MANILA, Philippines — GMA Films/Imus Productions’ “Carlo J. Caparas’ Ang Panday 2” is a strong 37th Manila Film Festival blockbuster contender for the following reasons: One, the story of Flavio, the blacksmith with the magical sword, has always enthralled moviegoers since it was first filmed by Fernando Poe Jr.

Two, its cast led by Bong Revilla, Marian Rivera and Iza Calzado.

Three, the expensive production value.

Directed by Mac Alejandre, “Panday 2’s” production design is created by Richard Somes. The visual effects by Riot Inc. are exceptional while the costumes by Adrian Torres are fabulous.

The cast also includes Phillip Salvador (as the detestable Lizardo, the arch enemy of Panday), Benjie Paras, Lucy Torres, Alice Dixson, Eddie Garcia, Joonee Gamboa, and the young GMA stars Rhian Ramos, Kris Bernal, Alden Richards, Buboy Villar, Barbie Forteza, Joshua Dionisio, Jake Vargas and Bea Binene, and Ms. Lorna Tolentino.

To predict where the franchise goes after “Panday 2,” watch closely the first and only appearance of Lorna Tolentino. It foreshadows a Bong-Lorna encounter in “Panday 3.”

“Panday 2” had its press preview Nov. 19 at SM Megamall to coincide with a gift-giving to orphans. Senator Bong, his wife Rep. Lani Mercado and son Jolo led the distribution of gifts.

Couple’s dream: 10-country wedding

In November 2010, businesswoman Cristina B. Castillo (formerly Cristina C. Decena) and TV personality Ariel Villasanta were married three times.

They still have seven to go, if they are to fulfill their dream of tying the knot 10 times – in 10 different countries.

The couple have said “I do” in Japan, Hong Kong and Thailand. They intend to get married in China, Indonesia, Singapore, France, Russia and of course in the US – if not in Las Vegas, then in Alaska. A grand wedding is scheduled here, “most probably in December 2012 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel,” Cristina said.

Cristina is a self-made woman who earned her millions in real estate. She was the recipient of the Global Excellence Award for Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian Service for three consecutive years.

“I couldn’t be happier. May asawa ako na hindi umaasa sa akin. Imagine, he gives me all his salary at pati yong 13th pay niya binigay sa akin,” she says.

Cristina and Ariel are the prime movers of the Ariel Villasanta Productions (AVP), a TV production and marketing company that produces shows on GMA News TV. AVP’s flagship show is “Mommy Elvie@18,” which concluded season 2 last Dec. 3. The show, which features Ariel’s mom Elvira Villasanta, is a comedy-drama about a woman in her 80s bent on completing her bucket list of 18 wishes.

Backroom’s last hurrah for 2011

Backroom, Inc. artists have been busy all year round.

Ai Ai de las Alas has “My Binondo Girl” and a filmfest entry in “Enteng ng Ina Mo” with Box-Office King Vic Sotto; Bianca Gonzales hosts “E-Live,” “TFC Connect,” “Cinema News,” “CGE STAR,” and “PBB Unli Day;” Sitti is on “ASAP Rocks,” a featured singer on Dec. 23 in Sorsogon Festival. She will have a year-end concert at Music Museum on Dec. 29, and performance on Dec. 31 at the New Year’s Eve Countdown at Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

Pooh will also have his year-end concert at Metrobar on Dec. 29 while K Brosas is part of the teleserye “Maria La Del Barrio.” Drew Arellano is in “Weekend Getaway” on GMA News TV, “Unang Hirit,” and “AHA.”

Amy Perez hosts TV5’s “Face to Face,” “Untold Stories,” “Sapul,” and “K-Club” while Tin-Tin Bersola has TV5’s “K-Club” and “Sapul.”

Arnold Reyes is in GMA-7’s “Daldalita,” Aiko Melendez in the ABS-CBN teleserye “Reputasyon,” K-La Rivera is a MYX VJ and “ASAP Rocks” regular along with Duncan Ramos.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 22, go to dear friend Dr. Ine C. Mauricio, Manila Hotel Pres. Joey Lina, society columnist Maurice Arcache, Atty. Cora Jacob, Monina Co-Palma, Ma. Alegria Sibal-Limjoco, Simplicio Mathay, Tracie Garcia, Dorothy Teves Trinio, Mrs. Josie C. Domingo, Lloyd Ballesteros, Nina D.C. Alegre, and Makisig Morales... Happy wedding anniversary to Humberto and Evita Tabora...