Vhong sets aside family for love

Author: Aster Amoyo
Column: If I Know

Vhong Navarro admits that when he loves somebody, he loves her wholeheartedly, even if his heart had been broken several times in the past, most especially during his younger years.

"Sobrang loser ako before. At that time, I would go up our roof and think about my plight. What is not good about me that make girls decline me? Kaya naman naisip ko na ipina-kita ko na lang what is the real me. I show my good side and my bad side. If they like seeing me that way then there must be something good in me na magugustuhan nila," Vhong recalled during the presscon for his latest movie "Supah Papalicious" where he plays another colorful character.

Like Adonis, the character he plays in the movie, Vhong has the reputation of a playboy as most comedians are. He has been romantically linked to several girls, Diana Zubiri among them.

But Vhong says he gives his all when he is in love. "Naging bulag na ako sa pag-ibig before. There was a time gusto ng girl na karelasyon ko na mamili ako between her and my family. Parang siya ang pinili ko although alam ko na hindi iyon ang tama. Pero dahil in love ako, ginawa ko naman ang gusto niya," the comedian recalled. Sad to say, Vhong's relationship with the girl did not last.

"I chose her. I chose my heart over my mind even if I knew then na hindi naman kami magla-last,"added Vhong who admits that his work gets affected whenever he has a problem with his lovelife. "Pag supah in love ako, apektado talaga ang work ko. Pag nag-aaway kami, affected ako kaya hindi rin maganda kung minsan pag sobrang in love ako. "

In his latest movie, Vhong plays Adonis, a ladies man who appears "super-delicious" to women. He's an orphan who grew up in an orphanage and when in the "outside" world, falls for Valerie Concepcion, a "supah delicious girl who's a single mom (with Makisig Morales as her son).

"I can identify with my character," said Vhong who considers his character in the movie as one of the most interesting he has played. After all, he has two kids, one aged 11 and one aged nine.

He says he doesn't know why he's getting choice projects like "Supah Papalicious" but he credits it to his professionalism. "I don't take things for granted. For me, every role is a challenge, and I can only hurdle the challenges by constantly growing. You grow by observing and learning from the pros," he says.

But while people are saying that he's destined to become heir apparent to Dolphy's throne, he says there can only be one Dolphy. "I am already happy that I was given the chance to work with him.

JUDAY GOES INDIE

NOW that more independent film productions are being produced, it is interesting to note that some of the country's most bankable commercial stars are lining up for coveted roles in indie projects.

This could be the reason why Judy Ann Santos has agreed to star in her first-ever independent movie titled "Ploning. " The movie is directed by production designer turned filmmaker Dante Nico Garcia.

The movie, shot entirely in Cuyo Island, Palawan, is the first outing of Panoramanila Pictures Co. , a new outfit composed of film enthusiasts and experts who have done work in mainstream productions, infusing the independent cinema spirit with commercial filmmaking sensibilities.

Juday says she instantly liked the lead female character when she read the script. She liked the character because she saw that she's so "real. " The title is inspired by a popular Cuyonon folk song and tells the story of an island-woman's promise, and her many struggles with herself, with life and her family. The movie's conflict is made more complex with her ideals about hope and love.

It wasn't an easy role for Juday as she had to learn the Cuyonan dialect. But after immersing herself in the environment and their culture, it became more natural for Juday. "But I am so happy they offered me this role. It's a very challenging role and I feel fulfilled doing it. It's another opportunity to enable me to improve myself further," says the award-winning actress.

Joining her in the powerhouse cast are Eugene Domingo, Ronnie Lazaro, Gina Pareño, Meryll Soriano, Ces Quesada, Joel Torre, Mylene Dizon, Tony Mabesa and Tessie Tomas.

Juday feels that she is ready to explore new possibilities as an actor, especially now that she's turning 30. She hopes that "Ploning" will signal the start of a new chapter in her career as an actress.
NIKKI WANTS A SOUND OF HER OWN

NIKKI, a product of Star In A Million search in 2005 and a talent of Viva Artists Agency (VASA) is making a serious bid to establish herself as a more mature performer with the release of her brand new album under Viva Records titled "Not That Kind Of Girl. "

The title is an allusion to Nikki's new sound and image. She's no longer the sweet and innocent 16-year-old who sang syrupy ballads. She has evolved, so to speak, so expect a lot of surprises in this album.

"Maraming nagbago. Even in my looks, hindi na rin ako pa-sweet. My sound now is more edgy and mature. If ever I used to sing ballads, now I'd like to try singing more danceable tunes," says Nikki who turned 18 last August 18.

The album has a total of 12 cuts - nine English songs, and three which were translated into Pilipino by Chuckie Dreyfus. All tracks were produced by Christian de Walden, who was also responsible for Sarah Geronimo's album "Becoming. "

But that shouldn't be taken to mean that Nikki will sound like Sarah on the album. Nikki's music is closer to Lindsay Lohan, which is pop music with a rock edge and a more mature sensibility.

Nikki hopes she won't be compared to other singers. "I just want to sing. I just hope they won't compare me to other singers because we are different people," says Nikki.

Source: People's Journal