At the presscon for her latest movie, Star Cinema’s Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat, official entry in the 2008 Metro Filmfest, Ai-Ai delas Alas sent everybody guessing by confessing that she has been celibate since July after she came back from the Vatican, mentioning in passing that the last time she did “it” was with an action star (whose identity she didn’t even hint at).
If you recall, in the last two years, Ai-Ai starred in two action movies, first in 2006 with Sen. Bong Revilla in Kapag Tumibok ang Puso (Not Once But Twice) and early this year with Robin Padilla in Ikaw Pa Rin (Bongga Ka, Boy). Since Ai-Ai didn’t have an action-actor co-star in Volta (in the title role as a Wonder Woman), the fantaserye she did for ABS-CBN, the guess was limited to just two “suspects.”
As if to make the “mystery” deeper, Ai-Ai added that the close encounter was memorable.
“We did it not just once but twice,” Ai-Ai said, laughing.
Can you guess who the “culprit” is?
But Ai-Ai didn’t say if she could stay celibate forever, or even for long.
“Basta sabi ko,” she said, “‘Lord, hangga’t kaya ko lang po, huh!’ But as of now, hindi ko hinahanap.”
Again directed by Wenn Deramas (aptly tagged as a “box-office director” because every film he directs makes money), Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat is his third “Ina” movie with Ai-Ai (although they have worked in four other films). The first, Tanging Ina, was the year’s top-grosser in 2004, earning more than P11-M on opening day alone and even won for Ai-Ai a Best Actress trophy from the PMPC Star Awards for Movies. The second, Cute Nang Ina Mo, was also a veritable money-maker.
The new “Ina” movie takes off where Tanging Ina left, this time with Ai-Ai embarking on a new direction since her one dozen children (by different men) are fast growing up, ending up as the Presidentita ng Pilipinas.
How did it happen?
Watch the movie and find out even while you double up in laughter.
What Karylle will wear at Pacquiao-De la Hoya fight
When Karylle sings the National Anthem at the Pacquiao-De la Hoya non-title bout in Las Vegas on Dec. 6 (Dec. 7 Manila Time), she will wear a gown specially created for her by New York-based Filipino designer Albert Figueras.
The Funfare “fashionista” describes it as a stunning wine-red Filipiniana terno designed to make Karylle shine brighter in that awesome arena. The basic gown, cut in a serpentine line with a heart-shaped neckline for the bodice, will be draped with checkered dupione silk. It will have a tapis woven with a checkered pattern of lines in a cacophony of colors of lively red, orange, yellow, green, aqua and pink; superimposed on paisley and royal blue acanthus leaves outlined with Mutzumo cut beads, and glass beads with hologram of flat sequins. The tapis will take on a new look by way of embroidery and beadwork embellishments giving it a scalloped finish.
According to Figueras, “The terno manga likewise would echo the ornamentation of the tapis. The terno will be sans the usual panuelo which is accustomed to traditional dresses and gowns. The bodice will be accented with Swarovski crystals to give more emphasis on the heart-shaped neckline, and low-cut back.”
Wow, I wonder how Dingdong Dantes will feel when he sees Karylle at centerstage during that Las Vegas event. Dingdong and (rumored special friend) Marian Rivera are having a show in L.A. on Friday, Dec. 5, and he plans to go to Las Vegas with his dad to watch the Pacquiao-De la Hoya fight, hoping against hope that he would be able to get hold of two precious tickets. When he sees Karylle, will Dingdong bang his head on the wall, regretting what he has just lost (or let go)?
Anyway, did you know that Karylle is Manny Pacquiao’s personal choice to sing the National Anthem? Good choice! Boxing has a special spot in Karylle’s heart because her grandfather, Carlos “Sonny” Padilla Jr. (father of Karylle’s mom Zsa Zsa Padilla) is a referee who officiated at the 1975 Thrilla in Manila featuring Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. He’s also a boxer and has played it in some LVN movies.
Had Karylle inherited her grandpa’s boxing prowess, who do you think she would knock out with a right hook?
Golden Divas a hit in L.A.
Congratulations to Alfonso “Tito Al” Chu on the success of his latest venture — the staging of Golden Divas in L.A. last week.
The concert, mounted twice in Manila, stars Pilita Corrales, Carmen Pateña and Carmen Soriano.
“I am very, very happy with the outcome,” Tito Al texted Funfare. “The show’s success proved that Filipinos in the States are longing for traditional shows featuring pure music na walang kung anu-ano pang gimmicks. Ang ganda ng repertoire; akmang-akma sa hinahanap lalo na ng mga oldtimers sa California.”
Putting together “veterans” is the brainchild of Viva Boss Vic del Rosario who first (successfully) experimented it with hitmakers Hajji Alejandro, Rico J. Puno, Nonoy Zuñiga, Rey Valera and Marco Sison.
The L.A. show of the Golden Divas was produced by Viva Concerts & Events, Inc. like most of Tito Al’s other productions.
A repeat is being planned in the East Coast in February next year.
What’s up?
• Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos (photo) announces that for the first time, Batangas will celebrate its foundation from Dec. 5 to 8. Among the activities is the four-day One Town-One Product (OTOP) sale and exhibit by DTI from different cities and municipalities of Batangas. The highlight will be on Dec. 8 with a whole-day affair that includes a Mass and breakfast with mayors, vice mayors, congressmen, board members and department heads. Starting at 7 p.m. of the same day, three bands will play for the enjoyment of the Batangueños.
Correction, please!
• In last Sunday’s Conversations with Ricky Lo featuring Zoren Legaspi, his wife Carmina Villarroel and their twin children, it was mentioned that the family is endorsing Selecta Ice Cream, with Zoren and Carmina also starring in a commercial for ketchup which should have been identified as UFC Tamis-Anghang Ketsup and not another brand.
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(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph or at entphilstar@yahoo.com)