Lovi, Joem sizzle in ‘The Annulment’

Joanna Ampil is the voice behind the theme song of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2019 entry “Culion” which was officially launched Monday at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas Center.

The former Broadway star and Gawad Urian Best Actress winner for “Larawan” said she feels honored and privileged to be given the daunting task of giving life to the song composed by Felipe de Leon, Jr., the son of National Artist for Music, Maestro Felipe de Leon.

“I looked at the lyrics and I knew it would be a bit hard to sing something of this genre because I have never done something like this before. Thank you so much for writing this song,” said Joanna.

Titled “Kundimang Mahal,” the song is sure to be one of the strong contenders for the Best Theme Song Award in December’s MMFF.

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Coleen Garcia and Edgar Allan Guzman display exceptional on-screen chemistry in the official trailer of their latest film, “Mia,” released by Insight 360 Films in partnership with Viva Films.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Veronica Velasco, “Mia” is a romantic comedy film about doctor Mia Salazar (Coleen) and nerdy forester Jay Policarpio (Edgar Allan).

Jay, who transforms mined-out land into rainforests, pursues the self-destructive alcoholic, Mia, who recently joined the government’s Doctor to the Barrios program to heal from the tragedy of her fiance’s death.

Showing that conflict sometimes belies an undercurrent of passion, Mia and Jay’s occasional clashes soon create compelling chemistry between them.

The trailer, which was released on various prominent YouTube and Facebook channels including Insight 360, Mia: The Movie, Cinema Bravo, and Design Pirate PH, also features the film’s official soundtrack titled “Sa Iba Na Lang” performed by duo B.O.U. and written by Jayson Dedal.

Other cast members include veteran actors Yayo Aguila and William Martinez, Billy Crawford, Star Orjaliza, Jeremy Domingo, Sunshine Teodoro, Pau Benitez, and Xenia Barrameda.

The screenplay was co-written by Velasco and Jinky Laurel while Noel Teehankee served as its director of photography.

Produced by public relations and digital marketing expert Chris Cahilig, “Mia” is scheduled to be in cinemas on January 15, 2020.

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Pop balladeer Ronnie Liang held a very successful solo concert at the Music Museum titled Love X Romance last Friday where she had Popstar Sarah Geronimo as special guest.

Ronnie wowed the audience with a medley of songs by Michael Buble, whose music fit Ronnie’s voice. He has this soothing voice that can switch from slow numbers to fast ones with ease. Maybe it’s because he really takes good care of his voice. He also sung love songs “Basta’t Kasama Kita,” “Nandito Ako” and “Ikaw” which was also sang in Korean version. Spicing up the night were Ella Cruz who did a rousing dance number and Janine Tenoso who did a song number.

But it was Sarah G’s presence that made up for an explosive evening. She did two numbers with Ronnie (“Shallow” and “Liwanag” composed by Marlon Barnuevo) and the new songs that they collaborated on which are now available on Spotify and other digital platforms.

Sarah had nothing but praises for Ronnie. “If ever I will have a child, I’d like him to look like Ronnie who is not good-looking but has a good singing voice. And that is no joke.”

Ronnie, on the other hand, is very grateful to the recently engaged singer who agreed to appear in his concert.

Love X Romance is a celebration of Ronnie’s 12th year in showbiz. He is set to finish his course as a pilot and is hoping to take his whole family on a plane ride. Also up for release from Ronnie is a Christmas song titled “Sa Paskong Darating” composed by Joel Abad.

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We thoroughly enjoyed “The Annulment” which we watched during its red carpet premiere at SM Megamall the other night.

The screen sizzled with the love scenes of Lovi Poe and Joem Bascon. And the audience loved those scenes that saw Lovi and Joem in various states of undress.

The movie is well-acted and ably directed by Mac Alejandre who said he could have not done a good job if not for his amazing cast.

“The Annulment” says it takes two to make a relationship work. But when one of the parties make a mistake, you can’t help if the aggrieved party will find it hard to forget most especially if she catches the guy in the act. But it may also be different if the person will choose love instead of hate. Healing may be hard and painful but if you choose to go on separate ways, that will be liberating as well.

Congratulations to Lovi, Joem, Direk Mac and Regal Entertainment. “The Annulment” opens today in cinemas nationwide.