Vilma Santos conquers indie world in “Ekstra: The Bit Player”

As expected, the moviegoers came in droves to watch the gala premiere of “Ekstra: The Bit Player” Sunday night at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Gracing the event was the lead actress of the Jeffrey Jeturian film, Governor Vilma Santos and her family namely her husband Senator Ralph Recto, her two sons Luis Manzano, and Ryan Christian. Luis came with his girlfriend Jennylyn Mercado.

Other celebrities who came to watch Ekstra were Direk Wenn V. Deramas, Erik Santos, director GB Sampedro, Ms. Tessie Tomas, Yayo Aguila, and Ms. Zsa Zsa Padilla just to name a few.

Also present was Ms. Cherie Gil and Ms. Cherry Pie Picache who were among the cast of Ekstra.

A few days before the premiere of Ekstra, there was already a great demand for tickets. Atty. Joji Alonso, the producer of the film, was having a problem getting tickets for those who are hoping to attend the gala premiere.

Direk Jeffrey Jeturian went to Greenbelt on Saturday to watch but was unable to secure a ticket but managed to get in so he could greet the audience before the start of the screening.

As early as 5 p.m. on Sunday, people were already queuing at the priority lane section of the CCP for the 6:15 screening of Ekstra. A few minutes later, there was already a long queue while other people were excitedly waiting for the arrival of Gov. Vilma Santos. The Vilmanians were all hoping to get a glimpse of their idol before they enter the Main Theater of the CCP.

Some celebrities have also started arriving, making the job of containing the people a little difficult for the ushers. But the crowd politely obliged when they were asked to clear the area leading to the main theater.

When the signal was given that those watching Ekstra may now enter the theater, the people dashed towards the main entrance, hoping to be first one to get inside.

Director Jeffrey Jeturian said that since 1983, when he started working in film production, his first job was as production designer of the movie “Alyas Baby Tsina” and it starred Ms. Vilma Santos. He said at that time he already dreamed of becoming a director. His first dream already became a reality. His second dream was to be able to direct Vilma. This was realized after 30 years.

Direk Jeffrey also thanked the stars who agreed to have cameo roles in Ekstra namely Marian Rivera, Piolo Pascual, Eula Valdes, Cherry Pie Picache, Pilar Pilapil, Richard Yap, Tom Rodriguez, and Cherie who was present at the gala screening.

Vilma says doing Ekstra is her way of giving back to the film industry. “It is my way of giving my own contribution to the industry who has given me a lot. I also would like to thank my fans, the Vilmanians for their support and my friends as well,” said the actress.

She also appreciated the fact that she saw familiar faces from ABS-CBN. Among those spotted that night were Star Cinema executives Roxy Liquigan and Mico del Rosario. Star Cinema is handling the theatrical release of Ekstra on August 14.

“I can feel their support and I am glad because this is my first indie film,” she added. She also expressed appreciation for the warm reception to the movie. “It’s a big thing for me and for the ekstras. I also cherish the fact that I was able to meet the indie family and be one of them as well.”

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In line with his 30th anniversary in the business, Gary Valenciano will take fans and music lovers to the ultimate musical throwback experience as he stages “Tuesdays with Gary” that happens on August 6,13, 20, 27 and September 3, 10, 17, and 24 at Teatrino at the Promenade Greenhills (across the Music Museum).

“Tuesdays with Gary” is inspired by Gary’s early years as a performer when he used to have gigs at the popular entertainment venue of the 80’s, Tavern-On-The-Square, which was the favorite bar to perform in of some of today’s most accomplished musical performers like Martin Nievera, Kuh Ledesma, Verni Varga, Jacqui Magno, Lou Bonnevie, Zsazsa Padilla, Gino Padilla, Joey Albert, Randy Santiago to name a few.

The repertoire of the show will consist of Gary’s most requested numbers during his legendary gigs at the Tavern, and naturally some of his best-loved hits.  “Tuesdays with Gary” is set at Teatrino to replicate the intimate mood and feel of the Tavern where Gary can interact spontaneously with his audience. He will likewise have two full sets with Awit Awards’ Best New Female/Best Female Recording Artist for 2008, Philpop 3rd placer Julianne doing a mid-set performance. 

A complete departure from his concerts in such huge venues he filled up during the past 30 years such as the Araneta Coliseum, ULTRA, the Folk Arts Theater, and the Luneta Grandstand, the concert will treat fans to a rare chance to watch one of the most versatile artists in the Philippines playing various musical instruments, singing songs from musical influences like Al Jarreau, The Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Kool and the Gang, Michael Jackson, Bryan McKnight, Barry Manilow, and James Ingram as well as his own string of hits.

“It’s been quite a while since I did a series of shows in a very small venue,” says Gary. “I’m excited to sing numbers that I used to perform 30 years ago. Of course, I will also sing my own OPM songs.”  The music icon who just renewed his contract with ABS-CBN continues, “I love ASAP and because it’s a music variety show of dozens of artists targeted to a mass-based audience, I don’t always get to sing the songs I have been preparing for the series. In Tuesdays with Gary, we’ll have a night to remember every week.”

Opening the show is the AKA JAM, one of the X Factor Philippines’ Top 10 finalists, a group Gary himself mentored for nearly two months. Tickets are priced at P2,000.00, P1,500, P1,000, and P500.

“Tuesdays with Gary” is a production of Manila Genesis Entertainment & Management Inc. and GVPI for the benefit of Shining Light Foundation.