Yes, the projected team-up of Steven Seagal, one of Hollywood’s enigmatic action stars, and our very own Manny Pacquiao, the world’s greatest boxer at the moment, will push through most possibly before the year ends. And 50% of it will be shot in the Philippines; the other 50% in Beijing, China and the US.

This is according to the co-producer of the still untitled movie, Ms. Amihan “Ami” Almerol who is in town for the launch of Marco Sison’s latest album, “Hindi Ko Akalain,” which she produced under her Crossing Bridges production company. The album will be distributed locally by Star Records.

The movie will be produced by Seagal’s Stream Roller Producers. Story and script will also be written by Seagal. Last February, Ami brought Seagal to Pacman and they discussed about the possibility of co-starring in a movie. However, Seagal wasn’t able to watch Pacquiao’s fight with Joshua Clottey in Las Vegas because of prior commitments, Ami said.

Right now, Manny has a lot of movie offers from American production companies, and one of them owns the rights to the Pancho Villa story which they intend to film in the near future. And the outfit has offered Manny the title role of the legendary Pancho Villa, who was the country’s greatest boxer before World War II. Manny is indeed the ideal choice to play Pancho Villa.

But with his new career as lawmaker (representing Sarangani), will Manny have the time to make movies? “This will certainly pose a problem, especially so since Manny has his duty as a congressman will come first now,” Ami said.

Incidentally, Ami is a well-known concert producer in LA. She has in the past produced concerts for Dulce, Christopher de Leon, Gabby Concepcion, Hajji and Rachel Alejandro, Susanna Pichay, Marco Sison, Elizabeth Ramsey, Victor Wood, Ram Lopez, Joyce Jimenez, Nora Aunor and even the late Ace Vergel, among others.

Anyway, going back to Marco’s album, which was recorded in Los Angeles, CA, it contains eight original compositions composed mostly by Bodjie Dasig and Odette Quesada, and two remakes. The two remakes are “Till I Met You” and “A Friend Of Mine,” both compositions of Odette Quesada.

Carrier single of the album is “May Iba Na Ba,” which will be used as a theme song for a forthcoming teleserye on ABS-CBN. The song has been enjoying massive airplay over Star FM 102.7, IFM 93.9, Energy FM 91.5 and YES FM 101.1.

Included among the other original compositions in “Hindi Ko Akalain,” composed by Bodjie Dasig, are: “Try My Number,” “Don’t Know How Long I’ll Be Away,” “Baby, Puede Ba?” “Right Beside You,” “I Don’t Want To Be Your Friend,” and “Huwag Na Lang.”

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Grand Santacruzan at Araneta Center

Araneta Center, the country’s premier lifestyle hub, once again honors the Blessed Virgin Mary as it celebrates the month of flowers with a Grand Santacruzan on May 22. This is also part of Araneta Center’s 50th anniversary celebration.

This year’s Santacruzan at Araneta Center, which kicks off at the South Gate of the Araneta Coliseum, will be grander and more elaborate than ever. This year’s lovely Binibining Pilipinas contestants, along with current and former beauty queens, and showbiz personalities will be parading around the Center representing the various characters (“reynas”) of the commemoration, the “Accolades of Our Lady,” in lavishly decorated arches. Select Araneta Center establishments and some local barangays of Quezon City will likewise be represented by beautiful “sagalas” accompanied by dashing escorts.

The stately Reyna Elena (Queen Helena), accompanied by her consort Principe Constantino, and followed by her mother the Emperatriz, will be walking under a huge canopy of May flowers as the procession’s grand finale. They will be followed by groups of performers representing the major fiestas in the country, such as Masskara, Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, Panagbenga, and many more.

A magnificent fireworks display will cap the celebration.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on May 19 go to fashion designer Rajo Laurel, Councilor Marjorie Barretto, Yvonne Dayrit-Romualdez, Pinky Ramos-Ochoa, Aileen del Rosario, Joseph Alonzo, Joe Astete of the Philippine Coconut Authority, MB’s Lynn Abanilla, VP-Classified Advtg. Dept and Catherine Velasco Mora... Belated b-day greetings to Edgar Medina (May 10), Cesar Apolinario (May 11), Michael Laygo and Jun Vinluan, Vanessa de Joya Villalon and Elena Dimanahan (May 12), Rita D. Carpio and Marilou Carino (May 13), Anna Valencia and Erwin Santiago (May 14), G. Nocom, Anjella Palomares (May 15), Al Pedroche (May 17), Vic Albornoz Lactaoen and Joyce Fernandez (May 18).