Why hubby wanted to meet Angel Locsin

ANGEL Locsin and Aga Muhlach

CELEBRATING its 18th anniversary, Star Cinema released a movie that even some studio insiders thought would never be made. The story is very different from what it has offered in the past, and the team-up of Aga Muhlach and Angel Locsin has yet to be tested.

No histrionics

“In the Name of Love” was set in two different spaces of time, place and emotion. I can’t write more without giving the whole plot away, except to say that there are elements of corruption, violence, exploitation, prostitution, love lost, love found and sacrifice.

The film, directed by Olivia M. Lamasan from a story by Enrico Santos, was beautifully shot (thanks to director of photography Herman Claraval) and beautifully acted. The entire cast, from lead to bit player, kept away from the histrionics normally associated with local film fare, opting instead for more subtle and low key portrayals.

Aga Muhlach, a bit heftier than he has been in the past (which could, in the long run, be more of a boon than a bane), reveals much through his trademark dark eyes, those pools reflecting more pain in one look than if he screamed his laments at maximum decibel levels.

Angel Locsin is particularly impressive, giving a performance of remarkable restraint and emotional depth, while still keeping a firm hold on the truth of her character’s sufferings. Jake Cuenca is also a revelation here, going beyond his matinee-idol good looks.

The entire supporting cast (Dante Rivero, Michael Flores, Kat Alano, Carmi Martin, Joshua Zamora and many more) are all in top form. I often found myself at the edge of my seat because of the more suspenseful bits. I’m also tickled pink that my brother’s arrangement of “Love Story,” performed by Gary Valenciano, was the underscoring for what I would consider one of the most tastefully shot and choreographed love scenes I’ve ever seen. It was hot, too.

One lament

I had only one lament, and that is the requisite happy ending (a concern that I shared with Olive at the film’s premiere). Although I’m a sucker for tragic finishes worthy of Shakespeare, I do understand why this is sometimes necessary. It gives the viewer hope that perhaps he or she is able to conquer seemingly insurmountable odds in the way the characters in the film do. If only for that, I’ll let it slide.

Congratulations, Star Cinema and “In the Name of Love’s” cast and crew. Oh, and Angel, you made a fan out of my husband—you were the only star he wanted to meet at the premiere.

The Dawn

I first saw The Dawn when the band was a guest on a Sunday noontime program I was hosting eons ago (“Sunday Special, Iba Ito”). The late Teddy Diaz, one of its founding members, was still lead guitarist, a most handsome presence if there ever was one. He would play with the band only for a short time (his life was violently cut short at age 25), but his influence and presence continue to be felt.

Rocking for 25 years

With 25 years of being a force in Pinoy rock, The Dawn (Jett Pangan on vocals, Kenneth Ilagan on guitar, Buddy Zabala on bass and Junboy Leonor on drums) celebrated its silver anniversary by doing … what else? … playing some of the most amazing music ever created.

Other bands such as Sandwich, Rivermaya and Imago, and artists like Nyoy Volante and Ebe Dancel, paid tribute by rocking out to some of The Dawn’s hits. Much of the best was left to be played by the band itself. One great moment was when Jett called his son, 12-year-old Rafi, to the stage to jam with the band on “Tulad ng Dati.”

Through the years (and quite a few personnel changes), its music has evolved and deepened. I’m curious to hear its next offerings, although I shall always enjoy among others, “Enveloped Ideas,” “Iisang Bangka” and “Salamat” (I had the privilege of singing this with Jett a couple of years ago … definitely a highlight of my life).

To The Dawn, keep rocking … you’re only 25 years young!

Let’s celebrate!

There’s never ever a bad reason to celebrate something, whether it’s a graduation (huge congrats to Nic Yulo, daughter of theater great Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, for graduating magna cum laude from Bryn Mawr College), a birthday, an anniversary, even a job promotion! I’m all for clinking that proverbial glass of champagne, as long as there’s good enough reason for it.

Over the last week, there were celebrations, one on the heels of another in a span of a few days. And yes, I was clinking that glass with gusto, because these were all milestones that were definitely worth celebrating.

Speaking of which …

My little princess celebrated her 5th birthday with a tea party, with family and a few friends. The guests decorated hats, cookies and cupcakes, got glitter tattoos, played games (even us grown-ups did!) and partook of wonderful merienda fare.

Special thanks to Clowning Around (and their fearless leader Jill Peña) for creating such a wonderful atmosphere for everyone, and to amazing ninang Steffi Inocentes for helping out with our invites and loot bags.

Happy birthday, Nicole! Oh, where have those years gone, time flies way too quickly!