MANILA, Philippines - The movie “Tum: My Pledge of Love” means so much to Mariel Rodriguez. Because she felt and believed that her husband, action star Robin Padilla, meant the title for her. The movie, in fact, means a lot too to Robin. Because it is their first movie together as husband and wife. And they filmed it entirely in India, where they first exchanged pledges of love to each other.

Written, directed and starred in by Robin, “Tum: My Pledge of Love” was inspired by the love he shares with his wife. “Tum,” Robin explained, is a Hindu word meaning “you.” And to Mariel, “Tum” refers to her.

Filming in India was a different experience for Robin (who last directed “Mistah”) but it was an experience that enriched him technology-wise. “Kung nahirapan man ako dun, it’s only because of the imposed eight hours a day working time, naiiba ang filming technology nila, bago lahat.”

But if he was amazed by this, and the warmth and competence of the Indian actors who appeared and worked in the movie, the feeling was mutual. “Because if they appreciate you and your work, they express it genuinely.” Robin amazed them with his know-how and efficiency, especially because he always came to the set with pre-edited scenes already in his mind.

And if working was a breeze for Robin in India, it’s of course because he was working with his beloved Mariel. “Iba pala pag asawa mo ang kapareha mo, hindi ka makakaramdam ng pagod,” Robin said. “At saka, ibang-iba si Mariel. Iba ang level of energy niya, from sunrise to sundown pareho,” he chuckled in admiration.

“Tum: My Pledge of Love” tells the love story of two people hindered by cultural beliefs and threatened by people around them. In the end they come to the crossroad of their emotions, whether or not they are meant for each other. But aside from the love story, the film also shows the rich culture of India.

Also starring in the movie are Eddie Garcia, Ejay Falcon, Kat Alano, Rich Herrera, Datu Khomeini Bansuan, Nash R. Raza, and Robin’s daughter Queenie who showcases her competence as an actress, and especially her proficiency with the Hindu accent. Queenie is paired in the movie with Ejay Falcon.

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‘Captain Barbell’ back on GMA Telebabad

Here’s something in store for fans of superheroes and Richard Gutierrez: The much-anticipated comeback of the greatest Pinoy superhero on primetime this March. Four years after its original inception on TV, “Captain Barbell” returns – bigger, better and more star-studded than ever before.

Richard Gutierrez reprises his role as Captain Barbell and his alter ego, Teng, and is now joined by a new league of extraordinary beings with unique superpowers. Fresh from the rousing success of “Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Showdown” and his Valentine movie “My Valentine Girls,” the sought-after Kapuso actor once again puts on the iconic red cape and protects good from evil.

In this version, Teng/Captain Barbell will have not just one, but four leading ladies – Isabel Oli, Lovi Poe, Michelle Madrigal and Solenn Heussaff. Adorable child wonder Jillian Ward plays Teng’s sidekick and pseudo-adopted daughter.

Veteran actor and Richard’s dad Eddie Gutierrez leads the Liga ng Kalayaan as General Armando, while multi award-winning actor Christopher de Leon stars as the evil nemesis of Captain Barbell, Nero.

Completing the cast are TJ Trinidad, Bianca King, Sam Pinto, Mike Tan, Marky Lopez, Ces Quesada, Elvis Gutierrez, Paolo Paraiso, Akihiro Sato, Frencheska Farr, Bea Binene, Jake Vargas, Ervic Vijandre, Jon Hall, and Ellen Adarna.

The Kapuso Network takes pride in its highly-sophisticated production features and fast-paced storyline. The costume and set designs are courtesy of Australian production designer Peter Collias, who also designed for international blockbusters “The Matrix” and “Moulin Rouge.”

“Captain Barbell” is directed by Dominic Zapata.

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FSC holds workshop on 3D filmmaking

The Filipino Society of Cinematographers (FSC) in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Plusiminus Film Camp will hold a 3D cinematography and filmmaking workshop on March 18, 19 and 20 at Janeth Resort in Matabungkay Batangas with post production workshop on March 25 and 26 in Makati.

The workshop billed “3D Stereoscopic Cinematography and Filmmaking Workshop,” the first of its kind in the country, will give light to the current filmmaking phenomenon called 3D stereoscopic filmmaking.

Experts in filmmaking and 3D technology have been invited to be lecturers/guest speakers like Oli Laperal Jr. of RSVP Film Studios, cinematographer/director Ariel M. Reyes, and FSC Pres. Isagani Sioson, among others.

For registration and inquiries e-mail plusiminus25@yahoo.com.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 18, go to former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos, Celeste Legaspi, Lara Chica, Diana Go, US-based Baby K. Jimenez and Eden Yap Dandan, Christine Michelle C. Freeman, Jose Antonio Miguel B. Recio, Patricia del Rosario Bata, Mrs. Erlinda A. Sabido, Fidela Gabayno, Wilfredo M. Gerilla, and Star Magic’s Gian Sotto... Happy wedding anniversary to Kiel and Nini Enrique…