After a string of box-office hits, direk Wenn Deramas now dreams of winning an award

Just like any director, Wenn Deramas also dreams of winning an award from the major award-giving bodies. “If [the award] comes, then it comes. Hindi ko naman ito kina-career. I am happy that the people watch my movies and that they enjoy them,” says the box-office director, whose latest assignment “Pasukob” is opening today in theatres nationwide.

At this point, if there’s anyone whom we could call a superstar director (meaning whose movies have made money at the box-office), then Direk Wenn would be it. He has been churning out hit movies, one after the other. Like his last movie “Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat,” his latest caper “Pasukob” which stars Ai Ai delas Alas and Rufa Mae Quinto is expected to haul big at the box-office.

“I am not pressuring myself to maintain my stature as a box-office director but I’d like to continue doing entertaining movies for my audience,” says Deramas, whose next movie under Viva Films will be a movie with Robin Padilla and Ai Ai.

“Let’s face it, it’s harder to do a comedy film as compared to doing a dramatic movie. In comedy, a punch line that goes wrong ruins the whole joke. I am doing a harder job in making people laugh,” says Direk Wenn. “If some people don't think of my job highly or don't take my movies seriously, it’s their choice. But me, I take my job seriously and I think majority of the viewers take my job as a director seriously because they watch the movies that I make.”

But of course, to be hailed as the best director or to win a best director trophy remains a dream for Direk Wenn. “I hope that someday that would happen to me pero para ipilit ko na maging best director ako, hindi ko gagawin iyon. But whatever it is that would come my way, I would gladly accept it,” Deramas says.

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"Makabayang Duktor" is a weekly medical reality show hosted by Drs. Willie and Liza Ong. On this Friday’s episode, the doctors are sent on a mission by their mentor, Mr. Boy Abunda. They visit the homes of families with tuberculosis, various skin infections, and sore eyes. These diseases are more commonly seen in poor patients living among crowded slum areas. “I am saddened at how helpless our patients are. There are thousands of such sad stories. We cannot help everybody but we can treat them for several months and pray that we get more support,” says Dr. Willie.

Fortunately, the doctors’ charity advocacy for the indigents gets a much-needed boost with the support of Biomedis, a division of United Laboratories (Unilab). According to Mr. Richie Keyser, Biomedis Product Manager, “We are glad to work with the doctors in their charity mission. This is in line with our company’s Joy of Caring project.” Assistant Manager Ms. Mari Khris del Rosario also promised to donate free medicines to needy patients who were seen by the doctors.

So far, the doctors’ Makabayang Duktor Foundation has saved the lives of 10 patients using the template of 20K for a life. The latest successful operation involves a seven-year-old boy from Tagaytay City who was operated on for a painful hernia. In the two seasons of their television show, Drs. Willie and Liza have seen 90 indigent families, many of whom still see them in their clinic.

“We tell the patients to pray hard to God. We also believe that the prayers of the mothers of sick children are the most powerful all,” says Dra. Liza.

Watch Makabayang Duktor every Friday from 5:00 to 5:30 PM on RPN-9. You can also log on to docwillieandliza.com to view past episodes.

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Every year, before December, the Entertainment Press Society mounts a fund-raising. And this is happening tomorrow, November 29 at 9 p.m. at Klownz Quezon Avenue. Billed as ENPRESS DanZing Xpress, the show is for the benefit of Gawad Kalinga at Sitio Ruby in Fairview, Quezon City.

For the members of ENPRESS, they feel that life would be more enriching if those really need it the most get their share of blessings. For the amount of P400, you can be of help to our fellow kababayans who are in need. You are not only able to help but you will surely enjoy in this star-studded event.

Among the stars performing in the benefit show are Allan K, Ara Mina, Tirso Cruz III, Bodie Cruz, John Lapus, Chynna Ortaleza, Lovi Poe, Gladys Reyes, Baywalk Bodies, The Studs, Jenny Miller, Ate Gay, Wilma Doesnt, Rubi-Rubi, Jessica Rodriguez, Nadine Samonte, Stef Prescott, Jojo Alejar, Ana Capri, Andrew Schimmer, Gian Magdangal, Jan Nieto, Angelika dela Cruz, Rafael Rossell, Glaiza de Castro, Jennica Garcia, Hazel Ann Mendoza, EB Babes and the Sexbomb Girls, Jojo Alejar, Jennifer Lee, Asia Agcaoili, Lou of Ms. Ugly No More, Sheree, Faith Cuneta, PJ Valerio, Zara Aldana, the Abstract Dancers and many more.

Major sponsors are Tamayo’s Catering, Lai-Lyn’s Catering, Reyes Haircutters, M.O.S. and Punta De Uian Resort.