Iza combines Hilda and Loren

Author: Remy Umerez
Column: A Little Bit

WE watched ESP, GMA's new suspense thriller every Thursday and found the presentation engrossing. There were horrifying scenes that will put viewers on the edge of their seats.

We also discovered a blend of personalities the very ravishing Iza Calzado supposedly patterned her role after. A week earlier in an interview, Iza said she was influenced by Cherie Pie Picache's performance in Bikini Open.

We beg to disagree. We thought we saw in her the mannerisms of Loren Legarda who started out as a broadcast journalist before she ran for public office.

On the next breath, she becomes the Hilda Koronel of today's generation as far as beauty and acting is concerned. Ms. Koronel was a stunner at Cannes Films Festival many years ago where Insiang was shown. On one hand, Iza will soon be seen in the Hollywood version of Sigaw, titled Echo where she reprised her role.

On its second installment, ESP follows the unstoppable Cassandra where she loses her consciousness after her near-death experience and loses the memories of her past and old self. By some strange twists, she will acquire a unique skill- ESP.

ALFRED A GOOD CATCH

ACTOR and entrepreneur Alfred Vargas was not exactly without a date on Valentine's Day as he treated his mom to a special dinner. Whatever happened to the pretty date he brought to the MMFF awards night last month?

Alfred remains a very elusive bachelor at 26 and whoever wins his heart is lucky. A (gentle) man of no vice (except making money via food chains), he maintains close family ties by being with family members on all special occasions.

Alfred plays leading man to Iza Calzado in ESP as he depicts Dave, the handsome television executive who falls in love with Cassandra.

BOY: DON'T COURT DESTINY

DO you know that someone gifted Boy Abunda with a gold scapular to compliment (?) the brand-name clothes he wears on his talk shows? He thanked the generous giver but would rather stick to wearing the old and threaded religious item every minute of the day. "I have plenty of these, about thirty para kung sakaling may mala-got o mapigtas ay mayroong kapalit," he says.

We know the premise behind the wearing of the brown scapular but more than that, it reveals the deep faith of Boy on the Blessed Virgin. We are therefore not surprised that he is blessed. He should deal on this should he decide to come out with another volume of Life Songs and Life Stories with Boy Abunda.

All the songs and conversations featured in this newly-released album from Star Records are truly inspiring and very special to Boy because they were performed by artists that are close to his heart.

Not to be missed is the conversation between him and his mother and son and the story behind the wooden slippers or bakya which his Nanay Lesing only wore upon reaching the school premises many, many years ago. How she was convinced by Boy to do the recording is another interesting tale.

Two songs that completely moved us are Tears in Heaven by Kris Lawrence and Erik Santos interpretation of It's My Turn.

The key to Boy Abunda's success boils down to this word of wisdom which he shared with us. He says, "At the point you are doing well, it is time you should feel humble. "

He also adds, "Don't court destiny".

MARIAN NOW A BANKABLE MOVIE STAR

WE don't need the figures to be convinced that My Bestfriend's Girlfriend is a huge success.

We saw the huge crowd at SM Centerpoint coming out of the theater smiling and feeling good. We went closer to where the stub tickets are placed. Umaapaw sa dami. We congratulate Richard Gutierrez and his new leading lady Marian Rivera who is now a bankable star.

What would be her next project, a movie version of MariMar, perhaps?

Source: People's Journal