Marian has no 'appeal' for Pacman

Author: Aster Amoyo
Column: If I Know

INTERNATIONAL boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao and GMA-7's premiere female ward Marian Rivera seem to be an exciting match on screen as they headline the new sitcom, Show Me Da Manny over at the Kapuso network. During the show's press conference, both had only good words for each other.

"I've worked with Kuya Manny before in one of the concerts of Regine (Velasquez) and Ogie (Alcasid) and he was nice. I knew all along that if ever given the chance to work together, we'll click," says Marian.

"On my part, I feel lucky that Marian is my leading lady here. She's definitely hot. Her Darna is doing very well in the ratings. She's an ace to the show," counters Manny.

Marian is hats-off to Manny's humility.

"Despite his enviable stature in the field of boxing, he is very down-to-earth. He is accommodating and approachable. He also makes sure that everyone is happy on the set. He cracks jokes to the delight of everybody. "

This early, many are already betting that their maiden screen collaboration will become a hit.

"Of course, we hope that the show will be received well by the viewing public but for us, it's just a bonus. What's important is all of us in the production team are happy. We want to enjoy each taping day," the pound-for-pound King avers.

How about Manny's comic skills?

"He's basically funny. What's good about him is he's willing to learn. He perfects the scene and doesn't feel contented if he feels he can still better the takes," notes Marian.

Given that Marian is one lovely lass, many are curious if there would be a reason for his wife Jinkee to be jealous.

"Not at all," Manny beams. "I admit that Marian is really beautiful but it's not possible for us to get linked romantically. I treat her as my younger sister, no more, no less. "

NEXT VILMA: CLAUDINE
IN one of her recent interviews, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos mentioned that among the present crop of junior actresses, she considers Claudine Barretto as her likely successor. To this, the latter avers:

"It's really flattering considering that it came from someone whom you look up to in the business. When I heard that, I shed tears. I felt as if I won an acting award. "

Actually, even before, Vilma was already fond of Claudine.

"We did Anak some five years ago, remember? During that time, she told me that I have the potential to follow in her footsteps. But this time, it's different. She announced it in front of many people like aspiring directors, theater performers, university professors and the entertainment press during an interview in line with her recent docu special for ABS-CBN 2. "

While the remark is very encouraging, Claudine stresses that no one can replace Vilma.

"She's Vilma Santos, a cut above the rest. I feel she's irreplaceable. Her long list of accomplishments can speak for her. I have a long way to go to even reach half of what she has achieved. In fact, I remember telling her one time that I'm trying to be the best that I can be but never be another Vilma Santos. For me, it's enough that she recognizes my potential," she adds.

DINGDONG DESPISED
Dingdong Dantes has no complaint whatsoever even if he has no photo in the poster of Spring Films' Kimmy Dora (Kambal sa Kiyeme) where he plays leading man to A-1 comedienne Eugene Domingo.

"It's okay. Before it was out, I got to see it first and I readily approved. Perhaps, many are wondering why I agreed. I suggest that they watch the entire film to understand what I'm saying," he said.

According to Dong, he enjoyed doing comedy in the film, something he has never done before.

"It's a big honor to work with Direk Joyce (Bernal) and Uge (Eugene) since their track record in comedy is unquestionable. I learned a lot of things from them. Because of my experience in this project, I'm more enticed to try comedy. I've seen The Proposal and I admired the performance of Ryan Reynolds. I would love to do something like that in the near future," he states.

After Kimmy Dora (Kambal sa Kiyeme), Dong will start on his new soap for GMA-7, the remake of the hit Koreanovela Stairway to Heaven where he has a new screen partner, Rhian Ramos. What does he think of her?

"I guess she's okay. We're doing workshops together and I can see some depth in her character in spite of her youth. She's an instinctive actress. "

With the freshness of their team-up, people are curious how they'll work on their chemistry.

"I feel and think that we have a strong potential. GMA saw that in our screen tests that's why they made us star together in this grand program," Dingdong says.

AIZA LOVES TO BE WITH SESSIONISTAS
ACCORDING to Asian acoustic sensation Aiza Seguerra, she and her co-ASAP Sessionistas which include Sitti, Nina, Duncan Ramos, MYMP and Richard Poon weren't initially at ease with the idea of them being formed in one group.

"That's true. It's because we didn't know as to where we're headed then. Consider that we came from various musical genres. At first, we were asking, 'What will we do together?' We were simply clueless!" she states.

What's good is that eventually, they all became good pals.

"We started watching each other's shows and learned to appreciate our respective kind of music. In the process, we got close to one another. "

They will stage their first big concert as a group at the Big Dome this coming August 28. How does it feel?

"Definitely, we're all excited with the concert which is produced by ASAP Live and MJM Productions. We're all given solo arias and we'll do duets. We talk on the voicing. We will also be doing many firsts here to the audience's delight," she assures.

Just like any other big-named gigs, the billing of the featured artists matter. In their case, how will it be?

"To be honest, it doesn't matter to us. It's not an issue. What's important is that we'll deliver a good show," Aiza says in closing.

Source: People's Journal