Movie plans for Kris

THEN: Feb. 1, 1989 — 22 years ago

The talk last week was that Kris Aquino is finally getting her movie this year as her 18th birthday gift (her birthday is every Feb. 14). This is one movie which has long been in the news that, when it finally came, those who have been watching for it and holding their breaths have already let the air out a long time ago. But just the same, it merited some attention.

First, there was the news from “very reliable sources” that Joey de Leon, fresh from his screaming success, has been called to the Palace for a conference with the President herself to discuss the twist and turns of the script of the Kris Aquino movie. With the mention of Joey’s name, people say, “Ah, comedy.”

Then our spy from Malacañang said that Richard Gomez was there, too, and also Keempee de Leon. With Richard and Keempee, people say: “Ah, comedy pa rin. Or pwede rin action. Or musical comedy. Or drama.” Keempee, for all we know, just accompanied his father Joey.

With all these speculations, we started a kind of survey on what genre the common people would like a Kris Aquino movie to be.

Petra de la Serna, housewife: “I want her to play a President’s daughter like she does every day. I think we want to see how a President’s daughter lives — one way of getting a look inside Malacañang. No, I don’t like Richard as her leading man. Pareho silang sweet. Sana isang tough guy para contrast. Mahirap lang yung leading man. Puede na si Romnick (Sarmenta) kasi bagay siyang poor.”

Dominic Babushka, make-up artist: “Gusto ko musical at maraming changes of costumes si Kris. If she can have a scene like in that commercial where she is in a bangka with lots of flowers, okay. Ituloy na lang ang scene. Pero sana fast yung bangka parang hahabulin at magkaroon ng action. Beauty, di ba? Dancing in water siya pero camera trick lang.”

Jozelisa Edralin (obviously related to you-know-who): “Did she take up acting from Laurice Guillen? Can she act? Si Imee (Marcos) mahilig din but at least sa stage lang at saka marunong talaga umarte. May English accent pa. Pero if she really likes to be an actress, she should work hard and get a good role para ma-impress ang audience. Para they will not say na si Mother Lily gusto lang mag s... alam mo na!”

John del Mundo, student: “Not a musical, please. Perhaps some action stuff if she likes Alvin Patrimonio as her leading man. Pero laos na ang balita na yan. Perhaps Eric Quizon will be better. Honestly, I don’t think there is any excitement in the idea. It has been talked about for so long so it better be a good movie. I think it will be very hard for Kris if it turns out to be one of those so-so movies. It has been hyped up for so long she has to prove herself.”

Mimi dela Cuesta, salesgirl: “I refuse to say anything. Kasi my father works with Miriam Santiago. Pero siguro maganda — ipagdasal na lang natin.”

The consciousness of many is that the Kris movie should have everything. It should have dancing and rock music for the young. It should have drama with Richard for the housewives. It should have some sporting action like a basketball scene with Alvin for sports buffs. It should have action like a military scene set in Zamboanga. It should have a Muslim star to solve the Muslim problem. It should have a religious tone to have absolution from the Cardinal, and it should show a prosperous Philippines to show the President’s progress. Then it should have her uncle Butz Aquino to show that he had not forsaken local movies.

But most of all, it should also have Joseph Estrada so that people will know that the President will not give away the bases. Phew, this is what you get for being in a “political” movie. For Kris’ movie will be that, be it a comedy, musical or drama. The fact remains that it will be so immersed in politics and what a burden for Kris’ porcelana complexion.

NOW: Sept. 14 — 22 years after

When I wrote about the movie plans in a column 22 years ago, Kris was just starting out as a media star. She was about to turn 18 and the movie was supposed to be a birthday movie. She was the most exciting personality in the new Aquino administration and she was a media favorite wherever she goes. The movies followed. I can’t remember most of them now. The most memorable so far is with the late Rene Requiestas. Then some horror movies and more comedy films.

It was when she joined television that she made her mark. Her gift of gab and her colorful love life put her constantly in gossip columns. Then Joshua. Then Bimby. Her adorable son with James Yap added to her endorsements, now numbering 20 or more. She is at the top of her career as a multi-media personality.

Nothing more to ask? Perhaps a movie in the Marilou Diaz-Abaya mold that will give her an award or two. She can go into film production so she can control her material. And a man who will love her and grow old with her.

Joey is still very active as a TV producer and host. He is also a multi-media personality who is now into writing. A book should be forthcoming. His son Keempee is still on TV. He is a good actor and should be given more meaningful roles in movies. Like Kris, Joey can go into film production for he is so full of ideas. But then it might take some time off from all those exotic places that he has visited and written about.