MANILA, Philippines - It’s final: Sen. Bong Revilla will not be Gibo Teodoro’s running-mate in 2010.
“It’s a no,” said Bong, debunking reports that he might be tempted to run for vice president. “I’m 99.99 percent sure that I’m not running.”
Bong was talking to movie writers yesterday during the presscon for his latest starrer, Ang Panday, which is a joint venture between GMA Films and the Revilla-family-owned Imus Productions intended for the 2009 Metro Manila Filmfest.
Like Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos who was also reportedly being “eyed” as Gibo’s running-mate, Bong said he’d rather run for reelection.
“I’ve thought hard about it,” Bong added. “At the time when my mind wasn’t clear, noong medyo magulo pa ang utak ko, I did weigh the pros and cons if I should run or not.”
His father, former Sen. Ramon Revilla, told Bong that he’s still too young and should instead run for reelection.
“Parang salita ng Diyos,” said Bong, referring to his father’s advice.
“But I’m thankful that they even considered me as a possible vice presidential bet.”
It’s the second time for Bong to play the legendary hero created by National Artist Carlo J. Caparas and popularized by FPJ who played it in five blockbuster movies.
There’s a possibility that the COMELEC might not “ban” movies featuring actor-politicians because after all, according to election lawyer Romy Macalintal, “it’s their profession,” their source of livelihood.
According to Annette Gozon-Abrogar, GMA Films producer, the current reinvention of Ang Panday is the most expensive so far, costing the two companies over P70 million. It also stars Iza Calzado, Rhian Ramos, Geoff Eigenmann and Phillip Salvador as the bald villain Lizardo, his first kontrabida role ever.
“We are introducing an old classic to a new generation and we want to do it in a grand way,” said Annette. “This is not just an action movie, it’s an adventure with an absorbing love story. Kumbaga, ‘yung fantastic special effects are just a bonus.”
Richard back to being a ‘normal’ guy
Rain is popular even outside Korea, chosen by Time as one of The 100 Most Influential People Who Shape Our World and by People magazine as one of The 50 Most Beautiful People.
“I’m happy to be ‘normal’ again,” said Richard. “Somebody who falls in love, who laughs, who cries and who gets angry.”
Cast as Richard’s leading lady is Heart Evangelista in the role played in the Koreanovela by Song Hye Kyo.
The cast and staff of Full House, led by director Mark Reyes, are in Prague, Czech Republic, to shoot some scenes. Prague is particularly popular among Filipinos because it’s the site of Sto. Niño de Praga who has millions of Filipino devotees.
Richard is the ideal choice for the role that won for Rain the Best Actor trophy at the KBS Acting Awards.
Full House is a top-rater in and outside Korea.
What’s up?
= The Dept. of Surgery of Asian Hospital and Medical Center will hold its first Minimally Invasive Surgery symposium entitled Current Trends in Minimally Invasive Surgery on Nov. 25 and 26 at the Patio Complex, lower ground floor. Asian Hospital international speakers and live OR feed on hepatobiliary and corectal procedures will be presented on their newest state-of-the-art endo suite. For inquiries, contact Dr. Edgar Mendiola at 771-9330 or the Marketing Department at 771-9000 local 8073.