Judy Ann Santos and Sarah Geronimo for Viva Films’ ‘Hating Kapatid.’

We are one among those who are really excited for the latest casting coup in the local moviedom being made possible by Viva Films.

This early, everyone is already celebrating because of the much-awaited major movie project starring two of the country’s superstars, Judy Ann Santos and Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo.

Viva Big Boss Vic del Rosario is mighty proud of this project of a lifetime. He said, “this is the first time that Juday and Sarah will be seen in one movie. That is a casting coup in itself. But other than the two of them, we also enlisted veteran actress Gina Pareño and young actor Luis Manzano to join the cast. This is big,” he said.

The Viva producer also made sure that the movie will have the most excellent production values. Despite the already unbeatable casting, Viva Films also tapped the tried and tested tandem of Wenn Deramas and Mel Mendoza-del Rosario to direct and write the film, respectively. The biggest movie the two have worked on was the groundbreaking “Ang Tanging Ina” and its sequel starring Ai Ai Delas Alas.

The Judy Ann-Sarah movie, working title is “Hating Kapatid,” tells the story of sisters Rica and Cecilia who love each other so much that they are willing to sacrifice even their personal happiness to keep intact the bond that they share.

A romance-comedy, the movie will make viewers laugh, cry, think, wish to fall and stay, in love and realize that family members should be friends, too. Both actresses will showcase their outstanding comedic talents as well as their abilities to make people cry in this unique movie.

But the Judy Ann-Sarah ticket is not the only tandem that people await in their movie. For the first time, and hot in the heels of his critically-acclaimed performance in “In My Life,” Luis Manzano will play Sarah’s love interest. Also in the cast of the Judy Ann-Sarah movie is the comedian of the hour, Vice Ganda and actress par excellance Gina Pareño.

Judy Ann and Sarah bring to the table an unrivaled record of achievements in their respective careers that have made them the biggest stars of their generation.

Judy Ann is an award-winning and multi-nominated film and television actress. Since entering showbiz in 1986, she has appeared in more than 70 blockbuster movies with 12 Best Actress awards title under her belt. Judy Ann currently stars on ABS-CBN’s first nurse serye, “Habang May Buhay.”

Sarah, on the other hand, has been widely acknowledged both by the public and her peers as heir-apparent to concert and recording royalties what with a string of hit songs and shows in her cap. She has conquered the movies, too, via the box-office busting “You Changed My Life” and “A Very Special Love” both of which paired her with John Lloyd Cruz.

Everyone’s waiting with bated breath as Judy Ann and Sarah go busy shooting for this film. Playdate will be announced soon.

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Regine Tolentino stands for health and beauty

When Regine Tolentino arrived for the press conference recently of her latest endorsement, A Fucoidan, the media had a frenzy asking each other which procedure she probably took because she looks very young and as sexy as ever.

With her 22 ¾” waistline, it’s hard to believe that Regine is already past her teens, let alone a mother to two kids. “My waistline hasn’t been this small since I was a teenager,” she admits. “Work out, tamang diet, a healthy disposition, a balanced life – that’s all there is to it.”

Despite the risk of making a hard-sell pitch for A Fucoidan, Regine would rather be truthful than having to make-up stories about her eeny, weeny waistline. “I started taking A Fucoidan October of last year, more for overall well-being than for anything else. ‘Di ko naman na kasi kailangang magpapayat because I’m a very active person. Pero, ’yon nga, I lost weight effortlessly and in a healthy way since I started taking it.”

Her husband, former actor Lander Vera-Perez, is not complaining about the transformation. He himself has incorporated taking the food supplement daily together with working out at the gym. “You should see Lander now!” Regine exclaimed. “He has never looked better. He’s now 35 lbs. lighter. I’m not saying it’s all because of A Fucoidan, but it’s also due to his healthier lifestyle. I even made a bet with him that given his physique, he’ll end up on the cover of a men’s magazine soon.”

Regine was introduced to A Fucoidan by her friend Marissa del Mar who said she was her only choice to embody what A Fucoidan is all about. “Regine is very beautiful, very talented and she takes care of herself. She is a dancer, an actress, a TV host, a mom and a wife. Despite the schedule that she keeps, she is able to stay beautiful and healthy. That’s what A Fucoidan is all about. It answers the needs of an active lifestyle,” Marissa says.

A Fucoidan is from the extract of brown seaweed that’s harvested from Okinawa whose natives are known to have longer lives than most. Brown seaweed is also a favorite dish in Japan, which could be the reason for the Japanese’s world-renowned porcelain complexion. Two other ingredients in A Fucoidan are rice bran extract and CoQ10, both known for their antioxidant properties.

Regine is extra careful of her health not only because she has to keep fit for work, but because she knows that health is, indeed, wealth. “You may have lots of money, but if you are sick or sickly, then you won’t enjoy,” she quipped.

Apart from finding new ways to be healthier, Regine has rediscovered a long-hibernating passion: Acting. Aside from being featured on morning show “Unang Hirit” in special segments, she is currently seen on soap opera “Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita?”

She said, “I discussed my move with the management, and it has the blessings of Ms. Ida Henares. It’s been awhile since people have seen me take on a role.” A Fucoidan also contains sulfated polysaccharides that are said to inhibit the formation of tumors.