Things work out for Bela Padilla

BELA Padilla finds latest film inspiring.

WE GAVE Viva Films’ “Felix Manalo” a grade of A at the Cinema Evaluation Board. The compelling movie traces the origins and growth of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) since 1914. The movie opens tomorrow.

Even if you are not an INC member, the film will make you want to reread the Bible as it presents some thought-provoking questions about faith. It recreates events, from the birth of Ka Felix (INC’s first executive minister) in 1886 to his demise in 1963. Watching Joel Lamangan’s masterpiece made me feel like I was transported back in time.

Even if Dennis Trillo was not the first choice to portray the title role, his brilliance makes him the perfect choice as Ka Felix. Bela Padilla plays Manalo’s wife, Honorata. Her striking beauty and subdued acting work together well.

Religion is quite a delicate matter. And movies like “Felix Manalo” show us that a leap of faith is what will take us to the right direction.

Here’s my tête-à-tête with Bela:

What did this movie teach you about the INC?

That if you have good intentions in your heart and you pray hard enough, things will work out for you.

Are you more religious or spiritual?

I was brought up in a household where we attended spiritual meetings … I consider myself religious.

How accessible is the film to non-INC members?

I am not an INC member but as an actor, I fell in love with the script. I know this is something the audience will appreciate, too. People will enjoy it no matter what their faith is.

Any funny anecdotes about Dennis?

In one scene, our lines were so long and I had to slice tomatoes while Dennis and I were having a discussion. We ran out of tomatoes before we shot the wide angle.

How would you compare and contrast Dennis and your costar in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” Coco Martin?

Dennis is quiet. Coco likes talking. But when it comes to acting, they are both really good.

What stage is your relationship with Neil Arce in?

We’re very comfortable with each other. Even from the start, we had very little problems, which is why I think things are working out. We’re both mature enough to understand each other’s work.

What’s your dream wedding?

Sometimes I dream of a beach wedding. There are days when I want a garden wedding.

What’s a fashion no-no for you?

Wrinkled and dirty clothes!

What are your beauty rituals?

I spend a lot of time in the shower trying different body scrubs. On days when I don’t have work, I keep my hair tied or braided, to keep it away from my face.

What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve done?

I unfollowed more than a thousand people on Twitter because my timeline was so crazy.

Why should we watch “Felix Manalo”?

Everybody needs inspiration. Our movie can give you that. It’s about a man who went against all odds. And we all feel like we’re in that place, sometimes.

Online talent camp

For “Promil Pre-School I-Shine’s” fourth season, ABS-CBN and Promil Pre-School are bringing the talent search closer to more parents and their children with the launch yesterday of the first online talent camp (www.ishine.abs-cbn.com).

Join host Dimples Romana, visual arts mentor Xian Lim, and mentor for performing arts Karylle as the camp expands with workshops in singing, dancing, acting, music, painting, drawing and arts and crafts.

To join, moms need to register and choose where to enroll their kids in the website. One winner per category (performing arts and visual arts) will be chosen by the mentors. Prizes at stake are TV guest appearances, cash prize and a contract with ABS-CBN’s multi-channel network Chicken Pork Adobo, among others.

Kids are not things to be molded but persons to be unfolded. Start them young!