Bruce Willis, suffering from aphasia, a form of dementia, now finds it hard to communicate, says a Hollywood report. The veteran actor announced his retirement from acting in 2022.

Our very own Caridad Sanchez, herself a victim of memory loss, recently surprised daughter, Cathy Babao, with an affectionate greeting, telling the latter, “I love you.” Cathy says in an Instagram story that Caring hasn’t forgotten to say that line over and over again to her loved ones.

Though late, we condole with the family of our friend, Robert Arevalo, who died August 10 at age 85 following a lingering illness. Robert was the consummate Filipino actor, remembered for his roles in ‘Daigdig ng mga Api’ and ‘Sakada,’ among many others.

Spotted Robert’s widow, Barbara Perez, at the gala premiere of ‘Monday First Screening’ at Net 25 in Quezon City on Aug. 21. Condolences also to the family of our colleague, Mario B. Casayuran, Manila Bulletin’s long-time political reporter, who has also passed. With his ever present smile and easy ways, Mario was a friend to all. The same goes to the family of Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan ‘Toots’ Ople, formerly our co-writer in this paper’s Panorama magazine. Toots, a fellow Artlet from UST, offered a helping hand to everyone. If all of us can come close to that line, then we can say we have lived a full life, good enough to be remembered with fondness.

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Welcome the entry of Net 25, the newest player in the local movie industry which premiered its maiden venture, ‘Monday First Screening’ in a star-studded media event. From here on, Net 25 won’t be known only as a commercial TV station but also as a film production company. 

The romantic comedy film, starring Ricky Davao and Gina Alajar, tells the story of two retirees, an architect and a college professor, respectively, who accidentally form a romantic bond while watching free movies together every Monday as provided for by law in certain LGUs. The film, by Benedict Mique, is a refreshing break, not just for the two senior actors who are suddenly thrust into lead roles anew, but more so, for audiences who are presented a different alternative in the romcom department. 

Mique earlier directed "ML" and "MOMOL Nights." 

A wholesome film in general, one that suits entire families, "Monday First Screening" is enjoyable for tackling a material not usually touched by mainstream producers. It boasts delectable performances by both Ricky and Gina, who are always above par whenever they face the camera, crackling, humorous dialog in the first half, and a timely message about senior citizens and their welfare in the second half. 

For the industry gala held at the sprawling hotel-like lobby of EVM Convention Center, Net 25 invited actors, directors, producers who came in full force. Consulting producer Wilma Galvante says the company intends to produce three or four films in 2024. These will all be family-oriented films.

‘Monday First Screening’ opens in 100 theaters nationwide on Aug. 30.