Vic, Ai-Ai & Bong join forces for 2012 MMFF

Yes, you read today’s headline correctly. Metro Filmfest’s blockbusters Sen. Bong Revilla, Ai-Ai de las Alas and Vic Sotto are joining forces for the 2012 filmfest in December. A powerhouse cast, isn’t it?

This piece of news was relayed to Funfare by my VDPA (Very Deep Penetration Agent) who recently saw the three stars — whom Funfare is henceforth calling the Gigastars…in computer parlance, “giga” is far bigger than a “mega” — in a “serious meeting” at the UCC resto on Connecticut Street in Greenhills.

In fact, on his way to the restroom as he passed by the trio’s table, the VDPA overheard Vic (or was it Bong?) saying that the three of them will co-produce the movie and star in it. Winner, isn’t it?

Bong has topped several Metro Filmfests as did Vic and Ai-Ai whose movie, Star Cinema’s Enteng ng Ina Mo, was the top grosser in last year’s Metro Filmfest. Bong’s starrer Panday 2 was among the top three in the same filmfest.

Could it be true that Ai-Ai has decided to go on a co-production venture with Vic and Bong because Star Cinema is lukewarm to the idea of doing an Enteng/Ina sequel for this year’s Metro Filmfest?

Like Vic, Bong has already starred with Ai-Ai, in Kapag Tumibok ang Puso (Not Once But Twice) in 2006. It’s not sure yet what the “Gigastars” first movie together will be. But it’s safe to predict that it will be a huge moneymaker. You bet?

A beauty-ful reunion in NYC

It’s very rare that the Philippines’ top models and beauty queens find themselves in the same place — under ordinary circumstances, that is, and not during an event like a fashion show.

This time, they met during the seventh annual New York City Half Marathon last March 18.

“The beauties stood out in the crowd,” reported Funfare’s “beauty expert” Felix Manuel who was there. “Three of them ran the course while the rest gleefully cheered their compatriots along the route of the marathon. Two-time New York City Marathon finishers Gem Padilla (1990 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe) and Lucia Santiago (1996 Bodyshots winner and 1997 Elite Model Look of the Year winner) ran the course with first-time participant Anthea Robles (Bb. Pilipinas-International).”

Finishers at all levels embraced the course, which included a six-mile loop of Central Park, a dash down Seventh Avenue and across 42nd Street to the West Side Highway, and a duck through the Battery Park Underpass to the finish on Water Street at the historic South Street Seaport.

“The streets of NYC were all lined up with well-wishers from more than 70 nations cheering the largest field in race history at 15,336,” added Felix. “The race awarded $100,000 in prize money, including $20,000 each to the male and female winner.”

The good news is that all our beautiful runners finished the half marathon successfully along with other Filipino marathon enthusiasts from all over the US with some even coming from other states.

“Gem’s finish time was 2:04:22 while Lucia and Thea finished at 2:11:54  and 2:29:27, respectively,” said Felix. “Anthea was the most static among the Pinoys who finished the half marathon; she even cried when she crossed the finish line! She said that she had I prepared for the marathon for quite some time and felt blessed that she was able to finish it under my expected time. The same daw ang feeling noon when her name was called as Bb. Pilipinas winner.”

Former queens and top models spotted at the cheering section were Dana Narvadez (Mutya ng Pilipinas-World 1988), Patricia Ann dela Cruz (Elite Model look of the Year-Philippines 1988 Winner), Maricor Lustre (Mutya ng Pilipinas 1997 Miss Friendship), Nol Cueto (Bb. Pilipinas 1990 second runner-up) and Sarah Jane Paez (Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 1989).

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare. or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)