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The White House provides the backdrop for Regal Films’ forthcoming horror thriller also titled “White House.” We are not however, referring to the official residence of US presidents but that imposing and beautiful White House in Baguio City along Leonard Wood Road. One of the distinctive landmarks of the City of Pines, this White House is said to be haunted.

Built in the ’20s, the ancestral mansion was formerly owned by the Laperal family, one of the oldest clans in Baguio. During World War II, most members of the family were reportedly, brutally murdered in the house. Since then, the White House has remained uninhabited. Spirits or ghosts are said to abound there.

Because of this, the Regal producers found it the perfect backdrop for their newest horror flick directed by Topel Lee, who previously megged such suspense thrillers as “Ouija,” “Sundo” and the “Yaya” and “Madre” episodes of “Shake, Rattle and Roll.” Mother Lily said “White House” blends a touch of reality TV show, with six stars playing contestants who live inside the White House to experience the ghosts for a chance to win P1-million.

Leading the cast is Gabby Concepcion who plays the spirit questor who deals with the ghosts.

Maricar Reyes is the scheming reality TV show producer, with Janus del Prado as her associate. Iza Calzado plays the violent Black Lady out to seek vengeance for the death of her loved ones. Lovi Poe, Joem Bascon, Mo Twister, Megan Young, Jairus Aquino and Sarah Lahbati complete the cast as the TV contestants.

“White House” starts its regular run in theaters nationwide on Oct. 13.

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Kokey returns

Remember Kokey, the country’s cutest, friendliest and most loved alien who crash landed on our TV screens three years ago? Well, Kokey returns on primetime with “Kokey@Ako” premiering tomorrow, Sept. 20, on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida. “Ako” refers to Jackie, the new leading lady of the series. She is played by Toni Gonzaga.

This is Toni’s return to acting, after concentrating mostly on hosting jobs and she said she’s so happy that she has been tapped to be part of this Kapamilya project.

Headlining the series with Toni is Vhong Navarro with whom she has worked in the past in several projects.

Vhong shares the same feeling with Toni, with whom he is working in a fantaserye for the first time.

Wenn Deramas directs anew this new Kokey series. Also in the cast of “Kokey@Ako” are Melai Cantiveros (as Josa, the Pambansang Overs), Jason Francisco (as Adonis, the Pambansang Feeling).

Melai said that if the Prince of Comedy (as Vhong is being hailed) is a little nervous, she feels just as tense every time she is on the set. “During our first taping, I got really nervous.’’

“Kokey@Ako” revolves around the lives of Kokey and Jackie. Ever since her parents were abducted when she was still a child, Jackie started her mission of finding extra-terrestrial creatures hoping that it would lead her to her parents’ whereabouts.

The others in the cast of “Kokey@Ako” are Ms. Gloria Romero, Ms. Nova Villa, Mickey Ferriols, Wendy Valdez, DJ Durano, Candy Pangilinan, Joy Viado, Tess Antonio, Empoy, Rubi-Rubi, Debraliz, Maricel Laxa, and Christian Bautista.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Sept. 19, go to Former Rep. Peping Cojuangco, Impy Pilapil, Josie Darang, Nap Gutierrez, Maomi David, Lydia C. de Guzman, Danny Vibas, Atty. Nelson Lidua, Dr. Nilo Apale, Anita B. Varsovia, Reginald Morales, Dennis Herruela of Stratworks and MB’s Marilou B. Laderas…