Since last February, the group of Ignite Media, Inc. has approached me to look for the appropriate lead for their very first solo venture as producers in "Batanes: Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan." Of course we all know Ignite Media, Inc. to be in charge of big co-productions such as "Exodus," "Kadin" and the latest Bong Revival filmfest entry "Resiklo."

Now, they’re coming to their own through this new project to be directed by Adolf Alix and Dave Hukom. What’s special about this project is that it will star F4’s Ken Zhu and our very own Pinay Hollywood actress Iza Calzado.

Written by Arah Badayos, Iza plays the role of Pam, the Manila girl who went to Batanes because she fell in love with an Ivatan. Ken Zhu portrays the role of a Taiwanese fisherman who has a mysterious affair with a girl he met in Batanes.

Among those who are tapped to play important roles in the movie are Glaiza de Castro, Sid Lucero and Coco Martin.

Before the role finally got to Iza, a lot of other actresses were considered. Judy Ann Santos, who was the top choice was the one who referred the role to Iza when they were doing "Ouija." Juday couldn’t not give a green light to the project since she is occupied till the first quarter of next year. Iza, on the other hand, had to fix and dabble through the Hollywood stint and the shooting of "Desperadas."

"Thanks to Roselle Monteverde, Manny Valera, Joel Lamangan and GMA Films for fixing Iza’s schedule," says Iza’s dad and manager Lito Calzado. "Iza really wanted to do the role and she is doubly excited since the movie is due for Asian release, too."

Congratulations to Iza Calzado for bagging the role of Pam in the Batanes flick. It’s true that other actresses were considered for the role particularly Jennylyn Mercado and Angelica Panganiban — but this is when Iza’s Hollywood schedules got in the way. But the producers thru their executive producer Arleen Cuevas said that, "those are all exploratory talks and Iza was our main consideration all along."

Ken Zhu arrives on September 26.

Just as when we thought that the acting duel between Richard Gutierrez and Dingdong Dantes will finally happen in Chito Roño’s "Dagaw," don’t look now --- Dingdong is too occupied with his "Marimar" and "Resiklo" schedules that he had to turn down the acting offer. And guess who is slated to be the beneficiary of Dingdong’s move? It’s none other than Ryan Agoncillo!

Ryan is carefully studying the script and feels really excited over the prospects of working with Richard Gutierrez and Direk Chito Roño no less! Aside from "Ysabella" where he is receiving very positive feedback in terms of acting and ratings, Ryan is due to start his filmfest entry with Judy Ann Santos — "Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo" with Direk Jose Javier Reyes. Another offer he is considering to do is the film with Ms. Vilma Santos and John Lloyd Cruz with Direk Olive Lamasan at the helm.

"It’s such an honor working with respected directors and actors in the industry; I just feel so blessed with very good acting chores now while I’m still waiting for a show to host," said this award winning tv host-turned-actor.

When Ryan gets into something, he really gives his 100% commitment to a project. Hence, he is blessed now with a lot of critical acclaim and acting nominations and the chance of working with esteemed directors and actors.

Although he still awaits for the promised hosting chore in his mother studio, Ryan does his best with the roles he plays — especially the now popular Andre-Albert roles in "Ysabella."

Ryan’s latest project is "My Kuya’s Wedding" directed by Rated A director Topel Lee starring Maja Salvador, Pauleen Luna and Jason Abalos. The script is by Palanca awardwinning writer Allan Tijamo and the music is by the very talented Von de Guzman. The movie will have a premiere at SM Megamall Cinema 6 tomorrow and its regular run starts on Wednesday, August 29. It’s a small movie with a big heart. You’ll end up loving your siblings a little more after watching this movie.

Vince Alaras and Duncan Ramos leave as Southborder’s vocalists leaving Jay Durias as the group’s main man while they are in the United States for a series of engagements.

The boys have reached an amicable agreement and Vince and Duncan will leave the group with everyone else’s blessings. Of course, changing soloists is nothing new for the Southborder, before Vince and Duncan, the two other Southborder alumni include Brix Ferraris and Luke Mejares who have since embarked on their solo careers.

Jay, on the other hand, has recently released his personal collection of songs via a CD entitled "Songs I Grew Up With."

Jay wrote, "As a songwriter, I hear and craft too many melodies in my head --- too many, in fact that doing remakes was something I never thought of doing --- until 2 years ago. I was alone in my studio and out of the blue, I remembered this song I used to play with my band when I was about 13 years old. That song was Basia’s "Reward." The song brought me down memory lane back when I was still in my hometown Davao."

Jay’s album include "Light and Shade," "Him," "Birthday Song," "You Can Do Magic," "My Cherie Amour," "Do That To Me One More Time," "Goodnight Girl," the carrier single "I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song," and an original piece "Sa Hangin."

What is good with artists like Jay is that they have their songs as their refuge in their most trying times.

I got word from Southborder’s manager Sharon who said that all is well now with the band. They parted ways as friends and promised to support each other still. Of course, the group will experience separation anxiety too with their two lead singers, but they believe that the decision to part ways is the best for them.

Now, Jay will remain as the Southborder’s front man…the main man, indeed. To Jay and the group, we miss you and I am looking forward to a reunion project with your group soon!

U (too can) SPEAK! U can send your comments, questions, inquiries and suggestions to: 09205240686 or e mail me at noeldf2003@yahoo.com

Till next issue!