Ara Mina files libel case vs. Cristine Reyes

CEBU, Philippines - Ara Mina filed a case of libel and grave coercion against her sister Cristine Reyes last April 18 at the City Prosecution Office of Quezon.

The complaint affidavit of Ara against Cristine which stemmed from the house that they bought for their mother, Mrs. Francis Marie Klenk, for P3.3M

As they’ve agreed, Cristine will pay for the initial down payment of one million pesos and Ara will pay for the balance of P2,300,000, of which full payment was done last November 2011.

Early this March, Cristine started to demand that Ara should pay her the P1 million that she paid as down payment. Ara told Cristine she did not owe her anything because the contract to sell was even under her name as buyer. Cristine demanded that Ara give her car but Ara refused because she doesn’t owe Cristine any money. Cristine threatened to ruin Ara’s reputation and spread defamatory and malicious lies against her sister to force her to pay.

Ara soon realized that Cristine did make good her threat of spreading malicious imputations against her. To make matters worse, Cristine also sent defamatory and malicious text messages against Ara and to her close friends Mayor Patrick Meneses and Aida Quimbo as well as Mayor Patrick Meneses’ mother Precy Meneses.

We got a copy of Ara’s complaint and we were shocked by the words that Cristine used to malign her sister. We never imagined that Cristine could use such words against Ara who, even if Cristine would not admit, also helped her to be what she is in showbiz right now.

Imagine, Cristine calling Ara all sorts of profane names in her text messages. We were really appalled and we felt sorry for Ara who cried copious tears when she met the press after filing her complaint. The text messages were really very damaging to Ara’s person and we were surprised that Cristine could be that sinister.

For her part, Cristine was advised by her management outfit (Viva Artist Management, who also handles Ara), not to comment on the issue. It’s just sad that some people are saying that Ara is doing this to generate publicity for her. Kasi raw Cristine is more popular than Ara now. Sad, really sad.

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Stubborn, rowdy, and a source of worry of their families and barangay—these are the words to describe three young delinquents from Binangonan, Rizal in this week’s episode of GMA-7’s Tunay Na Buhay.

At the tender ages of 14 and 17, Mel, Jenny and Abby (not their real names) have been involved in all sorts of mischief, vice, and trouble in their community.

Peer pressure and lack of family support are said to be the reason behind the awful behavior of these “Tres Marias” of Rizal.

Is there still hope for them? Find out in this week’s episode of Tunay Na Buhay, tonight after Saksi, on GMA-7.

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After “ Moron 5 and The Crying Lady” which made good at the box-office, John Lapus will be seen next in Regal Entertainment’s “The Mommy Returns” which stars Ruffa Gutierrez, Gabby Concepcion and Pokwang.

But he is sure to have a follow-up flick for “ Moron 5 and The Crying Lady” which is produced by Viva Films, where Sweet has a two-picture non-exclusive contract. The only concern that Viva has is that if Moron 5 becomes a hit, the follow-up project should be with them. It is fine with Viva if Sweet would do support roles for other comedy flicks that he’d do outside of Viva.

Sweet is also doing a Cinemalaya film titled “Posas” which is his first film project in Cinemalaya and he is playing an interesting role. He appeared in “100” which starred Mylene Dizon but he was playing himself.

“Maganda ang role ko sa Posas. It’s a supporting role pero malaman. Saka nag-shooting kami sa Quiapo. Napakahirap palang mag-shooting sa Quiapo pero enjoy ako,” said Sweet.

He is also doing a new TV series for GMA 7, with Richard Gutierrez as his co-star, among others. He is playing Richard’s competitor who becomes his friend later on in the story.

“Paminta ako (pa-mhin) kasi dapat walang baklang cowboy. Mala-Brokeback Mountain ang tema ng role ko sa series. Akala ni Richard, best friend niya ako. Hindi niya alam na may hidden desire ako for him. It’s a dramatic role pero there are touches of comedy rin. May puso ang character ko. Maganda ang role,” he said.

Sweet is hoping to get a role in the sitcom to be done by Marian Rivera as this was reportedly promised to them by GMA 7 that the co-stars of Marian in Show me Da Manny would also be cast in the Kapuso star’s next sitcom.

“Gusto lang namin ipaalala sa GMA 7 na baka nalilimutan nila ako. Kasi kung kailan pa ako nagkaroon ng acting award sa comedy saka naman ako walang sitcom. Nagre-remind lang naman kami. Pero wala naman akong tampo sa GMA,” said Sweet.

After winning two best actor awards for “Here Comes the Bride,” Sweet realized he should work hard for every project.

“Mas nagagandahan ang tao at ang mga critic pag nahihirapan ka sa role mo. I had a hard time in Moron 5 as well. Paano mo gagawin yung scene na umiiyak pero kailangan ang audience natatawa? Mahirap umarte ng babae. Naka-wig at naka-panty, naka-bra. First time for me to play the role na babae ako. Ang hirap pala. Saka aside from playing Becki Pamintuan, I also played the role of the mother, the father, the brother, the younger brother and the maid. Ang hirap-hirap. Itsura ni Eddie Murphy sa kanyang mga movies,” said Sweet.

By October or November, he will do a new movie with Kris Aquino, Richard Gutierrez and Eugene Domingo to be directed by Chris Martinez, who also directed him in the award-winning “Here Comes the Bride.” (FREEMAN)