Aubrey godmother of bagets

Has Aubrey Miles turned her back on bold roles (which propelled her to stardom in such films as Prosti and Sanib)? Has her being a co-host of the ABS-CBN noontime (wholesome?) show MTB anything to do with her change of image? Or could it be possible that she has shown more than enough of her rich natural resources, so it’s enough already, dress up already?

In her latest movie, Regal Films’ youth-oriented Kuya, Aubrey plays "godmother" to the launching (or, in the case of some of them, "re-launching") of six bagets, namely Richard Gutierrez, Oyo Boy Sotto, Railey Valeroso, Cogie Domingo, James Blanco and Danilo Barrios.

"Kuya is a welcome breather for me," said Aubrey. "I notice that as I go along, pa-wholesome nang pa-wholesome ang roles ko and I like it. Mature audiences have seen me and it’s about time naman that I reach out to the younger set. I just did one ‘For General Patronage’ role in Gagamboy and the reaction and reception were okay naman."

It doesn’t mean, however, that Aubrey is saying a final goodbye to the bold.

"I haven’t quite proven myself as an actress," said Aubrey. "If a bold challenging role comes along, why shouldn’t I do it?"

In the next breath, Aubrey denied that "somebody powerful" is asking her to stop doing bold flicks.

"I make my own decision," said Aubrey. "The only guy I consult is my manager, Dondon (Monteverde)."

Imelda docu at Sundance Filmfest

Several issues ago, I mentioned that a documentary film on former First Lady Imelda Marcos is showing in the ongoing Sundance Film Festival (a brainchild of Robert Redford). The docu was directed and produced by Ramona Diaz, with Ferne Pearstein as cinematographer, Leah Marino as editor, Grace Nono and Bob Aves as composers, Richard Fleming as location sound supervisor and Deborah Hoffmann as editing consultant.

Reader Juno has e-mailed to Funfare the following review from California:

Ramona Diaz’s documentary film Imelda brilliantly delves into the life and work of Imelda Marcos, offering a rare and stunning glimpse of one of the world’s richest and most powerful women. Imelda herself guides the viewer through her life story, from her days as a young beauty queen through her whirlwind romance with the future president of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos.

The young Imelda had to adjust quickly to life in the spotlight as a politician’s wife and over time developed into a highly influential person in her own right. As a de facto ambassador, Imelda negotiated meetings with world leaders while simultaneously hosting late-night parties for New York’s cafe society.

This exquisite film tells more than one version of the same story. The film deftly crosscuts between the views of Mrs. Marcos and her confidantes to vastly differing accounts from opponents and journalists once imprisoned under her husband’s martial law. Unprecedented access to the First Lady, combined with remarkable personal footage chronicling Ferdinand and Imelda’s lives, make the film both intriguing and haunting.

As Imelda’s son puts it, "get beyond the shoes" and allow this fascinating story of power gone awry, and one woman’s supreme ability to reinvent herself time and time again, to captivate and enlighten you.- Lisa Viola

Another food for thought

Here’s one more inspiring story for Funfare readers, entitled The Company You Keep, also by Anonymous, which I got from my e-mail and which I’m sharing with you people out there:

It Is Better To Be Alone, Than In The Wrong Company

Tell me who your best friends are, and I will tell you who you are. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. "A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate – for the good and the bad.

The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don’t help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don’t increase you will eventually decrease you. Consider this:

Never receive counsel from unproductive people.

Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person.

Don’t follow anyone who’s not going anywhere. With some people you spend an evening; with others you invest it.

Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life.

Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships.

Happy moments? Praise God

Difficult moments? Seek God

Quiet moments? Worship God

Painful moments? Trust God

Every moment? Thank God

If you see people without a smile today... Give them one of yours.

(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph)