In defense of Marc Pingris and Danica Sotto-Pingris

Marc Pingris with wife Danica —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Even if Marc Pingris has already dispelled the rumor linking him to Kim Rodriguez, let me come to his defense because he and his wife, Danica, are my good friends. Shame on netizens who jumped to conclusions about Marc and Kim. The “Marites mob” has a penchant for finding meaning in the meaningless.

A self-confessed Mama’s boy before he became a superstar cager, the French Ilocano Marc grew up helping his mom sell goods in the market. When he made it big in the PBA, Marc surprised his mom by buying her a house. That says a lot about what kind of man he is. As my mom used to tell me, look at how a guy treats his mom because that’s how he will treat you when you marry him.

Marc’s rags-to-riches story makes him value the things that money cannot buy. So, it’s unthinkable that he will keep on looking for something he already found in Danica.

I remember when we were at the party of our migo, James Yap, Marc didn’t stay long because he and Danica always go walking early in the morn. That’s how devoted a husband he is. When they were newly married, Danica surprised Marc by locating his French dad whom he had never met. That sweet gesture of Danica was life changing for Marc. So, he would never trade the life that he and Danica have built on solid ground.

From left: Mark Anthony Fernandez, Kiko Estrada, Sarah Lahbati and Gardo Versoza —TV5

Sarah Lahbati: I’m not the vengeful type

After an eight-year hiatus, Sarah Lahbati makes a comeback in “Lumuhod Ka sa Lupa” (premieres on April 8 and airs weekdays at 2:30 p.m. on TV5). It is also topbilled by Kiko Estrada, Sid Lucero, Rhen Escaño and Gardo Versoza.

Originally a comic book by Carlo J. Caparas that was made into a movie with Rudy Fernandez in the ’80s, it has undergone a contemporary reimagining with more action-filled sequences to captivate a new generation of viewers. The story revolves around its characters’ quest for justice and retribution. But as the lines between right and wrong blur, will vengeance fail and love prevail?

Here are quotes from Sarah (S), Kiko (K) and Gardo (G):

S: I accepted the offer to do this show because the timing was right. And when I read the material, it felt like it was meant for me. Of course, I got nervous during the first day of shoot because it’s been a while. But after weeks of working with my amazing coactors, I knew I made the right decision.

K: Since I play the lead role, the pressure is enormous. I just have to keep reminding myself that pressure is used in making diamonds.

G: Our show will make the “masa” understand the laws more. They usually feel alienated by legal jargon and feel that laws always favor the elite.

S: I don’t seek revenge because I always protect my peace. There’s power in prayer, and karma never fails.

K: If I were to use the title of our show as a line to someone, I would say it to those who have a sense of entitlement and those who power-trip.

S: Instead of saying “Lumuhod Ka sa Lupa” to someone who has wronged me, I would say “Bahala ka sa buhay mo.”

K: It’s normal for revenge to cross our minds when we are hurt. But as we mature and see the bigger picture, we realize it’s better to let go and let things be.

Heaven Peralejo
—VIVA FILMS

‘Sunny’ is a two-in-one delight

Friendship is the best kind of love. That could very well be the tagline of Viva Films’ latest offering “Sunny,” which opens in cinemas on April 10.

The movie is an adaptation of a 2011 Korean blockbuster movie. It stars Heaven Peralejo, Vina Morales, Bea Binene, Angelu de Leon, Ashley Diaz, Candy Pangilinan, Abby Bautista, Tanya Garcia, Heart Ryan, Katya Santos, Ashtine Olviga, Ana Roces, Aubrey Caraan and Sunshine Dizon.

The film shifts between two timelines. It’s about high school besties who reunite to grant their friend’s dying wish. A story of friends through thick and thin and sick or sin that will hit your heart bull’s-eye.

Here are quotes from Heaven (H) & Bea (B):

H: What’s unforgivable for me is when a friend leaks my secrets. Friendship is over when trust and respect are gone.

B: We were required to watch the original Korean version to get the feel of the story. The structure of our adaptation is the same, but with Pinoy flavor and touches.

H: In my circle of friends, I am the planner and the “baby.” When I schedule a get-together, I give an ultimatum. Nobody must be absent—or else… My friends are my “ates,” who reprimand me when I do something crazy.

B: If a close friend of mine likes a guy who’s also my type, I will give way. Guys come and go, but friends are for keeps.

H: Even if my love-team partner, Marco Gallo, just played a cameo role, I’m happy he was part of the movie because he stayed even when his scenes were over so he could take care of me.

B: It’s interesting that our movie features a blend of original Viva babies and the new generation who portray the younger versions of the senior stars. What a two-in-one delight!