If you're a fan of OPM songs, you're bound to listen to one of the most talented singer-songwriters of the 90's and 2000's... and his name is April Boy Regino. He's made remarkable achievements during his time, and made the title IDOL resonate with the masses. This 2024, a movie will be done telling his story under Water Plus Productions. It's called "IDOL (The April Boy Regino Story)", and we got to watch it earlier at the press screening.
This film stars John Arcenas who plays April Boy Regino and Kate Yalung to play the role of his wife Madelyn. I've seen John do several projects in the past, and he's quite a spirited singer doing the classics. He's also an architecture graduate, and managed by star maker Tyrone Escalante (both of them). John has bested 27 people in the auditions, and it was obvious, he's got the voice and mannerisms secured. He studied quite extensively using April Boy's previous movies and TV appearances which he took to work while filming. This is also directed by Efren Reyes Jr. who quipped how much they had to work on finishing this film even before the pandemic. Kate on the other hand is no stranger to films, modeling, commercials and stage. They look lovely on screen, and you could tell, the camera loves them.
Making this film was no walk in the park. They had to dish out production budget for the songs they needed to secure prior to filming. But it was producer Madame Marynette Gamboa's promise to him, before he passed... and they knew, they just had to do it.
Here's the media conference which was done after the screening, please enjoy!
The film really had a very colorful story line. While this is a biopic, it's being told from the eyes of April Boy Regino. His sadness stemmed from a lot of things including getting sick thrice, and the challenges of life was no joke. It also mirrors the crazy life of a celebrity in a Philippine setting, and where he succeeded, got to help his wife and kids, his community, and ultimately be loved. This is something that you would see in the film, and I'm telling you, there were a few members of the press that cried in the dark corners of that theater.
You will learn how to cherish every moment with your family after watching it. If you feel that's something you would like to feel, it comes out in theaters this November 27th. It's also rated PG so you can take your whole family to watch it.
It's been a while since I've last seen Ms. Marian Rivera-Dantes. I also missed the opportunity to watch her latest movie "BALOTA" which was showcased at Cinemalaya XX which won her the Best Actress trophy for obvious reasons. The film mirrors real life (although satire), of an educator who goes over and beyond her duty in the classroom. Teacher Emmy not only thinks about her future, but spins in the optimism of electing leaders, and finding out the grim reality of the human psyche.
In a mayoralty race of their quaint town, they had the choice between a land grabbing power hungry woman, or a former s3xy actor. Since she also administers a precinct during the elections, she gets caught in the action when the result meant people seizing the ballot box she carries in order to win. The woman with integrity didn't budge with any force, and baddies even became more eager to find or eliminate her, no matter what it takes.
Marian by any means still looked every bit beautiful even if she was de-glamorized. The chase brought her to vehicles, the forest, the querida's house, the s3xy actor's house, the boondocks, something you wouldn't think she'd have to do as a premiere actress yet here we are. Marian says "I couldn't explain how I felt after shooting "Balota". I even mentioned to Dong how fulfilled I felt doing it despite me being in the industry for a while now. It fed my hunger to do worthwhile projects like these. I felt inspired after that win given to me by the Cinemalaya community."
The exciting thing is, they will be having this released for public viewing this coming October 16. This is produced by GMA Pictures, written and directed by Kip Oebanda. The film also includes actors Will Ashley, Raheel Bhyria, Royce Cabrera, Sassa Gurl, Esnyr, Donna Cariaga, Gardo Versoza, Mae Paner, Sue Prado, Joel Saracho, Donna Cariaga and Nico Antonio. Apt for the times, great story line that is cohesive. It's genius. Having Marian Rivera-Dantes is a great reason to also watch this. It's our story.
It's been a while since I've seen Lovi Po, JM De Guzman and Jameson Blake in person. It's been years, but this new movie beckons not just a bit of discovery, but quite a lot of understanding. I couldn't say it's fully cerebral, but from what I heard during the mediacon, it deduces the female perspective, talks about their fantasies, their lives, the justice system, in this Regal Films and C'est Lovi Productions produced project called "GUILTY PLEASURE".
This movie also includes Dustin Yu, Sarah Edwards, Angelica Lao, Johhny Revilla, Soliman Cruz, Raf Pineda, Adrienne Vergara, Lorraine Wong, Christian Ty, Ella Cristofani, and Darwin Yu among others. This is Directed by Connie Macatuno, while the screenplay and script is by Noreen Capili.
Lovi was quite thankful for the help she got from Regal Films' very own Ms. Roselle Monteverde whom she was actually able to call anytime of the day (even after business hours) if she needs to ask something about production. Yes, Lovi is actually producing this movie too hence C'est Lovi Productions. Though new to the production world, you must understand how Lovi has literally lived all her life in making films. JM De Guzman on the other hand brings another interesting character, a superior from the judicial sector, but a lover that brings something different in closed doors with Lovi's character, Alexis. Jameson Blake on the other hand is more aggressive, loving, funny, a different partnership that provides a choice between two men.
Lovi says "Working with Regal was amazing. It was something risky which I found out after reading the script. This is not for entertainment, but something that will spark conversation. When we were doing the scenes, we trust each other. It also felt like a fashion show, but there were moments when I was comfortable. It was great though because the ones you see on the trailer is just the tip of the iceberg. This story is a lot deep, and I'm thankful for Direk who helped me. I'm just so grateful that everyone came to see us here, and I hope you could come and see us on October 16."
When I asked about her Producer hat, she said "What sparked this is my love for writing. I remember doing Seasons for Regal, I felt good being part of the process, and everything just came together. There are so many stories that I want to do after that, I hope I also get to do a lot of writing. My mentor is no other than Ms. Roselle Monteverde, and the fact that I can call her anytime, and also, my husband abroad who does this professionally in Hollywood, and that's awesome."
Here's what happened at the press conference:
If you find the topic interesting, go to theaters this coming October 16. It's going to be shown in SM Cinemas across the country. Accessible, interesting, and has a lot of taboo talk unearthed especially for women, empowered or not.
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