Nonstop slugfest that spells victory of one: I must admit that Arjo Atayde looks so tisoy and guapo whose attractive looks will least define him as an incredible hunk that could wipe out all his enemies in raw fisticuff violence. But that glam idea all disappeared when I saw him engage in the bloody encounters he had in the film Topakk. You better stay glued to the screen as you don’t want to miss this kind of action – violent but exciting as you desire to see Arjo survive his foes single-handedly.
Arjo plays the role of Miguel, a security guard who seems so calm and quiet until two siblings (a wounded male and Weng, his sis Julia Montes exhibiting a surprise revelation: she’s a veritable action material) come to him and cry for help. Miguel is an ex-soldier scarred by some wars, actually a victim of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and we know this is a tough illness. Now Miguel and Weng are haunted and chased by some gangs who want everyone dead, they join forces to survive the fiery attacks from various quarters.
Amidst all the carnage and brutalities, I find out this film has yet to be shown in Pinas. Director Richard Somes, popularly known for his well-orchestrated fight scenes, made sure his performers were aptly motivated to deliver the goods. The translation to the screen has a wow factor. The film version I watched was pure and unfiltered – will the international moviegoers get to see this one too? Sana, no cuts!
“Nuances play a crucial role in filmmaking. For instance, with the film Topakk (“Triggered”), it might seem simple to opt for a handheld, single-take aesthetic or to incorporate drone shots. However, thinking about the aesthetics, the framing, and the choreography of each sequence adds layers of complexity.
Take, for example, the scene where Arjo confronts an opponent who’s in a frenzied state. The action isn’t random. I directed Arjo with the idea that he’s facing someone more aggressive than him due to the opponent’s heightened state. Yet, Arjo’s character shows internal conflict as he grapples with conserving the single bullet he has left,” Direk Somes said.
“The goal in that scene was to captivate the viewers, immersing them fully into the action and emotions. What I particularly appreciate about action cinema is the collaborative effort it requires, harmonizing every element to produce visually stunning and well-choreographed scenes.”
We finally had a one-on-one chat with Topakk producer Sylvia Sanchez at a late dinner at Lulu Bar (was out of there at 2 a.m., we had a grand time.)
“You know why I am totally fascinated doing action films?,” Sylvia asked. “Confession: I really wanted to be an action star. That is my dream talaga! Idol ko si FPJ, I watched his films and sabi ko, why not do it – ako! You know what happened – I became a teleserye actress, sa drama. ABS said that’s my genre. But up to now, gusto ko pa rin action! So hayan, I decided to do Topakk.”
Sylvia doesn’t discount the possibility of producing another action vehicle with her in the cast. “I have a lot on my mind, There’s this story I want to write and develop – it’s totally different and am certain this will interest our movie goers.” Go Sylvia, we’re waiting.
Maricel v Kathryn?
The FAMAS nominees have been announced. Let’s talk about the Best Actress category – the loudest whisper is that Maricel Soriano (In His Mother’s Eyes) and Kathryn Bernardo (A Very Good Girl) are the top contenders. Maricel takes on the role of Lucy, a hardworking overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who faces the challenges of being a mother in a film that tackles the complexities of raising a child with autism.
Lucy leaves behind her son Tim (LA Santos), who has autism, in the care of her brother Bibs (Roderick Paulate). Kathryn in her entry is Philo who plots a meticulous revenge against retail mogul, Mother Molly (De Leon), aiming to dismantle her empire and seize the ultimate payback.
The other competitors include Charlie Dizon for “Third World Romance”, Marian Rivera for “Rewind”, Sharon Cuneta for “Family of Two” and Eugene Domingo for “Becky & Badette”. Who is your bet? I have chosen mine, I think she’s a sure winner!
By the way, is Kathryn finally filming the sequel to Hello, Love and Goodbye with Alden Richards directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana (formerly Molina)? Direk Cathy attended the very first filipino film festival here in Toronto hosted by SINE. After the screening of HLG, Direk Cathy gamely answered the audience in the Q and A portion. ABS-CBN has not confirmed the location of the HLG Part 2 – will it be in the west (Alberta) or here in Toronto (sana!)? Abangan! Wherever it is, we will visit the set.
But wait a minute, is it true that Alden and Jericho Rosales are now courting Kathryn Bernardo?
I will find out. Promise.
Is Kath ready to fall in love again?
I am leaving soon for Pinas to attend the FAMAS awards and we are going to have dinner with Kathryn!!!! Yey!!! This means I am going to interview her and will share it with you.
FAKE NEWS re DD and Marian
NO!!!!! It is not true that Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera have separated. As we go to press, this is the sizzling headline. Sorry to the fake news peddlers. The fake news indicated that he fathered a child with Lindsay De Vera. NOT TRUE! Anyway, I am going to see DINGDONG as soon as I get to Manila – probably around May 14. I will discuss this with him. He is doing a film with Charo Santos and they are inviting us to the set.
Boyet and Pipo
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine na one day Tirso Cruz III and Christopher de Leon would be BFFs. Take note, not just buddies but tutoong BFFs!
Flashback: The early 70s was dominated by the Guy-Pip tandem on and off the screen. I was there and witnessed some endearing moments up close…In 1976, the Boyet-Nora beach wedding happened in Lingayen. We were there from midnight to dawn to help prepare the union. Ian was just a babe, we alternately looked after him as the nuptials went on.
Fast forward to the present. Boyet and Pipo minus Nora. Boyet and Sandy, Pip and Lynn – now the oft-seen foursome. At their concert here about 2 weeks ago, they did a medley of disco numbers to the delight of their followers who joined them on the dancefloor.
“Asan na si Maria Teresa?” a Guy-Pip diehard asked us. Remember the doll?
“Sana sinama ni Boyet si Ian (his son with Nora),” echoed a Guy-Boyet fanatic.
The Pip-Boyet friendship was born when the two couples moved to BF homes where they’re practically neighbors. Now, Nora is romantically linked to John Rendez.
Someone asked me, “Puede pong magconcert si Pip, Boyet and Nora together?” What do you think?
Why the name ELLE
What does ELLE mean ? It means Sun ray, light; Elle is a feminine name of Greek origin meaning “sun ray” or “light.”
So here comes ELLE. Fresh off her recent dazzling lead performance as Donna in Mamma Mia which scored standing ovation at her high school production, she is certainly ready for her close up. The eighteener singer/actress who has wowed big and small crowds in both intimate and in larger settings loves the rhythm of old songs and jazzy melodies that evoke memories of the heart. Her rich beginnings in community organizations have inspired her to always handle her craft with more passion. It’s like Elle is at your beck and call, ready to be on the spotlight anytime, anyhow.
“She has a euphonious voice!” muttered a well-dressed caucasian guest at SINE’s Power Gala held at Hotel X. ELLE was then singing MISTY with the big band. “She’s FIlipino? Oh wow,” he added, talking to one of our associates. Before that, Elle did a guest stint at the Rewind concert of Odette Quesada and Joey Albert.
Here’s what we asked Elle about her career.
Q: Why do you prefer to sing jazz?
A: I prefer singing jazz because it’s so flexible. In different versions of songs, the melody is relatively the same, but you can do so much with music. You can change the emotion of the song, how it can be interpreted, but what I love most about it is how much feeling I can put into it. I think it’s beautiful when a singer gives their emotion to the song. It brings it to life.
Q: Why are you drawn to old songs?
A: I’m drawn to songs that are from the older generations because of the nostalgic feel to them. I love songs with romantic styles to them. I feel like I can connect with people the most with those types of songs. Though there are songs in this generation that still give that atmosphere, I love the relation I can make with classics and how they seem timeless. They create an environment that everyone can relate to and enjoy.
Q: How do you see yourself a few years from now as a singer?
A: I’d love to see myself in more performances 3 yrs from now. Singing with other artists and connecting and learning from them would be an amazing opportunity. I can see myself doing concerts and creating music. I’ve always loved creating, especially when I was younger so going down this path would strengthen what I have. I would love to continue singing and sharing the gifts I’ve been blessed with.
But back to the first question, why ELLE?
Her name is Remerielle, a combination of her parents’ names. Rommel and Meriel. For some reason, some cannot duly pronounce it. Some end up calling her Melle, Remelle, and something similar but not close to her name. Then her Dad thought: “She loves Classic. Music that is classic…Classical? Classic-elle? Ms Classicelle!” And there you go, the elle to it. Just Elle. Isn’t that beautiful?
Here’s the latest on ELLE after guesting at the Asian Heritage Month Gala Celebration at Casa De Luz. Elle was the popular choice to sing O, Canada and later when she returned to the stage to do two numbers, there were ooohs and aaahs in the adoring audience.
That very night (last weekend), ELLE received astounding offers: 1) A participation in this big summer jazz festival downtown; 2) a lead number in the coming Vaughan major event; 3) a big role in another asian heritage celebration; and 4) a recording for a well-known sound outfit.
Congrats Elle….You are getting there!
*****
See you in our next ish. Hug your Mom, tell her you love her., Happy Mother’s Day everyone.