Showbiz break-ups, statement of the year

Author: Joey Aquino
Column: Just Asking

AS the year 2008 draws to a close, showbiz couples break up one after the other.

After the controversial break-up of Dingdong and Karylle, it's now the uncoupling of Dr. Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho. And the cause of their rumored split is no less than Katrina Halili. And Rufa Mae Quinto is also dragged into the picture. Both denied the allegations though. However, TV host/ columnist Lolit Solis made a statement saying that there is indeed a sex video to prove Hayden-Katrina love affair.

According to published reports, the tryst between Hayden and Katrina allegedly started during their pictorial for Belo campaign of which they are both endorsers. Thus, there are quarters who do not believe of the rumored break-up of the two doctors.

"Naku! Gimik lang nila 'yan para pag-usapan 'yong campaign. Siyempre, pag pinag-uusapan sila, malilibre ang publicity ng kanilang endorsements. Tigilan nga nila ako!," rues one reporter.

Meanwhile, some say that such news is not a big deal. They reason out that it is expected from a May-December affair to not last long. Undeniably, there is still that wide gap in terms of physical and emotional. Like in the case of Vicki and Hayden, one is made while the other is just making a name for himself.

Let's not talk about their individual reasons and motives for failing in love with each other. But what is important is the joy that love brings in their hearts. So, if ever their break-up is true, it only proves then that May-December affair doesn't last that long.

Amidst this controversy, Vicki leaves abroad by her lonesome while Hayden stays with his family this Christmas. Unfortunately, they part ways during the season of giving and forgiving.

Would they just forget everything and forgive each other in the spirit of Christmas? Just asking...

BALER, MMFF '08 BEST PICTURE?

TODAY begins the showing of the official entries to this year's Metro Manila Film Festival.

Baler (Viva Films), Dayo (Cutting Edge Productions), Desperadas 2 (Regal Entertainment), Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After (Octo Arts/ M-ZET), Magkaibigan (Maverick Films), One Night Only (Canary), Shake, Rattle and Roll X (Regal Entertainment) and Ang Tanging Ina Nyong Lahat (Star Cinema). These are the eight films that moviegoers can watch this Christmas. The moviegoers have a wide variety of film genres to choose from. So, it's a rumble game at the box office. Of course, it is expected that movies with high appeal to kids would vie for the box office supremacy as Christmas is for children.

But this early, Baler is already touted as the frontrunner for the best movie award. While it is not enticing to kids, this movie is highly recommended for viewing as it features a piece of our history - imparting the youth sense of nationalism and patriotism.

The movie revolves around the forbidden love between a Spanish soldier (Jericho Rosales) and a Filipina (Anne Curtis). The two met during the long and grueling 37 days of battle between a band of Spanish soldiers and Filipino forces in Baler in 1898. The said battle is now referred to as the Siege of Baler, while the place is now the capital municipality of Aurora.

Mark Meily's direction is truly awesome as he managed to pull out all the resources and squeeze out the creative juices to do a great movie. Even the acting of lead stars Jericho and Anne is impressive. They somehow proved that they are perfect for their respective roles. Recall that they were said to be "miscast" as Jericho was too Pinoy to be a Spanish soldier while Anne was too "tisay" to be a Filipina. But at the end of the day, their fine performances overshadowed said issue.

Indeed, Baler is the most spectacular of the year. No wonder, one of its cast PJ Valerio is very proud of this movie. And he is thankful that Viva Films gave him this project. This is not only his first time to act in a movie; but also experience what other stars do during the annual Metro Manila Film Festival. He is thrilled by the TV guestings, mall tours and the Parade of Stars. He was ecstatic over the experience of joining the parade yesterday. PJ's Christmas would never be the same again with his Baler experience.

Aside from PJ, its main stars Jericho and Anne are definitely even prouder that they star in this movie. Will Baler give them the acting trophies for both of them? Just asking...

MMFF STIRS CONTROVERSY

AMONG the official entries to this year's Metro Manila Film Festival, three movies have been graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB).

These include Baler, Magkaibigan and the animated feature Dayo. Given this, moviegoers expect high cinematic quality from these movies. However, such stamp of approval from the CEB is neither a guarantee of box office hit nor a Best Picture award.

In 2006, the Best Picture award went to Enteng Kabisote 3: The Legend Goes On And On And On based on the movie's box office returns. Such winning was protested by many. But it was valid because 40 percent of the criterion for choosing the best picture was based on the box office returns. Last year, it was the fantasy film Resiklo that won the Best Picture. Until now, many hardly swallow that the gauge for Best Picture is based on box office returns. Only MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando could think of such brilliant idea.

The film festival was surrounded by controversies. Just last year, Sen Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. lashed at Star Cinema for allegedly mocking the Visayans as depicted in the film Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo. It is recalled that in one scene Gloria Diaz was asking Ryan Agoncillo why her grandson is being reared as a Bisaya. Of course, who could not forget the controversy that loomed after Enteng Kabisote 3 was declared Best Picture.

This year, would the Best Picture be awarded to any of the A rated movies or the top- grossing movies? Just asking...

JUST GREETING...

SINCE today is Christmas, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest Christmas greetings to my family, friends (as well as to those whom I unconsciously hurt) - and of course, to you loyal readers of this humble column. Have a blessed and meaningful Christmas to you all! Maraming salamat po.

For comments and suggestions, please send them to justasking_ja@yahoo. com or 0917-9256177.

Source: People's Journal