What excites Vilma about latest movie?

Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos is excited about her forthcoming movie under Star Cinema. It is her first movie in five years. “I have never done a role like this. Ito ay comedy-drama,” she said. Vilma is proud of the cast that includes John Lloyd Cruz and son Luis Manzano. “I have a best actor here in John Lloyd and I have my son Luis. I will be working with them for the first time.” The movie will be shot in New York and will be directed by Olive Lamasan.

Aliw Best  Musical Production

Ang Pagong at ang Matsing, a Gantimpala Theater Production won the Best Musical Production in the recently-concluded Aliw Awards. Written by Palanca winner J. Dennis Teodosio, with music composed by award-winning composer Jesse Lucas, Ang Pagong at ang Matsing is based on the comic strip drawn by our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

The children’s musical is about a kind hearted turtle and an arrogant monkey who see a floating banana tree on the river. The banana tree became the bone of contention of the two.

The artistic trio of Lucas, Teodosio and Espejo made the strip into a full-length musical in Filipino. They added additional characters such as animal side kicks and talking trees, laced with engaging tunes and lively choreography. Kids and the young-at-heart get their fill of lessons about friendship, fairness, forgiveness, sharing and love for the environment in Ang Pagong at Ang Matsing.

Winning the Aliw award, Espejo, artistic director of Gantimpala Theater, says, “The recognition is indeed a big surprise for Gantimpala Theater. After all, we were in competition with some of the best theater companies nowadays and the other nominated plays were also excellent. Who would ever thought that our modest attempt to re-introduce to this generation the comic strip by our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal will give us the honor. I share this with all my cast, artistic and production staff, most especially to J. Dennis Teodosio who wrote the script and Jesse Lucas, who composed the music, and to everyone who has watched and enjoyed it.”

Michael King Urieta played Pagong while Francis Ong (who also bagged an acting nomination) portrayed Matsing, with Meldea Flor Formacos as Suso, Anthony Cruz as Tarsier with Leo Ponseca (Punong Mangga); Ronald Concepcion (Punong Acacia); John Paolo Garcia (Punong Bakawan); Rene Nisperos and Rommel Aratan (as the Kaputol ng Saging).

Ang Pagong at ang Matsing had successful performances in Subic, Pampanga, Tarlac, in SM Southmall, Raha Sulayman Park in Malate, EDSA Shangri-La Mall, and in the Concert at the Park Open Air Auditorium, inside historic Rizal Park. It will be re-staged in February 2009 in time for the February Arts Month celebration.

Atang in the eyes of Ayen

Ayen Laurel plays the role of Gia Almonte in Floy Quintos’ latest opus titled Atang, based on the life of National Artist Atang de la Rama. As Gia, Ayen will sing such beloved kundiman as Pakiusap, Nasaan ka Irog, Bayan Ko and Bituing Marikit. She will also sing Nabasag Ang Banga from Dalagang Bukid; Masayang Dalaga from Ang Kiri; and even an Atang novelty number Magkano Ang Bibingka Mo? Ayen shares the stage with Shamaine Centenera and Frances Makil. Director is Alexander Cortez.

Gia is a superstar who studied the life and times of the national artist in preparation of a film she will star in and in the process imbibing her legendary life and career. Gia becomes Atang reenacting moments from the life of the star and interpreting the signature songs of Atang’s career.

Atang which is part of the UP Centennial Celebration, is set in the year Atang de la Rama was conferred the title of National Artist by then President Aquino. She was 84 years old. In the play, Atang is visited by Gia Almonte, an ambitious superstar eager to interview the legend in preparation for a film on Atang’s life.

Atang receives the young actress and sees the sincerity and honest admiration beneath Gia’s ambition. Both are actresses, both are used to the demands of public adulation. And Atang allows Gia glimpses into her legendary life and career. The play runs on Nov. 26 and ends Dec. 14.