After their top-rated GMA-7 drama series, Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal now appear – again as lovers – in their first movie, “Nandito Ako… Nagmamahal Sa ‘Yo,” which premieres on Sept. 27 at the SM Megamall and opens regularly nationwide on Sept. 30.

“I really prepared for it, it was a long-awaited movie for me,” Aljur said. Kris made the same statement.

“It’s going to be a case of ‘make or break it’ for us,” seconded Kris.

Aljur and Kris are known for their passionate kissing scenes in their telenovelas, and their kissing scenes in the movie are even more passionate!

It is also for the first time that Kris wears a two-piece swimsuit for her beach scenes with Aljur. The Bohol chocolate hills and other scenic and historical sites in Bohol served as the background and location of the movie.

Asked if Aljur is now her true-to-life sweetheart, considering their closeness, Kris said no. “We are just friends, working together for our respective acting career!” She added however that she really loves Aljur. “I love him!” she declared. How do you describe his kisses? “They are sweet!” Kris confessed. Then, jokingly, she added: “Because we both chew chewing gums.”

Kris is only 20 years old now, and she is a petite, charming, and still a growing up young lady! Childishness still appears now and then in her behavior.

With the movie “Nandito Ako…Nagmamahal Sa ‘Yo,” Aljur and Kris are given more matured roles.

Their director, Maryo J. delos Reyes, gives an apt description of the two on-screen lovers: “Aljur has very expressive eyes and Kris has the charm which endear them to the public. They are very cooperative on the set and very open to learning. I am just so happy to be instrumental to their growth as actors.”

It was Direk Maryo who convinced the two to shed off their teeny bopper stance and go more daring and provocative in their movie.

In one of the big scenes of the movie, Aljur was so passionate and intense with a fight sequence that he accidentally punched a backdrop wall and his right hand’s two fingers were pushed back. The injury required an operation and a surgery to return the two fingers to their original positions. Now wearing a sling, Aljur said it would take at least three weeks for the injury to heal.

“I can still manage to perform my roles,” he said.

Both Aljur and Kris were winners of GMA-7’s “Starstruck.” Having their best to their first movie, one can only surmise that “Nandito Ako… Nagmamahal Sa ‘Yo” will be a top-rated movie like their Telenovelas!

* * *

Beauty Queen joins Davao ‘Starstruck V’ auditions

A star material and holder of several beauty titles, was among those who competed in the Davao “Starstruck V” auditions!

With a Filipina mother and German father, Alexandra Hohe, 5’5,” was a standout beauty.

Among the beauty titles she has won are: Miss Tourism GenSan 2008, Miss Tourism Philippines 2009 (DoT), and 1st Runner-up, Mutya ng Kalikasan 2009 Region 12.

What if she does not make it to the finals?

“I will not be disappointed,” Alex (her nickname) said. “There will always be other competitions I can join.”

Alex, 17, is really determined to pursue a career that can bring her fast to the limelight. She is presently enrolled – home study – at the Institution of Learning. Her mother, Yolanda Hohe, is very proud of her.

“I like her to join showbiz,” she told us.

Many of those who auditioned are college students like Orange Mae B. Angulo and Norlene Mae L. Raful, both students of the University of Mindanao.

“It’s my dream to become a famous artist,” Norlene said. She and Orange are first year students taking a course in tourism.

Of course, all the other “auditioners” have the same dream like those of Norlene and Orange. They came not only from Davao City but as far as Gen. Santos City where Alex came from.

The two-day Davao City “Starstruck V” auditions which was held at the SM compound was already a grand show by itself. The “auditioners” had to perform three numbers: Singing, dancing and acting. It was the acting part that drew much laughter from the audience. It appeared that each talent had his or her own prepared script. But of course, we have to admire their raw talents and their courage to act on stage.

Singing? More than 50 percent of the participants could sing well. It’s only a matter now of refining those talents.

The Davao City “Starstruck V” auditions brought out the best among raring talents who have been dreaming to join “Starstruck V” of GMA-7.

* * *

Quezon City celebrates 70th Foundation Day via ‘Ka-QC Ako’

Quezon City is celebrating its 70th foundation day via “Ka-QC Ako,” with the initiative of Mayor Sonny Belmonte. The event will kick-off on Oct. 11, 7 a.m., at the Quezon City Circle. The affair is open to the public.

As part of the festive celebration, there will be a civic parade and float competition in the morning where business associations and civic organizations in Quezon City sponsor their barangay or district of choice in a competition called “QC Recycles!” Prizes await the lucky contingent that best embodies the creative potential of recyclable materials.

There will be a whole-day trade fair (tiangge) that will feature four different and exciting zones: Education (the best of Quezon City universities and schools), Entertainment (live and electronic media), Business and Trade (a showcase of what Quezon City business establishments have to offer – at the best prices and packages only on this special day) and Wellness and Environment.

The culminating activity is the “Ka-QC Ako” concert party on Oct. 12, 6 p.m., where major bands and artists in the country will perform. Admission is free.

Quezon City was established in Oct. 12, 1939 when President Manuel L. Quezon signed into law Commonwealth Act No. 502 and assumed Mayoral position 70 years ago. Since then, Quezon City has emerged into a major bustling city with key attractions such as its huge consumer market, its young and highly trainable human resource pool of about a million, its strategic location, as well as its highly developed facilities in education, health and wellness and information technology.

Quezon City is the largest city in Metro Manila in terms of population and land area. It is an urban landscape that spreads over one-fourth of the country’s metropolitan area and five times larger than Manila.

* * *
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Sept. 24 go to Manila Bulletin Chairman Don Emilio T. Yap, Sen. Edgardo Angara, Kokoy Romualdez, Emma Yuhico, Larry Silva, Susan Priscilla Reyes, Gerry Katigbak, Julia Clarete, Mercedes S. David, Lorna Viernes, Lydia Astudillo, Malie Gatchalian, Baby Alfonso, Mi Enriquez, Jose Dizon Jr., Nonietta Diga, Dr. Gem Reyes, Nena Rodriguez of Germany, Karen Grace M. Incabo, Avon Dadang of Dubai, Samantha Chloie M. Pradao, Noel Valenzuela, Bulgin Manapat, Isabel Tapia Bernal of Makati, Ivy Y. Lo of PS Bank Fairview, Jeffrey Soriano, and Zia Quizon (daughter of Dolphy and Zsa Zsa Padilla). Happy wedding anniversary to Bong and Cecilia Aquino; and Tots and Babie Faustino.