Angelica: Better luck next time

Yes, it’s true that Angelica Panganiban felt a bit disappointed when she did not win the Best Actress Award in the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival. Angelica was brilliant in this movie directed by Laurice Guillen. It also starred Gabby Concepcion and real life boyfriend Derek Ramsay. “Tao lamang ako. Alangan namang hindi ako maapektuhan,” she said.

Angelica is one of the most talented young actors in showbiz. She can play both bida and kontrabida with amazing ease. She is also at home with comedy.

Angelica will topbill in a new teleserye titled Ruby with Jake Cuenca as leading man to be aired very soon. “I could not ask for more. I only wish for good health. Sakitin akong tao. Mahirap magkasakit lalo na pag marami kang ginagawa,” she said.

On the personal side, her relationship with boyfriend Derek is going strong. “We have been through a lot. Makakaya na naming pagtawanan ang lahat ng problema.”

That’s good Angel. Someone once said that just like tea, you wouldn’t know how tough you are until you’re dipped in hot water.

Emir the musical

Brilliant director Chito Roño is all set for his next project Emir, a musical cinematic opus that tells the story about a Filipino working as a nanny to a crown Prince of Morocco. Emir is the country’s first full-length musical film. Some say the director was inspired by the success of Mamma Mia that starred Meryll Streep and Pierce Brosnan. “It has always been my dream to come up with a musical. We have so many talented singers here that have made names for themselves internationally. We also have good composers,” declared Chito.

Frencheska Farr, winner of GMA 7 talent contest Are You the Next Big Star?, plays the lead character Amelia.

“We have never done anything like this,” continued Chito. “May kantahan at sayawan from start to end.” Chito already finished shooting all the local scenes and will shot scenes in Morocco.

Emir is a co-production of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Film Development Council of the Philippines. It is written by award-winning Gerry Gracio with Chino Toledo as musical director.

The film also features Dulce, Sid Lucero, Jhong Hilario, Beverly Salviejo, Kahlil Aguiluz, and Bayang Barrios.

Bravo Chito, Emir of Philippine cinema!

Dahil May Isang Ikaw wraps up

Everybody will surely miss Dahil May Isang Ikaw as the teleserye has bade adieu to its loyal followers. Dahil May Isang Ikaw was a consistent top rater in all its five months of airing. It stars Lorna Tolentino, Gabby Concepcion, Kristine Hermosa, Jericho Rosales, Sid Lucero, Chin Chin Gutierrez, Karylle, among others.

“Thank you to all those who have watched us nightly. Maraming salamat sa buong pusong pagtanggap niyo sa amin ni Echo,” said Kristine.

“Thank you to the cast and to our directors,” said Jericho.

“Hindi po magiging successful kung wala kayo na nanunood sa amin gabi-gabi,” added Lorna.

Thank you for making Bettina Aspillaga (my executive assistant) and Nancy Yabut (my executive producer) riveted to your show. There was always absolute peace and quiet in the ABS-CBN production room for one hour as nothing mattered to the two except the goings-on in Dahil May Isang Ikaw.

Love Unspoken

My good friend, the brilliant and fabulous Floy Quintos is directing Love Unspoken at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Floy is also an extremely talented actor. Love Unspoken features excerpts from various operas, operettas and Broadway musicals and will go onstage Jan. 30 and 31 at 8 p.m. at the CCP Main Theater.

Playing different roles in Love Unspoken are Rachelle Gerodias, Andrew Fernando, Clarissa Ocampo, Irma Ponce Enrile-Potenciano, Gloria Dizon-Coronel, Thea Perez-Prosia, Nenen Alfornon, Naomi Sison, Patrice Pacis, Elisanta Cortes, Ferleoni Medina, Minette Padilla, Lemuel dela Cruz, Randy Gilongo, Ronan Ferrer, Eugene delos Santos, Jun Francis Jaranilla, Nohmer Nival, Jillbert Chua, Christoval Tan, as well as selected voice students for the choral settings. The UST Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Herminigildo Ranera will provide the orchestral support. Lighting direction is by Ruel Beronio and set design by Ricardo Cruz.

Tickets may be obtained by calling the UST Music Office (731-4022, 406-1611 loc. 8246), CCP Box Office (832-1125) or Ticketworld. Senior and student discounts apply.