‘Edsa Woolworth’ has right blend of drama and comedy

 “Edsa Woolworth” is the latest solo starrer of comedienne Pokwang. The movie is produced by The Filipino Channel and will be distributed by Star Cinema nationwide beginning January 14. According to its director, John-D Lazatin, they had Pokwang in mind and no one else when they thought of the concept.

It was Direk John-D who directed Pokwang in another TFC-produced movie titled “A Mother’s Story,” an indie film which first showcased the actress in a drama role. Said film was distributed by ABS-CBN International. “I was looking forward to working with her again,” said the director.

“Edsa Woolworth” had an initial run in the US and Canada last November with rave reviews. The movie has the right blend of drama and comedy. The film highlights universal values that every Filipino can certainly relate to—chief among them are love and compassion among family members.

For her part, Pokwang admitted feeling the pressure that she has been entrusted anew by TFC to be the lead actress in another film produced by the company that has brought Filipinos abroad close to home.

As Edsa Woolworth, Pokwang delivers a standout performance that no one should ever miss. Edsa is the only daughter in a family headed by an American father and she is faced with the dilemma of how to reconcile the desires of her heart and the unconditional love she feels for her family.

Pokwang felt like a queen when she came to San Francisco, California to shoot her scenes. Except for Ricci Chan, all of her co-stars are Americans – Stephen Spohn, Lee O’Brien and the Fil-Turkish Prince Saruhan.

In the movie, it was Lee who plays her boyfriend and they had a kissing scene on the first shooting day. “I wanted that. Let’s admit it. Huwag na tayong magplastikan,” said Pokwang with a laugh at the movie’s presscon yesterday.

According to Direk John-D, Pokie was kind of nervous on their first shooting day. She arrived in San Francisco the night before and was surprised to learn that her first scene will have to be a kissing scene.

“But the shooting went on smoothly. It was a fun shoot and not stressful,” added Pokwang.

Lee, on the other hand, said it was a great journey to have worked with Filipino actors, most especially with Pokwang. The comedienne said they had continuous communication even if the shoot was over. “He was concerned about all of us, especially when typhoons hit our country,” said Pokwang. But she brushed aside notions of a romantic interlude with her American leading man.

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It is true that after making a mark as a successful director, Wenn Deramas is setting his eyes this time, brace yourselves, on becoming an actor?

Direk Wenn appeared in a movie directed by Joey Paras (whose title escapes us at the moment) which was shown at the Quezon City International Pink Film Festival last December. Said film co-starred Direk Wenn with another director, Soxie Topacio.

  Since he has nothing more to prove as a director (he has several box-office titles tucked under his belt), Direk Wenn supposedly mentioned giving acting a serious try.

    If plans don’t miscarry, Joey Paras will direct Direk Wenn’s launching film to be produced by Viva Films, the film outfit behind Direk Wenn’s blockbuster movies, the latest of  which is “The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin” which earned more than P402 million in the recently concluded 40th Metro Manila Film Festival.

      Will Direk Wenn be as successful as Vice Ganda if and when he makes serious his desire to become an actor?

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After a fabulous wedding that enthralled the nation, newlyweds Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera drew flak for spending so much on their grand wedding. It was reported that Dingdong spent P30 million for the wedding, and much-talked about was Marian’s gown which reportedly cost P2 million and the beautiful cake adorned by Swarovski crystals which also cost a fortune.

We don’t see any reason why some people should fault Dingdong for spending lavishly for the wedding. Of course, he wants to give Marian the best and make it a memorable event. Besides, it was his own hard-earned money he spent – it did not come from the Philippine treasury. It was not sourced from PDAF and certainly was not stolen.

If Dingdong wants to give his Marian the best wedding ever, that is his call. Why can’t we be happy instead for the couple who wanted a fairytale ending to their romance?

Besides, in lieu of gifts, Dingdong and Marian urged their ninangs and ninongs to donate instead to Yes Pinoy Foundation so that it could fund its projects. Isn’t that an admirable trait of Dingdong and Marian?

We wish the couple a happy married life and more success in their respective careers.