Julius now a ‘dad’

My friend and Tin-Tin Bersola’s boyfriend Julius Babao is now a proud dad – of Siberian Husky pups, that is.

Julius’ Siberian Huskies Krystal and Kamatz recently gave birth to three Siberian Husky pups whom he named Frankie (who has blue eyes, which are rare for their breed), Ebony (the dark one) and Naoimi (the brown one). The adorable puppies were born just a few days after Julius’ birthday "We’re all Cancerians!" Julius jokes.

Julius has made the vaccination shots have been administered because he will soon turn the pups over to interested parents. Of course, you can buy them. I mean the Siberian huskies, not Julius! (Just kidding, Tin-Tin!).

If interested call, 09196222498 or 09797710209.

Largest lantern

Disney Channel recently filed its application to the Guinness Book of World Records for the World’s Largest Christmas Lantern. Measuring 84 feet in diameter, the Christmas lantern is located at the parking lot of Robinsons Starmills in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

The country’s leading family channel paid £250 to fast track its application. As of press time, Guinness has asked for additional photos of the actual construction and display of Lantern. Also, as early as November, Disney Channel and the Robinsons Malls already sent videos and pictures of last year’s giant Pampanga Lantern Festival winners for reference purposes.

The Christmas Lantern was unveiled last Dec. 22. It was amid fireworks lit for the first time the following day. Two smaller lanterns forming Mickey Mouse’s ears (17 feet in diameter each) were attached last Dec. 27 and lit on Dec. 28.

Disney Channel and Robinsons Malls wish that our entry for the World’s Largest Christmas Lantern would give recognition to the skills and talents of the Pampanga lantern makers.

Maricel praises Kris A.

"I’m telling you, she’s really good in this movie. Hanga ako sa kanya."

It was no less than Maricel Soriano, the country’s Diamond Star, talking about Kris Aquino who plays her younger sister in Regal Entertainment’s entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival, Mano Po.

Kris indeed delivers a quiet but riveting performance that won her the Best Supporting Actress trophy in the 28th Metro Manila Film Festival Awards.

While these days Kris is more known as a TV host, she actually started her showbiz career as an actress. Her first movie was Pido Dida. The movie broke records at the tills, earning her the title Box-Office Queen that year. Other moneymakers followed, including the Carmela Vizconde Story, which gave Kris another title, the Massacre Queen. For The Fatima Buen Story, Kris was nominated as Best Actress at the Urian Awards.

Kris was cast by Mother Lily herself for Mano Po. She immediately thought of Kris for the good daughter part, prompting line-producer and award-winning production designer Tatus Aldana to quip in jest, "perfect typecasting."

Mano Po also stars Eddie Garcia, Boots Anson Roa, Tirso Cruz III, Gina Alajar, Richard Gomez, Jay Manalo, Eric Quizon, Maricel Soriano, Cogie Domingo, Maxene Magalona and Ara Mina. It is still being shown in theaters nationwide. Watch it!

Uncompromising attitude

Spirit Warriors 2: The Short Cut is another Metro Manila Filmfest entry. The movie which stars the Streetboys is directed by Chito Roño who, incidentally, directed another MMFF entry, Star Cinema’s Dekada ’70.

In Spirit Warriors 2, Chito’s uncompromising attitude towards special effects is evident. "We pushed the limits of the medium all over again," says Chito. "We don’t want to repeat what has been done. If there’s anything we’d want to compete with, it can only be what we previously achieved. That’s what we’re trying to beat here, nothing else."

There are 110 visual effects shot in Spirit Warriors 2. Horrifying creatures like tikbalangs, aswangs, tiyanaks, engkantos and sirenas abound in the movie.

Spirit Warriors 2 is released by Regal Entertainment. It also stars Jaime Fabregas, Gloria Romero and Marlou Aquino.