"In Your Eyes" director impressed by improvement in Richard's acting

 After working with Fanny Serrano in the indie film “Tulak”, director Neal Tan remembered his story concept of a love story of a gay man and a prison inmate. This was the idea of his new film “Tarima”, which features Fanny in the lead role.

 It was in 1999 when Direk Neal thought of this concept based on the experience of a movie writer. Direk Neal talked to Fanny sometime in January this year of doing Tarima with Fanny playing the lead role of Roselo. Fanny liked the concept and agreed to do it. Seven months later, “Tarima” is finished and will have a premiere night at the CCP Main Theater on Aug. 28.

 In the three separate press previews scheduled by Fanny himself for several members of the entertainment press, the movie “Tarima” earned good reviews from the invited guests including some film critics. They had nothing but praises for the members of the cast such as Ms. Gloria Romero (playing her meanest role so far as Fanny’s grandmother), Ms. Rustica Carpio (as Fanny’s yaya), Rocky Salumbides (as the prisoner whom Fanny fell in love with) and Chocoleit (as Fanny’s bestfriend).

 We had the chance to watch the movie at the press preview and we agree that “Tarima” is a good movie and the cast should be congratulated for their performance. Direk Neal and his cast should not be ashamed to have it premiered at the CCP Main Theater on Aug. 28 , with an expected attendance of guest celebrities. According to Fanny, he has invited his good friends, Megastar Sharon Cuneta and Ms. Lorna Tolentino to attend the premiere.

 It’s indeed a signature film for Fanny and it’s one film that people would surely remember him by. It’s too early to say that he is destined to win an acting award but for sure his work wouldn’t go unnoticed, same thing with that of Ms. Gloria Romero. This is probably Fanny’s performance of a lifetime, unless he finds another interesting script and opportunity that would challenge his acting ability.

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 Speaking of another director, Mac Alejandre has had the chance to handle Claudine Barretto, Anne Curtis and Richard Gutierrez when these actors were still very young. He said he first worked with Claudine when she was 12, with Anne when she was 14, and with Richard when he was also starting out in his teens. Having worked with them in his new film assignment “In Your Eyes,” under GMA Films and Viva Films, direk Mac takes pride in saying that he was very pleased with the performances of his three lead stars.

 “I was really impressed with the three of them,” said Direk Mac at the presscon of “In Your Eyes” held Tuesday. But he gave special mention to Richard. “I was most impressed with Richard. He has improved a lot and has really matured in terms of his acting. The acting prowess of Claudine and Anne should not be questioned because both of them are award-winning actresses, but I must say that Richard also did very well.”

 We have yet to see “In Your Eyes” so we can’t agree or disagree yet to the observation of Direk Mac. But we read a comment that Richard’s role would have been better if it was well-written. That we will take note of once we get to watch “In Your Eyes.”

 GMA Films scheduled a special screening of “In Your Eyes” at the Gateway Cinema in Cubao, Quezon City for Richard since he hasn’t had the chance to watch the film. After the shoot was done, Richard flew to the set of “Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Showdown”. Joining Richard in the exclusive screening were Claudine and Anne, plus the celebrity castaways of “Survivor Philippines.”

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 The Kapamilya Karavan will hit the colorful and joyous Kadayawan Festival with some renowned ABS-CBN stars today, Aug. 21, 3 p.m., at Gaisano Atrium, Davao City.

 Most celebrated showbiz couple Angelica Panganiban and Derek Ramsay, plus John Prats and Matteo Guidecielli will heat up the much-awaited caravan with hot performances.

 After the breathtaking and shocking finale of “Rubi” last week, Angelica is not only ready but excited to go on provincial tours, especially now that her beloved boyfriend Derek is accompanying her. The actress shared she wants to take this opportunity to bond with the “Magkaribal” star.

 “Sobrang nakaka-excite talagang sumama sa Kapamilya Karavan. Davao, abangan nyo kami. Siguradong pasasayahin namin kayo,” Angelica said.

 “Banana Split’s” mainstay John, on the other hand, likes to grab the chance of exploring Davao’s rich culture and history. The adventurous actor also shared that part of his dream is to explore the Philippines’ 7,107 islands.

 “I hope after the Karavan, I can stay longer in Davao. Pero kailangan magtrabaho ulit agad. Anyway, I make the most out of my stay there. I’d like to know more about Davao,” said John.

 Derived from Davaoeño word “Madayaw,” which means good and beautiful, the artistic festivity is a thanksgiving for the abundant wonders of nature.