Gabby Concepcion

When he returned after a long absence from the big screen, Gabby Concepcion, one of the country’s most prolific dramatic actors, made it clear that he wanted a good comeback movie project, something that will not only be memorable but most importantly, a role with depth. This dream comeback role came via “I Love You, Goodbye,” ABS-CBN Film Productions’ entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

This coming Christmas day, which is the official start of the 2009 MMFF, moviegoers will find out that Gabby did not err in choosing “I Love You, Goodbye” to be his comeback movie.

He said “yung title pa lang is ‘I Love You, Goodbye,’ paano yon di ba? I love you, tapos di kayo puwede magsama so goodbye? Dun ako naging interested. Sabi ko, aba title pa lang maganda na. After watching the movie, dun mo malalaman kung bakit. Before that, di mo alam kung sino nag-goodbye, sino nagsabi ng ‘I Love You, Goodbye’ sa kanino sa apat na characters.”

Gabby plays a doctor in the movie directed by Laurice Guillen who said the role is perfect for the actor. “The movie is about people in love, but it’s a complex love story. People are hungry for love stories. And Gabby is also hungry for movie roles with depth, na hindi ordinary, na hindi predictable…”

“I play a doctor in the movie. Nagkahiwalay kami ng original wife ko, tapos makikilala ko si Angelica (Panganiban) at tamang-tama rin na si Angelica at that moment, may mga issues din sa buhay niya. I’m a doctor so stable ang position ko. I fall in love with somebody, and there will be conflicts in the process. Meron akong malalaman tungkol sa kanya at dun magiging interesting yung istorya. It’s a triangle eh.”

Playing the third side of the triangle is Derek Ramsay, Angelica’s real-life sweetheart. Angelica plays a mature role here and has kissing scenes with both Gabby and Derek in the film.

If it took Gabby quite a long time to do a movie, it’s because he really is choosy with his roles. “The projects (on TV) na tinatanggap ko ngayon, if you noticed, kung nasusundan ninyo ang istorya, malaman, very meaty. Maraming tinatakbuhan, hindi siya monotonous, di siya predictable at yun ang gusto ko ngayon. Naghahanap talaga ako ng mga roles na may depth. At yan ang maganda sa ABS-CBN at Star Cinema, marami silang mga istorya na pagpipilian mo. Iba na rin ang style ng paggawa ng pelikula at teleserye ngayon. Maraming twists and turns. Magagaling ang scriptwriters nila. Sinusundan ng magagaling na director at staff at crew. Kumbaga yung ingredients ng package na yun, perfect that’s why it clicks. We don’t know what the formula is but the magic is there. Pag meron na yon, you know there will be a successful turn-out.”

“I Love You, Goodbye” is Gabby’s first movie under ABS-CBN/Star Cinema. “First time that I’m working with Laurice Guillen, si Angelica at si Derek, at si Lee Meily na award-winning cinematographer. ‘I Love You, Goodbye’ is really a beautiful story,” he stressed.

Also starring in “I Love You, Goodbye” is Kim Chiu.

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Congress passes Tieng’s ‘Anti-Voyeurism’ bill

After being instrumental in the passing of the lowering of the amusement tax bill, Rep. Irwin Tieng of Buhay Party-list once again proved that he is indeed the “Benjamin” of the House of Representatives by succeeding in his bid to have the “Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009” approved in the Congress. The Bicameral Conference Committee approved the same on Nov. 17. Consequently, it was ratified last Nov. 18 by the Lower House and last Dec. 1 by the Senate.

Rep. Irwin, because of his numerous achievements as a Congressman, was called the “Benjamin” of the Lower House. He is also one of the youngest statesmen in the country and is considered one of the young revered leaders of this generation.

The “Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009,” formerly known as the “Anti-Cyberboso Bill,” aims to protect the dignity and privacy of all Filipinos and guarantees full respect for human rights.

“As Filipinos, it is our obligation to look after our fellowmen,” says Rep. Irwin. “This bill is one way of protecting our kababayans legislatively.”

The bill prohibits taking photo or video of sexual activities, private parts without the consent of the people concerned; copying and reproducing, selling and distributing, and publishing and broadcasting such materials.

According to the bill, imprisonment of not less than three but not more than seven years with a fine of not less than P100,000, but not more than P500,000 awaits the offender/s.

The said bill was filed by the group of Rep. Irwin at the House of Representatives June of last year.

“I am very happy that my fellow representatives from the House of Representatives found this bill worthy to be passed,” concludes Rep. Irwin. “I vow to continue protecting our people as a congressman.”

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Lovi Poe plays her most challenging role to date

Fast-rising singer and actress Lovi Poe plays her most challenging movie role to date, and this is in Joel Lamangan’s “Sagrada Familia” which will be shown tomorrow at Robinsons Galleria Cinema 3. In the movie, Lovi plays a character named Kat Asero, an abused and battered daughter.

Written by Raquel Villavicencio from a story conceived by Lamangan himself, “Sagrada Familia” is the story of a family that falls apart when the mother, a nurse, leaves to work abroad.

Direk Joel is all praise for Lovi who he says is a revelation in the film. “Lovi is an intelligent actress, and I’m glad that I gambled on her,” he said. Lovi, on the hand, admitted that this has been the most difficult project that she had ever been involved in.

“It’s very challenging,” she said, “but at first I did not want to do the role because I was afraid it would alter my image but I realized that as an actress and performer, I have to grow and mature.” Prior to “Sagrada Familia,” Lovi starred in “Walang Hanggang Paalam” under directors Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos and earned good reviews.

In “Sagrada Familia,” Urian awardee Emilio Garcia also gives a tour-de-force performance as Johnny Asero, the abusive father who feels abandoned by his wife (played by Snooky Serna). The others in the cast are Ms. Gloria Diaz, as the consenting grandmother; Felix Rocco who plays Lovi’s love interest, Rico Barrera, Jim Pebanco and Robert Arevalo as Johnny’s father.

The special screening for “Sagradia Familia” tomorrow at Robinsons Galleria Cinema 3 will be at 5 and 7 p.m. The screening is courtesy of Manila Bulletin, Cherubim Manpower, Inc. and LVD Multimedia.

“Sagrada Familia” is the initial venture of Legalas Entertainment Production. Line producer is Dennis C. Evanglista.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Dec. 22 go to Atty. Joey Lina, society columnist Maurice Arcache, Cora Jacob, Dra. Ine C. Mauricio, Ma. Alegria Sibal-Limjoco, Monina Co-Palma, Cely Kalaw, Simplicio Mathay, Trixie Garcia, Apollo Ople of SkyCable, New York-based Dorothy “Ging” T. Trino, Mrs. Jose C. Domingo, Lyd Ballesteros and Nina D.C. Alegre. Happy wedding anniversary to Humberto and Evita Tabora.