MARCH SHOOT – Learned from director Joel Lamangan that the shoot of the Manny Paquiao filmbio will start sometime in March. In the meantime, Roy Iglesias is fine-tuning the script, while pre-production work is going full blast. The project, titled “Pacquiao,” promises to be one of the biggest in 2006, to be shot in Manila and Cotabato and probably Tokyo, Las Angeles, where Manny fought.
“Pacquiao” is a joint project of Mommy Rose Flaminiano’s FLT and Star Cinema headed by Charo Santos.
It was launched at a five-star hotel with the lead stars, Jericho Rosales and Bea Alonzo, Joel and Roy, and Pacquiao himself attending. The press expected Rudy Fernandez to be around as it was earlier reported that he was playing Pacquiao’s manager. Heard though that Rudy hasn’t said yes to the filmbio as he wanted to get a clear idea what his role is.
Two years ago, Manny Pacquiao (or Pacman) topbilled “Lisensyadong Kamao,” produced by Madam Violet Sevilla. Before that, Manny appeared in Mikey Arroyo starrers directed by Willie Milan.
WIN OR LOSE – “Pacquiao” marks Mommy Rose’s return to film production after nearly three years. Her real estate business kept her busy, but when she watched the tailend of the Pacquiao-Mark Antonio Barrera bout, wherein the Pinoy gave a valiant fight, blood, sweat, and tears streaming down his face, “Iba ang naramdaman ko.”
There was instant rapport between Manny and Mommy Rose when they met face-to-face. She offered him a three-picture contract, but Manny reminded the producer, “May laban pa ho ako kay (Eric) Morales sa January. Paano ho kung matalo akong muli?”
It’ll be recalled that Pacquiao lost to Morales in an earlier controversial bout. “Hindi problema ‘yan. Win or lose, paninindigan ko ang pangako ko sa ‘yo,” Mommy Rose said without hesitation.
CO-PRODUCERS – There’s also a story as to why Mommy Rose is co-producing the movie with Star Cinema. She claimed, she is a ka-pamilya for as long as she can remember.
She related, “I was at the stadium where Manny’s bout with Morales was to take place. I was with Rudy (Fernandez, who was offered to play a major role in the movie). We were looking for my secretary, who had my handbag with her. Gusto ko sanang tumaya sa pustahan in favor of Manny.
“Feeling exhausted, I sat beside a gentleman who was munching a popcorn. He smiled at me and offered me to share with him his popcorn. I graciously said, “thank you.” “In the course of our conversation, I learned that he was Mr. Cito Alejandro, president of ABS-CBN.
“When I mentioned to him the reason why I was watching Manny’s fight, he blurted, ‘kailangan kasosyo diyan ang ABS-CBN.’
“Ito rin ang sinabi ni Mr. Gabby Lopez when he joined us.”
Manny is also a co-producer of “Pacquiao.”
