Ang ekstra at ang stars

MANILA, Philippines - Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos is taking the titular role in the indie Ekstra to heart.

“I really see to it that I feel like one on the set,” Vilma told Funfare in a brief phone chat yesterday. “Feel na feel kong excited akong kasama ang mga stars.”

What she means is very obvious in these exclusive photos taken on the set and sent to Funfare by lawyer Joji Alonso, the producer who said getting Vilma’s nod was a breeze. “She fell in love with the role upon reading the script,” said Joji, “and “that was it.”

Right: “Ekstra Vilma” (fourth from left) with the indie’s guest stars (from left): Pilar Pilapil, Tom Rodriguez, Marian Rivera, Cherie Gil and Olive Isidro. Below, left: Vilma with Pilar. Below, right: Director Jeffrey Jeturian (foreground, right) on the set. Bottom, left: Vilma with Cherie. Bottom, right: Marian and Tom.

The scene filmed was supposed to be a teleserye titled Nauna Ka Naging Akin, Book 2, with Vilma as an extra, Marian as the bride, Tom as the groom, Cherie as Marian’s snooty mother, Pilar as Cherie’s family’s mortal enemy and Olive as Tom’s mother. Scheduled to shoot today is guest Piolo Pascual as Marian’s spurned lover.

Ekstra will compete in Cinemalaya in July.