Bong mighty proud of Agimat

Videogram Regulatory Board (VRB) Chairman Bong Revilla is feeling mighty proud nowadays. His movie, Agimat (Anting-Anting ni Lolo) made it to the magic seven of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Many say that the movie was well-received by the reviewers particularly because of the fantastic story and the wonderful visual effects.

"I’m very proud that the visual effects in this movie is comparable to Hollywood movies like Harry Potter, says Bong. "We used Digital Optima and another company in Australia to make this movie and as you can see from the trailer alone, it was worth it."

Besides the grand effects of the movie, Bong is also proud of his son Jolo Revilla, who also stars in the movie. "Ang galing niya umarte! He’s a natural," gushes Bong, the father.

In Agimat, Jolo plays Pao, a young boy who owns an agimat which he brings to a hermit (played by Senator Ramon Revilla, Jolo’s grandfather) who tells him he has to pass three rigid tests before he could use the agimat.

Agimat also features a duel scene between Jolo and Bong. In this scene and in most of the film, Jolo did most of his own stunts which made Bong even feel prouder. "Of course nandun pa din ang takot but Jolo is a brave young man.!"

Other stars of Agimat are Mylene Dizon in the role of the Queen Mananangal, Nancy Castiglione as the Evil Queen, Shaina Magdayao as Jolo’s love interest and Carlos Morales as Ancient Evil. Agimat is directed by Ogie Salvador with Recio Gutierrez as Creative Consultant.

Agimat (Anting-Anting ni Lolo), released by Imus Productions opens on Dec. 25.

‘New’ Piolo in Dekada ’70

Dekada ’70 is another MMFF contender. The movie is based on the novel by Lualhati Bautista that chronicles the story of the Bartolome family as they grapple with the inequities, the terror and uncertainty of the Martial Law era.

Playing one of the sons in the movie is ABS-CBN Talent Center’s Piolo Pascual. He plays the role of a student activist. Piolo portrays it superbly.

"Jules represents the youth during the ’70s. Meron siyang paninindigan. He believes that the youth must be heard and not silenced and oppressed. His principles are so strong that he even risks his life for them," says Piolo.

Piolo recently starred in the blockbuster hit 9 Mornings with Donita Rose, Dominic Ochoa and Belinda Panelo. He also headlines the top-rating teleserye Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka with Judy Ann Santos.

He admits that his awareness about the ’70s came from school. "During our history classes in high school and college, napagkabit-kabit ko how slowly the people were trying to take control of their lives while the government was trying to control them. So even if I became a teenager in the mid’90s, I was quite familiar with the ’70s. I can honestly say that the ’70s was the decade that gave way to the developments in our lives today. Many barriers were broken during that decade, many lives were changed permanently, says Piolo.

Dekada ’70 stars Vilma Santos and Christoper Leon. The movie is directed by Chito Roño and also stars Carlos Agassi, Marvin Agustin, Danilo Barrios, Dimples Romana and John Wayne Sace. It opens on Dec. 25 and is released by Star Cinema.

Feels So Good from EMI Music

Fans of Atomic Kitten will surely purr in delight as EMI Philippines presents a new promo in line with the release of Atomic Kitten’s sophomore album Feels so Good.

Every purchase of the album at Odyssey, Shoemart, Tower Records, Music One, Astro Plus, Landmark and New Radio City that are specially labeled will entitle the buyer to a free makeover from The Body Shop. But hurry because only 5,000 winners will be chosen.

As if this isn’t enough, Atomic Kitten fans who purchase the CD in Odyssey XL or in Astro Plus will be given a Feels So Good coupon that will give the buyer a chance to win a free trip to The Spa worth P1,500. Five winners will be chosen.

Feels so Good is Atomic Kitten’s second album. It contains the smash hits It’s OK, The Tide Is High (Get the Feeling), Feels So Good and many more. The album is available in CD and cassette formats under EMI Music Philippines.