ABS-CBN talents backed out because of Katrina

Author: Ethel Ramos
Column: Studio Whispers

EXCEPT for Katrina Halili, Alessandra de Rossi, Jennylyn Mercado, Valerie Concepcion, and Diana Zubiri were not the original choices for the roles they are playing in OctoArts Films Metro Manila Film Festival entry, "One Night Only."

"Boss Orly (Ilacad, big boss of OctoArts Films) originally wanted a combination of young actresses from both Star Magic (talent arm of ABS-CBN) and Artist Center (talent arm of GMA 7).

"For me that would have been a most ideal set-up," revealed Joey Javier Reyes, director of "One Night Only," But before we could start shooting for the movie, all the talents of Star Magic backed out.

"They had their reasons. One of them is that OctoArts Films had signed up Katrina Halili to a contract. And, obviously, they presumed that Katrina Halili will be given a bigger and more important role as compared to theirs.

"We explained that their exposures in the movie would be pantay pantay. Still, may dahilan pa rin kaming narinig. They want a drama movie raw. E, One Night Only is a sex-comedy.

"In fairness to them, they did reconsider. But, by then, we had decided to hire the services of other stars.

"And Im happy with the choices."

***

Direk Joey said that Katrina is simply right for her role as Jasmine, the free-spirited and money-hungry young woman, who is set to leave for Hong Kong with her new Chinese lover. But before she was able to leave, her former Congressman-lover learns about her coming trip and threatens to expose everything about her, unless she gives in to his demand.

Alessandra, said Direk Joey, was competent in her role as the starlet Angela, who is being eyed by hunk actor Diego (Paolo Contis).

"Riout ang eksena nilang dalawa. They are both lovable to work with," said the director.

He had worked with Diana in "I Wanna Be Happy." He admired her professionalism then. She has not changed, he said, except that she now acts with ease. In "I Wanna Be Happy," critics noted that she was a bit conscious in some of her scenes.

Both Valerie and Jennylyn played their role well.

***

Direk Joey is the only director who has two entries in the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival. He also is at the helm of "Magkaibigan," starring Christopher de Leon and Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who are together in a movie for the first time.

Direk Joey said he is happy for Senator Jinggoy for winning the best actor trophy in the recently-concluded FAMAS Awards.

Senator Jinggoy was awarded the honor for the movie, "Katas ng Saudi," which Direk Joey directed. It was Maverick Films entry in last years Metro Manila Film Festival.

Lorna Tolentino, Senator Jinggoys leading lady in "Katas ng Saudi," won the best actress trophy.

***

The top three winners in the last "Pinoy Dream Academy," Laarni, Bugoy and Miguel, performed at the Christmas party which ABS-CBN tendered for the movie press last Tuesday. Venue was the Training Hall at the 13th floor of the ELJ Building.

The winners in the "Little Dreamers Contest" also performed.

Former "Pinoy Dream Academy 2" housemates Zen, Lilet and Van were also at the party. Robi Domingo, who was the first runner-up of Ejay Falcon in the "Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition Plus," and Nicole Uysiuseng, third placer, also came.

Cristine Reyes took the opportunity to thank the movie press who, she acknowledged, had a hand in the success of her first teleserye on ABS-CBN, "Eva Fonda."

"Eva Fonda" garnered a high rating when it premiered last Monday.

Special guest of the night was Cory Vidanes, vice-president for Entertainment.

ABS-CBN Corporate PR head, Bong Osorio, was in-charge of the well-attended event.

Source: Malaya