It was not a presscon for a forthcoming movie or TV show. The Star for All Seasons simply threw the affair as a get-together with the press members who have always been supportive of the actress-turned-politician and have written about her even if she's not exactly in the showbiz limelight, with politics definitely taking the upperhand as far as her life is concerned.
Nevertheless, the movie press didn't want Mayor Vi to go without an interview. Left with no choice but to say something, despite saying she's not announcing anything, Mayor Vi sweetly gave in to the nosey entertainment media.
Ate Vi or Mayor Vi (whichever you want it) says she's still taking the offer of Star Cinema to do the movie "Flores de Mara" where she'd play mother to three gays, to be portrayed by, in no particular order, Diether Ocampo, John Lloyd Cruz and Joross Gamboa. "This is just a tentative casting and it's up to Star Cinema as to who will finally get to play the gays. The movie will be directed by Olive Lamasan."
As for her political plans, Mayor Vi says she's being asked to run for governor of Batangas, but has not yet given an answer. "I want to have a passing grade first when I finish my term as Mayor of Lipa. Once I finished my term and if the people would say I did a good job, saka lang ako uli mag-iisip if I will run for a higher office," says Mayor Vi.
"Right now, I want to focus on the cultural concerns of Lipa. We are in the process of improving the Cultural Center. We are installing aircon units in it. We also built an amphitheater in our park. These are the things I want to prioritize before I'd think of going any further with regards to my political career," she adds.
Her term ends next year and that's probably the reason why rumors surfaced that Mayor Vi's seeking a higher position. Apart from governor, she could also run for senator or congressman. Mayor Vi says her husband, Sen. Ralph Recto, doesn't meddle with her political plans, but counsels her instead.
"It's actually easier if I run for governor since I'd be supervising the mayors of the different municipalities. The job of a congressman is deemed easier because I won't have to deal directly with the people. But I have to study again because that involves legislation. That job is very different from being a mayor," she says.
Three years ago, Mayor Vi signed up with ABS-CBN for a TV special which has yet to see the light of day. She says she's to blame, not the network, because she can't give them a schedule. "In fairness to ABS-CBN, I was really the one at fault. My work in Lipa is more important and I can't just drop it so I could have time for the TV special. But I am still hopeful that I could still do it," says the actress.
The movie boasts of topnotch acting and production values. According to someone who has had the chance to watch "Kaleldo," Cherry Pie Picache (who won best supporting actress for "Ako Legal Wife" in the MMFF) did another excellent job in her role as a lesbian. Also turning in a good performance is Criselda Volks who plays Cherry Pie's lover. The two have a kissing scene that will surely be talked about.
"Kaleldo" opens in March 8, but we heard that private screenings of the movie will be scheduled for critics from now till the movie is released. We hope to get invited to one.
"Masahista" is slated to compete in five more film festivals this year namely: Asean Film Festival in Bangkok this February; Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in March; Turin Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in Italy and Buenos Aires Independent Film Festival in April; and at Jeonju International Film Festival in Korea from April 27 to May 5.
In addition, it is also invited at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. "Masahista" is opening in the US this spring to be distributed by Picture This Entertainment.
But then, could it be that Piolo is still hurting from the breakup of his relationship with a showbiz personality three years ago? Piolo wouldn't want to mention the girl's name, but the nosey press tried to corner Piolo into identifying the girl at his birthday lunch-cum-presscon Monday hosted by Star Magic.
Still, Piolo wouldn't want to identify who she is and likewise didn't want to give details like how long was he and girl on, and why did they break up. For his part, Piolo says he decided to give his career priority that's why he decided to let go of his lovelife. Although the nosey movie press already had an idea who the girl was (Pops Fernandez, is that you?), Piolo, the gentleman that he is, refused to be cornered into admission. He excused himself and went to the john, just as those who attended the presscon (this columnist included) was about to say girl's name.
He has no regrets to have chosen career over lovelife. "I am not the type of person who regrets things I've done. I always believe it was for the better." But he did say that if ever he falls in love again, Piolo hopes to end with her for the rest of his life.
He's happy for Judy Ann Santos who has found the love of her life in Ryan Agoncillo. He's likewise thankful to the fans, who supported the movie "Don't Give Up On Us" and made it a blockbuster.
Does he have any idea if Ryan had watched the movie? "I don't think he watched it. Ayaw yatang ipapanood sa kanya ni Juday ang movie."
That the movie made good at the box-office is a good sign for the tandem since their new soap opera titled "Sa Piling Ko" is set to premiere on ABS-CBN this February.