Ara: Mas ok ang non-showbiz BF

Author: Mario E. Bautista
Column: Freehand

Ara Mina is aware that the fans of the Aljur Abrenica-Kris Bernal love team hate her in her role as Aljur's mistress in the hit afternoon soap, "Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?" "Pero okay lang," she shrugs. "That means effective ako. But I'm really happy for Aljur and Kris dahil tatlong beses na kaming nag-rate ng 29percent, the highest so far sa hapon. May pambalanse naman ako sa role ko rito. Every now and then, sumusulpot pa rin ako sa 'Totoy Bato' in the flashback scenes as Robin Padilla's ill-fated wife. Then in my new movie, 'Marino', I'm Allen Dizon's martyr wife waiting for his return as a seaman not knowing may kabit pala siya abroad, si Krista Ranillo. "

They have a new director in "Marino," Paul Sta. Ana. How is he? "Okay naman. It's nice to work with new directors with fresh ideas. My last indie movie, 'Selda,' new director din. And it's nice that Direk Paul listens to our suggestions, lalo na ako, when I'm uncomfortable in a scene, I tell him at nakikinig naman siya. I play a good role in 'Marino' as a wife na vulnerable dahil wala asawa niya at muntik nang matukso sa isang kapitbahay, Marco Alcaraz, but I controlled myself for the sake of our family. "

Is she really running in the 2010 elections? "Nothing is sure yet. Pag-uusapan pa ng family namin. "

Some writers are saying she'd be up against Aiko Melendez. "Aiko is on her last term as councilor and sabi, magba-vice mayor daw siya, so hindi kami magiging magkalaban dahil baka ako ang tumakbo as councilor. Puede ba, pag-aawayin na naman kami uli? Tigilan na 'yan. "

Someone also quoted her as saying she knew that the Jomari Yllana-Pops Fernandez love affair would not last. How true? "May nasabi nga akong ganyan siguro to some friends, but only because I know Jom too well. But let me stress that I don't believe na pera ang pinag-awayan nila. May prinsipyo 'yun pagdating sa ganyan. "

Is she happier now with her non-showbiz boyfriend? "Oh yes. Mas okay talaga kung non-showbiz. Di ba ang tahimik ng lovelife ko nga-yon? I learn a lot from him kasi his entire family is engaged in business. He told me tigilan muna ang business kong restaurant kasi nga kailangan daw, nakatutok ka roon. E, I'm so busy kaya napapabayaan ko. Mag-focus na lang daw muna ako sa acting dahil marami pa namang kumukuha sa'kin. Tuloy rin ang shows ko abroad. I'm having shows in the U. S. with Toni Gonzaga and Vice Ganda in June. "

'I HAVE TO MOVE ON'

NEWLY widowed Director Cathy Molina was at the presscon of "Precious Hearts Romances Presents Bud Brothers" where she's directing the episode starring Mariel Rodriguez and Rafael Rosell, "By Golly Wow Betsy. " She says that at first, she turned down the offer of business unit head Laurenti Dyogi to direct it.

"Kasi parang nahihirapan ako to work again," she says. "I thought I needed more time to grieve. Baka tanggapin ko nga, wala naman dun ang isip ko. Tapos, may guilt feelings din akong iiwan agad ang mga anak ko when their dad just left us. So they asked Direk Jerry Sineneng to direct the pilot episode with Cristine Reyes and Jake Cuenca. Pero noong nagte-taping na sila, nainggit naman ako kay Direk Jerry. I felt I need to move on na rin, kaysa magmukmok lang ako sa bahay. So I called up Direk Lauren and I said, 'Nakakuha ka na ba ng director for the second episode?' Sabi niya, 'O, kaya mo na ba?' I said yes kaya binigay sa akin ang second episode with Mariel Rodriguez. And now, working again is helping me a lot. Kasi iba yung you're with people and doing a love story like this. At least, namatay naman ang husband ko that we love each other very much, so okay lang. Masama kung nangaliwa, hindi naman. "

Does she read romance novels? "Hindi masyado, kasi walang pictures. Mas gusto ko ng komiks. Pero binasa ko yung book on which my episode was based and I got hooked. We try to be faithful dun sa libro. Kaya lang, masyadong maraming titillating sexy scenes kaya mahirap i-adapt sa TV, lalo panghapon ang slot namin. So part 'yun ng challenge for us who'll adapt this on TV. "

After this, she'll go back to directing movies and her next assignment for Star Cinema is the new Aga Muhlach movie that will pair him with Angel Locsin. She says it won't be a romantic comedy but more of a romantic drama with the "kilig" moments. It's her first time to work with Aga and she's both excited and scared to work with him. "Kasi mga bago pa lang ang nakatrabaho kong leading men like John Lloyd Cruz and Sam Milby," she says. "Siya, beterano na at marami nang nakatrabahong batikang directors, kaya more intimidating. "

JOMMY'S LINGERING PAST

Jommy Teotico was the big winner in "Pinoy Fear Factor," but his runners up, Manuel Chua and Janna Dominguez, are now the ones who form a love team in "Precious Hearts Romances Present Bud Brothers. " How does he feel about it? "I also have a show naman," he says. "I play Ryan Agoncillo's friend in 'George and Cecil. ' Actually, natatawa nga kami that Manny is paired with Janna kasi we know selosa 'yung girlfriend niyang attorney. "

How did he feel when some folks say he won in "PFF" because he used to work as a waiter at ABS exec Deo Endrinal's bar at Esquinita? "I applied in 'PFF' on my own. I only worked sa bar ni Sir Deo for one month, right after I finished college at Lyceum and I was looking for work. I won dahil sa determination ko. Sir Deo wasn't there while I'm doing the stunts in Argentina, so wala siyang kinalaman dun. "

The second and only boy of three kids, Jommy admits he used to be the black sheep in his family. He nearly died when he had an affair with a married woman and he was mauled by the relatives of the woman's husband. "Mga one hour nila akong ginulpi," he says. "I learned my lesson from that experience. "

He's been a model for print and TV commercials before joining PFF and he's now the male celebrity endorser for Bobson Basics. He'll model their Classic Pique and Stripe polo shirts, Crew Neck t-shirt, and their jeans that come in regular straight, loose fit and slim fit, with cargo pants, capri and shorts.

So why did Bobson get him as endorser? "Even before he won in PFF, we already got him as we want fresh faces with dynamic personalities," says Victor Tan. "With him, we hope Bobson will be the brand of choice of today's youth. "

BRAVE PRODUCER

AT the grand launch of Sine Direk at Teatrino Greenhills, Joel Lamangan of the Directors Guild of the Philippines (DGPI) profusely praised Mr. Tony Tuviera of APT Entertainment (producer of "Eat Bulaga") for agreeing to bankroll the six movies they presented to the press that night.

DGPI prexy Tony Reyes said that when they presented the Sine Direk project to Mr. Tuviera, he consented right away when he learned that the proceeds will go to the scholarship fund for the deserving children of the local film industry workers. All the director members of the DGPI submitted their proposed entries and the ones given a go signal are: "Ded na si Lolo" (a comedy by Soxie Topacio), "Litsonero" (a family drama centering on food by Lore Reyes), "Agaton & Mindy" (a teen love story by Peque Gallaga), "Bente" (a political thriller by Mel Chionglo), "Kamoteng Kahoy" (a story based on a real life tragedy about schoolkids who died of food poisoning by Maryo de los Reyes), and "Fuchsia" (a love story about senior citizens by Lamangan himself).

"Taos puso ang pasasalamat namin kay Mr. Tony Tuviera dahil kung hindi sa kanya, hindi kami magkakaroon ng pagkakataong maisakatuparan ang mga kuwentong matagal na naming minimithing maisapelikula," adds Direk Joel. "Gaya sa napili kong project na nangyari sa tunay na buhay sa isang lola ko. Sino ba namang producer ang papayag na mag-produce na puro matatanda ang bida? Love story ng senior citizens ang 'Fuchsia' at bida rito sina Gloria Romero, Eddie Garcia, Robert Arevalo, Celia Rodriguez at Armida Siguion Reyna. "

"Fuchsia" was premiered at the Podium last year and it is now showing at SM Malls. Gloria Romero is currently nominated as best actress in the Golden Screen Awards for her fine performance in the movie, with Eddie Garcia and Robert Arevalo nominated as best actor. Supporting them are Iza Calzado and Richard Quan as a young couple on the verge of breaking up, and Tony Mabesa and Raquel VIllavicencio as the corrupt town mayor and his opportunistic wife.

WELL DONE, JUDY ANN, RYAN

WE take our hats off to Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo for making their wedding a really exclusive private and solemn affair. They didn't make it a business where they'll gain financial profit by selling the rights to cover it to any TV station. Agot Isidro sang the wedding song "Runaway" while Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid sang "The Prayer" during the offertory. Agot and Ogie sang "One Hand, One Heart" at the communion. Among the principal sponsors are Suzie Entrata ("Unang Hirit" TV host), Director Rory Quintos, Juday's road manager Jane Buencamino, Mon Isberto of Smart, photographer Bien Bautista and Ryan's balikbayan uncle, Benjie Gonzales. The breakfast reception was held at Laiya Resort an hour away from the church and there was also an afternoon reception at Balai Anilao, 4 p. m. A reception for the press and other friends will be held at Le Souffle, Makati on Saturday evening.

The next wedding to watch out for is that of Korina Sanchez and Sen. Mar Roxas. But we bet you it's not going to be a secret affair. Otherwise, they won't come out in "Wowowee" together for their very showbiz professions of love to each other with matching tears. Also, the exposure of having a grand wedding will help Sen. Roxas in his bid to run as president in the 2010 elections.

STAR MAGIC BIRTHDAY CELEBS

STAR Magic's Rikka Dylim hosted a dinner for their talents celebrating their birthdays in April. Many of them are child actors who all turned 10, like Jairus Aquino who turned 10 on April 1. Best known as Pareng Jomar in 'Super Inggo', he has had one show after another: "Rounin", "Lastikman", "That's My Doc," "Kung Fu Kids" and "Pieta. " He now plays the young Derek Ramsay in "Nasaan Ka Maruja" that starts airing tomorrow, Saturday, and the young Ogie Alcasid in the movie "Oh My Girl" with Judy Ann Santos.

Sharlene San Pedro is a veteran of various tearjerking soaps like "Anghel na Walang Langit," "Calla Lily," "Ysabella," and "Princess Sarah. " She's now a regular in "Goin' Bulilit" where she mimics Korina Sanchez. She's currently doing "Kamoteng Kahoy," a film directed by Maryo de los Reyes where she co-stars with child actors Nash Aguas, Julian Pisk (both from ABS like her) and Buboy Villar (from GMA-7). So who's better: ABS or GMA child stars? "Siempre, kami sa ABS," she says. An incoming 5th grader on a home study program of His Santuary Christian Academy, she prefers learning by herself than having classmates.

"Magulo't maingay pag may classmates," says Sharlene who turned 10 on April 5. Kyle Balili also turned 10 on April 8. His forte is singing, having been discovered in "Little Big Star" and now a member of Mak and the Dues with Makisig Morales. He sings the theme song of the hit soap, "May Bukas Pa. " He's also into acting and was seen in soaps like "Sana Maulit Muli," "Prinsesa ng Banyera" and "Parekoy".

Khayecee Aboloc turned 10 on April 9. Also a veteran of soaps, she appeared in "Super Inggo," "Princess Sarah," "Anghel na Walang Langit," "Gulong ng Palad," "Sana Maulit Muli" and "Natutulog Ba ang Diyos". Recently, she played Alessandra de Rossi's daughter in "Maalaala Mo Kaya". She has also done several TV commercials. Paul Salas is the only one who turned 11 among the celebrants, on April 16, and he had a swimming party. Son of UMD dancer Jim Salas, he is best known as Uragon, leader of the Kung Fu Kids. He was seen as the young Ryan Agoncillo in "Pieta" and now as the young Jason Abalos in "Kambal Sa Uma". He's in grade 5 in Starland International School.

Source: People's Journal