Edu Manzano courted anew to enter politics

PLUS: Piolo Pascual shares birthday wish; Dingdong Dantes not affected by ‘predictions’

One of the most talked and much awaited scenes in “Love Me Again,” the first movie team up of Piolo Pascual and Angel Locsin is their love scene that was done in the stable. No matter how itchy and uncomfortable was setting of what was supposed to be a romantic interlude, Director Rory Quintos described the scene as “sensual.”

According to Piolo, Direk Rory had a number of requirements before the love scene was done. “Direk Rory was particular about many movements that we need to do like movements and body movements as well. But the scene came out very although it was a bit scary doing it,” said Piolo.

Both Piolo and Angel were very cooperative in doing the scene, which came out very well and was very well-received when “Love Me Again” was screened in Los Angeles, California before Christmas. Direk Rory said she wanted to do something different for the love scene of Piolo and Angel, since this is the first time they are working together in a film.

Unfortunately for Direk Rory, and also for all those who can’t wait to see the much-awaited “sensual” love scene, Star Cinema decided to splice it. Meaning, they shortened it after viewing it. Star Cinema was kind of worried that the “skin exposure” in the scene might catch the ire of the MTRCB and be cut. So instead of risking the “entire sensual scene,” the producers decided to shorten it.  

“Love Me Again” is the opening salvo of Star Cinema for 2009, coming on the heels of a very successful “Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat,” which topped the recently-concluded Metro Manila Film Festival. This makes Piolo and Angel even more nervous. It rests on their shoulders that “Love Me Again” would be a blockbuster.

By the way, it was Piolo’s 32nd birthday last Monday and his wish is for “Love Me Again” to rake money at the box-office. The movie opens today in more than 100 theaters nationwide.

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Hot matinee idol Dingdong Dantes wouldn’t want to dwell anymore on the sad and unpleasant things that have happened to him last year, such as his breakup with long-time girlfriend Karylle and the numerous intrigues that had been thrown his way.

“I want to start the year on a clean slate so I’d rather look forward to 2009 on a bright note, and forget the sad things that happened last year,” said Dingdong at the press launch welcoming him as the newest endorser of Goldilock’s Bakeshop and Restaurant. “Let’s not talk about the past, the negative things and the intrigues.”

Well, it seems Dingdong is really starting 2009 with a bang. He was chosen as endorser of Goldilocks. No, he’s not replacing Kris Aquino, but he was chosen to cater to a different market. But there might be a possibility of him and Kris coming together for a Goldilock’s event.

“I am flattered to be chosen as endorser of Goldilock’s since I really love their food. Among my favorites are diniguan, kare-kare, and chocolate mousse for desert,” said Dingdong who has started taping for “Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang,” his third show with Marian Rivera.

When asked about the predictions that he and Marian’s career would dwindle and take a dive in 2009, Dingdong said it’s very easy for anyone to make any prediction. But he vows to work harder to prove himself no matter the dire predictions. After all, these are just predictions. What really matters is how much work a person puts into something to become successful. 

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Now nearing its end is the top-rating series “Dyosa” topbilled by 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress Anne Curtis. Yes, the show is nearing its end but is proving to becoming even more exciting. The series ends this Friday, January 16.

Who will Dyosa end up with – Kulas (Luis Manzano), Mars ( Zanjoe Marudo) or Adonis (Sam Milby)? Will Dyosa finally accept the truth that she’s the Takda, the one destined to save the earth? Don’t miss the remaining episodes of “Dyosa.”

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Optical Media Board Chairman Edu Manzano threw a belated Christmas party for the members of the entertainment press who had been religiously supporting the efforts of OMB to minimize, if not totally eradicate, piracy in the local film industry.

Edu took pride in saying that none of the filmfest entries were pirated during the run of the festival. The actor extolled the help given to OMB by the legitimate retailers in Quiapo by giving them information on the whereabouts of possible film pirates plying our streets.

The OMB Chairman is glad that his agency has been given a good budget to continue with their activities but he admits that they are also hampered in carrying out their responsibilities because there are not enough laws that could help them add more authority to their office.

Some areas that are covered by the powers of OMB are downloading from the Internet. He hopes that if and when he could quit his job as OMB Chairman, a lawyer could replace him so they can have the opportunity to craft more laws against piracy.

While he said that some quarters are now trying to convince him to run for office, he admits that he’s thinking about it and is not about to divulge the identities of the people who are trying to convince him to join the political scene.