New direction for Jeffrey

JEFFREY Hildago thinks his life is a work in progress.

I LOOK forward to watching Jeffrey Hidalgo and Roy Magsaysay Ho’s “Silong” after reading the reviews of the film. Jeffrey and Roy’s directorial debut is top-billed by Piolo Pascual and Rhian Ramos. Based on those reviews of “Silong,” which was the closing film at this year’s Cinemalaya, Piolo and Rhian have undeniable chemistry.

Since they come from rival networks, it would be interesting to watch them together for the first time. Jepoy (Jeffrey’s nickname) rose to fame as a singer, as a member of Smokey Mountain. But now that he has ventured into directing, he will surely show that he’s also got rhythm as a filmmaker.

Here’s my tête-à-tête with Jeffrey.

What can you say about the reviews of “Silong”?

I am still overwhelmed. Of course, I was just hoping for good reviews, but the feedback has exceeded my expectations. I feel so unworthy … I only wanted to prove that I can tell a story on film. I am very grateful, of course. I hope the film will live up to the buzz when it is finally shown in regular theaters.

Tell us how “Silong” came about?

This project all started with heartbreak, after we didn’t get into Cinemalaya’s New Breed section two years ago. Producer Darlene Malimas then advised me to make a smaller film, instead of a musical. So we came up with this twisted story of two characters in a house. We then searched for a writer and Darlene got Roy who came up with a different story. The three of us developed the story further. We worked on the script with Piolo in mind since he was a good friend and I’ve always wanted to work with him.

So I presented the script to Piolo and he instantly said yes. He loved it so much that he offered to produce the film, too. He then asked me who I wanted as his costar and I told him that Rhian was my first choice. He got excited with the fact that he would get to work with someone from the other network. Fortunately, Rhian also said yes.

Please share anecdotes about Piolo and Rhian.

They knew their characters by heart. Sometimes I’d give them instructions and they would say, “Direk, I don’t think my character would do that,” and they’d suggest a different approach and, most of the time, their ideas were right so we went with their choices. That was how collaborative this project was. Also, a bottle of wine—or maybe, two—helped in shooting the love scene. They are really generous as actors.

What kind of fulfillment does directing give you compared to singing?

It’s quite different. I also enjoy singing, producing and writing songs. On TV and in the movies, I would rather direct than act. Eventually I want to do both—act and direct … but a bigger role. I had a bit part in “Silong.”

What kind of Piolo and Rhian will we see in “Silong”?

Actors always say, while promoting a movie, that viewers will see something different. In “Silong,” that spiel takes a whole different meaning. Both roles are difficult and, for sure, they will surprise the audience with their performances. I just had to make sure their portrayals were subtle, organic and natural.

What is your dream project?

My favorite film of all time is “American Beauty.” So I’d love to do a simple, dark, but heartfelt film about a Filipino family composed of interesting and offbeat characters.

I am also excited for this film I am developing next year. It is about a mermaid and will involve actors who are father and son in real life.

If your life story were made into a movie, what would the title be?

Probably “Piyesa,” the title of the first film I developed. My life is a work in progress, but I am glad that God is in full control.

MADONNA       AFP

Madonna mania

Globe Telecom (GT) presents Madonna’s “Rebel Heart” Tour in Manila at SM Mall of Asia Arena on Feb. 24 and 25, 2016.

“Like millions of Filipinos who are ecstatic about Madonna’s first trip to the Philippines, GT is excited to celebrate this entertainment milestone. Bringing a global music icon closer to fans is part of our commitment to make music an integral part of the Filipino lifestyle,” said Issa Cabrera, GT senior vice president for consumer mobile marketing.

As the concert’s lone presenter, GT held an exclusive ticket presale to its subscribers, which sold out in a matter of hours.

Teaser videos uploaded on Rollingstone.com gave fans a behind-the-scenes peek into the rehearsals of the six-month long tour.

In an online article, Madonna revealed that she has enlisted the world’s top designers Jean Paul Gaultier, Jeremy Scott, Alexander Wang and Ariane Philips to collaborate on the costumes.

Her classic dance tunes “Vogue” and “Holiday” will be part of the lineup, too, the same online article said.

The seven-time Grammy Award winner recently marked a new world record by being the only artist to have 45 No. 1 songs on any chart in Billboard history.

Seems the Queen of Pop is raring to shatter her own record with the “Rebel Heart” Tour (which kicks off next month in Montreal, Canada).

Time to revel with a cause à la Madonna!

Encore for Dingdong

One night is not enough to showcase the music of Dingdong Avanzado.

That’s why there will be a repeat of his concert, “#Hitback” on Aug. 28, 9 p.m. at Teatrino Greenhills, San Juan.

Special guests are The Doorbells, Archie Castillo and Randy Santiago.

Joining Dingdong are his wife Jessa Zaragoza and their adorable daughter Jayda.

The family that sings together, stays together. (For tickets, 0905-6043772)