No other than Sen. Jinggoy Estrada described “Bente” as “a sensitive movie.” In the digital film, the senator plays the role of a crusading broadcaster exposing anomalies in government, particularly that of a mayor (played by Emilio Garcia) who was his classmate and good friend when both were still in college.

“My role is quite sensitive,” Sen. Estrada said. “That is the kind of role I would gladly do. When I read the script, I felt drawn to it immediately.” The role wasn’t intended for Jinggoy for another actor. But the director, Mel Chionglo, said they couldn’t afford the asking price of that actor (he refused to divulge the actor’s identity, “huwag na lang,” he said). But during the birthday party of Armida Siguion Reyna, Gina Alajar suggested that Mel offers the role to the senator who was also at the party.

Mel talked to Sen. Jinggoy, he told him about the role and the senator said it was a very interesting role and so he told Mel to send him the script. Needless to say, the senator liked not only his role but the whole story as well. And needless to say, he accepted the role. He said the shooting took him five days.It was his very first indie movie and now he also plans to do indie films under his own Maverick Productions.

Richard Gomez was also in Armida’s party and he jokingly said to Mel, “ako ba walang role diyan?” Mel was elated as he said, “Actually, meron.” Richard also asked for the script and when he read it, just like Senator Jinggoy, he gladly accepted to do the film without thinking of the financial remuneration.

“Bente,” a co-production venture of APT Entertainment and the Directors Guild of the Philippines, is the final digital (indie) movie out of six, in the Sine Direk project that included “Fuschia,” “Kamoteng Kahoy,” and “Ded na si Lolo.”

Asked how much was his talent fee, Sen. Estrada said he just simply wanted to help the movie industry whether mainstream or indie. Snookie Serna plays Jinggoy’s wife in “Bente,” which was directed by Mel Chionglo.

On the other hand, Richard Gomez plays the role of the mayor’s henchman or killer. His job is to stalk the crusading broadcaster and then kill him. “My role is just like a ‘kontrabida,’” he said. “I have no problem with it. In fact, it was due to my ‘kontrabida’ roles that I have received acting awards.”

Iza Calzado plays Richard’s wife. She doesn’t love her husband and this led her to be an adulteress. The situation merited her and Richard’s tragic end. Other members of the cast are Aldred Gatchalian, Ryan Eigemann, Mikel Lee and Glaiza de Castro. Aldred Gatchalian, a neophyte, plays a student activist crusading against the extra-judicial killings of journalists. Glaiza plays his pregnant girlfriend.

“Bente” was graded “A” by the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB).

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Mother Lily’s simple message to today’s young stars

“Sharon Cuneta has become a Megastar not only because she is a talented singer-actress, but because she is loyal and knows how to honor a commitment...  marunong tumanaw ng utang na loob,” Mother Lily asserts.

Since Sharon is the prized talent of Viva Films, Regal’s arch rival in the 1980s, Mother Lily has always wanted to work with the Megastar.

“I had a long-standing offer for her to do a movie with Regal.”

Now, the timing is just right for Mega and Mother to work together in “Mano Po 6,” Regal’s entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

There’s all sort of talk about Sharon’s co-stars in the film.

“If you ask me, Sharon can carry a movie on her own,” Mother says. “She doesn’t need support from today’s crop of stars.”

Mother felt slighted because Angel Locsin reportedly declined an offer to co-star in “Mano Po 6,” citing her “exclusive” contract with Star Cinema.

“She was one of my babies once,” Mother says. “As her mother, I got hurt because she had a commitment with me to do three more movies. But still I let go of this issue because I want her to grow. I also didn’t want to rock the boat... because of my friendship with ABS-CBN bosses Genny and Gabby Lopez, Freddie Garcia, Charo Santos and Cory Vidanes. Malalim ang aming pinagsamahan.”

That’s one thing she shares with Sharon. “Marunong makisama.” That’s precisely a lesson Mother hopes young stars would learn from Sharon: “Word of honor and commitment.”

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GMA Network’s statement on Bro. Eli Soriano rape case

GMA Network’s “Case Unclosed” has denied, vehemently, that it did not try to get the side of Bro. Eli Soriano before the episode entitled “Paninirang Puri” was aired last June 18.

In an official statement sent to Manila Bulletin, the network said “the production team of ‘Case Unclosed’ exhausted all possible means to interview Mr. Soriano to answer the allegations of Mr. Daniel ‘Puto’ Veridiano against him. Several letters and text messages were sent to Mr. Soriano, his lawyers, and representatives inviting the Ang Dating Daan leader to an on-cam interview, but these were all ignored. Phone calls were also made to Mr. Soriano’s lawyer at their offices, but persons who received these calls told ‘Case Unclosed’ the lawyers were either out or even unavailable. A staff of the program also hand-carried a letter to the UNTV office to ensure that they receive the request for interview.

“The episode was originally scheduled to air last June 11. But since the production team could not reach him or his lawyers for comment as the airing date approached, the program postponed the airing to June 18 to give more time to Mr. Soriano or his lawyers to respond to the requests for interview and air his side.

“GMA News and Public Affairs adheres to strict policies on news reporting and coverage of events. It will not allow any individual or entity to influence the outcome of its news stories.

“Case Unclosed” is open to airing Bro. Eli Soriano’s side in a future episode should he decide to give his side on the matter.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on July 8, go to Willie Nepomuceno, Ces Drilon, Gardo Verzosa, Millet Garcia, Marco Jose Revilla, Priscilla B. Ty, Ms. Miloy Trinidad, James Maturino, Liza Velasco, Viz Bonalos of NBN Channel 4, Prof. Carmencita T. Aguilar of Philconsa, and Animal Scene’s managing editor Emylou R. del Castillo.