‘At the press preview, everyone agrees both Elijah and Romnick give superb performances that they should both be nominated (or even win) as best actors in the coming Summer Metro Manila Film Festival’
Elijah Canlas won several best actor awards both here and abroad for “Kalel, 15,” directed by Jun Lana. He is now reunited with Jun in “About Us But Not About Us,” a veritable acting duel between him and Romnick Sarmenta.
At the press preview, everyone agrees both Elijah and Romnick give superb performances that they should both be nominated (or even win) as best actors in the coming Summer Metro Manila Film Festival that starts on April 8, Black Saturday, in theaters nationwide.
Elijah plays a very intriguing role as Lancelot, a UP student who you’d think is harmless, but something will be revealed about his true nature by the time the film reaches its final act. Romnick is his teacher, Ericson, who helps Lancelot when he is beaten up by his stepfather. The movie is basically like a two-character play, with just the two of them conversing inside a restaurant.
About his lovelife, it’s common knowledge that Elijah is now in a relationship with Miles Ocampo. They met when they were paired in “Paano ang Pasko/Pangako?” for IdeaFirst and TV5 nearly two years ago. So how are they doing?
“We’re okay. But at the start ng taping, hindi siya nakikipag-usap. Para siyang may sariling mundo. But when I talked to her, she replied naman and then we started texting each other. Doon nagsimula. Right now, we’re both busy, but we try to find time for each other.
We’re both still learning, so we try to help each other grow.”
***
Ruru Madrid and Bianca Umali are both homegrown Kapuso stars who now get to star in their first TV show together, “The Write One,” the first collaboration between Philippine broadcast giant GMA Network and leading pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service Viu.
“I’m really so excited to be given this chance to work with Bianca in a romantic drama series like this,” says Ruru. “I’m also happy to be reunited with GMA Public Affairs as our producer after I did ‘Lolong’ with them, which is really a huge success.”
“The Write One” is a groundbreaking story with Ruru playing Liam, a frustrated writer who is given the chance to rewrite his love story with Bianca as Joyce that has lost its luster, through the help of a mysterious typewriter. Joining Ruru and Bianca are fellow Sparkle artists Mikee Quintos and Paul Salas who are also a reel and real life couple.
“The Write One” will also see the TV reunion of ex-couple Lotlot De Leon and Ramon Christopher. They play Liam’s parents. Further giving life to the story are highly-esteemed actors Mon Confiado, Alma Concepcion, Kokoy de Santos, Royce Cabrera and Art Acuna.
***
LOVI POE is now an executive producer — in Hollywood no less. Yes, “Supreme Actress” Lovi Poe has become one of the executive producers of the remake of the 2003 cult film “The Room,” a romantic drama.
The story is about a successful banker in San Francisco whose fiancee betrays him when she goes to bed with his own best friend. This was written, directed and starred in by Tommy Wiseau.
The remake will now topbill Hollywood actor Bob Odenkirk, best known for his role as Saul Goodman in the hit series, “Breaking Bad,” that ran for five seasons, and its spin-off, “Better Call Saul,” that ran for seven seasons. He also played the title role in the hit action movie, “Mr. Nobody”
Odenkirk will be taking on the lead role of Johnny. The buzz around this remake of “The Room” had already emerged on social media recently.
It was Brando Crawford of Acting for a Cause who approached Lovi to take part in some of the projects that his company is doing. “I saw great synergy with his company, so I agreed to help produce ‘The Room’,” Lovi says.
Meanwhile, Lovi is busy with “Batang Quiapo,” a big hit on Philippine television today. Lovi is amazed with the public’s very warm reception to the top-rating series. Catch “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” weekdays at 8.
