Star Cinema’s latest offering “Till My Heartaches End” is now drawing young crowds to more than 100 theaters nationwide. The movie starring Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson was made especially for the Kimerald fans as this could be Kim and Gerald’s last movie together.

Kim herself said “we made this movie for our fans and supporters and we gave it our all. Sobrang kakaiba ang kuwentong ito, sa script pa lamang, excited na excited na ako na gawin ang pelikula.”

From Gerald, who became emotional during the press conference, after admitting having given Kim so many problems and heartaches during their four-year relationship, “pero despite everything, tinanggap pa rin niya ako. Sulit ang ibabayad ng mga manonood sa ganda ng istorya nito.

“In the movie, I play Powie, walang nagmamahal sa akin until I met Agnes (Kim). May anak ako dito. It’s about how young people hurdle their problems in their relationships.’’

Direk Joey was himself very impressed by the performance of Kim and Gerald. “May lalim ang performance nila. They are no longer just teenage stars; it’s time for them to move on to more mature roles.” He believes they are competent and good actors, and they deserve to have more challenging roles not just those with the so-called “kilig” factor.

Also starring in “Till My Heartaches End” are Angel Jacob, Enrique Gil, Martin del Rosario, Cacai Bautista, Nina Dolino, Eda Nolan, Dianne Medina, Manuel Chua, and Mark Gil.

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Marlene sends gifts to Obama, Gates, Oprah

Author and art connoisseur Marlene Aguilar, sister of internationally renowned folk singer Freddie Aguilar, has sent an early Christmas gift to two US political figures and famous TV host: President Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and Oprah Winfrey.

When asked by Anastasia Purdy why she gave her autobiography entitled “Warriors of Heaven” to these famous personalities, Marlene said she wanted them to know what’s really going on in the Philippines, and about the struggles the Filipino people have had to endure in the face of adversities.

Marlene added: “President Obama is an avid reader, and a well-known author himself. It would be good for him to read a book that will awaken him and open his mind to how the Philippines really is.”

Marlene’s book has been cited by Dr. Serafin Talisayon, former presidential adviser to former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos, saying “this book will awaken the Philippines.”

Marlene hopes Oprah will endorse her book to her millions of viewers as this would bring awareness of the true struggles of the common people of the Philippines, she said. She hopes that after reading her book, the US government and their political leaders will have a better understanding of the Filipino people and their nation.

Marlene also published “Warriors of Heaven” on the Net so anyone can read it for free.

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Pilita at Teatrino

Set for a special performance tonight at Teatrino in Greenhills is Ms. Pilita Corrales, the undisputed Asia’s Queen of Song. In her five decades as a musical artist, she has produced more than 135 albums. Having an international profile with countless appearances in Asia, the Middle East, Australia, North America and all parts of the world, Pilita enjoys a reputation as a singing icon and a living legend.

Pilita is indeed revered by foreigners. In Melbourne, there’s a Pilita Corrales Avenue named after her.

Her TV program before “An Evening With Pilita” is one of the benchmarks in the history of Philippine television. Her immortal song “A Million Thanks To You” was translated to seven languages.

“We’d like to pay tribute to a great Filipino artist of all time. Let’s honor the Queen of all Divas, Pilita Corrales. She’s truly a National Treasure!” said Chito Alcid, the producer of the show tonight at Teatrino Greenhills.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Oct. 28, Jonathan de la Cruz, Florinda Suerte, Regina Christine S. Limpo, Melba Nergua, Alvin Tan, Bubbles Carandang, Fernando Lorenzo, Clodolfo B. Diaz, Walter L. de Santos, Benjo O. Marquez, Butch Marco, Mrs. Amparing Ruiz, Millie Vera, Maria Yllena “Angia” Munji Laurel, Mrs. Eusebia Cainglet of California, Winnie Boado, and Atty. Pete Prinsipe…