Shared Experiences, Love, and Hurt in MMFF 2025 Entry UNMARRY

This 2025 MMFF, an entry by CINEKO Productions and Quantum Films will touch on the topic of relationships, love, and walking away. Angelica Panganiban and Tom Rodriguez will play the role of Angelica and Tom, a married couple who's life is about to collapse, breaking their hearts, and their two daughters. The other couple played by Zanjoe Marudo and Solenn Heussaff, want to fight their annulment procedure, and being with his son Elio played by Zac. Then found themselves inside the office of a lawyer, Atty. Lombridas played by the iconic Eugene Domingo. 

Finding themselves in the same boat, they got to stand on trial, telling some of the hardest things they've ever experienced while in the circumstances of their respective partners, and end up connecting, because they've been through the same things too. They began rebuilding themselves, helping each other overcome their trauma, but does this mean they're meant for each other?

Eugene Domingo "This film is sincere, no hysterics, just telling a story. It's an honor for me to do a film like this, we have a relationship because I am the real Ninang of Angge. She gives a little, it doesn't have to be overdone, a little talk, you'll feel it because she has been through a lot."

Chris "It's the way they throw lines, when I wrote this, I couldn't imagine how it would feel like in real life. It's been 3 years since we conceptualized this, about annulment, and the issues of legalities, no resolve of suggesting, but fair depiction of it, and balanced."

Angelica says "If you watched it, you'll like how characters tell their story. When I read this, I needed to be the voice of those who are seeking freedom, and we deserve that. I prepared for this because you really have to get to know the character first, it's easy because I'm working amongst friends too. I often suggest things, and they were receptive. Z and I have worked together so many times so it's comfortable to work with him. She didn't have to fight an annulment, but it's how she tries to find herself.When I was being given roles, I just couldn't feel things. Of course I want the life I have right now but I needed something that could make me come back with a project, something that could fire passion. I got text messages from both Atty Joji and Direk Chris. When I found out the cast, it was just the schedules that we talked about. This was really worth it. I started slow, they guided us in the first 3 days, but I wanted to do best because I miss this craft a lot. I wanted to prove so many things because I have experience. I needed to attack differently. My husband was happy and supportive, had to take breaks because I live in Zambales. This made me go out to Manila for a couple of days. Being with Uge was also warm, I feel good being with her on set "

Zanjoe says "When I read this, I knew how we were not husband and wife, but we were going through the same thing. Being a Father, and Husband, it's going to be more natural to connect with my character. It doesn't undermine marriage. I focused on emotions, because most of it is Ivan's family and how they are leaving you. I had to attack it on the day of the shoot, because it needs to build up naturally. I love how you know something will happen on scenes even after rehearsing it, it's a surprise every day."

Tom says "Celine and Ivan is relatable, but I tried to approach it as a human being even if I don't understand why. Even if love was depicted wrong, it's not a gimmick, it is a story that happens a lot in the Philippines. I feel fortunate because I got through a divorce which is relatively quicker. I was eager to accept this role. Atty. Joji is my Mom, this material was good but when I read it, it's something you wouldn't just leave on the table. I had to find the character."

Nico says "Being a child in an annulment, I went through it personally. This encourages you that in every ending, it gives someone else a fresh start."

Here's the video of the Mediacom this afternoon:

This comes out on Christmas day together with other entries of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025. Make sure you catch it with the other films because this looks like an Angelica Panganiban masterpiece, she could get a Best Actress award for it. It doesn't matter if you're single, married or not. The film encourages you to think, start a better life with someone else or your own.

ARJO ATAYDE Reveals More Projects After ContentAsia Awards Win

 

It's been a while since I've last seen multi awarded actor and Congressman Arjo Atayde. He's been very busy, with good reason because after his wedding, he had to really pay attention to his duties as a public servant in the 1st District of Quezon City. The movies/series that he's done a few years ago is reaping fruit, and recently won him Best Male Lead for his role in Cattleya Killer at ContentAsia Awards 2024. 

We celebrated with him, his family, and a few more people from the press. They held a no holds barred interview to specifically get more updates from the busy good looking man fresh from Taipei, Taiwan where he received the it.

Arjo also addressed one of the movie projects where he was supposed to appear but ended up not being in it. His sole reason was because he wanted to be 100 percent in that project and felt it would be unfair to his co-actors if he didn't commit to the role just like them. He also doesn't choose projects and trusts his management about what he does, it is sometimes the schedule that he gets a little trouble with because he has a lot of priorities. The roles he take, is something he is thankful for because it becomes his outlet to be able to express his artistry. He's glad he is not boxed, tied to roles, in his 11 years in the business. He says "Every role I take is a learning opportunity."

People asked about Arjo and Maine on becoming parents and he told us "We are enjoying each others time because we wouldn't be able to do this in the long run. We definitely talk about it but we'll keep that as a secret. We are all excited though about having our pamangkin (with Ria and Zanjoe) and support Ria and Z, it's their story to tell, but we are SUPER SUPER excited and send much love to them!"

Here's the press conference on video, please raise the volume a bit because it was a little too noisy (along the road) but please, enjoy!

Arjo also shared a preview of MOONLIGHT, a film made by US based Isabel Sandoval. She's had great success with previous project Lingua Franca which won awards in 2019, and the Filipina film maker didn't disappoint with what we saw that evening. It's a masterpiece just waiting to be showcased in festivals and platforms. Arjo also showed us scenes from "Bagman" and "TOPAKK" which we loved. Each felt like Hollywood quality, no doubt, and he says this is just the start.

The wins in several award giving bodies would mean more exposure not just for Arjo but for the Filipino talent. Hopefully, this snowball starts an avalanche of opportunities for Filipino actors, those behind the camera and productions that are just waiting to be discovered. His work as Congressman of the 1st District of Quezon City will continue, and he vows to continue to help the communities he represent and make effective laws. He also wants the bills he principally authored (all 223 of them) be implemented well including the Eddie Garcia Law which is for the occupation and safety standards in the entertainment industry.

Thank you for the opportunity to see you again Cong. Arjo! Thank you also to Ms. Sylvia Sanchez who was also there that evening to tell us a few things about Ria and Z. (and for taking care of my Mom during Dessa's concert a few weeks ago). As Arjo said, this is just the start of good things ahead for whatever hat he wears!

Essential Drink Attributes Showcased at GSM's White Party

 

There's certainly a lot of things to celebrate this month including the goodness of World Gin Day. In Manila, Ginebra San Miguel Incorporated hosted a white party at the fabulous Westin Manila in Ortigas Pasig. It's a no brainer as GSMI continues to be the world's number 1 selling brand of gin and has become a regular in various celebrations, and life's simple pleasures.

GSMI Marketing Manager Ron Molina says "It's been a tradition for us to join the celebration of World Gin Day. We are pioneers of this in the Philippines and we know how Filipinos enjoy how cool, clear and versatile this drink is, so cheers to that!"

This new call to let people know how these three characteristics of GSM would certainly get them to have more appreciation of it. Artists like premier actor Zanjoe Marudo, vlogger Basel Manadil and beauty queen Herlene "Hipon Girl" Budol were also at the event to verbalize how it is to be Cool, Clear and Versatile. Zanjoe says "It's when I stay calm that I feel more cool, it's why I choose the classic GSM back when I was in Batangas, it brings back memories indeed!". Basel on the other hand confirms his likeness of the GSM Premium Gin and tells "Because it's like me, it's clear just like my intentions. You need to be like that because you wouldn't know when you give an impact for others." Then Herlene Budol prefers to become Versatile, saying "Being versatile means that it is possible to be good in different things." They will also be joining different events starting this month because as they say, "Gin Is In!".

Together with the campaign, they also revealed GSM Bar Academy wherein they had 3 new graduates, all scholars of skill courses as they partnered with TESDA in bartending, flairtending, and building businesses. This is in hopes to increase quality pros in the industry, tall order, but are already achieving a lot obviously. It has transformed lives, and even won an international CSR Excellence Award from UK, slated to be awarded on the 16th.

If you're fond of the social channels of GSM, there will be a second season for G-Mix Nation Online where they'll feature various recipes for cocktails, and tips on how you can use a Home Bar Kit to be sold in select supermarkets nationwide. They will also host in 50 bars nationwide to make sure you're involved in one or more parties during this month. I heard there will be one in Pampanga, Naga, Cebu and CDO. You'll also get to win prizes, take advantage of promos and merch. They're not stopping there, because activities will be continuing til the end of the last quarter.

Head on to your favorite stores and place to get them! I'm sure there's no stopping you!

ZANJOE MARUDO Celebrates a "Hanep!" 15 Years

Dubbed as one of the most eligible bachelors in the showbiz industry, a multi awarded actor with a Best Actor Award in the International Emmy's in his belt, Zanjoe Marudo is celebrating his 15th year. After starting as a contestant in Pinoy Big Brother, he's now donned magazines, TV shows, movies, he's now one of the most in demand actors in the Philippines... and of this generation.

To celebrate his milestones, Star Magic is going to publish a three part documentary on the Star Magic Official YouTube page entitled "Hanep, Kinse na pala! Zanjoe’s 15 years in showbiz!". The series will be composed of interviews and testimonies of his family, friends, co-actors, several of which include Piolo Pascual, Angelica Panganiban, his crush Jodi Sta. Maria, real life Darna Angel Locsin, Bela Padilla, and esteemed directors Ruel Bayani, Cathay Garcia-Molina, FM Reyes, Connie Macatuno, and Star Magic head honcho Director Lauren Dyogi. Here's our interview with him a few days ago:

 

The episodes will be published on September 26 (12 noon), October  2 and October 9 same time. You'll get to know Zanjoe even better after seeing this and see the reason why he's doing good after all these years. Zanjoe will also be doing The Broken Marriage Vow, also, he's nominated for the iWant Original Film entitled "Malaya" in Gawad Urian, plus he's also on YouTube now together with his friends Hyubs Azarcon and basketball phenom LA Tenorio via their channel D' LaZY Road Trip, so make sure you're subscribed to that and Star Magic's channel if you want to stay updated of his work!

Martyrdom and Relationships: ISA PANG BAHAGHARI for MMFF 2020

Looks like the very interesting story by Heaven's Best Entertainment this MMFF 2020 is going to be an interesting one as it talks about family, friendship and relationships. It's called ISA PANG BAHAGHARI (Another Rainbow) and it's very timely now that LGBT issues are also being discussed in the country.

Producer Dennis Evangelista + Harlene Bautista says "We're very proud our film has got the best of both generations. They are really good actors. Sanya and Zanjoe, Maris, they are so good in this film and we know we weren't wrong in casting you. Your fans are eagerly awaiting your movie, congratulations!"

Zanjoe says "It was my first time to work with them all, especially Philip and Ms. Nora. I was really nervous and excited to be part of the film, Direk was really nice to really get me in the groove. I have made a film in MMFF and I miss how it was so busy with the parade and awards night. It's sad that everything changed but I am still happy that films are still being shown online so people can still watch it. Maybe everything is going digital, I am happy this is an advantage that it will be shown worldwide. Direk really had really good work out there, and he was strict according to other actors, but I didn't let that bother me, I really concentrated on how to work with my character, he really fixed me on how to be a little tough. I was wary if I was going to be scolded."

Maris "Zanjoe really said it right, it was tense to be in the scene and work with Joel Lamangan. Growing up my Mom always told me how good Ms. Nora is and I think it manifested how I'll be doing a young Nora Aunor. I always wanted to see them, I feel so blessed. Seeing Sir Joel was really a nervous experience, it was like a make or break sesssion with him but he was really nice, very caring, he asks if we ate, very strict but you know you will really be learning a lot. He makes you comfortable. I would really recommend knowing your character before working with him. It was fun to work with him because he has stories, he had so many anecdotes about Ms. Nora and he told us about it. I was a tamed version of her."

Sanya "Actually, it is also my first time to work with them. Working with legendary actors, it was a nervous experience because these actors are really good. We just needed to connect as a family, Ms. Nora's eyes feel like she'll actually eat you for dinner. Actually, I am a little too shy because I am the only one from GMA, but I got excited to be there because they were all so kind, hopefully soon I would be able to make more projects with them. I was really nervous with Direk, but I was happy because he was really into developing his actors. He was happy with our work, but he hugs people, he's a very nice man. "

Here's what I also got to ask the cast during the blogcon this evening.

Hope you could catch them on Christmas day! Get tickets from Upstream.ph today!

Maja and Zanjoe Does To Love Some ”Buddy”

Funny and so confident with their answers, we asked questions to Maja Salvador and Zanjoe Marudo, as they tell us a little more information when they made the upcoming movie TO LOVE SOMEBUDDY. It’s a story about two best friends going to that next step in falling in love, a plot that may have been said so many times but they say theirs is a different story.

Here’s part of their interview, sorry there is a nutjob who used his monopod in front.

Maja Salvador said “This would be nice to set an example for friends who would like to go that extra mile, to go the next step and love your best friend. It’s a nice feeling if it works; because it is uncommon to be with someone you are extra comfortable with them. In line with Blacksheep’s very millennial market, this would be something fresh because we haven’t really done anything or paired up, I was wishing for an MMK episode but this happened, when this was offered it was a little crazy because Zanjoe’s schedule is not fitting the bill, I guess it all worked out in the end and it was meant to happen. I could say it may be a best friend movie, but every best friend has a story. I hope we get that same vibe, the happy feeling. Every time we do things we are asked about the artists we work with, when I was asked about this film, I said yes, even if they were hesitating to ask me about it, I said it’s okay and I don’t mind even if they try to connect that past story.”

Zanjoe Marudo says “I am scared but excited because it is a new pairing. It’s easy to do it with Maja because she makes it easy, together with the creatives and Direk, they have crazy ideas and it’s chill on the set. I could call this MajesZ, the dancing duo! I am so happy for the previous projects, I am not thinking of any pressure since they have done quite well with the CarGel movie. Everyone waited for that and we too wanted to see it. Finally they did it and Blacksheep made that film, this would well be a good thing to follow that since they were able to do good in that film.”

Jason Paul Laxamana the director says “The situation is hilarious, this is a story that may have been told so many times on Philippine cinema but for those who have already seen it, it’s very funny.”

I haven’t watched this yet but judging from all the projects of Maja Salvador, this would be a nice team up on screen aside from seeing them merely bonding in events. This is their first try on screen, a good director and fun to see how it all ends. Zanjoe loves Maja’s teeth, while Maja loves Zanjoe’s feet, go see if it’s possible to fall in love with your best friend.

KUMAGCOW 

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Interview: Director Wenn Deramas on Maria Leonora Teresa

We met Director Wen Deramas a few days ago for a short interview regarding his new project with Star Cinema entitled Maria Leonora Teresa. It's a horror flick starring Jodie Sta. Maria, Zanjoe Marudo and Iza Calzado. The film talks about three folks who lost their daughters then started to have them replaced by dolls as therapy. Dolls that were all made into the liking of their own daughters. What they didn't know though was that they were up for a big surprise. They will start to notice that these dolls would later on have a life of their own, literally. Not just that, but they'll start to also have a killing spree, take over their lives, one that would happen when they least expect it.

It was also consequently Direk Wenn's birthday so we started off singing him a tune or two. Star Cinema folks ushered in with a caramel cake as he wished for the film's success. It's going to be pretty hard though to top what he's done in the past as he's got blockbuster films one after another. He's also doing another installment of Praybeyt Benjamin this MMFF season so you have to watch out for that this Christmas. Meanwhile while we were having the blog conference, we asked Direk Wenn about using the name of Maria Leonora Teresa.... he implicitly says that it's not to put an evil mark on his own well loved Maria Leonora Teresa doll of the famous Guy and Pip love team, that wasn't the purpose, that wasn't the thing they did. Maria Leonora Teresa is actually not just one person and he says it's about three little girls. These kids are all good ones, it just happens that the parents couldn't cope up and they were given dolls that were exact replica of the kids. It's not to insult the famous doll, it's not true that they are maligning it. It's even to remember, a tribute... because Direk Wenn Deramas is actually a Noranian too. 

When asked how long the dolls were made, they auditioned the kids first, got the management to approve it first, then molded, in about two months they got the product. Dutch Ledesma does the special effects, her daughter Laura Ledesma did the dolls much like prosthetic. The scary one is Leonora, even in real life she is actually (then he laughed it off). They had to take care of the kids all the time so they needed about 9 kids all in all so they can do the movie. Leonora even asked Director Wenn about a special alphabet... and said D.O.L.E.., they said some numbers too like 163. Director Wenn made sure they took care of them even before they started because of that. Kids didn't have to go through grueling hours of filming because they were really not allowed to. Aside from that, he told us that this project was actually conceptualized early 2005 right after Kampanerang Kuba starred by Anne Curtis. It got shelved because it was really intended as a series and a lot of people didn't know that doing horror films required so much work. They pitched this as a series to ABSCBN's executives and got approved right away. When they did the Susan Roces series, this got shelved and he said he's going to do it after three years. This is his first horror film, he's definitely excited to see it be on screen!

When I asked Direk Wenn how much of it is Computer graphics, he says he barely used that. He was more keen on using actual people and sometimes they had to spend 4 days straight just for one scene. They had limited time and they had to do 188 shots sometimes. It's not easy. He even called the heavens just to make this work. The dolls already had that name when they started but the title of the series then was called The Dolls. He's also happy about the sound because it's very detailed. They do one part in one day, they had quality, checking and all done by renowned Carmina Cuya. We're talking about 5 parts and he had to even do it after the blogcon. Carmina from Roadrunner was really even impressed about it and had so much excitement doing it. Audiences can expect only the best from the film come theaters this September 17, 2014. You will definitely love it he promises, so go and get your family, friends and make it a frightful day to change your viewing habits a bit.

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My Illegal Wife Starring Zanjoe Marudo and Pokwang

Shocked about the news that Pokwang got hooked up with hunk Zanjoe Marudo? Well let's not be too hasty because the rumors are TRUE. We're not going to tell you this is a crazy stunt, but you need to watch Star Cinema and Skylight Film's best offering this year called MY ILLEGAL WIFE. 

Pokwang plays the role of Clarise, a mother who has spent an entire time working in Japan to be able to provide for her 2 kids in the Philippines. Later on, finds herself making up stories to woo a gorgeous looking guy Henry played by Zanjoe Marudo who had a weird case of amnesia. Clarise got several movies from Star Cinema and acted them out to convince Henry that they are married. Henry couldn't believe it either and another girl comes along to take this guy from the hands of Clarise, played by the sexy Ellen Adarna. Then again, Pokwang vs Ellen Adarna? We all vote for Pokwang of course! The girl in the rain scene was unbelievable!

  

No one can ever say that Pokwang can't execute something as funny as this. In fact, judging from the reaction of the people I saw that afternoon during this grand presscon affirmed my hunch that this will be a hit. Why? Even if the video was looping, the trailer just kept us laughing non stop. The director and people behind the film even goes on to say that this isn't even 10 percent of the film and we're getting laughter this much... what more if we saw the entire film! Both Star Cinema and Skylight Films are excited to see how this film will perform later on this week when it shows in cinemas. 

Other stars on this film like Edgar Allan Guzman, Mikylla Ramirez, Steven de Guzman, the legendary Anita Linda, Beauty Gonzales and funny comedian Pooh will surely make this film a must watch. Don't also hold back when you see the antics of Empoy and Ms. Joy Viado, you'll pee in your pants moment will come close I'm sure!

Will this romance end with Bea Alonzo begging Zanjoe Marudo back from Pokwang and her beauty? We have to find out by watching the movie on June 11, don't miss it!

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Zanjoe Marudo stars in Bromance - It's worth every cent!

It was so nice to see Zanjoe Marudo again. The last time I did was the movie with Toni Gonzaga I think. This time though, he had a more reserved and confident aura. You can really feel that he's matured, acting wise he's definitely gained more experience over the years. Have you watched his latest film Bromance? Well, if you haven't... you'll be sorry because box office is dictating 50 Million in earnings. If that doesn't say it's good then you might want to have your eyes checked. 

In Bromance, Zanjoe Marudo turns gay. Yes, not permanently; but its just for the role. I don't know anybody who's 6 foot something that had to do that but just thinking about the plot of the movie it just makes me laugh already. It's not about the gayness though that this particular movie concentrates on. It's more about family, and what people could do for someone they love. 

It was actually easy for him to work with Direk Wenn Deramas. He had the set and cast feel light because that's what he wants the movie to be. With the experience that Zanjoe has in Banana Split/Banana Nite, it obviously helped him a lot with what to do in this film because the technicalities of timing, execution and humor were all but a normal thing in that program. Zanjoe feels blessed to be part of that crew, working here though was nothing different. You had to do everything too and Direk Wenn would actually make that easy for you. It's not easy to make someone laugh, more so tell that to an audience; but once you do you succeed sending the message then it's all good. You get that sense of fulfillment that you made every cent that these patrons spend in the movie house "WORTH IT" Zanjoe says. That's what he says is the best complement he has ever heard.

It's still showing on theaters nationwide. Yes, so hurry and watch Bromance; I'm watching it tomorrow with friends. This movie is worth every cent!

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