Vic Sotto with Barbie Forteza, Cristine Reyes and Mika dela Cruz.

If track record will be the basis of predicting the top grosser in the ongoing 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival, then it is “Ang Darling Kong Aswang,” a Vic Sotto-starrer!

In the past MMFF, Vic Sotto movies always topped the box office: “Lastikman” (2002); “Fantastik Man” (2003); “Enteng Kabisote” series (2004-2007); and “Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After” (2008).

Vic Sotto said he is optimistic that “Ang Darling Kong Aswang” will top the box-office. The movie boasts of several reasons: New team-up with Cristine Reyes, special effects, and the combination of several genres like comedy, horror and suspense which appeal to the moviegoers. Over-all, the movie is heartwarming for the whole family.

The team-up of Vic Sotto and Cristine Reyes is a great come-on. They have a strong chemistry on screen which sends the audience tickled pink every time they have a scene together. There is also the tried and tested direction of Tony V. Reyes who handled all Vic’s MMFF entries. What is impressive about their team is that they try to come up with a better project each year. They take it as a challenge to surpass the success of their last offering.

“Ang Darling Kong Aswang” is considered a great visual and technical marvel. Aside from Vic Sotto and Cristine Reyes, the cast is composed of: Jean Garcia, Agot Isidro, Dante Rivero, Allan K, Rochie D’ Horsie, Rafael Rosell, Denise Laurel, Jackie Rice, Empress Mosang, Shalala, Joey de Leon, Jackie Woo, Oyo Sotto and Pia Guanio in a special appearance.

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The Tiger and the Pacman

One of my balikbayan friends visiting for the holidays remarked that it is probably only in the Philippines that a record-breaking athletic feat is overshadowed by talks of marital infidelity. Obviously, she was referring to Manny Pacquiao who, at that time, was fresh from winning his seventh world title in as many weight divisions. This accomplishment soon took the backseat, however, when allegations started spreading that sexy-star Krista Ranillo was the boxing champ’s latest love interest.

A whirlwind of speculations ensued, largely fueled by the visible tension between Manny and his wife Jinkee. Not surprisingly, the media latched on to the purported love triangle, and a host of telenovela-like plots ensued: Krista is pregnant with Manny’s love child, Pacquiao gave her P2-million for her sister’s cleft palate operation and to start a family restaurant business in the USA, and that the whole affair angle was staged in order to promote their movie.

I leave it up to verifiable facts in order to separate the truth from the fiction. What is undeniable, however, is that my friend’s initial observation is not unique to the Philippines at all. In the United States, the world’s No. 1 golfer, Tiger Woods, is likewise realizing that years of dominating a sport do not stand a chance against good-old fashioned chismis. The public has since forgotten that Woods has redefined the landscape of professional golf all over the world. Let’s face it, the public loves a good sex scandal, and Tiger’s current predicament has all the juicy elements: Sex tapes, nude pictures, prostitutes, 11 alleged mistresses, and the very real possibility of divorce. At least from these two examples, it would appear that excellence in a sport is directly proportional to the hype it brings when the athlete faces controversy.

What has been particularly interesting, at least to me, is how the so-called “affected women” have responded to the storm surrounding the men in their lives. Granted that Jinkee Pacquiao’s situation is far less grim than Elin Woods, Jinkee has done a tremendous job of maintaining her poise and displaying grace under pressure. Among other things, she looks stunning – a veritable walking billboard for the Belo Medical Clinic. I am told that ever since she became the face (and the body) of Belo’s Lipo Sculpting procedure, the lines have been forming non-stop just to get in the waiting list. Of course, this is not to take anything away from the ground breaking procedure introduced by Belo: Compared to regular liposuction, Lipo Sculpting produces better skin contraction, less bruising, and less recovery time because a laser comes in direct contact and melts the fat layer instantaneously. Still, it makes a world of difference when people can actually the phenomenal results it has achieved on Jinkee.

Beyond her physical radiance, however, it is the way Jinkee has conducted herself in interviews that have been truly admirable. It only goes to show that in the Pacquiao family, it is not only Manny that can score knockouts.

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Imelda Papin Museum inaugurated recently

The Imelda Papin Museum located at the international music icon’s residence in North Fairview, Quezon City was inaugurated last Friday, Dec. 18 with close family members and friends in attendance. Mrs. Dionisia Pacquiao a.k.a. “Mommy D” graced the occasion and was given the honor of cutting the ceremonial ribbon for the formal opening of her idol’s museum. The blessing was officiated by Fr. Rodel Arellano of the Divine Savior Parish.

As an expression of gratitude for a memorable and rewarding career in the entertainment and music field as well as in public service, the Imelda Papin Museum was made into a reality. The museum contains various memorabilia chronicling her start in the recording and entertainment industry and her eventual rise as an entertainment icon and legend as well as outstanding public servant. It is a visual feast that features numerous trophies and awards, a dazzling display of clothes, apparel and jewelry, and a cornucopia of interesting and impressive finds. As a matter of fact, her immense memorabilia could not all be displayed in the museum.

During the presscon, Imelda surprised Mommy D with a CD copy of the duet they recorded in Las Vegas under 618 International Records, which was heard for the first time by the press and the people present eliciting praises and admiration for the way the latter rendered the era-defining hit “Bakit.” Asked by the press if Mommy D would be supporting Imelda’s candidacy for the senate, she said that she is usually not involved in politics, but with her idol entering once again the political field, certainly she will support Imelda all the way and urged everyone to back up her political plans knowing that she has the welfare of the Filipino people in mind.

It was also announced that Mommy D will be a special guest artist during the Queen of Music’s post-birthday celebration on Jan. 30 to be held at the Aliw Theater. Known also for her terpsichorean skills, Mommy D will we wowing the audience with her nifty dance moves and will also render a song or two with her idol.

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Mang Inasal TVCs celebrate Pinoy eating

It’s the season of celebration once more, when Filipinos, not only in the Philippines but all over the world will share noche buena and media noche meals.

The family get-together is much a Filipino trait as Mang Inasal, which has been serving nothing but Pinoy favorites for the past six years.

Its three TVCs shows why. First, there’s one showing endorser Mark Bautista attesting to the fact that he always looks for a Mang Inasal branch, especially when the province-bred singer first stepped foot in Manila.

Another TVC shows Bhoy (yes, he reminds you of Boy Abunda) looking into his magic mirror. He reveals the secret of using chicken oil with your favorite Mang Inasal dish. A third TVC shows a very familiar scene: Using one’s hands to enjoy a mouth-watering Inasal dish.

The last two TVCs show a friendly guy asking two customers hunched over a table if they want an extra serving of rice. This is so because Mang Inasal offers unlimited rice on top of its very Filipino dishes and refreshments, which goes by the catchy name “Pinoy Panlamig.”

The best part is that this unlimited rice feature is found in all 200 Mang Inasal branches all over the country.

“We’re aiming for another 100 branches in 2010. In the next five years, we’re looking at 100 branches a year nationwide,” says Edgar “Injap” Sia II, the man behind it all.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Dec. 27 go to Ms. City Sanchez, Tini Pili-Jacaria, Ms. Lulu Lim Lee, Anggie P. Henson, Johnny Go of Cherry Hills Bakeshop, beautician Wham Ilagan of Batangas, Bryan Angeles, Jessica Valdez, Carlo Sarino, John Erick M. Magno and John Ronal Robinsons. Happy wedding anniversary to Dr. and Mrs. Gavino Santiago. We’d like to thank those who tendered Christmas parties and raffles for the entertainment press: TV5, ABS-CBN, GMA-7, the Gutierrez family led by Annabelle Rama and her talents, Sen. Bong Revilla, Marian Rivera and Dennis Trillo.