After working with director Derick Cabrido in the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, “Mallari,” actress-beauty queen Gloria Diaz gave her nod anew to direk Derick’s forthcoming horror thriller, “Untold,” slated to be show on April 30.
Gloria is the supportive mother of Vivian (Jodi Sta. Maria) who owns a carinderia and lives in a very old, nice house, but she’s very protective and supportive of her daughter, very typical and much like what she is in real life.
The first Miss Universe of the Philippines is turning 74 on April 5, the same birthday as former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
“For 28 years, I always eat out, but my birthday wish is to eat at home, with my children,” Gloria said.
Gloria gets to work with Jodi Sta. Maria anew in “Untold.” They first worked together in the first season of “Star Circle Quest” (2004), where Gloria served as jury (with Boy Abunda and director Lauren Dyogi), while Jodi hosted along with Luis Manzano.
“Jodi is very easy to work with,” Gloria said. “She is a very good actress, very nice to everyone. She always works hard.”
Joem Bascon is Benj, the rock star-cameraman, Juan Karlos is Jasper. Sarah Edwards is Elaine, the go-getter junior reporter, Liane Valentin is Amanda, the one who makes life hard for Vivian, the character of Jodi. Also in the cast are Mylene Dizon and Kaori Ginuma.
For 28 years, Gloria has been seeing a younger guy. Her partner is Mike de Jesus, the president of DBP (Development Bank of the Philippines).
Even at a time when Gloria’s erstwhile husband (Bong Daza) was still around although they are no longer together, she has been seeing Mike already. The former even went around with Mike and her.
Gloria has been acting on the big screen for more than 50 years now. She debuted in Celso Ad Castillo’s “Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa” (1974), a few years after she was proclaimed Miss Universe in 1969. Vic Vargas was her screen partner.
Through the years, Gloria also tried comedy and was even paired with Eddie Garcia in the latter’s “Andres de Saya” series. She was paired with action stars in action-comedy flicks and even drama.
“Remember, the last taping day is always the best reflection of your work,” Gloria said.
Meanwhile, Jodi cherished knowing Gloria the first time she met the beauty queen, whom she fondly calls “Miss U.”
“Sino ba naman ang hindi masa-star struck sa isang Miss Universe,” Jodi said of Gloria. “What I like about Miss U, wala siyang BS sa mga sasabihin niya. She doesn’t sugarcoat anything.”
Regal Films executive Keith Monteverde is pleased with the media support given to “Untold.” He announced that Regal will partner with ABS-CBN International and The Filipino Channel (TFC) for the worldwide premiere of “Untold” this May.
“I’m very proud of ‘Untold’,” said Keith. “The cast is super good. In our preview, you immediately saw how impressive the story is. Director Derick Cabrido did a good job.”
