Gov. Vi gets trophy post-Cinemalaya, Marian Rivera still GMA 7’s ‘Primetime Queen’

CEBU, Philippines - Since Batangas City Governor Vilma Santos was unable to attend the Cinelamaya Independent Film Festival Awards night on August 4 where she won best actress in the Director’s Showcase for “Ekstra,” Quantum Films producer Atty. Joji Alonso and Director Jeffrey Jeturian did the honors of presenting to her the best actress trophy she won for the movie at the presscon of “Ekstra” hosted by Star Cinema. The awarding rites were held at the Dolphy Theater at the ABS-CBN compound last week.

Star Cinema is releasing “Ekstra,” which opens today in theaters nationwide so it was a big presscon that Star Cinema gave Governor Vi. Also present in the event were members of Gov. V’s fans club who wore specially-made “Ekstra” t-shirts.

Even if “Esktra” was the box-office champion at the Cinemalaya, Gov. Vi admits she is feeling the pressure now that the movie is opening in theaters nationwide. “If I was nervous before Ekstra was shown at the Cinemalaya, I am even more nervous now kasi nationwide na ang showing ng movie. Hindi kasi natin alam kung paano tatanggapin ng mga tao nationwide ang first indie film ko,” said the grandslam actress and Star for All Seasons.

Since it is her first time to do an indie film, it is but natural for Gov. Vi to be nervous about the outcome, but the success of “Ekstra” at Cinemalaya is no fluke. We sought feedback from Atty. Joji Alonso through a text message: Maganda po ba ang showing ng “Ekstra” sa box-office ng Cinemalaya? She texted back: “SOBRA.” We sent a another message: Is it comparable to Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank (which did very well at the Cinemalaya box-office two years ago) and Atty. Joji texted back: Mas malakas pa.”

Coming from the producer herself, there is no reason for Gov. Vi to be afraid that her first indie film would not make money.

At the presscon, Gov. Vi expressed thanks to Atty. Joji and Direk Jeffrey for entrusting “Ekstra” to her. She said she made the right choice in agreeing to do it. She had been offered several scripts before by Atty. Joji for an indie film project, but she didn’t like any of them but when “Ekstra” was offered to her, reading the title alone made her say ‘yes’. She asked for the script and agreed to do it.

She is also very thankful to Direk Jeffrey for his guidance on how she should attack her role. If her performance was good and was award-worthy, Direk Jeffrey should also get credit for it. Same with her co-stars who played extras in the film.

In a text message to Atty. Joji a few days before the Cinemalaya Awards night, Direk Jeffrey said he wouldn’t mind losing the Best Director award or Ekstra not winning the Best Picture Award as long as Vilma wins the best actress trophy.

“Ekstra” will have its international premiere on September 8, 2013. It has been invited to the 38th Toronto International Film Festival to be held from September 5 to15. It will be presented as part of the Contemporary World Cinema program.

The official film invitation to the Toronto International Film Festival was received by Quantum Films on July 26 but they were advised not to make an announcement until August 11. As part of it being selected, Ekstra is eligible to compete for the Blackberry People’s Choice Award.

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Marian Rivera remains a Kapuso and will soon star in a new teleserye for the GMA Network. Marian ended all speculations of her supposed transfer to another network by renewing her contract with GMA. She signed a three-year contract with the Kapuso network on Saturday, August 10, at the Manila Polo Club at Forbes Park.

After all the talk about her moving elsewhere, Marian opted to remain with GMA, which made her a big star in 2007 via the remake of the Mexican telenovela, “Marimar.”

Present during the contract signing  were Atty. Felipe Gozon, GMA president and CEO; GMA COO Jimmy Duavit; CFO Felipe Yalong; executives Redgie Acuna Magno, Lilybeth Rasonable, and Marivin Arayata; and Marian's manager Rams David.

Marian didn’t deny she received offers from other stations but said there is no reason for her to leave GMA -7. “The support they gave me was overwhelming. If not for GMA, there would be no Marian Rivera,” said FHM’s Sexiest Woman.

She added that there’s no reason not to stay with GMA after all the love and support the network has given her.

Marian who marked her 29th birthday on Monday, celebrated her natal day in advance by throwing a party for the children of Child Haus. She was the one who handed out the gifts to the children afflicted with cancer and other diseases. Instead of spending for a big party, Marian opted to do charity work and make the children of Child Haus happy.

Marian and her boyfriend Dingdong Dantes went to Singapore to celebrate her birthday. When she was asked by Dingdong what gift she would like to have – shopping spree or trip to paradise – she opted for the latter but she had no idea what Dingdong had in mind.

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The supporting cast of ABS-CBN's phenomenal kilig-serye "Be Careful With My Heart" have been enjoying the shower of blessings similar to what happened to the show's lead stars, Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap. One of the lucky cast members is comedienne Tart Carlos who is better known now by TV viewers as Doris, one of Ser Chief's (Richard) bubbly househelps.

From being Sabel's (Vivieka Ravanes) 'partner-in-crime,' Tart levels up as the side kick of Star For All Seasons Vilma Santos in "Ekstra".

"I'm sure that a lot of people want to be in my position as Ate Vi's side kick. That's why I'm so proud to be Venus, the 'BFF' (best friend forever) of Loida (Ate Vi)," shared Tart about their film. "We did not have a hard time shooting the scenes because Ate Vi was so low profile and humble. But I still got nervous because she is so professional and talented."

With her biggest break in the movies, Tart wholeheartedly credits all her blessings to the success of their TV series.

"I am really grateful to 'Be Careful' because it made me better known to many people. With the show's popularity, I got more offers even in stage acting, and more commercials and TV plugs in ABS-CBN," said Tart. "Our show served as window that made Direk Jeff see what I can do, which I believe made him decide to include me in Ate Vi's film."

Aside from Tart, also part of "Ekstra" in a cameo role is Ser Chief whom Ate Vi recently admitted was her special request to the film producers.