MOVIEGOER: 'Maganda ba siya? Hmmm, mabait siya.'


Allen Dizon (Facebook)

PASSERBY:

Only a few weeks after stepping down as chair of Film Development Council of the Philippines, Liza Dino was spotted on the set of a new ABSCBN teleserye, Dirty Linen. The former Chair is back as an actress. 

During a taping lull, she got teary-eyed when several crew members came up to her for a photo op, thanking her for having been beneficiaries of an ayuda program launched by FDCP under her watch at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The former government official said on Facebook that she considered moments like those precious.

Liza and her partner, Ice Seguerra, are forming a production and events company, Fire & Ice.

Tom Rodriguez says he’s okay, months after admitting that he and Carla Abellana have officially called it quits. US-based for the meantime, the actor said he’s lucky to have been cast in a few projects to be shot in the US, contrary to claims he has quit acting altogether.

Still another streaming platform will be launched in September to compete for side-by-side Vivamax, AQ Prime, KTX, and whatnot. Film director Joel Lamangan is one of the new platform’s movers. Which among these local streamers can stand equal to Netflix, HBO, Amazon, VIU, or National Geographic? Or will they all end up being channels of erotica and other exotica?

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SOME GOOD NEWS: 

The good news is that Liza Soberano has landed a key role in a Hollywood film in the making, Lisa Frankenstein. She is cast opposite lead stars Cole Sprouse and Kathryn Newton. The film is set in New Orleans.

Liza said she’s ecstatic to work on the film, her breakthrough role in Hollywood.    

At age 44, Allen Dizon has just become the youngest actor elevated to the FAMAS Hall of Fame.

The veteran actor, who started out in sexy movies in the 90s, was honored thus during the 70th anniversary July 30 of the country’s oldest award-giving body.

Allen has had a total of 5 best actor wins from the FAMAS, the required number of victories to enter the Hall of Fame. He won for the films Paupahan (2009), Dukot (2010), Magkakabaung (2015), Bomba (2018), and Latay (2021).

Allen thus joins the ranks of illustrious stars Fernando Poe Jr., Joseph Estrada, Eddie Garcia, Charito Solis, Christopher de Leon, Vilma Santos, and Nora Aunor in said Hall of Fame.

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A father, Christopher Verano, fetched his children from a public school in Palawan riding a carabao-drawn sled. His act—- actually a daily practice—- was celebrated on social media for its uniqueness and sheer local color. Reminds me of a similar practice among my elementary school classmates, who rode a picturesque horse-drawn calesa to and from school every day almost a hundred years ago.

Before I go, let me share this beautiful line from Inspirational Quotes Journal: Looks are only skin deep. Real beauty is intelligence, kindness, charm, loyalty, and a caring heart.

Said quote provides a fresh, welcome spin to a common question asked when someone is being appraised. “Maganda ba siya?”

 “Hmmmm, mabait siya.”