Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano are both overwhelmed with the exciting feedback their new series together, “He’s Into Her,” is currently getting.
“Nakaka-inspire,” they chorused. “Kung sabagay maganda talaga ang kuwento. Very light, Timely. At nakaka-kilig karamihan sa eksena. Yes, romantic din.”
Funny but they didn’t know each other when they first met at the storycon of the series.
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“But we have heard about each other, of course. Both Kapamilya naman nga kasi kami,” said Donny.
Donny, 23, is the son of actress-educator Maricel Laxa and financial adviser Anthony Pangilinan. Anthony is a brother of Angeli Pangilinan, who is married to Gary Valenciano.
“Pero ang astig,” Belle cut in, “ay ang lolo’t lola ni Danny on his mother’s side. Si Tony Ferrer ang lolo niya, known in his time as the ‘James Bond of the Philippines.’ He was an action star of note, and played the spy named Agent X-44. His family used to own the now defunct Tagalog Ilang Ilang Pictures. Laxa is his real surname.
“His lola, on the other hand, is Imelda Ilanan, who, in her time, was one of the most beautiful faces in local showbiz. She played the leading lady of both Fernando Poe, Jr. and President Joseph Estrada,” she added.
Now 72 years old, Imelda is married to a grandson of former President Manuel Quezon, with whom she has a son.
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Belle, on the other hand, was nine years old, when she started working on television as part of the comedy show, “Goin’ Bulilit.”
She is turning 19 on June 10.
Belle said she now has her own following, who watched her last movie, “Four Sisters Before the Wedding,” which also starred Gillian Vicente, Charlie Dizon and Alexa Ilacad.
“Four Sisters Before the Wedding” was directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar and was produced by Vanessa Valdez and Kara Kintanar for Star Cinema.
The director of “He’s Into Her,” Chad Vidanes, is the son of ABS-CBN top gun Cory Vidanes.
His dad, Bobbit Vidanes, used to direct the top noontime show of ABS-CBN, “It’s Showtime.” Direk Bobbit is now with TV5.
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The actor is set to not only act in but also co-produce the sitcom that will reportedly pair him with Andrea Torres.
JOHN LLOYD CRUZ
John Lloyd Cruz, we learned, will not only star in the sitcom produced by Willie Revillame’s WBR Productions, but will, likewise, co-produce the project.
The sitcom has no definite title yet but it will likely pair John Lloyd with Andrea Torres.
“I know the team-up nina John Lloyd at Andrea, tiyak, will create a controversy, of sorts,” said Willie, “Nonetheless they are the tandem to watch at the moment.
“Kahit baguhan pa lamang, mahusay nang gumanap sa kahit anong role si Andrea. Na ina-ayunan ni John Lloyd, as he has seen na raw her performances sa ilan niyang shows.”
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John and Andrea are the exes of the controversial couple Ellen Adarna and Derek Ramsay.
John Lloyd has son with Ellen, Elias Modesto.
Heard that the sitcom John Lloyd and Andrea will topbill will be directed by Edgar Mortiz.
Direk Edgar was at the helm of the defunct ABS-CBN sitcom, “Home Sweetie Home,” which starred Toni Gonzaga and John Lloyd, plus Ellen.
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Too bad that the shooting of Claudine Barretto and Mark Anthony Fernandez’ reunion movie, “Deception,” had to be called off.
“Na expose kasi si Claudine sa isang nag positive sa COVID-19,” said a member of the staff. “Kaya kinailangan niyang ma-quarantine.
“No one has an idea how long she will be quarantined.”
“Deception,” to be directed by Joel Lamangan, is a joint production of Barracho Films and Viva Films.
“Years na rin ang binilang when Claudine and Mark Anthony last appeared in a movie together. They were a team to reckon with in their time,” said the production staff. “Kaya, marami sa kanilang followers ang eager mapanood silang muli sa isang project.
“Pero worried si Claudine sa kanyang mga anak, the eldest of whom is still a teenager.
Hindi niya puwedeng ihabilin kay Raymart (Santiago, her ex-husband) dahil war sila ngayon, ‘di ba?” the staff added.
Aside from her two elder kids, Claudine reportedly has four adopted children, the youngest of whom is four years old.
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Barracho Films is also the producer of the action film, “Mamasapano,” where Edu Manzano reportedly plays a key role.
With “Mamasapano” and “Deception,” Barracho Films producer Ferdie Topacio is expected to achieve celebrity status, as both films may become blockbusters.
With the help of Viva Films, of course.
Atty. Topacio hopes to be able to sign up young stars in his production company.
“Kasabihang ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan,” he said. “Well, sa showbiz din, ganun ang mangyayari. Yes, especially when this pandemic is over and we go back to normal.”
God bless you, Atty. Topacio.
