Philippine stars enjoy visit to UAE

Dubai served as a place to bond for three of the Philippines hottest young stars, who were in the emirate for the ABS-CBN Kapamilya Fiesta World Dubai tour at the Dubai Festival City during the weekend.

Fans were in for a powerhouse appearance from award-winning actress Angelica Panganiban, one of the prettiest faces in the industry; hunk actor Zanjoe Marudo, and heartthrob Enchong Dee, who revealed that he will headline in Maria la del Barrio, a soap opera slated to air in March. Marudo said he is looking forward to star with Panganiban in an indie film this year.

Gulf News had an exclusive interview with the stars backstage, before the start of their show on Friday. Read concert review

“It’s different now that I can see for myself the places that I only got to hear of before,” Panganiban said, revealing that it was the trio’s first time to visit Dubai. ”The culture is beautiful here in Dubai,” she observed.

In Dubai, Panganiban, along with Marudo and Dee, went on a desert safari first, before moving on to explore the concrete jungle—the malls, which were Marudo’s particular favourite. The celebs visited the Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates and Festival City.

What did they buy? “The malls are huge and you’re spoilt for choice that sometimes you just want to see everything first before buying anything,” Marudo said. Dee, though, was in shopping mode. “I bought gold!” he said, “and some clothes that I can’t find in Manila.”

And since we were on the topic of Dubai, Gulf News asked the stars what they think would be a good location for a new film that would be shot in the emirate.

“Burj Khalifa,” Dee quickly answered. “It would be great to shoot a scene with a full view of Dubai below,” he said. And do a Tom Cruise? “Definitely,” he said with a grin.

“The Dubai Fountain would be a great location,” Marudo suggested, adding that it would be fun to frolic in the water.

“Anywhere in Dubai is great to include in the movie,” Panganiban added. Aga Muhlach style? We ventured. “Yes, in fact, it’s my favourite movie!” she said. Aga Muhlach, her leading man in the 1997 hit A Love Story, starred in the movie Dubai, which was filmed in the emirate and follows the life of a Filipino expatriate, his brother, and the girl of their dreams.

What does she look forward to this year? “More movies and soap operas to do,” Panganiban said. “I hope this [visit] won’t be our first and last.”