Why Albert Martinez remains single
I’m glad that my amigo Robert Seña invited me to the premiere of his movie with Albert Martinez, Sienna Stevens and Kylie Padilla, “Lotto Winner.” The latter is now showing in cinemas.
The four of them didn’t deliver lines. They delivered moments. What a thought-provoking film. It made me tear up. It’s about an estranged father and daughter who are thrust into healing their relationship after the dad wins the lottery and is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Watching Albert on the big screen after a long while made my mind go into flashback mode. Albert was my escort during my junior prom because his brother, William (my high school boyfriend), was in Brazil shooting “Carnival Queen” back then. So, he asked Albert to be his proxy.
“Lotto Winner” made me ponder. When it comes to apology and forgiveness, who should reach out and who should bend — the parent or the child?
When the problem is resolved, hopefully, the next thing a parent and a child will argue about is who loves the other more.
Here’s my chat with Robert and Albert:
How did your movie impact you as a dad?
Robert: “It’s not easy to be a father. I’m not perfect — no one is. Sometimes, we all have our individual flaws. What’s most important is that we learn from our mistakes. There is always room for remorse and forgiveness. Time is fleeting. So, it’s better to settle things before it’s too late.”
Your wife in the movie died because of cancer, just like your wife in real life, Liezl. How did that go?
Albert: “The hospital scene was difficult. It triggered the pain I’ve experienced since Liezl passed away. I haven’t healed completely and am still recovering from my sorrow.”
It’s been 11 years since Liezl passed away. Why are you still single?
Albert: “There’s only one Liezl. She’s irreplaceable.”
What’s your advice to widowers who are having a hard time moving on?
Albert: “When you lose someone you love, it’s hard to move on, but the best thing you can do is keep living and find inner peace.”
Your line in the movie struck me: “Kapag magulang ka, ibig sabihin ba di ka na tao? Na di ka dapat mapagod o masaktan?” Did that resonate with you?
Albert: “I’m not perfect as a parent, but I’ve always prioritized providing for my family’s basic needs and giving them access to quality education, even if it meant missing out on some important milestones in my children’s lives because of work. So, I could provide during their formative years.”
James Yap’s b-day bash
What a ball I had with pro-ballers at the birthday bash of my “migo” James Yap at Na-Mu Bar. Our friendship began when I interviewed him in 2014. James was surprised that I speak his native dialect Hiligaynon fluently, even if I’m not an Ilongga by birth. From then on, our Ilonggo bond has remained intact.
Living up to his PBA moniker, “Man with a Million Moves,” James as councilor of San Juan has a million plans lined up for his constituents.
When I asked him if he has plans to run for a higher position, he shot back in jest, “I would rather run on the basketball court.”
As for joining showbiz like other PBA superstars, James is not up for it. For a change, James and his basketball colleagues didn’t shoot, shoot, shoot the ball. Instead, they had shot, shot, shot at his fête.
Birthday cheers, migo James. You are truly an MVP on and off the court… Most Valuable Player/Pal.
(Watch my exclusive coverage of James’ birthday party on my DollywoodPH YouTube Channel.)
Nothing low-key about ‘Project Loki’
There’s nothing low-key about “Project Loki” (PL). Its trailer alone will already blow you away. Based on the hit Wattpad series by AkoSiIbarra (over 92 million reads), it is coming to life through a series adaptation that starts streaming Feb. 21 on Viva One.
It is megged by Xian Lim and top-billed by Jayda Avanzado, Marco Gallo and Dylan Menor. Jayda portrays Lorelei, a member of the QED Club, a circle of students who uncover secrets and solve mysteries, while Dylan plays Loki, the leader of QED.
Marco, on the other hand, is Luthor, Loki’s mysterious older brother.
Think Sherlock Holmes Gen Z style.
Here are quotes from Xian, Dylan and Jayda:
Xian: “We added some elements to the story for visual impact. When you read, you must make your imagination work. But on screen, the characters must be three-dimensional. We added more layers to each character.”
Dylan: “I’m bubbly by nature. But as our shoot progresses, I’m discovering that just like the character I play, Loki, I also have a mysterious side.”
Jayda: “My character, Lorelie, is more spunky in our series than in the book. Her backstory and trauma are not expounded in the book. But those aspects are explored in ‘PL.’ So, the viewers will understand the choices she makes.”
Xian: “Since it’s my first time to work with Dylan, Marco and Jayda, I had to size them up. As a director, that’s quite daunting. But since I’m also an actor, I get their drift.”
Dylan: “It will be flattering if our series will be called the Sherlock Holmes of the new generation. So, I will do all I can to make my mark as Loki.”
Jayda: “We all aim to make the series feel authentic but balanced. Since it’s a mystery, all the little details matter. So, we have to stay faithful to the book to a certain extent.”
Rafa VillaSIN’S first-ever photo exhibit
So proud of my super talented nephew, Rafa Villasin, for mounting his very first photo exhibit, “a world/apart,” at Chef Jessie Rockwell Club. It will run till the end of February. At 14, he is already pursuing his passion. How awesome is that? Shame on my 14-year-old self. Keep capturing priceless moments with your camera, Raf. It will take you where you want to go.
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