FREEHAND (FOR MONDAY) by Mario E. Bautista
ROBIN PADILLA might be 15 years older than Mariel Rodriguez but it’s not noticeable as he has remained boyish looking even if he’s now 40 years old. Now that he’s admitted wooing her, how does Mariel feel about it? “Siempre, feeling ko, very long ang hair ko kasi he announced talagang nililigawan niya ko at di gaya nung ibang actor na ‘we’re just friends’ lang ang sinasabi.” How does Robin woo her? “He’s traditional sa panliligaw niya and it feels good kasi yung iba, di na naniniwala sa ligawan, di ba? In his case, magaling siya magsalita. Parang tumutula. Masarap pakinggan.”
She obviously has moved on quickly after being dumped by Zanjoe Marudo. “Dapat lang naman. We should also move on. No use on dwelling in the past.”
Is she happy now? “Obvious namang masaya ako, di ba? Kitang-kita naman. What happened, hindi pinaplano, e. Who would have thought that Robin and I would have crossed paths when he was guest co-host sa ‘Wowowee’. So mas naniniwala ako na kung mangyayari talaga ang isang bagay, mangyayari yun kahit hindi mo planuhin. Now that we’re working together everyday sa ‘Pilipinas Win na Win’, the more we get to know each other better.”
So when will they officially declare that they’re a couple? “Hindi rin pinaplano yan. Hindi natin masabi. We’ll see.”
One aspect of their relationship that could be problematic is their difference in religion since Robin is a devout Muslim. As a matter of fact, he’s taking a leave from their show to observe Ramadan, an important event for Muslims. We’re sure Mariel will miss him while he’s away. This will also not be good for the show as it has just started and yet one of its main hosts will be absent right away. As it is, there’s already talk that he might not come back as he’s not really happy with the show.
About Willie Revillame, is there any effort on Mariel to communicate with him? “Oh yes, I texted him. Noong last day ng Wowowee, hindi lang ako nagtext sa kanya kundi pati iba pa namang kasama, but he didn’t reply to anyone. Siguro he just wants to be quiet, so let’s respect that.”
**********
NO DOUBT Rocco Nacino is now the most visible among the Startstruck V discoveries, even if he was just No. 5 among them. He’s even busier than winner Steven Silva. After her did “Gumapang Ka sa Lusak”, he was cast in sitcom “Kaya ng Powers” and now, he’s the leading man of Lovi Poe in “Love Bug”. He also appears every Sunday on “Party Pilipinas”. “I just want to thank God sa lahat ng blessings Niya sa akin,” he says. “Itong show with Lovi is a real treat kasi we even get to shoot on location in various scenic places in Palawan.”
He has finished nursing even before he joined Starstruck. So does this mean he’s turning his back on being a nurse for good? “Hindi naman. Ang nursing, nandiyan lang yan habang nabibigyan ako ng good opportunities sa GMA-7. I love serving people as a nurse pero marami rin akong napapasayang tao sa showbiz. Now, kung ayaw na sa’kin ng publiko as an entertainer, then may fallback position ako as a nurse.”
He has no qualms about taking his shirt off for the Bench and Cosmo shows. It’s said he’ll also appear shirtless in various scenes of “Love Bug”. “Okay lang as I’m confident with my body. Pinaghihirapan ko naman itong katawang ito with my daily training sa gym, so okay lang sa’kin ipakita sa harap ng kamera kung ano yung pinaghirapan ko. But then, hanggang upper body or torso lang ang kaya kong ipakita. Ayoko namang ipakita na lahat. Baka magsawa agad sa’kin ang tao. I want to give them something to look forward to. Kung maganda talaga ang role o ang show, magagawa ko ring lumabas nang naka-briefs lang.”
**********
THE LATEST work of Director Neal Tan (“Kalabit”, “Ataul for Rent”) is “Tarima”, a gay love story about a lonely aging gay dressmaker (Fanny Serrano) and a depressed city jail convict (Rocky Salumbides). Fanny as Roselo grew up with an abusive grandma (Gloria Romero). As a child, he lost one eye after she beat him up with her cane. His best friend is a flamboyant gay (Chokoleit) who ends up in prison after killing a callboy. While visiting his friend in jail, he sees Rocky isolated from the rest. Rocky is always silent and distances himself from the other imates. Their friendship develops slowly and Rocky eventually opens up to Fanny, saying he misses his wife (Anna Capri) and their son. Fanny goes to where the boy lives and takes his picture to show it to Rocky. He then searches for Anna who now lives in a remote province, has abandoned her child and now cohabits with another man. Rocky appreciates all the efforts of Fanny and this culminates in them going to bed together. The story does not have a happy ending for Fanny but the final scene will show that he has actually become the vital instrument for the redemption of the two characters he cares for: Gloria and Rocky.
The role of Roselo is an acting vehicle for Fanny, with that scene where he finally rebels against his abusive grandma an emotional highlight that reminds you of Lolita Rodriguez in Lino Brocka’s “Bukas Madilim Bukas” in the trilogy “Tatlo Dalawa Isa”. The sequence where a sewing machine repairman (Raymond Cabral) seduces him and they cavort on the staircase with Fanny giggling and squirming like a teenage girl in heat is a wish fulfilment scene for gays who pray that they’ll find the man of their dreams someday. Rocky gives a solid portrayal of the angst-filled prisoner who finds solace and comfort in the arms of a caring gay friend. We’ve already praised Gloria’s portrayal of the cruel grandma, but aside from her, there’s another gem-like performance here given by Rustica Carpio as Gloria’s faithful assistant who has worked for her for many years. The wordless scenes where she gets sick and Fanny takes care of her are very touching. But Gina Alajar is wasted in a nothing role as a pirated DVD vendor. The sequences showing gay beauty pageants in prison are repetitive and should be trimmed. Also, not too many people know what the word “Tarima” means and it’s not even properly explained in the movie. It turns out it refers to the cubicles in prison used by inmates and their partners for conjugal visits.
**********
WHEN RYZA CENON started in showbiz as winner of Starstruck 2, she wants to stick to having a sweet image. But her career hasn’t prospered at all after four years so she agreed to play a more mature role as a sexy dancer who becomes the paramour of Tonton Gutierrez in “Langit sa Piling Mo”. Those connected with the production say: “Palaban na si Ryza. She also seduces Mark Herras in the story na boyfriend ng kapatid niyang si Heart Evangelista. She’s so aggressive na siya pa ang pumatong kay Mark, who happens to be her ex-BF in real life.”
So what makes her so credible in her role as a seductress? “Our director, Gil Tejada, guides me at sinusunod ko lang siya,” she says. “Actually, kabado ako sa role but now, I’m glad kasi sabi ng mga tao, mukhang talaga raw kay landi-landi ko sa show. E, hindi naman ako malandi in real life. The truth is naiilang pa rin ako kapag may eksenang kailangang may halikan o yakapan, like nung patungan ko nga si Mark. Buti na lang at inalalayan niya ko kaya lumabas na convincing ang eksena.”
**********
IN ANSWER TO GMA-7’s release that their coverage of Noynoy’s SONA was number one in Mega-Manila per AGB, Kane Choa of ABS-CBN sent us their own release saying that their own version of the SONA was number one nationwide. He says: Data from Kantar Media (formerly TNS) show that more Filipinos watched ABS-CBN's SONA coverage dubbed “Boses ng Bayan: Unang SONA ni Pangulong Aquino,” which had a national TV rating of 18.7% vs. GMA 7’s “Sona 2010” with 15.6%. Also, ABS-CBN provided the widest SONA coverage via TV, cable TV, radio, and internet on Studio 23, ANC, DZMM TeleRadyo, DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, abs-cbnNEWS.com, and The Filipino Channel or TFC. He also announces that ABS-CBN broadcast journalists won top honors at the Comguild Center for Journalism Awards: Ted Failon as the Most Outstanding Male News Presenter; Karen Davila as the Most Outstanding Female Presenter; Anthony Taberna as the Best Male Field Reporter of the Year; and Ina Reformina as the Best Female Field Reporter of the Year. So, if you’re a Kapuso, follow AGB People’s Rating results. If you’re Kapamilya, follow Kanta Media. That way, Kapuso and Kapamilyas are both happy.
ROBIN PADILLA might be 15 years older than Mariel Rodriguez but it’s not noticeable as he has remained boyish looking even if he’s now 40 years old. Now that he’s admitted wooing her, how does Mariel feel about it? “Siempre, feeling ko, very long ang hair ko kasi he announced talagang nililigawan niya ko at di gaya nung ibang actor na ‘we’re just friends’ lang ang sinasabi.” How does Robin woo her? “He’s traditional sa panliligaw niya and it feels good kasi yung iba, di na naniniwala sa ligawan, di ba? In his case, magaling siya magsalita. Parang tumutula. Masarap pakinggan.”
She obviously has moved on quickly after being dumped by Zanjoe Marudo. “Dapat lang naman. We should also move on. No use on dwelling in the past.”
Is she happy now? “Obvious namang masaya ako, di ba? Kitang-kita naman. What happened, hindi pinaplano, e. Who would have thought that Robin and I would have crossed paths when he was guest co-host sa ‘Wowowee’. So mas naniniwala ako na kung mangyayari talaga ang isang bagay, mangyayari yun kahit hindi mo planuhin. Now that we’re working together everyday sa ‘Pilipinas Win na Win’, the more we get to know each other better.”
So when will they officially declare that they’re a couple? “Hindi rin pinaplano yan. Hindi natin masabi. We’ll see.”
One aspect of their relationship that could be problematic is their difference in religion since Robin is a devout Muslim. As a matter of fact, he’s taking a leave from their show to observe Ramadan, an important event for Muslims. We’re sure Mariel will miss him while he’s away. This will also not be good for the show as it has just started and yet one of its main hosts will be absent right away. As it is, there’s already talk that he might not come back as he’s not really happy with the show.
About Willie Revillame, is there any effort on Mariel to communicate with him? “Oh yes, I texted him. Noong last day ng Wowowee, hindi lang ako nagtext sa kanya kundi pati iba pa namang kasama, but he didn’t reply to anyone. Siguro he just wants to be quiet, so let’s respect that.”
**********
NO DOUBT Rocco Nacino is now the most visible among the Startstruck V discoveries, even if he was just No. 5 among them. He’s even busier than winner Steven Silva. After her did “Gumapang Ka sa Lusak”, he was cast in sitcom “Kaya ng Powers” and now, he’s the leading man of Lovi Poe in “Love Bug”. He also appears every Sunday on “Party Pilipinas”. “I just want to thank God sa lahat ng blessings Niya sa akin,” he says. “Itong show with Lovi is a real treat kasi we even get to shoot on location in various scenic places in Palawan.”
He has finished nursing even before he joined Starstruck. So does this mean he’s turning his back on being a nurse for good? “Hindi naman. Ang nursing, nandiyan lang yan habang nabibigyan ako ng good opportunities sa GMA-7. I love serving people as a nurse pero marami rin akong napapasayang tao sa showbiz. Now, kung ayaw na sa’kin ng publiko as an entertainer, then may fallback position ako as a nurse.”
He has no qualms about taking his shirt off for the Bench and Cosmo shows. It’s said he’ll also appear shirtless in various scenes of “Love Bug”. “Okay lang as I’m confident with my body. Pinaghihirapan ko naman itong katawang ito with my daily training sa gym, so okay lang sa’kin ipakita sa harap ng kamera kung ano yung pinaghirapan ko. But then, hanggang upper body or torso lang ang kaya kong ipakita. Ayoko namang ipakita na lahat. Baka magsawa agad sa’kin ang tao. I want to give them something to look forward to. Kung maganda talaga ang role o ang show, magagawa ko ring lumabas nang naka-briefs lang.”
**********
THE LATEST work of Director Neal Tan (“Kalabit”, “Ataul for Rent”) is “Tarima”, a gay love story about a lonely aging gay dressmaker (Fanny Serrano) and a depressed city jail convict (Rocky Salumbides). Fanny as Roselo grew up with an abusive grandma (Gloria Romero). As a child, he lost one eye after she beat him up with her cane. His best friend is a flamboyant gay (Chokoleit) who ends up in prison after killing a callboy. While visiting his friend in jail, he sees Rocky isolated from the rest. Rocky is always silent and distances himself from the other imates. Their friendship develops slowly and Rocky eventually opens up to Fanny, saying he misses his wife (Anna Capri) and their son. Fanny goes to where the boy lives and takes his picture to show it to Rocky. He then searches for Anna who now lives in a remote province, has abandoned her child and now cohabits with another man. Rocky appreciates all the efforts of Fanny and this culminates in them going to bed together. The story does not have a happy ending for Fanny but the final scene will show that he has actually become the vital instrument for the redemption of the two characters he cares for: Gloria and Rocky.
The role of Roselo is an acting vehicle for Fanny, with that scene where he finally rebels against his abusive grandma an emotional highlight that reminds you of Lolita Rodriguez in Lino Brocka’s “Bukas Madilim Bukas” in the trilogy “Tatlo Dalawa Isa”. The sequence where a sewing machine repairman (Raymond Cabral) seduces him and they cavort on the staircase with Fanny giggling and squirming like a teenage girl in heat is a wish fulfilment scene for gays who pray that they’ll find the man of their dreams someday. Rocky gives a solid portrayal of the angst-filled prisoner who finds solace and comfort in the arms of a caring gay friend. We’ve already praised Gloria’s portrayal of the cruel grandma, but aside from her, there’s another gem-like performance here given by Rustica Carpio as Gloria’s faithful assistant who has worked for her for many years. The wordless scenes where she gets sick and Fanny takes care of her are very touching. But Gina Alajar is wasted in a nothing role as a pirated DVD vendor. The sequences showing gay beauty pageants in prison are repetitive and should be trimmed. Also, not too many people know what the word “Tarima” means and it’s not even properly explained in the movie. It turns out it refers to the cubicles in prison used by inmates and their partners for conjugal visits.
**********
WHEN RYZA CENON started in showbiz as winner of Starstruck 2, she wants to stick to having a sweet image. But her career hasn’t prospered at all after four years so she agreed to play a more mature role as a sexy dancer who becomes the paramour of Tonton Gutierrez in “Langit sa Piling Mo”. Those connected with the production say: “Palaban na si Ryza. She also seduces Mark Herras in the story na boyfriend ng kapatid niyang si Heart Evangelista. She’s so aggressive na siya pa ang pumatong kay Mark, who happens to be her ex-BF in real life.”
So what makes her so credible in her role as a seductress? “Our director, Gil Tejada, guides me at sinusunod ko lang siya,” she says. “Actually, kabado ako sa role but now, I’m glad kasi sabi ng mga tao, mukhang talaga raw kay landi-landi ko sa show. E, hindi naman ako malandi in real life. The truth is naiilang pa rin ako kapag may eksenang kailangang may halikan o yakapan, like nung patungan ko nga si Mark. Buti na lang at inalalayan niya ko kaya lumabas na convincing ang eksena.”
**********
IN ANSWER TO GMA-7’s release that their coverage of Noynoy’s SONA was number one in Mega-Manila per AGB, Kane Choa of ABS-CBN sent us their own release saying that their own version of the SONA was number one nationwide. He says: Data from Kantar Media (formerly TNS) show that more Filipinos watched ABS-CBN's SONA coverage dubbed “Boses ng Bayan: Unang SONA ni Pangulong Aquino,” which had a national TV rating of 18.7% vs. GMA 7’s “Sona 2010” with 15.6%. Also, ABS-CBN provided the widest SONA coverage via TV, cable TV, radio, and internet on Studio 23, ANC, DZMM TeleRadyo, DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, abs-cbnNEWS.com, and The Filipino Channel or TFC. He also announces that ABS-CBN broadcast journalists won top honors at the Comguild Center for Journalism Awards: Ted Failon as the Most Outstanding Male News Presenter; Karen Davila as the Most Outstanding Female Presenter; Anthony Taberna as the Best Male Field Reporter of the Year; and Ina Reformina as the Best Female Field Reporter of the Year. So, if you’re a Kapuso, follow AGB People’s Rating results. If you’re Kapamilya, follow Kanta Media. That way, Kapuso and Kapamilyas are both happy.
