Ara sings for Manny

Author: Bong De Leon
Column: Check It Out

SCREEN kiss is just a kiss, either torrid or smack, so what's the big fuss about Valerie Concepcion crying wolf on the kissing scene with Manny Pacquiao in "Anak Ng Kumander"?

Some people say that Valerie's camp is creating the noise to be talked about. On Manny's part, he is so popular worldwide that he might not need that kind of publicity. So, who's taking advantage of whom?

Meanwhile, Manny says he doesn't expect to win the best actor award, but if he does, it would be an added feather to his cap. All he wants is to give an entertaining action picture for the holiday. Leading lady Ara Mina joined Pacman in the press conference held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel who even sang the Happy Birthday song to the champ. Manny celebrated his birthday last December 14. Ara, after all the intrigues caused by her being leading lady to Pacman, heaped praises for him saying: "Hindi kita malilimutan, Manny. "

A DREAM COME TRUE FOR BOYET

SOME quarters say that the filmfest entry, "Banal" topbilled by Christopher de Leon is an anti-church movie. Boyet told a group of press people that the theme is rather delicate. But, what's really tackled in the story is the corruption issue in the police force, and, the assassination plot against the Pope in the movie was just a sidelight.

"So, it's not anti-Catholic," says Boyet. "While there are people who'd like to kill Pope John Paul II because of the many changes he implemented, being a very liberal Pope, it is not at all making a tirade on the Catholic church. There are total extremist Catholics who wished to assassinate the Pope. "

Did the project have conflict in his persona being a very religious man by accepting the role? "None at all," quips Boyet. "There are many things happening inside the Vatican that we don't know. "

This project is a dream come true for him. He plays a SWAT trainor, Major Miguel Sagala and this is the first time he plays a corrupt policeman or a soldier, idolized by his protégés Alfred Vargas and Paolo Contis.

Meanwhile, he is surely a contender for best supporting actor award. He says Paolo might bag the best actor award as he's such a good actor in the movie. Why not?

EUGENE ALMOST STOLE SCENES

THERE is only one so-called happy family picture for the MMFF, Regal Entertainment's entry, "Bahay Kubo. " Maricel Soriano as the mother was in her highest element, be it in her drama or comedy scenes. Eugene Domingo is also very good, almost stealing the scenes from Maricel There is no dull moment in the movie. Truly a Filipino story, young and old alike can relate to it. Kudos to director Joel Lamangan who made every scene so true and honest.

It also stars eternal movie queen, Gloria Romero as the lola, Marian Rivera, Shaina Magdayao, Yasmien Kurdi, Rita Iringan, Sam Bumatay and Jiro Manio as the children, while Eric Quizon as the father and Rayver Cruz did good support.

'NUTS' ON LOCATION

"NUTS Entertainment" this week on GMA7 was shot on location at the Club Manila East Resort and Hotel in Taytay, Rizal for the Christmas episode with guests, Senator Bong Revilla, Ariel and Maverick, Paolo Paraiso, Gwen Garci, and Vaness Del Moral.

Balakubak will give Sen. Bong another 'nightmare' with the naughty trio, Joey de Leon, Janno Gibbs and Anjo Yllana grilling him with his sons, Jolo and Bryan Revilla. Other portions are the week three reality games, Kapuso, Kaposas, Paspas Padulas games and other portions like Here, Dare and Everywhere and Jack 'n Poy with Cookie (Mike Nacua) and Bellie (John Feir) with the Nuts Entertainment loyal fans joining them.

SHOWBIZ FAMILIES UNITE ON 'SOP'

IT'S a very merry Christmas on SOP this Sunday. All your favorite showbiz families are in the show. The Gomezes and the Revillas will party with the Kapuso hosts, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Jaya, Janno Gibbs, among others.

Watch the colorful debut of Jean Garcia's daughter, Jennica Garcia as she celebrates her natal day on SOP. See the respective families of the SOP hosts join the celebration.

Also something to watch out for is the auction of many items like clothings, knick-knacks, watches and other personal things of your favorite stars at very reasonable prices. Happening on GMA7's SOP on Sunday.

NEW SEGMENTS ON 'KAS'

FRESH from the very successful Christmas party given to the entertainment press, "Resiklo" star Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. does another exciting hosting job on "Kap's Amazing Stories" tomorrow night (Sunday) on GMA7 primetime slot.

Beat this: Can you feed your 'inakay' with decaying corpses? Can you fight an entire barangay? Can you stand to be laughed at because of your persona?

Do you know you can be sucked-yout blood can be without you knowing it? There are other interesting segments like Sa Iyo ang Bulok, Akin ang Sariwa, Tropang Gutom, Katatawang Kakatuwa, Huli sa Bibig and Dugo-Dugo Gang, Don't miss Kap's Amazing Stories on GMA7.

Source: People's Journal