Bela Padilla writes, directs and stars in latest film ‘366’

Bela Padilla's mettle as a newbie director will be put to the test as her movie “366” starts streaming via Vivamax, the online platform of Viva Entertainment.

According to Bela, she was inspired to write the story of “366” after traveling to Maldives and learning about the story of a Filipino couple challenged by fate. This made Bela wonder what it feels like to be in the Filipina's shoes and how will she move on. Bela says that “366” is her take on moving on in life and in love: it's hard, but it is possible one day at a time.

Bela Padilla was inspired to write the story of ‘366’ after traveling to Maldives and learning about the story of a Filipino couple challenged by fate. INSTAGRAM PHOTO

Many are curious to see “366” as they want to find out how Bela measured up to the challenge of a being a newbie director. Her mettle as an actress is no longer questioned but the question is will she gain plaudits as a director and writer as well?

At the special screening for “366” held at Cinema 1 of the Ayala Vertis North Mall, Bela mentioned anew how she love JC's performance. “Hindi ko pa sinasabing umiyak siya pero nagpatulo na agad siya ng luha,” she remarked.

She was also similarly impressed with Zanjoe Marudo's acting.

JC said he was also impressed with the performance of Zanjoe. He didn't get to see Zanjoe act as they have separate shooting scheds. He had no idea how Zanjoe attacked his role.

“I enjoyed watching him (Zanjoe) since he is very different here compared to his past movies,” added JC.

For his part, Zanjoe said he was challenged by the role given him by Bela so he did his best. He didn't want to disappoint Bela who has so much belief in him that he can tackle the role of Marco although he admitted that during the first shooting days he wasn't sure if he was doing the right thing, acting-wise.

But he sure did perform well and was able to hold his own against Bela and JC.

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Tina Paner is playing the role of a kontrabida in “Fall Guy,” the newest movie of Sean De Guzman. It is also the first film of Tina with award-winning director Joel Lamangan.

She has done several kontrabida roles on TV but this is the first time that she is taking a kontrabida part in full-length film. What makes her even more excited is the chance to work with Direk Joel. That's why during the story con of “Fall Guy,” Tina listened intently as Direk Joel laid down on the table what to expect on his set.

Arriving on the set late is a very big no for Direk Joel. Another pet peeve is if there are stars who show disrespect to fellow stars as well as to the production team.

But having started young in showbiz, Tina is fully aware of the importance of professionalism, a lesson that was taught to them by their mentor, the late Master Showman German Moreno who took Tina as one of the original members of the successful teen show “That's Entertainment.”

Tina plays the mother of Vance Larena, who plays the bad guy Fonzy, in 'Fall Guy' produced by 3:16 Productions and Mentorque Productions.

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Ms. Ai Ai delas Alas denies she is part of the cast of the international movie of Jo Koy although she admits auditioning for a role in the film.

“It is true that I auditioned and even reached level 3 of the process but they got another actress,” said Ai Ai during the intimate presscon she had for her upcoming GMA afternoon show “Raising Mamay.”

AiAi delas Alas stars in ‘Raising Mamay’ where she portrays a mother who goes into regression and becomes like a child anew.

The comedy concert queen also revealed that she has a manager in the US who is lining her up for various auditions. “Wala naman masama kung mag-audition ako.”

She is looking forward to her GMA series titled Raising Mamay where she portrays a mother who goes into regression and becomes like a child anew.

“Ang ganda ng kwento. Hindi ko maiwasan na maiyak at times pero siyempre kailangan ko rin mag-concentrate sa role ko. Kung minsan naman natatawa ako sa eksena dahil bata ang role ko pero I have to focus sa role ko,” she said.

She also took the occasion to answer an issue raised by Audie Gemora when she came out that she's supporting former Senator Bongbong Marcos.

She said she doesn't want to make a big issue out of it and doesn't want to be affected by what Audie had said because she doesn't really know him.

“I don't want to be affected because I am very blessed. I didn't get sick during the pandemic. None of my family members got sick. I have beautiful children who never gave me problems. My career is doing well. I just to say thank you for all the blessings the Lord has given me,” said Ai Ai.

“Isang araw lang naman ang election and after that, balik na uli tayo sa dati kaya huwag na tayong magpaapekto sa politics. After the elections, kahit sino pa ang manalo, magkakaibigan pa rin tayo. Magpasalamat na lang tayo sa blessings ni Lord,” she added.

“Raising Mamay” starts airing on Monday, April 25 at the GMA Afternoon prime block. AiAi is urging her fans to watch and support their show because it is very heartwarming, has a good sto