Nadine eager to do more out-of-the-box projects

Nadine Lustre at victory party of Deleter

Nadine Lustre’s surname ought to be changed from LusTRE to LusTER. That’s because she’s shining radiantly after the success of her movie, “Deleter.”

The techno-horror flick directed by Mikhail Red bagged seven awards at the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF): Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress for Nadine, Best Sound, Best Editing, Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects. It is also MMFF’s top-grosser. So, Viva Films threw a thanksgiving party at Greyhound Cafe.

The film centers on Lyra (played by Nadine), a content moderator or “deleter,” who filters graphic uploads to prevent them from reaching social media.

Contrary to its title, nothing about the film was “deleted” (or ignored) by MFFF’s jurors and audience. “Deleter’s” message was delivered loud and clear.

Here are quotes from Nadine (N) and Mikhail (M):

N: Just like any family, Viva and I had issues, but that’s all behind us now. I am looking forward to doing more out-of-the-box projects with them.

M: What motivates me is the process. Recognition is only a bonus.

N: I’m glad I’ve reached that point in my career where I can choose my projects and have the freedom to say no.

M: The audience has a preconceived notion [about the film], so I accept criticism from some sectors. But what’s important is that our film had impact and generated discourse.

N: I’m so unassuming, so I didn’t expect to win Best Actress. All that matters to me is that I did my best. Our movie ignited my passion to act. When I was still doing rom-coms, it came to a point when it felt like a routine.

M: Our film has a young team, that’s why it resonated with the millennials. Due to COVID restrictions, we had fewer shooting days, so we had to be more efficient. Since it’s a horror film, the color grading should be exact. I had to take into consideration the inconsistencies of technology.

N: The chase scene was the hardest because I had to contain the intensity of my emotions.

The ‘Rite One’ after Tita Susan

How do you find the rightful person to take the place of Ms Susan Roces? I guess this was the million-dollar question that bugged the country’s leading pharmaceutical brand RiteMed (RM) after the passing of the Queen of Philippine Movies.

Well, I just got wind of this explosive news: “The Rite One” has been found. The actor, according to my source, emerged as the “hands-down choice” because he represents the aspirations of the masses.

As the new face of the brand, he will be a good reflection of RM’s thrust to provide affordable quality healthcare. I can imagine Tita Susan singing RM’s catchy jingle from up above as she celebrates the launch of her successor whom she loved like her own. The time is ripe for the next “rite one.”

Kim Molina (left) and Jerald Napoles

‘KimJe’ as make-believe lovers

Moving on is a tricky process. It makes some people resort to love on the rebound. Just like in the upcoming Viva movie, “Girlfriend Na, Pwede Na” (showing in cinemas on Jan. 18).

The rom-com directed by Benedict Mique stars wacky couple Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles aka “KimJe.” Their story as “make-believe lovers” will show us that having “chemistry” with someone new is more potent than having “history” with an ex.

Here are quotes from Kim (K) and Jerald (J):

J: Since our movie is partly about love on the rebound, let me just say that it doesn’t work. You have to make boundaries clear because if you are just getting into a relationship to hurt your ex, you will end up hurting yourself more.

K: Je and I don’t get tired of each other, but there are days when we get irritable, so we give each other space. I tell him to go out of town or have a boys’ nightout, and he lets me do my thing. In jest, I tell him, “Huwag muna tayo mag-sex because kaka-shoot pa lang natin ng love scenes na maraming anggulo. Nakakaumay na.”

J: Dolly de Leon and I used to work in theater together, and we were drinking buddies. What she has achieved on the global entertainment scene inspires me to keep improving my craft para maabot ko rin sana ang narating nya.

K: Je and I refuse to feel pressured if our movie will outdo our previous ones. After the pandemic lull, we are just so happy to be back on the big screen. Seeing all your hard work on the big screen brings me a different kind of satisfaction.

J: I can relate to the character portrayed by Kim. who feels inadequate. It reminds me of the time my foreigner ex told me that she did not believe in my dreams anymore. I was just starting out in theater then. ’Di ko pa kayang sumabay sa kanya. But our breakup was a blessing in disguise because I met Kim soon after.

Cheska Fausto

Cheska Fausto’s ‘golden’ rule

Make way for yet another promising Sparkada artist, Cheska Fausto. The charming cum laude from Zamboanga portrays Camille in the GMA 7 kilig series, “Luv Is: Caught in His Arms” (premieres Jan. 16 on GMA Telebabad). Let Cheska and her costars get your heart in the groove for the V-Day countdown.

Here’s my chat with Cheska:

In love matters, do you follow your heart or brain?

It is natural to let my heart rule for a bit, but I have this one “golden” rule to prioritize myself more than anybody else. So I guess it’s 50/50.

What are you learning from your character?

No matter what I go through, I must find a way to pick myself up like she did. She also reminds me to believe that it is never too late to change for the better.

Since you are from the province, do you prefer probinsyanos or city boys? I do not see much of a difference. It’s all about the vibe.

Walk of Fame’s new inductees

Kudos to my godbrother Federico Moreno for continuing the passion project of his dad, German Moreno aka Kuya Germs (KG), called Walk of Fame (WOF).

This year’s inductees are Hidilyn Diaz, Ricky Lee, Tony Mabesa, Ranz and Niana Guerrero, Janet Basco, Maja Salvador, Gerry Baja and one of my fave colleagues, Mario Dumaual.

Induction will be on Jan. 18, 5:30 p.m. at Eastwood City to be hosted by Jackie Lou Blanco and Bogart the Explorer.

I remember the time KG told me, “I hope nobody questions WOF’s choices. The right time will come for others who also deserve to be part of the roster.” I can almost hear KG paraphrasing his famous line “Walang tulugan” to “Walang inggitan.”