Yes, Aiko Melendez and Jomari Yllana are a couple (meaning husband and wife) once again but let me clarify that this happens only in the movie they are currently filming, “Whatever, Yaya!” APT Entertainment/GMA Films’ forthcoming offering. Topbilled by Ogie Alcasid and Michael V. as Angelina and Yaya, respectively, Aiko and Jomari play the parents of the spoiled brat Angelina.

At their first day of shooting at the Pacific Village in Alabang, Aiko and Jomari had fun both in the shooting of their scenes and in the interview after dinner with some entertainment editors and writer/columnists. Of course they were asked if there’s a possibility that the two of them could get back together in a real, romantic relationship. Their safe answer: Anything is possible but at their present situation, they are better off as friends.

Jomari is currently “single” (“four months na akong walang lovelife,” he said) while Aiko is also single, meaning unmarried, as her second marriage is under the process of annulment.

“Sabagay, we are really friends naman na ever since nagkahiwalay kami. Siguro ganito na lang,” Aiko said. By the way, the actress, who is on her third term as councilor for the 2nd District of Quezon City, is all set to run for vice mayor. She just doesn’t know yet in which party or who will she support as mayor. Among the vice mayoralty candidates, there are five others, Aiko has always been on the top of the surveys.

Well, as a public servant, Aiko has shown her mettle and her constituents could attest to her dedication and passion in public service. With her experience, she has proven that she could serve them well. Her supposed boyfriend, by the way, is also a politician. He is a vice mayor in Bulacan.

At the moment, Aiko is concentrated both in politics and showbiz. She’s glad that her movie comeback is wholesome and for family entertainment. But the main reason she accepted the role is “dahil mahal ko si Nanay Malou at si Ninong Tony.” Malou and Tony are the producers behind the very successful APT Entertainment and TAPE Productions.

Aiko’s last movie was the 2005 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Pilipinas.”

Like Aiko, Jomari is excited about the movie. “I’ve always wanted to do a comedy and I was so excited about this project, especially magkasama pa kami ni Aiko.”

Aiko and Jomari play the doting parents of Angelina. Ogie’s ladylove, Asia’s Songbird Ms. Regine Velasquez also has a special role in the movie, we were told.

Angelina/Yaya tandem

It all started as a comic sketch in GMA-7’s gag show “Bubble Gang” where Ogie and Michael V. pitted against each other as the spoiled brat Angelina, and the naïve Yaya. respectively. Their chemistry worked at televiewers followed their hilarious antics every Friday.

GMA Network took notice of the immense popularity of the funny tandem and they were immediately assigned as hosts of the daily game show “Hole in the Wall,” where they don their lovable and laughable characters.

After conquering the small screen, the wacky tandem of Ogie and Michael V. go for the big time as they reprise their comic TV roles in their debut movie “Whatever, Yaya!” which is directed by Michael Tuviera.

If you want more of Angelina and Yaya’s comic antics, watch out for the opening of “Whatever, Yaya!’ in theaters nationwide.

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Arnold Reyes plays young FVR in ‘Forgotten War’

Arnold Reyes is one of the most in-demand actors in the independent film community. He has starred in several indie films like “Condo,” “Huling Araw ng Linggo,” “Vendo,” “Pisay,” “Pera-Perahang Lata,” “Big Time,” “Adela,” “Independencia” and “Imoral.” He has fitted acting talents with some of the best artists in the industry like Boots Anson Roa, Anita Linda, Perla Bautista and Piolo Pascual.

Arnold takes pride that his movies are recognized in several film festivals here and abroad like in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. “Pisay,” an Auraeus Solito film, was one of the Philippine entries to the Toronto International Film Festival and the Pusan International Film Festival in South Korea in 2007. It also won the Grand Prix du Jury (Grand Prize of the International Jury) and the Prix du Public (Audience Prize) at the 14th Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema in France. His film “Vendo,” directed by Chris Martinez, received the Silver Prize at the 2009 Southeast Asia TBWA Creative Directors’ Film Festival in Bali, Indonesia.

In another indie film, “The Forgotten War,” his latest, Arnold plays the young Fidel V. Ramos when the former president was still a military lieutenant. The movie is about the lives of valiant Filipino soldiers who were sent to the historic Korean War in the early 1950s to defend Korea against the Chinese army. The movie is directed by Carlo Cruz and also stars Baron Geisler, Yul Servo, Lance Raymundo, Mikee Lee and Macoy Fundales.

“It is a great privilege to portray former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos. I learned a lot about him while doing the movie. I hope I did justice to the role para maipakita sa mga tao ang kabayanihan ni FVR noong nakipaglaban siya sa Korea. He is a brave man who is willing to fight and die in the call of duty,” he enthused.

The actor met former Pres. Ramos during the recent special screening of “The Forgotten War” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. “I can’t fully explain my feelings when I met him. Sobrang saya ko. I was nervous before the screening kasi hindi ko alam ang kanyang magiging reaction after he watched the movie. I’m glad he was happy with my portrayal. I was excited when we had a photo-op. Para akong isang fan when I asked for his autograph,” Arnold said.

Arnold Reyes is under Backroom Management. For inquiries, e-mail at backroomtalents@pldtdsl.net

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 26, go to former Sen. Orly Mercado, former QC Mayor Mel Mathay, award-winning actress Gina Alajar, Luke Mijares, Beng Puyat, Reby Encinas, Rudy Valentino, Tata T. Trino, Elizabeth Cristobal, Angelo Serrano, Joy Parayno, Brent Peter R. Guiao, ex-newsman Daniel Llanto, MB’s Nora Calalang, Malaya entertainment editor Gie Trillana, and Julio Pacheco of Star Magic…