Judy Ann & Ryan on married life

Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo were not yet married when they did the box-office hit movie and award-winning “Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo” and its sequel, “Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo.” Is there a difference now that they are already married and are cast as couple in their romantic-comedy show titled “George and Cecil”?

“Wala namang nabago sa amin! Siguro, kung meron man, medyo nakakatipid na kami ngayon. Like sabay na kaming dumarating sa set, at isang sasakyan na lang ang gamit namin, kaya tipid sa gas. Noon kasi, magkaibang sasakyan ang gamit namin, ‘di ba?” said Juday.

But when it comes to working together, she and Ryan are very much comfortable with each other. “We never experienced not being comfortable with each other. Even during the time we were still not yet married, we’ve always been comfortable with each other. I guess the only difference now is that we are more frank with each other, compared to before when we were sweet or pa-sweet with each other. We don’t hide anything from each other now because we are already husband-and-wife,” explained Juday at the presscon of their romantic-comedy show on ABS-CBN to be directed by their good friend Jose Javier Reyes.

On the part of Ryan, he feels different because before, after their taping or shooting, he has to bring Juday to her home. Now, they go home together.

Juday also said that she finds it hard to relate to the character of George (her name in the series) because George and Cecil always fight in the series, something that she and Ryan are not doing in real life.

“In real life, we never fight. We’ve had our quota of fights before but not anymore,” said the actress who’s blooming and looking radiant at the presscon held at the ABS-CBN.

Beginning Sunday (June 14), your world will turn upside down as real life couple Judy Ann and Ryan take on unconventional roles as husband and wife in ABS-CBN’s newest romantic comedy series “George and Cecil.”

After their hit teleserye “Ysabella,” Judy Ann and Ryan will once again pair up on television to give you quality family fun in this light drama with a touch of comedy written and directed by Jose Javier Reyes. “George and Cecil” will also mark the comeback of respected actors Tessie Tomas, Al Tantay, Malou De Guzman, and Judy Ann’s reunion with archenemy in the classic series “Mara Clara,” Gladys Reyes.

Follow the unique story of policewoman Georgina “George” Castro (Judy Ann) and high school teacher Cecilio “Cecil” Murillo (Ryan) and watch how they will overcome the struggles and hardships of married life.

To make their lives even more complicated, their unconventional families will also tag along which brings even more problems to the newlyweds.

Other cast members include Dimples Romana, Christopher Roxas, Dino Imperial, Archie Alemania, Dionne Monsanto, Ynna Asistio, Enriquez Gil, Adrian Solomon, and “Pinoy Fear Factor” participantes Manuel Chua at Jommy Teotico.

Change the way you view married life and don’t miss the “George and Cecil” premiering Sunday (June 14) on ABS-CBN.

* * *

Six possible presidential candidates in 2010 will face off for the second leg of “Countdown to 2010: An ANC Leadership Forum” this Friday (June 5), 7pm at the University of the Philippines School of Economics (UPSE) in Diliman. This will be aired live on ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel (SkyCable Channel 27) and again on Studio 23 on June 6 at 6pm and on ABS-CBN’s “Sunday Best” this June 7 at 10:15 PM.

The event’s high-profile lineup includes former Philippine President Joseph Estrada, Senators Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay. Vice President Noli de Castro and MMDA chair Bayani Fernando have yet to confirm their attendance. Sen. Manuel Villar has declined the invitation since he said he will be out of the country next week.

This second batch was unable to attend the first leadership forum that ANC and the Ateneo de Manila University sponsored last May 11. Sen. Francis Escudero, Sen. Richard Gordon, Sen. Manuel Roxas II, Gov. Ed Panlilio, and Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. each took the hot seat in the first forum, where they responded to a barrage of questions on their stands, issues, and competence as public servants.

ANC’s top anchors Cheche Lazaro and Ricky Carandang will anchor the second forum.

The second “ANC Leadership Forum” is a partnership between ANC and the UPSE and part of ABS-CBN’s “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” campaign, which aims to empower Filipinos, particularly the youth, to make a difference in the national polls next year.

“Through the forums, we hope to help the Filipino youth see who these potential candidates are and what they stand for,” said ANC Chief Operating Officer Glenda M. Gloria.

Visit www.abs-cbnnews.com/botomo or www.twitter.com/abscbn halalan for election news and “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” updates.  Catch the second leg of “Countdown to 2010: An ANC Leadership Forum” this Friday (June 5), 7pm on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) SkyCable Channel 27 and its primetime telecasts on Saturday (June 6) at 6pm on Studio 23 and Sunday (June 7) at 10:15pm on ABS-CBN Sunday’s Best.

* * *

 “Hole in the Wall,” hosted by Ogie Alcasid and Michael V, won in the ratings game last Friday, getting a rating of 20.7% to beat “Boys over Flowers” which garnered a rating of 17.2%.

Tomorrow, Hole in the Wall features celebrity contestants. In the Blue Puchipao Team are Paolo Avelino, Chynna Ortaleza and Norman “Boobay” Balbuena while composing the Red Cheer Team are Arci Munoz, Ariel Villasanta and Anthony “Maverick” Relova.

By the way, whatever happened to the movie that Maverick and Ariel did for GMA Films which was shot in Hollywood? Has it been shelved?

* * *

Ugat Sa Lupa, a 20-minute short film directed by Ariel Reyes, is one of the finalists in this year’s Cinemalaya Competition. A National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) film grant, Ugat sa Lupa, was shot on location in Batangas. It stars Gerald Madrid, Angelie Urquico, Don Isaac Puri, John Ryll Dimayuga and Arnold Reyes.  

Ugat sa Lupa tells the story of a farming family who lives in an island bereft of fresh water and their struggle to live despite the hardships. It also dramatizes the relationships between father and children and among siblings.

Ugat sa Lupa is a non-dialog movie, but uses ambient sound and musical score. It is also an acting piece. Lead actor Gerald Madrid shows a sensitive method of acting and aesthetically dramatizes the story. He draws a suitable choice to his characterization, and demonstrates and offers faith that the audience will embrace it. “This is the first time that I acted in a movie without dialogues. I had to study my character very carefully and I hope I was able to provide a good portrayal,” said Gerald. 

Arnold Reyes infuses his own capacity for authentic emotion while playing his character. He uses brilliant acting technique in developing the telling of the story. “I am used to acting on stage. Nagulat ako when I learned walang dialog ang movie. I loved the challenge,” said Arnold.

Angelie Urquico, who plays the female lead, interprets her role with extraordinary reality in her scenes. She reacts to events drawing from meaningful coincidences around the aesthetic emotion of her character. “When I learned that I will be playing the female lead and the movie was without dialogues, na-challenge ako. There was pressure kaya at home pa lang I was already studying my role,” said Angelie. 

Ugat sa Lupa was given a recommendation by DepEd for film showing in various schools nationwide. It is designed for secondary and primary schools and student filmmakers as an interactive media tool. Ugat Sa Lupa will start its school tour this year.

Shot on location in Batangas, Ugat sa Lupa utilized students of the filmmaking workshop conducted by director Reyes under PlusiMinus Film Camp and Aquarian Artistic Production, as production staff and crew.