Vhong Navarro still wants to make people smile, despite the psychological trauma resulting from the events that overtook him a few months back.
He said, “Ang lagi kong iniisip, kahit anong pagsubok ang dumating sa akin, ang importante ay makapagpasaya ako ng tao. Hindi ko po iniisip ngayon ang nangyari sa buhay ko, dumating ito eh, alam ko binigay ng Diyos ito. At alam ko pong malalampasan ko ito, sa tulong ng madlang people.”
Vhong now makes his film comeback via “Da Possessed,” co-produced by Star Cinema and Regal Films, marking a reunion with Bb. Joyce Bernal who directed him prior in “Mr. Suave” (2003), “D’Anothers” (2005), and “Agent X44” (2007).
Joyce, who won the Best Director award in last year’s MMFF for “10,000 Hours,” also directed the record-breaking 2011 MMFF entry “Segunda Mano,” and “Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo?” last year.
In “Da Possessed,” Vhong plays the role of the simpleton Ramon, who attempts to venture into landscape art, going on to fall for his sexy boss (Solenn Heussaff). Conflict starts when spirits from another world possess his body.
Joyce shared, “Vhong is very, very effective in portraying his patented zero to hero characters. This, for me, is the reason why the entire nation loves and adores him. Vhong elevates the so-called normal guy in his movies. ‘Da Possessed’ is basically a story of a regular guy who will unwittingly embark in an amazing adventure and hopefully save the day at the end of the movie.”
On his part, Vhong said, “It has always been my philosophy to always be happy and I want to spread all happiness that I can through my work not just as an actor but as a dancer and TV host as well. I am both overjoyed and overwhelmed with the solid support of ABS-CBN, Star Cinema and my fans. We worked very hard to make sure that everyone would enjoy ‘Da Possessed.’“
Vhong was very excited to work with Solenn who expressed the same about the actor-host, known to be among the most accomplished and most talented comedians of his generation. Solenn didn’t mind that she was not the original choice to play Vhong’s leading lady. She just liked the project and the chance to be working with Vhong.
The others in the cast of “Da Possessed,” which is part of Star Cinema’s ongoing 20th anniversary celebration, are John Lapus, Smokey Manaloto, Empoy, Joy Viado, Beverly Salviejo, Lito Pimentel, Aaliyah Belmoro, Matet de Leon and Joey Marquez.
“Da Possessed” opens in cinemas nationwide on April 19.
• • •
Mowelfund Marks 40th Anniversary
Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada founded the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund) on March 29, 1974, with the aim of providing help for marginalized film workers.
Mayor Erap was assisted by competent lawyers and experts in institutionalizing Mowelfund. Film luminaries like the late Fernando Poe Jr., Susan Roces, Dolphy, Marichu Vera Perez-Maceda, the late Atty. Espiridion Laxa and National Artist Eddie Romero, Cabinet member Guillermo de Vega and first Executive Director Rolfie Velasco, also lent him much needed support.
March had been declared Mowelfund Month by then Quezon City Mayor and now House Speaker Sonny Belmonte in 2003.
The Manila mayor was the special guest at Mowelfund’s 40th anniversary held March 29, which was highlighted by free medical, dental and optical services, a special children’s program, raffles for beneficiaries and dependents, and a recognition ceremony for Mowelfund employees and service providers.
A holy mass led the commemoration, highlighted by Fr. Larry Faraon’s pre-Nuptial blessings for Mowelfund Executive Director/President Boots Anson- Roa and fiancé Atty. King Rodrigo, who will wed on June 14 with Cardinal Chito Tagle officiating.
Mowelfund’s Board of Trustees includes Vera Perez-Maceda as the chairman, Fr. Larry Faraon, Rez Cortez, Director Edgardo “Boy” Vinarao, Composer Josefino Cenizal, Anson-Roa, Corporate Secretary and Legal Counsel Atty. Roderick Vera, and Vice President and Comptroller Julius Topacio.
• • •
Despedida Party For ‘Annaliza’ Cast
A farewell party for the cast of ABS-CBN’s “Annaliza” was tendered recently by former beauty queen-model turned actress Jean Saburit. The venue was the Corinthian Gardens Clubhouse, courtesy of Jean’s good friend, former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson. Jean had the food catered, and Zanjoe Marudo brought the drinks.
“Nakaka-miss at nakakalungkot kasi matagal din ang pagsasama namin, imagine, naka-isang taon ang ‘Annaliza’ so you can just imagine ang naging bonding namin lahat,” Jean said. “We all feel sad na nagwakas na, but mas masaya kami na till the end top rating ang ‘Annaliza.’ It was another very successful Kapamilya show, otherwise hindi nagtagal ng ganito.”
Jean was very effective in her role as a kontrabida. “Bad ako dito. Mother ako ni Patrick (Garcia) na tunay na ama ni Annaliza portrayed by Andrea Brillantes. But in the end,naging mabait naman ako. I redeemed myself,” Jean said.
Jean’s previous project with the Kapamilya Network was “Eva Fonda” in 2008.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 6, go to former Caloocan Mayor Boy Asistio, QC Councilor Roderick Paulate, Vicky Hechanova, Gen. Guillermo Pecache, Col. Gerry Cunanan, US-based Rosemarie de Vera, Emer Rojas, Marcuz Enrick Gajuda Belardo, Eva Hamaybay, Catherine Resumadero, Pauline Angela Domingo, Lollie Cruz, Jimmy Regala, US-based Recelyn M. Delmonte, and Justin Marc S.B. Chipeco…
He said, “Ang lagi kong iniisip, kahit anong pagsubok ang dumating sa akin, ang importante ay makapagpasaya ako ng tao. Hindi ko po iniisip ngayon ang nangyari sa buhay ko, dumating ito eh, alam ko binigay ng Diyos ito. At alam ko pong malalampasan ko ito, sa tulong ng madlang people.”
Vhong now makes his film comeback via “Da Possessed,” co-produced by Star Cinema and Regal Films, marking a reunion with Bb. Joyce Bernal who directed him prior in “Mr. Suave” (2003), “D’Anothers” (2005), and “Agent X44” (2007).
Joyce, who won the Best Director award in last year’s MMFF for “10,000 Hours,” also directed the record-breaking 2011 MMFF entry “Segunda Mano,” and “Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo?” last year.
In “Da Possessed,” Vhong plays the role of the simpleton Ramon, who attempts to venture into landscape art, going on to fall for his sexy boss (Solenn Heussaff). Conflict starts when spirits from another world possess his body.
Joyce shared, “Vhong is very, very effective in portraying his patented zero to hero characters. This, for me, is the reason why the entire nation loves and adores him. Vhong elevates the so-called normal guy in his movies. ‘Da Possessed’ is basically a story of a regular guy who will unwittingly embark in an amazing adventure and hopefully save the day at the end of the movie.”
On his part, Vhong said, “It has always been my philosophy to always be happy and I want to spread all happiness that I can through my work not just as an actor but as a dancer and TV host as well. I am both overjoyed and overwhelmed with the solid support of ABS-CBN, Star Cinema and my fans. We worked very hard to make sure that everyone would enjoy ‘Da Possessed.’“
Vhong was very excited to work with Solenn who expressed the same about the actor-host, known to be among the most accomplished and most talented comedians of his generation. Solenn didn’t mind that she was not the original choice to play Vhong’s leading lady. She just liked the project and the chance to be working with Vhong.
The others in the cast of “Da Possessed,” which is part of Star Cinema’s ongoing 20th anniversary celebration, are John Lapus, Smokey Manaloto, Empoy, Joy Viado, Beverly Salviejo, Lito Pimentel, Aaliyah Belmoro, Matet de Leon and Joey Marquez.
“Da Possessed” opens in cinemas nationwide on April 19.
• • •
Mowelfund Marks 40th Anniversary
Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada founded the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund) on March 29, 1974, with the aim of providing help for marginalized film workers.
Mayor Erap was assisted by competent lawyers and experts in institutionalizing Mowelfund. Film luminaries like the late Fernando Poe Jr., Susan Roces, Dolphy, Marichu Vera Perez-Maceda, the late Atty. Espiridion Laxa and National Artist Eddie Romero, Cabinet member Guillermo de Vega and first Executive Director Rolfie Velasco, also lent him much needed support.
March had been declared Mowelfund Month by then Quezon City Mayor and now House Speaker Sonny Belmonte in 2003.
The Manila mayor was the special guest at Mowelfund’s 40th anniversary held March 29, which was highlighted by free medical, dental and optical services, a special children’s program, raffles for beneficiaries and dependents, and a recognition ceremony for Mowelfund employees and service providers.
A holy mass led the commemoration, highlighted by Fr. Larry Faraon’s pre-Nuptial blessings for Mowelfund Executive Director/President Boots Anson- Roa and fiancé Atty. King Rodrigo, who will wed on June 14 with Cardinal Chito Tagle officiating.
Mowelfund’s Board of Trustees includes Vera Perez-Maceda as the chairman, Fr. Larry Faraon, Rez Cortez, Director Edgardo “Boy” Vinarao, Composer Josefino Cenizal, Anson-Roa, Corporate Secretary and Legal Counsel Atty. Roderick Vera, and Vice President and Comptroller Julius Topacio.
• • •
Despedida Party For ‘Annaliza’ Cast
A farewell party for the cast of ABS-CBN’s “Annaliza” was tendered recently by former beauty queen-model turned actress Jean Saburit. The venue was the Corinthian Gardens Clubhouse, courtesy of Jean’s good friend, former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson. Jean had the food catered, and Zanjoe Marudo brought the drinks.
“Nakaka-miss at nakakalungkot kasi matagal din ang pagsasama namin, imagine, naka-isang taon ang ‘Annaliza’ so you can just imagine ang naging bonding namin lahat,” Jean said. “We all feel sad na nagwakas na, but mas masaya kami na till the end top rating ang ‘Annaliza.’ It was another very successful Kapamilya show, otherwise hindi nagtagal ng ganito.”
Jean was very effective in her role as a kontrabida. “Bad ako dito. Mother ako ni Patrick (Garcia) na tunay na ama ni Annaliza portrayed by Andrea Brillantes. But in the end,naging mabait naman ako. I redeemed myself,” Jean said.
Jean’s previous project with the Kapamilya Network was “Eva Fonda” in 2008.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 6, go to former Caloocan Mayor Boy Asistio, QC Councilor Roderick Paulate, Vicky Hechanova, Gen. Guillermo Pecache, Col. Gerry Cunanan, US-based Rosemarie de Vera, Emer Rojas, Marcuz Enrick Gajuda Belardo, Eva Hamaybay, Catherine Resumadero, Pauline Angela Domingo, Lollie Cruz, Jimmy Regala, US-based Recelyn M. Delmonte, and Justin Marc S.B. Chipeco…
