Since the buzz du jour is Atong Ang’s confirmation of his relationship with Sunshine Cruz, I immediately asked her ex-hubby (who happens to be my BFF), Cesar Montano for his reaction. Buboy (Cesar’s nickname) and Shine’s marriage has long been annulled but their bond remains intact because of their three daughters.
They have put all the “drama” behind them. The ex-couple chose to let friendship prevail. Even BFF’s girlfriend, Kat Angeles and Shine, are friends. They are proof that there comes a time when one kind of love leads to another.
Here’s Buboy’s reaction:
“Saludo ako kay Atong for being man enough to admit his relationship with Shine. I sincerely wish that they will live happily ever after. They both deserve to be happy. When Shine is happy, that means our three daughters are happy, too. And as a father, my daughters’ happiness is mine as well
‘Espantaho’ as a horror masterpiece
Making a movie is kinda like a chemistry experiment. If you pick the right kind of elements, you come up with a potent combination. Just like in the horror-drama “Espantaho” (“Scarecrow”), it brings together Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino and Chanda Romero.
What’s not to love about such a brilliant collab? The Quantum Films’ entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is helmed by the master of Philippine horror cinema, Chito Roño.
He continues to redefine the genre by weaving compelling narratives with bone-chilling suspense. The screenplay, written by Chris Martinez, balances horror, drama and social realism. “Espantaho” ho ho ho! Brace yourself. Not only Santa is coming to town.
Here are quotes from Lorna, Judy Ann and Chito:
Lorna: “I absorbed the strength of the characters played by my co-actors. Most especially from Juday. She provided the action. I was just reactionary. It felt like there was an invisible power na ‘tumagos’ sa akin. At yun din ang tatagos sa audience.”
Judy Ann: “It would be plastic of me to say that I don’t want to bag the Best Actress award. But working on this film feels like an award and a gift already. If I win, that will be a bonus.”
Chito: “A film must conform to a concept. You can not own your film, it grows on you. You make it develop. Our movie is not horror per se. It is also a drama of powerful women.”
Lorna: “I don’t mind even if I was not the first choice to portray Rosa. It was initially offered to Ate Vi (Vilma Santos). What matters is I landed the role. When I was told that I might be part of the cast, I said that I’m willing to wait.”
Judy Ann: “During my younger years, I used to shoot several movies at the same time. I would sometimes lose track of what character I play because I make ‘lagare’ from one set to another. I’ve realized that’s not healthy for my craft and it’s unfair to the producers. So now, I only do one movie at a time so I can focus and give it my all.”
Chito: “When I do a film, I want to offer something unusual to the audience. When I did ‘Feng Shui’ back in the day, people kept asking what it meant. And the rest is history. Now people are wondering why our movie is called ‘Espantaho.’ Soon enough, they will find out the reason behind it.”
Launch of my YT Channel
What a joy it was to be back in the grounds of my alma mater, UP Diliman, to shoot my interview with mi amiga, Eugene Domingo and her Italian hubby Danilo Bottoni. It’s for my newly launched YouTube channel DollywoodPH. We shot at the cozy Glasshouse of the University Hotel (UH) since Uge (Eugene’s nickname) and I are UP alumni, we enjoyed swapping stories about our college days.
It was fun to brush up on my French with Danilo. The cool couple make marriage look so easy. I still can’t stop laughing about my naughty banter with Uge on and off cam. Catch our engaging interview on my YT channel soon. My foray into YT would not be possible without the support of WeCamp Entertainment (WCE). I can not thank my WCE team enough. Hope I can count on you to subscribe to my channel. If you become one of my ‘Ka Doll Doll,’ we will have no dull moment.
PERSONAL: Thanks from the bottom of my heart to “friendship” Noel Cabangon, Dinah Remolacio, Janine Huang, Melvin Gomez and Patrick Gregorio for making my shoot at UH’s Glasshouse possible. Thanks a mil to Chef Jonel Anonuevo, Peter Gallardo and Joven Cortez for their superb service.