Actor makes his Mark again

MARK Gil and Cherie Gil in “Mana”

We at the Cinema Evaluation Board gave “Mana” a grade of A. A production of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde for its 25th anniversary, the movie delves into the internal dynamics of powerful families and their deep, dark secrets.

The film is top-billed by gifted actors: Mark Gil, Cherie Gil, Ricky Davao, Tetchie Agbayani, Epy Quizon, Jaime Fabregas and Fides Cuyugan-Asensio. Director Gabby Fernandez takes us on a intricate journey  where the lines between reality and folklore seem to blur.

I’ve known Ralph (the real name of Mark Gil) since his “Bilibid Boys” days in the 1980s.

His acting prowess has always fascinated me. Through the years, his brilliance has never waned.

In “Mana,” his scenes with his sister Cherie left me awestruck. They made it seem so real that I felt like I was eavesdropping on them. Catch the haunting film to see what I mean.

Here’s my tête-à-tête with the actor who never fails to make his Mark:

How do you and Cherie avoid upstaging each other during your scenes?

We don’t understand the notion of upstaging someone. We go by the code of ethics among actors, which is respect and space. Cherie and I may be siblings but all that is erased on the set. Cherie does her thing and I do my thing. It’s a give-and-take process. It’s teamwork.

What’s your formula for good acting?

No acting! That’s the first rule. It’s about sinking your teeth into the role and simply becoming the person you are portraying. It’s all about being truthful and honest.

What “Mana” (aside from money and material stuff) would you leave your kids?

Just the values and memories that would make them smile and laugh when they think of me.

How would you describe bonding moments with your daughters?

Maxine, Andi and Stevie  hang out all the time and I’m mainly just saling-pusa. They’re all young ladies already so I end up spending more time with my grandkids. We talk about lots of things, which is all nonsense. We just talk and talk, at the same time…so our conversations end up nowhere. Always a joy being with my daughters.

The cybercrime debate

If you overdo protection, it becomes restriction. Does the same principle apply to the Cybercrime Prevention Act?

Although control is good to a certain extent, it must not curtail our right to freely express our innermost thoughts. What will happen to our nation if our voices remain unheard?

Silence is not always the best defense. We must just know how to tune out senseless noise from well-meant uproar.

Fearless filmmaker Jose Javier Reyes shares his thoughts on the raging issue: “There is a lot of ambiguity that requires clarification about this law, considering how this can cross the line of certain rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. But freedom of expression comes with accountability…We must define the line between critical thinking and reckless, irresponsible and malicious bashing or bullying. It is so easy, convenient and cowardly to criticize someone under the cloak of anonymity as a guileless hater or troll.”

Basketball bonding

I immensely enjoyed hanging out with my good friends, PBA  legends Atoy Co and Benjie Paras, at Atoy’s Restobar in Metrowalk (Ortigas).

ANDRE and dad Benjie Paras

It’s  such a cool and cozy joint  where you can just chill.

Atoy’s memorabilia of his glorious days in the PBA are on display. The walls are decorated with his pictures on the hard court, along with his movie and TV  appearances.

Since my ex-husband was a PBA player, I’ve always been into basketball.

It was such a delight to listen to Atoy and Benj exchange views on the current PBA cagers.

“Some players are too conscious of their looks,” said Atoy. “Dapat willing sila na makipagbasagan ng mukha if they want to improve their game.”

Benjie sounded like a proud dad now that his sons, Andre and Kobe, are being groomed to be the next PBA superstars.

“Even if girls are hounding them, my sons remain disciplined,” Benjie said. “They are focused on their goals. These days, they are the ones who get mobbed…not me.”

According to Benjie, Kobe is on a basketball scholarship grant in the United States. “I’ll visit him when I’m done with my tapings for ‘Got To Believe.’ He sends me videos of his training. I can’t help getting misty-eyed watching the vids. I miss him but I know the training will do him good in the long run.”

Atoy and Benj may have changed their courts, as they have ventured into show biz and the resto biz, but their (PBA rubber) shoes remain too big to fill by any basketball player to this day.