MANILA, Philippines — “The Mistress,” Star Cinema’s latest offering which is expected to be another box-office hit, reunites the tandem of John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo.

Actually, it marks the 10th anniversary of their box-office love-team.

At the recent press conference for the movie held at Cravings in Katipunan, both John Lloyd and Bea expressed excitement over their latest team-up. More than the excitement however, the actors also revealed that they were greatly challenged by their roles in “The Mistress,” definitely a most awaited movie.

Bea said her role as “The Mistress” is her most daring so far.

“It’s something I haven’t done before. Di ko in-expect na ganito katapang ang role ko. When it was offered to me, sabi ko, ‘Inang (pet name for director Olive Lamasan), natatakot ako, pero gusto kong gawin,’ so I accepted it heartily. I thought it was something I should do, for me to explore to the next level, insofar as my acting career is concerned. I feel so blessed that a role like this has been offered to me.”

On his part, John Lloyd said: “This is one big and beautiful celebration for us. Hindi namin isi-celebrate ang 10 years namin as a love team nang bitin. Because we’re celebrating it with ‘The Mistress’ na isang maganda at espesyal na pelikula na hangad naming maging espesyal din sa mga manonood.”

In the story, Bea plays Sari whose benefactor, Rico (played by Ronaldo Valdez) is much older than her. John Lloyd, on the other hand, plays JD, Sari’s suitor who comes into her life when she was already having an affair with Rico who is married to Hilda Koronel’s character.

Direk Olive said they have a very interesting story in “The Mistress,” but as to the possibility that they will be assailed by moralists (who might misconstrue their objective as favoring or allowing the existence of mistresses, which is a prevalent marital situation in Philippine society). She said they have to watch the movie first before they can make any judgment.

Direk Olive was very happy with the performance of John Lloyd and Bea in “The Mistress.” They have perfect chemistry and they were very comfortable working together. She said, “Walang makakagawa sa mga pinagawa naman kundi si John Lloyd lang. Kaya with him, 50 percent of the job is done!”

John Lloyd and Bea co-starred in some Star Cinema blockbuster movies in the past, among them “One More Chance” (2007) and “Miss You Like Crazy” (2010).

John Lloyd and Bea’s upcoming teleserye, “A Beautiful Affair,” will be directed by Lauren Dyogi, who also directed their first teleserye, “Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay.” The teleserye’s pilot week will be shot in Vienna, Austria.

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Shiela Valderama Bags Lead Role In ‘The King And I’

Shiela Valderrama-Martinez bagged the lead role in the forthcoming production of “The King and I,” to be staged at Resorts World’s Newport Performing Arts Theater starting Sept. 15.

She will be playing the role of Anna Leonowens, the British schoolteacher hired by the King of Thailand in the 1860s as part of his dream to modernize his country.

Internationally-acclaimed stage superstar Leo Valdez plays the King.

The musical, composed by the award-winning songwriting tandem of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, was best-known for its cheery tunes such as “Getting To Know You,” “Hello, Young Lovers,” “I Have Dreamed” as well as Yul Brynner’s Oscar-winning portrayal of the King in the movie version in 1956.

A Broadway revival in 1996 starring Fil-American actor Lou Diamond Phillips also earned him a nomination. Lea Salonga was also part of a special recording of the musical released in 1992 with musical theater icon Julie Andrews.

Shiela, along with Lea Salonga, was among the three Filipinos cast in the Asian Tour of Broadway Asia’ production of Rogers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”

Aside from sharing her role with Monique Wilson, what excites Shiela even more is being able to work for the first time with veteran stage actor Leo Valdez. “It’s very inspiring to be working with such a dynamic and seasoned performer.”

Fresh from her latest “Sound of Music” stint where she played the Baroness Elsa Schraeder, Shiela modestly brushes aside all the rave reviews. Asked to rate her own performance, she said, “I would like to say I held my own. I seemed to have pleased the people who came to watch and for as long as the audiences were entertained, I’m happy.”

Directing the musical is Freddie Santos, whom Shiela regards highly. “I was thrilled to find out he was directing because I’ve worked with him before; he keeps me motivated and creative. I’ve been enjoying our rehearsals immensely.”

Shiela is managed by ALV Talent Circuit.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Sept. 12, go to Rep. Conrad Estrella III, McDonalds’ George Yang, Ms. Remy Jose of Casino Filipino-Airport Parañaque, Sophia Romeo, Celso Ad Castillo, Cora Vicente, Maya Santiano, Dulce Fernandez, Elvira Perez, Tata Balane, Dulce F. Zoleta of APEC Plans, and MB sports editor Ding Marcelo… Happy wedding anniversary to Engr. Marcelino and Corazon Samaniego…