‘Event’ productions energize show biz scene

THE LOCAL entertainment scene is a busy, humming hive of activity, but most of it is predictable Business as Usual. Observers are hard-put to discover true-blue show biz events that merit special anticipation and avid interest.

So, when we heard that “Tum—My Pledge of Love,” Robin Padilla’s movie with Mariel Rodriguez was about to be shown, our curiosity was piqued.

We liked the production’s prospects even better when we learned that it had been filmed in India. And that Robin was not only Mariel’s leading man, but also the movie’s director.

PADILLA. Idiosyncratic personality.

We know that Padilla’s directing credit could end up as a major bone of contention, since his ability as movie megman is largely unproven.

But, he’s such an idiosyncratic personality that we’re prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt, and hope that his latest love, in more ways than one, will see him through.

‘Bagets’ revival

Also a promising “event” production is the new version of “Bagets,” a landmark teen flick of the ’80s that helped launch the stellar careers of Aga Muhlach and Herbert Bautista, among others.

A lot of water has flowed under the show biz bridge since then—not to mention a veritable river of tears and spilt milk!—but, Aga is still one of our most bankable leading men—and Herbert is mayor of Quezon City! —Not bad for at least two of the original Bagets, who definitely aren’t Forgets.

We hope, therefore, that the new “Bagets” production, whether for TV or for the silver screen, will produce its own durable Stars of Today, Tomorrow—and Ever After.

‘Simon’s Way’

The “cine-musical” production, “Simon’s Way,” opens on April 17 at SM Mall of Asia. It dramatizes the search of a Franciscan monk instructed by the Blessed Virgin Mary to find her missing image, later venerated as the Bicol region’s beloved patroness, Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

The production qualifies as an event, not just because of its spiritual significance, but because it stars Cococy Laurel as the Franciscan friar, Simon Yela. Cocoy’s musical theater performances are acclaimed for their deep and yet elevated feeling—and heartfelt singing. Call 726-4422.

‘Temptation Island’

Like Maryo J. delos Reyes’ “Bagets,” Joey Gosengfiao’s “cult classic,” “Temptation Island,” is being remade. The sex comedy, about randy socialites marooned on an uncharted isle after a plane crash, is celebrated for its in-your-face campiness (both high and low), so we trust that the remake will turn out to be similarly—properly improper!