Carmina Villaroel stars in lone horror 2019 MMFF entry

Carmina Villarroel admits that she was very happy when their horror flick “Sundo” was chosen as official entry to the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival. It took over the slot of Kris Aquino’s movie which was disqualified. But Mina said when Kris’ movie was dropped, she received a text from her, saying shae’d be happy if “Sundo” is chosen as replacement.

She is not the first choice to play the role of the mother who’d do anything to protect her child in “Sundo,” Carmina’s first solo starrer after a long while. But she didn’t mind.

“What is important is that I got the role. I was the final choice. If it’s meant to be mine, then it will surely land on my lap,” said the actress who returns to the MMFF this year.

She can’t remember what was the last MMFF entry she had but she is very thankful to Ten17 Productions and Globe Studios for choosing her to play the lead actress in the Carlo Ledesma (who also directed the animated movie “Saving Sally”) film.

“I had wanted to do movies but I can’t find the right project that would appeal to me. But when I read the script of ‘Sundo,’ I readily said yes,” she added. She was doing a teleserye for GMA Network that time but she agreed to do “Sundo” even if it meant shuttling from the movie set to the taping of her teleserye.

“I really love the script kaya I agreed to do it. Excited nga ako magbalik-pelikula kasi maganda ang project,” said Mina.

She doesn’t want to pressure herself so even if she knows “Sundo” is battling box-office giants at the filmfest, she doesn’t want to give it much thought.

“I am happy that ‘Sundo’ was chosen and since we’re the only horror film in the MMFF, we are hopeful that the audience will also watch our film even if we are facing more established stars,” said Mina.

She is also not entertaining thoughts of winning the best actress award either. Now that Judy Ann Santos was named Best Actress for “Mindanao” at the Cairo International Film Festival, she believes Juday might win thwe best actress trophy at the MMFF.

“Iniisip ko pa lang ang tungkol sa award ay napi-pressure ako. Happy na ako na napili ang movie namin. Of course, sino naman ang di gusto na manalo ng award? Pero I don’t want to pressure myself.”

Also in the cast of “Sundo” are Mylene Dizon, Freddie Webb, Susan Africa, Kate Alejandrino, Krystel Brimmer, Rhed Bustamante and JC Santos.

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There’s no doubt that when it comes to beauty, Belo is top of mind – always innovating, always raising the bar for the beauty industry to follow. As the Belo Medical Group enters its 30th year, a new phase of beautiful changes and even more amazing beauty innovations is underway.

The first wave of change is an expansive, more modern Belo clinic that prides itself on being all-Filipino. The 370-sqm Belo flagship clinic, located at One Bonifacio High Street Mall in BGC, boasts of modern Filipino aesthetics, design, and technology, plus an amazing view of the city. Drs. Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho collaborated with world-renowned Filipino architecture and design firm Budji + Royal because they wanted a duo who can translate the sensibility of Belo into a space.

“As Belo enters a new phase in its journey to reach its vision to make the Philippines the world’s beauty destination, we proudly present to you not just one, but three new clinics,” said Dr. Belo. “A fresh new face will represent this new phase, the country’s next big star who will be playing the iconic superhero role of Darna, Jane de Leon.”

De Leon, whose star only continues to rise, represents the beginning of a fresh and future-proof Belo and its constant evolution to better serve the needs of their patients.

A flash mob performance featuring Belo Medical Group’s very own staff and the stunning performers of Madison Events happened at the facade of One Bonifacio High Street and along the crosswalk of 5th Avenue. Then guests were led to the cocktail area inside the mall’s activity center, where they were serenaded by veteran theatre performers Gian Magdangal and Nicole Asensio. At the clinic, guests were treated to a show-stopping performance from the G-Force Dance Team and Darren Espanto, and finally, Jane revealed herself in a stunning Rajo Laurel creation. The show was directed by none other than famed director Fritz Infante.

The star-studded Belo BGC grand launch was visited by the likes of Alden Richards, Rhian Ramos, Lucy Torres-Gomez, Jinkee Pacquiao, Iza Calzado, Georgina Wilson, Maymay Entrata, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, and more.