MANILA, Philippines?All too often on the local show biz scene, the more things change, the more they remain the same. That?s why we?re heartened by some perceptibly more genuine changes that have recently made themselves felt. If the more enlightened attitudes they reflect catch on, our entertainment scene could be a better place:
Just last week, erstwhile sexy starlet, Katya Santos, declared that she had nixed an offer to appear in yet another erotic production. Katya is only the latest erstwhile sex kitten to make this decision, and we hope that her tribe increases. Young women who want to become movie stars should realize that they don?t have to take off their clothes to achieve their dream.
Right to privacy
Next, Dennis Trillo recently put his foot down and demanded that a TV camera crew stop following him around, because they were intruding into his privacy. This is an epiphany for Dennis, and we hope that other stars and starlets also realize that they have the right to keep their private lives private.
Much too often, stars surrender their privacy to the media because they feel that they owe it to their public, which regards them as ?public property.? This is so wrong. Stars, repeat after me: ?The only thing I owe to the public is my best performance.? And, like Dennis, believe it.
Fans grow up
Conversely, some fans are also growing up and adjusting many of their ?requirements? for the stars they choose to idolize. Time was when fans only patronized the films of stars who were young, tisoy and single. That?s why, when some stars got married, they kept it a secret, because they felt it would mean the death of their careers as lead performers.
These days, however, married stars? movies are doing A-OK. For instance, everybody knows that Sharon Cuneta is married to Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, and that she?s the mother of KC Concepcion, who?s already in her early 20s?and yet, Sharon?s latest starrer, ?Caregiver,? was a runaway hit.
We?re particularly happy about this paradigm shift, because it enables the viewing public to benefit from the more insightful and textured performances of veteran stars in major roles. No longer do we have to put up with tyro stars? shallow and callow portrayals in most of the movies up for viewing.
Rise of digital movies
Another major change that?s most welcome is the rise of the digital film. Not only has the indie wave ?democratized? the local filmmaking process (more people can now finance their own movie), but it has also expanded the range and depth of film experiences and characters viewers can watch and empathize with on local screens.
Gabby sings
For his part, comebacking actor, Gabby Concepcion, has sprung a big surprise on his fans: Not only is he one of the lead players in the new teleserye, ?Iisa Pa Lamang,? but he?s also making his debut?as a recording artist!
His Warner Music Philippines album affirms the fact that Gabby indeed honed his singing skills during his years in the States, performing love songs and Pinoy standards for his Fil-Am fans there.
The album?s cuts include classic OPM tunes, old standards and a few surprise numbers. Each track sings of a memorable event in Gabby?s career and private life. Titles include ?Kung Kailangan Mo Ako,? ?Just Once,? ?Nakapagtataka? and ?Give Me A Chance.?
Leaner and lovelier Lani
Finally, a leaner and lovelier Lani Misalucha is in town to release a new album, titled ?Reminiscence,? which contains 14 international hits. Lani will be featured on ?ASAP ?08? tomorrow and will perform on Aug. 22 at Trinoma and Aug. 23 at Greenbelt.
Lani?s new look becomes her?as does Aiko Melendez?s. Aiko has lost even more weight and now comes across as truly svelte and luscious. On a recent TV guesting, she was even made up to look like a young Sophia Loren! Producers, take note: The ?new? Aiko is now ready to be showcased in your new TV-film ventures.
