Violett Films (headed by Mrs. Violeta Sevilla) has decided to advance the showing of its latest production, the Manny Pacquiao starrer “Lisensyadong Kamao” to Sept. 7, three days before Manny?s championship bout with Mexican boxer Hector Velasquez.
Originally, the movie?s playdate was scheluded after the fight, on the third week of September, so Manny could help promote it when he comes back. But much as he wanted go, the “Kampeon ng Masa” boxing great can?t promote his movie because he is now in the US training to be in top shape for his big fight on Sept. 10.
Madam Violet, producer of the multi-awarded movie “Magnifico,” thought it would be better to release it before Manny?s bout with Hector Velasquez. “We are praying hard and we are keeping our fingers crossed that Manny wins and for our movie to make it big at the box-office para double celebration when he gets back,” Madam Violet said during the recent presscon for “Lisensyadong Kamao” at the Brazilian restaurant Viva Rodizio along Wilson St. in Greenhills.
At the presscon were Manny?s co-stars Eddie Garcia, Juliana Palermo, Charlie Davao, Aldrich Sevilla and Mike Ong, and the director Tony Bernal.
We?ve interviewed Eddie Garcia a lot of times in the past and so we were at a lose as to what to ask him. The multi-awarded actor/director humored us by saying “well, you can ask me what makes my role in this movie different from my previous roles” (because this is normally what we ask him everytime we interview him for a new movie).
“And my answer is: This is my first time to appear in a movie entitled ?Lisensyadong Kamao,? this is my first time to work with Manny Pacquiao, and this is my first movie under Violett Films. Maraming firsts for me in this movie,” and he laughed charmingly.
But seriously, Eddie is very serious with his acting career. He is also one if not the most professional actor in the business. He has no hang-ups about fame and stature. While other actors would fight over billing placements, Eddie always said he doesn?t care where they put his name in the posters or in the marquee, above or below the title. “It?s okay with me kahit di nila ilagay ang pangalan ko pero ayaw naman nila.”
Still in top form at age 84 (it amuses Eddie to know that many in the industry don?t believe he is already in his 80s so he revealed that he was born in 1921), we asked the veteran actor his secret in looking strong and youngish-looking at his age.
“I?ve always said this: Do everything in moderation, do not abuse yourself.” He takes about 16 kinds of vitamin pills everyday he said.
How about his lovelife and come he doesn?t figure in controversies, intrigues or scandals? “If I do, will it increase the admission price of my movies?” he countered.
He said his life is boring, “nothing really exciting happened in my life, in fact pang-Mahal na Araw ang istorya ng buhay ko.” Which to our belief is not true of course.
Eddie received his first FAMAS trophy (for Best Supporting Actor) in 1952, for his performance in “Taga sa Bato,” a Sampaguita Pictures production. That was also the first time that the FAMAS Awards were given. It replaced the Maria Clara Awards.
He has received numerous awards for his acting and directing but many of his trophies he lost during a fire that razed their house.
He has played every conceivable role there is. Is there something he?d really love to play? “I just play the roles assigned to me, I don?t choose.”
As a director who among the young stars would he want to direct? “It doesn?t work this way that a script is written for a certain actor. When the script is done, that?s the time you look for the actors na babagay sa mga roles sa story.”
Going back to Manny Pacquiao, before he left for the Us, he said that he was very happy for the chance to work with his idol, Eddie Garcia. “This is a dream-come-true for me, to work with this well-loved versatile actor. “Talagang pangarap ng lahat na makatrabaho si Manoy at isa na ako doon. Hindi nga ako makapaniwala na may mga eksena kaming dalawa at siyempre noong una todong nerbiyos ang naramdaman ko.”
In the movie, Eddie plays the trainer of Manny?s character, a boxer named Bruce Lerio who comes to Manila in search for the proverbial greener pasture.
Manny also said he is very thankful that he was given two beautiful and sexy leading ladies, Juliana Palermo and Aubrey Miles.
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Celebrities at RJFFI
foundation anniversary
The Rikki J & Friends Foundation, Inc. (RJFFI) recently marked its first anniversary with a luncheon celebration coinciding with its founder Rikki Jimenez?s birthday bash held at the Fiesta San Miguel Restaurant, Dusit Hotel Nikko, Makati City.
Leading the special guests were Andrea O. Veneracion, National Artist for Music; Menchu de las Alas?Concepcion, wife of industrialist Raul Concepcion; Danny Dolor and Ricky Reyes.
Also present were the officers and board of trustees of RJFFI led by Charo Santos?Concio, Ningning Mu?oz, Vicki Jimenez?Lagdameo, Tereret Tambunting?Liboro; Mel Chionglo and Ernie Ordo?ez.
The foundation?s chairperson Belen Lovina Ticzon-Martel was in the US but, in her absence, her sister, former Karilagan model Ina L. Ticzon, now a Belco Marketing Inc. top executive, read Martel?s birthday greetings to the celebrant and her message to RJFFI.
The other guests include Estela Lopez; Letty Syquia; Ethel S. Timbol; Mabel Aba?o; Norma Virtucio; Linda Bolido; Chiqui Veneracion; Tony Cajucom; Ben Verdeblanco; Denni Tan; Puchette Hernandez; Rad Esca?o; Alex Brosas; Dino Lagdameo; Jelo Lagdameo; Sonny Afable; Vicky Afable; Ivy Afable and Amor Escares.
Early bird, former Miss RP Evangeline Pascual dropped by to greet Rikki and so were a bevy of beauties, Lorraine Shuck and Peachy Veneracion (both top executives of Carousel Productions); Gennebelle Raagas; 2005 Miss Philippines ?Earth and runners?up Nadia de la Cruz and Stephanie Yu. Impromptu a capella song numbers were performed by Peachy, Gennebelle; Nadia and Tonet Salcedo.
A short program started after lunch, beginning with the audio?visual presentation of the Rikki J & Friends Foundation, Inc.?s induction of officers, a gift from sweethearts Puchette Hernandez and Rad Esca?o.
In a very short speech, Charo Santos-Concio recalled how she met her discoverer Rikki Jimenez and how their long-time friendship developed.
The foundation is off to auspicious start as donations have already been coming. Rikki and his members are already planning projects which will benefit the indigents.
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UP College of Music
marks 89th anniversary
Dean of the UP College of Music, tenor Ramon Acoymo, lead seven days of celebrating music and scholarship in commemoration of 89 years of artistic excellence. Opening salvo is a music?theater presentation “Ritwal ng Pasasalamat” by Ramon Santos featuring 100 performers on Sept. 1.
On Sept. 2, 5, 6 and 8, Abelardo Hall will present four chamber music concerts (indigenous, strings, guitar and voice) at the Chamber Hall, 4 p.m.
Sept. 9 features a Music Education Workshop, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; a Spoof Beauty Contest “Bb. G?Clef,” 6 p.m. Abelardo Hall Auditorium; and a College Bands Concert, 7 p.m. at the Camerata.
During the entire week recordings, musical manuscripts, scholarly publications, books and journals by College of Music faculty and students will be on sale to the public. The celebration will also feature a tiangge, a food fair and an exhibit on the history of the College.
Dean Acoymo will be a featured performer at the Opera Company of the Philippines, OPERANOW Gala, Sept. 4, at the CCP Main Theater with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.
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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 29, go to singer Jamie Rivera, Atty. Augusto T. Africa, Dr. Nellie Yu, Dr. Nonie Azarcon, Prof. Candida C. Agcaoili, Oskar Atendido, Jeric Mariano, Nita Rivas Trofeo, Aida Lecitona, Teresa Arnaiz, Rowena Zu?iga, Mars.Dading Gonzalez, Philip Neri and Shelby Payne…
