Comebacking G Toengi to star in international film

The international movie titled "Wages of Sin" is set to be filmed in the Philippines next year, but the movie featuring Giselle "G" Toengi and Neal "Xingu" Rodil, a Fil-American actor, who traces his roots to Cavite, already has advanced publicity to announce the project.

The press people who attended the launch Monday lunch at the Dulcinea Restaurant in Tomas Morato were surprised to learn when Shane Trace, the movie's director, said that the production is still casting for the two main supporting cast. Giselle and Xingu, on the other hand, are shoo in for the leads. Shane is shooting the movie for Goldtone-Universal, a film and DVD distribution company based in the US.

"The best way to describe it would be to say it's a cross between 'Ong-Bok' and 'Bourne Identity'," says Shane of his latest project. According to Shane, the project was pitched to him by the people at Goldtone-Universal. The company was interested in doing a film for a niche market-a martial arts type to revive interest in the martial arts.

Understandably, Giselle is very, very excited since it's her first movie for an international release. She's doubly pleased because the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) will be involved in the project since a local crew will be utilized when "Wages of Sins" begins principal photography by mid-October. The film is slated for release next year.

Giselle is supported by her husband Tim in her comeback bid to acting. She's an official member of the Screen Actors Guild or SAG (The United States' premier labor union representing actors) and she recently landed a lead part in a US national commercial for a "A Window Between Worlds," a charitable organization/art program funded by Women in Film, an organization for women in the film industry.

Giselle arrived in the Philippines with her daughter Sakura last September 1 for a vacation but word got around, and through Manila Genesis Entertainment and Management (her management outfit), she landed the role of Ina Magenta in the upcoming film, Enteng Kabisote 3, under OctoArts and M-Zet Films, an entry to this year's Metro Manila Film Festival.

But it's a dream come true for G to do "Wages of Sin" since it's her personal dream to be part of an independent international film. What adds up to her excitement is the fact the movie will be shot in the Philippines.

No stopping this new singer from pursuing his dream

The road to showbiz has not been an easy one for newcomer and upcoming singer Oreo Vamenta or simply Oreo, the newest artist of Balay Artist Entertainment. He joined three nationwide talent searches-Search for A Star, Pinoy Pop Superstar and Search for a Star in a Million-but he failed to reach the finals of each of them. But this did not dampen his spirit. Instead, it prodded Oreo all the more to pursue his dream of becoming a popular singer.

It must be his unique singing voice that made his new manager, Hendric A. Hermida of Libertas Filipinas, a public relations and consultancy company, to back him up and produce for him an album. The media launch of Oreo's self-titled debut album happened last Thursday-that fateful day when typhoon Milenyo battered Metro Manila, rendering the metropolis without electricity amidst the floodwaters.

It was tough luck for Oreo since he was not given a chance to sing. The venue of the launch was without electricity and also did not have a generator. The press was not able to hear Oreo sing. The 19-year-old is from Cagayan de Oro and was, in fact, a bandmate of Mark Bautista a few years ago.

"I am very glad with the break given to me by Balay Artist Entertainment and I vow to give my best to show that I am worth the gamble they placed on me," says Oreo. Pretty soon his debut album would be launched in a Sunday show (possibly SOP) and he will embark on a mall tour to promote his album.

Regine to mark 20th year with concert series

Even if she wants to direct her forthcoming concert titled "RV Twenty" set at the Big Dome on October 13 and 14, it would not be possible since Regine Velasquez is also busy promoting her latest movie "Till I Met You" that co-stars her with Robin Padilla. She already has her hands full preparing for her mammoth concert celebration of her 20 years in the music business. That's why she opted to request her former manager Ronnie Henares to help her direct the concert.

"If there's one person who knows me truly well, then that is Ronnie," says Regine, who was managed by Ronnie in her first 13 years in the music business. "He can really help me mount my ideas and make my concert truly unforgettable."

For his part, Ronnie says it's a big honor to be part of Regine's celebration of two decades in the business. "I've seen her grow and mature as a performer. She has not changed much but she has so much passion in her music now compared before. And when it comes to giving ideas about her concert, she's really good at it. All I have to do is just put Regine's ideas into place," says Ronnie.

This mammoth concert series is produced by Aria Productions, headed by Cacai Velasquez-Mitra, Regine's sister, who has pulled out all the stops in making Regine's biggest production to date possible.

The set alone, designed by Mitoy Sta. Ana, is conceptualized to be breathtaking at the very least. Picture having a Roman Coliseum built inside the Araneta Coliseum. It also speaks of a grandiose visual delight that the event would offer. In addition, a center stage will hold a grand staircase that leads to the upper box gallery, surrounded by a 55 to 60-piece orchestra, where Regine's dramatic revelation would commence.

Musical director for the evening will be Raul Mitra, while Prof. Arturo Molina will conduct the 55 to 60-piece Manila Symphony Orchestra. Regine has also invited four musical directors namely Gerard Salonga, Mon Faustino, Mark Lopez and Louie Ocampo to join her. There will be other surprise guests who will do an array of numbers. Even Regine would be surprised as to who will be joining her in the concert.