Robin on Marawi and Shawie

Robin Padilla (left) and Sharon Cuneta in 2001

Action star Robin Padilla hogged the headlines recently, for two completely different reasons.

On Instagram, he announced that his customized RV bus and Humvee had been put on the market. He explained that proceeds from the sale of the two high-end vehicles would go to people displaced by the raging conflict in Marawi, Lanao del Sur.

Prospective buyers can be set back by a couple of millions of pesos but, according to the actor, it’s a “win-win” proposition because they are not only acquiring vehicles, they’re also helping fellow Filipinos who need potable water in evacuation centers.

Robin told the Inquirer: “I am a Muslim and I am a Filipino. It’s my duty to help my countrymen, especially those who are affected by war. Iba ang giyera sa kalamidad (War is different from calamity). Iba ang psychological effect ng manmade disaster kumpara sa natural disaster.”

Robin Padilla

Turning to entertainment news, Malou Santos, chief operating officer of Star Creatives, recently confirmed that Robin had been tapped as Megastar Sharon Cuneta’s new partner in a romantic-comedy set to begin filming next month.

Reunion movie

Robin said of the reunion movie, his fourth film with Mega: “Idol ko si Sharon. Kaya’t ako’y galak na galak na bumalik siya mula sa pagpapahinga sa show biz at makakatambal ko pa siya muli at makakagawa pa kami ng isang pelikulang may kinalaman sa edad namin ngayon.”

Sharon expressed appreciation for her leading man who had watched her first indie movie, “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha,” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines last month—and again in the cineplex when it had its commercial run last week.

Sharon quipped on Facebook: “Robin ko talaga, naiiba, tunay na nag-iisa. Thank you so much again from my heart, my Kambal (Twin)! I super appreciate you.”
Robin gave the movie a rave review on his Facebook page, describing it as “truthful and very Filipino.”

He remarked that the film is about women facing sadness as a wife and mother. “Dasal ko ay panoorin ito ng mga kababaihan.”