Pops and ‘BF’ break up!

As predicted (not by the manghuhulas proliferating in showbiz but by keen and therefore truly reliable showbiz-watchers), the so-called "romance" between Pops Fernandez and Filipino-French businessman Jacques Dupasquier has gone pffft as quickly as it started. It didn’t last even a year, did it? When news of the "romance" (take note: in quotation marks) began spreading in the later part of 2001, Pops’ ex-husband Martin Nievera was even painted to be a "jealous ex" especially after he and Jacques met by chance at the wake for Pops’ grandmother at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park.

Well, the song is right: Some good things never last, but let’s hope Pops enjoyed every minute of it while it lasted. The big question is: Did Jacques, rumored to be a ladies’ man (and womanizer/playboy?), feel the same?

Signs that the lovers have parted ways – no hard feelings? – have been cropping up lately. In a recent (social) event, Jacques was seen holding hands with another girl. "It’s a positive proof that his heart is now beating for another – that – girl and not anymore for Pops," said the knowledgeable DPA. "That is, if Jacques’ heart ever did beat deeply for Pops."

When somebody informed Martin of this sad development in Pops’ love life, according to the DPA, "He felt bad… He felt really sad and sorry for Pops. Martin even asked Pops’ close friend (Was it you, Kris?– RFL) to help console her and to refrain from mentioning Jacques’ name in their conversation."

Oh, well, better luck next time, Pops! Look around and you’ll see that there are many other eligibles. Who knows, one of them can give you all the love and attention and affection that you need and deserve. As you’ve been saying, it’s time to move on. Why sulk? Jacques Dupasquier is not the only man in the world. As The Beatles sang, It’s only love and that is all; why should I feel the way I do…

But once you do find Mr. Right, Pops, follow the line from yet another popular song (Some Enchanted Evening): Once you have found him, never let him go; once you have found him, never let him go!

Good luck, Pops!

Regal quits Manila fest!

The other day, Funfare published the "Magic 6" official entries to the Manila Film Festival which will be revived in June (12 to 25) after seven years of dormancy. They are Viva Films’ Magkapatid, Neo Films’ Super B Saves the Day, RVQ Films’ Yes, Babe, Dat’s My Daddy, Star Cinema’s Jologs, Maverick Cinema’s Diskarte and Regal Films’ Sweethearts.

The sad/bad news is that Regal Matriarch Mother Lily has decided to back out from the Manila Filmfest, thus leaving a vacant slot. (Sweethearts, directed by Maryo delos Reyes, is topbilled by Piolo Pascual and Joyce Jimenez.)

As per the filmfest rules, any of the four other "stand by" entries (the Magic 6 were chosen from 10 semi-finalists) may take over, namely: Hanggang Saan (Joel Lamangan and Friends, directed by Mel Chionglo), Munting Tinig (Teamwork, by Gil Portes), Mama San (FLT Films) and Utang ni Tatang (World Arts Cinema).

There’s also a yet-unconfirmed rumor that Star Cinema might pull out its entry, Jologs, because shooting might not be finished in time for the deadline. In that case, two slots would be left vacant.

Viva’s Magkapatid, first team-up of Sharon Cuneta and Judy Ann Santos, is reported to be encountering some problems, with its director, Joel Lamangan, "threatening" to quit the project due to an undisclosed reason.

Let’s hope that all these kinks are ironed out so that the "revival process" of the Manila Filmfest would be smooth and hassle-free.

Reader’s reaction

Here’s a reaction letter from reader Ruperto G. Reyes, Jr. of 634-640 Evangelista St., Quiapo, Manila:

This is about your Tuesday issue of Funfare of Feb. 26, 2002 on "To-be-made-in-RP Hollywood movies" caught my attention.

Your column said that Tom Cruise might star in made-in-the-Philippines movie Ghost Soldiers by author Hampton Sides, to be directed by Steven Spielberg, and the other movie starring Benjamin Bratt in another WWII drama, The Great Raid, by Miramax Films, about the rescue of American Pows in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.

I think there is some discrepancy in your presentation, to-wit: Ghost Soldiers and The Great Raid are one and the same.

I have a copy of said book by Mr. Sides which is a truly beautiful war story.

Both stories are about the survivors of the infamous Death March, who were transferred to Cabanatuan. In the Great Raid you published, 500 or so American Pows were rescued by the liberating American forces also in Cabanatuan.

If the way I see both stories is wrong, I will be pleased to be corrected.

– Ruperto G. Reyes, Jr.

(Note: You’re right, Ruperto!)