Interestingly, the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Meant to ‘Beh is the first time Comedy King Vic Sotto and actress Dawn Zulueta are collaborating on the silver screen and many are excited this early to watch them together.
“That’s right!” says Vic. “We’ve worked together in the sitcom ‘Okay Ka, Fairy Ko’ for a time but that was ages ago. I’m glad that finally, we were given the chance to be paired on a grand silver screen project like this. It’s good that Dawn accepted the offer right away when the project was pitched in to her.”
“Actually, it’s a big honor to be paired with Bosing Vic on a grand movie presentation like ‘Meant to ‘Beh’,” Dawn states. “For a time, I played the role of Faye in Okay Ka Fairy Ko. I think that was in the mid-‘90s. It was short-lived though and after that, there wasn’t any chance for us to do another project once again. That’s why I’m thrilled because for sure, the viewing public will find our screen pairing exciting since it is fresh.”
Both Vic and Dawn feel positive about their offering in this year’s edition of the MMFF (which is a joint production of OctoArts Films, APT Entertainment and M-Zet TV Productions) with regards to its box-office potential.
“I think the freshness of the material is a strong factor,” Vic avers. “It’s a family movie and personally, I’m excited to do a genre like this. For a change, it’s not a fantasy material with special effects. Surely, the viewers can relate to the characters in the story. It’s the perfect movie date for all the families come Christmastime.”
“We’ll be presenting conflicts that surround contemporary families, like the relationship of husbands and wives when they feel they’ve already outgrown each other after being married for quite some time, how parents handle the challenges and difficulties faced by their children at present and how kids play a vital role in bringing back their parents together. It’s really a heart-warming story that the public will love,” adds Dawn.
Apart from the two illustrious screen icons, the movie boasts of a star-studded cast, which includes talents from the two biggest TV networks in the land namely, ABS-CBN and GMA.
“That’s right! Joining us are Daniel Matsunaga, Andrea Torres, Sue Ramirez, Ruru Madrid and our three children in the story: JC Santos, Gabbi Garcia and Baby Baste. The thought of working with these new blood is simply thrilling. We’re happy that in ‘Meant to ‘Beh’ there’s no network war. We’re here to work and give our viewers quality entertainment!”
Vic and Dawn are aware that they have huge competition at the tills in the upcoming film fest since other front-rank stars have their respective entries as well like Coco Martin, Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla, Derek Ramsay and Jennylyn Mercado.
“We’re aware that it will be a strong field. The pressure is there but we welcome the challenge. As we’ve said, we have faith in our material. For one, we’re the only family-oriented vehicle in the festival which is good. Definitely, the viewing public will not only enjoy the film but pick up some valuable lessons from its various themes,” the two end in unison.
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Ruru Madrid is grateful for the positive developments in his showbiz career at present. Apart from his popularity, his acting skill is also getting recognized. Recently, he tied with Dingdong Dantes as Best Drama Actor in the recently concluded PMPC Star Awards for Television.
“I’m simply blessed with everything that’s happening in my career as of now. That award from the PMPC is really something. I shared the stage with Kuya Dong, imagine? That role in Encantadia (Prinsipe Ybrahim) in which I was cited is originally his. It’s really a huge honor to share the award with someone whom I look up to in the business,” he avers.
Ruru is happy to be part of Production 56 Artists, the talent company and production house owned and managed by multi-awarded film and television director Maryo J. delos Reyes.
“Yes! They take very good care of me. I can feel their support every step of the way. Direk Maryo is one strong force why I reached my present stature. That’s why I always give my 100 per cent in all the projects that are coming my way.”
Speaking of projects, after the successful run of Encantadia, the appealing lad is proud that he will soon have a solo show under the GMA Telebabad block.
“That’s right! It’s titled Sherlock. It’s a nice start for 2018. I’m flattered with the confidence my mother studio has given me with this project. This early, I’m asking for the support of my fans and the viewers in general to patronize it,” says Ruru.