Aiko Melendez marks big screen comeback in ‘Asintado’

Anne Curtis denied the report of a showbiz internet site which said she badmouthed Sam Concepcion at the birthday party of Vice Ganda. The report from PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) stated that she supposedly told Sam: “What are you doing here? Who invited you here? You are not classy to be here.”

A lot of people in the party heard what Anne said. The one-time filmfest best actress also reportedly asked Sam why he is fooling her sister Jasmine Curtis. Sam is the rumored boyfriend of Anne’s younger sister who is a TV5 contract artist.

Anne denied the news item that came out in PEP. In turn, Sam’s camp chose to remain mum on the incident between him and the newest Dyesebel on Philippine TV.

Anne had probably one drink too many and like what happened on the incident which happened in a club with John Lloyd Cruz, her drunken state caused her to mouth those unsavory words.

A fellow press friend said he expected that Anne would deny the said incident although the source of PEP said they stand by their story. We sent a message via Facebook to Carlo Orosa, the manager of Sam asking if they are going to issue a statement regarding the incident. His reply was “No statement as of the moment.”

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Award-winning actress Aiko Melendez makes her screen comeback via the indie film “Asintado.” The movie is the first Cinemalaya entry of Luisito Lagdameo Ignacio (a.k.a. Louie Ignacio who directs TV specials for GMA 7 and handles several TV shows, among them Tropang Potchi).The last movie that Aiko appeared in was the comedy “Yaya at Angelina” for GMA Films.

Aiko said she liked the script of “Asintado.” She was the first choice of Direk Louie to play the pivotal role of a mother who has to make a very important decision for his two sons – one that would save the life of another but would turn one into a criminal.

“Ang ganda ng script. When I first read it, hindi ko na binitiwan. Akala tuloy ni Direk Louie ayaw ko gawin kasi hindi ko agad siya tinawagan na I am accepting the role,” Aiko related to the press at the movie’s story conference last week.

Adding to Aiko’s excitement in doing “Asintado” is the fact that the movie is an entry at the Directors’ Showcase category of Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival which will premiere in August. She is likewise excited to make her acting comeback and considers herself in good company. Also featured in “Asintado” are Gabby Eigenmann, Jake Vargas, Rita de Guzman, Rochelle Pangilinan and child actor Miggs Cuarderno.

Who knows, “Asintado” might give her an acting award. It’s been 20 years since Aiko last won an acting trophy for “Maalaala Mo Kaya: The Movie.”

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Newbie actor Albert Goza is playing one of the male leads in the feel-good gay indie movie titled “Lab Yu” which opens on April 9. Prior to doing “Lab Yu,” Albert doesn’t have any acting experience. He is not really an actor but was among the many good-looking guys featured in the music video of Sebastian Castro titled “Theban.” It was there that indie film producer Dennis Sebastian, who produced and directed the MTV of Sebastian Castro and Direk Ian Galsim, saw Albert’s potential as an actor.

“He is natural and has very strong appeal. Direk Jill (who directs “Lab Yu”) and I talked to him and offered him the lead role in our maiden offering as an indie film producer. And we are glad he accepted the offer. We found the right actor for our movie.”

Albert, in real life, is an accountant and counselor at The Love Yourself and this was included as part of his character in the movie. It was Direk Jill and Dennis who coached him in acting aside from undergoing a worskhop with indie actor Miko Pasamonte (the other male lead) two days before the shoot of “Lab Yu.”