‘First Time’ stars: Jhake Vargas, Barbie Forteza and Joshua Dionisio

Every one of us has a “first time!” And that “first time” can be of so many things. It can be a wonderful past time if after you read this column, you try to recall some of your “first time.” Concentrate first on the happy ones, and later, the sad “first times.”

And it is even more wonderful if you focus on love, your many first times in love!

To help you recall those “first times,” don’t fail to watch the wonderful “First Time,” a drama on love which starts airing on Monday, Feb. 8, before “24 Oras” on GMA Telebabad!

“First Time” stars Barbie Forteza, Joshua Dionisio and Jhake Vargas. The story evolves from the friendship of two teenagers Cyndi (Barbie) and Lukas (Joshua) who met earlier at a beach one summer.

Lukas’ mother dies from a mysterious accident. Jaime (Eric Quizon), a famous balladeer and Lukas’s father, decides that he and son Lukas reside abroad. Lukas and Cyndi must also say now their goodbyes!

Two years later, Lukas returns to the Philippines and enrolls in the same school where Cyndi is. But both were no longer the same as when they met on a summer beach. No longer cheerful and fun-loving, Lukas has become a quiet guy and detached from everyone including Cyndi.

In the long run, however, Cyndi and with the help of her best friend Baste (Jhake), enables Lukas to come to terms with the tragedies in his life. The three now become inseparable – even Lukas and Baste, who have little in common besides sharing a love for Cyndi.

They often spend their time together at Baste’s place, whose lowly family enjoys music so much.

But one deep and dark secret emerges from the past and threatens their relationships, posing a question on their true identities, a revelation that may ruin all what they have, their young hearts and what they really feel for each other.

Also in the cast of “First Time” are former “Starstruck Kids” avenger Bea Binene as Natalie, the school’s liberated Queen Bee; “Stairway to Heaven’s” young Eunice Jhoana Marie Tan as Sara, the over-achieving teacher’s pet; Mark Castillo as Daniel, the homophobic school jock; and Lucio Ayala as Jimbo, the domineering campus heartthrob.

Among the seasoned actors and actresses in the cast are: Eric Quizon, Ian Veneracion, Manilyn Reynes, Romnick Sarmienta, Ana Capri, Bayani Agbayani, Cris Villanueva, Angel Jacob and Sheila Marie Rodriguez.

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Martin and Pops kiss in VTR of their show

It’s one of the most awaited Valentine concerts, “One Amore Time” that features former husband and wife Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez, dubbed “concert royalties.” Making their concert an excitingly awaited one is “the kiss” they had to do in the VTR which was recently shot at Tagaytay Highlands. Because “One Amore Time” has a Spanish-Mexican concept, the VTR has a mature storyline that includes the kissing scene between the ex-couple.

According to the producer, Mae Vinluan-Dplonius, Martin and Pops readily agreed to the kissing scene, knowing that it warranted in the storyline.

“They understand that we want to feature them as more mature performers than before not only in terms of songs, but through sexier clothes and production numbers including the VTR,” Mae explained.

It was a closed door shooting but those who were there said the smooch will certainly tickle their fans’ fancy, and one that will surely top their “Now Vow” moment during the Valentine concert last year.

It is recalled that Martin and Pops’ “Now Vow” had the two telling each other onstage how they feel for and what they think about each other, now that they have a stronger bond as friends.

Asked if Martin and Pops will kiss, too, during the concert, Mae said that the concertgoers will just have to watch the show to find out.

In past interviews, Martin has said that the chemistry he and Pops exude on stage is mostly spur-of-the-moment, one that they themselves hardly have control over.

Although each has their own lives now, Martin and Pops still share an unbreakable link not only because of their children Robin and Ram but because of the tried and tested friendship they have had before, during and now, after their marriage ended.

It’s not only “the kiss” that’s going for “One Amore Time.” Unlike in their past concerts, Martin and Pops will sing mostly duets of songs they’ve never sung before, but also perennial favorites musically arranged by Homer Flores to suit the show’s concept.

Inspired by the late Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” concert in terms of production value, “One Amore Time” will surely be one of the most talked-about concerts in 2010. Recording the concert for release as an album is also being discussed at this point.

“One Amore Time” will be staged at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia on Feb. 14. It is produced by Mauve Management and Entertainment and directed by Rowell Santiago. Stand-up comedian Jon Santos is special guest performer.

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Lovi celebrates birthday in ‘S.O.P.’

After receiving acclaimed reviews for her portrayal of a victimized daughter in Joel Lamangan’s “Sagrada Familia,” singer-actress Lovi Poe moves on to more victories as she celebrates her 21st birthday in this Sunday’s edition of “S.O.P.”

This month, Lovi is busy as she faces her commitments. She will attend the Soho International Film Festival in New York City on Feb. 18-21. Her film, “Walang Hanggang Paalam,” which co-stars Jacky Woo and Joem Bascon and directed by Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos is an entry.

She is also busy being a part of “S.O.P.’s” Covergirls along with Heart Evangelista, Carla Abellana, Bianca King and Glaiza De Castro.

Lovi is also busy on several films. She’s slated to do Joel Lamangan’s “Sigwa” where she plays the role of an activist. She’s also busy with the sitcom, “Show Me Da Manny” under GMA-7. She also recently signed up to be an endorser of Freego Jeans.

Indeed, this love month sits well with Lovi.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Feb. 7 go to Fr. Fernando M. Suarez, Ian Venaracion, Ms. Dinah Dominguez, Elpidio de Vera, Liz Alindogan, Rianna Diego, Ramon Mauricio, Florinda Santos, Nanette R. Luciano, Gina San Buenaventura, Mrs. Flor Salvador, Ricardo Javier, Nelia David, Amarice Santos Banaraes and Malaya lifestyle editor Winnie Velasquez. Happy wedding anniversary to Benito M. Natividad and Dr. Evelyn Lozano.