Sid Lucero named best actor at LA film fest

MANILA - Actor Sid Lucero added another feather to his cap after he was named best actor at the 19th Los Angeles Comedy Festival Awards over the weekend.

Lucero won for his performance in the independent film "Toto," which was also adjudged best foreign film.

Directed by John Paul Su, the movie tells the story of Antonio "Toto" Estares (Lucero), who will do everything for his American dream.

 Watch the movie's trailer

 The movie also Thou Reyes, Mara Lopez, Blake, Boyd, Bembol Roco, Bibeth Orteza and Liza Dino.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Dindi Gallardo returns to acting after 15 years

MANILA – Former beauty queen Dindi Gallardo is back in front of the camera 15 years after her last acting project.

Speaking at the Cinema One Originals press conference on Tuesday, Gallardo shared that she will be part of the independent film “Dahlin Nick,” a documentary drama about the life and work of National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin.

The movie is one of the nine official entries to this year’s Cinema One Originals film festival.

“This is the first film that I’m doing in 15 years. It was great. It’s a cameo but a memorable one. I enjoyed it,” she said.

In the movie, Gallardo will play the role of Imelda Marcos.

Asked how she prepared for her role, Gallardo said: “No matter how small or how short the role was, I had to still do my research because she had a certain type of aura and presence. I had to have that. Not really copy her but just my interpretation of her.”

Playing her husband in the movie is Lance Raymundo, who is equally ecstatic about playing the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

“It was a major challenge. I already played Emilio Aguinaldo in the past and Lapu-Lapu. Itong mga taong ito, ang basehan ng tao ay mga larawan and kung anong nababasa nila about these people. But Ferdinand Marcos actually existed in our time,” he said.

“He’s very iconic so everybody knows the way he moves, the way he sounds. Isa pang challenge, 'yung pag-impersonate kay Marcos is usually done in comedy. But this time, he’s being portrayed as he is. Talagang inaral ko ang mga footages niya on YouTube and I prayed a lot,” he said.

“Dahlin Nick” and the other entries of the Cinema One Originals will be screened in theaters in Trinoma, Glorietta, SM Megamall and Resorts World from November 9 to 17.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

'Ekstra' lone PH film nominated at New York Festivals

MANILA – The independent film “Ekstra,” starring Vilma Santos, is the lone Filipino movie to be nominated at this year’s New York Festivals.

The movie has been nominated in the Best Feature Film category, and it will compete against Italy’s “Calcolo Infinitesimale.”



Originally an entry to the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival in 2013, “Ekstra” marked the indie film debut of Santos.

It was also released by ABS-CBN's film production outfit, Star Cinema after it bagged several awards at the 9th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

As Loida Malabanan, Santos plays a professional TV and film "extra" who opts to withstand harsh conditions to fulfill her passion.

Read our movie review of “Ekstra” here

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Diether Ocampo not paying his workers?

MANILA - Diether Ocampo finally broke his silence on allegations that he is hiding from the production staff of an independent film which he produced after failing to pay them.

Ocampo became a hot topic online when accusations surfaced that he did not pay some of his staff members despite their rendered work.

In a statement which he exclusively sent to “The Buzz” on Sunday, Ocampo said he is taking full responsibility for what happened.

“As the executive producer of Tandem Entertainment, I take full responsibility. There are matters beyond my control that led to this predicament. I will never run away from my responsibilities,” he said.

Ocampo said his camp has already arranged a meeting with his staff in order to resolve the problem.

“I treasure the people behind the project and I would not allow them to suffer. I assure the staff that I will give them what is due them,” he said.

Also on “The Buzz,” one of the staff members agreed to an interview but refused to show his face on camera.

“Actually nagbigay siya sa ibang mga staff ng post-dated check last January. Naka-date 'yun ng February 10. Pero noong 'yung iba nagpapalit na, hindi daw napondohan. All in all, siguro mga milyun-milyon ang utang ni Diet sa aking estimate,” he said.

While some production staff members were paid in installments, the staff member said there are others who were not paid at all.

“Yung ibang staff, hanggang second down payment pa lang ang nare-receive and the other staff, wala pa talaga. 'Yung mga huling pumirma ng kontrata, kahit piso walang na-receive. Sana as soon as possible, ma-resolve 'yung problema na ito kasi sobrang tagal na. Hindi rin naman kami ganun kayaman para basta na lang i-give up yung utang niya sa amin,” he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Jake Cuenca wins Best Actor Award in New York

MANILA - Actor Jake Cuenca took home the Best Actor Feature award at the recently concluded 2014 International Film Festival Manhattan, held last October 23 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Consulate General in New York.

The Kapamilya star was recognized for his role in the independent film "Mulat," while the film's director, Diane Ventura, was named Best Director for a global feature.

Moments after receiving his "first best actor award," Cuenca took to his Twitter account to describe his win: "Never won best actor in the Philippines. But certainly felt sweet winning it here in the states."

He also shared a photo of his award, along with Ventura's, on his Instagram account with the caption: "Yup that just happened! To God be the glory this is my first international award and I I just won best actor."


Mulat tells the story of a young man who falls in love with a mysterious woman with a "strange mental affliction."

Meanwhile, actress Liza Diño was also recognized at the festival for her role in the film "In Nomine Matris." The movie, directed by Will Fredo, was also named Best Feature Film.

The actress said her second win at the event --the first back in 2011 for her role in "Compound"-- felt "surreal and a million more emotions". She also thanked her fiance, Aiza Seguerra.

Mark Justine Aguillon, another Filipino, also won Best Actor in the Short Film category.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Marian honored to work with Vilma Santos

MANILA, Philippines – Actress Marian Rivera revealed she badly wants to work with veteran actress Vilma Santos that she agreed to do a guest role in "Ekstra," the Batangas governor’s first independent film -- for free.

In an interview with entertainment website Pep.ph, Rivera said she doesn’t mind that she’ll only be with Santos in a scene or two as long as she gets to act with her.

“Siyempre, Ate Vi ‘yan, ano! So, bakit ka pa magse-second thought, isang Vilma Santos na ang makasama mo na halos pangarap din namang makasama ng mga kagaya ko, ‘di ba? Kaya walang second thought talaga,” she said.

Rivera said she admired Santos even more when the veteran actress approached her to personally thank her for accepting the project.

“Ang eksena namin together is parang nag-serve lang siya sa akin ng isang drink tapos um-exit na siya. Pero ang behind the scenes ang gusto ko, kasi pagtuntong ko lang sa set… Siya ang lumapit sa akin, at sabi niya, ‘Hi Marian, thank you sa pag-guest mo.’ Thank you siya nang thank you sa akin. Sabi ko, ako nga ang dapat magpasalamat sa kanya. Ang bait-bait niya talaga. Kaya ngayon, masasabi ko na artista na talaga ako kasi nakasama ko na ang isang Vilma Santos kahit sa isang eksena lang,” she said.

According to Rivera, it was really her dream to work with the acclaimed actress.

“Sa totoo lang, ang dami kong nadidinig na magaganda tungkol kay Ate Vi sa mga nakakasama na niya sa pelikula. Kaya ako, gusto ko ring ma-experience kung paano makatrabaho ang isang Governor Vilma Santos-Recto. Hindi talaga ako nagkamali,” she said.

“Sobrang maasikaso talaga siya at mahal niya lahat ang mga kasama niya sa trabaho. Nagdadala siya ng food sa akin. Dinalhan niya ako ng leche flan… Tapos sabi niya, ‘Sandali, sandali, ito pa, kalamay pa. Mag-uwi ka nito sa bahay n’yo.’ Sobrang thoughtful talaga niya. Kaya tuwang-tuwa talaga ako dahil nakasama ko na ang isang Vilma Santos. At sabi ko nga, masasabi ko na sa sarili ko na artista na talaga ako,” she added.

Aside from Santos, Rivera will also share some scenes with Kapamilya actor Piolo Pascual in the same movie.

Asked if she there will be a kissing scene between her and Pascual, Rivera said: “Naku, hindi ko pa po alam [kung may kissing scene]. Depende pa rin sa direktor (Jeffrey Jeturian) dahil siya ang nagsasabi ng instruction.”

The actress, however, said she is willing to do it if her role demands for it.

“Kasi ako naman, ang trabaho is trabaho talaga. Kumbaga, eksena lang sa pelikula yun at kung ano man ang command ng isang direktor, eh dapat sundin mo at puwede rin namang pag-usapan, di ba?” she said.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Donaire makes film debut in Visayan indie

MANILA, Philippines -- Fresh from his victory over Japanese fighter Toshiaki Nishioka, Filipino boxing champion Nonito Donaire is now busy promoting his debut movie.

In his live guesting on "Umagang Kay Ganda" on Monday, Donaire shared his excitement over his Visayan independent film "Palad Ta Ang Nagbuot" (Our Fate Decides), which will premiere on October 31.

"It's a Visayan movie but may English subtitles para they will know the story," Donaire said.

Donaire said the film tells the story of boxers like him who are working hard to be successful.

"It's story of our lives na parang may hardships. At saka it's up to us to be happy as long as we believe in ourselves, we believe in God," he added.

Directed and produced by Dandin Ranillo, the film also stars Mon Confiado, Krissel Joy Valdez, Dionne Monsanto and veteran actress Gloria Sevilla, who has been dubbed the Queen of Visayan Movies .

"Iiyak po kayo, tatawa po kayo, magandang story po," Donaire said.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Jericho in high spirits over Hollywood raves

MANILA, Philippines -- Coming off a string of successes on TV, the big screen and recently in the music scene, Jericho Rosales feels particularly triumphant over the international acclaim he has received for his latest independent film.









"Alagwa," headlined by Rosales, child star Bugoy Carino, and Malaysian Kapamilya star Carmen Soo, recently participated in the 17th Busan International Film Festival, which concluded last October 13.

Directed by Ian Lorenos, "Alagwa" earned raves from international media, on top of being received warmly by Korean audiences in Busan.

"Kung ano 'yung in-expect ko, mga 10% lang nung lahat ng nangyari," Rosales told reporters at the sidelines of a Tuesday fashion show by local clothing line Collezione C2, which he endorses.

The Kapamilya actor, who also recently launched his newest solo album "Korona," was recounting his experience as the Philippine's representative to the international film fest.

"It was the longest red carpet ever na nilakaran ko, and lahat ng nandun, karamihan, movie fans, film fans, and lahat sila mahal nila 'yung festival," Rosales said.

According to Rosales, large screens were displayed along the red carpet. The screens projected those who were involved in the participating films -- from the producer and the director to the actors.

"Lahat kami, nung naglalakad kami sa red carpet, pinapalakpakan kami. Sobrang laki ng venue, and we were well-received, lahat ng mga stars," said Rosales, who had previously starred in an internationally released film, "Subject: I Love You," just last year.

"Doon pa lang naramdaman ko 'yung support ng mga tao sa Busan, and that made me feel so good as an actor. Even Kim (Jones, Rosales' current girlfriend) was so happy, kasi magkasama kami lumakad. Ibang klase 'yung experience talaga," he added.




In "Alagwa," which has the international title "Breakaway," Rosales plays a single father whose 9-year-old son (Carino), becomes a victim of human trafficking. The premiere screening of the film in Busan, the Kapamilya leading man recounted, was particularly well-received.

"The first screening, puno siya and the last also, meaning they (audience) liked the film siguro, at talagang supportive sila sa mga pelikula. So sana ganoon dito sa Pilipinas," Rosales said.

Another source of triumph for the ABS-CBN actor were the reviews for his performance in the movie. One in particular, from the international trade magazine Hollywood Reporter, "wowed" Rosales upon reading it.

In the review, Rosales' portrayal was described as "nagging, brusque and hyper-critical." The review also said the actor "expertly conveys the over-compensation of the single parent in the tough love Robert shows his son."

The Hollywood Reporter called the Filipino movie, which is also co-produced by Rosales, a "powerful" film about human trafficking and a "small gem portraying a father-son relationship with nothing fake or sentimental about it."

For Rosales, being recognized as an actor is "nakakataba ng puso."

"Makikita mo 'yung connection sa mga tao, plus we got a review from the Hollywood Reporter nga, so wow. It was a very blessed trip," Rosales said.

source: abs-cbnnews.com