Friday, October 24, 2008 Serna: Stylistics show postponed By Roger Serna: Sound and images
NOT so long ago, they starred together in D’ Anothers and not a few were delighted of the outcome. It took some time, however, for that chemistry to be seen again.
So with My Only U, Star Cinema’s latest offering, the hilarious tandem of Vhong Navarro and Toni Gonzaga bounces back in a heartwarming, if tragic love story.
Megged by Cathy Garcia-Molina, the director that brought the recent giant hit A Very Special Love top-billed by Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz, the story revolves around the friendship of the lead characters and how it evolved into a beautiful romance, but not without an unfortunate twist: the lady is about to bite the dust.
As to how the story ends (happily hopefully), is for movie lovers to find out on Wed., Oct. 29, as My Only U hits movie houses nationwide.
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When I entered the Pacific ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel with the Cebu staff of Psalmstre Enterprises and CreaWorks Asia who invited me to watch the show, it was already close to two hours late of schedule yet not a sign was visible that the show would start any minute.
One could already feel the impatience pervading the air as the audience tried to while away the time with hushed conversations, interspersed with giggles and guffaws every now and then.
Fortunately, even before I could warm my seat, the house lights were dimmed. The Mr. Cebu 2008 pageant had finally commenced.
The 16 good-looking hopefuls strutted off their stuff on the runway amidst the applause from the audience. The pretty faces of Angel Aquino and Bb. Pilipinas-World 2005 Ana Maris Igpit provided the feminine touches to the macho appeal of the set.
After the opening segment, with the candidates in casual attire, Angel announced that the swimwear competition was to follow — only to correct herself later that what had just been seen was the beachwear competition (the candidates were in board shorts).
Special awards were given away. I handed over to candidate No. 6 the Lakas Vitagensing award courtesy of Psalmstre.
Excitement level was expected to rise as the 10 semi-finalists were announced only to be doused as some crowd favorites did not make it to the list.
Some of the spectators started to file out of the venue after that. A special number was presented by the SOS Children’s Village wards.
They were in black costumes and their white gloves were made even more visible with the use of blacklight. The performance served as a temporary saving grace.
The interview portion gave a glimpse of who among the 10 semi-finalists deserved to be in the finals. Eventually, David Chai Mandap-Tangalin’s confidence and articulateness clinched for him the title. Hans Joakim Grogaard, Kurt Agbay, Mariano Dandie Dimataga and Marvin Campaner completed the court.
As I made my way out, I felt something was lacking. The excitement that used to fill the air in similar events in the past was not at its highest level.
What could be the matter? In fairness, the production was good (the veteran Victor Cuenco was at the helm).
The show failed to peak. It just took off a little, went on a plateau for a while, and then went down. Of course, it was still the first. Improvements can be made next time.
***
Shortly after last week’s deadline for this column, I received an e-mail from good friend Beth David informing me that the show of Russel Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics originally scheduled tomorrow was postponed indefinitely.
Ticket holders can have their tickets refunded at the booth located at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel lobby.
A friend was so upset about this development, but what can we do? In local parlance, we say “wa tay mahims.”
***
Fans of foreign acts need not despair. There’s still the Christopher Cross Live in Cebu on Nov. 28 and, yes, Boys II Men Live in Cebu on Jan. 30 next year.
In addition, there’s also the Jammin’ Christmas with Paolo Santos, Top Suzara of Freestyle, Luke Mejares and Jimmy Bondoc on Dec. 17 and the 1st Annual Cebu Urban Music Sessions with DJs Craze, Klever, Numark, Krafty Kuts (with Dynamic MC) and Max Graham on Jan. 10 next year.
These events are surely something worth looking forward to. More details some other time.
