Carlos Agassi: 'I'm sad but not mad'

Carlos Agassi is sad but not mad at the decision of ABS-CBN management to make him just a semi-regular co-host of "ASAP '06" after being part of the show for 10 years. Aside from not having a regular show on the Kapamilya network, what made it made hard for Carlos to leave the show is that he lost his chance to be with his younger brother Aaron who will surely be one of the mainstays of "ASAP '06" in the days to come.

After a decade on the Sunday noontime show, it saddens Carlos to say goodbye, admitting that he shed tears upon learning of the decision. It was after all his first show on ABS-CBN.

"I'm sad but not mad at what has happened. Anyone who loves his job so much would surely be sad saying goodbye to it," says Carlos who only now appears twice a month on "ASAP" and he doesn't have a regular show on ABS-CBN right now after their group, The Hunks, bid farewell to the show as well. With Jericho Rosales opting not to renew his contract with ABS-CBN, the group is gone. Among the original Hunks, it's only Piolo Pascual who was retained in the show on a regular basis. Since Jericho severed his ties with Star Magic, it's only logical that he leaves The Hunks as well.

Since he doesn't have an existing contract with ABS-CBN, Carlos is free to accept assignments outside, the reason why he has done "Oh My Ghost" under OctoArts Films, his first project opposite Rufa Mae Quinto and Marvin Agustin. And his first assignment outside Star Cinema (the film arm of the Kapamilya network).

"If there's a good offer, all I need to do is ask Mr. Johnny Manahan and if the project is good, they'd allow me to do it. If there really is good project or a solid offer from GMA 7, then let's see what can happen," says the rapper who's open to the idea of crossing over to the Kapuso network if a good project is presented to him.

His ABS-CBN family told him they couldn't find a suitable project for him at the moment although he's appearing as a kontrabida in the forthcoming fantasy series "Rounin" which boasts of a stellar cast.

"As long as I can find work, whether it be in GMA or any station for that matter, I'd gladly accept it. Hindi naman ako nagtampo sa kanila. I do know these things happen," says Carlos although his eyes say more than the words coming from his mouth.

"I am sad that I don't have work but I am not mad. I'm not the type who'd raise hell just because I lost my job. I don't feel rancor towards anybody. But if they would like to get me for a job, I'd be most thankful," he stresses.

Carlos also took the occasion to explain regarding the rumor he's quitting showbiz. "I had three shows in the Middle East courtesy of The Filipino Channel. I performed in Bahrain, Riyadh and Oman. If I had no work waiting for me in the Philippines, I was planning to spend a few more weeks or months in the Middle East. It didn't mean I was quitting. So when I learned of the offer to do 'Oh My Ghost,' as well as 'Rounin,' I promptly returned home."

He will be leaving for the United States on August 16 to join a show with the group of John Lapus, Chocoleit, DJ Durano and Candy Pangilinan, together with director Wenn Deramas. Their performances are set on August 20 at the Plaza Hotel and Casino, August 25 at the East County Performing Arts in San Diego and August 26 at the Arts Film Center. Cesar for Manila vice-mayor?

Sunshine Cruz threw a party for husband Cesar Montano who turned another year "younger" last August 1. The Aruba Bar located along Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City was transformed into a concert venue, with Cesar and his guests singing to their hearts' content until morning. It was the first time that the actor held a party to celebrate his birthday attended by friends and press people alike. There was even a raffle of mini radios, jackets and cellphones courtesy of Touch Mobile, which the actor endorses. Plus gift packs came from Nestle, Cesar's newest endorsement with his daughter.

Among Cesar's well-wishers who took turns at the microphone for a song or two for the actor were Richard Merck, Noel Cabangon, Christopher de Leon, Tirso Cruz III, Gene Padilla, Bayani Agbayani, Desiree del Valle (who arrived with Vhong Navarro, though he insists they just met at the door), Alvin Anson, Ricky Davao and of course Sunshine who sang a duet with her husband ("Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang") plus another song. Shine says it was supposed to be a surprise party but when Cesar got wind of it, he decided to make it a thanksgiving as well for the blessings that had been coming his way.

Other celebrities who dropped by included Wilson Tieng of Solar Films, Gov. Chavit Singson, Monsour del Rosario, Annabelle Rama, Dr. Manny Calayan, Malou Choa Fagar of "Eat Bulaga," TAPE producer Tony Tuviera, Unitel Films producer Tony Gloria, Ms. Celia Rodriguez, Eloisa Matias, Nonie Buencamino and wife Shamaine Centenera, Joel Torre, Jeffrey Tam, Ronnie Lazaro, and IC Mendoza.

In an interview, Cesar denies reports that he's entering politics and is running for vice mayor of Manila in next year's elections. While he didn't deny that he had been approached by some quarters who wanted to get him as running mate, Cesar says he would be busy doing two films next year so politics is out of the question.

"I am thankful to those people who believe in my capacity to be of service to the people but I don't believe I will be able to do it since I am committed to do two films next year. That alone would eat up my schedule from January and onwards," says the award-winning actor. 'Kubrador' hits local screens

After being viewed and lauded in various film festivals abroad and this year's Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival's opening film, "Kubrador" will finally hit the local big screen on August 16!

"Kubrador" is written by Ralston G. Jover, directed by Jeffrey Jeturian and produced by MLR Films. It chronicles three days in the life of Amy, a jueteng collector played by Gina Pareño. MLR Films executive producer Atty. Joji Alonso is very proud of the movie and believes that it is the first material to make a statement on jueteng. Aside from Gina Pareño who gives one of the best performances on the local screens ever, the viewing public has been all praises for the other cast members - Fonz Desa as the inutile husband, Nanding Josef as the priest, Soliman Cruz as the chief of police, and Star Magic's big boss Johnny "Mr. M' Manahan who shone in his role, Mang Poldo, the jueteng cashier.

From the younger crop of actors with pivotal roles in "Kubrador," new faces get introduced. One is newcomer Ran del Rosario, who began his career as a model. In "Kubrador," he finally fulfills his dream of acting on the big screen. He essays the role of Eric, the soldier son of Amy (Pareño). His presence exudes magical realism in the film and reminds us, of emptiness and longing that gnaw into one's soul.

The other new face is Nico Antonio who plays the role of a young kubrador, Baste, Amy's sidekick. A graduate of the Ateneo, he began his career in theatre, dishing out different portrayals. Now in law school, he found time to do cameo roles in "Minsan Pa," "I Wanna Be Happy" and in the soon to be released digital film, "Jupit." But it is in "Kubrador" wherein his mettle as an actor was tested. In the jueteng draw scene alone, he had to shoot 38 hours straight, unmindful of the lack of sleep as he patiently tried to perfect his craft.

Don't fail to watch it - August 16 in selected theaters in Metro Manila! Otherwise, you will have to cross continents just to see it.