Preggy Jennylyn on a solo flight to parenthood

Author: Isah V. Red
Column: Life & Entertainment

With the uncoupling of Jennylyn Mercado and Patrick Garcia, what will happen to the baby?

At the press conference for Half-Blood Samurai last week, Jennylyn Mercado, appearing unshaken by the series of events in her life, no matter how unfortunate they might have been, told members of the press that she is ready to raise the baby by her lonesome self. "It's a blessing and I will do my best to give my baby the best that I can afford," Jennylyn said, smiling.

Asked if the baby would bear Patrick's family name, the actress shot back, "It will be a Mercado, naturally. It's my baby." The remark was an abstruse reference to the rumors that Patrick had been harboring doubts that he is the biological father of Jennylyn's baby.

In the meantime, with the bump growing more noticeable, Jennylyn busies herself with the promotion of the newest Philippine film venture of Japanese-Chinese actor, director and producer Jacky Woo.

Opening in cinemas nationwide on Wednesday (March 5), Half-Blood Samurai is Woo's first team up with Jennylyn. Since Woo is not well-versed with either English or Filipino, most of the talking at the press conference was done by Jennylyn and Woo's Chinese-Filipino interpreter.

According to Jennylyn, the movie showcases "original samurai action and a unique combination of Asian dance moves with a stirring story of love and sacrifice."

Half-Blood Samurai tells the story of the street-smart Takeru (Jacky Woo), a half-Japanese, half-Filipino who endures discrimination not only for being a mere half-blood but also for his family's financial condition. While he and his sister work for a small restaurant, their father is a driver for an affluent Filipino family.

Takeru finds himself facing a difficult decision when, after exhibiting his remarkable fighting skills, he is offered a job as a bodyguard by his father's employer. The idea of him working for a rich Filipino clan that looks down on half-breeds meets strong resistance from Takeru's gang, a group of half-blooded Filipinos like him who engage in competitive street dancing to express themselves. However, Takeru knows that accepting the job means he'll be closer to the woman he loves, Khristine (Jennylyn Mercado), the daughter of his would-be employer.

Takeru accepts the job and spends more meaningful time with Khristine. But despite their mutual feelings, Takeru and Khristine's relationship is hindered by the difference in their social status and Khristine's arrogant brother John (Gabby Eigenmann), who persistently mocks and picks a fight with Takeru and his gang.

The movie was shot when Jennylyn wasn't with child yet. That is why she was still able to execute those physically demanding dance numbers and fight routines.

Ballads by OJ Mariano

Recording artists are dime a dozen. OJ Mariano promises to be a whiff of fresh air in the music industry. The 2006 Best New Male Recording Artist of Awit Awards has just recently released his sophomore album entitled Ballads, a compilation of the balladeer's favorite songs plus two original materials.

As the album title suggests, it contains 10 soulful renditions of ballads and a couple of minus-one tracks.

There's the Peabo Bryson classic "If Ever You're in my Arms again" and is (again that ridiculous phrase) the carrier single of the album.

"The song has magic embedded in the melody," the singer claims, "every time I sing this song, the audience ends up singing with me till the end... plus it has always been one of my favorite songs."

The song is fast becoming a favorite in different radio stations. The album also includes OPM revivals of Boy Katindig's "I will always stay in love this way" and "It's over now" by Joey Albert and Louie Ocampo. And, as OJ puts it, " it was a tremendous honor to have in the album a beautiful song by Ryan Cayabyab entitled 'Iniibig Kita'." The song is an emotional ballad that he first heard from the San Miguel Master Chorale and Orchestra and fell in love with instantly. "I think it has yet to be recorded by a solo artist so I was happy to have it in the album."

Other revivals in Ballads are "In Your Eyes" originally by George Benson, the classic favorite "Sukiyaki," Eagle's big hit "Love will keep us alive," and the haunting "Dance with my Father" by the great Luther Vandross. The two original compositions are "Sana'y malaman mo," a Latin ballad-inspired song from hitmaker Marlon Silva and "Di ka na akin," an evocative ballad by up-and-coming composer Francis Salazar. All songs are arranged and produced by Paulo Zarate in his very own Studio Z.

OJ Mariano is the son of Manila Times columnist Danny Mariano, whom I have known since our days at the UP Institute (now College) of Mass Communication.

No, Danny has (and will) not use his journalistic clout to ensure his son's career. I didn't even know that OJ is Danny's son until Nestor Cuartero (entertainment editor of Tempo) told me.

Vhong plus Makisig

Vhong Navarro is back, and he is with Makisig Morales.

The comedian is teaming up with possibly the hottest child actor these days in the upcoming comedy Supah Papalicious.

"Todo na 'to. Hinding-hindi nyo makakalimutan ang pelikulang hinahanda namin para sa inyo. Haping-hapi ako na sa akin napunta ang role na 'to dahil tawa ako ng tawa binabasa ko pa lang ang script. Tapos si manong Gilbert [Perez] pa ang direktor so ine-expect ko ang kakaibang atake sa comedy! Ang gagaling din ng mga kasama ko, si Makisig [Morales] at Valerie [Concepcion]. So kumpletos recados talaga [To the max, yes, and you won't forget this movie. I am so happy that I was offered the role. I was rolling on the floor as I was reading the screenplay. With manong Gilbert as director I am anticipating a different approach to comedy. And I am with some of the best performers today...]" Vhong shares.

This is child star Makisig Morales' first try at comedy. "Grabe po ang blessing na 'to ang bata-bata ko pa, alagang-alaga talaga ako ng ABS-CBN at ngayon ng Star Cinema. Tapos si Supahpapalicious pa ang kasama ko. Saya saya! [This is really a big blessing, because I am just a child and ABS-CBN is taking very good care of me, and now Star Cinema. What's more, I will be with no less than Supahpapalicious]," he says.

Supah Papalicious hits theaters nationwide on March 22.

Source: Manila Standard Today