Perfect timing

“SAN ANDREAS.” Cautionary reminder.

Talk about perfect timing, the screening this week of the disaster film, “San Andreas,” should benefit from the interested and concerned patronage of Metro Manila residents living along fault lines recently shown in specifically relevant detail by disaster management officials.

But, all concerned viewers, especially the easily stressed and “shockable,” should be told that the film dramatizes a worst-case scenario for the US state of California—so, nobody should presume that what they’ll be watching unfold onscreen will be taking place with the same force and carnage as in the admittedly harum-scarum flick!

Still, it does serve as a timely cautionary reminder that disaster could strike here—so, instead of panicking, residents should investigate the conditions of their own dwellings, and what they and local government executives can do to lessen damage and casualties in the event that an earthquake does hit communities along the West Valley fault.

Good timing is also evident in the imminent release of a number of movies for teens and young adults, timed for the resumption of classes. Paced by “You’re Still the One” topbilled by Dennis Trillo and Maja Salvador, they include the recent rom-com hit, “Para sa Hopeless Romantic” (with James Reid and Nadine Lustre); Bea Alonzo in her eagerly awaited solo drama starrer, “Crossroads”—and, on June 17, Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano’s “Just The Way You Are,” the new love team’s fast followup to their TV hit, “Forevermore.” Strike while the iron is hot? We like that!

Other “opening acts” to watch out for: “The Voice Kids’” new season on June 6, “Pinoy Big Brother” within the month, and the new “sexy melodrama” series, “Pasion de Amor,” which started last Monday, June 1.

‘Etiquette’ onscreen

We’re happy to hear that Star Cinema is making a film based on Jullie Yap-Daza’s “Etiquette for Mistresses,” with Chito Roño directing. We have a high regard for the information and entertainment value of Jullie’s book—which is why more than a decade ago, we got her permission for us to turn it into a stage musical revue, which was presented at Music Museum and other venues.

We can also see “Etiquette” “working” as a movie, which is why we wish the production well and know that it will both delight and excite viewers when it’s finally shown.

At this early point in the production process, lovers of the book are eager to know which female stars will play the wives in the movie’s story/stories—and who will feistily, zestfully “represent” the mistresses!

If we had our druthers, we’d love to see Susan Roces, Boots Anson-Roa, Charo Santos-Concio, Rosa Rosal and Coney Reyes as the wives—and Angelica Panganiban, KC Concepcion, Amalia Fuentes (!), Mitch Valdes, Giselle Sanchez, Rosanna Roces and Vivian Velez as their straying husbands’ once hidden but now finally visible—and voluble—inamoratas!

—And, what about the husbands? Their randy ranks should include Ronaldo Valdez, Al Tantay, Art Acuña, Tommy Abuel, Lou Veloso, Marc Abaya and Jojo Alejar.

Another fun show biz prospect comedy buffs are hoping to enjoy is the reunion of the Ogie Alcasid-Michael V “laugh team” (as opposed to the more usual love team) on the small screen.

They were painfully pulled apart after many years when Ogie moved to TV5 and Michael V stayed put at GMA 7—but they could and should do a special project soon for old times’ sake—and to give their “bereaved” fans a lot to smile about!

Even if she didn’t top the “Asia’s Got Talent” tilt last May 14, Gerphil Flores already has a promising career path set in front of her: Judge and music industry mover David Foster says he’ll take her under his wing and prove once again that classical or semiclassical singers can click with music buffs worldwide.

Bright comers

On the TV drama scene, some bright comers are making their mark by way of their engaged and engaging portrayals: Last season, the standout tyros were paced by Nash Aguas as the callow teen dad on “Bagito.” Currently, the young lead to watch is Janella Salvador on “Oh My G.”

The question now is, what will Nash do as an encore to solidify his advantage over other teen comers? He may not be a looker, but it is precisely this “Everyman” look that made “ordinary” viewers empathize with his portrayal. So, his next career move should definitely “build” on this clear advantage—the better to leave his tisoy and porma competition far behind.

As for Janella, she sings as well as acts (Juan Miguel Salvador and Jenine Desiderio are her parents), so she should go into recording and stage musicals as well.

Many young stars can’t sing a note to save their lives but cheekily come out with albums anyway—so, they need to be shown up by a contemporary who has the strong pipes for it!