PLUS: Veteran actor Tirso Cruz III enjoys drag queen role in “I Heart You Pare”
International singing sensation Taylor Swift has personally chosen teen heartthrob Sam Concepcion to open for her much-awaited “Taylor Swift Live in Manila” concert on Feb. 19 at the Araneta Coliseum.
According to concert producer Renen De Guia of Ovation Productions, “Taylor selects everything for her concerts, so we are very happy and excited that she chose Sam Concepcion to front for her in Manila. In fact, Sam was also asked to join Taylor in the rest of her Asian tour.”
Sam will perform an explosive song-and-dance number for the said concert.
“I would have wanted just to watch Taylor’s show, but to actually open for her, it’s a big surprise and blessing,” said Sam of his participation in the concert. “I am also very humbled that I was asked to join her Asian tour. I am very thankful, excited and thrilled.”
Good luck to Sam on his guest stint on Taylor Swift’s shows. We hope that this opportunity gives him the chance for a shot at an international career.
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Paolo Ballesteros was a scene stealer at the presscon cum launching of the new romantic comedy series on GMA 7, I Heart You Pare, held Monday in the Boiler which is located at Riverbanks in Marikina City.
Since Paolo is playing the role of a drag queen, he came in wearing a tanga and performed a dance number with the gay members of the cast who passed the auditions called for by GMA 7. Paolo felt like he was a real drag queen. He was truly in character and the audience was impressed with his dancing skills and his derring-do to wear the tanga. Even in his manner of walking, he seemed like a drag queen.
In this new series featuring the tandem of Regine Velasquez and Dingdong Dantes, Paolo plays the role of Vodka, the number one impersonator at Club Love where Regine takes refuge as she disguises herself as “gay” to elude the police officers looking for her.
Paolo will cross horns with Regine as she invades his territory. As Vodka, Paolo will have numerous scenes with Regine that will provide the laughs in this new show directed by Andoy Ranay and Bb. Joyce Bernal.
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Also playing a gay role in the series is former matinee idol Tirso Cruz III. He plays the gay uncle of Regine’s character in I Heart You Pare. He was the one who took care of Regine after her parents died, but he concealed the truth of him being gay to spare Regine from being ridiculed. It was only during the time that they had to leave Ilocos that Pip had to reveal to Regine (as Tonette) his true self.
“I consider it a big challenge to play the role of a gay. I didn’t have second thoughts when the role was offered to me. I’ve done character roles before and sometimes, having done them over and over again, it’s hard to find another way to do it. Doing a gay role is something new for me and I can play around with my performance,” he said.
“I am enjoying myself kasi challenge ito talaga. I have to make sure na tama ang aking portrayal kaya nga madalas kong sinasabi kay Direk Andoy na ikorek ako kung tama ba ang aking ginagawa,” said Pip.
He said it takes about an hour to 90 minutes to put on makeup and transform his character from the uncle to the auntie—from Cesar to Sarsi. Joining “Sarsi” are Joel Saracho who plays Pepsi and Boy Alano who plays Coka.
“I am learning a lot of gay lingo which we get to use in the script. Minsan di nga na namin sinusunod ang lines sa script but we just adlib and say what we think suits best the scene,” he related.
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Doing I Heart You Pare is a welcome breather for lady director Joyce Bernal because there’s no dull moment on the set and they are all having fun. It doesn’t seem like work, but it feels like one big party every taping day instead.
She also marvels at the energy and enthusiasm being shown by Regine Velasquez as the lead actress of this series. “Kumbaga to the max ang energy level ni Regine. Akala ko hindi siya magiging ganado to work after she got married kasi baka mas priority niya ang magka-baby. Pero I can see na mas inspired siya to work,” said Direk Joyce.
And Regine’s energy is infectious as it has rubbed on the other members of the cast, making the I Heart You Pare set a one big karaoke bar where one could find both entertainment and music.
If Babaeng Hampaslupa (the drama series on TV5 that premieres on Monday) is ma-drama, pure fun and enjoyment is what I Heart You Pare gives to the viewers.
Direk Joyce is the second unit director of Babaeng Hampaslupa (main director is Eric Quizon) while she co-directs I Heart You Pare with Andoy Ranay.
I Heart You Pare premieres on Monday, Feb. 7.