MANILA, Philippines – The “agimat” (amulet) that Sen. Bong Revilla inherited from his father, former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr., is known to have always worked for the former, not only in his showbiz career but also in his political goals. Note that in the last elections, Bong garnered the most number of votes among the senators, making him No. 1, for which he has said his father cried with great pride. He also said he owed this to the people and that “kulang pa ang buhay ko para pampalit sa tiwalang ibinigay sa akin ng mga tao… kaya pagbubutihin ko… but of course, I will still continue my showbiz career, mag-aartista pa rin ako.”

And so he’s back in the Metro Manila Film Festival race, with “Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote” for which he teams up with another box-office king, Vic Sotto. Expectedly, Bong’s “agimat” will work again to make this fantasy-action-adventure-drama a box-office hit, the topgrosser in the forthcoming film festival. Actually, Bong doesn’t need an “agimat,” anymore, what with his good looks and appeal as his wife Rep. Lani Mercado has said, “kailangan pa ba ng agimat ng asawa ko?”

Anyway, it is recalled that Bong was just a kid when his father action star Ramon Revilla starred in “Pepeng Agimat.” It was the only “Agimat” movie that Ramon Sr. ever did (also for the Metro Manila Film Festival) but it was a huge success at the box-office. Did you know that the 11-month-old baby thrown in one scene was played by Bong’s younger sister Andrea “Andeng” Bautista (now wife of Rizal Gov. Junjun Ynares)? Andeng would later play the title role in “Dang Dong.”

This time, Bong and Vic (who originated his Enteng Kabisote character in the TV fantasy-series “Okay Ka, Fairy Ko,” give their first starrer together a new touch and a new twist, combining action and comedy in what could be the filmfest’s probable topgrosser. After all, they are both box-office kings.

Vic, more senior than Bong, comes ahead in the billing but Bong’s character comes ahead in the title, which was fair enough. Even their scenes are equally divided, and even their share in the production too. “Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote” is an offering of GMA Films in collaboration with Imus Productions, M-Zet Productions, OctoArts Films and Tony Tuviera’s APT Entertainment.

Bong’s siblings Andrea B. Ynares and Rowena B. Mendiola are the producers, while Marlon Bautista is executive producer. The movie is co-directed by Tony Reyes and Rico Gutierrez.

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Mother Lily named adopted mom of Taal

Mother Lily has been named “Adopted Mother of the Heritage Town of Taal,” and she said she was greatly honored and proud to receive the award. The award was given to Mother Lily for her “invaluable contribution and overwhelming support, deep love and affection for this historic town and its people that depicts the virtues of a true Taaleña.”

The award was given by the Municipality of Taal, Province of Batangas through Mayor Michael Montenegro, and Vice Mayor Fulgencio Mercado.

Mother Lily, by the way, is busy these days promoting Regal Entertainment’s two official entries to the 2010 MMFF: “Super Inday and the Golden Bebe,” topbilled by Marian Rivera, and “Shake, Rattle & Roll 12,” starring Shaina Magdayao, Andi Eigenmann and Carla Abellana. The “SR&R” franchise has always been in the Top 3 ranks of topgrossers in the Metro Manila Film Festival.

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Sharon launches own home line

Megastar Sharon Cuneta launched Celebrations by Sharon, her own brand of cookware, bakeware, culinary herbs and kitchen appliances in a home fair last Saturday night at The Block, SM City North Edsa.

Hundreds of home enthusiasts were ecstatic as they met the one-and-only Megastar who offered discounts and demos and home craft workshops.

“Celebrations by Sharon is just perfect for us moms who would like to make the most out of the Christmas season. Whether you bake or just cook, this home entertaining line will be of great use,” said Shirley Santos, a mom of three who attended the event.

The Celebrations by Sharon line consists of premium coated non-stick bakeware for holiday baking, and other silicon and wood-based baking accessories in an interesting array of designs, including limited edition releases for the holidays. The cookware line includes stainless aluminum pots and pans in a variety of sizes and exclusive shapes developed for Sharon, in “classic,” “elite” and “platinum” series collections. Sharon’s collection of culinary herbs includes a wide variety of herbs.

The cookware and bakeware items are available at SM Homeworld, while the small kitchen appliances are available at the SM Appliance Center.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 12, go to Concert Queen Pops Fernandez, travel exec. and Consul Bobby Joseph, Carlos Agassi, Ms. Fe Ng, Joan Roncan, Emil Venus Jr., Roger Begre, Isabel T. Baluyut, Rogel Velasco, Lillie Anne Pajaro, Winnie Noriega, Lilian B. Cruz, Lulu Vasquez Velasco, Ben Martillo, Ma. Paz C. Peñaflorida, Paula J. White, Gil G. Ortiz of RPN 9 Tuguegarao, Lita Uichanco, Jarvis Dupla of Davao City and Tempo’s Graphic artist Dante “Danz” A. Lagana… Happy wedding anniversary to Toto and Aileen Gordoncillo… From Egypt, Direk Chito Roño texted that “Emir” won the Youssef Chanhine Prize, Best Artistic Contribution Prize at the Cairo International Film Festival. Music and Cinematography were also cited! Congratulations to the Film Development Council of the Philippines, CCP, Direk Chito and the cast of “Emir.” “Emir” is so far the only Filipino mainstream film that has won the plum award in an international filmfest. It had only been indie films winning awards abroad…