Eugene Domingo and I are kindred spirits. So it was such a breeze interviewing Uge and her Italian hubby, Danilo Bottoni, for my newly launched DollywoodPH YouTube channel.
I cannot thank them enough for finding time to be one of my very first guests on my vlog. It’s couples like them who make me want to believe in marriage all over again.
Uge and Danilo are redefining la dolce vita de Manila.
The universe conspires to keep giving Julia Barretto good breaks. She’s starring in the MMFF 2024 entry ‘Hold Me Close’ with Carlo Aquino (background photo). In 2025, she will host a reality show on TV5 (‘Artista Academy’), star in a series on ABS-CBN (‘What Lies Beneath’) and do a TV project with direk Antoinette Jadaone.
Here are quotes from Uge and Danilo:
Uge: “For those who are married to a foreigner like me or gusto magka-jowa na afam, you must embrace their culture and respect your differences. Kayo ako kinakarir ko mag-learn ng Italian para di nako mabenta ng asawa ko when we are in Italy.”
Danilo: “I am not a stage husband but I have always been a fan of Uge from the time I first watched her movie. I plan to hold a Eugene Domingo filmfest in Italy someday.”
Uge: “In my MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival) entry, ‘And the Breadwinner Is,’ first time ako napaiyak ni Vice Ganda. Grabe ang pag-internalize nya ng role as a breadwinner. Para siyang pipe sa set coz he hardly talked. Sabi nya until he got home after our shoot, cry pa din sya. Our movie is dramedy at its finest.”
Danilo: “Even if I am a Muslim, I don’t require Uge to convert to my religion. It does not get in the way of our relationship. We are both very religious.”
Uge: “I am flattered that some say I should be called the Comedy Queen but I would rather be called ‘Star for all Seasonings.’ Gusto ko ‘pag kasama ako sa pelikula, sumasarap ang timpla.”
Andres Muhlach is raring to step out of his dad’s shadow. He leads the fun cast of ‘Ang Mutya ng Section E’ on Viva One (the primer is today, Dec. 27, and the pilot episode is on Jan. 3). The phenomenal Wattpad title, written by Lara Flores, is composed of three books with a total of 348 million reads.
La vida de Julia Bida
2024 was so kind to Julia Barretto. It brought her a bevy of endorsements, a global series on Viu (“Secret Ingredient”) and a hit movie, “Un/happy for You.”
To cap off the year, Julia topbills “Hold Me Close” with Carlo Aquino. Helmed by Jason Paul Laxamana, it is Viva’s Metro Manila filmfest entry. Carlo portrays a restless traveler who crosses paths with a clairvoyant girl (played by Julia). Will the stars align in their favor?
As for Julia, the universe conspires to keep giving her good breaks. In 2025, she will host a reality show on TV5 (“Artista Academy”), star in a series on ABS-CBN (“What Lies Beneath”) and do a TV project with direk Antoinette Jadaone.
Julia is happy being busy and busy being happy.
Here are quotes from Julia:
“I love how direk Jason tackles sensitive issues in an artistic way. He is a master of metaphor. He got the inspiration for our film from ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.’
“When you say ‘hold me close,’ it is a cry for help. You want to be protected by someone who’s your safe place. Of course, I always say that to my BF, Gerald (Anderson).
“Controversies don’t define us as actors. It’s what we become after we rise above the controversies that matter.
“If I didn’t join showbiz, I would have been a pre-school teacher because I adore kids.
“I don’t want to be complacent. Even if I’m grateful for where I’m at, I will keep grabbing every opportunity.”
Andres: Heir apparent
I’ve been friends with Aga Muhlach way before he became famous via the movie, “Bagets.” That’s why when I was at the mediacon of Aga’s son, Andres, my mind went on flashback mode.
Such vivid memories, so I almost forgot that it’s been ages since Aga’s matinee idol days. Watching Andres strut his stuff showed us that he’s indeed his dad’s heir apparent.
Andres is raring to step out of his dad’s shadow. He leads the fun cast of “Ang Mutya ng Section E” on Viva One (the primer is today, Dec. 27, and the pilot episode is on Jan. 3). The phenomenal Wattpad title, written by Lara Flores, is composed of three books with a total of 348 million reads.
Andres portrays Mark, the class president who’s a troublemaker. Ashtine Olviga is Jay-Jay, a transfer student who ends up in the lowest section with 16 rowdy guys as classmates. She gets bullied by all the boys, while Rabin Angeles plays Yuri, a JaPinoy who has a soft spot for Jay-Jay.
Joining them are a bunch of cutie newbies.
Based on how wacky the cast was at the mediacon, their series could very well be “Iskul Bukol” Gen Z style.
Here are quotes from Andres, Ashtine and Rabin:
Andres: “Every day on the set is a learning experience. Our series feels like we are shooting a movie because of the camera work and the visuals. So, it’s sort of preparing me for the big screen.”
Ashtine: “When I met Andres, I felt intimidated because he’s a Muhlach. But he exerted effort to make me feel at home.”
Rabin: “Our series will show that even students in a lower section deserve a chance to be recognized because they also have good qualities.”
Andres: “I really feel the kilig in my scenes with Ash. Our chemistry came naturally.”
Ashtine: “I’ve been paired with other actors before but this new team-up with Andres is an answered prayer. It’s totally unexpected. It may be cliche but our loveteam is proof that opposites attract.”
Andres: “The naughtiest thing I’ve done when I was still in school was to pretend that I am sick so I can rest in the clinic.”
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