Labor of love

Robin Padilla and Mariel Rodriguez’s movie titled Tum, will finally be shown in theaters April 6. Tum which means “you” is inspired by the couple’s love for each other. It was shot in India with the beautiful and historic Taj Majal as one of the backdrops. Mariel and Robin created a stir when coming home from India, people learned that they secretly married. Tum is one of the most inspiring works of Robin and Mariel. The movie was directed and written by Robin himself.

No it is not true that Robin and Mariel were stressed out while shooting the movie. “Of course, I don’t act like her husband on the set. I’m her director,” explained Robin. Mariel’s fans might have seen her holding a boom mike or helping out on the set.

“Our crew is Indian. They work only eight hours. Then, they leave. The things on the set are left with the Filipino crew. Sometimes, Mariel would carry the diva lights, sometimes the camera, sometimes she would hold the boom,” explained Robin.

But Mariel is taking it easy. In fact she relishes it. “The feeling is really great. When I was there, and when I was doing it, sabi ko, masarap pala mag-production.” She also said Robin is the easiest person to work with. “He is a very generous person. If he sees someone has an idea, he lets the person express his ideas.”

Robin is doubly proud of his work. “We are proud to say that everything there is India, all our extras are in India. We worked with Indian actors at ang mga kalaban po natin well-trained Indian stunt men,” Robin declared.

At times Robin thinks he is remiss in his obligations as a husband to Mariel. “I can’t see any shortcoming in Mariel. I told her to bear with me when I’m working.”

“But I don’t see it actually. He makes me feel that he always takes care of me,” Mariel quipped.

Tum: My Pledge of Love also stars Eddie Garcia, Ejay Falcon, Kat Alano, Rich Herrera, Datu Khomeni Bansuan, Nash R. Raza and Queenie Padilla.

Proud to be Pinoy

Internationally renowned artist apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas was recently in town to celebrate the 25th Edsa anniversary. apl.de.ap could not contain his happiness performing before Pres. Noynoy Aquino. “It was great to be involved in an important history of the Philippines. It’s an honor to share myself and be involved in it,” he said.

apl was young when People Power happened. “I remember Sen. Ninoy and I heard a lot of good things about him.” apl has established a foundation in Pampanga to help the out-of-school youth. “We built a computer lab in Sapang Bato Pampanga where kids could learn computers and technology and they are all for free.” He would also like to collaborate with local artists through his Jeepney Music. He also is working on a song on People Power and he is looking at Charice as collaborator. “It’s not fully done so I have time to put her on it.”

apl reveals he always spends Christmas in the country. “It’s so festive and I like to be with my family and it’s an annual thing.” Fluent in Tagalog, apl loves to visit Mount Pinatubo. He loves Manila nightlife. “My house is in Sapang Bato and it only takes 45 minutes to an hour to get to Pinatubo. When Mount Pinatubo erupted, it created a lot of beautiful mountain springs. One of my goals is to show the world how beautiful the Philippines is and I want to encourage all Fil-Ams to visit the county.”

apl who grew up in Pampanga is biased towards Filipina girls. He likes the idea of ligawan. He is also thankful for the support given to his band Black Eyed Peas. “It makes me proud to be a Filipino.”

Cinematography & filmmaking workshop

The Filipino Society of Cinematographers (FSC) in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Plusiminus Film Camp will hold a 3D cinematography and filmmaking workshop on March 18, 19 and 20 at Janeth Resort in Matabungkay Batangas with post production workshop on March 25 and 26 in Makati City.

The workshop billed, 3D Stereoscopic Cinematography and Filmmaking Workshop, the first of its kind in the country, will shed light on the current filmmaking phenomenon, called 3D stereoscopic filmmaking which is currently sweeping across filmmaking industries around the globe. 

Expected participants are directors, cinematographers, photographers, producers, and selected filmmaking students from various schools in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Experts in filmmaking and 3D technology have been invited to the workshop as lecturers/guest speakers like Oli Laperal Jr. of RSVP Film Studios, cinematographer/director Ariel Reyes, Filipino Society of Cinematographers president Isagani Sioson, among others.

“This workshop is part of our continuing education for our cinematographers, filmmakers and students interested in the new technology,” said Sioson.

For registration and inquiries, e-mail [email protected].