Which is why Rica was so pleased and thankful when Regal Entertainment executive producer Mother Lily Monteverde asked her to be part of "Tiyanaks," a new horror film inspired by "Tiyanak." She says, "Malaki talaga ang pasasalamat ko kay Mother. Gustung–gusto ko ang role ko dito."

Rica plays Sheila, a teacher who accompanies a bunch of students to an out–of–town Holy Week retreat. When their group gets lost, mysterious things start happening, leading them to encounters with the sneaky, eerie tiyanaks. The film marks her return to Regal after almost two years.

For this particular project, Rica and co–stars Jennylyn Mercado, Mark Herras, JC de Veyra, Karel Marquez, TJ Trinidad, Nash Aguas, Jill Yulo, Alwyn Uytingco, Mika dela Cruz (younger sister of Angelika dela Cruz) and Lotlot filmed in scenic places like Tanay, Batangas, Pampanga and Bulacan. The rustic locations heightened the scare. Stars and staff had goosebumps as they were shooting. They had to hold hands and travel in groups in order to overcome their fears.

Rica adds, "I was so impressed with Regal kasi imbes na isa, tatlo ang mga tiyanak dito. Mas malaki at mas nakakatakot! Iyong tipong dapat ipikit ang mga mata mo kasi sobrang nakakatakot!"

"Tiyanaks" also renews Rica’s collaboration with Direk Mark Reyes whom she met when she was a teenager. "Hawak niya ang wonder years ko," Rica says of Direk Mark. "It’s great to be working with him again!"

"Tiyanaks" is written by Fairlane Raymundo and Benjie Vellena. The movie opens in theaters nationwide in July 4.

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Chairman Bayani Fernando of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Metro Manila Film Festival Philippines Executive Committee, will announce the Six Best Screenplays (1st Batch) today, June 8 at 2 p.m. at Banquet A, Wack Wack Golf & Country Club, Mandaluyong City.

The criteria for the selection of the Six Best Screenplays are as follows: Story, Creativity, Writing Excellence, Innovativeness and Thematic Values (40 %); commercial viability (50%) and Filipino Cultural and/or Historical Values (10%).

This year’s Metro Manila Film Festival Philippines is expected to surpass the box-office performance of previous film festivals, thus asserting its dynamic need to keep the Filipino film industry alive amidst problems of excessive taxation, uncontrollable film piracy and overwhelming competition from foreign films.

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Today, June 8, Winston brings to Somethin’ Fishy in Eastwood three of the coolest bands in the land right now – Sugarfree, Imago, and Typecast.

Sugarfree, composed of Ebe Dancel, Jalton Taguibao and Kaka Quisumbing, is one of the hottest groups in the Pinoy music scene today with three successful albums tucked under its belt, the band has easily gained a huge fan base that never failed to make a beeline for Sugarfree’s new albums and gigs.

Imago as headlined by Aia De Leon (vocals/guitars), Myrene "Maps" Academia (bass), Tim Cacho (guitars) and Zach Lucero (drums), is known for its passionage songs such as Akap, Anino, Ewan and the funky, campaignfriendly Taralets. The band’s independently released second album, "Take 2" is enjoying good airwave exposure to the delight of its loyal fans.

On the other hand, fast-rising Typecast’s Steve Badiola (vocals and guitar), Chi Resureccion (bass), Melvin Macatiag (drums), and Pacoy Fletchero (guitar), are set to show the audience what they’re made of with a showcase of the group’s mix of originals coming from all their three cult-popular albums – "Last Time," "The Infatuation is Always There" and "Every Moss and Cobweb."

Watch out for Winston In Concert’s upcoming events: June 9 with Bamboo at Aruba, Mall of Asia, Sandwich and Urbandub at Leyte Park, Tacloban City on June 23, and on June 29 at Mugen Bar in Metrowalk Ortigas featuring Freestyle.

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Tidbits: Happy bday greetings today, June 8, go to FDCP Chair Jacky S. Atienza, Mayor Chuchi Purisima, Wilma Cruz-Tapalla, Linda de Leon, Caliope Chua-Ctoteok, Col. Federico Laciste, Jr., Joy dela Ysla Villagomez, July Ang, Bob Albano, Tina Corpuz, Elvira Ramos-Veñegas, Atty. Rogelio Montero, Japoy Lizardo of Star Magic, and my better-half, movieTV director and scripwriter Leonardo Q. Belen...Happy wedding anniversary to Rep. Conrad Estrella 111 and wife Sandra; Rene and Flor Ragunton; Serge and Tina Valencia;and Prandy and Chiqui Yulo...