Crazy over Coco
His good looks could have landed him juicy roles on primetime TV or the silver screen, but the maverick in Coco Martin led him edgy roles in independent films. To his credit, the decision led him to various international film festivals where he has earned raves for his performances in indie movies such as Masahista and Serbis, which was recently in competition at the Cannes Film Festival.
"I have always had a fascination with complex characters," Martin relayed to tabloid! via email. "The challenge to grow as an actor is there, and that's what I really want to do — become one, fine actor," he continued.
His most recent film, Jay in which he is paired with controversial actor Baron Geisler, Martin plays yet another edgy role. Isn't he afraid of being typecast? "Not really. At the moment, it's the kind of role that pushes me. I eventually have to move on and play other roles, but I am still able to have fun with and explore such a deep character, I will not stop and I am not afraid of being typecast."
Award winning Cherry Pie is three times a charm
Multi-awarded actress Cherry Pie Picache seems to be making a habit of winning awards. This time, though, she's doing it on the international film festival circuit. Last year, she impressed an international jury for her role in Kaleldo. This year, Cherry Pie Picache once again impressed the jury at the Durban International Film Fest in South Africa when she won her second best actress award from the same festival for her role in the film Foster Child. It also bagged the Best Film Award in the same festival, beating 21 other films from all over the world, including entries from France, Germany, South Africa, Taiwan, and the United States. Picache also won an acting award for the same film from the Osians Cine Fan Filmfest in New Delhi, India.
There's no stopping Dingdong
Everything seems to be going Dingdong Dantes's way. With a string of primetime hits to his credit, and a successful stint as a commercial model, Dantes is now considered the hottest male star of his generation. The actor celebrated his birthday recently, and the good-natured superstar was still working on his special day.
There's no arguing his hard work and dedication are paying off, yet he remains as modest as when he first started as a member of the Abstrak Dancers.
Aside from his staple of commercial endorsements, he was also recently introduced, in a very big way, as one of the endorsers of Dr Vicky Belo, known in the Philippines as the cosmetic surgeon to the stars. The event was patterned after a James Bond movie, and it was said that not even Richard Gutierrez, Dingdong's rival, was given such a high profile and elaborate launch.
Now that he's 28, Dingdong says he's going to take things easy and give time to his family and off-screen partner Karylle. Isn't he worried about losing his momentum? "Not at all. There will always be a good project that's perfect for me. The audience will always support a good project," he said.
Tsismis Tidbits
- Torotot has been invited to compete at the 35th Brussels International Independent Film Festival. Directed by Maryo J de los Reyes and written by Jun Lana, the film is about adultery and features seasoned actor Yul Servo and Maui Taylor. In 2004, De los Reyes's Naglalayag won a Special Jury Prize in the same festival and an acting Award for Nora Aunor.
- Speaking of Nora Aunor, the superstar is said to be living in a hotel in California, under the care of former screen partner and Indian actor Sajid Khan, who is now based in the US. Khan is said to be planning a movie for Aunor.
- In Hollywood, another Filipina is making a name for herself. Anna Maria Perez de Tagle is one of the actors featured in Disney's top-rating TV show, Hannah Montana. She plays the role of a bully that makes life for the lead actor miserable. Good luck, Anna! Make your countrymen proud!
- August 27 is going to be a red-letter day for showbiz fanatics, because that's when two of the biggest events in the business are taking place. The date marks the regular theatre run of the highly anticipated team up of Richard Gutierrez and KC Concepcion in the movie For the First Time, as well as the birthday celebration and TV special of the hottest love team in town, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.
