MANILA, Philippines -- Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s latest film, “Ikaw ang Pag-ibig,” is a must-see movie for the family, if only for the inspiration that it gives viewers. Produced by the Archdiocese of Caceres and Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s Film Institute and Art Center, with the support of lay benefactors and investors, the movie stars Marvin Agustin, Jomari Yllana and Ina Feleo in the lead roles.

“Ikaw ang Pag-ibig” was made last year in commemoration of the Tercentenary of the Devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia to which Marilou is a devotee. It tells the story of a young, contemporary but rebellious woman video editor (Vangie Cruz, played by Ina) whose only Brother, Fr. Johnny (Marvin) a newly ordained priest, is diagnosed to be suffering from Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). As his sibling, Vangie is called upon to be donor for her brother’s bone marrow transplant.

Nereo P. Odchimar, Bishop of Tandag and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) noted: “It is not easy for the sister to decide to be a donor for her brother’s bone marrow transplant due to clinical phobia resulting from an attempted, but failed, abortion. (Vangie here has a child with Dr. Joey Lucas, played by Jomari who she refuses to marry.)

Also starring Jaime Fabregas, Nonie Buencamino, Shamaine Centenera, Yogo Singh with the special participation of Mr. Eddie Garcia, “Ikaw ang Pag-ibig” was graded “A” by the Cinema Evaluation Board.

Released by Star Cinema, “Ikaw ang Pag-ibig” opens today (Sept. 14) in local theaters. It was also endorsed by the Manila Archdiocesan & Parochial Schools Association, Inc. (MAPSA).

‘My Neighbor’s Wife’ opens Wednesday

“My Neighbor’s Wife,” the movie which made Carla Abellana controversial (when she engaged in a word war with entertainment columnist Mario Bautista) opens Wednesday in local theaters.

The movie, produced by Regal Entertainment and directed by Jun Lana, has Carla playing the role of a young woman deceived by her husband (played by Jake Cuenca). She gets even by giving in to the advances of her best friend’s (Lovi Poe) husband played by Dennis Trillo.

The role necessitates sizzling love scenes which Carla agreed to do.

The movie shows Carla’s maturity as an actress.

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Merk’s Place this  September

World-class jazz vocalist Jacqui Magno takes center stage on Sept. 14, 21 and 28 with Atty. Ferdie Topacio at Merk’s Place.

Talented group Episoul continues to liven up Merk’s on Sept. 15 and 22 while retro group Forever Young performs on Sept. 16, 23 and 30. Glass Onions plays on Sept. 29.

Merk’s Place is located at Colbella Arcade along Pasay Road. For reservations or any information, e-mail Merk’s at merksbarbistro@gmail.com.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Sept. 14, go to former Sen. Santanina Rasul, Gen. Avelino Razon, Edu Manzano, Josefino Cenizal, Patrick Garcia, Patchot Mapa, Dr. Editha Tan, Cecille S. Ferrer, Luis Tito Manapat, Violy Chua, Lynnie Yu, Grace Pizarro-Espiritu, Tessie Gabriel, Albert Bautista of LA, Patricia Espiritu, Erwin Ching, Genna Dumpit Entrata, Randy Lim of Tagum City, Gloria P. Mananao, Analyn Melgaso, Tyron Perez, Bridgette Meggie N. Clarino, Ryan Sy, New York-based Jayson V. Agliam, and Joan Maglipon Marcelo, editor-in-chief of YES! magazine...