Top Threes

Just in time too: I was beginning to think I’d have to watch my DVD of One More Chance over and over again whenever I felt like a dose of the latest Pinoy commercial hit(s). The local movie industry has been so slow in churning them out lately, that I’m really so excited to be looking forward to not just one, but three movies featuring today’s (remaining) top stars! I haven’t really been tempted to hit the theaters since, well, One More Chance.

I guess I spoke too soon in making my “American Idol” Top Three prediction. I did think Carly Smithson would get to stay, but even she herself was surprised to be bidding the reality contest goodbye on Thursday—after rave reviews from Simon on Tuesday. She even proudly held up a shirt—available for purchase online—saying “Simon loves me (this week).”

Her getting the boot reminds me of how shocked everybody was when Chris Daughtry was voted out in Season 5, also after a stellar performance. What’s sad, though, is that extremely talented Carly has really had a tough time trying to make it in the music industry.

Carly was one of the show’s controversial contestants because she’s had a recording contract before, with her album failing to take off because it was released right around September 11, 2001. She was pretty emotional when she was accepted into the final 24. “I’m holding on to this for as long as I can,” she said tearfully. I hope her exposure in “American Idol” gives her the break she’s been waiting for.

Her elimination, however, throws the competition wide open again for everybody who is not named David. I’m now going to root for my real bets: David Archuleta, David Cook and Brooke White.

I don’t know what to make of this yet, but Brooke White also, er, enjoys the support of Votefortheworst.com, a site that encourages people to vote for, well, the worst singers in the competition. Despite its strange purpose, this site can’t be dismissed. Analysts (who obviously had too much time on their hands) said that Vote fortheworst.com was instrumental in propelling Season 5’s Taylor Hicks to his Idol victory. 

Coming soon: three local films to look forward to

Just in time too. I was beginning to think I’d have to watch my DVD of “One More Chance” over and over again whenever I felt like a dose of the latest Pinoy commercial hit(s). The local movie industry has been so slow in churning them out lately, that I’m really so excited to be looking forward to not just one, but three movies featuring today’s (remaining) top stars! I haven’t really been tempted to hit the theaters since, well, “One More Chance.”

First on my list is newcomer Panoromanila Picture’s “Ploning.” It stars Judy Ann Santos and Gina Pareño, with a long list of other performers I wish to see more often (including Joel Torre and Tessie Tomas). The real star of the film, I’d think, is its setting: Cuyo, Palawan. Set to be released on April 30, this film is going to be a box office hit.

The second film I’ll be sure to watch is Star Cinema and Viva Film’s “When Love Begins,” which puts Aga Muhlach and Anne Curtis together in their first team-up. Yes, Aga and Anne. And yes, he’s old enough to be her daddy—but, he surely doesn’t look it! Judging by the trailers, this film will go beyond romantic mush and explore what it really takes to make a relationship work. This promising romantic film also has an environmental twist. Aga’s character is a strict environmentalist, and Anne’s family is, I think, in the real estate business.

Finally, I’m also all excited about Sharon Cuneta’s “Caregiver.” Any story about an overseas Filipino worker is always interesting—and this one stars the consistently great Sharon to boot!

Interesting trio: Ruffa, Kris and Anne

It was rather entertaining to see Kris Aquino back on The Buzz this Sunday. Sadly, it isn’t a permanent thing—yet. What was more entertaining, though, was seeing Ruffa, Kris and Anne (Curtis) in the spot promoting “When Love Begins.” All three have their own brand of being, er, “quotable.” Anne was once upon a time heralded as the heir to Kris’ The Buzz throne when the former had her one segment in the entertainment talk show. 

I’d still say Kris was the standout among the three. She really should come back to The Buzz—and just make it a more intelligent show, if she doesn’t want to expose herself to showbiz muck anymore.

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