Nipping latest stellar controversies in the bud

Jaclyn Jose’s thespic victory at Cannes has been marred by some critics’ assertion that hers was a “supporting” rather than lead portrayal in the film, “Ma’ Rosa” by Brillante Ma. Mendoza, that was distinguished most by its big cast of character players’ ensemble performances.

This contrarian view was quickly slapped down by some festival jurors, who insisted that Jaclyn’s “mesmerizing” characterization was definitely a lead, protagonist portrayal that was head and shoulders above the rest.

To nip the growing controversy in the bud, the film’s producers should move quickly to release Mendoza’s film on local screens as expediently as possible.

The best proof of the contentious filmic pudding is in the savoring, so that would settle the festering score before it degenerates into a distracting and subjective “he loves, she hates” exchange of speculative tirades.

Other “still hot and hurting” show biz controversies involve star couples who have “suddenly” broken up, like Luis Manzano-Angel Locsin (the second time around), Angelica Panganiban-John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo-Zanjoe Marudo.

Immediately bringing closure to them is dodgier, since some coy stellar tandems never affirmed that they were “on” to begin with—so, they can’t be expected to admit that they are now “officially off!” No, in their case, we’ll all have to further belabor the “time heals all wounds” cliché.

While we’re on the subject of stellar break-ups, we should share the wry (and “aray”) observation that they put the stars involved on the spot in other sticky ways—because “the show must go on,” so they can’t whine and pine away in public even if they’re hurting, unlike us “ordinary” folks.

No, stars who’ve painfully fallen out of love have to put on a happy face and keep entertaining the viewing populace!

This is especially difficult for comedians, who need to keep the laughs both going and coming, even if all they really want to do is to crawl into bed and not wake up until 2017!

The latest gutsy example of this was recently provided on “Banana Sundae,” where the still-hurting Angelica “bravely” generated “in” laughs at her expense, after she and John Lloyd ceased to be a cuddly couple. She sure earned her talent fee that day—and in the days that followed!

And what about Angel and Luis? They were reported to have split up again weeks ago—but they still had to work together on “Pilipinas Got Talent,” so it must have been even harder for them to keep up friendly, professional or even just dedma appearances!

The fact that they succeeded is a tribute to their sense of discipline, focus and decorum. But, they must have breathed a huge sigh of relief after the talent tilt’s recent Grand Finals telecast.