Emilio Garcia

Multi-award-winning actor Emilio Garcia is currently reaping rave reviews for his performance in the Joel Lamangan movie “Sagrada Familia” where he plays an abusive father and husband. As Johnny Asero, the deranged father who feels abandoned by his wife, Merle (played by Snooky Serna) which makes him turn his anger towards his helpless daughter, Kat (played effectively by Lovi Poe), Emilio delivers an intense performance.

Johnny later on, sexually abuses his daughter and threatens his mother (portrayed by Ms. Gloria Diaz) to not interfere. One member of the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB) feels that Emilio should be “nominated for this cautionary tale about the sacredness of family and the extremes it can lead to. It brings back memories of Vic Silayan in Kisapmata.”

Ethel Ramos wrote: “One word describes Emilio Garcia’s performance: Great!” Emilio never seems to fail in delivering good performances. Two years ago, the actor won his first Urian award for his portrayal as a homosexual inmate in “Selda.” He also won in the Thessaloniki International Film Festival in Greece as Best Actor for the same film. He also collected trophies from the Star Awards and Gawad Tanglaw. Just last year, Emilio won again the Star Awards and Gawad Tanglaw for his role as a ruthless cop in “Walang Kawala.” Will “Sagrada Familia” do the same for him?

What’s next for Emilio? The actor has returned to primetime television as he plays a king in the GMA-7 fantaserye “The Last Prince,” but in the meantime, Emilio is busy promoting “Sagrada Familia” in which he considers his role as Johnny Asero a dream-come-true. “Sagrada Familia” is the initial venture of Legalas Entertainment Production, owned by Romeo Lerit and Don Lerit, Jr. The film, which is graded A by the CEB and Rated R-13 by the MTRCB, opens on Friday. The film is directed by Joel C. Lamangan who considers Emilio as his “favorite” actor.

“Sagrada Familia” had a Grand Premiere Night last Jan. 17 at SM Megamall Cinema 6. The film is also presented by Manila Bulletin, LVD Multimedia, Toni & Guy Essensuals, Beverly Hills 6785, The Spaghetti House, Ensure by Abbot and the Legalas Group of Companies.

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John Lloyd levels up in new Greenwich commercial

Catch Greenwich’s newest TV commercial and watch Box-Office King John Lloyd Cruz, one of the country’s premier dramatic actors, levels it up in intense action and sequences. Known for his gorgeous leading man looks and multi-award winning dramatic talent, John Lloyd takes it up a notch by proving that he’s not just for drama, he can also be an action star. Not being afraid to take risks on the roles he plays, he showcased his action star potential to introduce Greenwich’s Ultimate Hawaiian Overload Pizza.

Just like John Lloyd, the Ultimate Hawaiian Overload Pizza levels it up as it now has two times more Hawaiian toppings for you and the rest of your barkada to enjoy. Greenwich also has a new hip pizza box which is perfect for your favorite delicious and mouth-watering pizza. So why not invite all your friends to see the other side of John Lloyd in Greenwich’s level up commercial while munching away with delicious new Greenwich Ultimate Hawaiian Overload Pizza – nag-level up sa sarap!

By the way, the new Ultimate Hawaiian Overload Campaign stemmed from the Pinoy attribute of complimenting a member of the barkada whenever they’ve accomplished something that is beyond the usual, but in a way that keeps him/her humble. The manner of complimenting is best expressed by the verbal statement of “Hanep! Nag-level up ka na!”

The situations of “leveling up” not only applies to achievements of members of the barkada but also to our own favorites – we’d regularly use our favorite brands but occasionally, we would upgrade to alternative brands of the same product.

The new Greenwich TVC was shot in Cainta, Rizal with Carlo Directo, the same director for Overloaded Extreme Cheese Pizzas for Men campaign. In the cast are John Lloyd Cruz as John Lloyd, Lloyd Zaragoza as Bruno, Mika Lagdameo as Issa and Vince Canizares as Anton.

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Jun Polistico at the Top of the Century

One of the country’s most durable and most loved balladeers, Jun Polistico is back from Las Vegas to do a limited engagement at The Top of the Century at Century Park Hotel. Another balladeer of note, Aristeo Demavivas, informed us of Jun’s shows at the Top of the Century and he was as excited as we are.

It was Aris who suggested that they open up the Top of the Century once more to musical events. This was where Aris used to perform along with other topnotch Filipino artists such as the late pianist/keyboardist Toti Fuentes.

The two-night show aptly billed as “Jun Polistico@the Top of the Century” will be held on Jan. 29-30. Entrance fee is inclusive of a pica-pica buffet starting at 7 p.m. Showtime is at 9 p.m. Suggested attire: Smart dress (black or white).

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Jan. 22 go to songstress Eva Eugenio, Jose Sarmiento, Betty Roxas Chua, Rannie Raymundo, US-based Miguel Vera and Jessica Rodriguez, Jing-Jing Romero, Inya Macaraeg, Nellie S. Belen, Liling Sta. Maria, Arnel Morato, Janina Patricia Aligayo-Angeles, Leah Soliman, Raymondo Lazatin, Beng Buenviaje, Rich Escudero, and former MB lifestyle editor Ethel S. Timbol. Happy wedding anniversary to Joey Recio and Che Bernal… Our heartfelt condolence goes to the family of Press Secretary and MB columnist Cerge Remonde who passed away last Tuesday, Jan. 19.