Saturday, December 23, 2017

Impressive directorial debut of Coco Martin

Very impressive is how best we can describe Coco Martin’s directorial debut for the remake of Carlo J. Caparas’ “Ang Panday.” Considering he was also taping for “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” while filming the movie, for which he is also producer and actor among others, Coco did well in making another version of “Ang Panday.”

Coco said he used both indie and mainstream moviemaking techniques. He reminded everyone that he started out as an indie actor but learned even more when he started working on mainstream projects. He specially cited awarded director Brillante Mendoza as one of his mentors.

The Panday character Flavio has been played in the past by Fernando Poe Jr., Bong Revilla, Richard Gutierrez, and Jericho Rosales. And like them, Coco will certainly make a mark.

It’s noted that Coco’s version of “Ang Panday” was well-made with its electrifying fantasy/action and its magnificent and scenic backgrounds, not usually used as shooting locales. He said in his interviews that he did not set a limit to the production budget. “Hindi talaga ako nagtipid at nagmadali sa shooting, gusto ko masulit ang ibabayad ng mga moviegoers. Sana panoorin nila ang pelikulang ito where I play the apo of Panday. At sana panoorin nila lahat ang pelikulang kasali sa 2017 MMFF.”

Coco’s leading lady is beauty queen Mariel de Leon. Also featured in “Ang Panday” are Jake Cuenca (who was very good in his portrayal of Lizardo, the main villain; Michael de Mesa, Dennis Padilla and Carmi Martin among the more that 80 in the cast.

By the way, in line with the movie, Coco also expanded his franchise via a mobile app which he co-designed and which he described as “not so violent so it is suitable to children as young as three years old. “I want our young generation to know and remember that we also have our own superheroes that we can be proud of.”

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See it to believe

Straight from London, the “Impossible,” the world’s greatest magic show comes to the Philippines for the first time this holiday season. The show will run from Dec. 25, to Jan. 3, 2018 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

A family show that will thrill audiences of all ages, it features mind-boggling acts, astonishing tricks, and more. It has magicians from UK like the world’s greatest (and probably only) hip-hop magician Magical Bones, mind-blowing Mind Reader Chris Cox, Grand Illusionist Josephine Lee, Boundary-Breaking Magician Ben Hart, and Master of Magic Ali Cook; as well as “America’s Got Talent” semi-finalist Bello Nock, known as the Comic Daredevil.

“Impossible” promises major audience interaction, illusionists that levitate on stage, and performers that may even disappear right in front of your eyes. You have to see it to believe it. So make your Christmas magical this year and get your tickets now at super affordable rates starting at R160 from Ticketnet.com.ph.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 23, go to Marichu Maceda, Lorna Tolentino, Remy Monteverde, Gilopez Kabayao, Luciano Mangiafico, Zeny Tengco, Daniel Lacson, Lito Nepomuceno, Charito Doles, Juan Mayina, Jonas Cruz, Portia Leuterio, Garie ConcepcionLizelle Orcullo and Cesar SarinoDec. 24: Arlene Babst, Dory Bernabe, Anna Kirsten Saruca, Andres Genito Jr., Menchie Peralta, Dominique James, Fred Palma, and Jackie BoncanDec. 25: LJ Reyes, Mila Catan, Jess Soriano, Josephine Roberto, Salvador Rivera, Jeanette Do, Wengweng Romero, Dr. Noel Tanopo, Antonio Gamboa, Ricky Gallardo, Hanzel Villafuerte, Crisanta Lumunsad, Noella D.C. Alegre, Ador Saluta, Camille Muñoz, Joyce Ramirez, and Bettina Carlos…MERRY CHRISTMAS!