MARIO MAURER and Erich Gonzales

Star Cinema’s latest offering “Suddenly It’s Magic,” which topbills Thai superstar Mario Maurer and Filipina primetime actress Erich Gonzales, is about unconditional love. This is how multi-awarded director Rory B. Quintos describes the movie which opens today, Oct. 31.

“It’s really about unconditional love and that’s what’s magical about it,” she says.

And if Rory also said “we’re so proud to present this movie,” it’s because there are two cultures featured – Thai and Filipino. The movie was shot in two major locations – Ilocos Sur and Bangkok. Showcased are some popular traditions like the Philippine fiesta and bayanihan.

Erich was Mario’s choice for a leading lady (because he found her beautiful, very Filipina-looking and a talented actress) and for this Erich felt so pleased and proud. There was instant chemistry between them on their first shooting day, Rory said.

In “Suddenly It’s Magic,” Erich plays the role of an Ilocana pastry chef. About her leading man, Erich said “Mario was super fun to work with, he was naughty and playful, a kid at heart! Madali makisama sa kanya...”

About Erich, the director said, “I worked with her for almost a year in the TV series ‘Maria la del Barrio’ and we got along very well. Erich is a very good actress. I have no doubt that in the future, she will bring awards. Malayo ang mararating niya.”

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Zany Zombie In Witty TVC Creates Buzz

Days before people commemorate the Day of the Dead, Senator Koko Pimentel taps the undead to deliver a reminder about cheating.

Already on rotation on free TV and steadily gaining ground on YouTube, the commercial is set in Bagong Barangay where people are lining up to register for the elections. A seemingly “strict” Comelec representative had just rejected a registrant with expired ID when the guy behind him walks up for his turn. Looking up, the rep comes face to face with a zombie!

Or is it? The rep can’t be too sure. The Barong Tagalog-clad registrant may be smelly and rotting but you don’t judge a book by its cover, do you? So, the rep accepts his ID, gives him a second look then proceeds to quiz him.

Yes, yes, the zombie motioned. His left ear falls.

Horror of horrors: The rep lets the zombie through and proceeds to fingerprint him! As she guides the zombie’s hands, its arms detach from the sockets. People scream.

Sen. Pimentel, in a serious tone, drives the point home.

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Billy Crawford Does First Triathlon

After losing more than 50 pounds since his recent trip to France earlier this year, Billy Crawford has slowly been inching his way towards winning his personal battle of the bulge.

Billy recently joined the Rudy Project Triathlon at the Republic Wakepark in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, held last Oct. 7. The run-bike-run competition drew around 560 competitors, which included fellow celebrities such as Matteo Guidicelli, Kim Atienza, Gab Valenciano, Erwan Heussaff and Anthony Pangilinan.

“This is my very first triathlon, and I’m very proud to be part of it,” says the “It’s Showtime” host.

After finishing the race in 1:41, Billy feels triumphant about his recent conquest. “I’m now 155 lbs. I’ve lost 55 pounds so far, and I can proudly say that I sport a 30-inch waistline.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 31, go to Christopher de Leon, Ms. Annabelle Rama, Tessie Tomas, former Las Piñas Mayor Imelda P. Aguilar, former QC Vice Mayor Connie Angeles, Liza Lorena, Francisco Gomez de Liano, Marites Sapigao, Rene Bisquerra, Willy Narvacan, Marie Pantojas, Atty. Ed Gaddi, Boyet Pasco, Andre Freiderick T. Alisuag, Grace Tamayo, Conrado Giron, Manny Zamora, Luz Sanchez and noted TV-movie director Rory B. Quintos…