Who will wear the Box-Office King, Queen crowns?

Author: Joseph Peter R. Conzalez
Column: Life & Entertainment

In the male category, Richard Gutierrez is a sure contender. He has two highly successful movies opposite two different leading ladies—Marian Rivera for GMA and Regal Entertainment’s My Best Friend’s Girlfriend and KC Concepcion for Star Cinema’s For the First Time.

Another strong finalist would be John Lloyd Cruz. A Very Special Love, his maiden silver screen project with Sarah Geronimo under Star Cinema, was a phenomenal hit.

They will face stiff competition from the tried and tested Vic Sotto whose film Iskul Bukol (20 Years After) ended up as the second biggest top grosser in the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival. He, along with Orly Ilacad (OctoArts) and Tony Tuviera (APT Entertainment), produced the said comedy-fantasy project.

Meanwhile, the female category is as equally exciting.

There’s the controversial Marian Rivera who has four movies last year which received very warm reception from the viewing public. First, there’s GMA Films and Regal Entertainment’s My Best Friend’s Girlfriend (opposite Richard Gutierrez) and One True Love (with perennial screen partner Dingdong Dantes). Regal also cast her in two of their money-making entries in the last Metro Manila Film Festival namely, Desperadas 2 and Shake, Rattle and Roll X.

Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo may only have one movie, the Star Cinema-produced A Very Special Love where she shared stellar billing with John Lloyd Cruz but it was a mammoth hit.

The same also holds true for KC Concepcion. She enters the elite list with her maiden big screen offering, For the First Time, along with the handsome Richard Gutierrez. The movie, shot partly in Greece, raked in money for Star Cinema.

But the three gals have fierce competitors in the person of Comedy Queen Ai Ai delas Alas and Megastar Sharon Cuneta. The former figured prominently in the recent Metro Manila Film Festival with the Star Cinema entry Ang Tanging Ina N’yong Lahat which topped the race while the latter, undoubtedly one of Philippine cinema’s most durable box-office fixtures, scored a huge hit with Chito Roño’s Caregiver under Star Cinema. It also has very high chances of bagging trophies from various award-giving bodies including the Best Actress plum for the Megastar.

Let’s see who gets crowned as the king and queen of the tills in the coming days.

Dennis’s ex now his adviser

Carlene Aguilar recently admitted that although she and Dennis Trillo are no longer a couple, they have remained friends, mainly for Calix. This is why she gives Dennis advice, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.

Is it true that at this point, she doesn’t approve the idea that Dennis will be romantically involved with another girl?

“Yes, I would admit that’s my personal choice so he can concentrate more on his career which is doing very well. I want him to know his priorities. I’m also concerned with the welfare of our son so I should see to it that the next girl who comes into his life must be nice to Calix,” explains the former beauty titlist.

When it comes to Calix, Carlene reportedly doesn’t agree with her mom Catherine on how the kid should be brought up.

“Most of the time, we argue because she insists on some things which I don’t approve of. I tell her I’m still Calix’s mother. But those are just petty. I can understand where she’s coming from. In fact, I’m proud because it appears that my son has two moms who love him dearly,” Carlene says.

Her decision to pose for a popular men’s magazine prompted many to think that it’s one way for her to totally recover from her failed romance with Dennis.

“Maybe,” she states. “I see it as a way of regaining my confidence. It will be good for my being. I like the turnout of the cover. It was tastefully photographed. I also believe that looking my best will be beneficial for my budding showbiz career, especially that my first big screen starrer, Iskul Bukol (20 Years After) was a huge commercial success.”

There are persistent rumors that she’ll tie the knot soon with beau Yo Ocampo.

“No truth! How can that be when he hasn’t proposed yet? I don’t want to rush things in the first place. I think, that’s too early to consider as of now. What’s important is that we’re happy with our relationship,” Carlene ends.

Krista’s the name

Undeniably, Krista Ranillo’s career took a 360-degree turn when she finally decided to drop her sweet image. One clear proof is when she bagged the coveted role of Martha in ABS-CBN 2’s afternoon drama Pieta. Now, her name is a byword in many households as Ryan Agoncillo’s partner in the series. While it required her to go a bit sexy on screen, she didn’t have regrets accepting it.

“Because of my new image, more doors opened for me in the ‘biz. Before, offers were scarce, but now, my schedule is full: shootings, tapings. And one thing more, the role of Martha is a challenging part. I have to give my best since the original actress in the film version Vivian Velez was very good. I’m happy that my acting skill is brought to the fore in Pieta,” the actress proudly says.

In spite of her daring image these days, Krista boasts that she still manages to get wholesome projects.

“Yes, like when I was tapped to be Oyo Sotto’s partner in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry Iskul Bukol (20 Years After). I’m happy because not all stars are given this chance, right?”

Apart from TV shows, Krista also receives product endorsement offers now, something she didn’t enjoy when she was still sporting her old image.

“I’m glad that many avenues are opening for me as of now. The more I realize I made the right decision. The public should see the calendar I did for a famous oil company that’ll come out early this year. It’s pretty hot!” she assures.

Rags to riches

Singer-actor Mark Bautista has really come a long way. From his humble beginnings in Cagayan de Oro, he is now a picture of success in his chosen field. And one good thing about him is that he knows where to invest his hard-earned money. He didn’t hide the fact that a huge part of his earnings in the ‘biz these past years went to the construction of his house on Commonwealth in Quezon City. Last Christmas, he made sure that all his family members would celebrate with him in his new house.

“I’m happy to spend Christmas with my family. I purposely asked them to come to Manila to be with me in my new house. I wanted for them to see the fruit of my labor these past years. It really feels good,” beams the popular balladeer.

Many are curious to know if he has already brought a girl to “sleep over” in his home.

“None yet, I swear! Ha-ha-ha! Seriously, I consider the house as a sacred place. I’ve always believed there’s a place where you can unleash your naughty side.”

When it comes to his love life, Mark doesn’t deny that he really wants to court Sarah Geronimo but respects her decision to focus on her career at this point in time.

“I dream that someday, she’ll give me a chance to show how clean my intentions for her are. But as of now, I’m okay with our friendship. I also don’t have problems with her folks, they are nice to me,” he reveals.

Apart from singing, Mark dabbles too in acting. He played a role in Viva’s Metro Manila Film Festival entry Baler which romped off with numerous awards including the most coveted Best Picture.

Source: Manila Standard Today

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