Dennis Trillo stays clear of intrigues

If you're wondering what Gary Estrada had been doing after he appeared in "Mulawin," well, he has just finished a film titled "Kristina" which was produced by a British film outfit and would be released internationally. His role in the film was originally meant for Monsour del Rosario who was unable to do it because he had to do "Panday."

Monsour even had to audition for the said role but had to give it up when work for "Panday" started. And since they had the same manager (Arnold Vegafria) and he knows director Joey Romero, he was lucky enough to get the role meant for Monsour without having to audition. "We stayed in Calatagan, Batangas for about a month and a half to shoot the film. One fourth of the film was shot here while the remaining three fourths of the film would be shot in UK although I am not involved in the scenes to shot in UK," Gary told Star Circuit in an interview Monday over coffee at Starbucks in Greenhills. Playing leading lady in the film titled "Kristina" is a half-Filipina named Rebecca Grant, with British actor David (sorry, even Gary forgot the name of his co-star). Gary also did a film in Malaysia prior to this British film. He considers it a great learning experience to work with foreign productions.

"They have a different culture in doing movies," says Gary of his experience. "They have a very thick script and most of my lines are in English. I shoot two scenes a day but it's a very tiring work because they shoot from all angles. Even if director Bong Agustin is a Filipino, he has adapted the Malaysian way of doing a film." Bong directed the film that Gary did in Malaysia.

Going back to his British film, Gary says the British also have their own culture in doing a movie. They only worked for 12 hours and very seldom do they extend work hours. But only for two hours. "But we rehearse scenes for one day. Isang eksena, buong araw kayo magre-rehearse. Ibang klase talaga. They gather us in one room to rehearse our lines because the way the British speak is different. It's not conversation-friendly. It's not like American English that we are used to," he said. But even if he has experienced working in foreign films, Gary still hopes to do local films, that's why he is saddened that very few local film outfits are making movies.

* * *

Sharon Cuneta was beaming with excitement when she met the entertainment press in connection with the media launch of her latest album, "Sharon Sings Alcasid." The megastar excitedly told the press that she has lost 22 lbs. and slowly but surely, she's determined to win her battle against the bulge.

Her weight problem is the thing that prevents her from being more active in her career. She can't start a new show or a movie because she wants to be in fighting form before she plunges back into action. "I am really determined to lose more weight as I want to look my best when I celebrate my 40th birthday in January next year," said the megastar. "I don't want to go into something unless I am comfortable with the way I look and feel about myself."

Sharon is thankful for the positive feedback that her latest album "Sharon Sings Alcasid" had been getting. Most of the songs in the album were songs that Ogie either composed or popularized. The feedback is so good that Sharon and Ogie are already thinking of doing a second volume after the megastar finishes another album for Sony BMG Music. After the longest time, Sharon is having a fans day to be held at Robinson's Galleria Cineme 5 on October 22. She will be having fun with her fans and would probably sing a number or two for them. She's just as excited as her fans since it's been a long time since she had a fans day.

* * *

Dennis Trillo's name was dragged into the intrigue when James Blanco decided to sever his ties with their manager Popoy Caritativo. As far as Dennis is concerned, he is not to blame if James had wanted out of Popoy's wings. Rumors have it that the real reason why James left is because Popoy is giving more attention to Dennis and neglecting James.

"As far as I am concerned, there's no reason for James to get jealous since if ever Popoy gives me projects, he's also busy with his own projects as well. I don't believe Popoy is favoring me," said the award-winning actor.

If ever James and Popoy have a gap, Dennis says he's not privy to it and has nothing to do with it. What occupies his time is work and more work since "Darna" has been extended till November while he has started work on the new season of "Now and Forever" titled "Agos" which winds up its first week on air today. He is also doing the film version of "Mulawin" so Dennis really has his hands full and would rather concentrate on work, not on the intrigues.