Award-winning director Joel Lamangan has been in the show business for more than three decades. Still, it is only this year that he has had intimate scenes in the upcoming comedy film "Jackstone 5," under APEX Creative Production Inc., which premieres on Dec. 3.

During a media conference in Quezon City, Direk Joel said he had intimate scenes with hunky newcomers Abed Green and Jhon Mark Marcia.

"That was my first kissing scene in a film," said the director as the crowd laughed. Then he repeated, "It's true! That was my first kissing scene."

Jhon Mark Marcia said he was nervous when the scene with Direk Joel was shot. "Sobrang kinabahan ako nun. (I got really nervous.)"

He said, however, that he had already worked with Direk Joel on 'Sisid Marino' and learned a lot from him as a director.

Reacting to the answer of Jhon Mark, Direk Joel said, "Hindi ako kinabahan. Na-excite ako. (I wasn't nervous. I was excited.)"

For his part, Abed said, "For comedy naman yung ginawa namin. (We did it for comedy.)"

In the movie "Jackstone 5," Joel served as both an actor and a director. But the popular director said he would never direct and act again at the same time because it was difficult.

Comedian Arnel Ignacio said he is coping in the wake of cases filed against him in reference to the controversial alleged land deal near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

"Nandoon na yun eh. Wala na talaga akong masasabi masyado. Umandar na eh. Hindi na kailangan i-elaborate. (I really don't have much to say. No need to elaborate)," said Arnel.

On the support of his friends in showbiz, Arnel said, "Sa akin, the smallest act of kamustahan means so much sa akin. Kasi wala naman maidadagdag pang tulong sa akin. I'm not expecting anything from people. As I've said, I am coping. Ang masaya lang is natapos namin ang pelikula about the overseas Filipino workers. (The smallest act of greeting means so much to me. Because there's nothing more to help me. I'm not expecting anything from people. As I've said, I am coping. The only happy thing is that we finished the film about the overseas Filipino workers.)"

Director Joel reflected thoughtfully, sharing that, in life, he could count his genuine friends on just two hands.

"Mabibilang ko lang sa mga kamay ko ang mga tunay kong kaibigan. Meron sa showbiz, meron hindi. Pero meron akong mga kaibigan sa showbiz na malalim. Meron din sa labas. (I can only count my true friends on my hands. Some are in showbiz, some are not. But I have close friends in showbiz. There are also non-showbiz friends)," he said.

Asked about some of his close friends in showbiz, Direk Joel said, "Ayoko (sabihin.) Ayoko kasi isa yun sa mga sikreto ng buhay ko. (I don't want to (say it.) I don't want to because that's one of the secrets of my life.)"

Eric Quizon and Joel both agreed that you can identify your true friends in the showbiz industry.

"Meron akong mga kaibigan sa showbiz na kahit hindi kami nagkikita, dahil iba-iba na ang mga galaw namin. Pero yung iba nakaka trabaho ko pa rin," said Eric. "I could consider some of my showbiz friends my real friends. Yan yung mga tipong hindi kayo nag-uusap pero kapag nagkita kayo, parang kahapon lang. Ganun pa rin ang mga samahan at hindi nawawala. Alam mo rin na sila ang mga maaasahan mo. (I have friends in the entertainment industry, and I consider some of them to be true friends. They are the kind of friends with whom you might not talk often, but when you do see each other, it feels like no time has passed at all. These friendships remain strong and never fade away. You can always count on them when you need support.)"