The period movie “Rosario,” Cinemabuhay’s official entry to the 36th Metro Manila Film Festival, boasts of award-winning actors in its cast. Even the debuting director, Albert Martinez, is himself a multi-awarded actor.

In the title role is Jennylyn Mercado (she’s touted as a very strong contender for the Best Actress Award in the forthcoming film festival) who was named People’s Choice Best Actress at the MMFF several years ago for the movie “Blue Moon.”

The leading men in “Rosario” – Dennis Trillo, Yul Servo and Sid Lucero – are all awarded actors. In another past MMFF, Dennis was a grandslam winner of the Best Supporting Award for his first acting project “Aishite Masu.” For his gay portrayal in the Regal Films offering, Dennis won all the awards from the various award-giving bodies in the country. His most recent win was as Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Screen Wards for “Mano Po 6,” also a Regal Films’ entry to the MMFF.

Yul Servo, who has turned a passionate politician (on his second term as councilor of Manila), appears in films only occasionally now, when the project is “too good to turn down” like “Rosario.” Yul first gained notice when he starred in “Batang Westside” by Lav Diaz. Then, he was noticed even more when he co-starred with superstar Nora Aunor in the movie “Naglalayag.”

“Naglalayag” won for Yul the Best Actor award at the Brussels International Film Festival where he also was cited for Outstanding Comparative Performance for the movies “Brutus” and “Turotot” in another year. Yul was also Best Actor at the Manila Film Festival and Star Awards.

Sid, on the other hand, won Best Actor from the URIAN Awards for his performance in the movie “Selda.” He also won as Best Actor at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival in Greece (in a tie with Emilio Garcia), also for “Selda.” Sid’s first acting award was for the movie “Donsol” where he garnered Breakthrough Performance by an Actor from the Golden Screen Awards.

Also in the cast of “Rosario” are acting icons Phillip Salvador, Ricky Davao, Eula Valdez and the legendary Comedy King Dolphy who plays the narrator Jesus. Top PLDT honcho Manny V. Pangilinan personally talked to Dolphy so that he would accept the role of Jesus. MVP wanted no less than the Comedy King to play such important role.

Isabel Oli and Empress Schuck, also play vital roles in “Rosario,” along with Liza Lorena, Ara Mina, Rita Avila, Tonton Gutierrez, Chanda Romero, Ronaldo Valdez, Lito Pimentel, Jaime Fabregas, Lester Lansang, Desiree del Valle, Lloyd Samartino, Ron Morales, Precious Lara Quigaman, Jamie Rivera, Joy Ortega, Miki Hahn, Gaby de la Merced, Liezl Martinez, Bert Martinez, Dino Guevarra, Bing Loyzaga and Chinggoy Alonso.

“Rosario” is fully supported by PLDT and all its subsidiaries including Watchpad which is an exclusive video service for PLDT myDSL subsribers. With Watchpad, one can watch 15 of the hottest channels for free. Now, Watchpad also brings you the “Rosario” channel which features the latest trailers and exclusive behind-the-scenes videos for the movie.

• • •
Hayden Kho vindicated?

The court has dismissed the case of violence against women filed by actress Katrina Halili against her former boyfriend Hayden Kho Jr., something that Sen. Bong Revilla did not take happily. But for this, Hayden naturally felt vindicated. As he felt jubilant too, he also said “sorry” to Katrina.

Now, Hayden like the legendary phoenix, has truly risen from the ashes. While he was not practicing his medical profession (his license was temporarily revoked), Hayden went into business, with the support of course of his lady-love, Dr. Vicki Belo. Aside from putting up a bar along Morato Ave. called The Lounge (at the 2nd floor of Belagio Bldg.) Hayden also learned the art of fragrance creation. His scent collection bearing his name was launched recently. He is slowly proving that everyone can get up and start all over again.

“I have always loved fragrances and I’m very intrigued by its enigmatic effect on people,” he said. “When I was still a medical student, I read a scientific study that links fragrances to emotions,” shared Hayden. “I always asked ‘why,’ but never had the time to look deeper into it.”

“Hayden” comes handy in 50, 100 and 150 ml bottles, available in major stores nationwide.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Dec. 17, go to boxing champ and Congressman Manny Pacquiao, Michael V., Rep. Henrietta Mendez, Amy Austria, Dr. Vivian Sarabia-Ong, former QC Councilor Aiko Melendez, Mel Valic, Pep Pep Red Vasquez, Laurence Calado, Patrick Zurbito, Bienvenida Crisanto, Susie P. Belen of Canada, Ernani Cuenco Jr., Lucresia Belarmino, Cherry Yalung, Angelica Joaquin Domingo, Conchita A. Gallaga, Leon Miguel, Christy Parise a.k.a. Tata Villaruel, US-based Angelo Banaria, Joy V. Acuin, and Reynaldo C. Federegan, MB’s librarian… Happy wedding anniversary to Paco and Becky de Liano…