Hilda Koronel returns to acting via 'Sisa,' reveals favorite Filipino stars

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Dec 22, 2024 00:30 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Although Hilda lives abroad for almost 20 years, she expressed that she never misses acting. Her last film was The Mistress in 2012. 

Hilda Koronel (Screengrab from YouTube)

After12 years, award-winning actress Hilda Koronel returns to the Philippines to shoot a historical film entitled "Sisa."

During a guest appearance on Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, Hilda said she was excited to do the movie.

"I'm going to do a historical thriller. It's called Sisa. They believe it's all about Jose Rizal's 'Sisa,' but it's not. It's an original story. Interesting," said Hilda. 

Asked how she would attack the role of Sisa, the award-winning actress said: "They see her as a mad woman from the beginning. She was damaged. Parang loka-loka siya. So dahil loka-loka, pinangalan siyang Sisa. That's it. But truly, she was not a crazy woman. She was a spy for the revolutionaries."

"I did Lupang Hinirang, a period piece from the old days, but this one is different. I loved the story, and the presentation during the Zoom meeting was so interesting. It was so professionally done, and I thoroughly loved the synopsis first. Then I said give me a great script. And they did.

"Maraming ita-tackle rito na stories, and it's a very interesting story. Relevant pa rin and you have a bit of history. Mga twist and turn namin very interesting," Hilda said. 

Boy said Eugene Domingo and Jenics Garcia will be part of the cast. Hilda also explained how she prepares for a role.

"In a way, when I read the script, napapanaginipan ko na yung mga eksena. It's like a movie in my brain. And I see how I will attack and discuss that scene with them.

"They listen naman, and we collaborate. So I internalize, and I get into my role as anybody. Pagpapasok na ako ng kotse, 'Sisa' na ako.

"Tahimik na ako ng konti. Of course I greet everybody. Baka sabihin nila mataray ako. But I have to concentrate in one corner: I have to do my lines and I want to make sure na kung ano ang gusto ng direktor and gusto ko pareho. 

"Magsi-sink kaming dalawa. May sarili siyang interpretation I respect that. May sarili rin ako so pinag-uusapan namin dalawa," Hilda added.

Although Hilda lives abroad for almost 20 years, she expressed that she never misses acting. Her last film was The Mistress in 2012.

"I guess I've been at it for so long since I was 12 years old. My husband said it was time for me to stop already.

"Ang na-miss ko yung country, the people. I missed my children and my grandchildren. I missed my maids. They are family to us," Hilda said.

Hilda was asked to send a message to her younger self.

"I think I was very afraid at that time. I would say, 'Lakasan mo ang loob mo.' Kinalakadkan na ako ng nanay ko since I was young. But I was too shy. I didn't even know what that meant yung maging artista ka." 

Hilda acknowledges that she still feels nervous when filming a movie on set.

"May kaba pa rin sa paggawa ng pelikula in the beginning. Pero nawawala yan as you go along. Sa umpisa lang yan eh."

Advice for the young stars

Hilda shared some advice with the current actors.

"Just work hard and love your craft. I always say it takes a village to finish a movie. So treat everybody with respect and be on time. 

"Lahat yan. I respect them from top to bottom. Importante sa akin yun, she said.

Hilda also recalled moments when she scolded fellow actors. "Marami."

She revealed she never had a showbiz crush. However, she almost got into serious relationships with her leading men. "I won't tell."

Hilda expressed that she feels flattered whenever critics refer to her as the gold standard in acting.

"I hope I can live up to that hype. I don't want to offend other actors who work with me. But that's how they see it. So what can I do? It's flattering, but I don't see myself like that."

Hilda, 67, also named some of the Filipino stars she admires. "Marami. Nora (Aunor) is good. Vilma (Santos) is good. I've worked with them. Ate Guy a lot with Viva Films. I love Dindo Fernando. I love Eddie Garcia. I love Christopher de Leon. I love Bembol Rocco. Marami."

On current stars, Hilda said: "Wala ako masyadong alam because I was out of the country. I took out my TFC because I used to cry a lot kapag nanonood kami ng mga Christmas. Naiiyak kaming mag-asawa. Nalulungkot ako."

Hilda said she will celebrate the holidays with her children and grandchildren in Manila.

It's Showtime' to continue airing on GMA Network in 2025

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Dec 21, 2024 00:16 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "Its Showtime" premiered on GMA on April 6, 2024. 

The cast of 'It's Showtime' (Facebook)

The popular noontime program "It's Showtime" will continue to air on the noontime slot of GMA from Monday to Saturday.

In an official statement on Dec. 20, ABS-CBN and the "It's Showtime" family expressed gratitude to GMA for their continued trust and support.

It added: "We will continue to inspire and bring happiness to our audiences. 

"Thank you Kapuso, Kapamilya, and Madlang People."

Before this, rumors were that the Kapuso noontime variety program, "TicToClock," would replace "It's Showtime" and begin in January 2025.

"Ang alam ko ay may nangyayaring negotiation ngayon ang It's Showtime and GMA. Yun lang ang alam ko sa ngayon," said Kuya Kim, one of the hosts of "TicToClock," during an ambush interview recently.

This was the same statement made by GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, when she officially addressed the rumors that "It's Showtime" will be replaced by GMA variety show “TiktoClock” once the former’s contract expires this month. 

“We are in negotiations now for the renewal of ‘Showtime,’” said Annette in November.

"Its Showtime" premiered on GMA on April 6, 2024.

Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid talk about meaning of having 'green bones'

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Dec 17, 2024 00:15 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The inspirational and heart-wrenching drama touches on the belief that finding green bones in a person’s remains is proof of one’s goodness in life. 

Do you believe in green bones?

There is a fascinating belief among certain cultures and traditions that when green bones are discovered within an individual's cremated remains, it is a significant indicator of that person's goodness during their lifetime. 

This notion suggests that such bones symbolize virtues like kindness, compassion, and moral integrity, reflecting a life well-lived. 

The phenomenon is often interpreted as a spiritual acknowledgment of the individual's positive impact on the world and the people around them, further enhancing the reverence paid to the deceased during memorial practices.

From the creators of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 Best Picture and Best Screenplay winner Firefly, GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs proudly present their official entry for this year’s MMFF – Green Bones.

Dennis Trillo

Co-produced by Brightburn Entertainment and distributed by Columbia Pictures, Green Bones aims to be an inspiring cinematic experience just in time for Christmas.

Dennis and Ruru discussed their thoughts on green bones during a media conference in Quezon City.

"When first heard about it, interesting siya. Parang wala pang ganitong materyal na ginamit sa movies. Sana maging curious din ang mga manonood kung bakit may pelikula about Green Bones," said Dennis.

Ruru said he was grateful to be part of a unique project like Green Bones.

"I am grateful for this project because ito ang kauna-unahang Metro Manila Film Festival project ko. Naikwento ko ito kay Dennis na last year, habang nanood kami ng Firefly ni Bianca (Umali), bigla kong naramdaman na feeling ko magkakaroon ako ng MMFF next year.

Ruru Madrid

"Noong binasa ko yung script, parang meant to be na sa akin ang project. Napakaganda ng storya at buhay na buhay ang bawa't character na nasa Green Bones," said Ruru.

Preparations 

Green Bones follows the story of soon-to-be-released prisoner Domingo Zamora (Dennis Trillo), who was incarcerated for the murder of his sister. His release is jeopardized by newly assigned prison guard Xavier Gonzaga (Ruru Madrid), who makes it his mission to keep Zamora behind bars.

The inspirational and heart-wrenching drama touches on the belief that finding green bones in a person’s remains is proof of one’s goodness in life. Ruru’s character, Xavier, jaded from the tragic death of his sister in a senseless crime, does not believe criminals could hold such a bone in their bodies. 

His suspicions about Dennis's character, Dom Zamora, are fueled by the latter’s strange behavior inside the penal complex, even as the prisoner’s reputation is that of an already reformed man.

Dennis and Ruru opened up about their experiences and the extensive preparation they undertook for their roles in Green Bones. 

National artist Ricky Lee

They discussed the unique challenges they faced and the research they conducted to understand their characters better. Together, they painted a vivid picture of their dedication and the collaborative efforts that went into bringing their characters to life on screen.

"The moment na sinabi sa akin ito, naghanap na kaagad ako ng tamang framework para sa pelikulang ito. Marami akong pinanood na mga Wong Kar-wai movies kasi kailangan ko mapuntahan yung difference ng cinema at television," said Ruru.

Ruru added: "Nagtrain ako ng meditation para maging matibay ang pag-focus ko sa bawa't eksena na gagawin ko. Nag hanap din ako ng scent ni Javier para maramdaman ko na nasa character na ako agad. Everytime na ginagamit ko siya, nagki-clear sa utak ko yung lahat ng natutunan ko sa buhay. 

"After namin gawin yung movies, ang tagal kong makawala kasi nasa akin pa rin si Javier sa sistema ko. Pero na enjoy ko yung process na pelikula," Ruru also said.

Dennis elaborated on the distinctions between producing a movie and creating a television series. He highlighted how movies typically have a condensed, singular storyline that unfolds over a relatively short period, often culminating in a two-hour experience.

Zig Dulay

In contrast, a television series is designed for extended storytelling, allowing for character development and plot intricacies to evolve over multiple episodes or even seasons. 

Dennis also noted the difference in pacing and the collaborative processes involved in each medium, emphasizing how these elements impact the creative choices of directors, writers, and actors.

"Magkaiba ang TV at pelikula. Sa pelikula namin, mas less ang dialogue kumpara sa TV na lahat ibibigay sa'yo. Dito nagtitinginan pa lang kami alam mo na kung ano ang ipinapahiwatig ng eksena. Kailangan ko rin dito mag sign language. Iba rin ang looks namin dito," said Dennis.

Ruru expressed his admiration for Dennis's performance in the movie, highlighting how impressed he was with his acting skills and the depth he brought to his character. 

He described Dennis as exceptionally talented and praised his ability to convey emotion and connect with the audience throughout the film.

The cast of Green Bones with GMA Network executives and Green Bones creative team

"Very vocal naman ako na isa si Dennis na tinitingala kong actor so noon pa man iniisip ko kung paano ang magiging dynamics namin. Nagtatanong ako kay Bianca kasi nagwork na sila together sa Legal Wives so nagtatanong ako about Kuya Dennis. 

"Everytime naman na lalapitan ko si Kuya Dennis at kapag may tanong ako at sinasagot ka naman niya. Everytime na nasa set kami, mapifeel mo na focus kami sa kanya-kanyang characters," Ruru also said.

Green Bones is directed by award-winning director Zig Dulay, the filmmaker behind “Firefly.” Zig is known for his hit TV series Maria Clara at Ibarra and Sahaya.

Based on the original concept of GMA Public Affairs’ senior manager for documentaries JC Rubio, Green Bones was written by National Artist Ricky Lee and MMFF 2023 Best Screenplay winner Anj Atienza.

Mikoy Morales, Royce Cabrera, Sofia Pablo, Sienna Stevens, Kylie Padilla, Pauline Mendoza, Gerhard Acao, Raul Morit, Victor Neri, Ruby Ruiz, and Enzo Osorio complete the film’s star-studded cast.

Catch Green Bones in theaters beginning Dec. 25.

What Julia Barretto learned about her past life

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Dec 17, 2024 08:45 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Julia is set to make waves again as she returns to the big screen with‘Hold Me Close,’Viva Films’ official entry to the 50thMetro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). 

Julia Barretto

Actress Julia Barretto admired individuals who could read minds or sense different energies. 

Julia highlighted her deep respect for those who can intuitively grasp the thoughts and emotions of others. She acknowledged the fascinating skill of perceiving unspoken feelings and energies, which can significantly influence interpersonal connections.

During a media conference for the upcoming movie "Hold Me Close" at Viva Cafe in Araneta City, Julia shared a forecast that left a significant impression on her. 

"I've met some people who claim to be an energy or palm reader. I am open to it, although I am a religious person. Maka-Diyos akong tao. Above everything else is my faith. I have the utmost respect for them.

"I don't think may recent ako na reading or forecast pero in the past, ang tumatak talaga sa akin is nangyari sa Cebu, a decade na yata. 

"My mom and I we're together. Sinasabi ng reader in my past life, best friends daw talaga kami ng mommy ko and I believe in that. My mom and I have a special bond. Kaya pala because we were best friends in our past lives," recalled Julia.

The girlfriend of actor Gerald Anderson hopes to receive a forecast about her lifetime partner. "Maybe I'll give it a try soon."

Julia is set to make waves again as she returns to the big screen with ‘Hold Me Close,’ Viva Films’ official entry to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). 

The romantic-fantasy film marks Julia's second collaboration with Carlo Aquino and director Jason Paul Laxamana, and fans are excited to see her take on the role of Lynlyn, a clairvoyant girl. 

Not only is this Julia’s much-anticipated return to MMFF after her 2016 appearance in ‘Vince and Kath and James,’ but it also signals a fresh chapter in her already illustrious film career. 

Julia Barretto poses with loyal fans

Filmed in Japan, audiences can catch ‘Hold Me Close’ this Dec. 25 in cinemas nationwide.  

Asked about how the MMFF project came about, Julia said: "We have a group chat for the cast of 'Expensive Candy' that's been going for three years. Biglang nagparamdam si direk (Jason Paul Laxamana) ng what's the next? Right away, Caloy (Carlo Aquino) and I were on board. 

"So we're excited to be in Direk Jason's mind: no story, material, or script. We just knew he wanted to do a reunion project, and we were on board. It took him a while to write the entire script. 

"Caloy told Direk that he hoped to do a project similar to 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.' So, Direk Jason got the inspiration for that movie. 

"And then tuloy-tuloy na. We didn't know the movie was submitted for the Metro Manila Film Festival. It's a beautiful film about trying to erase memories pero may underlying message naman yung movie. That's how it came about. So, at some point, we will do something together," said Julia.

Why newcomer Nella Dizon doesn't want to throw lines with her father award-winning actor Allen Dizon

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Dec 10, 2024 08:07 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Nella also said she dreams of doing action movies. 

Nella Dizon

Newcomer Nella Dizon expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with actress Rhian Ramos in the film "Huwag Mo Kong Iwan," produced by BenTria Productions under engr. Benjie Austria.

"Most of my scenes were with Ate Rhian Ramos. She was so nice. Hindi niya ako tini-treat as iba. She's bubbly. Ate Pinky Amador is also nice," said Nella during an interview in Quezon City recently. "I hope tuloy tuloy na ito."

Nella started acting at seven when she had a cameo in her father's film "Marino."

"My first movie was 'Marino' kung saan anak ako ng dad ko (Allen Dizon). I was seven years old. Isang line lang yata ako roon. 

"Wala talaga akong alam sa mga movies niya noon hanggang nakasama ako sa 'Marino.' That time mahiyain talaga ako. 

Nella Dizon and her dad award-winning actor Allen Dizon

"When I was 12 or 13, I wanted to pursue acting. Yung sister was in a movie. 

'And she did well in a movie. I told myself kaya ko rin gawin yun. Siya (sister) ang naging inspiration ko," Nella said.

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One movie project led to another. After 'Marino,' Nella appeared in "Rainbow Sunset," "Persons of Interest," "Beauty Queen," "Abe Nida," "Lola Magdalena," "Apo Hapon," and "Huwag Mo Kong Iwan."

Dennis Evangelista, Nella's talent manager, recognized her potential after watching her in a stage play.

"Nakitaan ko siya ng potential when I watched her in a school play. Sa stage kasi live. I told myself, 'May future siya sa showbiz,' " Dennis said.

Nella Dizon 

Nella, 22, confessed that she never wanted to rehearse her lines for movies with her father.

"Feeling ko baka matawa lang ako eh. Mas gusto ko ibang tao ang ka-throw lines ko," she said.

Of the movies of her dad, she admired him in the films 'Magkakabaong' and 'Bomba' where Allen won many awards. 

Nella mentioned that her father always provided her with valuable advice about acting.

"One thing he always tells me is to imagine my character. Huwag mong iisipin na you're an actor playing a character but think about the character para mas effective ang portrayal ng role. Act as natural as possible. Do your best," she said.

Nella Dizon and her family

Allen, 47, is said to be the Philippine actor with the most acting awards in the country. Recently seen in the No. 1 drama "Abot Kamay Ang Pangarap" on GMA Network, Allen has received more than 50 action g trophies here and abroad.

Of the stars in the country, Nella hopes to work with Primetime Queen Marian Rivera. "Ang ganda niya pero hindi ko pa siya nakita in person. Ang ganda din ng mga mata niya. Gusto ko rin makahingi ng advice kay Marian when it comes to career."

Nella also said she dreams of doing action movies.

Beauty queen

Nella was crowned Mutya Ning San Fernando in Pampanga. She plans to join a national beauty pageant soon.

"I just tried pageant last year. I am still determining when I will continue to pursue pageants. The only pageant I watched before was Miss Universe. I wasn't aware of the other pageants," she said.

Nella and Allen

Nella said since she joined a local pageant, it taught her about elegance.

Comparing her looks to popular beauty queens, Nella is a dead ringer for Jennifer Cortez and Precious Lara Quigaman.

 "Nakaka touch ang comments nila kasi ang gaganda nila. Pero maganda rin ako," Nella laughed. "My idol is Catriona Gray"

Beyonce named greatest pop star of the 21st century: Do you agree?

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Dec 6, 2024 09:09 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "There are no flop eras for Bey, no periods where she disappeared for a half-decade, no clear missteps that were not immediately and emphatically course-corrected." 

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Beyonce (Images courtesy of Facebook)

All hail Queen B!

Beyonce has been crowned the top artist of the last 25 years by Billboard magazine, a reputable American entertainment magazine, for over 130 years.

Billboard said Beyonce was the top pick in its list based on her influence, evolution, and impact. 

"With the first quarter of the 21st century coming to a close, Billboard has spent the last few months counting down our staff picks for the 25 greatest pop stars of the previous 25 years. 

"While Taylor Swift is the century’s biggest pop star by the numbers — from album sales to streams to touring dominance — our editorial staff chose Beyoncé as our Greatest Pop Star of the Century, based on her full 25 years of influence, evolution, and impact," the article read.

On March 18, 2000, Beyoncé Knowles achieved a significant milestone in her career by reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the very first time in the 21st century. 

This landmark moment marked a turning point for the talented artist, as it showcased her immense popularity and solidified her status as a leading figure in the music industry.  

With her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, Beyoncé captivated audiences and paved the way for many more successes in her illustrious career.

Billboard wrote: 

"And the most remarkable thing about the Houston-born superstar’s greatness is how consistent it’s been. 

"She was still a teenager managed by her father when “Say My Name” hit No. 1; she was a 42-year-old married mother of three by the time “Texas Hold ‘Em” got there – and in between the two, there were precisely zero moments in which Beyoncé was not *BEYONCÉ*. 

"There are no flop eras for Bey, no periods where she disappeared for a half-decade, no clear missteps that were not immediately and emphatically course-corrected. 

"There are only varying degrees of winning for over two decades. In this sense, her closest peers this century are not other pop stars, they’re LeBron James and Serena Williams," the article read.

As she was becoming one of the decade’s leading pop stars, Beyoncé was also setting her sights on proper film stardom. She appeared in successful movies The Pink Panther (2006), Dreamgirls, Cadillac Records and Obsessed.

Several music fans disagreed with Billboard's choice, saying Taylor Swift should be on top of the list. Billboard defended the selection of Beyonce for the top spot saying the ranking of the stars went beyond sales and numbers.

"If you go by the sheer numbers, Taylor would easily top this list — and she will undoubtedly reign on many of the chart-based quarter-century rankings we’ll publish in 2025. Even with her late start, she has more No. 1 albums and as many No. 1 singles this century as Beyoncé," the article added.

Billboard agreed that Taylor had reached the level of pop star greatness with her "Eras Tour" and Taylor's Version recordings. But the editors said the longevity of Beyonce remains continually awe-inspiring.

Beyonce has received 32 Grammys, 30 MTV Video Music Awards, and 27 Billboard Music Awards.

"But when you’re talking about greatness, and when you’re talking about greatness for the 21st century specifically, no one has a longer or fuller track record than Beyoncé," the article said.

It added: "She’s been *BEYONCÉ* for 25 years now, and as she continues to challenge herself (and by extension, the rest of the pop world) to find new and different ways to define greatness, it doesn’t seem like she’s going to stop being *BEYONCÉ* anytime soon. Better say her name."

In November, Beyonce made history again after her new album "Cowboy Carter" received 11 nominations at the 2025 Grammy Awards.

Beyoncé, who holds the distinguished title of the most-decorated artist in Grammy history with an impressive total of 32 wins, has now achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the most-nominated artist of all time. 

Over the course of her illustrious career, she has accumulated a staggering total of 99 nominations. This achievement surpasses her previous tie with her husband, Jay-Z, who also had 88 nominations. 

Beyoncé’s unparalleled contributions to music and her artistic excellence have solidified her position as a leading figure in the entertainment industry.

Billboard's Top 25 artists for the last 25 years are:

1) Beyonce

2) Taylor Swift

3) Rihanna

4) Drake 

5) Lady Gaga

6) Britney Spears

7) Kanye West

8) Justin Bieber

9) Ariana Grande

10) Adele

11) Usher

12) Eminem

13) Nicki Minaj

14) Justin Timberlake

15) Miley Cyrus

16) Jay-Z

17) Shakira

18) The Weeknd

19) BTS

20) Bruno Mars

21) Lil Wayne

22) One Direction

23) Bad Bunny

24) Ed Sheeran

25) Katy Perry