MANILA, Philippines -- “It’s really scary,” said Jillian Ward about “Aswang,” the movie where she appears in and which will open today, Nov. 2.

“Aswang” is produced by Lily Monteverde. The Regal matriarch expressed excitement about the movie.

The horror is directed by Jerrold Tarog who put dynamism in the movie entirely distinct from other horror movies you might have seen.

What’s so scary? The “abwak” is one; it’s a morphed crow and human. Romance between Lovi Poe, as aswang and Paulo Avelino is also creepy from a sentimental standpoint.

Love scenes between Lovi and Paulo were sizzling, at one point, she even complained of the “brutality” of sequences.

“When I saw the movie,” Lovi explained, “I was scared too!”

The other members of the cast are Joem Bascon, Nina Jose, Albie Casiño, Paulo Avelino, and Jillian Ward.

Mother Lily revealed that Albie Casiño is a young actor to watch. “I was impressed by Albie’s professionalism and potential as an actor,” Mother Lily said. The producer signed up Albie because she was impressed by his performance in “Mara Clara.”

“He reminds me of my Regal Babies from the 1980s – those carefree, innocent days of our youth,” Mother Lily added.

Postscript: Has Ms. Susan Roces accepted Lovi Poe as family member? As an actress, yes, but maybe with some hesitation because of Lovi’s open boldness in her sexy roles.

“I would rather not discuss it in public,” Lovi said about the question. “It’s a very private matter.”

Filipino baritone gets praises abroad

Filipino baritone Jerome Sibulo, who is currently pursuing his Doctor of Music degree at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, has been earning praises for his performances in various musicals and operas abroad. Among others, he appeared as Jepson in Julian Livingston’s “Beau of Bath,” workshop performances of P. Q. Phan’s “The Tale of Lady Thi Kinh” and Lord Capulet in Don Freund’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”

With IU Opera Theater, Jerome sang the roles of Pinellino in Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchia,” Gregorio in Gounod’s “Romeo et Juliette.”

Last April, Jerome was awarded the Davis Merit Award in the National Society of Arts and Letters-Bloomington Chapter’s voice competition.

Jerome finished his BA in Psychology from the Ateneo de Manila University. He was the recipient of the 2005 Loyola Schools Awards for the Arts, Music category. Currently, he is the chapter president of the Student NATS at Indiana University.

Jerome is the son of cardiologist Dr. Antonio S. Sibulo, Sr. and Dr. Constancia S. Sibulo, both with St. Luke’s Medical Center.

iPlay iLearn hub at Nido

The Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center and Planitarium, with Vibal Publishing House and the Department of Science and Technology, launched recently the iPlay, iLearn Hub, an interactive station where children together with their parents and teachers can explore different modes of learning through play.

The iPlay, iLearn Hub features touch screen game consoles where concepts from different subjects such as English, Filipino, Science and Math are incorporated into interactive drills.

Sharing honors at the ribbon-cutting were Vibal Publishing Pres. Esther Vibal and VP Nita Vibal Mara, Rep. Angelo Palmones, and DoST Director Raymund Liboro.

For more information, log on to www.sciencediscovery.ph.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 2, go to Ely Buendia, Jenny Syquia, Jaime Blanch, Mell Salas, Anthony Ramos, Engr. Remigio P. Biazon, Geraldine “Geng” Cortes, Mark “Mac-Mac” Avenido, Exekiel Joshua Dimaguila, Rep. Lynnette A. Punzalan and multi-awarded broadcast journalist Arnold Clavio…