The lead stars of ‘Tanging Pamilya:’ Pres. Joseph Estrada, Ai Ai delas Alas, Sam Milby and Toni Gonzaga.

"Tanging Pamilya,” which opens in theaters nationwide today, is Star Cinema’s early Christmas treat to moviegoers. Like its previous Ai Ai de las Alas-starrers under the direction of Wenn Deramas, “Tanging Pamilya” is expected to be another blockbuster at the tills.

Adding to the movie’s box-office potential is the presence of former Pres. Joseph “Erap” Estrada, who makes a comeback on the big screen after more than two decades. (His last movie was “Sa Kuko ng Agila” with former Senator Nikki Coseteng as his leading lady.) As to why he decided to go back to acting, he said “acting has been my profession for more than 20 years before I joined politics. A comedy is perfect as my comeback vehicle dahil kailangan natin ng break sa mga panahong ito. We need to laugh to cope with stress and this movie is the perfect outlet.”

He also said that his goal is to provide “kasiyahan sa mga moviegoers, ‘yung mga pumipila para manood ng pelikulang Pilipino, yung mga mahihirap…”

Although he initially became known for his action flicks, Erap also starred in many comedy movies that became box-office hits. Like the Erap series that co-starred him with Nora Aunor and Boots Anson-Roa among others. And his comic flair he again showcases in his role as the husband of Ai Ai in “Tanging Pamilya.” They say Pres. Erap matches Ai Ai’s comedic talent punch for punch.

The former president, who is set to run again for the presidency in the 2010 national elections, and Ai Ai have only good words for each other. Ai Ai said “this movie is different from my past movies kasi it’s legendary I should say. Historical pa kasi kasama ko ang dating Presidente Erap. I’m honored to have worked with him.” Ai Ai added that she can identify with her role in “Tanging Pamilya” “dahil talaga naman Tanging Ina ang drama ko sa tunay na buhay.”

Pres. Erap said “ang suwerte ko sa comeback movie ko. I can’t express my feelings na after 20 years itong pelikulang ito ang ginawa ko. Suwerte ko na magagaling lahat ng kasama ko. Unang-una si Direk Wenn, dahil nabubuo ang pelikula dahil sa director, he’s very professional.” On his part, Direk Wenn revealed that when the project was offered to him, he felt intimidated. “Kasi presidente siya ng buong Pilipinas. Magpapadirek kaya siya sa isang katulad ko? Pero hindi ako nagpahalata at natuwa ako na hindi ako pinapalitan, na ako rin ang nagdirek ng pelikulang ito…”

“Tanging Pamilya” is Direk Wenn’s 10th movie with Ai Ai.

Pres. Erap said of Ai Ai: “Napakagaling niya, very professional. Maganda siya at mabango (laughs) at sexy, mabait. Magaling siya talaga sa comedy. Magaling sa timing, hindi ka mahihirapan kay Ai Ai dahil napakagaling sa timing…”

Ai Ai said she’s proud to have a kissing scene with the former president. “Dahil sa tanang buhay ko di na siguro mangyayari na magkasama kami ulit sa pelikula. I’m really proud and happy to have worked with him.”

The others in the cast of “Tanging Pamilya” are Sam Milby, Toni Gonzaga, Janus del Prado, Thou Reyes, AJ Perez, Igiboy Flores, Carl Camo, Miguelito de Guzman, Candy Pangilinan, Empoy Marquez, K. Brosas, Carla Humphries and of course Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao who is no doubt “the most sensational comic discovery of the year!”

Said Sam: “I feel blessed to be in such great company. After doing drama, this is a welcome change. At great actors pa ang mga kasama ko! What more can I ask for?”

On her part Toni said “Siyempre honored din ako. It’s not every day or in every movie that you can have superstars like Ai Ai and former Pres. Erap as co-stars. Idagdag niyo na rin si Aling Dionisia.” Toni and Ai Ai worked for the first time in a movie but they’ve worked in a sitcom (“One and Only”) before. Describing Ai Ai, she said “sa set, Mommy siya ng lahat. She’s very caring.”

Erap donates P1 M to Bantay Bata

Before the press conference proper for “Tanging Pamilya” last week, the former president presented a check for P1 million to Ms. Tina Monson-Palma of ABS-CBN’s Bantay Bata. The amount was part of his talent fee.

Ms. Palma said this isn’t the first time that the former president has donated to Bantay Bata. He also donated P2 million to set up Bantay Bata offices in Iloilo and Davao in the past.

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Good news from Lance Raymundo

Popular singer/actor Lance Raymundo brought home a very encouraging news from Hollywood: American actor Rob Schneider had told him he would be coming to the Philippines in later part of next year to shoot a movie here! Lance met him during the recently-held Filipino International Film Festival Los Angeles.

Lance said that the American actor had shown so much interest in doing a movie here after he attended the FIFFLA. Rob Schneider, like Lance, was a panelist during the festival’s forum.

Lance represented his movie, entitled “Fidel,” which was screened at the festival among other Filipino movies. Lance plays the title role, Fidel, an OFW who worked in the Middle East and who was sexually abused by his employer. Fidel subsequently killed his employer!

The movie, written by Charlotte Dianco, was based on a true story. Also starring in the movie are Andrea del Rosario, Maria Isabel Lopez, and Jon Hall. And Shandii Bacolod directed the movie.

The FIFFLA was held Oct. 16-18 at the Los Angeles Theater Center.

Lance said he had a harrowing experience when “Fidel” was being screened. “Halfway while the movie was being screened, the DVD player suddenly conked out,” Lance said. “I had to leave the screening room and look for someone who can help me.”

Lance was alone attending to the screening of “Fidel.” “We learned later that the copy had some scratches which made the player failed to read it. But I was so surprised – and thankful – when a Columbian in the screening room presented another copy, a screening copy, and that solved the dilemma. I learned so much from that experience..”

Lance added that the presence of his mother was even acknowledged by Rob Schneider during the screening!

Another screenplay written by Charlotte Dianco, “Fling,” also starring Lance Raymundo, is now being filmed.

When he shifted to acting in 2008, Lance immediately found himself busy. He played the role of Jake in the 6th season of the popular Singaporean TV series, “Incredible Tales.” This was followed by his role in “Daisy Siete’s” “Prince Charming” season on GMA-7.

“My shifting to acting made me a more versatile artist,” Lance said. “I have not forgotten singing, and I am coming up with my next album soon,” he added.

Aside from “Fidel,” Lance has already appeared in seven digital, full-length movies: “Xenna II,” “Motorcycle,” “Ang Nerseri,” “Panahon Na,” “A Journey Home,” “The Forgotten War,” and “Ang Pangarap Kong Jackpot.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Nov. 11 go to Makati Mayor (and vice presidential contender) Jejomar Binay, Ai Ai de las Alas, Mrs. Zeny Reyes, Rowell Santiago, M. Bing C. de Cebrero, Mrs. Aida Ver, Willie Schneider, Rene-Ann Gomez, Mrs. Nini Go, Alice Lopez Lim, Atty. Abet Bernales, Jojo Baltazar, Vanessa Bernales, Marilu T. Caballes, Evelyn Taliao, Steven Fermo of Star Magic, and director Al Quinn. Happy wedding anniversary to Domingo and Epifania Fregillna; and Andrew and Sandee Masigan.