LT loves to work with Gabby

Author: Aster Amoyo
Column: If I Know

IT'S official. Lorna Tolentino is now a certified Kapamilya as she recently signed an exclusive two-year contract with ABS-CBN 2. The package includes two movies and two soap operas, which will start production early next year.

"Yes, I'm happy to be back with ABS. Remember, I spent two and a half years here first before I moved to GMA when I did "Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay. " I'm just fortunate to have the chance to work for the country's top two networks. I'm both Kapuso and Kapamilya. I asked permission from GMA regarding my transfer here and they allowed me. I'm the type who doesn't burn bridges," says the lovely actress.

According to the grapevine, Gabby Concepcion and Albert Martinez are being eyed to be her leading men in one of the soaps.

"That's what I know from my first meeting with Direk Olive Lamasan. That was during the launching of my HOPE CD. I don't know if there are already changes. But personally, I like the idea since it's been awhile since I last did projects opposite Gabby and Albert. "

Now that she's a Kapamilya, LT will have the chance to work with some of the station's brightest wards.

"I still want to do another show with Lloydie and Bea," she says. "We were together in Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay.

I'm also excited to do projects with Piolo (Pascual) and Claudine (Barretto) if ever. With Angel (Locsin), I played a cameo part in her Darna before in GMA but we didn't have the chance to be together in a scene. But we did Mano Po 2. It'll be exciting also if we'll have a show together in the coming days. "

She has already established herself as a TV host with Startalk over at the Kapuso network. Many are curious if ABS is giving her a show with the same format.

"It depends on the show's theme. Definitely, a showbiz-oriented type is out of the picture as of now. I'm not totally healed yet. It'll be hard on my part to interview other celebrities with my present emotional state. "

MARIAN HATES TO BREAK UP WITH DINGDONG
Marian Rivera is just cool about the issue that her first silver screen project with Dingdong Dantes One True Love didn't do as expected at the tills. At the recent press meet for Desperadas 2, the lovely star confidently said:

"I don't think GMA and Regal Films would lie about the movie's performance at the box office. I trust their statement since they are in the best position to say if the movie did well or not. What's important is that they are happy with the figures. I'm also elated that according to those who already watched the movie, it was great. That's a huge compliment. "

Speaking of Dong, Marian isn't sure if the boob tube remake of Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang will be their last team-up on the small screen.

"We haven't received an official word yet from GMA-7 about it. But if I'll be asked personally, sana huwag naman, considering that our previous projects are certified hits. Anyway, let's wait and see. "

Reports have it that their latest soap is a far cry from their previous ones.

"It's something new for me. Actually, it's a combination of action, drama and sex. I will play the role of Proserfina, originally done by Vivian Velez in the movie version. It's a challenging role since she's part of a syndicate so the viewers can expect lots of action scenes. "

It seems that the show has a very mature theme. How can her young fans watch it?
"I leave it all up to GMA to market it in a way that the kids can still watch it. I perfectly know that I have many fans, who are still very young," she said.

Meanwhile, Marian is glad to have reunited with Ruffa Gutierrez, Rufa Mae Quinto and Iza Calzado in Desperadas 2. It can be remembered that they ranked third in the overall box-office standing of the Metro Manila Film Festival entries last year.

"I hope we do better this time. For one, it's more big-budget now and the story is more exciting. I'm sure people will enjoy the movie!"

It was learned that she became closer to her co-stars in the said Joel Lamangan megger.

"Ruffa (Gutierrez), Rufa Mae (Quinto) and Iza (Calzado) are all okay. We bonded so well in the set. We're closer now as compared to last year. I'm happy to be given the chance to work with them again and also Ogie Alcasid , who acts as our long lost sister in the film. There's no dull moment in the set. In fact, one time, Direk scolded us for not paying attention to his instructions because we were busy with our chit-chats. "

Marian remains positive in her dispositions despite the intrigues she faces these days.

"I always tell myself to just enjoy the work. My foremost concern is my audience. I have faith in myself and what counts is that many still believe in my capability," she said in closing.

ANGELIKA, ORION MOVE WEDDING NEXT YEAR
WHEN Angelika dela Cruz and partner Orion Casareo recently threw their own baby shower, they already have a name for their child. If it's a boy, he will be named Gabriel while if it turns out to be a girl, she will be called Isabella (culled from the popular female protagonist in the bestseller Twilight whose film version has already raked in lots of money).

Funny but this early, the infanticipating actress is telling her folks not to spoil the baby.

"It's the tendency of the grandparents to spoil, right? And this will be their first ever grandchild. In fact, they are the ones who are more excited with my pregnancy. They always remind me to take extra care all the time," Angelika mused.

Interestingly, their church wedding is moved to next year.

"It will happen in December 2009. It should be this December but we're busy attending to other things like I have tapings for my two shows in GMA-7, our house is undergoing renovation, among other things. But definitely, we will exchange vows next year. At least, our baby is already there. "

Source: People's Journal