Gossip from the Philippines

Made for mums

Two of the Philippines' biggest box office draws are filming a movie for mothers. Megastar Sharon Cuneta may no longer be as active as far as making movies are concerned, but every time she does, it's almost a sure hit.

Now, she's teaming up with comedy queen Ai Ai Delas Alas in Best Friends Forever, a special Mothers' Day presentation slated for release in May.

Delas Alas may not have been officially declared last year's box office queen (the title was awarded, rather controversially, to Sarah Geronimo), but her movie, Cute Ang Ina Mo was last year's top grossing film. So expect this Cuneta-Delas Alas starrer to be a monster hit.

Speaking of monster mums, Anabelle Rama (so called because of her hit movie of the same title last year) is said to be filming a sequel to last year's surprise Mothers' Day blockbuster, according to a tip from our Manila mole.

Santos in limelight

Vilma Santos is back in the spotlight with a new movie that will feature her along with last year's box office king, John Lloyd Cruz, and her son Luis Manzano. The movie, entitled A Mother's Story, is currently being filmed in New York. It deals with the relationship of a mother and her gay son (played by real-life son Luis) . If this movie does well, Santos is sure to have another movie this year with Star Cinema. It will be casting coup of sorts, as the movie puts together two of the industry's finest actresses - Santos will co-star with Sharon Cuneta.

Minding her own business

Former beauty queen-turned-TV personality Charlene Gonzalez is going to Harvard to take up a short course on Business Management and Entrepreneurship. Gonzalez, who also completed a similar course at the Asian Institute of Management, is said to be preparing for a big business venture related to the hospitality industry.

There are rumours that she and her actor husband Aga Muhlach (pictured together on left) will be turning their farmland in a secluded province outside of Manila into a resort with a spa and wellness centre. Muhlach is said to be very supportive of Gonzalez's entrepreneurial bent, but would rather leave the business venture to her and concentrate on his acting career.

Considered one of the country's best actors, Muhlach will be filming three movies this year, one with Angel Locsin, to be followed by a reunion flick with Claudine Barretto, and finally a movie with Regine Velasquez.

Are you ready to rock?

Amateur and professional Filipino rock bands based in the UAE will be jamming in a special show and competition, entitled Musiklaban, on April 24 at the Equestrian Club in Abu Dhabi. The showdown promises an electrifying evening of high-strung performances which will culminate in a dance party after the competition.

Tickets priced at Dh35 are available at Cebu Restaurant and Tagpuan Restaurant in Abu Dhabi. This will be the biggest gathering of Pinoy rock bands based here so don't miss this chance to see all the fantastic bands performing in several clubs and bars across the Emirates.