MARIO MAURER and Erich Gonzales in ‘Suddenly It’s Magic’

“They are sexy,” thus said popular Thai movie actor Mario Maurer when asked about Filipinas he has seen or met. He made the description during the presscon for “Suddenly It’s Magic” held at the Dolphy Theater, ABS-CBN Monday evening.

Mario stars in “Suddenly It’s Magic.” He chose Erich Gonzales from among other Kapamilya stars to be his leading lady in the movie directed by Rory B. Quintos. The movie started showing in over 100 theaters nationwide last Oct. 31.

The film was partly filmed in Bangkok, Thailand and in Ilocos Norte, particularly in Pagudpud.

Mario said that it was his first time to have an English dialogue in a movie, even as he revealed that he has also picked up some Tagalog words or phrases.

Mario said of Erich: “She is beautiful and of course, sexy.”

Returning the compliment, Erich said that Mario “is charming and playful!”

Mario plays a Thai celebrity who travels to the Philippines to mend a broken heart. He crosses paths with Erich’s character. Soon they find comfort in each other.

“I feel so at home in the Philippines,” Mario said. “People have been so good and nice to me,” he added.

Mario won the Best Actor Award for his movie “Love of Siam” which was exhibited during the 2008 CineManila Film Festival.

Mario was not able to attend the film festival to personally receive his award, “but with my visit now to the Philippines, I think I’ve made up for it.”

Other stars in “Suddenly It’s Magic” are Joross Gamboa, Kakai Bautista, Dionne Monsanto, Joy Viado, Guji Lorenzana.

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CinemaWorld Int’l Movie Channel Launched

A new movie channel, CinemaWorld International, was launched exactly a month ago in the Philippines (available in Metro Manila on Cable Link) and starting today, it will be available on the HD Movie Package of SkyCable.

Through CinemaWorld, which took two years to develop according to James Marturano who together with Suarina Chua (who founded the movie channel along with Quek Toi Mien) came over for the Philippine launch, movie lovers will be provided movie options.

The three, who were longtime colleagues at HBO, manage CinemaWorld. Each brings over 20 years of experience in the pay television industry to the project. Said Marturano: “We are excited to bring CinemaWorld to the Philippines. We believe the channel will offer cable subscribers an exciting new viewing option to what is currently available in the marketplace.”

For more information, log on to http://cinemaworld.asia. 

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QC Holds 2nd ‘Danz For Joy’ Competition

In line with Quezon City’s drive to be the most culturally vibrant urban center in the country, the Office of the Vice Mayor led by Joy Belmonte will stage the 2nd “Danz for Joy” competition, with the theme “Hip-Hop Sayawan Para sa Kalikasan,” from Nov. 22 to Dec. 7. Open to Quezon City’s dance groups with members 13 years old and above, the contest is also part of the city’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

A qualifying round per district will be held, with the respective winners advancing to the final round on Dec. 7. The District 1 eliminations will officially commence the competition on Nov. 22; District 2 will be on the 23rd; District 3 on the 24th; District 4 by the 29th; District 5 on the 30th; District 6 on Dec. 1 and the grand finals on Dec. 7.

Deadline for submission of entries is on Nov. 9. For interested dance groups based in QC, visit the event’s Facebook page qcdanzforjoy@gmail.com.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 1, go to actress Sharmaine Arnaiz, Dr. Ronaldo Asuncion, Fiscal Dick Escueta, fashion designer Jun Pena, lawyers Crisanto Saruca and Norberto Capistrano, Col. Jimmy A. Tiu, Mrs. Mina N. Reyes, Marifil Nina Girado, Gladys Maningding-Armas, Lina Misa, Cora Perez, singer Nina, Winnie Cordero of “Umagang Kay Ganda,” and awarded actor Coco Martin… Happy wedding anniversary to Augusto and Pilarica Abaya…