LGBTQ advocate Sen. Risa Hontiveros was at the premiere night of “The Panti Sisters” last Tuesday September 10. She was seated between Star Cinema’s Olive Lamasan, and Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chair Liza Diño-Seguerra.
“Panti Sisters,” starring Paolo Ballesteros, Martin del Rosario and Christian Bables, is about three gay brothers, who are challenged by their father, played by John Arcilla, to give him a grandchild. John will give P100 million to any of his sons who will give him an heir.
Senator Risa is lead author of the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression) Equality Bill.
“We are touched by her presence,” said Perci Intalan, who co-owns the The IdeaFirst Film Company, with writer-director Jun Lana, “Sana, makatulong ang pelikula sa kung anumang balak mayroon siya for the LGBTQ community.”
An entry in this year’s Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP), “Panti Sisters” will open in theaters today, Sept. 13.
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Luckily for Iñigo Pascual, Maris Racal appears not a bit affected with their recent break-up. In fact, they were both in their element at the premiere of their PPP entry, “I’m Elenya L,” at the Megamall last Tuesday.
Maris is, in fact, happy for Iñigo, who is on his way to becoming an international singer. He just arrived from successful US and Canada tours for his first international songs, “Catching Feelings.”
In June, Iñigo will launch the title track of his upcoming album, “Options.” And let’s not forget that earlier this year, he teamed up with Australia’s #1 YouTuber and top singer, Wengie, for the song, “Mr. Nice Guy.”
The latest good news about Iñigo is he has a duet with Singaporean rhythmic rapper, Akasha. Called “Adios,” the pop song is popular in Singapore, produced and released by the Academy or Rock.
“Adios” is on Spotify and Apple Music. Its music video, according to Star Music executive Jonathan Manalo, can be watched on MYX and Star Music’s You Tube Channel.
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As soon as Piolo Pascual finishes shooting his scenes in the first directorial project of Alessandra de Rossi, he will leave for Florence, Italy, for his reunion movie with Claudine Barretto.
The duo’s movie will be under the helm of box office director Cathy Garcia, whose “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, is still doing very well at the tills.
In a recent interview, Direk Cathy said she hopes to direct Piolo before she bids showbiz goodbye.
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Busy as a bee is Rosanna Roces, who, aside from “Panti Sisters,” has the ABS-CBN “Pamilya Ko,” with Sylvia Sanchez and Joey Marquez, plus JM de Guzman, Kiko Estrada, Kid Yambao, Jairus Aquino, Mariz Racal, Kira Balinger, Mutya Orquia and child actor Raikko Mateo.
She was also in the cast of “Los Bastardos.”
“Kinailangan lang na patayin na ako,” Rosanna explained, “Gagawin ko nga kasi itong ‘Pamilya Ko.’
“At the moment, parang wala na akong mahihiling pa sa aking showbiz career. Sunod sunod ang blessing. Higit sa lahat,” she continued, “masaya ako personally ngayon. I finally found the right partner.”
She and her partner, lesbian Blessie Arias, who now acts as her talent manager, were former classmates. They fell in love with each other when they were 15 years old. But they both wanted to have children that is why she became a mom of two. Rosanna is now a lola, as her eldest, Grace, bore a son with Cavite Vice Governor Jolo Revilla. The boy, Gab, is now a teenager.
Grace, of course, now has a new family.
Rosanna said she and Blessie were married last year, and she has never been happier.
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Lovi Poe is back from Calgary, Canada, where she had a show.
She had to promptly return home because she has to start taping an anniversary episode of the GMA drama anthology, “Tadhana.”
Heard also that she is scheduled to do a movie with Regal.
Someone close to the actress said that the 30-year-old actress, who has a new beau, may consider marriage after fulfilling her commitments. “Mukhang serious sa kanya ang British boyfriend niyang si Montgomery Blancowe (reportedly a Hollywood producer).
“Sa mga ipina-post ni Lovi sa kanyang social media account, mukhang madalas dito ang lalaki para lang makapiling siya.
“At napakaguwapo ni Montgomery,” said our source.