MANILA, Philippines -- "Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” was one film I wanted very much to watch during the concluded 7th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition but I missed it. It’s a good thing Star Cinema is releasing it (starting today, Aug. 3, in over 40 theaters nationwide).

The movie, produced by Atty. Joji Alonso’s Quantum Films, Martinez-Rivera Films and Straight Shooters Media, won for Eugene her first Best Actress award. At the press conference for the movie held last week at ABS-CBN’s Dolphy Theater, Eugene who accepted the movie project “out of love” (meaning she wasn’t paid any talent fee) said “walang katumbas na pera ang kaligayahan ko ngayon…” Asked why she has gotten slim, she said it’s the result of her new healthy lifestyle… no more meat. And of course, she does some exercises and she tries to have a happy disposition most of the time.

“Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” is a parody that pokes fun over independent filmmaking, and which romanticizes the reality of poverty.

In her role, Eugene displays her versatility as an actress – it is another testimony to her onscreen comedic power.

The movie, which is said to be the biggest blockbuster in the history of sold-out screenings of Cinemalaya, also won four other awards: Best Director Marlon Rivera, Best Screenplay for Chris Martinez (who directed Star Cinema’s “Here Comes the Bride” and was scriptwriter of “Kimmy Dora”), Audience Choice Award and the most coveted Best Film Award.

“Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” also stars Cai Cortez (“My Amnesia Girl,” “Maximus and Minimus”), JM de Guzman (“Mula sa Puso” and “My Amnesia Girl”), and Kean Cipriano (Calalilly’s lead vocalist).

JM’s big break

JM de Guzman is easily one of the most popular young male stars of ABS-SBN at the moment, thanks to his top-rating soap “Mula sa Puso,” which unfortunately is ending in two weeks’ time. We knew JM since he was still young and doing commercials. He is the grandson of our former Community Page editor Cornelio de Guzman, and son of our fellow Manila Bulletin staff Ronniel de Guzman.

JM first appeared on TV via “Ang TV 2” but he later moved to GMA-7 where he appeared in various shows. While studying (Theater Arts, UP Diliman), he also wrote songs and two of them are included in his self-titled debut album under Ivory Records (with the carrier single “Carried Away”). The album features 12 tracks, 10 covers, and his two compositions. His first music video was launched on MYX last Sunday.

Asked what could be his priority, singing or acting, JM chose the latter. He doesn’t know yet what his next project would be on TV but JM said he is out to do another indie film.

When he returned to ABS-CBN, JM was seen in Precious Hearts Romances Presents “Midnight Phantom,” PHR Presents “Alyna,” Martha Cecilia’s “Kristine” and now “Mula sa Puso” where he plays the male lead role of Gabriel.

Beautiful Lloydie

Yes, by gracing the cover of Yes! Magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful Stars, John Lloyd Cruz (the first male star to do so) has proven that men can be beautiful too! He is now in the same league as Judy Ann Santos (who topped the list in 2007), KC Concepcion (2008), Marian Rivera (2009) and Kim Chiu (2010).

In a press conference to launch Yes! 100 Most Beautiful Stars Special held July 28 at the Ruby Ballroom of Crowne Plaza Hotel, editor-in-chief Jo-Ann Maglipon and John Lloyd Cruz unveiled the cover to members of the media.

This year, stars are grouped into 17 categories, among them Primetime Actors (Coco Martin, Kim Chiu, Aljur Abrenica, Kris Bernal et al), Breakthrough Beauties (Jessy Mendiola, Bela Padilla, Kylie Padilla, Jackie Rice et al).

The New Breed (Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes, Barbie Forteza, Joshua Dionisio). A-Listers (Piolo Pascual, Dingdong Dantes, Richard Gutierrez, Bea Alonzo, Marian Rivera, Angel Locsin).

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Wednesday, Aug. 3, go to Rep. Butz Aquino, Judge Espie Fabon-Victorino, Alex Javier, Alex Libongco, Joyce Bautista, Linda M. Venago, Polly Chua, PJ Escobedo, Geraly Japuz, Lhanie Yin Aguilar of Cagayan de Oro City and Ricky Cobangkiat…