Cherry Pie Picache in a scene from ‘Isda’

MANILA, Philippines -- A mother herself, awarded actress Cherry Pie Picache empathized with friend and colleague Jaclyn Jose after learning that her daughter Andi Eignemann was pregnant from an ex-boyfriend who allegedly would not take responsibility for it.

“Naiyak ako. To begin with, nakita kong lumaki si Andi.”

The trials that her friend Jaclyn is going through made Cherry Pie realize even more how tough motherhood is.

“One of the hardest parts of being a parent is molding their children’s personalities to prepare them for this world. The second is knowing there will come a time that you have to let them go,” she says.

She added that all she could do if her son would go live his own life away from her would be to pray. “You just keep on praying that you have molded them well and that their lives would be on a straight path.”

‘Isda’

Cherry Pie is playing a mother role in Adolfo B. Alix’s “Isda,” one of the entries in the Director’s Showcase of the 7th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival which officially opens today.

“Isda” was based on an episode of “Eye to Eye,” a talk show of the late Inday Badiday. The said episode featured a woman who allegedly gave birth to a mudfish.

Playing Lina was challenging for Cherry Pie because she described her character to be simple and linear. The challenge here was how to portray a simple role effectively.

“Isda” is based on the 2002 Palanca Award winning short story of the same title by Gerry Gracio. Also in the cast are Bembol Roco, Rosanna Roces, Angel Aquino, Allan Paule, Evelyn Vargas and Arnold Reyes.

Martin’s ‘Tribute’ to his idols

Martin Nievera is doing a solo concert after two years and this will happen tonight at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre at Resorts World Manila. Frank Sinatra, Kenny Loggins, Bruno Mars and Gary Valenciano are but a few of the artists that Martin Nievera will pay tribute to in his show aptly titled “Tribute.”

Produced by Viva Concerts & Events and Showtime Productions, the show will also be staged on Sept. 2.

With Marvin Querido as musical director, “Tribute” marks Martin’s return to the local stage after his successful tour of the US and Canada in “As-1” with Gary Valenciano. Another previous outing of Martin was with Sarah Geronimo in “What Love Is” at the Araneta Coliseum.

Part of the repertoire includes “This Is The Moment,” “Forever,” “Be My Lady,” and “Iisa Pa Lamang.” He will also pay tribute to his songwriting idols David Foster and Louie Ocampo, and other artists.

“Tribute” is sponsored by ABS-CBN, Mang Inasal, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Business World, 105.1 Crossover, 94.7 Mellow, 96.3 Easy Rock, PBO, and Viva Cinema.

Isay sings for a cause

Skarlett Jazz Kitchen, along Scout Ybardolaza in Quezon City, features Isay Alvarez on July 18.

One of the original cast members of the London production of “Ms. Saigon,” Isay will be joined by musical director Mel Villena, Asosasyon ng Musikong Pilipino (AMP) band, and husband Robert Seña as she pays tribute to Sylvia La Torre, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Katy dela Cruz and other jazz greats, as well as doing duet excerpts from the couple’s “Dueto” album.

The show is a fund-raising project of UST AB’s batch ’82, where Isay is member, for the benefit of the scholarship beneficiaries of the UST AB Alumni Association (AAA).

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