Ace Cruz

Fil-American actor/director/producer Ace Cruz is eyeing no less than Vanessa Hudgens of “High School Musical” fame to star in his next film “Wishing Well,” which he intends to be shot in scenic Boracay Islands. The Hollywood-based actor is currently in town to negotiate for the showing of his latest film “Outraged” which he said was inspired by his belief in the law of attraction.

“Wishing Well” is a love story that’s similar to “Memoirs of a Geisha,” and also “Slamdog Millionaire” and “August Rush,” Ace said.

“And I want my main actress to be Vanessa Hudgens. I’d like to submit the project to her agent and hopefully he’ll agree that I have a good role for Vanessa in the film. I’ll have some local actors, most probably Alvin Anson or Raymond Bagatsing, and people I grew up with in local showbiz to be in the cast. And I want to shoot in Boracay to show to the world the beauty of this island paradise.”

He would focus on “Wishing Well” after he finish marketing and releasing “Outrage” in the Philippines, other parts in Asia and the US, hopefully on a theatrical release.

Ace Cruz is a Filipino-American filmmaker who has done six Hollywood films including “Outraged.” These were “Last Chance,” “Urban Task Force,” “Psychotic,” “Fate” and “The Golem.” He has also worked with Hollywood actors like Michael Madsen, Lee Majors, Todd Bridges, Michael Berryman, Derek Lee Nixon, Sam Jones, Philip Michael Thomas and Michael Pare.

As a filmmaker, more than mixing action and drama, Ace always puts a positive message in his movies. Like in “Outraged,” he expounded the Law of Attraction all throughout. His lead actress had to overcome fear by thinking positively or paraphrasing “positive energy attracts positive energy.”

The positivism from the Law of Attraction is the reason Ace is shunning away from doing violent film in the future.

“Outraged” is scheduled to have its premiere showing on Aug. 14 at the Cinema 1 of SM Megmall. Watch out for it!

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Joey Marquez back in ‘Kaya ng Powers!’

Fans of actor/comedian Joey Marquez were indeed delighted to see him on TV again after being absent for a while. Their idol is back as the lead male character in GMA-7’s newest comedy, “Kaya ng Powers,” which premiered last Saturday (July 24) right after “24 Oras Weekend.”

Playing the patriach of the family as Dr. Robert Powers is Joey Marquez, with Rufa Mae Quinto as his wife, Mrs. Stephanie Powers. Their three children are Hillary (Rhian Ramos), Shalani (Sheena Halili), and Gustin (Elmo Magalona). Dr. Powers is a famous scientist who discovered a secret formula that can transform any person into a superhero. His apprentice Donald (played by Bearwin Meily) sabotages his experiment to manipulate and wield power to a greater degree of evil.

“Kaya ng Powers” is directed by Uro dela Cruz. The second episode will be shown on Saturday, July 31.

By the way, at the recent presscon of “Kaya ng Powers,”Rufa Mae got emotional when she was asked about the “Mr. M” in her life, who’s supposed to be her generous benefactor. It was said it was the comedienne herself who mentioned about her having a “Mr. M” in her romantic life. She cried when pressed about it.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Thursday July 29 go to Rep. Cynthia A. Villar, Winnie Monsod, Bob Zozobrado, designer Tammy Candelaria, Canada-based Vic Encila, Lilian Toundjis, Lucila Caballes, Nits Karasig-Gozun, Emil M. Presillias, Vancouver-based film critic Mel Tobias, Lucila Bernardo, Ma. Elsa O. Pongol, Lani Ponciano, Shirley Igrobay, and Kiray Celis of ABS-CBN Star Magic.