by Boy Villasanta It is written in the stars. And the story, generally, goes this way. The reluctant star in award-winning director Jeffrey Jeturian has finally shone brighter. True, Jeturian’s presence in the constellation of heavenly bodies alongside or in the midst of firmament on the ground (mixed metaphor, anyone?) of pulsating galaxy of filmmakers has been felt but it …
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Is being special a privilege in show business and elsewhere?
The issue is now being laid on the table. It concerns, generally, the public reaction if not acceptance of Persons with Disabilities (PDWs) or any perceived as outcasts or physically deformed or imperfect being appearing in the glitz and glam world of cinema. Is it a round peg on a square hole? Is it incongruent to the demands of a …
Read More »How Palme d’Or winner Brillante Mendoza forges a casting coup in Charo, Boots, Barbie et al?
It’s already in the can. 2009 Palme d’Or of the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival Best Director Brillante Ma. Mendoza has just wrapped up a film project with a powerhouse ensemble and a casting coup. Imagine, gathering in one movie, in a series of frames, legends of Philippine cinema like Charo Santos and Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo in an intriguing vehicle …
Read More »Coco Martin never ceases to celebrate b-day of fellow actor, ex-manager, friend
Pop star Coco Martin and fellow actor Ihman Esturco have gone a long way, indeed. Aside from being friends, Coco and Ihman are artists in their own right. Coco is a multimedia director and Ihman is a professional photographer not only in the Philippines but in the US where he is based. Martin and Esturco enjoy each other’s company by …
Read More »GMA Network hosts grand thanksgiving and New Year celebration with Kapuso Countdown to 2026
As a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Kapuso fans for their unwavering love and support throughout the year, GMA Network is set to welcome the New Year in grand fashion with “Kapuso Countdown to 2026,” a star-studded thanksgiving celebration happening this December 31. Taking place at the SM Mall of Asia Seaside Boulevard, the much-anticipated event brings together some of the …
Read More »What does film critic Nicanor Tiongson to do with the baro transformed into the garment of Filipino?
Every piña fiber, abacá, and jusi fabric woven into a barong Filipino carries the struggles of being acknowledged as the Philippine national dress for men. Along with them, the nation’s fight for acceptance and freedom is reflected in patterns drenched in Philippine culture and tradition. “The barong Filipino overcame many obstacles, the biggest of which is the Filipinos’ own colonial mentality,” said cultural advocate and …
Read More »Christmas is for kids and how they as artists give it away
There are many ways to share gifts, material or immaterial, on Christmas. Two of them are music and other allied arts. Take for instance, the pre-Christmas recital of the music students of Nika Music School founded by Shey Placer held at the Entertainment Plaza of the Makati Circuit. One of its teachers, musician and fashion designer Erick Valena, thought of …
Read More »The predictability of the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival box-office race
As early as July 2025 in time for the announcement of the first four official entries to the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the box-office projection of the potential moneymakers were already getting ahead of its story. As one of the selected entries, Star Cinema, IdeaFirst Company and Viva Films’ “Call Me Mother” is a favorite winner not only …
Read More »Lovi Poe spends first Christmas with first-born
What made 2025 Christmas the most beautiful season in Lovi Poe’s life? It’s her first Christmas spent with her first-born and the third holiday celebration with husband Montgomery Blencowe, a film producer. In her social media posts, Lovi described her feelings of motherhood and wifehood with excitement and amazement. “Our first Christmas as a family,” Poe wrote with a heart …
Read More »Palme d”Or winner Brillante Ma. Mendoza directs Charo Santos in newest film to usher in 2026
by Boy Villasanta Charo Santos’ new-found freedom makes her hands more full with creative responsibilities particularly her being a thespian unlike when she was stepping up the ladder in the corporate hierarchy of ABS-CBN management where she was into policy-making and implementing managerial powers. This time, Charo sees to it that she’s not only wearing many hats (read: screen roles) …
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