‘The Trophy Wife’ sizzles!
MANILA, Philippines - Expect the unexpected,” were Derek Ramsay’s words prior to the private screening of his latest movie The Trophy Wife. Hosted by Swatch to a full house at Greenbelt My Cinema, writer Keiko Aquino explored themes of passion and unrequited love, anger and revenge, sex and suspense. With its title, I imagined two women, one with beauty and one with brains, fighting for the heart of one man. True to Ramsay’s words, it went beyond that. It was a story of a provincial lass hardened by one man’s bigotry. She matured into trophy wife material on the surface, as a way to cajole and kill, if necessary. Scenes were passionate, others painful to watch, but it will definitely leave you on the edge as it teeters between romance and suspense.
In the audience were true captains of the movie and business industries. No matter how big the personalities were, the Swatch private screening was unexpectedly intimate. No less than the real trophy wife Cristine Reyes was there, with leading men Derek Ramsay and John Estrada, portrayed as brothers in the film. Heart Evangelista, as Derek’s love, had the charm and mystique that allowed director Andoy Ranoy to push the plot in this MVP-Viva co-production. Architect Rolly Mercado came and proudly talked about the beautiful mansion he designed that was featured in the movie as Derek and John’s affluent home.
As sizzling as the movie was, the pre- and post-event by Swatch likewise deserves mention. Pre-screening, Margarita Forés transformed your usual movie food with gourmet corn dogs, Angus burgers and parmesan truffle popcorn. Ramsay came with his parents, Derek Sr. and Medi Ramsay, with Derek Sr. being honored as the night’s birthday celebrant. As soon as the movie ended, Swatch president Virgie Ramos gave out no less than crystal gavels to the ladies chosen as the night’s Trophy Wives — Priscilla Meirelles-Estrada, Clarisse Tiu, Millet Mananquil, Cristine Reyes and Tessa Prieto-Valdes.
So, what makes a trophy wife? There is that traditional idea of eye-candy wives who are at their husband’s beck and call. Nowadays however, this definition is challenged as wives have gone far and beyond the home. And in this movie, a different kind of empowered and misguided woman is portrayed…definitely unexpected. Regardless, here’s to all wives who, more often than not, are deserving of a trophy.
