Unanimous A for ‘Barber’s Tales’

MOVING moment: Marian, Dong engaged.

We at the Cinema Evaluation Board rarely give a film a unanimous  grade  of A. Jun Robles Lana’s “Barber’s Tales” is one of the few exceptions.  We fell in love with the movie. It deserves a grade higher than A.

“Barber’s Tales,” which opens today, bagged the Audience Choice at  Udine International Film Festival this year.

Lead star Eugene Domingo won best actress at Tokyo Film Festival last year. Also this year, Lana was named best director at the Madrid international fest.

It’s high time local audiences supported quality films like “Barber’s Tales.”

Uge’s subdued performance cuts through the heart. Her character, a village barber, personifies an empowered woman. She is supported by a brilliant ensemble—Eddie Garcia, Gladys Reyes, Shamaine Buencamino, Nonie Buencamino, Iza  Calzado.

Like a much-needed haircut, “Barber’s Tales” offers a new, refreshing look. Enough of local cinema’s bad hair, este, fare days.

‘Real’ future wife

I am overjoyed for my amigo, Dingdong Dantes, who proposed to his fiancée Marian Rivera on national television on Aug. 9.

His character in GMA 7’s “Ang Dalawang Mrs.  Real” has two wives; now he has chosen his real wife.

After the proposal, Dong and Marian hosted an intimate gathering for their families and close friends at Cerchio Grill and Lounge (Scout Limbaga, Quezon City).

Congratulations to the fab couple! May their love transcend happily ever after!

Bela’s dream

I asked Bela Padilla (linked to Dingdong many rumors ago) about her dream marriage proposal. She said, “Simple, no-fuss—very straightforward. I’m not into grand gestures. I like them, but I don’t expect them.”

Will Bela’s boyfriend, producer/entrepreneur Neil Arce,  make her a wedding belle soon?

Mommy D’s dashing beau

Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao’s  romance with a younger man has elicited various reactions, from disbelief to ridicule and support. It is an inspiration for lovelorn old maids and widows.

I am not one to pass judgment on Mommy D. Live and let live! Love and let love!

Mommy D is living proof that love comes like a thief in the night—or, in her case, like a stranger in one enchanted evening.