Anne Curtis and Robin Padilla

Movie and TV director Joyce Bernal stressed that Anne Curtis wasn’t made to look older or more mature on TV for Robin Padilla who is 16 years her senior.

“Kung titignan mo sina Robin at Anne, hindi nalalayo ang edad nila. Tapos binalanse ng script ’yung edad ni Anne. So hindi siya pina-mature para sa edad ni Robin,” said Joyce.

The lean physique and healthy lifestyle of Robin Padilla is the secret behind his youthful looks. (He is Men’s Health Philippines’s cover model this January 2013.) But the most important reason is his wife, TV host and actress Mariel Rodriguez.

“Hinihigop ko lahat ng energy ni Mariel,” replied Robin smiling when asked why he looks “fresh” and young at a recent press conference for “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw.”

The actor added that he doesn’t have any vice. He eats oatmeal for breakfast and sleeps early if he doesn’t have work.

“Kung hindi lang sa trabaho, sa bahay lang ako. Si Mariel, ginagawa niya lahat ang duties niya at hindi siya nagpapabaya. ’Yun sa palagay ko ang malakas makapagbigay ng energy sa akin,” Robin proudly said.

Despite the age difference, Joyce also commended Anne to be at par with the more seasoned and senior Robin Padilla.

“Magaling si Anne and she’s very professional. Although I seldom work with her, I know na mahusay din siyang artista,” said Joyce.

The director noted that the script helped bridge the age gap of the main stars on TV, balancing the rapport among the main characters Robin, Anne and Kris Aquino.

It can be recalled that Anne Curtis was 13 years old when she was in Robin’s movie “Tulak ng Bibig, Kabig ng Dibdib.” The same film was the actor’s first after receiving his unconditional parole.

After 14 years, Anne, for the first time is Robin’s leading lady in “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw.”

“Bata pa si Anne noong kalalabas ko sa kulungan. Eh ngayon hindi na, ’pag nakita mo siya marami nang maglalaro sa isip mo na sa akin na lang ’yun,” kidded Robin.

Judging from the trailer or teaser of the series, the chemistry of Robin and Anne can be described as sensual and “sexy.” This is something that Joyce won’t have a hard time doing because of his actors’ maturity and understanding of the story.

Joyce pointed out that the intensity of Robin and Anne’s romance was simply because it started that way in the story. She described it as mature love and “Naglalagablab na Pag-ibig.” But of course the love scenes will be treated for a general patronage audience.

“Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw” starts airing today, Jan. 21, on ABS-CBN.

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‘Forever’ Premieres Today On GMA

GMA Network’s first afternoon prime drama for 2013,”Forever,” which features riveting performances from some of the biggest Kapuso stars, starts today, before “24 Oras.”

This original offering features the dramatic talents of prime Kapuso leading manGeoff Eigenmann as Ramon/Patrick, multi-award winning actress Heart Evangelista as Adora and the original Queen of Philippine Movies, Ms. Gloria Romero as Adora.

“Forever” tells the story of Adora, heiress to a wealthy sugar plantation in the 1950s. Adora falls in love with the poor and passionate Ramon, a farmer who works in their farm. Her father, Don Jamie disapproves of her daughter’s relationship with Ramon, Eventually, Ramon dies but he vows to come back.

He returns in the persona of Patrick, a painter who will form an unusual romantic connection with Adora.

Also starring in “Forever” are Isabel Oli as Monique, Saab Magalona as Leila, Gian Magdangal as Rico, and Candy Pangilinan as Susie.The special guests include Marc Abaya as Federico and Ronnie Henares as Don Jaime.

“Forever,” which is created by the GMA Entertainment TV Group, is another first in the television industry for its refreshing concept and production value.

Directed by acclaimed actor and TV director Ricky Davao, “Forever” is supervised by Lilybeth G. Rasonable as Over-all In Charge of Production, Redgie Acuña Magno as Supervising Producer, Hazel F. Abonita as Program Manager, and Executive Producer Kaye Cadsawan.

The creative team is headed by Creative Director and concept creator of "Forever," Jun Lana. It is composed of Roy Iglesias, Creative Consultant Des Garbes-Severino, Headwriter Kit Villanueva-Langit, writers Ma. Christina Samson-Velasco and Angeli Delgado, and Brainstormers Reynaldo Leoncito, Jessie Villabrille, and Luningning Ribay.

The theme song, “Together Forever,” is interpreted by the King of Soul, Janno Gibbs.

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Model-Gymnast To Try Showbiz

Commercial model and gymnast Angelique Webb has been getting offers to try out show business. When she was discovered, the mestiza beauty has been compared, looks-wise, to a young Bea Alonzo.

In the meantime, while working hard to find her place in local tinseltown, Angelique has been attending acting and hosting workshops to hone her skills.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 21, go to Mrs. Gretchen Cojuangco, twins Richard and Raymond Gutierrez, Mrs. Nelly F. Villafuerte, Glaiza de Castro, Claire Serrano, Dobbie Aranda, Rodolfo Palma, Nida Santos, Willie Puyat Reyes, Arnel Dulay, Ivie Casas, Jabellen So, San Farinas, my Rhode Island-based nephew Mark Parlan, MB’s Brenda Piquero and Star Magic’s JR Siaboc, Panky Trinidad and EJ Jallorina…