'Magkaibigan' not Daboy's life story

Author: Bong De Leon
Column: Check It Out

AT the start of the presscon for Mag-kaibigan, director Jose Javier Reyes clarified that the movie which is topbilled by Christopher de Leon and Jinggoy Estrada is not the life story of the late action star Rudy Daboy Fernandez.

"It is a tribute to Daboy and it is about friendship between two men. As the blurb reads, sa buhay, may mga bagay na hindi nakakalimutan. .. hindi napapalitan. It is a tribute to life even if it deals with death. It is a bittersweet story and I guarantee you that the last 10 minutes will make everybody cry," says Joey who also wrote the screenplay of Millenium Films' official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Playing the wives of Christopher and Jinggoy are comebacking actresses Dawn Zulueta and Maricel Laxa, respectively. Direk Joey has nothing but praises for his cast. Jinggoy for one admitted that he only read two scripts in all the years that he has been an actor. Both of them were written by Joey Reyes: last year's Katas ng Saudi where he bagged the best actor award and the forthcoming MMFF entry, Magkaibigan. "Binasa ko talaga ang script word for word dahil ayaw kong masigawan ako ni direk sa set habang nagsu-shoot," he confessed.

The senator recalls that when Daboy was in the hospital, he asked permission from the actor if it is alright to produce a movie about friendship, particularly theirs which lasted for 20 years. Daboy said yes and Rudy's wife, Lorna Tolentino also agreed. In fact, during the pre-production stage of Magkaibigan, they consulted Lorna on the flow of the story as well as who will fit into the shoes of the characters. Unanimously, they felt that Christopher de Leon, also a good friend of Daboy, is perfect for the part of the cancer-stricken, Atoy. He was hesitant at first to accept the part because it would remind him of the struggles Daboy went through, but there is no way of saying no both to Lorna and direk Joey.

What kind of a friend is Daboy?

For Jinggoy, he is a very loyal person who stood by him no matter what the situation may be. "May mga taong kinaibigan ako dahil sa materyal na bagay. May mga taong kunwari'y kaibigan dahil may kailangan sa akin. Dito naiba si Rudy. He is the most sincere and loyal friend na hindi ako iniwanan lalo na sa oras ng kagipitan. I was at his bedside when he breathed his last at doon ko nakita ang sobrang pagyakap niya sa Panginoon. I don't think I will ever find a friend like him. "

As far as Christopher is concerned, Daboy is the kind of a person who will give his life for Jinggoy. He will never betray your trust.

When leading lady Maricel's turn came, she simply said, "Walang katulad si Daboy kung pakikisama ang pag-uusapan. He is indeed the best friend. "

Dawn had the chance to work with Daboy in two movies , one of which is The Eddie Fernandez Story or Lagalag and has this anecdote to share.

"Camera buff si Rudy noon and I remember he took photos of me na kagigising ko lamang. I was worried I may not look okay but he said I have nothing to worry about. Kahit daw walang make-up ay maganda ako. When filming was over ay ipinadala niya sa aking bahay ang mga larawang kuha niya, every single shot at pati negative ay nakapaloob. One word that truly fits Rudy is that he was a true gentleman. "

Direk Joey adds that he is very fortunate to have a cast of professionals "at kayang dalhin ang pelikula dahil may pagpapahalaga sila sa pamilya. "

HOW TO EARN RESPECT

Vic del Rosario should be credited for bringing back and conceptualizing concerts that features more than one singer who are considered icons during their heydays. He has successfully grouped them together as in the case of the Hitmakers which cast Rico J. Puno, Rey Valera, Hajji Alejandro, Nonoy Zuñiga and Marco Sison. Or the Golden Divas which saw the blending of voices among Pilita Corrales, Carmen Soriano and Carmen Pateña.

This so-called grouping has enhanced the singing careers of some veteran entertainers whom many thought have already retired from showbusiness. It also gives opportunity for the younger set to find out for themselves how exceptionally talented these artists are for them to earn the respect, admiration and huge popularity decades ago.

In the forthcoming concert titled Legends of OPM, six music legends responsible for many hits in the 70s and 80s will be performing for the first time in a very special concert at the PICC in Pasay City at 8 p. m. on December 30. These living legends are Rico J. Puno, Nonoy Zuñiga and Rey Valera, Claire dela Fuente, Eva Eugenio and Joey Albert.

Legends of OPM (remember the hits Kapalaran, May Bukas Pa, Never Ever Say Goodbye, MagingSino Ka Man, Kung Kailangan Mo Ako, Sayang, Tukso, Iisa Pa Lamang and Tell Me) will be the crowning glory of what has been hailed as a great year of live performances in the local music scene.

Directed by Roxanne Lapuz, Legends of OPM is also expected to tour the USA where a large bulk of Filipino workers are clamoring for homegrown talents to entertain them.

LOCAL SHOWBIZ CONTINUES TO CHARM CARMEN

ADD the name of Malaysian-Chinese actress Carmen Soo as the newest endorser of Petit Monde.

The star of ABS-CBN Asian TV novella, Kahit Isang Saglit joins The Company of Sunshine Cruz, Jodi Sta. Maria and Cheska Diaz in endorsing the famous women's apparel. These three stars were still in their teens when they were chosen to promote Petit Monde.

Carmen may have not seen the whiteness of Boracay, a promise yet to be fulfilled by her leading man Jericho Rosales but she did find time to tour the stores of Petit Monde. Immediately, Carmen liked the clothes and their style which she describes as "bright, sunny, sweet, sexy and just a little flirty. " She felt very privileged to have been selected to endorse them.

According to Dorothy Tan-Tionson, creative director of Petit Monde, Carmen was chosen as she best represents what Petit Monde is all about--- sweet yet daring, classy yet adventurous.

Carmen started modeling at age 17 and has endorsed popular brands such as Ponds, Pantene and luxury watch company, Longines.

In Malaysia, the actress endorsed a clothing line called Eclipse for which she has also designed a line of accessories- using her name for charity.

"I love to design and experiment with my style, that's why I think Petit Monde suits my personality. I find the clothes comfortable and conservative. I prefer clothes that do not wrinkle as I am always on the road," says Carmen who has been moving around the world for her numerous modeling and movie projects.

From casual to chic, from sweet to just a little sexy, Carmen carries her Petit Monde's brand of sophisticated style Asian women would want to become- a genuine fashion plate.

Source: People's Journal