Sunday 31 December 2017

ANG PANDAY movie review: NARRATIVE LACKS COHESION BUT WHO CARES? ITS TARGET ARE KIDS AND THEY'RE NOT COMPLAINING


THE VERY first "Ang Panday" was shown in 1980, starring the late FPJ as Flavio, the blacksmith who is the nemesis of  Lizardo, evil personified as played by the late Max Alvarado, with Liz Alindogan as his leading lady. It's an origin story that FPJ himself directed as Ronwaldo Reyes, based on the komiks novel of Carlo Caparas. The movie made Panday one of local cinema's most iconic superheroes.
It was such a big hit that it spawned three sequels: "Ang Pagbabalik ng Panday" (1981), "Panday: Ikatlong Yugto" (1982) and "Panday: Ikaapat na Aklat" (1984). All became Metro filmfest topgrossers. Later on, ABS-CBN made a TV series starring Jericho Rosales and last year, TV5 did their own version starring Richard Gutierrez. There was also a cartoon version shown on RPN-9.
In 1993, Regal Films did "Dugo ng Panday" with Bong Revilla and Aiko Melendez, directed by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes. In 1998, Jinggoy Estrada also had his own version, "Hiwaga ng Panday", with Kris Aquino, directed by Carlo Caparas himself.
It will take 11 years before another "Panday" movie is made in 2009, produced by Bong Revilla, with him playing Flavio and Iza Calzado as his leading lady, directed by Mac Alejandre and Rico Gutierrez. It was a big hit so "Ang Panday 2" was made in 2011, with Marian Rivera as the leading lady, directed by Mac Alejandre.
Now, 6 years later, Coco Martin, in his aim to be the FPJ of today's generation after the huge success of "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" on TV, comes up with his own reboot of "Panday", with he himself as co-producer and debuting as a director using his real name, Rodel Nacianceno.
The story is now set in the present. A prologue told in animation recounts the past exploits of the first Panday, narrated by Joonee Gamboa who is a fixture in the Panday movies. Coco as the new Flavio is the grandson of FPJ's Flavio. His dad is Jeric Raval, who's also named Flavio, and his mom is Dimples Romana.
His parents are killed at the start of the movie by Lizardo as played by Arjo Atayde. It's Jaclyn Jose as the midwife who saves Flavio as a baby from the murderous minions of Lizardo and, next time we see him, he's already Coco running in Divisoria and fighting some goons in a street brawl.
The new Flavio is actually a thug, but old man Joonee Gamboa comes along to tell him he is the new chosen one, like his grandpa before him. It's his destiny to protect the world and he is tasked to look for the mystical "balaraw", so he must make a risky journey to the mountains and through a magical forest to retrieve it. He'll use the "balaraw" against the forces of evil led by the new Lizardo, played by Jake Cuenca.
Well, we already knowhow the story goes as it follows the same formula in the FPJ movies. Jake might seem to be triumphant at the start sa pagsasabog lagim, but in the end, you know that good will still triumph over evil as Coco is the savior of mankind. The more important question now is: so how did Coco fare as a director?
First of all, he's to be commended for giving jobs to former action flick staples like Jess Lapid Jr., King Gutierrez, Tom Olivar, Val Iglesia, Dindo Arroyo, and others, whose acting careers were badly affected after the local film industry slackened and action flicks went out of fashion. Even on TV, he has given work to so many idle actors.
Coco also pays homage to his recent TV hits. The scenes where he's fighting and running through the market place in Divisoria is reminiscent of similar scenes in "Juan de la Cruz". The cast assembles a lot of people he has worked with before in "Juan" and "Probinsyano", including Eddie Garcia, Jaime Fabregas, Albert Martinez, Agot Isidro, Lito Lapid, Michael de Mesa, Mark Lapid, Ejay Falcon, and several supporting actors.
Like FPJ, he makes use of child actors, like Bentot Jr. in the original "Panday". But Coco is a segurista so he doesn't get just one but several child stars to join him in the movie, some of whom didn't even do anything at all. The children are led by Awra Briguela who is given a lengthy exposure as a closet biniboy who later on becomes a hero in the fight against aswangs.
The only one missing from "Probinsyano" is Susan Roces as Coco's lola, who's now replaced by Gloria Romero. Coco also gets himself a new leading lady, the beauty queen daughter of Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong, Mariel de Leon, who looks taller than him whenever they're shown walking side by side.
But Mariel's role is too short and their love story is not really shown going anywhere because Coco tries to cram in so many other elements into the movie. He is even shown doing a lengthy song number with some local rappers and their song is rendered on screen in full. Awra is also given his own big moment when he joins a gay beauty pageant that didn't really work and fell flat on its face.
There's an encounter with midgets who have homes looking like those of the Hobbits in "Lord of the Rings". And there's a whole sequence in the kaharian ng liwanag with Albert Martinez as the king, but made up more like a queen who's raring to come out of his closet. Then, of course, there are the faux aswangs who attack the innocent people in Coco's neighborhood but are not even really scary.
Coco actually wants to have a little bit of something for everyone, so he just jumps from scene to scene. Now, who'd say that narrative cohesion is important in telling a story?
Coco is stabbed by Jake and dies, but this is a fantasy movie where the hero is unkillable, so he is resurrected by Joonee Gamboa and is sent to train with Lito Lapid in the mountains and they're all suddenly garbed like native inhabitants of Manchuria or Mongolia.
Then Coco is ready to face to Jake again and they are suddenly transported to the sand dunes and Coco is now instantly wearing a new and proper costume, like a real screen superhero should, for his final showdown with Jake who, but naturally, he gets to defeat after a long fight sequence.
As a director, Coco obviously just allowed Jake interpret Lizardo anyway he wants to, but Jake seems confused as his performance lacks consistency. He seems campy in some scenes, acting like Heath Ledger's Joker, but menacingly serious in other scenes.
But don't worry, the movie is a big hit, so for sure, there will be a sequel and Lizardo will be resurrected once again. If you're looking for a polished work of cinema, then "Panday" is not for you.
But kids in the audience don't seem to be complaining. We saw it with our own grandchildren and when we asked them how they like it, they say it's okay. So Coco has succeeded in pleasing his target audience with his own take on the fantasy-action movie genre. If you'd complain and want a more mature film fare, then go watch "Larawan" and "All of You" instead.

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Saturday 30 December 2017

ALDEN RICHARDS leads GMA Network welcomes 2018 with a BIG bash via its New Year Countdown Special this December 31







LETS SAY FAREWELL to the year that was as the Kapuso Network greets 2018 with grand performances from its brightest and hottest stars and exceptional fireworks display with its grand celebration dubbed as "GMA New Year Countdown to 2018: Buong Puso Para sa Kapuso" at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA), Seaside Boulevard this Sunday, December 31.

Catch your favorite Kapuso artists in a night full of loud revelry, fireworks and merry-making as they open the year buzzing with seasonal treats, festive cheers and sparks.

Steering the night with a spectacular celebration steeped with fun and laughter is Pambansang Bae Alden Richards as he takes centerstage with his own musical performances.

Joining him are Kapuso heartthrobs Mark Herras, Benjamin Alves, Rocco Nacino, Miguel Tanfelix, Jak Roberto, Jeric Gonzales, Addy Raj, Matthias Rhoads, Juancho Trivino, Jason Abalos and Migo Adecer in their mix macho and boy next-door performance.

All set to provide sizzling and hot moves on the dance floor are Kapuso leading ladies Bianca Umali, Joyce Ching, Klea Pineda, Ayra Mariano, Denise Barbacena, Lindsay de Vera, Hanna Precillas  and with the 2017 Reina Hispanoamerica, our very own Kapuso Miss Teresita Sen "Winwyn" Marquez.

The night won't be complete without the enjoyable musical entertainment brought by Asia's Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista and Asia's Pop Princess Julie Anne San Jose.

Kapuso viewers are definitely in for a treat as Kapuso leading ladies Kris Bernal, Sanya Lopez and Andrea Torres sizzle the night with their fiery performance.

Being the home of quality entertainment, GMA Network continues to live up to its good humor and great comedy in 2018. Dance the night away with comedians Tetay, Valentin, Maey Bautista, Nar Cabico and Betong Sumaya as they provide a humorous throwback to the happenings in 2017.
  
On its 10th year of partnership with GMA Network, SM Mall of Asia is all set to light up the sky with a world-class and brilliant fireworks display that will surely leave the audience in awe. And to make sure that the event remains safe and secure, the network also partnered with National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and Pasay City police. Visit www.gmanetwork.com for the full list of the event's security policies.

End 2017 right and say hello to 2018 with this year's GMA New Year Countdown to 2018, Buong Puso Para sa Kapuso at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA), Seaside Boulevard on December 31, 2017. Live telecast starts at 10:00 pm to 12:30 am on GMA.

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Friday 29 December 2017

REGINE VELASQUEZ 'REGINE 3.0' ALBUM NOW A PLATINUM/ PREPARES FOR VALENTINE CONCERT, 'PA-MORE'







AFTER THE CHRISTMAS holidays, Valentine's Day will come next and this early, Regine Velasquez is announcing her special Valentine concert titled "Pa-MORE". MORE stands for Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Regine herself and Erik Santos. It will be staged at MOA Arena on February 10 and you can get your tickets now.
Regine has reason to be thankful for the passing year as it's been a great one for her. Her long running Saturday show, "Sarap Diva", continues to rate well. Her two-night 30th anniversary held last October at the MOA Arena, "Regine 3.0", was an enormous succerss.
Her 40th anniversary album, also titled "Regine 3.0", quickly reached platinum status in just six weeks and the Platinum award was handed to her by Viva Records exec MG Mozo in "Sarap Diva" recently.
We'd like to thank Viva for sending us a copy of the album, which is really a collector's item as it's actually 3 CD's in one with ten songs each. The first record is "Renditions" with revivals like "Tadhana", "Bakit Ako Mahihiya", "If You Go Away". The second album is "Rise" with songs like "Higher", "Walang Hanggang Ikaw" and "Say Goodbye". The third album is "Reflections" with past hits like "Dadalhin", "On the Wings of Love" and "Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang".
"Thank you sa aking Viva family," says Asia's Songbird. "Pinaghirapan nating gawin ito. Salamat sa mga nakasama ko, sa lahat ng arrangers who made new areglos for my songs, at sa lahat ng bumili ng album ko."
For next year, Regine fans will be glad to know that a new movie for her is in the works. And here's hoping it will really bring out the best in her as an actress.

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WHY IS THE MOVIE OF DEREK RAMSAY-JENNYLYN MERCADO TITLED 'ALL OF YO





PEOPLE ASK us: "Bakit po 'All of You' ang title ng movie nina Derek Ramsay at Jennylyn Mercado?" This means to say na marami talagang hindi naka-gets sa point ng movie. It's titled "All of You" because, as the film concretely underlines, when you love a person, you just don't love the qualities that you like, you have to love him or her totally, all of him or her.
That's why in the Discovery Weekend, where we're a regular volunteer, we always stress to the couples who want to get married that LOVE is a DECISION. When you decide to love someone, you can't just pick the good qualities that you like and tell yourself that for the bad qualities, you'll make him your project so he can change for the better.
If that's your attitude, then your marriage or relationship will be an uphill battle as you're acting like a psychologist or a social worker. He's had a whole lifetime before he met you, how do you think he'd change his ways just for you?  Don't kid yourself. The only time you can change a man is when he's still in his diapers.
The movie "All of You" is not your usual romcom. It's a serious look on how relationships can develop, deteriorate and be redeemed. The ending is not the usual "madrama" reconciliation between the lead characters after they had a big conflict. It's very quiet. Almost no dialogue. It asks you to read the behavior of the characters. Kung hindi mo masakyan yun, it's not the movie's fault kung nasanay ka sa manipulated, engineered happy endings.


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WHY MOTHER LILY MONTEVERDE OF REGAL IS THE BIG WINNER IN THE MMFF FOR HER HORROR ENTRY, 'HAUNTED FOREST'






MOTHER LILY MONTEVERDE of Regal Entertainment is the big winner in the current filmfest. Her entry, "Haunted Forest", is reportedly now occupying the third slot in the list of topgrossers, proof that you can never go wrong when you are the only horror entry in the festival. It quickly showed its strength at the box office on its opening day on Christmas Day and attendance continues to go up since then.
In terms of return on investment, she'll be the one who'd make the biggest profit because "Haunted Forest" has a relatively smaller budget compared to those of "Gandarapido" and "Panday" that spent so much on their big name stars and their special effects. In contrast, "Haunted Forest" has only four relatively unknown stars of Star Magic as the leads: Jane Oineza, Jameson Blake, Maris Racal and Jon Lucas. All of them also have no proven box office clout.
Another plus factor is that the movie works as a horror flick as viewers are really screaming their hearts during each screening. The feedback in social media is generally positive, with viewers recommending it for their friends to watch it also. Its director, former indie filmmaker Ian Lorenos, failed to make it last year with his "Mano Po 7" entry but this time, he's really back with a vengeance at the tills. We won't be surprised if Regal would now give him more projects to direct in 2018 now that he has proven that he has a good box office touch.
We also won't be surprised if more theaters would be added to the current list of cinemas now showing "Haunted Forest". Congratulations to Regal, Mother Lily Monteverde and daughter Roselle, and Direk Ian! And don't leave the theatre right away after the end credits are flashed as there is a short preview of what will happen next.
It seems that the creature (played by Anthony Falcon) was not really killed but is seen cruising down a river on a bamboo raft. So don't be surprised if this "Haunted" thing will turn into a franchise. After "Haunted Mansion and Forest", we'll next have "Haunted River" and probably, "Haunted Mountain", "Haunted Village" and "Haunted Filmfest" (with the bitter indie filmmakers of last year haunting the screening committee who brought back mainstream films this year.)

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ATOM ARAULLO, BROADCASTER HEARTTHROB, HOSTS OWN SHOW 'ADULTING' ON GMA'S ONLINE CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE





ATOM ARAULLO (for Alfonso Tomas) left ABS-CBN and just did two eye-opening docus for GMA-7, "Philippine Seas" that shows the current state our seas from Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao, and "Silang Kinalimutan" about Rohingya refugees from Myanmar living in a camp in Bangladesh. Atom has also finished shooting his first movie, "Citizen Jake", for Mike de Leon, where he plays the title role. It's not known yet as to when the film will be shown in theaters. And at GMA, he's allowed to do endorsements so watch out for his TV commercial soon.
Now, he's hosting a new online show on GMA's online channel on Youtube, "Adulting". This is part of a three-in-one show. The other shows are "#Goals" hosted by teen star Gabbi Garcia and "Fact or Fake" hosted by broadcaster Joseph Morong.
In "Adulting", he aims to help millennials as they face the challenges of entering the world of grownups. This is very timely for him since, for the first time, he recently left his parents' home at 35 and now live on his own. "I did because of the horrendous traffic situation," he says. "I now live nearer to my place of work. It's a big challenge as I'm starting from scratch. Natutuhan ko kung paano maglaba, maglinis, mag-budget. Magtataka siguro yung iba, hello, Atom, ngayon mo lang natututuhan yan, ilang taon ka na ba? It's true, late na nga ako, so young people should really prepare for it. We can also about finding a job, how to move up the corporate ladder, how to improve their careers and their relationships. You see, adulting never ends and we seldom get direct help how about to handle these things. I feel a lot of young people can relate with all these very relevant issues and topics."
Will he be giving tips about sex? "I know it's such a taboo, but we have to talk about it to enlighten young people, but without malice. We'll ask kung naranasan na ba nilang ma-friendzone, ma-seenzone, ma-kuyazone? The digital landscape is a growing battlefield we have to make sure we're contributing something positive to human knowledge. We won't claim to have all the answers but with the help of social media, we will encourage people to give us all their feedback, thanks to the highly interactive nature of the digital platform."
"GMA One Online Exclusives with Adulting, #Goals and Fact or Fake" will start airing on New Year 2018, 5 PM at GMA-7's official youtube account. Don't miss it!

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dedma walking predicted to win lots of awards but won only best float and best supporting actor for edgar allan guzman who actually plays a lead role



LAST YEAR, it was "Die Beautiful" that told the story of two gays who happen to be the best of friends. This year, the movie about gays, friendship and death that you should not miss is "Dedma Walking", the impressive directorial debut of Julius Alfonso, former assistant director to the likes of Chito Rono and Joel Lamangan who seems to have truly learned a lot from his mentors when it comes to engaging storytelling.
Based on a Palanca Award-winning script by Eric Cabahug, whose portrait is seen in a wake scene and who cooks up some witty lines and situations, the movie is actually a con film and it's a real crowdpleaser. It's a lot of fun for all sorts of viewers and the first comedy we've seen for quite a while that really succeeds in making us LOL (laugh out loud) several times. The story is about John (Joross Gamboa), a rich closeted young executive whose mom is a former beauty queen, and his close friendship with Mark (Edgar Allan Guzman), a more openly gay theatre actor who performs in drag.
John learns that like his mom who died of the big C, his own days are also numbered. To find out how family and friends truly regard him, he asks Mark to help him stage his fake death and the subsequent wake. At first, Mark won't tolerate his ideas but John convinces him in a well executed montage showing how they plan to stage the fake death, also the wake with its closed casket and the cremation that follows.
John and Mark breaks a lot of rules and this leads to a chain of events that propel the plot forward and which you wouldn't want to miss. As a con man, John attends his own wake disguised as a balikbayan transgender who is mute. Complications occur when John's sister, Ate Mary (Dimples Romana), return home during the wake.
The film is primarily a comedy, but has valid layers of drama about friendship and family relationships in it, particularly when one character discovers that the friend he trusts so much has somehow betrayed him. The confrontation scene where the erring party is branded as "ahas" is surely well acted, also quite touching and heartfelt at the same time.
In caper films like this that involves people deceiving other people, the characters have to be lovable rulebreakers for the viewer to side with them. The key is the inclusion of humor as their act of deception is played out. This makes you somehow root for them, anxious to see if they could successfully carry out their schemes and get away with it.
The film's kind of humor is anything goes, ranging from pa-cultured effect with black and white film clips of an arty French movie starring Eugene Domingo probing into the mysteries of life and love (which actually means you don't have to take the film too seriously), to pandering to gay viewers with scenes showing scantily clad young men, to unexpected wisecracks like when John asks his goodlooking doctor (Bobby Andrews): "Kailan naman kaya kita matitikman?"
It also makes fun of Pinoy gays' obsession with beauty queens. There's a scene showing former beauty queens parade before John and Mark while they are sighing in awe as they see past title holders like Evangeline Pascual and Desiree Verdadero. But this sequence is topped by Carmi Martin's riotous appearance as the chief rival of John's mom (Bing Pimentel) in past pageants.
Carmi and her assistants telling John "Condolence" is very funny, but it seems the joke is lost on the audience who obviously doesn't know that the word always comes with an S in the end. There's also a twist in the ending that we didn't see coming.  We initially felt quite uncomfortable with this unforeseen contrivance, but we have to concede that its sense of irony really made the movie cloyingly bittersweet.
Of course, the movie will not work without the endearing performances of Joross and Edgar Allan. They have played a lot of gay roles before on film and TV but in, hindsight, those projects now seem to be mere rehearsals that trained them well for this one. They have great comic chemistry on screen and Joross is splendid, but it's Edgar Allan who shines more brightly simply because he has the more flashy, more flamboyant role, making him run away with the lion's share of laughs. As a drag queen, he also figures in some well staged song and dance production numbers, giving him an edge, exposure wise.
The movie also boasts of the presence of so many guest stars. Aside from Uge, there's Piolo Pascual,  Direk Joel Lamangan (what a riotous cameo), Carmi Martin, Iza Calzado, Gerald Anderson, Vin Abrenica, Wendell Ramos, Angelu de Leon, Marco Alcaraz, Sue Ramirez, Ricky Rivero, Matt Evans, among others. Don't leave the theatre right away as some of them appear in the end credits which also feature some hilarious bloopers.


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Tuesday 26 December 2017

Dimples Romana Shines As Ate Mary Of Joross Gamboa In 'Dedma Walking', Deserves Best Supporting Actress Nomination

DIMPLES ROMANA plays Joross Gamboa's older sister in "Dedma Walking". Her name is Ate Mary and the role was not originally meant for her but for Maricel Soriano, that's why she's named Ate Mary. But Dimples doesn't mind being a second choice as she's just too happy to be part of a movie that is an official entry in the Metro-Manila Filmfest.

Watch out for that scene where Dimples is about to fall asleep then she hears the voice of Joross calling her and she thinks she's talking to the ghost of her brother who's actually still very much alive and kicking. She has another filmfest entry but her role in "Dedma Walking" is definitely the one that is much more "markado" and can even qualify her for a best supporting actress nomination.

Director Julius Alfonso says Ate Mary is originally a very short cameo role, but because Dimples is so good in it, her participation in the project was expanded. "I really like this project kasi ang ganda ng story," she says. "These days, life is so fast paced, nakaka-stress talaga. We hear of people only in their 30s and 40s suddenly passing away. Iba kasi lifestyle ngayon kumpara noong araw na mas laidback pa ang buhay. So, just like Joross' character in the movie, we should realize na kung may gusto tayong sabihing feelings natin sa ating mga mahal sa buhay, ngayon na natin gawin at hindi kung kailan wala na sila at pumanaw na. Kaya hindi dapat dedmahin ng viewers itong 'Dedma Walking' kasi very Filipino ang sentiments na ipinapakita rito about love for family."



She says viewers will both laugh and cry when they watch "Dedma Walking". "Natitiyak kong may maiuuwi silang pabaong nuggets of wisdom from the movie. Galing lahat sa pinagdaanan ng characters sa istorya. And very proud ako kasi ang gagaling ng mga nagsiganap, from Joross to his gay best friend, si Edgar Allan Guzman, at yung mga kasama ni Edgar na drag performers sa grupo niyang Crying Divas, sina Jojit Lorenzo at Ricci Chan. Ang gaganda pati musical production numbers nila. Maaaliw ka talaga."

On TV, Dimples was last seen as the villainous daughter of Sylvia Sanchez in "The Greatest Love". She was so good in her performance we believe she should have won a best supporting actress award for being so convincing in her role.


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Zoren Legaspi Reveals The Secret Of His Enduring Marriage To Carmina Villaroel, Glad To Be Part Of A Hit Show Like 'Ika-6 Na Utos'

ZOREN LEGASPI and Carmina Villaroel's relationship is now one of the most stable in showbiz as they've been together for 17 years now. What's the secret? "Siguro it's because we always keep our communication lines open," he says. "Also, pareho naman kaming madaling pakisamahan at family oriented. After ma-declare na wala kaming taping for our respective shows noong December 18, our family flew to Japan to experience winter for a few days at balik din kami rito sa Manila to make sure dito kami aabutan ng Pasko."

He is proud to be part of a super hit show like "Ika-6 na Utos". 'When they called me to do a role for this show, katatapos ko lang sa 'Encantadia' and I was planning to rest for a while," he says. "Pero nang malaman kong 'Ika-6 na Utos', I accept it right away kasi I'll be happy to be part of this long running show na pinag-uusapan ng lahat."

His inclusion in the show was actually done all in a hurry."The next day after they called me, nag-taping na agad ako as Lyon, the new love interest of Sunshine Dizon as Emma. Normally, I won't do that, yung biglaan. But gusto ko rin kasing makatrabaho rito si Direk Laurice Guillen, who I've never worked with before, so excited ako to do it. I'm now really happy to be part of the 'Ika-6 na Utos' family. Everyone is very professional kaya nage-enjoy ako rito. At maganda ang role ko as Lyon na mabait kay Sunshine. Kaya lang, sa story ngayon, parang magkakabalikan na sina Emma and Gabby Concepcion, so I don't know what will happen to my character."

HIs wife, Carmina, is now also with GMA-7 in "Kambal, Karibal". "Oo nga, e. Ewan ko ba kung bakit sunod siya nang sunod sa'kin," he laughs. "But we're happy to be Kapuso. Freelancers naman kami pareho so we can work anywhere."

How about their twins, Mavy and Cassy? "Andaming kumukuha. They're turning 17 na. They dance so 'Eat Bulaga' and also 'ASAP', but hindi pa sila fully decided kung magso-showbiz sila. Si Cassy is very good at hosting. Si Mavy naman, pang-matinee idol talaga ang dating at 5'10" na ang height. But Carmina and I won't decide for them. Although nandiyan na yung chance, hindi namin sila pipilitin. It has to come from them mismo and, as parents, we'll just support them. Personally, okay lang sa'king mag-showbiz sila kasi ako mismo, the industry has been very good to me. Ayoko lang, dun sa babae ko, baka maligawan agad. Kapag nakita kong nakikipag-holding hands, baka sumugod ako sa set, parang Annabelle Rama."

He wants them to realize that showbiz is hard work, not all glamour and fame. "Sabi ko sa kanila, once they sign up with any network, dapat magseryoso sila. There will be a series of workshops to prepare them and it's not gonna be easy. Ang takot nila, pareho silang mas at home to talk in English. Sabi ko, puede naman silang magsanay sa Tagalog, basta pagbutihan lang nila."

For 2018, he plans to put up his own production company. "Matagal ko nang pinaplano ito. Kating-kati na ako at matagal ko nang kinakamot. I want to produce and direct a movie, preferably an action film kasi ang dami ng gumagawa ng drama at romantic-comedies, so para maiba naman. Sana, matuloy, if God would will it."
Read more @ Showbiz Portal

Monday 25 December 2017

Former Assistant Julius Alfonso Makes An Impressive Directorial Debut In The Acclaimed Filmfest Entry About Death & Friendship, 'Dedma Walking'

DIRECTOR JULIUS ALFONSO is from Cotobato. In 1996, he started his work in showbiz as a script continuity coordinator for Director Joel Lamangan. He worked up the ranks and became an assistant director to Joel then to other directors like Chito Rono and Chris Martinez. In "Felix Manalo", he was the associate director of Joel in the filmbio of the Iglesia ni Cristo founder. On TV, he was Joel's second unit director in TV5's "Bakit Manipis ang Ulap".

Now, he is a full fledged director in the acclaimed Metro-Manila Filmfest entry, "Dedma Walking", starring Joross Gamboa and Edgar Allan Guzman, and his film is definitely quite an impressive work for a first timer. It is a testament to the friendships he made in the industry that so many name stars agreed to do cameo roles in the movie, appearing in the eulogy scene in the wake for Joross, who faked his own death so he can hear what friends and family will say about him.



Among the guest stars in the movie are Piolo Pascual, Eugene Domingo (all her lines are in French), Direk Joel Lamangan (what a riotous cameo), Carmi Martin, Iza Calzado, Gerald Anderson, Vin Abrenica, Wendell Ramos, Direk Marlon Rivera, Angelu de Leon, Marco Alcaraz, Sue Ramirez, Ricky Rivero, Matt Evans, and several beauty queens, among others. Don't leave the theatre right away as some of them appear in the end credits which also features some hilarious bloopers.

"This movie is about friendship and the friendships I made in showbiz are all also evident here," he says. "I really want to thank all the stars who came to support my directorial debut. Karamihan sa kanila, nang tanungin kung puede sila mag-guest, ang tanong agad is, kailan ang shooting?"

He's all praises for Joross and EA in the lead roles, which were first offered to John Lloyd Cruz and Dingdong Dantes who liked it but their schedules didn't allow them to do it. "I think heaven sent sina Joross at EA, kasi they're really good friends kaya perfect sila for the roles of mag-best friends who support each other through thick and thin. They fully committed themselves to the project and I can no longer think of other actors who could play their roles as effectively as they did. You can feel their wonderful chemistry together on screen."

And anyone of them can win best actor in the filmrest awards night at KIA Theatre. But most people think Edgar Allan has better chances as he has the more colorful role and he also has longer exposure because of the many splendid song and dance numbers he did in the movie.


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The Metro-Manila Filmfest Awards Night To Be Held At KIA Theatre On Tuesday Night. Here's Our Forecast As To Who Will Bring Home The Acting Trophies!

THIS EARLY, some folks are making their own fearless forecast on who the winners in the Metro-Manila Filmfest would be. The awards night will be held tomorrow, December 27, at the KIA Theatre in Cubao. In the best supporting actor category, we've heard the names of Robert Arevalo as Don Perico and Sandino Martin as the narrator, Bitoy Camacho, in "Larawan" as early favorites. How about Jake Cuenca as Lizardo in "Panday" since Phillip Salvador won for the same role some years ago? "Naku, masyadong over the top si Jake," someone tells us. "Obvious na pinabayaan lang siya at hindi kinontrol ng direktor nila. Mas ino-nominate ko pa si Raymart Santiago as the cop whose daughter becomes the victim of the monster sitsit in 'Haunted Forest'."

In the best supporting actress category, those mentioned are Celeste Legaspi in "Larawan", Dimples Romana in 'Dedma Walking' and Jasmine Curtis Smith who once again proves in "Siargao" the truth of the adage that there are no small roles, only small actors.

As best actor, sure to compete with each other are Derek Ramsay in "All Of You" (he has the most serious role among all the entries), Joross Gamboa and Edgar Allan Guzman as the best friends who are both leads in "Dedma Walking". But Edgar has the flashier scene-stealing role and he also has longer exposure because he does several musical production numbers as a gay performer who's part of the Crying Divas drag group, so mas llamado siya. How about Coco Martin in "Panday"? "Hindi naman pang-award ang role niya," says our source. How about Paulo Avelino in "Larawan"? "Sa totoo lang, siya ang weakest link sa major cast ng movie." How about Jericho Rosales? "Very very light ang role niya in 'Siargao', not the type that can give awards like his role before in 'Walang Forever' where he won."

As best actress, the top bets are Joanna Ampil in "Larawan" ('sobrang intense and affecting ang performance niya', someone whispers to us) and Jennylyn Mercado in "All Of You". Dawn Zulueta will be a dark horse in "Meant to Beh".

For best picture, "Larawan" is most everyone's bet. "It's a prestige project based on a work of a National Artist, so malaki ang lamang niya sa ibang entries at baka manalo rin ng technical awards including best music and production design," says an analyst. "Baka second and third best pictures ang 'All Of You' and 'Dedma Walking'. Sa best director, tiyak na maglalaban sina Loy Arcenas for 'Larawan' and Dan Villegas for 'All Of You'."

How about "Gandarrapido" and "Panday"? "Hindi naman sila ginawa to win awards but with the box office as the primary consideration, so mas gugustuhin nilang manalo sila sa takilya."
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Jasmine Curtis Smith Shines In An Effortless Performance In 'Siargao', A Film That Displays The Beauty Of The Island That's A Surfer's Paradise

JASMINE CURTIS SMITH was seen doing a dance number with some Kapamillya stars in ASAP recently, dancing to Ed Sheeran's hit song, "Shape of You", so some quarters quickly concluded that she must be transferring soon to ABS-CBN. "No, I'm just promoting our Metro Manila filmfest movie, 'Siargao', kaya ako nandoon," she says. "My co-stars Jericho Rosales and Erich Gonzales were also there for our movie."

We've seen the film in its premiere night at Trinoma and the best performer for us in "Siargao" is Jasmine. It's a short role, compared to that of Jericho and Erich who both have lengthier exposure. But Jasmine really leaves a memorable mark as the beautiful island girl who turns out to be Echo's one true love. However, they have difficulty accepting their feelings for each other so everything is so tentative.

We won't go into details so as not to spoil your viewing pleasure. But there's this one scene where Jasmine was really so touching while explaining why she cannot leave her life in the island. Jasmine's kind of acting is really effortless and she has shown this in the films for which she has previously won awards, like "Transit" and "Baka Bukas".

What can Jasmine say about some folks being alarmed as they say she looks anorexic? "Actually, nasaktan ako sa panghuhusga sa akin ng bashers. I'm sobrang skinny raw, parang natutuyot, malnourished. Well, I appreciate their concern for me, but I felt more depressed because of the way they humiliated me, shaming me and making me feel na napakapangit ko palang tao dahil payat ako. Actually, there's nothing to be alarmed about, kasi kumakain naman ako, even carbo like rice and pasta. It's just that I'm so busy doing work at home kasi wala naman akong househelp, so I do the laundry, the cleaning, the cooking and I have two dogs pa to take care of. Also, marami rin akong trabaho and I go to the gym. I even tried racing in Pampanga with my boyfriend (Jeff Ortega), so my body is just responding to all these strenuous physical activities. I also did a lot of traveling this year so nanibago talaga ang katawan ko. Okay lang naman maging concerned sila, pero huwag naman sanang sobrang vicious sa pamba-bash sa akin."

She wants to assure everyone that even if she lost weight, she's still feeling very much okay. "Kahit sinasabing sobrang payat ko, I'm still healthy, full of energy, and happy, so don't make me feel bad about how I look, please. One thing I realized in this busines, you gain weight, ang taba mo na. You lose weight, anorexic ka na agad. May kanya-kanyang opinion agad ang mga tao. Basta promise, I will take it easy so I can gain some weight soon, kung yun ang gusto nila."
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Saturday 23 December 2017

Jericho Rosales Proud Of His Filmfest Entry Where He Gets To Show His Talent For Singing And Which Displays The Pristine Beauty Of Siargao


JERICHO ROSALES says this will be a sad Christmas as he will be terribly missing his father who died earlier this year. He says his father's demise is the chief reason why he backed out from the Quantum Films filmfest entry, "All Of You". "That time, sobrang nami-miss ko pa ang dad ko kasi sobrang close ako sa kanya at araw-araw ko siyang naaalala," he says. "He supported me a lot noong nag-uumpisa pa lang kaya I really got depressed when he passed. Dahil doon, I questioned kung ano ang purpose ko at gusto ko na lang nang tahimik na buhay. But dahil sa pagmamahal ko sa industry, naisip kong huwag itong talikuran dahil it's been good to me and gave me so many good opportunities kaya bumalik din ako."

He has now completed the filmfest entry, "Siargao", which he enjoyed doing as it's about surfing. "E, surfer talaga ako in real life, kaya I really had fun doing all the surfing scenes here myself. It helped me forget anuman yung malungkot na pinagdaraanan ko. Puro magagaling pa ang co-stars kong sina Erich Gonzales and Jasmine Curtis Smith at nagkasundo kami nang husto ng direktor naming si Paul Soriano. We're all very proud of this movie that also displays the beauty of Siargao in all its pristine glory. I play Diego, a singer na bumalik sa hometown ko in Siargao after staying in Manila for so many years. You will see Siargao Island in all its beauty as captured in our movie."

Recently, his photos meeting former girlfriend Heart Evangelista were posted on social media and their fans were excited by it. "Yes, nabasa namin ng wife ko (Kim Jones) ang comments sa Instagram at kung anu-anong story na ang agad nabuo. Siguro, gusto nila talaga ang aming love team. But tawa kami ng tawa ng wife ko, kasi parang these people forgot na Heart and I are already married to someone else. Tapos, ganun pa rin ang reaction ng ibang tao. Dapat, move on na lang sila."
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Maris Racal On Dating Piolo Pascual's Son And How Piolo Treats Her When They See Each Other In ABS-CBN

MARIS RACAL enjoyed riding on the float of "Haunted Forest" and joining the annual parade of stars held in Muntinlupa yesterday. "First time ko sumama sa parada so excited ako, pati na rin ang co-stars kong sina Jane Oineza, Jameson Blake and Jon Lucas," she says. "Natuwa talaga kami and we're all proud when we learned na napasama sa filmfest ang movie namin as an official entry kasi when we were shooting this, di namin alam na isasali pala kami sa festival. So now, nagsisipag talaga kami to help promote it. Hindi naman mabibigo ang viewers dahil sa dami ng scary scenes sa movie, lalo na yung mga eksenang hinahabol kami ng halimaw called Sitsit. Mapapasigaw talaga sila sa takot."

Is it true she's now in a serious relationship with Piolo Pascual's son, Inigo? "Hindi pa naman po kami talaga, but we're exclusively dating, parang MU."

Why wouldn't she admit yet that they're officially on? "Dapat kasi, siyang paaminin nyo. Alangan namang ako yung girl, ako pa ang aamin para sa amin? Siya yung lalaki, so siya yung dapat mag-effort about this."

So how long have they been on MU status? "Mga two months na."

We heard Papa P himself approves of her, "I don't know. Siya ang tanungin nyo. Baka sabihin, assuming ako. Pero sobrang bait niyang tao. Every time nagkikita kami sa ASAP or anywhere, nahihiya ako sa kanya pero mabait siya sa'kin at inaasar-asar pa ako."

So who does she think is handsomer, the father or the son? "Siempre, si Inigo po. But yung dad niya, si Master Pogi."
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Solenn Heussaff Will Miss Husband This Christmas, Her Second Christmas To Endorse CDO Premium Holiday Ham

SOLENN HEUSSAFF is thankful that the passing year 2017 has been a good one for her and her family. She's happily married to her husband Nico Bolzico and her younger brother, Erwan, is now also happily married to Anne Curtis. But it's not only their love life that is doing good, but also their careers, with Nico currently an internet sensation for his comic antics and a businessman who has businesses all over the country.

Solenn is better known as an actress, what with her seen in two regular primetime teleseryes this year, "Encantadia" and "Alyas Robin Hood". She's also hosting "Taste Buddies" and "All Star Videoke Challenge". But Solenn is actually wearing many other hats as she is also a singer, a painter, a writer, a fashion and commercial model, a lifestyle host, a blogger, an accomplished makeup artist.

Through it all, no matter how busy she is, she still looks forward to Christmas. "I'm a true Christmas fan!" she says. "I love singing Christmas songs, putting Christmas decorations, wrapping Christmas presents for people I love and care for. Christmas is for the family so I always make sure we spend Christmas together, we eat together as a whole family."

Her family all loves Christmas ham so they always have CDO Premium Holiday Ham on their table. "We love it as it's so different from other brands in the market because of CDO Premium Holiday Ham's whole boneless meat from the hind leg that makes it all its own. Other hams in the market are only molded from different cuts of pork. Since it's made of whole meat, it can be smoked in ham nets and it definitely has no extenders. I hate extenders in food. I love that CDO Premium Holiday Ham has absolutely no extenders!"

She really loves to eat CDO Ham. "Ako talaga, from the start, I only endorse products I believe in. Favorite ko talaga CDO Holiday Ham with cheese ball and pandesal, same sa ginagawa ng mom ko. It reminds me of Christmas traditions in our family."

This year, like every other year, Christmas will be spent with her immediate family. "Usually, every Christmas Eve, si Erwann (Heussaff, Solenn's brother) ang nagluluto. It's just him, me, Anne (Curtis, her sister-in-law), my sister, my brother-in-law; very small lang kami."

This year they will also be joined by another sibling from Singapore, Solenn enthusiastically shares. "So complete kami and after Christmas dinner, opening na ng gifts!"

Solenn, however, will be missing someone special this year as her outrageously funny and handsome hubby Nico will be in his home country of Argentina for a month. She was all set to go with him but decided against it.

"Dapat nga, sasama ako sa kanya. It's part of my duty din as a wife. Pero nung makita ko 'yung mga gagawin kong work for next year, sabi ko kay Nico na it's not a good time for me to leave. May one week off ako, pero papuntang Argentina pa lang, 30 hours na 'yung trip. Not worth it na nandun lang ako ng four days."

The two have gotten used to being apart during the Christmas holidays but still cannot help missing each other. Fortunately, technology today makes it easier for them to communicate. Solenn also confesses: "Okay lang naman sa amin, kasi siyempre his family, nandun. And hindi naman ako selfish or possessive. Buong year nandito na siya sa akin. It's just one month – every December lang."

One thing's for sure, Solenn's career is anything but relaxed as as 2018 is set to be another big year for her. She has two new movies in the works, her "Taste Buddies" lifestyle show that is still going strong, and another show called "All Star Videoke" has been extended. Not to mention her sold out Kalsada painting exhibit, part of the proceeds went to the Kalipay Foundation that supports street kids. It will surely be followed by another run. She's currently looking into giving art lessons to abused children first quarter next year.
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Vic Sotto Beams After The Premiere Night Of 'Meant To Beh' As The Feedback Is Very Positive, Not Only For The Film But Also For His Acting

 
VIC SOTTO was asked at the second presscon of 'Meant to Beh' how he feels about Vice Ganda's claim that his entry "Gandarrapido" will earn P1 billion. "Baka ang ibig niyang sabihin, yung kita ng buong festival," says Vic. "Kasi kung isang pelikula lang, parang mathematically impossible. Pero kung mangyayari yun, di maganda for him and the industry. Personally, ako, ang gusto ko, lahat ng entries, sana kumita. Kasi maganda ang mix ng entries ngayon, may fantasy, may action, may love stories, may horror, may comedy, may musical, so mas maraming pagpipilian ang viewers. Ang wish ko, mas maraming manood sa mga sinehan this year."


He's confident that his own movie, "Meant to Beh", will hit it big at the tills. "The movie is wholesome from start to finish. Ang ganda ng feedback after our premiere night noong Wednesday. Lahat nasiyahan and complimented me. Something new for me ito kasi walang fantasy, walang special effects. Nagpapatawa but we don't resort to slapstick na mga hampasan o insultuhan just to make the audience laugh. I commend our young director, Chris Martinez, who also co-wrote the script, kasi nailatag niya nang maayos ang story at kapupulutan pa ng magagandang values about families and relationships. When we watched the original cut, three hours pala yun, kasama ko si Pauleen, but di naman namalayan kasi nakakatuwa siya mula umpisang hanggang ending. But then, siempre, kailangan i-edit into two hours para hindi masyadong mahaba ang running time at mas bumilis ang pacing."


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Friday 22 December 2017

JC Santos Ends 2017 With Filmfest Entry 'Meant To Beh' And Opens 2018 With New Viva Movie, 'Mr. & Mrs. Cruz' With Ryza Cenon

 

`JC SANTOS is thrilled with his first Metro-Manila Filmfest entry, "Meant to Beh", where he plays the eldest son of Vic Sotto and Dawn Zulueta. "Thrilled akong sumakay sa float sa Parade of Stars for the first time," he says. "Ngayon ko lang mae-experience yun, e."

He also welcomes the chance of working with Vic and Dawn. "Pero mas thrilled talaga akong nakasama ko sa movie ang dalawang artistang hinahangaan ko lang nung araw, sina Bossing Vic at si Ms. Dawn. Nai-starstruck nga ako noong first shooting day namin. Kasi never kong naisip na balang araw, makakasama ko sila sa isang pelikula at gaganap pa akong anak nila. It's really a great experience working with them."

The year 2017 has been a good one for him. "Sa TV, napasama ako sa reality show na 'I Can Do That' then I had regular roles in 'Wansapanataym Anika Pintasera' and 'Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin'. I've started taping naman for anew soap, 'Asintado', with Lorna Tolentino and Paulo Avelilno."



Someone quipped he gained fame for supporting James Reid, playing a gay role in "Till I Met You". But now, he's much busier than James who's been missing for sometime now.

"Hindi naman. Big star na yun. At may bago na rin siyang projects. E, ako naman, working actor. Sa big screen, I did 'Nabubulok' for Cinemalaya, tapos naging big hit yung ginawa namin ni Bela Padilla na 'Isandaang Tula Para Kay Stella', tapos may Metro filmfest entry akong mainstream movie, ang 'Meant to Beh' na siyang most wholesome film na nagawa ko dahil for general patronage at puede ang buong pamilya to watch it. Hindi ko malilimutan ang pelikulang ito kasi ito ang nagdala sa'kin sa Baguio. Noong mag-shoot kami roon, talagang first kong nakarating sa Baguio. Very special din ito for me kasi, after a long time, magkakasama kami ng pamilya ko ngayon. Ang dad at mom ko, parehong OFW's at uuwi sila rito sa Manila this season so isasama ko sila sa panonood ng movie."

And for 2018, he already has shot a new movie. "Yes, tapos ko na ring i-shoot for Viva Films ang 'Mr. and Mrs. Cruz' na magkapareha kami ni Ryza Cenon for the first time. So maganda ang 2017 kaya sana, magtuloy-tuloy at maging mas maganda pa ang 2018 not only for me but for all of us."

He realizes he really has much to be thankful for. "Kung minsan nga, hindi ako makapaniwala. Tinatanong ko ang sarili ko, is this for real? Totoo ba lahat ng ito? I worked for two years as an OFW singer in Hong Kong Disneyland at never kong naisip na magiging ganito ako busy sa sarili nating bansa, so sobrang pasasalamat ko talaga, una sa Diyos, at ikalawa sa lahat ng mga sumusuporta sa'kin in and out of showbiz. I promise to do my best in every project na ma-assign sa akin."


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Thursday 21 December 2017

All Of You Movie Review: A Realistic Incisive Look At How Couples Fall In And Out Of Love

THERE are a lot of incisive films that take a close, serious look at relationships in crisis. This year, we just had "12", written by Alessandra de Rossi and directed by Dondon Santos, about a couple who've been together for 12 years and how their relationship eventually deteriorated. And now, we have "All of You", also a dissection of how a couple fall in and out of love after they've lived in for three years, with Jennylyn Mercado as Gabby and Derek Ramsay as Gab.

The film starts with the breakup of Jen's relationship with her grouchy boyfriend (Rafael Rosell) in a public parking lot. After two years, she goes to Taiwan for a work-related trip and, through a dating app, she meets Derek. They instantly make a connection and the night ends with them sleeping together.

They continue their affair in Manila. The relationship is new and fresh, so they can't get enough of each other. Each giddy moment is full of "lambingan" and sweet nothings. Derek asks Jen to move in with him. And she does. But as we all know, life is not like a Disney fairy tale and not all couples have a happily ever after.



Soon, Jen starts to intrude on Derek's life, even urging him to give up smoking for her. Other things crop up, seemingly small and petty, but testing and eroding their crumbling relationship in a major way as this can be quite emotionally exhausting, eventually making them unhappy. About the smoking, Derek doesn't stop. On the contrary, it's Jen who picks up the habit and starts smoking herself.

Abroad, a film about a well intentioned couple who get to sink so low as they fall into a pit of emotional abuse is "Blue Valentine", with Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling giving great performances as they go through the highs and lows of their marriage, making it an unflinching look at heartbreak. In local films, it's very common to see warring lovers trying to outshout each other, even resorting to toxic violence every now and then.

What makes "All of You" different is that it tries to avoid this kind of loud melodrama. The situations projected on screen are all real, presented as naturalistic slices of reality as mutual dissatisfaction grows, and not the manipulative exchanges we see in mawkish soaps. Anyone who's been in a relationship will recognize what's going on and the emotions at play.

This is the forte of Dan Villegas which he has shown before in his previous films, like "Always Be My Maybe", "Breakup Playlist", "How to Be Yours", and he does it with his own distinctive style and rhythm.

Both Jen and Derek try to treat each other with unabashed honesty and unvarnished truth, so you know that eventually, despite the cracks in their relationship, it will somehow not totally fall apart and their reconciliation is deservedly earned to achieve true intimacy after an exhausting bout with romantic malaise. Everything is presented in believable detail, unlike in "12" where most of the exchanges between the two characters are presented mostly in generalities.

Both Jennylyn and Derek give outstanding, engaging performances in their respective roles, but it is Derek who comes out with the phenomenal portrayal of a man who is stripped down to the bone, showing genuine emotion and eventually eating his pride to prove his true love for Jen.

He truly excels in that wrenching scene where he even kneels down in front of Jen while they're arguing on the roadside, making the compelling scene all his own and nearly blowing Jen off the screen. This fiery encounter is in total contrast to the final scene which is quite restrained, silent and not much dialogue are even exchanged.

We've seen other films like this before in this kind of sub genre and, as a viewer, we always hope that the characters will survive the crisis. Somehow we feel sad when they don't make it, like what happened in "12". As an active volunteer in the Discovery Weekend marriage preparation program, we try to help couples on how to conduct dialogue in a loving, positive, compassionate way. How we really wish all married couples would learn to do it as it will lead to healing and no doubt help avoid ugly heart rending scenes full of acerbic bitterness and distressful recrimination that only result into a painful and total breakdown of communication.
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