On whether Bea should be new Movie Queen

Should there be an is sue about the movie queen tag given to Bea Alonzo by ABS-CBN? The Kapamilya network is calling Bea the movie queen of her generation as indicated in publicity materials of Bea’s new drama series “Sana Bukas Pa ang Kahapon” which will premiere this Monday, June 16.

On what basis is Bea being labeled as movie queen of her generation only ABS-CBN can answer although Susan Roces, who is hailed as the movie queen of her time and is still considered a movie queen up to now, doesn’t have any objections that Bea is being called as such. But there are some quarters who are allegedly questioning the movie queen tag being bestowed on Bea since there is no clear-cut reason for choosing the actress.

If being a top box-office draw is one criterion, then there could be valid reason if some quarters would raise a howl. The fans of Sarah Geronimo can certainly question that tag as the Popstar Princess had been given the box-office queen title three times. We believe that Bea has been given a box-office queen title one time or another but maybe not as many as those given to Sarah.

Of course, there is no question that Bea is a competent actress, as proven by her awards and how her performances on TV or in movies have garnered praise and acclaim. One thing going for Bea is her courage to take on edgy roles, or her being daring in tackling roles. Bea believes in taking on more challenging projects to improve herself as an actress. And her dual role in “Sana Bukas Pa ang Kahapon” is a step in that direction.

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A talent management firm, who handles a top actor, seems to be enjoying in treating their new ward, a talented young actress like a superstar that she is probably aiming to be. Some media people were surprised with the way the management firm is treating their ward like a big star when she is very down-to-earth and unassuming.

If we were to believe what we heard, whenever the young actress has an event to attend, her entourage includes eight people – a make-up artist and fashion stylist and their respective assistants, a talent handler from the network, a talent handler from her management firm, a yaya and her driver.

Some stars that are even more popular than this young actress have very few assistants in tow. There are some veteran stars who only have one assistant, or none at all.

If the young actress becomes an even bigger star, she’d probably have an alalay to carry her bags, shoes and gown. She’ll probably have more people in her entourage. Sometimes, it is the fault of the management outfit because they make their wards believe that they are more popular, when actually, they have yet to achieve such status.

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ABS-CBN issued an apology after some groups and two senators took them to task after the nude painting challenge of the contestants in the reality show  “Pinoy Big Brother: All In.”

The ABS-CBN apology was aired in their primetime newscast “TV Patrol” Wednesday night. The apology states and we quote: “While the objective of the week-long task was to see how the housemates would react to a test of their convictions and values, and was not intended to disrespect the rights of any housemate, the producers wish to convey their sincerest apologies to those who were offended, and assure the public and the MTRCB that the program will continue to ensure the protection of women’s rights in general, and housemates’ rights in particular, while providing quality and yet gender and audience-sensitive entertainment to its audiences worldwide.”

The nude painting challenge that was given as a task to Jayme Jalandoni, Michelle Gumabao, Daniel Matsunaga and Ranty Portento earned the ire of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) who urged the Movie Television Review Classification Board (MTRCB) to investigate the incident.

Senators Pia Cayetano and Nancy Binay also reacted on the issue. “This is an assault to the dignity of the women housemates. Asking a woman to consider posing nude in such a situation – where her acceptance to perform the challenge is made in exchange for points or benefits for herself or her housemates – is tantamount to coercion,” said Cayetano who is the chairperson of the Senate committee on women, family relations and gender relations.

“In their desire to challenge and teach the contestants life lessons, they should be conscious of the rights of the housemates and know the limits when assigning tasks that could end up degrading women and trampling on their dignity. In this case, they crossed the line.”

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If you are wondering why Ryan Agoncillo does not appear on “Eat Bulaga” every Tuesday, it’s because he is taping for his new sitcom “Ismol Family” that will start airing next Sunday, June 22, on GMA-7. He sought permission from Tony Tuviera of TAPE Inc. (the producer of “Eat Bulaga”) if he could be absent on the show on that day and he was allowed.

Ryan had long wanted to do a sitcom again and was pleased when his TAPE boss granted his request. Since his game show “Picture Picture” is ending soon, Ryan and GMA talked about doing a sitcom. When he returned from his New Zealand vacation, everything was set for the sitcom. He is happy with the concept and with his co-stars. He is also looking forward to working with Dominic Zapata, who directed the much-talked about “My Husband’s Lover.”

Incidentally, Judy Ann Santos and their children Yohan and Lucho are appearing as guests on “Picture! Picture!” on June 15 which is the show’s Father’s Day presentation, and last episode. However, there are requests to extend the show, and there is reason to extend it since it received a Certificate For Creative Excellence from the U.S. International Film and Video  Festival in LA. It was the only show among the GMA Entertainment TV entries which got such an accolade.