Last night, GMA Network actress Marian Rivera (with GMA News Correspondent Nelson Canlas in the photo above) departed for Israel where she will be part of the selection committee for the 70th Miss Universe.
We wish you the best and may you have a most enjoyable stay in Eilat!
BTW, she will be accompanied by husband Actor Dingdong Dantes during the trip.
On this, the 7th and last day of our theme this week, I give you “Temptation Island” which is the most popular Filipino movie that had a beauty pageant at the core of its plot. The original, directed by the late Joey Gosiengfiao and released back in 1980, was actually interesting because it starred a number of actual beauty queens (Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1977 Jennifer Cortez, Miss Maja Pilipinas Bambi Arambulo and Azenith Briones) and immediately achieved cult-classic status that encouraged a 2011 remake from Director Chris Martinez and casted popular stars (Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, Lovi Poe and Solenn Heussaff) instead.
Watch the original and click on the trailer of the remake. Tell me which one floats your boat better. đ
The first video is the full version of the original released in 1980.
courtesy of Oriana Romy
Below is the trailer of the 2011 remake of the original cult classic of a movie
Andrea Torres and Mikael Daez have waited long enough. Now is the time to look out for each other’s star to shine bright in the biz.
Mikael and Andrea: ready for their close-ups
I’ve always felt good for showbiz personalities who get their much-anticipated big breaks after waiting in the wings long enough and paying their dues by taking on projects which tend to pigeon-hole their talents in supporting roles one after another. Such is the case of GMA-7 exclusive artists Mikael Daez and Andrea Torres.
Prior to their rise to lead status in the upcoming GMA-7 teleserye remake “Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga” (literally translated to English as “Hope It’s Really You”), they spent their time playing featured characters to the likes of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera (in “My Beloved” and “Amaya“) and even the relative newbie Kylie Padilla (in “Blusang Itim“). It was probably the network’s way of testing their patience. And it paid off, quite handsomely I must say. Afternoon Prime is a treasured block of GMA-7 since all its soaps airing from 3pm-6:30pm are constant top-raters, aside from making its stars more popular and bringing them closer to the masses.
There was a time when the cheers of the fans were for the lead stars. Mikael and Andrea are now the center of attention and getting the well-deserved adulation of the crowds.
“Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga” will ‘make-or-break’ Mikael Daez and Andrea Torres. But I can confidently say that it will ‘make’ them more than spoil their respective bids for stardom. The handsome-looking loveteam is working non-stop to promote the soap, making guest appearances whenever possible and gracing a string of network-sponsored regional caravans to insure its success. Of course, it goes without saying that they are also pouring a big chunk of their time taping with the well-assembled supporting cast of actors and actresses which include Gabby Eigenmann, Chynna Ortaleza, Rita Avila, Jestoni Alarcon and Ynna Asistio.
Watch out for “Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga” which will start airing this coming Monday, September 3, on the second slot of GMA-7’s Afternoon Prime at around 3:45PM. đ
Click on the movie poster above to go straight to the full trailer.
Enough of the gay indie movie bashing. I know that we have been flooded with a good number of thrashy softporn productions of two years’ late. But worry not. one movie with a flamboyantly gay theme is about to redeem the mediocre excesses bannered by titles like “Chub Chaser”, “Ang Pinakamahabang One-Night Stand Part 2“, “Freshboys Asia”, “Locker Boys”, “Junior”, “Senior” et al. Get past the attention-grabbing title of “Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington“ and join the long lines of moviegoers who enjoyed the movie during the weekend. Rumor has it that it outgrossed the first 5-day nationwide release of Star Cinema’s “Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi” and I can’t help but let out a wide grin.
I’m so glad that I found the time to watch and ride on the wave of #Zombadings twitter trending and all. To say that this Jade Castro-directed film is hilarious would be a great understatement. It sizzles beyond the big laughs and goes for the jugular with a story (and script) that will never insult your intelligence. Sure, it’s a good zombie film for some but it’s also a trend-setting gay movie that can overthrow your misconceptions of the same.
“Zombadings“ is all about Remington (Martin Escudero), a boy who always ridicules all-out cross-dressing gays in a town in Lucban, Quezon. He eventually met his comeuppance inside a cemetery after encountering a mysterious gay man (Roderick Paulate) who casted a curse that will turn him gay once he grows up. True enough, he started exhibiting outward indications of the transformation many years later. Meanwhile, a serial killer is on the loose and is targetting gay men who start turning up dead after being hit with a laser gun that zaps the life out of them in an instant. The already-effeminate Remington fears that he might end up being the next target. With the help of his best friend Jigs (Kerbie Zamora) and girl-next-door-love-interest Hannah (Lauren Young), they search for the individual who can remove the curse. And time is running out. I won’t go any further so as not to spoil the rest of the movie. But take my word for it. It’s one hell of a comic ride that introduces moviegoers to oft-confusing (but mercifully subtitled) gay lingo, while depicting deliciously quirky characters amidst one of the more novel gay-friendly love triangles in Philippine cinema.
“Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington“ is a big acting vehicle for Martin Escudero. He carries the film with a breakthrough performance that can definitely reward him with acting nominations and hopefully at least an award or two in next year’s derbies. His mastery of speaking gay lingo is already an achievement, not to mention the gaudy nuances of his gay conversion. Major support comes from all members of the cast, who each contributed cracking turns. Special mentions go to the eternally ambrosial Roderick Paulate (as the curse-caster), Mailes Kanapi (as the fumbling scene-stealing police assistant) and John Regala (as Remington’s father). I also must add the excellent efforts of the cinematographer for his textured and competitive lensing of the film from start to finish.
Origin8 Media‘s “Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington“ is directed by Jade Castro from a script he collaborated with Raymond Lee and Michiko Yamamoto. It stars Martin Escudero, Kerbie Zamora, Lauren Young, Eugene Domingo, Roderick Paulate, Janice de Belen, John Regala, Mailes Kanapi, Odette Khan, Daniel Fernando, and Leandro Baldemor with Bayani Agbayani and Marian Rivera in special cameo roles.
C’mon guys, watch the movie. Now na! đ
P.S. Stay stuck in your seat for the entirety of the final credits. A bonus awaits!
The day has arrived. The remake of Temptation Island opens nationwide today. If you’re a big fan of the original cult classic, watch this one to see how Director Chris Martinez pays homage to the late mother creator, Joey Gosiengfiao. And if you’re just plain curious, check it out because I’m pretty sure it will be an all-out fun flick to spend two hours of your time with. đ
Watch the full trailer here:
courtesy of regalcinema
As my week is pretty full at work, I’m scheduled to watch it (with two of my friends-contemporaries) this coming Saturday….first screening! đ
Marian Rivera stars as Amaya in Philippine Television's Grandest Epicserye ever.
courtesy of mattimeo02
courtesy of tiamaria0305
courtesy of Taimage4DY
Bar none, “Amaya” is the biggest and most expensive Philippine-produced TV series aptly called an “epicserye“. GMA-7 made sure that no stones are left unturned in coming up with a production that will set a new trend in television viewing.
The cast of Amaya
So far, hundreds of millions in pesos have already been spent in meticulously detailing the various sets in three different locations, designs, costumes, plus a cast committed to making this one of the most unforgettable Pinoy series ever. Historians from the University of the Philippines also collaborated to insure the accuracy and authenticity of the same.
Marian Rivera stars as Amaya, together with leading men Sid Lucero and Mikael Daez. The supporting cast includes Glaiza de Castro, Gina Alajar, Raymond Bagatsing, Gardo Verzosa, Lani Mercado, Rochelle Pangilinan and more. At the helm is Director Mac Alejandre.
“Amaya” will have its premiere on May 30 on GMA-7’s Telebabad primetime block.
Before the much-awaited remake of Temptation Island hits the multiplexes next month, why not watch the original cult classic which inspired the new version? The quartet characters of Azenith Briones, Dina Bonnevie, Jennifer Cortez and Bambi Arambulo will be given fresh takes by new leads Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, Lovi Poe and Solenn Heussaff, respectively. What’s more the latter will have names made famous by past Joey Gosienfiao movies such as Christina, Virginia P., Pura and Serafina. The four will share the screen with leading men Aljur Abrenica, Tom Rodriguez, Mikael Daez (who took over the role originally meant for Paulo Avelino after the latter contracted pneumonia just before the shoot in Ilocos Norte), John “Sweet” Lapus and Rufa Mae Quinto. Director Chris Martinez is pressured to measure up to the campiness of the original, while injecting modern concepts to the same. I wonder how the giant friend chicken and ice cream cone will be shown because those are integral parts during the desert scenes when everyone is starting to freak out due to hunger.
I’m really hyped up for the remake, just as the others who grew up relishing the first in their younger years. Watch now! đ
video courtesy of 6988kid
Just to whet your appetite even more, here are some photos (courtesy of cast member Rufa Mae Quinto by way of Starmometer.com and Kapuso Central) from the shooting of the Temptation Island remake in Paoay, Ilocos Norte:
The cast of the Temptation Island remake in between takes while enduring the scorching heat of the desert in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
The three gorgeous hunks of the Temptation Island remake - (l-r) Tom Rodriguez, Mikael Daez and Aljur Abrenica - in between takes.
(l-r) Lovi Poe, Solenn Heussaff and Rufa Mae Quinto taking a break from the shoot while lounging in their makeshift tents in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
(l-r) Lovi Poe, Rufa Mae Quinto, Solenn Heussaff and Tom Rodriguez shooting a scene in the middle of the desert.
The ladies enduring sudden desert storms while in the middle of shooting.
(l-r) Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista and Aljur Abrenica in between takes.
Rufa Mae Quinto, Lovi Poe and Marian Rivera waiting for their takes.
Temptation Island (1980) by Regal Films is a cult classic. Whenever people ask me what my guilty pleasure of a Pinoy flick is, this one always comes out on top. And why not? It’s a campy, funny and altogether delightful movie about beauty queens stranded on a deserted island. Add to that the presence of three sexy men in the mix plus one loud-mouth gay pageant socialite & a dumb maid and voila! This Joey Gosiengfiao-directed film was such a joy to watch over and over again.
The original cast included Dina Bonnevie (as Dina Espinola), Jennifer Cortez (as Suzanne Reyes), Bambi Arambulo (as Bambi Belisario), Azenith Briones (as Azenith Tobias), Deborah Sun (as the maid Maria), Ricky Belmonte (as Ricardo), Alfie Anido (as Umberto), Domingo Sabado (as Umberto) and Jonas Sebastian (as Joshua, the pageant chaperone).
Memorable parts I can distinctly remember were a fantasy scene in the high sands where the ladies were shown licking a gigantic ice cream cone to cool off the heat and a cannibalistic sequence where they had to eat the flesh of a dead companion to survive.
Let me help you reminisce a bit about the original Temptation Island via this video:
video courtesy of purrfani
Marian Rivera is picked to head the cast of the Temptation Island remake.
This year, Regal Entertainment has decided that it’s high time for a remake of Temptation Island and I sincerely hope that they come up with an equally entertaining version that can even eclipse the original.
So far, the names circulating in the grapevine to be part of the cast are Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, Lovi Poe and Solenn Heussaff (for the roles of the beauty queens), Pokwang (for the role of the maid), Jake Cuenca and Aljur Abrenica (for the roles of Alfredo and Umberto, respectively) and John Lapus (for the Joshua role). I’m still unsure as to who might play the Ricky Belmonte part, but Zoren Legaspi would be a good choice for the same.
Now if I had to do some matches for the 4 leading ladies, Marian should do Azenith. Heart should do Dina. Lovi should do Suzanne, with Solenn for Bambi. Wouldn’t that be just perfect?
If you were a teener during the 80s, you will definitely be familiar with Temptation Island. Otherwise, believe me when I say that this should be a very interesting remake if done right. đ
Mikael Daez just landed the primetime TV role of Marian Rivera's leading man in the upcoming epicserye "Amaya"
Mikael Daez may be a relative unknown outside fashion circles at the moment, but not for long. The 23 year-old model and true-blue Atenean was just announced as one of actress Marian Rivera’s leading men in the upcoming epicserye of GMA-7 titled “Amaya”.
The handsome square-jawed six-footer is being managed by Mercator Model & Artist Management (big shout-out to Jonas Gaffud who heads the firm) which is responsible for the careers of Brapanese hunks Daniel Matsunaga, Akihiro Sato, Hideo Muraoka and Fabio Ide, plus Survivor Philippines standouts JC Tiuseco and Ervic Vijandre.
Want to know more about Mikael? Then here are excerpts from his “Body Talk” interview with TV Host/Entertainment Columnist Ricky Lo which appeared in the Philippine Star last year:
How was he discovered?
âOh, I needed cash and my friend said, âHey, itâs Fashion Week.â I said, âWhat is that?â He said, âItâs a fashion show; you can join and earn money.â So I tried. Thatâs where somebody from Mercator saw me.â
A Capricornian (Jan. 6), Mikael is a six-footer who wears medium-sized shirt and briefs, and size-11 shoes.
How do you take care of your (modelâs) body?
âI come from a family thatâs very active, always on the go, a lover of sports. Being active is natural with me. It helps me maintain this kind of body. I work out at the gym three times a week. Sometimes, I run but Iâd rather play basketball.â
What part of your body needs improvement?
âNo part in particular. I just keep on improving my whole body.â
What part is most vulnerable?
âNone.â
And what part is your favorite?
âMy jaw. Itâs prominent. They say that itâs an asset in modeling.â
What part of a girlâs body do you look at first?
âThe legs. If the legs are sexy, you can be sure that the rest of the body also is. Generally, I like girls who know how to take care of their body, one who doesnât slouch and who is active.â
What else turns you on in a girl?
âShe must be spontaneous and a good talker.â
And what turns you off?
âGirls who are indecisive.â
What kind of diet do you follow?
âWell, Iâve been going to a gym in Glorietta and right beside it is Subway which has a 100-bucks promo. I love the roast-chicken sandwich. I eat it before working out and eat it again after working out. Thatâs usually my breakfast because I go to the gym early in the morning.â
Is that all for breakfast?
âAt home, spam and egg with rice. My whole family grew up on spam and egg. Kung may garlic fried rice, bonus na âyon.â
For lunch?
âJapanese food preferably. Chicken Teriyake.â
For dinner?
âNowadays, I keep my dinner light. Maybe just a sandwich. If I do a lot of work during the day, sometimes a little rice with ulam.â
Snacks in-between?
âJust fruit shakes.â
How much water do you take per day?
âMore than eight big glasses.â
Soda?
âOnly when I eat pizza.â
What vitamins do you take?
âI should take some but I always forget.â
Do you take hard drinks?
âVery rarely, only on certain occasions. Ordinarily, only beer.â
Do you smoke?
âNo, I donât.â
How do you cope with stress?
âI hang out with friends.â
What about massage?
âToo expensive. I would love to have it if I had the money.â
Outlook in life?
âIâm an optimist. Life is good and I look at things from a bright side. Life isnât measured by the number of breaths you take but by the number of moments that take your breath away.â
How much sleep do you get per night?
âSix hours but I try to get more. I take naps between shoots or shows.â
Favorite sleepwear?
âBasketball shorts and a comfy shirt.â
How many pillows do you sleep with?
âFour. One under my side, two on either side and one I hug.â
Do you snore?
âNo, I hope not.â
Do you talk in your sleep?
âI donât think so. Ask my friends.â
Do you sleepwalk?
âI really hope not!â
Last thing that you do before you go to sleep?
âI pray.â
First thing that you do when you wake up?
âTry to get more sleep.â
Howâs your love life?
âNo girlfriend at the moment. I take my time looking for the right person. I enjoy meeting new people. Iâm in a new industry, you know.â
Howâs your sex life?
âIâd rather keep it a secret. Hahahahaha!â
Favorite hideaway?
âIf I told you, it would cease to be a secret. My friends know where it is â a resto in Salcedo Village in Makati.â
Name three women you think have nice bodies.
âJessica Alba. Miranda Kerr (Victoriaâs Secret model). Alessandra Ambrosio (a Brazilian Supermodel).â
And three guys you think have nice bodies.
âBrad Pitt. Hugh Jackman. Kobe Bryant.â
Using only body language, how would you make a woman know that you admire her?
âI follow her.â
Below is Mikael’s TV commercial for Jollibee Champ:
video courtesy of juliatemplo
Mikael is a graduate of Business Administration from the Ateneo de Manila University. On top of print ads and fashion shows, he appeared in a string of TV commercials like Jollibee Champ, Dole and SM.
Following GMA-7’s press release of Mikael’s selection for “Amaya”, he will get his initial baptism of fire with Marian Rivera as her leading man first in the network’s new horror-comedy show “Ang Spooky Mo Presents Bampirella” before heading to more physically (and emotionally) demanding stuff once the production of “Amaya” gets underway.
Watch out for Mikael Daez because he is going to be popular within the next couple of months. đ
GMA-7 recently launched their landmark production of “Lupang Hinirang“, the Philippine National Anthem which currently signs in and signs off their daily broadcast. This will also be officially used in all SM Cinemas nationwide.
The video highlights the different historical points in the country’s history that led to where we are right now. It assembles the biggest and the brightest talents of GMA-7 portraying roles such as Lapu-Lapu (Aljur Abrenica), Gregorio del Pilar (Dingdong Dantes), Manuel L. Quezon (Richard Guetierrez), Emilio Aguinaldo (Dennis Trillo), Andres Bonifacio (Mark Anthony Fernandez), Dr. Jose Rizal (Marvin Agustin), People Power nun (Marian Rivera), Gomburza (Paolo Paraiso, Victor Aliwalas & Bodie Cruz), the women who created the first Philippine flag (Iza Calzado, Rhian Ramos & Bea Benene), Filipino-American War heroes (TJ Trinidad, JC Tiuseco, Dion Ignacio & Enzo Pineda) and many more!
âLupang Hinirang,â which runs for two and a half minutes, is directed by Paul Ticzon, who says it took his team 10 months of meticulous research and preparation to shoot the vignettes.
Personally, I feel proud(er) of being a Filipino everytime I watch the same.
Excellent job, Kapuso network!
By the way, today is a non-working holiday throughout the Philippines due to the end of Ramadan. Another long weekend ahead! Enjoy! đ
Hi! Norman here. When I'm not working, I spend most of my free time planning on daily blogs. If you will notice, I always make sure that a fresh topic comes out everyday - not an easy thing to do but it's all good. Thanks for dropping by and enjoy the visit!
"By viewing this blog, the viewer acknowledges that s/he has read and agrees to the terms of this disclaimer and assumes total responsibility and risk for his/her use of this blog. Â The content of this blog is published as an information service only and is presented âas is.â Â Please recognize that the information is general in nature and does not constitute and is not intended to be viewed as expert, legal or professional advice. Â
It confers no warranties, rights or merchantibility and makes no representations as to its accuracy, completeness or validity. Â In addition, those opinions expressed by readers and third parties who have elected to post their comments and opinions are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of the author who is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by such readers and/or third parties.
 The author of this blog is not liable for any errors, omissions, delays, losses, injuries or damages -- be it direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, punitive, or other -- arising from its display or use. Â
The author of this blog is also not responsible for the content of, accuracy of, or opinions expressed in third party sites to which this blog links. "