Eddie Garcia in another award-winning role

“Hintayan ng Langit” is the second film of director Dan Villegas that was based on a stage play. This play was first staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippine’s Virgin Labfest. His first one was “Changing Partners” that was shown last year and garnered many awards.

“Hintayan ng Langit” was an entry at the QCinema Filmfest last October where it won the Audience Choice Award and the best actor trophy for Mr. Eddie Garcia.

The one-act play had only two characters so Direk Dan had to add more to expand the material and make it a full-length film. The lead roles of “Hintayan ng Langit” are played by Ms. Gina Pareno (Lising) and Mr. Eddie Garcia (Manalo). They are in a place called “Kalagitnaan” where souls who have died wait to be transferred to heaven. Manolo is Lising’s ex-boyfriend and when he arrives, they are made to share one room. While together, they relive fond memories and uncover past secrets. The question now is will they get a second chance at love while waiting for their turn to get into heaven?

As a film student in Ateneo, Direk Dan dreamt of making his own films someday but he never imagined he will get the chance to work with Tito Eddie and Tita Gina. The two veteran actors were his first choices for the lead roles of “Hintayan ng Langit.”

“It was a joy to work with them. The movie was shot in 11 days and we are happy we got a theatrical release after competing at QCinema Film Festival,” Direk Dan said.

Also in the cast of “Hintayan ng Langit” are Mary Joy Apostol, Joel Saracho, Jomari Angeles and Kat Galang. The movie opens today in cinemas nationwide.

Tito Eddie, who won Best Actor for “Hintayan ng Langit,” said he never gets tired of winning awards.

“Getting recognized for your acting is a reward for a job well done. I always give my best in every role given to me because I owe it to the audience,” he said.

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Showbiz newbie Miguel Villasis turned his back on basketball to pursue a career in showbiz. The former varsity player just released his debut single, “Date Tayo.”

The former cager from Letran and Trinity University of Asia wrote the lyrics of his song which was composed by fliptop sensation Rapido and was arranged by Von Magno. Also a co-writer and singer is CK David.

The single is produced by PSRstudios, the sister company of Philippine Showbiz Republic (PSR.ph).

“Date Tayo” was used as one of the soundtracks in the short film “Two Strings Down” which features Miguel in the lead role. He hopes the short film will be accepted in local and international festivals.

Miguel hopes to make a good impression now that he has joined showbiz. He underwent acting workshops and has joined a model search where he emerged as first runner up.

You can listen to “Date Tayo” on various online platforms. A music video will be featured on YouTube soon.

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The sudden passing of OPM legend Rico J. Puno came as a major shock and many mourned his demise.

Rico J, regarded as one of the prime movers of OPM, wowed audiences and left us with a lineup of popular national anthems such as his unique version of Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were," “Kapalaran,” “Buhat,” “Macho Gwapito,” “Lupa,” “May Bukas Pa,” “Ang Tao'y Marupok,” “Magkasuyo Buong Gabi” and “You and I.”

When singer Tosca Puno was asked about the concert of his father on November 23 at the Theatre at Solaire, she said, “I know my Papa will say, ‘The show must go on!’  It was announced recently that ‘Music and Laughter: Sana Tatlo Ang Puso Ko’ with Giselle Sanchez and Marissa Sanchez will push through to pay tribute to the Total Entertainer.

Joining the show are Marco Sison, Nonoy Zuñiga, Nanette Inventor and Eric Nicolas, with the special participation of Tosca Puno and Rox Puno.

Expect the unexpected on Nov. 23, at the Theatre at Solaire, an affair filled with music, hilarity and reminiscing.

“Music and Laughter: A Tribute Show for Rico J. Puno” is presented by Grand Leisure Corporation and StartUp Village, in cooperation with Solaire Resort & Casino.

For tickets, call 891-9999 or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph.