His friend, actress Alessandra de Rossi, denied the actor was there to shoot scenes for President Duterte’s State of the Nation Address.
Actor John Prats reportedly will join Coco Martin as co-director of the top action series, “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”
Coco directs the series with Malu Sevilla, Avel Sunpangco, Richard Somes and Michael deMesa, who also has a role in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”
This will be John’s first try as co-director of a series. He has lately been directing concerts.
John, who started as a child actor, is also excellent in drama and comedy. He regrets that the comedy gag show, “Banana Sundae,” where he stars with Angelica Panganiban, Jayson Gainza and JC de Vera, among others, had to stop ending.
“It was still on top of the game,” John said, “Magaling kasi ang producer, si Direk Edgar (Mortiz). At comedy director ang kanyang anak, si Direk Frasco (Mortiz).
“I miss them,” he continued, “Kapag pinapanood ko ang replays ng program, naluluha ako.”
“Banana Sundae,” just lijke “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” airs on the Kapamilya Channel.
***
Antipolo City Mayor Andeng Ynares is in grief.
Her dad, Senator Ramon Revilla, Sr., passed away on June 26. Andeng and her siblings took care of their dad for a long time.
Then, last Sunday, July 5, she received word that one of her best friends, Rep. Marissa Andaya, died due to cancer.
“Maganda ang pinagsamahan nilang dalawa,” said a mutual friend, “Parehong mahal nila ang kani-kanilang Pamilya at pinaglilingkuran bilang political lead ng kani-kanilang bayan.”
Congresswoman Marissa’s husband, Rolando “Nonoy” Andaya, served as former House Majority leader during President Noynoy Aquino’s term.
The Andayas were married for twenty-five years and had two children, Rolando and Katrina Isabella.
***
For the fifth time, director Joyce Bernal has been tapped to direct President Digong Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), scheduled on July 27.
There was a report on Monday, July 6, that she and actor Piolo Pascual, with their driver and escorts, were not allowed to enter Sagada, where they were to shoot materials for the SONA.
The group reportedly chose not to argue, and decided to leave immediately.
They then proceeded to Banaue, where again, they were refused entry by the local government unit.
Sagada is under strict quarantine and there is a travel ban in Banaue.
Actress Alessandra de Rossi has come to the defense of Piolo. On Twitter, she answered netizens who were asking what Piolo was doing with Direk Joyce, who had permits to shoot for the SONA.
She explained Piolo was in the Mountain Province for a movie project that will show the beauty of the Philippines, and not at all related to the President’s SONA.
“Let them clarify, it’s not my story to tell. But def, walang kinalaman si Piolo sa SONA at all.
Ano gagawin nya don? Magmomodel?” she wrote, followed by laughing emojis.
***
Since Iya Villania is almost due to give birth to her third baby with husband Drew Arellano, it’s Nelson Canlas who is seen hosting “Chika Minute” on “24 Oras,” the primetime newscast of GMA-7.
While waiting for the arrival of their latest child, Iya remains busy. She has her workout and makes sure everything is in its place in their home.
“Makalat kasi ang mga bata,” said Drew. “At ako rin.”
Iya and Drew have two boys: Antonio Primo and Alonzo Leon.
***
Sweethearts Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte vehemently deny that they are living together.
“Ang babata pa namin,” said Loisa, 21. “Ronni’s only 23.”
They have talked about settling down. But it’s not happening anytime soon, they.
They both want kids. Loisa and Ronnie were overheard saying they want “three kids or [as many as] a basketball team.”
“Para masaya,” the young couple said.
***
Back to work is Iza Calzado, a COVID-19 survivor.
She has started work on a new series, “Ang Sa’Yo ay Akin,” with Sam Milby, Jodi Sta. Maria and Maricel Soriano.
Before they started taping, all the members of the cast, plus the staff and director, were tested for the virus.
“Hindi biro ang magkasakit ng COVID-19,” said Iza, “Bihira ang maka-survive.
“Maswerte ako that I did,” she added, “Mabait ang Diyos sa akin.
“I’ve never felt healthier.”
