Bea is ‘How To Be Yours’’ biggest draw

ALONZO. Rare stellar combination of depth, insight and range.

WE’RE LOOKING forward to the screening of the new film, “How To Be Yours,” on July 27, for the simple reason that its female lead is Bea Alonzo.
Yes, the info that the movie is directed by Dan Villegas and costars Gerald Anderson is significant, but Bea’s participation is the new film’s biggest draw.

What accounts for Bea’s “plus factor effect?” Again very simply, for the past few years, her film and TV outings have been exceptional, her portrayals evincing a rare stellar combination of depth, insight and range. —And the fact that she looks really good onscreen can’t be pooh-poohed away, either!

Let’s just hope that Bea’s new starrer lives up to its promise. The movie’s Bea-Gerald combination has a relatively fresh appeal, as does the fact that Villegas is directing Bea for the first time.

The currently popular and “in” director could showcase Bea’s proven talent in a bracingly “different” way, and thus add to our perception and appreciation of her ability to keep “surprising” us.

On Gerald’s part, he’s proven his own thespic chops on TV in well-received drama series like “Budoy.” On the big screen, however, his performances have been less than impressive, with the exception of “On The Job.”

Popular, critical hit

So, he needs a popular and critical hit to boost his reputation as a thespic comer—and costarring with Bea is the way to go.

Another noteworthy development on TV was the start last week of some new drama series, paced by the new “Encantadia” drama-action-fantasy production.

Also debuting is “Sinungaling Mong Puso,” the expanded TV version of a Vilma Santos film starrer, with Rhian Ramos now doing the honors. Let’s hope that she’s able to fill the Star for All Season’s dauntingly “iconic” thespic shoes!

Now that “Encantadia” is back on the small screen, what changes will we see on “Ang Probinsyano,” with which it’s sharing the prime post-evening news programming slot?

It already has strong “regular” star value, so even bigger guest stars, plus heightened melodramatics and visual “punch” could be in the offing, just to keep the new competition at bay. —Abangan ang bagong tele-bakbakan!

Timely reminders

The film, “Ignacio de Loyola,” will have its premiere screening at The Theater of Solaire Resort and Casino today (July 23). The Jesuit Communications production dramatizes the life of the founder of the Society of Jesus, and its special screening is a fundraiser organized by alumni of the Ateneo de Manila.

There will be a live performance of the movie’s musical soundtrack, composed by Ryan Cayabyab. The film was shot in Spain, with Andreas Muñoz playing the title role.

TV chef Anna Olson’s new show, “Inspired,” will air locally on ANC at the end of the month. In the new cookfest, Olson showcases 10 Asian chefs, so she recently flew in to shoot special episodes that featured local cuisine.

Program guide for interested foodies: July 29, Philippines with Rob Pengson; Aug. 5, Singapore with Violet Oon; Aug. 12, Thailand with Ian Kittichai; Aug. 19, Philippines with Margarita Fores; Sept. 16, Philippines with Claude Tayag.