Angel, Neil mum about wedding plans

Neil Arce (left) and Angel Locsin

After all the love battles that Angel Locsin has been through, her heart is finally victorious as the fiancée of Neil Arce.

Neil begged off from being interviewed. He said that he and Angel still have to consult with her management team before granting interviews about their wedding plans. For now, the engaged couple is tight-lipped and would rather lock lips.

French holiday

The Les Jeudis Culturels celebrates Fête de Bastille (National Day of France), which will be held on July 18, 7 p.m. at Alliance Française de Manille. Rachelle Gerodias, Byeong-in Park and Dingdong Fiel will perform works of renowned composers such as Gershwin, Puccini and Debussy. Free admission, but seats are limited. Online registration is a must (https://bit.ly/2JuepCL).

In line with the French celebration, I asked nonpareil director Raymond Red about his Cannes experience and an update on his collaboration with French filmmakers. Vive La France!

Here is Raymond’s answer: It’s been 19 years since I won the Palme D’Or for the short film “Anino,” starring Ronnie Lazaro, John Arcilla and Eddie Garcia. I can’t deny that the prestige of the award has sparked interest in my works.

However, the title does carry its own burden of expectations—and that has made it difficult for me to continue with the projects I want to make. That has inspired other filmmakers and, modesty aside, has opened doors for others to forge connections with French cinema circles. Personally it has been a struggle for me to make only the films I truly believe in.

Last year, I was back in Cannes to attend the Producers’ Network, with the support of the FDCP (Film Development Council of the Philippines). I’m hopeful now as I’m in negotiations with French producers to possibly get my World War II “Makapili” film project off the ground.

GUESS LIST

The fab girlfriend of a Dashing Actor (DA) told me that when they started dating, DA requested her to be the one to drive during their out-of-town trip. I chided DA, “Since it was still the early stage of your relationship, wouldn’t it have been better if you were the one driving? During the courtship stage, you have to put your best foot forward.” DA shot back, “From the start, I already wanted to know if I would feel safe entrusting my life to her, that’s why I asked her to drive. As they say, ‘Basta driver, sweet lover.’ (Laughs)

The wife of a Seasoned Actor (SA) popped up at the bar where SA was having a boys’ night out. He was irked, so SA reprimanded his wife. “You have to trust me. No need to check up on me. You drove so fast to follow me. What if you figured in an accident? Next time you act like a stalker, let’s call it quits. There are nights when I just want to have some good, clean fun with my buddies. No hanky panky.”

Take note, wifeys. Marriage is a bond, it should not feel like bondage.