James quits Penduko due to spinal injuries

Curtain-raisers:

• Like depression, bipolar disorder is a serious condition that can drive a sufferer to self-destruction. A doctor said that if a sufferer forgets to take his medication (or “maintenance” which is prescribed for life), he could commit suicide by hanging from a balcony window or some other ways. “Continuous psychiatric intervention is needed to thresh out the causes,” added the doctor. One patient claimed that he couldn’t cope with peer pressure, worsened by “controlling” parents who set the bar much too high for their children.

• Did you know that concert producers have stopped hiring an actor-singer whose asking price is “much too much” (read: not worth it). It is said for an out-of-town show, he charges P800,000, take it or leave it. Just imagine how much he would charge for an out-of-the-country show.

• Incidentally, producers abroad are complaining that they hardly make even a little money or unable to break even because of the amount added to the artists’ talent fees, such as airfare and hotel accommodation for the artists’ “entourage.” Added to the producers’ woes are poor ticket sales, one reason why a producer cancelled one of California shows of an artist’s concert tour. “Filipino artists are pricing themselves out of the market,” lamented the producer.

* * *

So you think that only Liza Soberano is quitting a major project due to health reasons? Think again. Liza couldn’t do Darna because of a serious finger injury that required surgery in the US.

There’s also James Reid who quit Viva’s remake of Pedro Penduko due to health reasons. He could have been the fourth actor to play the role, after Efren Reyes, Ramon Zamora and Janno Gibbs.

Here’s the official statement from Viva Films:

Viva Films regretfully announces that it has accepted the withdrawal of James Reid from the movie Pedro Penduko for medical reasons.

James has spinal injuries and the film Pedro Penduko involves intensive training and major stunts. His regular therapy and treatment prohibit him to train hard or perform for the rigid requirements.

James has spent over a year training and getting ready for this film and Viva truly appreciates his dedication and commitment to this project. Viva respects James’ decision and wishes him a speedy recovery.

In the works is a reunion movie with Nadine Lustre. It will be a remake of the hit Korean movie, Spellbound.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)

Paolo’s creation fails to make the Bb. Top 10 Best Costumes

Paolo Ballesteros’ creation did turn heads at the 2019 Bb. Pilipinas’ National Costume show the other night at the New Frontier Theater but it failed to make the Top 10 Best.

Worn by contestant No. 25 Honey Grace Cartasanao of Rizal Province, the gown is a fusion of Barong Tagalog and ‘ibos,’ with the buri or palm leaves used to hold the suman. The belt is made of abaca fiber and an ‘ibos’-inspired headpiece completed the look. The Barong Tagalog is embroidered and draped at the back with pearls and rhinestones representing the Philippines as Pearl of the Orient.

And here are the Top 10 Best in National Costume and their designers:

Leren Mae Bautista, Laguna, Renee Magtibay Salud and Chico Estiva.

Maria Andrea Abesamis, Pasig City, Amir Sali.

Vickie Rushton, Negros Occidental, Jomar Peralta.

Hannah Arnold, Masbate, Benj Leguiab.

Samantha Mae Bernardo, Palawan, Patrick Isorena.

Cassandra Chan, Bacolod, Toby de Ramos.

Samantha Ashley Lo, Cebu, Edwin Uy.

Jessarie Dumaguing, Puerto Princesa, Jobel Silvestre.

Emma Mary Tiglao, Pampanga, Rich Sabinian.

Resham Saeed, Maguindanao, Ryan Jude Castillo.