Judy Ann Santos took a big gamble by producing “Ploning”. I'm sure that right from the start, Juday knew the film won't really make it big in the box-office, lined up as it were with the Aga Muhlach-Anne Curtis starrer, “When Love Begins”, and “Ironman”, the top current grosser in the US. But, as one critic, noted, Philippine cinema needs films like “Ploning”.
The movie has earned an A rating from the Cinema Evaluation Board, a stamp of cinematic excellence. Its theme is anchored firmly on values embraced by a typical rural village, in this case a coastal community on the island of Cuyo, Palawan.
Juday herself delivers an understated but effective performance as the lead character Ploning, the barrio lass waiting for her lover to return. Ploning keeps vigil, refusing to give up on her man.
The story has several twists and turns but never loses its way, thanks to the splendid acting of the entire cast. And the village itself assumes a life of its own, thanks to the breathtaking vistas and the rich local color.
In contrast, “When Love Begins” is a sure-fire hit at the box office. Apprehensions that Aga is too old for Anne quickly disappear. As usual, Aga turns on the charm with his dimpled smile, portraying a lawyer for a pro-environment group. Anne, meanwhile, fits nicely into her role as a rich girl's daughter who's trying to steer clear of romantic commitments.
What “When Love Begins” lacks in depth it more than makes up for in kilig appeal. Director Jose Javier Reyes is a master of that genre.
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The bitter feud between Gabby Concepcion and showbiz writer/radio host Jobert Saculdito is growing more intense. Gabby's manager Rose Flaminiano has sued Jobert for libel, but not before lawyer Eduardo Flaminiano wrote Jobert a stinging note, in which he said that Mommy Rose is asking a mere P1 as damages. The lawyer said the amount was peanuts, but that was all Jobert could afford to cough up, anyway.
The whole nasty affair isn't helping Gabby's efforts to stage a comeback in local showbiz. He's already saddled with bigamy case and had to post bail to avoid jail time.
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Pilita Corrales, Carmen Soriano and Carmen Patena took their fans on an unforgettable ride down memory lane with two performances last March. Now the fans are clamoring for a return trip.
So the Golden Divas will be back to bring back the good old days once more.
The indomitable trio take the stage again on May 20, this time at the CMX Theater in the Mall Of Asia.
Nostalgia has always been a powerful and personal link to the past, and music helps open the floodgates of memories.
The Golden Divas are not only part of the music of yesteryears; they helped define an era, stamping their class with their style, class and versatility.
Pilita is one of the first superstars of local television and had been bequeathed the title, Asia’s Queen of Song.
Carmen Patena, whose singing career, like Pilita's, covers international venues, will make audiences remember why she was dubbed the "Shirley Bassey of the Philippines." She is expected to bring back memories with such songs as Wonderful Dream, The World's Greatest Clown, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Ballad of a Sad Young Man and others.
Carmen Soriano will render her signature songs, Ang Tangi Kong Pag-Ibig, Bluebird, Bulung-Bulungan, Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak, Dalagang Pilipina and others.
But that's not all. The golden threesome will add a touch of modernity by adding some songs popularized by Madonna and Britney Spears to their repertoire.
The show is produced by Viva Concert and Events and directed by Al Quinn.