Early birthday gift for Coco Martin...

Biggest star of his generation as well as the hottest actor at the Kapamilya network. Coco successfully made the transition from being the toast of the indie cinema world into the biggest star of primetime TV. With his top rating and award winning series like Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin and Walang Hanggan, Coco has mesmerized the televiewers with his acting chops and innate charm.

That charm has spawned a number of product endorsements, including one with famed clothing brand Bench which is marking its 25th anniversary this year.

Last Sunday, Coco was the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia for the launch of his Deo Cologne brand for Bench which has three variants - Comrade, Conviction and Courage. The girls in the audience who were watching the fashion show went wild with their shrieks when Coco emerged from behind the panel. Looking every inch the matinee idol and teleserye superstar, Coco charmed the crowd with his cute smile and slight wave to the fans which sent them into frenzy.

That scene was repeated as Coco went onstage two times more as each deo-cologne variant bearing his name was presented to the public. Right after the launch was a meet-and-greet with Coco where the fans got their chance to have an autograph signing and photo-op with the lead actor of Walang Hanggan. The girls immediately sprung up their seats to make a beeline towards the left side of the stage.

Coco went straight to MOA music hall from Naga where he graced an ABS-CBN event. But he didn’t show signs of fatigue. He was his usual self and was in high spirits. He considered the launch of his deo cologne from Bench as an early birthday gift (his birthday is on November 1).

“I am enjoying what I am doing right now because it’s part of my job as an actor,” said Coco. After the launch of his deo-cologne brand, the actor is preparing for his participation in the Bench Universe Underwear show to be held on Thursday and Friday at the SM MOA Arena where it is rumored that Coco would be the finale. Does this mean that Coco will walk on the catwalk in his underwear?

“That is okay with me and would not be an issue. The real question is are they ready for me,” he said with a chuckle.

He also expressed optimism that a planned movie project of Cannes best director Brillante Mendoza where he will co-star with Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos would be a reality. “To be a part of that project is already a blessing. I really hope that it pushes through,” said Coco.

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With its fierce plot, brave confrontation scenes and its stellar cast, Star Cinema’s latest daring film “The Mistress,” topbilled by John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, continues to stir up strong reactions from the public, including the active netizens in popular social networking sites and some of the well-known personalities in the country.

Highly-acclaimed movie and TV actors Gretchen Barretto and Albert Martinez both salute the film because of its brave concept. “It’s a very interesting subject matter because there are four characters involved, four individual characters na lahat may mystery. Lahat sila may kanya-kanyang pains,” said Albert.

“For me, ‘The Mistress’ is a masterpiece. Every scene and every dialogue is breathtaking,” Gretchen commented. “It happens everywhere, it’s so real. Gustong-gusto ko ‘yung linyang ‘walang babaeng pinangarap maging kabit.”

Aside from Bea and John Lloyd, also part of “The Mistress” are two of Philippine cinema’s finest actors namely Hilda Koronel and Ronaldo Valdez. Completing the cast are Carmi Martin, Anita Linda, Minnie Aguilar, and Clarence Delgado.

Set to redefine everyone’s meaning of love and loyalty, “The Mistress” will hit theaters nationwide today, September 12.

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Some people are downplaying Nora Aunor’s winning the Bisito d’Oro critics prize for her performance in Brillante Mendoza’s “Thy Womb.” The film was also honored with the La Navicella or Venezia Cinema prize and the P. Nazareno Taddei Award Special Mention.

Nora’s award was given by the Premio della Critica Indipendiente, an independent critics’ group. Previous winners of the award were directors and producers. Nora is the first actress and Filipino to be accorded the citation.

Nora said she is happy that “Thy Womb” was included in this year’s line-up at Venice International Film Festival. For her to win an award is a wonderful bonus.

Some people are saying that Nora getting the Bisoto D’Oro critics prize is just “pampalubag-loob” because the actress failed to get the said award given by festival jury which went to an Iranian actress. Nevertheless, Nora’s award is still an honor for us who believe that the Filipino film industry should be kept alive.

We hope that if and when “Thy Womb” is released theatrically (said to be in November), everyone who love and adore Nora should come in full force and support the film. We are calling on all Noranians and everyone who love beautiful movies to watch “Thy Womb” and make it a box-office hit.