Aiko Melendez (third from left) with her kids, Marthena and Andre, and boyfriend Jay Khonghun
What a blast I had at the Havana-themed birthday bash of my “sis” Aiko Melendez in Supersam. She redefines what being ageless is. I have never seen her any happier. She has the best of both worlds, show biz and politics (as a Quezon City councilor.)
Spotted at her fête were Vina Morales, Bb Gandanghari, Sunshine Cruz, VP Sara Duterte, mayor Joy Belmonte, Bong Go, Sylvia Sanchez and Katrina Halili. Aiko’s fave band South Border’s miniconcert was the party’s “cool vibes” provider.
Aside from her birthday, I celebrate our lifelong friendship. Aiko is the opposite of the kontrabida roles she portrays so well. That’s because sweetness is her forte. In the friendship department, she is also award-worthy.
Here’s my chat with Aiko:
What’s your biggest realization as you turned 47?
The year 2022 was a mix of challenges and success. I started it off with my campaign. It was tough due to the pandemic, but God blessed me with a victory again.
What makes your relationship with Jay (Khonghun) work?
It’s a partnership. We got teamwork. We both know when it’s time to make each other shine. Whatever we achieve individually is shared equally and that makes us stronger.
How would you handle it if your daugher Marthena falls for a guy you disapprove of?
There must be a reason why I disapprove of the guy. I fully understand why, as they say, “Mom knows best,” now that I am a mother. I will make Marthena realize that I want only the best for her.
In what way does Andre remind you of his dad, Jomari Yllana?
I don’t want to remember Jom in any way because Andre alone is a gift and a bonus for me.
If your life story would be made into a movie, what will the title be and who do you want to portray you? “Kapag Ako, Siguradong babangon.” Marthena can play the young me.
Nadine Lustre as Lyra in “Deleter”
Nadine’s ‘out-of-the-box’ project
When actors are confined to their comfort zone, it can turn out to be a danger zone because it can lead to stagnation. No wonder Nadine Lustre dared to step out of her comfort zone in the techno-thriller, “Deleter,” the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry of Viva Entertainment that is directed by Mikhail Red. It also stars Jeffrey Hidalgo and McCoy de Leon.
The film follows Lyra (Nadine), who works at a shadowy online content moderation office where employees, known as deleters, filter graphic uploads from reaching social media platforms.
Lyra seems like a cold person unfazed by the disturbing imagery she sees daily. What they do not know is that she hides a deep trauma. Lyra’s attempt to erase her past has forced her to be apathetic to the horrors of the world. But if you plan to be à la Lyra, let me remind you that, what we resist will persist.
Here are quotes from Nadine (N), M (Mikhail) and Jeffrey (J):
M: It’s a tough acting job for Nadine because it was mostly lights and computer screen na kaeksena niya. She understood the intention. She was very patient when we had to do retakes.
M: There are layers of horror in the footage that Lyra sees—vignettes of crime, stealing, murder, which are a reflection of society. I’m a cineaste so I make films I want to see and projects that won’t usually get the green light.
N: My boyfriend is not a fan of horror films, but he said he will watch “Deleter” for the love of me.
M: It’s mentally draining to be a content moderator. It’s an underground kind of job that’s shrouded in secrecy. So I came up with our film, and it’s the first time that a movie explores the world of content moderators.
M: Among the other MMFF entries, I guess our strongest competitor is Ian Veneracion’s film [“Nanahimik ang Gabi”], which is also sort of a suspense thriller.
J: Our movie is my biggest plot twist for 2022. I already wanted to focus on directing, but this movie opened horizons for me as an actor.
N: I don’t want to assume I will win best actress. I’m sure madaming magaling na iba. I refuse to let the positive comments online get to my head. Lahat kami best foot forward—it’s blood, sweat and tears … and a lot of coffee.
M: The message of our film is that you can’t just look away from things. You have to confront them.
N: I’m still open to do a rom-com if the material is good. But for now, I want to explore other genres. I want to do more out-of-the-box projects like this film. I got bored playing the same cutesy roles over and over again.PJ still wants to treat Tom as his son
Know the story behind the story of the Special Action Force (SAF) 44 in “Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told” (MMSP). The movie produced by my good friend, Lawyer Ferdie Topacio (for his Borracho Films), is an official entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
It’s Topacio’s commitment to the families of the SAF 44 members who died in the clash. He stood as the legal counsel for them. It is topbilled by Edu Manzano, Aljur Abrenica, Paolo Gumabao and PJ Abellana.
The movie is a true account of the deadly clash in Maguindanao in 2015 that killed 44 members of the PNP’s SAF. It’s a secret operation called Oplan Exodus to get rid of three terrorists, but something went terribly wrong in its execution. It’s about time the truth comes out so their death won’t be in vain.
Here’s my chat with PJ:
Why should we watch MMSP?
To be able to view the actual picture of how and what happened with the SAF 44. If you watch our movie, it will serve as your tribute for our heroes, the Fallen 44.
If your daughter Carla decides to give love another try, what advice would you give her?
To pray for God’s guidance to lead her to the right guy.
What’s your message to Carla’s ex-hubby, Tom Rodriguez?
I will always treat him as my son for as long as he would allow me to.