Angel sizzles as hitman’s wife

“IT’S A very well-thought-out… project with a gripping storyline,” says Angel Aquino of her movie, “On the Job.” ARNOLD ALMACEN

Angel Aquino is one of my fave persons on earth. Even without the trappings of success, she will always stand out. Her simplicity and sincerity shine through all the artifices in the biz. Angel sizzles in “On the Job,” where she plays the wife of a hitman (Joel Torre).

Here’s my tête-à tête with Angel:

Why is “On The Job” a must-see?

It’s a very well-thought-out and superbly put-together project with a gripping storyline. It speaks of how rotten a government can be. So it’s very timely.

How do you manage to stay simple amid the glitzy world of show biz?

My family keeps me grounded. We stay simple in the house. Our needs—the things that make us happy—are within the boundaries of practicality and reality.

How’s your love life?

There’s so much love in my life right now, from my daughters, my family and my friends. For now, this is more than enough. The happiness that I feel is the same. At least right now I don’t have to deal with tensions and complications that come with a romantic relationship. That is good.

What do you advise your teenage daughters about boys?

Boys are quite simple. You just have to let them be. Respect their personal space so that they know they cannot encroach into your territory. And just have safe fun with them.

CineFilipino Film Festival

Moviegoers can catch eight remarkable independent films in the coming CineFilipino Film Festival, running from Sept. 18 to 24 in selected cinemas in Metro Manila.

Seasoned actors Nora Aunor and Eula Valdez star in “Ang Kwento ni Mabuti” and “Bingoleras,” respectively. Fresh talents are also showcased, like Jasmine Curtis-Smith in “Puti” and Akihiro Blanco in “Mga Alaala ng Tag-ulan.”

Pass the pork, este, popcorn please! Enough of the “Napoles Teleserye.” Time to watch movies we can be proud of as Pinoys.

Ogie’s special b-day bash

Ogie Alcasid’s birthday bash at Wil’s Place was more than just a celebration. It was also a fund-raising event for the Habagat victims.

Willie Revillame, John Estrada and Randy Santiago gamely hosted the program. It made us feel like we were watching “MTB” (“Magandang Tanghali Bayan”) all over again.

Randy was also part of the mini-concert of OPM artists. Performers included Regine Velasquez, Dulce, Noel Cabangon, Abra, Cooky Chua, Moymoy Palaboy, Dingdong Avanzado, Gail Blanco, Chad Borja and Shamrock.

Guests handed over their donations to the Red Cross representatives at the reception. Even if it was his special day, Ogie chose to devote it to helping others instead of spoiling himself.

“A day before my birthday, I visited Zambales to see the indigenous people. That really made my birthday more than happy,” he said. “When I last saw them, they didn’t have a sound system for their church so I asked JB Music to help me and World Vision to set it up.” The birthday boy truly is paying it forward.

As for his wife Regine’s gift to him, he told me that she gave him a Taylor Acoustic Guitar Mas.

Ogie flew to Sydney, Australia last Friday for an extended birthday celebration with his two daughters who are based there with their mom, Michelle van Eimeren.

Ogie is raring to start his shows with TV5, “The Mega and the Songwriter,” (a weekly musical show with Sharon Cuneta), “Tropa Mo ’Ko Unli” (a comedy/gag show with Gelli de Belen and Tuesday Vargas) and “The Gift” (a light drama about a boy who can talk to spirits and is guided by Ogie’s character).

Off-cam, Ogie is indeed a gift from above to the music industry. And his friendship is an all-year round gift to me.

Personal

Daghang Salamat to my extended family in Bohol, Ninong Dan Lim, Tita Sharleen Lim and Arlene Karaan. Thanks so much to my “Boholana Angel” Tess Sumampong, who always overfeeds me in her Riverwatch Floating Resto in Loboc.