‘Barber’s Tales’ is Eugene Domingo’s finest

Eugene Domingo has truly arrived as an actress in “Barber’s Tales.” After winning Tokyo’s best actress award, she added another layer to her thespic abilities. Her silence screams of her pain and repression as a woman. “This is Uge’s finest,” that was what the critics in the Cinema Evaluation Board said about Uge’s performance in the film.

“Barber’s Tales” is about Marilou, a widow who inherits a barbershop from her husband, the only barber in their barrio. Problem begins when people doubt her capability of being a lady barber—when it is a job traditionally belonging to men.

The movie basically showed how life was during the Marcos years, of how Martial Law affected even the most bucolic places in the country, and how Philippine politics actually awakened Marilou’s brave inner persona.

But what is even more important is the women empowerment that was exemplified in the film. It showed that overcoming adversities can be done if people have the moral courage and strong principles. “Barber’s Tales” is produced by APT Entertainment, Inc. and OctoberTrain Productions. It won for Jun Lana the best director award in the Madrid International Film Festival.

***

Robin Padilla is not a TV host. He is an action star but he is taking on the challenge to be a part of “Talentadong Pinoy” which he considers a legend in Philippine television. “I want to be the defender of the Talentado. I believe there are many talented Pinoys out there and it would be a pity if we can’t show their talent. That’s why we ought to bring back ‘Talentadong Pinoy,’ said the action star-turned-talent show host at the launch of the comebacking program on TV5.

Robin is up for a real challenge indeed. Aside from proving that he is a capable host, he has to bring in the numbers in terms of the ratings. “Talentadong Pinoy” is one of the flagship programs of TV5. It is one of the top-rating shows of the Kapatid Network ever since. We imagine the pressure that Robin must be feeling as “Talentadong Pinoy” returns tomorrow night at the Kapatid channel.

But the action star is undaunted by the pressure. “I am not pressured. What Ryan Agoncillo did for ‘Talentadong Pinoy’ is already a legend. No one can duplicate what he has done for ‘Talentadong Pinoy’ before. But with this new show, we are presenting something different as well. My belief is, hindi ako ang bida sa show and neither is Mariel but the many talented Filipinos who should be given the time to shine. We want to help them because it would be a waste if we don’t help them,” Robin added.

The action star believes that the Filipino is immensely talented. For the show, Robin has taken to talking to the different talented Pinoys who wanted to try their luck in the extremely popular talent show.

“I was really impressed with the talented Pinoys whom I had the chance of talking to. Marami palang mga matitinding talent ang Pinoy, bakit hindi natin ilabas? When I was offered by TV5 to do this show for them, I asked them for copies of past episodes so I could watch them. I must admit I never had the chance to watch ‘Talentadong Pinoy’ before. After watching, I readily said yes. The show will not only provide entertainment but will showcase the talents of unknown Pinoys. This is the only show that can help them achieve that dream to be discovered.”

Doing a hosting job for a TV show is a full-time job. But Robin has made arrangements with TV5 so that his other projects like his filmfest movie won’t be affected by his work for “Talentadong Pinoy.” He will be taping enough episodes so once filming for his filmfest entry “Bonifacio” starts next month, he will have enough episodes in the can.

“Doing the movie ‘Bonifacio’ is also important for me. And it is a major project as well. It is a period film and involves a lot of research. We intend to show what really happened in the life of Bonifacio. We are coming up with details about the life of Bonifacio that we didn’t know about, not the ones that they taught us in school. We have proof of important details that the public need to know about our hero. I even made my own research as well.”

***

Cinema One held its 20th anniversary concert recently. Hosted by KC Concepcion, the event featured Jed Madela, Angeline Quinto, Jovit Baldivino, and KZ Tandingan who kicked off the anniversary show with the Cinema One theme song titled “Parang Sine/Laging Kasama.”

This was followed by various production numbers that latched into various genres – performed by Hajji Alejandro, Vernie Varga, Christian Bautista, Sam Concepcion and Morisette Amon, plus Yeng Constantino and Raimund Marasigan backed up by the music of ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra.

Pokwang also took centerstage to deliver a stand-up act, mentioning and sampling some of her favorite funny moments from movies she starred in.

Also given tribute during Cinema One’s 20th Anniversary Concert thru the Numero Uno Cinema One Icons were Fernando Poe, Jr. and Dolphy. The awards were accepted by Bryan Poe Llamanzares and Epi and Vandolph Quizon. Also given Numero Uno Cinema One Icons where Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos, two of the most important personalities in the industry.

The concert will be aired via pay-per-view on Cinema One channel on August 15. For updates, visit Cinema One’s official FB page (www. facebook.com/Cinema1 Channel).