Aubrey in orbit; Ivy in concert

Young director Erik Matti is about to create a deafening buzz with the release of his latest film Prosti under Regal Entertainment.

Matti makes a debut of sorts as he comes to tinsel town with his first ever ouvre for Regal Films. "They say a director’s career can never be complete without working for Regal Films. At totoo ’yun!" says Erik. "It feels like I’m starting out all over again. It’s an experience hard to match."

The films of Erik are usually described as visually arresting, creatively groundbreaking, and of course extremely controversial. He has been instrumental in the rise of sexy sirens Joyce Jimenez, Sunshine Cruz and Rica Peralejo.

And now with Prosti, many are predicting that the film’s lead star, Aubrey Miles the next most important sexy star in the overcrowded galaxy of sexy nymphets. Mother Lily, Regal Entertainment’s matriarch says, "This is Erik Matti’s forte: unforgettable films that become vehicles for new stars to become big box-office stars. He has done it before and Regal believes his magic touch will make Prosti a box-office hit."

"Ah diyan na magkakatalo," says Erik. "Aubrey Miles is a fantastic actress. I believe in her talent. She’s a competent actress – projecting the right emotions but not forgetting the technical aspect of acting like being conscious of camera angles, point of view etc. Regal Films has every reason to launch her in Prosti. She’s worth the trouble and more."

While she has yet to prove that she’s more than just the sexy body splashed in the latest FHM cover. Aubrey is unfazed by all the media attention. "I’m not affected at all," she explains. "Pero minsan nahihiya ako when grade schools kids approach me, holding my FHM cover and asking me to autograph it. It’s funny and weird at the same time. Ha! ha!"

Aubrey says that there are a lot of daring scenes in the movie – and she’s ready for both praise and flak. "This is just work for me," she says. "This is what I’m being paid for. Trabahong matino ito. Prosti is my biggest break and I intend to make every single moment worthy of my producers’ money and the moviegoers’ as well. I promise to work hard. The big bonus is, I’m also having a lot of fun. This is everything I’ve always wanted to be."

In Prosti, Aubrey plays a hooker who falls in love with her pimp. A love affair doomed from the start, the two struggle to keep their life afloat in a world where one has to kill in order to live.

Prosti is just the beginning of an exciting career for Aubrey. She is set to star in Una at Huli (tentative title) with Richard Gomez also for Regal Films. "That’s even more pressure for me, starring in a movie with an established star like Richard," says Aubrey. "Kaya cool lang muna ako. Isa-isa lang. I don’t want to get lost in the excitement. What I’m focusing into now is the quality of work I’m expected to deliver. I’m very serious in my work. I don’t wanna let anybody down."

Prosti also marks a first-time collaboration between Erik and multi-awarded writer Roy Iglesias. "Roy called me after watching Ekis expressing that he wants us to work together in a film," Erik relates. "I have always admired Roy for his scripts. Mahusay talaga siyang writer – very deep and at the same time very real. Laking pasasalamat ko sa pangyayaring ito dahil matagal ko nang pangarap ang makatrabaho si Roy Iglesias." Prosti, which also stars Jay Manalo, Paolo Raymundo and many more, unreels in theaters on October 2.

* * *

Ivy Violan is known far and wider as a belter and international song festival champion. Her checkered singing career has encompassed more than two decades and she had already come full circle as a singer and performer. She’s long passed the been-there-done-that-stage, musically that is.

In celebration of her 21st year in the business, Hard Rock Café and Company V present Ivy in In Full Circle at Hard Rock Café tonight at 9 p.m. The seasoned singer will perform an all-upbeat repertoire in new arrangements of songs from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and songs of contemporary artists.

Ivy says she has come full circle in her career – the reason why she chose the title of her concert. She says she is very happy right now and content about everything in her life. "I realize that you can make life more exciting when you learn to love yourself more and when you have a personal relationship with the Lord," Ivy explains.

Tickets for In Full Circle are priced at P600 inclusive of two standard drinks. It features a lot of special guests, including former members of Sangkatutak. For inquiries call 724 1762 or Hard Rock.