‘Bekikang’ gets critics’ nod

 â€œBekikang” is earning a pretty bundle at the box office during its first week. But what’s surprising is that it has earned some critical acclaim as well. Surprising because Wenn Deramas’ films, while they may be big earners, are usually panned by the critics.

But friends of mine who are movie connoisseurs are impressed. “It’s not outright lowbrow and the story makes sense, said one, who is not exactly a Deramas fan. “It’s several levels up from ‘Praybeyt Benjamin,’” my friend added.

Another credited Joey Paras for an exceptionally fine performance. In “Bekikang,” Joey portrays a gay who overcomes family and romantic challenges.

Joey credits Wenn for egging him on when he was just starting out. “You’re good. If I didn’t take you in, you would have withered in the vine.” This was the mantra the director kept repeating to Joey. The comedian has come a long way since, but Joey still remembers Direk Wenn’s words.

Joey had been acting on stage since his college days. At the University of Sto. Tomas, he auditioned for Tanghalang Pilipino, a theater course. He was one of 200 who applied. Only 10 were accepted and one of them was Joey.

He studied theater for two years and performed in Tanghalang Pilipino’s plays. Among his mentors at Tanghalan were Irma Adlawan, Gary Lim and Nonie Buencamino.

After graduating, Joey went into serious theater acting. But his interest soon waned and he drifted into singing. He became a vocalist for The Groove. Pretty soon he formed his own band, Dash, and they had gigs here and abroad.

But theater once again beckoned and Joey returned to the stage. That was when he got his break. He was cast in the play Zsa Zsa Zaturnah, which became something of a cult hit. “I remember the long lines at the theater,” Joey says. “A lot of people came to see it.”

Among those who saw the play was an executive of ABS-CBN. After the show, the exec offered Joey a small role in the telenovela “Maging Sino Ka Man” which starred Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz.

Joey divided his time between taping for the series and acting on stage.

Direk Wenn first glimpsed Joey when he performed in “Bona,” a play directed by Soxie Topacio and with Eugene Domingo in the starring role.

Joey said Direk Wenn called him up. “He asked me if I could guest in ‘Kahit Puso’y Masugatan’ (an ABS-CBN soap starring Andi Eigenmann and Iza Calzado). At that time I was doing a show for GMA (Hindi Ka Na Nag-iisa). But there was no conflict in taping so I signed up,” Joey says. Not soon after Wenn offered Joey a regular role in the series, to which Joey accepted.

Wenn figured it was time for Joey to graduate to the big screen. He was cast in the highly successful “Sisterakas.” Joey was also in “Momzillas” which starred Maricel Soriano and Eugene Domingo.

Joey is joined in “Bekikang” by Tom Rodriguez, Janice de Belen and Tirso Cruz III.

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Clint Eastwood's wife, Dina, has filed for divorce, ending one of the most enduring marriages in Hollywood. The couple married in 1996 and have a 16-year-old daughter, Morgan. Clint has seven other kids from previous relationships.

Dina cited irreconcilable differences and is seeking spousal support.

TMZ reports that Dina has bought several hundred dollars worth of crystals to “rid her home of Clint's negative energy.” She also bought incense, sage and “other stuff believed to have metaphysical powers of healing and cleansing.”

Dina, according to TMZ, was overheard saying she still loves Clint and that the breakup was “unreal and heartbreaking.”