No more movies for Kris Aquino

Kris Aquino appears on television 12 times a week, making her the busiest female celebrity there is on the Philippine TV landscape. But when it comes to movie work, Kris declares that her latest project under Star Cinema entitled "Sukob" is going to be her last film, as a promise to husband, James Yap.

Ever since she had been married to the popular cager, the queen of talk and game show has been submitting to the will of her husband.

"I can't be on TV forever that's why I am making the most of my time," says the amiable TV host. "But when it comes to movies, 'Sukob' is definitely my last film. I told James that and I'm keeping my word." Besides, Kris is more of a TV host-and not really an actress. She, however, relishes the idea of doing movies on location and getting the chance to work with other actresses.

Kris agrees to what the Bible says that she has to submit to the will of her husband. "I know James finds it odd that he starts his day at 8AM. But that's the only time I come home from work." The actress who was crowned box-office queen for "Feng Shui" relates that she turned down at least eight offers to do teleseryes for ABS-CBN, despite the willingness of the production to adjust to her schedule. Now that she has a family, she realizes the value of giving her time to it.

She's not saying "Sukob" is her last film just to generate more publicity for the film that reunites her with director Chito Roño, who handled her in the movie "Feng Shui," and marks her first time to work with Claudine Barretto, who got married last March to Raymart Santiago. While Kris and James are planning to have a baby perhaps three to four years from now, she vows that "Sukob" is going to be her final movie. No matter if the decision will rob her of the chance of winning an acting award should a good project comes along, Kris is determined to keep her word to her husband.

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For the last five years, John Lapus (also known as Universal Sweet) has been celebrating his birthday via a show that feature song and dance numbers, plus monologues and impersonations of popular celebrities. This time, Sweet is doing it on Friday, July 7, at the Zirkoh Comedy Bar in Timog, Quezon City via "This Time I'll Be Sweeter" which has Candy Pangilinan as headwriter. Directing the show is theater actor-director-professor of Far Eastern University (FEU), Joey Ting.

When asked how different is the show from his past birthday shows, Sweet says, "This is my 33rd birthday celebration. I am already as old as Jesus Christ so this might be my last." Of course, that was meant as a joke. But Sweet, turning serious, says it's time that he reinvents himself. He wants to challenge himself and be different.

Guest artists on "This Time I'll Be Sweeter" are Angelika dela Cruz, Pokwang, Eugene Domingo, Joseph Bitangcol, The Bodyworx dancers, Jeans and Jericho Rosales.

Even if at present he has no regular show on ABS-CBN, he has no intention of becoming a Kapuso star, as the rumors alleged. Sweet does accept guest stints on other channels and even had a show on ABC-5. "I also need to make a living since I have a family to support," he says. Aside from his usual shows in comedy bars like Klownz, he's also busy managing Graffiti, his Internet cafe bar in Esquinita.

"Even if I don't have a regular show on ABS-CBN right now, Star Magic still manages my career and I am being taken cared of. Incidentally, Sweetalk via 2366, the first chismis provider on your cellphone is still ongoing and we will be celebrating our third anniversary this November," Sweet relates.

Sweet is also joining "Comedy-Musical-Riot sa Amerika" Part 2 on August 20 in Las Vegas and on August 26 in Los Angeles together with Candy Pangilinan, Chocoleit, Eugene Domingo, Anton Diva and Carlos Agassi. The show is produced by Arvi Productions and is directed by Wenn Deramas.

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Fun, music and laughter continue as the new, energized Backroom's musical caravan hits Southern Mindanao!

Backroom's musical caravan, which kicked off in different places in Metro Manila and toured various places in Luzon, goes to South Cotabato on July 7 and 8.

First stop is South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center in Koronadal City, South Cotabato on July 7 followed by a performance at the Del Rio Splash Resort in Koronadal City on July 8.

"This is the most engaging show I have ever staged. There is never a dull moment when we are on stage. We sing, we dance, and we make people laugh. Pampamilya kumbaga," says K Brosas, who is also scheduled to have her birthday concert at Ratsky Morato on July 15.

Also with K Brosas in the musical caravan are Erik Santos, this year's MYX Favorite Male Artist, Frenchie Dy, The Boxers, Kim Flores and Rufa Mae Quinto as special guest.

"This is a touring show where you will have everything you need to be entertained. May comedy, may sayawan, may kantahan. We don't want to miss out on anything. With seven different artists in one show, doing different things, hindi ka magsasawa. We'll do our very best to live up to the people's expectations," says Frenchie Dy.

Backroom musical caravan in South Cotabato is produced by TCL Management and Events under Terry Lopez, producer.

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Is it true that Heaven's Best, the production outfit put up by Herbert, Hero and Harlene Bautista spent close to P5 million for the digital film "Umaaraw Umuulan," the initial venture of their company? Considering that their project is a digital film, showbiz observers feel that was quite a sum that the Bautista siblings had put into the project.

No wonder Herbert is hoping and praying that they will be able to recover their investment. Spending some P5 million for a digital film is quite a hefty sum. We learned that another digital filmmaker told Richard Arellano, who directed "Umaaraw Umuulan" that they should have blown up their digital film to 35 mm so the producers will have a chance to show it on regular cinema. But according to a source, that would mean additional expense on the part of Heaven's Best.

So when the movie opens today in SM theaters in Metro Manila, "Umaaraw Umuulan" that stars Ryan Agoncillo, Precious Lara Quigaman and Herbert himself, will be shown exclusively in SM digital cinemas. Hoping for a good run in Metro Manila, the producers will release "Umaaraw Umuulan" in key cities in the provinces next week, to give the stars ample time to make the rounds of various TV shows to promote the movie.