Cesar’s ‘great escape’ to Hollywood

Still on Cloud 9 after the successful premiere of his first Hollywood movie, Miramax Films’ The Great Raid, in Washington D.C. over the weekend, Cesar Montano (who plays the pivotal role guerilla leader Capt. Juan Pajota) was quoted by The STAR’s Man in Washington Jose Katigbak as saying that he is ready for his "great escape" to Hollywood.

"I plan to move to Los Angeles from the Philippines," said Cesar after the premiere graced by, among other US Government dignitaries, Senators Hillary Clinton and John McCain. "I plan to get an agent and, hopefully, break into the big time."

Alvin Anson, who is among the Pinoy actors in supporting roles, also has the same plan.

Cesar should be back from Washington anytime now. His first priority is to settle things in Manila and pack his things again. Hello, Hollywood! He’s leaving by himself. Wife Sunshine Cruz and their two daughters will remain here. Cesar will fetch them as soon as he is financially able to bring them to Hollywood.

The Great Raid, which chronicles the rescue of US prisoners of war in Cabanatuan during World War II with the help of Filipino guerillas, was filmed two years ago in Australia, with Benjamin Bratt as lead actor.

No, Cesar said, he wasn’t intimidated by Bratt in their scenes together.

"I feel his equal," Katigbak quoted Cesar as saying, "because I was playing a Filipino and I am a Filipino."

Cesar ended the post-premiere interview with a promise.

"I’m going to make my dream come true. I hope that fame and fortune will follow. After 20 years in (local movies), it’s time that I aspire for bigger things."

Good luck, Cesar. May you succeed in having your slice of Hollywood!

Ronnie, Mariz US-bound, too

A few issues ago, Funfare put out a blind item about a showbiz couple migrating to the US. Yes, the couple is none other than Ronnie Ricketts and wife Mariz who have two beautiful daughters.

Mariz confirmed the blind item during a brief phone chat with Funfare.

You see, Ronnie’s parents, Edith and Max Naldo-Ricketts, own and manage a flourishing real-estate business in California, with offices in San Diego, and since they’re not getting any younger, Edith and Max want Ronnie to take over.

"That’s the plan as of now," said Mariz.

I’m sure the Rickettses’ plan to migrate is also influenced by the lingering slump in the movie industry. Ronnie has his own company, Rocketts Films, which produces movies Ronnie himself writes, directs and stars in.

The couple, with their daughters, came home recently from an extended vacation in the US where Mariz attended the wedding of her sister Raquel to Ariel Neri (son of Nilchar and Victorina Neri) in New Jersey. The newlyweds spent their two-week honeymoon in Italy, highlighted by a visit to Rome where they were blessed by Pope Benedict.

Through Funfare, Mariz on behalf of Raquel and Ariel, would like to thank the following: Wedding Group One, the official photographer; Arielle Agasang for Raquel’s gown; Mark Aquino for designing the wedding invitations; Robbie Scott and the New Deal Orchestra; Mint Basin, Specialty Wines, Inc.; Santos Limousine; Sheraton in Raritan Center Parkway, Edison, NJ; St. Augustine of Canterbury Church; Maricar Penafel (owner of Ricky’s Salon in Jersey City); Via Roses; and Raquel’s Mommy Lita for the floral arrangements.

Novenas for St. Philomena

Novenas in honor of St. Philomena, Patroness of the Living Rosary, are now being held preparatory to her feast day on Aug. 11 to be celebrated at the Santuario de Santa Philomena at the Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Del Monte Avenue, Malac-Inaman St., Masambong, Quezon City.

Rosary starts at 5:30 p.m. followed by novena prayers and Holy Mass at 6:30 p.m. celebrated by Rev. Fr. Jojo Zerrudo (parish priest of Vicar Forane) and guest priests Rev. Frs. Thomas Asia, MMHC; Orlando Aceron, OP; Michael Padua, SVD; Jerry Donato, SVD; and Jerry Orbos, SVD.

On Sunday, Aug. 7, there will be a procession at 4 p.m., followed by novena prayers and Holy Mass at 6 p.m. to be celebrated by Rev. Fr. Honesto Ongtioco, D.D., Bishop of Cubao. On Aug. 10, Bishop Ongtioco will bless the pilgrims and give a special souvenir of the 200th anniversary of the Translation of the Sacred Body of St. Philomena from Rome to Mugnano del Cardinale (Avelino), Italy.

(Note: For further inquiries, call 365-1011 or 412-2560 or 0918-5470605.)

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