ZOREN LEGASPI

 MANILA, Philippines – From Regal Baby to Regal Director – that’s Zoren Legaspi, who first appeared in the Regal flick “Trese” with Aiko Melendez, and who has turned film director with the episode “Mamanyika” in “Shake, Rattle & Roll 12,” one of Regal Films’ entries to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival which officially starts Saturday, Dec. 25.

“I have been directing for television like ‘Fantastikids,’ ‘Fantastikman,’ ‘Wag Kukurap,’ ‘Atlantika’ and others but directing this time for the silver screen is a big deal for me,” says Zoren Legaspi. “In the storycon for my episode ‘Mamanyika,’ I met all the stars Shaina Magdayao, Ricky Davao, Elijah Alejo, and others and I requested them not to call me Direk. They know me as Zoren so that’s what I want to be called.”

It took some time for Zoren to fully understand what the script was all about. “I did some revisions without any permission from the producer. I did that because I hate long discussions and sometimes the director’s vision is hard to explain in full details.”

“The first day shoot of ‘Mamanyika’ was a challenge to establish my style to my actors because I haven’t directed any of them. I made sure that my actors will feel secured and confident in my ship. My attack was to let them know indirectly that we will have an awesome episode and they are in good hands.”

Shaina has only good words for Zoren. “He is cool on the set and very much in control. I asked questions and Zoren patiently explains to me the scene where it is coming from and going to. It was quite intimidating at first being directed by an actor but as we went along in our first day of shoot, okay na okay na kaming lahat.”

How does it feel directing Carmina Villarroel doing a cameo role in “Mamanyika?”

“It’s a challenge because she doesn’t know the boundary of husband and director. So I warned her that she should treat me like a director and not as husband on the set. On the other hand, I love Carmina now more because she offered herself to be part of my first movie. How touching!”

Zoren is thankful and grateful to Mother Lily Monteverde and Roselle Monteverde for giving him the break and trusting him with “Shake, Rattle & Roll 12.”

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Star Magic artists in MMFF entries

ABS-CBN’s Star Magic expressed pride that many of its artists are in the entries to this year’s MMFF. In Regal Film’s “Super Inday and the Golden Bibe,” topbilled by Marian Rivera and John Lapus and directed by Mike Tuviera, Jake Cuenca, Pokwang, Jairus Aquino and Vice Ganda are featured. Pokwang plays Kukay, Super Inday’s ally.

In “Shake, Rattle & Roll 12,” among the Star Magic artists featured are Shaina Magdayao who is the lead star who plays Ara in the episode “Mamanyika,” Andi Eigenmann who is Andrea in the episode “Isla Engkanto,” Rayver Cruz who plays Ray, Solo Kiggins (son of Chuck Perez) and Kristel Moreno who plays Ces, Andrea’s best friend.

“Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last Na ‘To!)” of course topbills Ai Ai de las Alas who also starred in the two previous “Tanging Ina” films. Other Star Magic artists in this movie (directed anew by Wenn Deramas) are Serena Dalrymple, Shaina Magdayao, Rafael Rosell, Kaye Abad, Nikki Valdez, and Xyriel Manabat.

“RPG: Metanoia,” the first ever Philippine full-length CG-animated film feature in 3D, stars Zaijian Jaranilla who plays Nico, an avid online gamer. Zaijian is joined by fellow Star Magic artists Aga Muhlach, Mika dela Cruz, Basty Alcances, Aaron Junatas, Igiboy Flores, and Jairus Aquino.

Also in “Dalaw” are Diether Ocampo, Empress Schuck, and Makisig Morales.

In “Father Jejemon,” starring the “King of Comedy” Dolphy, Star Magic artists Maja Salvador, Rhap Salazar and Nash Aguas are also featured. The movie is directed by comebacking Frank Gray Jr.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Saturday, Dec. 25, go to former Speaker Jose de Venecia, NFA head Angelito Banayo, Jess Soriano, Vic del Fierro, LJ Reyes, Josephine “Banig” Roberto, Dr. Numeriano “Noel” Tanopo III, Ricky Gallardo, Antonio Gamboa, Salvador Rivera, Mila S. Catan, Jesusa Romero, Jeannette So, Rose Merychris M. Tabor, Jesus Hanzel Villafuerte, Crisanta Lumunsad, Susan Smith of California, Noella D.C. Alegre, Cristina Ingrid de Venecia, Ador Saluta and Bettina Carlos of Star Magic… MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!