The cast of ‘Tween Academy: Class of 2012,’

MANILA, Philippines -- Soon to open is a film collaboration between GMA Films and SM Development Corp. Entitled “Tween Academy: Class of 2012,” it gathers together some of today’s hottest teen stars – Barbie Forteza, Joshua Dionisio, Bea Binene, Jake Vargas, Lexi Fernandez, Louise delos Reyes, Alden Richards, Derrick Monasterio, Kristoffer Martin, Joyce Ching, Yassi Pressman and Elmo Magalona.

Joining the young cast are some of the ’80s and ’90s teen idols, among them Angelu de Leon, Bobby Andrews, Yayo Aguila, Pinky Amador, Nadia Montenegro, Jojo Alejar and Chuckie Dreyfuss who add depth and color to the movie as they play equally important roles. “Tween Academy…” will also surprise viewers with other Kapuso stars, socialites and sports icons playing cameos.

The movie, directed by Mark Reyes, highlights the ups and downs of high school life. It also provides honest portrayal of issues facing teens today – from dealing with labels, peer pressure, first love, first heartbreak, and everything else in between.

Barbie plays Kara, a cosplayer and online retailer of collectible toys. As she comes to terms with the death of her father, she uses her technie skills to help her mom make both ends meet for their family. She develops a special friendship with one of her customers, geeky Robin (Joshua Dionisio).

“Tween Academy…” opens Aug. 24.

Revilla, Remulla Gawad Miong awardees

Two political stalwarts from Cavite, former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. who’s currently the chairman of the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), and former Cavite Governor Juanito “Johnny” Remulla, received recently the Gawad Miong Award during ceremonies held at the Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City.

The award, named after the Caviteño revolutionary general and first President of the Philippine Republic Emilio Aguinaldo, was given to the elder Revilla and Remulla for their exemplary service to the people of Cavite.

The awardees can be best described as long lost friends who once parted ways due to political differences. Their sons, Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. and Cavite Gov. Juanito “Johnvic” Remulla, Jr. vowed to strive to further strengthen the reconciliation of their clans, and continue the legacy of their fathers as pillars of modern-day Cavite.

Hometown Heroes join ‘Astig’ riders

Another group of formidable players join the ranks of Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. and Angel Locsin in Team Suzuki’s band of “Astig” riders. The group is the Philippine Men’s Football Team’s Hometown Heroes: Chieffy Caligdong, Roel Gener, Ian Araneta, Yannick Tuason, and Paolo Pascual.

All five seek to inspire young and old alike, as SPH continues its expansive campaign and highlights the city roots of all five players with billboards strewn all over the Visayas and Mindanao. Caligdong, Araneta and Gener hail from the city of Barutac Nuevo in Iloilo where it is said that boys learn how to play football the day they begin to walk.

How fitting it is that SPH chose these five players, who are all motorcycle riders (Ian Araneta in particular, is a drag race enthusiast).

Araneta wants nothing more than to inspire young ones to embrace the sport.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Friday, Aug. 19, go to “Mother” Lily Monteverde, Conrado Estrella, Maribel Lopez, Nancy Harel, Letlet Veloso, Lit del Rosario, Randy Ortiz, Tonton Young, Manuel Bediones, Celine “Nene” Africa, Manuel Ablan, Atty. Mar Santiago, Dr. Luz Torres-Reyes, Ernie Duque, Rey Panaligan, Lanie Q. Doliente, Elizabeth Diaz, Rommel Mendoza, Magin Belarmino, John Lloyd M. Ersaga, Dulce Palma Friedman of LA, AJ Siytangco, Ella Guevarra, Henry G. Babiera, Merlita V. Macahindog, Manuel Canta Tanael, Taiwan-based Loida Lagana-Huang, and GMA Artist Center’s Iwa Moto…