THE LEAD CAST of ‘One More Try:’ Angelica Panganiban, Dingdong Dantes, Angel Locsin and Zanjoe Marudo with Director Ruel S. Bayani

Easily the most dramatic entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival is Star Cinema’s offering “One More Try,” starring four of the country’s most sensual and hottest stars: Angelica Panganiban, Dingdong Dantes, Angel Locsin and Zanjoe Marudo. Awarded box-office director Ruel S. Bayani said “this is not a common story, but pang-Christmas family story, a modern family story, and so we are shooting to be No. 1 no less.”

He added: “We’re aiming to be a box-office hit, a blockbuster no less. Pinaghirapan namin ang pelikulang ito for six months, so may laban kami! And if my previous film ‘No Other Woman’ set a trend, ‘One More Try’ will also be another trendsetter.” With the four stars in the major cast, he could have been made a sexy flick, the director admitted. “It’s still sexy but we focused our efforts on making a dramatic family movie. The four stars expressed their passion more than love or sex. They play adult roles, na parang Vilma-Boyet ang pelikula...”

And if the movie was a big challenge for Direk Ruel, it’s because “it’s very different from my last movies. It is one-of-a-kind concept, it’s a very complex story.”

Direk Ruel also said “One More Try” offers many “firsts.” This is his first MMFF movie. It’s the first time that the four stars are teamed up in a movie; even when they were both Kapuso stars, Angel and Dingdong never had the chance to work together. “It’s been a long journey before this happened na pinag-team-up kami,” Dingdong said.

“So of course, excited kaming pareho.” Dingdong must have been so excited that he blushed the first time he met Angel on the set, Direk Ruel revealed.

It’s also Direk Ruel’s first time to direct Angelica and Angel. It is also Angel’s first time to play a mother role. Angel is very professional and her passion for her craft, “nakaka-inspire,” he said. About Dingdong, with whom he has worked before under the Kapuso Network, “cool lang siya, tahimik, but very professional din. It’s his first time to work with Kapamilya stars and crew but he did not show that he had to adjust.”

In the story, Angel (as Grace) is a single mom to Botchok (Miguel Vergara) and girlfriend to Zanjoe’s character Tristan. Grace is a loving mother who would sacrifice everything to save her son who is suffering from a rare blood condition. When things get worse, she had no choice but reconnect with Edward (Dingdong) who is her son’s biological father. Edward is married to a successful and powerful woman, Jacqueline (Angelica). All she needs from him is to help her save their son.

Edward and Jacq have no child and when the latter learned of her husband’s predicament, she gave her permission to Edward to help Grace in her quest to save their son. But there was only one option for their son to be cured: they have to have another child - to be conceived the natural way! Which made us recall the plot of the novel (which was made into a movie) “My Sister’s Keeper.” The couple in the movie had to conceive another daughter to provide the blood, bone marrow and even her kidney in order to save her sister’s life.

Anyway, it looks like Direk Ruel is going on a lucky streak. He has just been promoted to Business Unit Head, and is set to produce three drama shows for ABS-CBN. “I feel so blessed talaga. I couldn’t ask for more,” he said. “It’s really a big deal to be trusted by a big company.”

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Olongapo Mayor’s Album Out 

“Singing Mayor of Olongapo” James “Bong” Gordon recently released a concept album that may be counted as rare and bold, with its double-album package of original songs gathered to represent various special occasions. From Christmas to Graduation Day, to birthdays and anniversaries, the 22-song collection called “Let’s Celebrate” is filled with radio-friendly ditties, some of which even run at merely two minutes, showcasing the melody-making skill of the public servant and the lyrical talent of noted composer Edith Gallardo.

“This is done with love. Nabuo namin ito sa pamamagitan ng maraming kwentuhan at maraming umaga,” shares Gallardo during the album launched held at Sam’s Pizza in Olongapo City.

The famed lyricist expressed high hopes on the album’s wedding song entitled “Always With You,” which she penned with Bonggo (an abbreviation of Bong Gordon which has become his stage name) and veteran music-maker Niño Regalado.

Carrier single “Pasko Sa Pilipinas” may be reminiscent of The Beatles’ version of “Twist And Shout,” a favorite of Bonggo, who is brother to ex-Presidentiable Richard Gordon.

Some of the songs in the album produced by Margot Gallardo are significantly attached to Olongapo City and the spirit it promotes, like “Children Of Olongapo,” “Subik,” “Himno Ng Olongapo,” among others.

Other songs are simply titled “Valentine’s Day,” “Happy New Year,” “Happy Birthday” and “Happy Anniversary To Us.”

Bonggo previously released two albums called “Fighting For Excellence” and “Deep Inside My Mind” which were certified Platinum and Gold, respectively.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 12, go to staunch tourism advocate and travel exec Bobby Joseph, Pops Fernandez, Carlos Agassi, Emil Venus, Jr., Fely Ng, Roger Begre, Joan Roncan, Rogel A. Velasco, Isabel T. Baluyut, Lillie Anne Pajaro, Winnie Noriega, Lilian B. Cruz, Lulu Vasquez Velasco, Ben Martillo, Gil Ortiz, Ma. Paz C. Penaflorida, Paula J. White, Lita Uichanco, Jarvis Dupla of Davao City, Ron Cunanan-Patricio and Tempo’s Dante Lagana... Happy wedding anniversary to Toto and Aileen Gordoncillo...