Ai-Ai, Bayani display rib-tickling chemistry in ‘Feelennial’

Comedy Queen Ms. Ai Ai delas Alas has found a new loveteam in the person of Bayani Agbayani, her partner in the comedy film “Feelennial” from DSL Productions and Cignal Entertainment.

“Akala ko hindi na ako makahahanap ng bagong leading man na mahusay kabatuhan ng linya,” said the lead actress of “Feelennial” which had a very successful premiere night at SM Megamall Cinema 4 on Monday.

This is her first film with Bayani although they have been friends for more than three decades. Bayani was still a PA (Production Assistant) in GMA when he and Ai Ai first met. They became good pals and remained as such through the years, sharing many happy and sad experiences.

“Katulad siya ni Bossing Vic Sotto sa husay sa rapport at batuhan ng linya,” said Ai Ai.

And this was very evident in their scenes in “Feelennial” where they brought the house down. The theater was roaring with laughter from start to finish. There was no dull moment. It was a very entertaining movie and what made the humor work well was the chemistry of Ai Ai and Bayani.

“We really worked hard to give the audience an entertaining film. Gusto lang namin magpasaya ng mga tao and, based sa reaction nila, we were successful,” Ai Ai added.

The Comedy Queen is hopeful that with the positive feedback from those who watched “Feelennial,” they will be able to lure moviegoers to catch the movie which opens today in cinemas nationwide.

The film is also the first directorial job of Rechie del Carmen. She had directed shows for ABS-CBN and GMA-7 and this is her first break as a movie director. She is thankful to Pops Fernandez for giving her the chance to direct a film.

She also expressed her thanks to Cignal Entertainment for trusting that she is capable of handling two comedy stalwarts like Ai Ai and Bayani.

Direk Rechie feels lucky to have worked with competent and professional actors.

“I enjoyed myself working with all of them because they are all good actors, even the newcomers that we have in the cast. We had a pleasant experience because my stars are very cooperative. And our producer, Ms.Pops Fernandez, took good care of us during the filming.”

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The main cast of the period film “Culion” is now complete. The female leads are Iza Calzado, Meryll Soriano and Jasmine Curtis-Smith who finally met the entire cast in the story conference last Saturday.

Jasmine expressed excitement and gladness that she is part of this historic project written by premiere screenwriter Ricky Lee and directed by Gawad Urian nominee Alvin Yapan.

Producing the movie is the controversial Shandii Bacolod whose film credits include “Transit,” “Oro,” “What Home Feels Like” and “Double Twisting, Double Back.”

“I am very thankful to be part of this movie which has very good material. That’s why we really made it a point to fix my schedule so I can do it,” said Jasmine who won several acting awards for the indie film “Transit.”

She is looking forward to working with Iza and Meryll, two fine actresses she idolizes. This is also her first film written by the iconic Ricky Lee and that doubles the excitement for Jasmine. She will play the role of Mike Liwag’s wife in the film.

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After getting a small role in “What Home Feels Like” as the son of Bembol Rocco, newbie Rex Lantano will be seen next in the upcoming ABS-CBN teleserye “Take Life” top billed by Gerald Anderson and directed by Richard Somes. Rex plays the role of Ismael, the youngest member of a rebel group.

It was in teleseryes where Rex honed his craft. He is thrilled to have been cast in “Culion” as well. While waiting for more projects, Rex decided to go back to school. He is taking up Mass Communications at Far Eastern University and he hopes to graduate next year.