Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Aiko stars in ‘Balatkayo’

At the premiere of her latest starrer “Balatkayo,” Aiko Melendez was accorded applause with her emotional scene in the movie which prompted us to believe she is a shoo-in for another acting award. Recall that the actress won the Best Supporting Award in the Houston film festival for her role in the movie “Iadya Mo Kami.”

 “Balatkayo,” directed by Neal Tan and now showing in local cinemas, has Aiko playing a mother who works in Singapore. Her husband, portrayed by Paolo Contis, works in Abu Dhabi. A movie about Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), it was filmed in Singapore, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Ms. Baby Go, who produced the movie, appears in a special role.

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Triple album

This year marks a milestone for Regine Velasquez-Alcasid whose musical career marks its 30th anniversary. She will release “R3.0,” a triple album featuring 30 new recordings.

“R3.0” is divided into three phases close to Regine’s history: “Renditions,” “Rise” and “Reflections.” Fans have since been requesting RVA to do an album of covers, and finally it is here. Regine and Viva Records have already previewed this set with the release of RVA’s take on Up Dharma Down’s modern rock gem “Tadhana.”

“Rise,” meanwhile, is all-original and perhaps the most exciting part of “R3.0.” There are 10 of them bannered by the rising ballad “hugot.” The title itself thrusts RVA into the modern lexicon of the times.

Finally, there’s “Reflections.” Basically, this is a re-recording of the songs closely associated with the Songbird. From her signature hits “You Are My Song,” “Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang” to her trademark “Dadalhin” to the anthemic “Isang Lahi” – all lovingly updated by Regine. There are more surprises of course, like her duet with young son Nate in “I Can.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 17, go to Bea Alonzo, Vina Morales, director Olive Lamasan, Dante Silverio, Alona Alegre, Christine Manalang, Maria Montelibano, Ester Barbin, Bienvenido Rodriguez, Nards Ocampo, Marie Grace Cabanizas, Jose Fombuena, Jay Carlos, Mariz C. Ricketts, Bert Nievera, Enrique “Quito” Pili, Dr. Andy Reyes, Florence Cruz, Dante E. Gerella, Laura Manio-Jacinto of PCSO PR Dept., director Maryo J. de los Reyes, Sol Caco-Landicho, Rafael Consing Lumanlan, Norma Constantino, Rene Pilande of Tacloban, Susan Cervantes, John Jacaria, Marge Rogan of ACCRA Law Office, Carlo Magdaluyo, Margot B. Torres, Nestor Ventura of London, United Kingdom, Noemi Cruz Suarez greetings from Zenaida Salim Santos and family in Greece, and Sam Concepcion of Star Magic… Happy wedding anniversary to Jun and Pearlie Cabanizas…Oct. 18 celebrators: Ms. Shirley Halili-Cruz of the multi-awarded Halili-Cruz School of Ballet; Prof. Sonia Zaldivar-Ronda, Dr. Oscar Lopez, Ernesto Bravo, Mrs. Nellie Bengzon, Mary Anne Lizza Freking, Col. Julian Malonzo, Jacob Fernandez, Dr. Violeta Dorado, Cora Ruiz, Andrew de Real, Jordan Francoise Castillo Jr., Michael Manangan, Jona Lyn, Rodolfo Torres, Fe Y. Puzon, Jennie Ilustre, Mary Anne Gamboa, Annie de Leon, Steven U. Villareal, Reggie Sta. Maria, Rodolfo Alonzo, Ashley Aurora Cortez, Connie Han, Pam Dy, Railey Valeroso, Alfredo Fedilaga, Jr., Aloysius Joseph Villagonzalo, Angelie Gornez-Gabutan, Ayan Parame, Police Officer Edario Manatad, Dan Adrian Pilones, Dave Tolentino, Engr. Edgar Estela, Jr., Francis Ray Oplimo, Gemma Arnado Nojo, Juliet Corridor, Leandro Remedio, Loloy Ulbata, Maria Rosanna V. Cavada, Marvie Emmacen,  Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy, Nerissa Naveo, Orland Navarro, Randy Gabutan, Samuel Quinones, and MB’s Danilo L. Bricia…Atty. Michael E. Vidamo, Sr. who passed away last October 14. Wake is at Loyola Memorial Chapels & Crematorium, Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City Premiere 2