Shaina Magdayao is thankful to Quantum Films for giving her the chance to be the leading lady in the political rom-com movie “My Candidate” where she is paired with Derek Ramsay.
It is tough luck for Shaina. Even if she is one of the more talented actresses of ABS-CBN, she seldom gets the chance to play the lead role in a movie. Most of the time, she only gets supporting roles. But here in “My Candidate,” she gets a plum role as Billie Pono, a former druggie who is now a life/communication coach who helps Derek’s character Sonny Suarez in his senatorial campaign.
“Isang malaking challenge sa akin ang movie na ito dahil alam ninyo naman na laging drama ang ginagawa ko. Kailangan i-detach ko ang sarili ko sa typical roles that I normally play. But with the help of my director and my hip-hop mentor, sana ay naitawid namin. First time ko to do a rom-com. Alam ninyo naman iyak lang ako nang iyak,” the former child star said.
We’ve already seen the movie in a special preview and we must congratulate Shaina and Derek for their fine performances. They are very much in the zone with their acting.
Even if Iza Calzado only has a supporting role as Derek’s ex-girlfriend who also becomes his rival for a senatorial seat, trust Iza to come up with a noteworthy performance. As Iza said in an interview, she didn’t mind playing a supporting role.
“As long as the role is good and challenging, I will accept it. Besides, I would like to support my friend Quark Henares who is making a directorial comeback in this movie,” Iza said.
“My Candidate,” which opens in cinemas today, is produced by Quantum Films, MJM Productions, Buchi Boy Productions and Tuko Productions. Also starring in the movie are Nico Antonio, Ricci Chan, Jun Sabayton and Tirso Cruz III.
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Even if she comes from a family that is known in the world of politics, Denise Laurel doesn’t have plans of entering the political arena. As a young girl, she saw the hardships that her grandfather (former Vice President Salvador Laurel) went through for the love of his country. She said her grandfather was accused of many things that he didn’t do. The actress is also aware of the travails experienced by her great grandfather who remained faithful to the Philippines.
Denise is playing the role of a Migrante lawyer who gets involved with Tom Rodriguez in the movie “Magtanggol” which is an advocacy film about OFWs.
Because of “Magtanggol,” she was able to talk to several members of Migrante which gave her insight into the things they do to help OFWs.
“I was inspired by the people working in Migrante since they are very determined to help OFWs. They even spend their own money just to help. They don’t earn a cent from what they do but they are very selfless,” the Kapamilya star said.
Because of her exposure to Migrante members, Denise said understood more and appreciated their love for our country.
She admitted that her family somehow experienced trauma because of what happened to her grandfather in politics. This is the reason why no member of their family decided to enter politics again.
“Ang motto namin sa pamilya ay bayan higit sa lahat. Saka naniniwala kami na hindi naman namin kailangan pumasok sa public service para makatulong sa bayan. Dito naman sa movie na ‘Magtanggol,’ naniniwala ako na makaka-inspire ito ng mga tao na dapat unahin mo ang pag-ibig sa bayan before anything else.”
Also featured in the advocacy film “Magtanggol” are Yam Concepcion, Joonee Gamboa, Kim Domingo, and William Martinez. This is produced by Felix and Bert Productions (owned by Jojo and Susan Dispo) and is directed by Siegfred Barros-Sanchez.
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Six hours after the canvassing of votes began on Monday, Senator Grace Poe publicly announced that she was conceding to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. The mayor was ahead by seven million votes that time.
Senator Poe thanked everyone who helped during her campaign and promised to cooperate with the president-elect.
In a press conference before midnight, Senator Grace announced that she respects the will of the electorate and is willing to cooperate with the Davao City leader.
We salute Senator Grace for what she did. She is the kind of politician this country needs.
Her gesture earned praise from netizens. Many people took to social media to express their respect for the good senator. She may have lost the presidency but she has waged a good battle. We admire her camp for not resorting to mudslinging and badmouthing but stuck to presenting their platform to the voters.
We voted for her and we believe she is the best candidate to lead the country. We admire her sincerity and genuine desire to be of service to the people. Maybe she will have the right time to be the president of this country.
Mabuhay Senator Grace Poe!