Erich & Mario won’t raise false hopes

The new loveteam of Erich Gonzales and Mario Maurer will cast its magical spell starting Oct. 31 with the showing of their movie Suddenly It’s Magic. The movie is produced by Star Cinema and is directed by Rory Quintos.

Erich says working with the Thai heartthrob was a breeze. “Nag-click kami agad. Walang ilangan kasi before namin i-take ang scenes nakakapag-usap na talaga kami. Working with Mario was super fun. He is very professional. He’s super funny. There’s no dull moment whenever he’s around.”

Mario gained admiration after his movie Crazy Little Thing Called Love opposite Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul was aired on ABS-CBN. He also won the Best Actor award in the Southeast Asia Film Competition category of the 2008 Cinemanila International Film Festival for his role in The Love of Siam. 

Erich has found a new friend in Mario. Friendship knows no distance and culture between the two. “Iyong kakulitan niya na may makita lang siyang kung ano paglalaruan na niya. I miss his jokes. Not only Mario but also his team because we really bonded during the shoot. Me and Mario became good friends and up to now we still communicate.”

In the movie, Erich plays Joey, a pastry chef who meets Marcus (Mario), a Thai superstar. The magic starts when they meet each other. The scenes were shot in two major locations: Ilocos and Bangkok, Thailand. 

Erich downplayed the possibility that their friendship will blossom into a romance. “Wala pong ganoon dahil sa una pa lang nakapag-usap na kami ng maraming bagay. He has a nine-year relationship and I’m dating a non-showbiz guy. Importante sa amin ni Mario ngayon iyong sincerity and hindi po kami magbibigay ng false hopes.”

Mario is reported to be in a romantic relationship with Thai actress Sumontip Leuangthai.

Jodi Sta. Maria (left) with Be Careful With My Heart co-star Richard Yap

Jodi: The wait was worth it

The ABS-CBN daytime series Be Careful With My Heart continues its winning streak in the ratings game. Everyone eagerly awaits as the funny and sometimes crazy relationship between Maya (Jodi Sta. Maria) and Sir Chief (Richard Yap) slowly unfolds. In fact, the series has been extended until February 2013. 

Jodi admitted on Kris TV that she didn’t expect the series to be such a huge hit. “Hindi talaga namin ini-expect kasi noong nagsimula iyong show, parang experimental lang siya. Ultimo iyong loveteam namin ni Papa Chen. So iyon, pinaniwalaan lang namin talaga iyong konsepto.”

Her natural portrayal as the nanny of Sir Chief’s youngest child is impeccable. 

Jodi is no stranger in the acting department. A Star Magic Batch 7 alumna, she has displayed her brilliant acting in several Kapamilya series like Tabing-Ilog, Pangako Sa ’Yo, Darating ang Umaga, Walang Kapalit, Ligaw na Bulaklak, Tayong Dalawa and Noah.   

We asked about the current state of her heart. She revealed that she is not ready to get married again once her previous marriage gets annulled.

“I think I have no problem with falling in love again. Pero iyong sa pagpapakasal, parang hindi pa talaga siya sumasagi sa isip ko na once na makuha ko ang papel ko ay magpapakasal na. Hindi ba parang ang kulit, kaka-annul tapos ikakasal ulit? So no, I’m not there yet.” 

The actress does not regret her decision to marry early. She was only 22 years old when she married Pampi Lacson. “Perhaps, there really are things that don’t work out. Kasi bakit naman meron iyong kinakasal ng mas maaga ay nagkakasama ng matagal. Things happened so that’s what I can only say.”

Although Jodi is busy taking care of her son Thirdy and working on her numerous showbiz projects, she still wishes to become a doctor someday. She reasons that age is just a number when it comes to finishing one’s studies. “Hanggang kaya ko. So nandoon pa rin ako, hindi ko pa rin siya binibitiwan.”

Good things happen to people who wait. That’s exactly what Jodi did. Today, Jodi inspires many people waiting in the wings for their time on center stage to come just like Jodi.

Follies de Mwah at

Resorts World Manila

Club Mwah’s Follies de Mwah performs at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater on Oct. 29, 30, 31 and in November on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Follies de Mwah has gained a good number of following with its Las Vegas and Broadway-inspired performances. The repertoire for the Resorts World Manila performances includes a spoof of Madonna’s Super Bowl half-time show, The Sound of Music, Diamonds Are Forever and Showgirls.

Entertainment goes on at Club Mwah located along Boni Ave. in Mandaluyong this month on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and for the month of November on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

For details, look for Pocholo Malillin at 535-7943 or 532-2826.