Laurice back in full blast

There are many reasons exceptional director and actress Laurice Guillen is thankful these days. Aside from being busy shooting for her much-awaited comeback on TV as an actress, she’s paving the way for the upcoming Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Competition in July and getting ready for the launch of her new show on a soon-to-be-launched channel in August.

“I’m very thankful for all these blessings,” she said. “I am glad that I am getting all these projects and making full use of my time.”

The highly respected actress is busy shooting for her new teleserye on ABS-CBN billed Iisa Pa Lamang. On the TV series, she plays the role of a glamorous mother to Gabby Concepcion’s role who belongs to a rich and political family.

Working with the balikbayan is no longer new to the veteran actress-director. Laurice directed Gabby in highly-acclaimed feature films like Una Kang Naging Akin, Tayong Dalawa and Rosenda.

With a stellar casting that includes Gabby and Claudine Barretto, the new teleserye is already generating so much buzz this early. Aside from these showbiz royalties, the drama series also stars Diether Ocampo, Angelica Panganiban, Cherry Pie Picache, Matt Evans, Melissa Ricks and Susan Roces.

With a cast that includes some of the most talented actors and actresses from different generations, Iisa Pa Lamang is considered the most ambitious project ever ventured into by the Kapamilya network. Laurice is more than grateful to be given the chance to act once again and work with former assistant director, Ruel  Bayani. Iisa Pa Lamang is also under the direction of Manny Palo. Lani Misalucha sings the program’s theme song.

“I haven’t acted in two years,” she shared. “The last time I got the chance to act was two years ago in an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya. I’m happy that I’m acting again.”

Laurice once played the role of stepmother of Janice de Belen on Flor de Luna. She has also won a series of awards as an actress and director, including the prestigious Urian Award for Best Director in 1981 for her movie Salome. She was also the Best Actress in a Single Performance on Television (1970) for her performance on  Babae.

Aside from her new teleserye, Laurice also announced that preparations have shifted to high gears for the 2008 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Competition in July. The 10 finalists for the Short Feature Category include Andong by Rommel “Milo” Tolentino; Ang Ibang Mga Pamilya by Joel Ruiz; Angan-Angan (Dreams) and Trails of Water by Sheron Dayoc; Diamante sa Langit by Vic Acedillo Jr.; Only God Knows by Mark Reyes; Huling Biktima by Vitaliano Rave; My Pet by Anna Bigornia; Panggaris by Dexter Cayanes; and Tutos by L.A. Yamsuan.

The 10 finalists for the Full Length Feature Category, on the other hand, are 100 by Chris Martinez; Baby Angelo by Joel Ruiz and Abi Aquino;  Boses by Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil and Froi Medina; Brutus by Tara Illenberger; Concerto by Paul Alexander Morales; Huling Pasada by Paul Sta. Ana; Jay by Francis Xavier Pasion; My Fake American Accent by Onnah Valera; Namets by Emilio “Jay” Abello; and Ranchero by Michael Christian Cardoz.

The full length feature film entries were selected from a total of 194 entries submitted for the competition. As finalists, they will receive an initial seed investment of P500,000 from Econolink Investments, Inc. The final winning entry will be given an additional grant of P200,000 plus the Cinemalaya Trophy during the awarding ceremony on July 20 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Screening will be from July 11 to 20 at the CCP.

“So far every entry looks promising,” Laurice proudly shared. “Maganda lahat ang script. Some are even ambitious.”

Recently, Laurice and husband Johnny Delgado put up Pixelgrain, Inc., a company that provides post-production services like editing, subtitling and recording. It also conducts acting workshops. Their studio is located at 380 Julieta Circle.

Pixelgrain has a state-of-the-art studio equipped with editing suite and recording studio. It also has an actor studio where trainings and preparations in the craft of acting and directing actors are conducted.

The post-production studio is now busy preparing a light drama series titled Hush-hush that will soon be aired on ABC 5.

For details, call 725-8051 or e-mail at [email protected].