Broken Mirror : Inside A Chinese Marriage Book Launch

I'm spending the afternoon at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel in Sta. Cruz Manila for the book launch of Broken Mirror : Inside A Chinese Marriage by Aurora Teo Mei Ling and Coylee Gamboa. Actually, just hearing about the topic already shocked me because just the mere thought of talking about it seems to be taboo in Chinese culture. You get the feeling that if you do, you'll get shunned or ostracized by the greater populace. I was a little worried, but thought that if my hunch was right, it would be a little empowering to see this all out in the open. It might spark discussion, controversy yes, but perhaps also empower women who might fall into the same situation. So before the book reading, author Coylee Gamboa quirps "You may not know it but this is a phenomenal launch. This is a life story, not new, as a lot of women has the same life. This is a tell all, the pain is so raw that it pains me to listen to her story. After a difficult life, she told me it's not enough that we write the book and put it on the book shelf and I want my life to mean something, even if everyone said she was not worth loving. She has endured abuse, she was shipped to Hong Kong and suffered more with a marriage plus the reality of accepting a second family. She tries to save the marriage but it was not meant to be. She tells how she kept hope, the want to dream, as a heroine who finds her voice to move Filipino Chinese traditions and customs, and hopes to have this literature become a movie."

 They ask "Who is Aurora?". She defies tradition, divulges the secrets of the Chinese marriage. During the reading I heard lines of affairs, asking "How many times will I let him do this to me? How many times will he break my heart? I didn't know tears were drawing on my cheeks, felt my mind was separared from my body, and I still went home. No matter how shattered I am, my kids were my refuge. I was barely able to live from day to day, I escaped to my bedroom and drank my sorrows. I plunged to drinking, and said to my husband "I heard Vivian is pregnant" and his silence was an admission of guilt. He said it was over but how could she get pregnant? He was very apologetic and remorseful, but I could imagine he could feel my pain. I didn't know what to think anymore, should I have expected fidelity? Did he even want to get away from her? I hoped we could be in love with one another, settled for friendship and companionship. He promised to end the affair, paid her off for the price of peace and wanted her out of the picture. But I could not help but see how he tried to make amends, but I was a carpet worn out trampled upon regularly."

That's just a part of the story. It was quite interesting to hear that this is actually from real people. Would you stay in a loveless marriage? Would you stick it out with a person like in this chinese marriage?

The book is available in all Fully Booked branches at BGC, Powerplant mall, Greenbelt 5, Mall of Asia, Alabang Town Center, Century Mall, Eastwood Mall, Greenhills Promenade and other leading stores nationwide.

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Mr. Dingdong Dantes... This Hurts!

That moment when Mrs. Real couldn't take it anymore and confirms that Mr. Real had another Mrs. Real. Slowly.. it happened!

P.S.

Mr. Dingdong Dantes, please get your face checked after that scene. Argh!I am super sure that thing would just hurt your face! Ouch!

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Director Andoy Ranay, Dingdong Dantes and Maricel Soriano for "Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real"

It was a great day to get to know people from the show "Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real" which is one of the great prime time offerings  in GMA. I've written about Lovi Poe in the past and this time we'll get to know them (people in front and behind the cam) a little better as we got to talk with Director Andoy Ranay, Dingdong Dantes and the Diamond Star Ms. Maricel Soriano.

Director Andoy Ranay

Direk Andoy Ranay has been working behind the camera for years now and just recently, he has been the talk of the town because of the hit movie "Diary ng Panget" (Diary of an Ugly) which catapulted the career of James Reid, Andre Paras, Nadine Ilustre and Yassi Pressman. He said that the ready market of readers was one of the reasons why it became successful and he also attributes that project with VIVA getting the rights on it. The second one he's making isn't really a sequel but another book being made into film just like when they used to do it with Filipino comics in the past. It was a big surprise because he says these unknown actors were all lucky as fans of the book immediately supported the movie. The second project "Talk Back And You're Dead" is also banking on the fan base but they're also glad that they are also working with a giant production such as Star Cinema. There are going to be new actors and he knows the material is very good even if it was written by young ones. He adds "This is more serious and intense. I need to know how to get their psyche and know them as a person. Their life experiences are not much but the friendly approach is being done so I can get something from them". Direk Andoy also says "Working with veteran actors is easy, more so if you are in the leagues of the people you're working with in "Ang Dalawang Mrs Real". I still want to learn a lot, that's where I came from... the theater. My passion is acting too. I impart what I learn from that to kids... but working with Maricel is a dream. I watch her during the early years but I try so hard to also not be overwhelmed. This project was offered to her but we only knew each other as friends. Now as a director, she asked for a dinner so we can get to know each other. She assured me that she will give her respect, talent and everything to me. Her presence really is like that so I try not to be star struck every time we meet on the set."

With regards to the show, comparisons he says was not too present because he knows he's telling a different story. The legal wife was on the point of view of the wife. This one's more on the guy's side and the issue of bigamy. This is where they concentrate and not too much on the other women in his life. They are concentrating on the families and the three big actors on the project. You can expect that there will be a big confrontation soon and he mentions that they are brewing that right now. Maricel will release or unleash her madness soon. Direk Andoy says he is inspired just to work with Dingdong, Lovi and Ms. Maricel. He also says he appreciates how much effort they put into this and even better on the next few taping days. It only takes them a few takes because they really know how to do it already. They don't really give any inputs because they want Direk Andoy to take charge. If they did that, Direk Andoy would have given them the Director position..  and we laughed a bit about that. 

Direk Andoy was a joy to interview and he was very nice too. He didn't give out that aura of being too strict while we were there and says the rumors before were really not true. I've seen it myself that evening.

Lovi Poe Shines in GMA's New Drama "Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real"

Gorgeous goddess and premier drama actress Lovi Poe is at it again. After the very successful shows in the Kapuso network, she's back to play the role of Sheila Salazar - Real in long awaited "Ang dalawang Mrs. Real". She'll be playing opposite Diamond Star Maricel Soriano and paired with third sexiest man in the world Dingdong Dantes. 

Her role in this series would be a lot different than those which she has previously played as she'll be a lot adventurous and strong willed. She's going to give it all for her man. Her vulnerability will also show in the series, much like any woman in her situation. Playing as her husband Anthony Real is Dingdong Dantes. She fell in love and got married with him, not knowing that another one exists. 

Lovi says “My character here as Shiela has a strong personality and is a bit boyish. As compared to my role in ‘Akin Pa Rin ang Bukas’, my character there was a little too weak, she just became strong when she sought revenge. In this one, she already was strong in the beginning but when she found out what happened… no matter how strong she was as a woman, when our hearts get broken.. we just sometimes give up. I think that's exactly what’s going to happen”.

Lovi Poe is excited about this project as she is going to work with critically acclaimed actors like Ms. Maricel and Dingdong. Will she fight for the love or give up once she finds out about the affair? Don't miss this very special Teleserye from GMA on June 2; to be shown during the GMA Telebabad time slot. This is another promising project after Lovi Poe's hit shows "Akin Pa Rin Ang Bukas", "Legacy" and "Yesterday's Bride" proven with high ratings and great performances bar none.

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The Proposal

It was a big secret and I was into it. I didn't really know what would happen that day; but since he's my cousin I went ahead and said yes for all the wrong (of course not!) and right reasons. I was happy for him and true enough we went ahead with the plan. The plan was for him to settle down but this wasn't an ordinary way to do it! He's got their engagement rings set, wedding rings and the whole brouhaha organized in just a couple of days. I was so glad to be a part of it!

I went up this huge building over the metro's business district and waited an hour or two. It was a radio station and the DJ was a friend of my cousin. They talked about this already so I didn't really have to brief them. When they arrived everyone became nervous. I didn't know how to shoot them secretly or even look at them straight in the eye. Since I was there already I just went with the flow. The DJ started a topic about traffic and higher toll fees during the show while we sat on the side and listened. They asked a question or two from callers and proceeded to ask my cousin. They pretended to ask around again and did it to the pretty young lady in this story. She didn't even want to move to the microphone and begged off to be aired on national radio. When she did they asked more questions. My cousin almost fainted from nervousness but went ahead and popped the question. Out came the gorgeous ring and she was really surprised! People became teary eyed in the station. I started shooting and even tried to manage to get a video recording. The moments were precious and I didn't want to lose any detail. It was heartwarming and something out of the ordinary. She gave a resounding YES to him. We smiled, he got relieved and cried (of course he won't admit that!). It was nice to see them so in love with each other. It was one of the nicest things I've ever seen in my life. I'm happy for my cousin and his fiancée. Really happy!


They just asked everyone to save the date on January and I'm sure this will be so much fun! I'm very happy his fiancée will soon be part of our family. I hope for the best on their wedding day!

Congratulations!