Tourist spots and sexual undertones in Kris-Aljur movie

Author: Mario E. Bautista
Column: Freehand

Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal are understandably nervous as the September 30 playdate of their launching flick, "Nandito Ako, Nagmamahal Sa'Yo," nears. "Ang feeling ko, ito na ang sandali ng paghusga sa amin," says Aljur. "Although our TV shows did well, iba ang feeling ng pelikula kasi dito, the viewers who want to see us would have to pay for their tickets. "

"But our movie really has much more to offer than what we did on TV," says Kris. "Director Maryo de los Reyes really captured the beauty of Bohol where we shot it on location, not only the famous Chocolate Hills but also Loboc River, the centuries old Baclayon Church, Panglao Beach, the very cute tarsier and more. They'll all be seen in the movie. "

Mother Lily Monteverde says she can see that the Al-Kris love team has great potential. "I've introduced a lot of stars before and it's obvious they're a crowd-drawer, parehong mamahalin ng masa kasi malakas ang kilig factor. Ang maganda sa kanila, wala silang kiyeme. When Direk Maryo told them they need to be a bit sexy, pumayag agad mag-trunks si Aljur at mag-two piece si Kris. "

"I was so conscious at first kasi I've never worn a two-piece before. Tapos, grabe pa kung makatingin si Aljur sa'kin parang ma-tutunaw ako," says Kris.

What did he see in her? "Yung change sa katawan niya from our StarStruck days. Talagang sexy siya ngayon, may curves in the right places. We have the same gym trainor so I saw how hard she works to be fit. "

"Siya rin naman," says Kris. "His gym workouts paid off. Before, wala siyang dibdib and bloated pa ang face niya. But now, talagang lean and finely muscled siya, lalo ang abs niya. No wonder he's one of the most applauded sa Cosmo Bash kasi he's got a really hard and tight body, walang bilbil at all 'di gaya ng iba. I went there to show my support to him and I was proud when, after the show, he approached me and kissed me. "

They've done kissing scenes on TV before. What's the difference in their kissing scene in the movie? "Mas matagal po. Inabot ng 10 minutes. Ilang beses na-retake kasi gusto ni Direk Maryo, more sensual, more mature daw," says Kris. "Sumunod naman kami para sa ikagaganda ng movie. "

They admit they have an MU (mutual understanding) but they're not formally on yet. How come? "Kasi takot po ako," says Kris. "Si Aljur kasi, masyadong lapitin ng chicks. Baka masaktan ako. "

"I already assured you naman na ikaw lang ang nililigawan ko," says Aljur. "Wala talagang iba. "

JENNYLYN: PATRICK CAN SEE OUR SON
Jennylyn Mercado celebrated the recent first birthday of her son Alex Jazz with a children's party, minus the boy's dad, Patrick Garcia, who has yet to see him. So when will she allow Patrick to see their baby boy?
"In God's own time," she says. "Bahala na si Lord. "

Jen once said that if Patrick really wants to see their boy, he can do so even if they haven't really patched things up between themselves. This is true, but Patrick said he didn't want to see the boy against her wishes as it might further aggravate the conflict between them. As for Jen, she's just determined to do better in her career for the sake of her son. She signed up a contract with Viva for movies and recording while she continues to be with GMA 7 for television. After her successful reunion with ka-love team Mark Herras in "Dear Friend" and in the afternoon soap "Paano Ba ang Mangarap," they're now reunited again, this time on primetime. This is in "Ikaw Sana" (this is the final title and not "Now That I Have You" as earlier reported) which is replacing "All My Life" Monday to Friday at 6 p. m. before "24 Oras. " This one is not a remake of an old movie but an original love story. Joining them in the cast is Pauleen Luna, who was once linked with Mark, to be directed by Joel Lamangan who earlier megged them in the 2005 Metro Filmfest best pic winner, "Blue Moon".

SLOW TICKET SALES?
WE heard that the sale of tickets for two forthcoming concerts is kinda slow. First is that of Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano that's scheduled at MOA grounds on September 19. This is surprising considering this is their first time together in a full concert and they're diligently promoting it in various TV shows. Someone quips, though: "E, lagi naman na kasi silang napapanood na magkasama tuwing Sunday sa ASAP kaya siguro wala nang atraksiyon sa tao ang pagko-concert nila. Also, gagawin nila sa MOA open air, e ulan nang ulan ngayon, 'no?"

The other concert is the comeback show of Imelda Papin with Melissa Manchester that has been moved to December. Imelda says there's a scheduling problem, but maybe she should have joined first her batchmates like Claire de la Fuente and Eva Eugenio whose concerts together at the PICC did very well.

GLAIZA DENIES ROMANCE WITH PATRICK
Glaiza de Castro is cast as the villainous Eunice in "Stairway to Heaven" after she got excellent reviews for her contravida role in "Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat sa Akin. " The two shows overlap as "Stairway" starts airing tonight, while "Aagawin" is on its last few weeks. So after slapping Maxene Magalona in "Aagawin," she now gets to slap Rhian Ramos in "Stairway. " Doesn't she mind playing roles that make viewers mad at her?

"It's just a role. Isa pa, afternoon soap naman ang 'Aagawin' and 'Stairway' is on primetime. 'Stairway' is a big project and it's really nice to be a part of it. I cried tears of joy when I learned I'd be playing Eunice at first time ko rin to work with Dingdong Dantes and Rhian. Pero siempre, ayoko rin namang ma-typecast na villain lang at maging contravida forever. Mahirap kung ganun na lang lagi ang image mo. Hindi rin madali 'yung nananampal kasi walang daya 'yun. When I saw the slapping scenes sa preview ng 'Stairway' sa SM, I was really cringing dahil ang salbahe talaga ng hitsura ko. I told Rhian while holding her hand, magkatabi kasi kami, 'Sorry talaga, ha. ' I really expect na magagalit ang viewers sa'kin in my role as Eunice kasi she's an evil person na sasagasaan pa si Rhian para patayin. "

About her lovelife, is it true she and Patrick Garcia became on while doing "Kung Aagawin"? "We get along fine kasi magkasama kami sa show at nagbo-bonding kami, but not only us kundi pati sina Maxene Magalona and JC Tiuseco who are with us in the cast. At the time the show started kasi, nagkakailangan kami kasi nga naintriga na nga kami before. So at least, ngayong patapos na ang 'Aagawin', nag-uusap na kami uli, but we're not on. Sobra naman 'yun. "

ANOTHER AWARD?
AFTER winning the best director award for "Kinatay" in Cannes last May, Dante Mendoza's "Lola" is now competing in the Venice Filmfest. It's the story of two very poor old women (Anita Linda, 84, and Rustica Carpio, 79) who have to contend with the consequences of a murder involving their respective grandsons. One is the victim while the other one is the killer. Written by Linda Casimiro, how they cope with what happened is the gist of the movie. The film is shot in a place where it's flooded all year round and people move around in a banca. It's now receiving much praise from critics in Venice. Let's see if Mendoza will win another award.

THE TRANSEXUAL VS THE METROSEXUAL
JUSTINE Ferrer is known as the Transexual who was the first outcast eliminated from "Survivor Philippines: Palau. " The last one (the 4th) to be booted out is Vlad Nesa, who's known as the Metrosexual. Now, the Transexual faces the Metrosexual in Isla Purgatoryo to determine who will stay longer in "Survivor". Earlier, Justine already beat up two challengers in the face off: teacher Carol Gementiza and pilot Maya Segovia. Vlad is the first male contender she'll be competing with. So who'll win: the Transexual or the Metrosexual? Find out if Justine will retain her "Transexual Queen of Isla Purgatoryo" title tonight in "Survivor Philippines" on GMA7 after "Darna," "Stairway to Heaven" and "Rosalinda. "

Source: People's Journal