Friday, November 02, 2007 Serna: New love teams? By Roger Serna Sounds and Images
SO, how was your Halloween night spent? Did you drop by the venues of Halloween parties? Did you participate in the costume contests?
Were you able to catch Rodjun Cruz and Iya Villania at the Gaisano Country Mall? In short, was the annual event a blast? I hope so.
In most places, cemeteries and memorial parks still teem with humanities on this particular day for the All Souls’ Day observance. Did you say a little prayer for your dearly departed ones or offer some flowers on their gravesites?
Most faith denominations believe that souls are somewhere out there watching over us and take note of our offerings and, in return, do some good favors for us. It doesn’t hurt if we abide by that belief, right?
***
One night I just found myself holding the microphone and singing my heart out (there were only few ones left in the room and they’re all friends anyway) at the second floor of Hai Phong Restaurants in Crossroads.
That was after the presscon called by Imaginative Designs (Cebu) headed by Jean-Pierre Van Den Berk as president. In its 20 years of existence in the country’s stone-type furniture and accessories industry, IDC prides itself in having items being part of the landscapes of prestigious resorts and establishments both here and abroad.
It has the so-called Leonardo furniture and décor collection and the Sculptura collection of statues and fountains reminiscent of Grecian, Roman and ancient Eastern times made of reconstituted stone.
After my last number, a wonderfully crafted vase came my way as give-away. Wow, I felt like a singing competition winner!
***
Speaking of song numbers, Vice Mayor Michael Rama obliged to the request of the executives of the newest McDonald’s outlet located along N. Escario St. near the Provincial Capitol area during the grand opening last Oct. 22.
Of course, Rama’s repertoire had Michael Bublé’s The Way You Look Tonight occupying the first slot. Vice Governor Greg Sanchez Jr. who officiated the ribbon cutting had to leave earlier for another engagement.
He could have given Rama a run for his money on stage had he chose to stay longer. In case you don’t know, Sanchez owns a band that plays all-time faves where he also croons every now and then.
***
One night, I happened to catch in a friend’s residence, located just a stone’s throw away from where I live, an exclusive screening of a made-for-television special which tackles the very sensitive and delicate subject of incest, rape and sexual harassment.
The special was titled Mea Culpa and deals on the travails of an orphaned young woman who was raped by her own uncle and, after she was abandoned by his tormentor, was later turned into a sex slave by her own cousins.
The topic is so delicate it can merit an X-rating and if not handled carefully by the director. Fortunately, even without knowing the identity of the director, the viewer can immediately deduce that the man at the helm has years of experience and a vast reservoir of knowledge regarding his craft for handling the subject superbly and for guiding his actors accordingly.
Unfortunately, the showing of the special was shelved for no valid reasons. Or so I learned.
***
Star Cinema once again banks on the already tested crowd-drawing power of the John Lloyd Cruz-Bea Alonzo tandem in its latest offering entitled One More Chance.
Veejay-turned-sensitive actor Derek Ramsay also stars in the movie.
Promo diva Josie Pereyra who handles the movie’s publicity divulged that the bankable tandem might not be seen on the wide screen for a long time after this project as Star Cinema bigwigs have plans to pair John and Bea with other stars including upcoming neophytes.
One More Chance will hit movie houses nationwide on Nov. 14, a Wednesday.