MANILA, Philippines—Rowell Santiago is all praises for Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz, his co-stars in “You Changed My Life,” which opens in Metro Manila on Feb. 25.
“From a director’s point of view, I find Sarah’s acting raw and refreshing,” Rowell says. “Bow ako sa galing ni Loydie. Effortless ang acting niya.”
What made him accept the role as Loydie’s stern kuya? “I wanted to test if pwede rin ako sa young market (laughs). I was hesitant at first but when I found out the director is Cathy Molina, pumayag na ako.”
Does it mean he will turn his back on directing and resume his acting career? “Nope. Directing is my priority pa rin.”
What about a movie with his ex Sharon Cuneta? “Mauna muna dapat ang Sharon-Gabby,” he said, giggling.
Love teams then and now make Pinoy show biz world go round.
Reminiscing with Gabby
I immensely enjoyed interviewing my friend Gabby Concepcion for “Chikalectric,” my show with IC on Viva Cinema Channel (6:30 p.m. daily). We reminisced about my high school days when his then archrival, William Martinez, was my BF. I’ll never forget the time William brought Gabs to my class party. All my friends “hated” me that night because my dates were the two hottest matinee idols. They ignored me the next day in class.
I asked Gabs about his present relationship with Sharon Cuneta. “We haven’t seen each other. We just talked on the phone,” he said. “She called when my dad passed away. So it’s sort of a death bringing something back to life.”
Is he willing to do a movie with her again? “Of course! But timing is of the essence.” For now, he’s slated to do a movie for Star Cinema and also for GMA Films.
What about a movie with KC? “Fantastic!” he exclaimed. “But Sharon has to approve first.”
Can he say that his wife Ginbee is the last woman for him? “Definitely! She never left my side when I was down. And now that I’m up again, I’ll never leave her.” For better or for worse, it’s G and G for good!
‘Totoy Bato’ premiere
The much-awaited Carlo J. Caparas masterpiece “Totoy Bato” premieres tonight on GMA 7’s Telebabad block. Top-billed by Robin Padilla, with Manny Pacquiao, Eddie Garcia and Regine Velasquez, it’s the TV version of FPJ’s blockbuster movie.
Is Regine more relaxed or more cautious with her sweet scenes with Binoe, now that her romance with Ogie Alcasid is out in the open? “I’ve always known where to draw the line,” Reg replies. “I know what to do to get my work done. I set my own limitations.”
Is there no selos factor with Ogie? “Binoe and Ogie are friends so Ogie trusts him,” Reg explains. “Besides, we’ve been through a lot together so we’ve reached a solid level of security.”
Is the huge diamond ring she’s wearing an engagement ring from Ogie? “Ay! Wag muna ang batong ito ang pag-usapan kundi ‘Totoy Bato’ (laughs).” Nothing like a rock solid band to seal a bond to rock each other’s world for keeps!
Medical crossover
“Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice” join forces to give us four exciting episodes where doctors of Oceanside Wellness Center crossover Seattle Grace Hospital on Studio 23 at 8 p.m. every Monday (starting tonight). The highly anticipated interlinked offerings soared high in US ratings. Catch never-before-seen episodes of “Dirty Sexy Money” ahead of the US beginning March 1 and the thrilling eighth season premiere of CSI premieres Feb. 25. The Kabarkada network is truly a couch potato’s best bud!
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