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John Lloyd as a good gay

Author: Edgar Cruz
Column: BuzzStation

The film stars mainstream actors John Lloyd (as Noel) and Luis Manzano (as Mark), both certified straight men at the peak of their respective entertainment careers, in gay roles. These performances are hightlighted by a real kissing scene. This may be the stuff of indie movies, but a big studio decided to do a movie in the genre and does not stop there. Also in a major role is a major actress, Vilma Santos, who has not done a movie in the longest time, collaborating with an award-winning director.

Their roles offer a great acting challenge for both actors. For Luis, it is to prove himself a competent dramatic actor as his pre-In My Life movies were mainly comedy roles. The big question nagging the heads of moviegoers eagerly waiting to watch the movie is: Will they be able to pull it off and convince viewers to suspend their disbelief?

Taking from indie films¡¯ new wave gay cinema with Joselito Altarejos as genre leader, Star Cinema releases its first gay-themed movie on Sept. 16. Based on the script of Senedy Que and Raymond Lee, Olivia Lamasan directs In My Life which deals with gay issues and how it affects a mother.

The Tornino Gay and Lesbian Film Festival coined the term "New Wave gay cinema" for the new portrayals of gay characters and stories that tackle gay issues upfront. Standard gay cinema deals with gay issues, but they are mainly for viewing by gays. But in the case of Joselito and, for that matter, Olivia, the gay theme is tackled within the framework of the larger social perspective, the gay-themed film treated as just a film.

Besides this new treatment, the fact that Luis is Vilma¡¯s real-life son gives it greater realism. True, the Vilma specials were so-so raters, but that was largely because of the late airing time. Their ratings don¡¯t reflect the movie¡¯s box-office potential at all. Vilma¡¯s character is also entirely new. She will no doubt bring uncommon depth to it.¡¡

In My Life will be patronized not only by homosexuals but by all genders and by families as it is a family movie. It tackles a rarely discussed theme, gay death and how the family copes. Let¡¯s not forget it was shot in New York and Flips are lovers of virtual trips to foreign lands. Let¡¯s not forget as well that John Lloyd is the current box-office king and he¡¯s largely unseen on television now except for his TVCs.¡¡

A casting coup, a terrific story, a foreign location, superb direction and excellent marketing ¡ª In My Life has all the ingredients for a box-office hit. In My Life will premiere at SM Batangas on Sept. 14, Monday, 6 p.m.; Trinoma on Sept.15, Tuesday, 5 p.m.; and SM Megamall, Sept. 15, Tuesday, 7 p.m. Vilma will be at SM Mall of Asia on Sept. 11, Friday.
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Three wins for Jennylyn and Becky

"Jen and I are overjoyed with the results," Becky Aguila, the business manager of Jennylyn "Jen" Mercado, Angel Locsin and Valerie Concepcion, texted Buzzstation.

Lawyer Joji Alonso, Jennylyn¡¯s legal counsel, confirmed that the criminal case of 19 counts of qualified theft involving more than P400,000 filed by Jennylyn Mercado against her former personal assistant Rowena "Mel" Pulmano was found with legal ground by Quezon City Prosecutor¡¯s Office with no bail recommended.

Rowena sued Jennylyn for robbery and child abuse but this was dismissed by the Provincial Prosecution Office of Rizal for lack of probable cause. Becky, for her part, won the labor case filed by Rowena with the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE).

Rowena, who Jennylyn considered as a mother, worked as her personal assistant and road manager before her dismissal in 2004. She took care of paying her bills and other obligations, as well as banking matters, handling her current account at United Coconut Planters Bank Tomas Morato branch.

Rowena and daughter Nina Bianca Pulmano sued Jennylyn for taking four pairs of earrings, one ladies ring, four necklaces and two bracelets, all amounting to P149,000, from Rowena¡¯s house on Oct. 7, 2008.

Rowena also complained against former employer Becky with the Office of National Labor Relations Commission of DoLE, National Capital Region in Quezon City for illegally dismissing her and demanded separation pay, back wages and damages. Becky said she dismissed Pulmano when she lost trust and confidence in her.

"Jen¡¯s victory is my victory as well because it only proves once and for all that I am not Rowena Pulmano¡¯s mastermind (as she alleged)," continues Becky.

Rowena¡¯s accusations that she had been acting on Aguila¡¯s orders during media interviews greatly damaged the latter¡¯s reputation as a business manager. That¡¯s why they brought Rowena to court to stop the humiliation and ridicule of trial by publicity. Becky states, "She used my controversies to get away from her own crimes."

Becky¡¯s reputation as a manager was tarnished by Rowena¡¯s fabricated lies and stories. Her family was most affected. She relied on her faith that she would be vindicated and that truth shall prevail.

That¡¯s why Jennylyn and Becky consider winning their cases against Rowena almost simultaneously as a vindication. Becky states, "I¡¯m also thankful and grateful to Atty. Joji Alonso and Associates."

Breaking news 1: Jennylyn¡¯s starting to reap the fruits of good karma. Having decided not to renew her contract with the GMA Talent Development and Management Department under Ida Henares, she will sign a recording, movie and concert contract with the Viva Artist Agency, with which her manager Becky is scheduled to sign a two-year co-management deal. This agreement does not include television, which will solely be managed by Becky.

Jennylyn¡¯s billboard as endorser of Belo Medical Group with Valerie Concepcion will also soon be installed along EDSA. She¡¯s scheduled to be on the cover of FHM magazine with Valerie for October. She has also started managing her own finances as a lesson learned from the Rowena Pulmano case.

Breaking news 2: Becky is going to sue Rowena this week for forging her signature in several check payments.

Hip, sleek and cool John Lloyd

In this mobile age, what better way to launch a new line of hot mobile phones than to team up with one of this generation¡¯s hottest stars? Officially teaming up with Cherry Mobile is leading man John Lloyd Cruz as the official brand ambassador. This bankable actor and in-demand commercial model is set to captivate the mobile market with Cherry Mobile¡¯s line of dual and single SIM handsets. Just like John Lloyd, the handsets offered by Cherry Mobile are hip, sleek and cool. The actor¡¯s success and stature as one of the best leading men in showbiz also adds to his credibility as the perfect endorser of the brand.

Young, fun loving and active, John Lloyd embodies the same qualities as the brand represents. "I¡¯m glad to be part of the Cherry Mobile family. I really believe in this product as a credible brand that I can trust ¡ª having two SIMs in just one phone. With the kind of work that I have, it¡¯s hassle-free and saves time to communicate with everyone," says John Lloyd. Cherry Mobile has launched a collection of mobile handsets for the practical and fashionable end user. It has a full range of stylish, handy and user-friendly handsets that suits the lifestyle of every Filipino. For more information about Cherry Mobile phones, visit www.cherrymobile.com.ph.

Oppose conversion of Veterans Hospital into a mall

Has Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte entered into a midnight contract with the Ayalas for the sale of Veterans Memorial Medical Center (Veterans Memorial Hospital), which they plan to convert as an extension of Trinoma Mall? Join Quezon City Rep. Annie Suzano in opposing the deal together with the Reproductive Health Bill today, Sept. 8, at the Congress Plenary Hall at 4 p.m.!

E-mail your comment to imagineph@yahoo.com or text 0928-4531158.

Source: The Daily Tribune