Cherry Pie Picache flanked by Bembol Roco and Angel Aquino

MANILA, Philippines — Multi-awarded actress Cherry Pie Picache considers her role in “Isda” a “role of a lifetime.” The film is one of the 7th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival (Directors Showcase) finalists that to the actress are “thought-provoking, out-of-the-box and simply superb examples of exemplary works of cinema.”

So, will her role in “Isda” give her another acting trophy in tonight’s Cinemalaya Awards Night?

Cherry Pie didn’t think of this, she said, when she accepted the project. She just felt challenged by the role. After her award-winning performance in “Foster Child” which gave her the Best Actress trophies from Gawad Urian and Golden Screen Awards, she promised herself that her next role should be inspiring.

“When Kuya Ed (Instrella, her manager) read the script of ‘Isda,’ we knew right away that this is the fitting follow-up to ‘Foster Child.’ Wala nang tanong-tanong and even if I was just second choice for the role, or even third choice, the important matter is I got the part,” she said.

“Isda” is the story of a poor woman who gives birth to a fish. Cherry Pie said she had difficulty playing the role “because of the simplicity of the character. Mas simple, mas mahirap kasi internal ang attack sa role….the objective is for me to make the audience believe that I (as Lina) really gave birth to a fish…”

Cherry Pie said she feels embarrassed whenever she is referred to as an award-winning actress. She just wants to be known as a good actress.

“Isda” is directed by Adolfo B. Alix, Jr. based on a Palanca-winning story written by Jerry Gracio. The movie also stars Bembol Roco, Rosanna Roces, Evelyn Vargas-Knaebel, Alan Paule, Arnold Reyes, Angeli Bayani and Ms. Anita Linda.

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Hotdog rocks Dusit hotel

After a successful reunion concert last May, Hotdog will stage an encore show on July 26 at the ballroom of Dusit Thani Manila.

Dubbed “Hotdog Reunion: The Repeat,” the concert was organized in response to clamor from fans and aficionados of the catchy “Manila Sound” Hotdog pioneered in the 1970s.

“We owe it to our loyal fans, particularly those not able to watch the first show, by giving them one more chance to experience what many have been raving about – a Manila Sound fest and celebration of Pinoy pop like no other,” said Hotdog co-founder and lead guitarist Rene Garcia.

Other players of Hotdog are Dennis Garcia on bass, Jess Garcia on drums, and female vocalists Maso Diez, Joy Reyes, Rita Trinidad, Gina Montes, Nadia Moore and Elaine Evangelista.

Hotdog is the band behind pop/classics “Pers Lab,” “Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko,” “Bongga Ka ‘Day,” “Annie Batungbakal,” “Beh Buti Nga,” “Bitin Sa Iyo,” “Langit Na Naman,” “O, Lumapit Ka” and that ageless ditty beloved by homesick Filipinos, “Manila.”

“Hotdog Reunion: The Repeat” is a project of Diva! Incorporated. Tickets are available at the Dusit Thani Manila concierge.

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Skin specialist turns TV host

She may not be as high-profile as some of her counterparts in the aesthetics field but “Skin Specialist” Dr. Jean Marquez is as competent and reliable.

She also has a number of celebrities who go to her for beauty and skincare treatments. And when she launched her newest skin treatment called Ultherapy at her clinic at ESNA Bldg. along Timog Ave., Optical Media Board Chairman Ronnie Ricketts was there among other celebrities.

Joey Generoso rendered musical numbers for the entertainment of the guests.

Dr. Jean has her own TV show “PinoyMD” at GMA-7, which airs every Saturday at 6 a.m. and Sunday at 7 a.m. She is also the resident dermatologist on “Unang Hirit.”

Dr. Jean is a graduate of Medicine from De La Salle University in 1993.

She trained in cosmetic and laser dermatology in Mid Valley Dermatology at Sherman Oaks, California.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, July 24, go to Atty. Romulo Macalintal, talent manager Arnold Vegafria, Cheska Garcia, Ramon U. de Guzman, Yuri Fukunaga, Rufy Fajardo of LA, California, Anne Marie Espiritu, Janet Palma-Tuazon and Jamilla Obispo… Condolence to the family of Felix Co who passed away July 22. His remains lie at Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park Makati till tomorrow, July 25...