Tough playing a woman

Author: Mario E. Bautista
Column: Dream Factory

HOW does it feel to play a woman in "Desperadas 2"?

"Mahirap," says Ogie Alcasid who came to the films presscon totally in character. "To make me look like a real woman, nilagyan ako ng prosthetic boobs para kita ang cleavage ko. Allergic pala ako at nang tanggalin nila, parang napunit ang balat ko. Pero kahit mahapdi ang area sa dibdib ko, tuloy ang shooting. It takes several hours to put on my black makeup, hairdo and my costume. Hindi talaga biro. Maraming rituals involved in being a woman. Tapos, kailangan kong ipitin ang friend ko na itago na lang natin sa pangalang Rambo. Halos mapipi siya dahil puro masisikip ang mga suot kong dress, pero kung minsan nagpupumiglas siya at gustong magwala lalo na kapag niyayakap ako ng sisters kong sina Ruffa Gutierrez, Rufa Mae Quinto, Iza Calzado at Marian Rivera. Akala nila talaga, girl ako at hindi naiisip na baka maapektuhan din ako sa kahaha-hug nila sakin. Hindi rin puedeng umihi kaya bago ako magsuot ng dress, may I jingle na ako. Kasi kung hahawakan ko siya later, baka masugatan siya dahil mahahaba ang nails ko."

Ogie will leave for Sydney before Christmas to visit his two daughters then he returns home to join the Parade of Stars and be with his new love Regine Velasquez on Christmas Day. He reveals that Regine has been his crush since he started in showbiz.

"Id even go to their place in Bulacan and eat ice cream with her. Nagsusubuan kami. Pero napasok na ko sa movies, sa Regal din where I did my first movie with Manilyn Reynes, Feel na Feel. So hindi natuloy yung amin ni Regine hanggang nag-asawa na nga ako. We met again in SOP at doon nanariwa ang pagmamahal ko for her."

"Desperadas" director Joel Lamangan says that Eugene Domingos backing out from the film is a blessing in disguise as casting Ogie in the role of the African princess, Lugaluda Lugalu, made it funnier. The scene where Ogie dons a swimsuit and runs on the beach a la-Bo Derek in "Perfect" is really funny, particularly when he and leading man Carlo Guevarra roll down the beach hugging each other. Didnt the cast members try to upstage each other since Ogie has a scene-stealing role?

"No, kasi lahat sila have their own highlights. They love each others company kaya nga walang ginawa kundi magdaldalan so tinalakan ko sila so theyll focus more on work para lumabas na magaganda lahat ng eksena nila," says Direk Joel.

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Joross Gamboa turned 24 on November 28. Hes back in school now after he stopped when he joined ABS-CBNs "Star Circle Quest." He was taking up nursing then but he has shifted to masscom at Southville International School in Parañaque where he lives. What can he say now that his batchmate, Hero Angeles, has moved to GMA-7?

"Im happy for him. Sana nga mag-prosper ang career niya roon. The last time I saw him was when we had a reunion when Sandara Park was here."

His other batchmate, Joseph Bitangcol, has gone sexy in "Walang Kawala." Can he do what Joseph did?

"Bilib ako kay Joseph pero hindi ko pa kaya ang pagiging daring niya. Okay na rin ako where I am now kasi hindi naman ako nawawalan ng projects. After Pieta, Im now in Eva Fonda with Cristine Reyes. Im paired with Jennylyn Mercado in the filmfest entry, One Night Only, at kasama rin ako sa bagong movie nina John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo. I play the lead role naman in a horror indie movie, Ang Sumpa, with singer Mocha as the leading lady."

About his lovelife, he admits having an inspiration, a non-showbiz Fil-Am girl whos taking up hotel and restaurant management. "Special friends lang muna kami kasi pareho kaming priority ang pag-aaral at career," he adds.

What can he say about the story that his ex, Roxanne Guinoo, was beaten by Jake Cuenca in Guam?

"I heard many stories about that but I never got to ask Roxanne about it herself, so Id rather not comment. Kunwari na lang, hindi ko alam."

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Our apologies to topnotch scriptwriter Ricky Lee (best known for "Brutal," "Moral," "Jaguar," "Himala" and "Karnal") for not being able to attend the launching of his first published novel last Sunday at the UP Bahay ng Alumni. We were at Cagayan de Oro visiting our daughter Hannah, her husband Erf and our two apo, Louise and Sammy, during the long weekend.

When we were still both members of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino in the late 70s, Ricky already mentioned to us that his real goal is to write a novel, but it was in writing screenplays that he gained fame. Finally, after 30 years, he has fulfilled his dream with "Para Kay B (O Kung Paano Dinevastate ng Pag-ibig ang 4 out of 5 sa Atin).

Ricky really took time out from writing scripts to be able to finish his novel. It took him three years to finish three novels, but he selected to publish the love story first since people always expect something socially or politically relevant from him. Its now available at all bookstores and were sure to get ourselves a copy as were really so eager to read it. Well tell you what its all about after weve read it.

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The rivalry among the participantes in "Pinoy Fear Factor" has become tougher. Last week, it was TV host Phoemela Baranda who was eliminated. She performed well during the first two weeks and its only her first time to be in the danger zone last week. It turned out her last time also as she fared the worst among the remaining participantes. Shes the third to be ousted after Ram Sagad and Gail Nicolas.

Phem did poorly in the task where she had to crash into sheets of glass while on a bicycle. She failed to break even one glass while her "pump squad" co-members Jommy and Jose broke one and five, respectively. She felt so irritated that she didnt beat Jommy, the naughty model she openly dislikes.

The other participantes have become more competitive. Jommy, Jose and RJ schemed against Manuel to distract him in the stunts as they think hes the strongest bet to win the "El Ultimo Participante" title after he topped the two initial stunts. Even the women, Janna, LJ and Savanah have become wilier in their desire to beat the guys so expect tougher competition and rivalry as more dangerous challenges come their way.

Find out tonight wholl exit next in "Pinoy Fear Factor," hosted by Ryan Agoncillo on ABS-CBN before "Eva Fonda."

You can also watch the highlights of each week on "PFF: Special Edition" on Studio 23, 7 p.m., Saturdays.

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Saab Magalona, the fifth child of Francis Magalona, is said to be the opposite of her Ate Maxene (the second in the family). Maxene is the good and obedient daughter, while Saab is the rebellious one who was reported to have eloped and lived in with her non-showbiz boyfriend at the age of 19. Her entire family, especially her Ate Maxene, is said to be against her boyfriend.

At the presscon of TV 5s "Lipgloss," where Saab, who turned 20 on November 23 (the same birthday of Maxene, who turned 23 on that day), plays a lead role, she says this is not true. Although she admits she left their home last year, its only because she wants to be independent and she lives with friend whos a girl, not a boyfriend. "Hindi rin po totoong galit sa akin angparents ko," she adds. "We keep in touch and I continue to pray for my dads full recovery."

But she admits she and Maxene have a small misunderstanding. "But I guess its normal naman sa mga magkakapatid and Im confident maaayos din namin ito eventually. Siguro sobrang close kami as we even celebrated our birthdays nang magkasabay lagi, kaya nagkaroon kami ngclash. But I know she loves me and I love her, too. Sana, huwag na nating palakihin ito for the sake of our dad, na may sakit pa naman."

Saab says shes now self-supporting after being part of "Lipgloss," seen Saturdays at 6 p.m. Shes sending herself to college taking up creative writing at the Ateneo.

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Cesar Montano had a grand time with Rico J. Puno (they have the same manager, Norma Japitana) at the taping of his hit show, "The Singing Bee," to be aired this Sunday. Rico is not only a great singer but also a natural comedian so he really entertained Cesar and all the audience with his funny adlibs. Rico guested with hit songmaker Rey Valera and singer Eva Eugenio, with whom hes having "The Legends of OPM" concert (also with Claire de la Fuenta, Nonoy Zuniga and Joey Albert) at the PICC on December 30.

Rey says hes not very good in remembering lyrics, so Cesar tells him: "Basta just fun lang and enjoy the game."

For tonight, the guest contestants in "The Singing Bee" are three mentors from "Pinoy Dream Academy: Monet Silvestre (overall voice mentor), Malou de Guzman (performance mentor) and Von Arroyo (diction mentor).

"This is my first time to compete in this kind of game show so Im really nervous," Monet reveals.

Will he be the shows fourth millionaire? Find out in "The Singing Bee" at 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

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Dr. Vicki Belo is still in the States with love of her life Dr. Hayden Kho to watch the Manny Pacquiao fight but her Belo Medical Clinic went on with their Christmas party last Tuesday, supervised by her daughter Crystalle whos in charge of Belo Essentials. Many cellphones and appliances were raffled off. Ricky Lo of Star-GMA-7 won the grand prize, an Iphone.

Source: Malaya