evergreen Sotto. Paula even got a taste of Pinoy movie intrigue as rumors started up about Vic Sotto taking a liking to her. She denied all these and went on to claim that she is unattached as of the moment. The veteran actor’s current beau is Eat Bulaga co-host Pia Guanio, who in the same way denies any jealousy on her part.
Paula has appeared a number of times as a guest co-host on the top rating noontime show, and while a number of reports are circulating regarding a rift between her and Guanio, there was no obvious friction between both of the ladies on the set. Paula has already appeared on the same network’s weekend noontime variety show S.O.P. as a guest co-host as well.
Paula Taylor features in Christian Bautista’s new music video for the song “Tell Me Your Name”.
Aside from LOL and her hosting stints on TV, Paula is also busy with other projects. She will feature in a music video with one of Philippine’s top balladeers Christian Bautista, who is launching his newest single, “Tell Me Your Name”.
This link has more photos of Paula Taylor.
Her obvious good looks and charming smile has not escaped the eyes of beauty product manufacturers who are always looking for that fresh new face to endorse their products. Paula is already an endorser for Myra-E’s “Looking Blooming” advertisement campaign. She is very comfortable in front of a camera and having been on the cover of various magazines in Asia, endorsing for a vitality product really comes naturally to her.
Paula Taylor and balladeer Christian Bautista having fun on set.
The thing that leaves most people wondering is her accent. This is really because though she was born in Thailand, her family moved to Australia almost immediately after she was born. Paula grew up in Perth and also lived in Brisbane. Her accent is really more Aussie than British, but it really does give another dimension to the VJ-turned actress.
As we all can see, it seems that Miss Taylor will be around for quite a while. She is already reported to be fascinated with our country and the people. In return, the Philippine public can’t get enough of her. And if all things go her way, her smiling face is destined to be on the Philippine landscape for a long, long time.
