Over lunch at Pio’s Kitchen in Quezon City, Negros Occidental Representative Albee Benitez told members of the movie/TV press that he wants to revive his plan to produce a movie that is something similar to the popular Ocean’s 8 that starred George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock and which had several sequels later with Julia Roberts.
Naturally, that’s one good news for the local movie industry as this young entrepreneur-turned-politico is bent in doing the industry a service by producing movies henceforth employing actors and craftsmen in an industry that has been slowing down since the advent of the worldwide web and online entertainment.
The attention of the members of the press was divided between the sumptuous dishes by the chef of the exclusive-for-parties restaurant and Benitez’s elucidation on his plan that had been snoozing for close to two years when it was deliberately halted to avoid disagreements among the actors he had talked to about the project.
“In fact, we had gone past casting the film, but as we neared the finalization, I had to abort it so as not to upset the status quo of everyone involved,” he said.
“But I think it’s high time to bring the project back to the table,” he added rather enthusiastically.
He said that in conjunction with the theme park and his partners (local investors) are putting up in Silay City, a five-hectare facility complete with rides, adventure stations, and entertainment sites. “But we want also to develop characters similar to Disney world, that is why producing films is very well within the concept of the park,” he said.
The park in Silay is nearing completion and could be operational before the end of the year. Benitez is optimistic that it will change the tourism landscape of his province as people from neighboring provinces and as well as Mindanao and Luzon should be interested to see and experience what Magic Land (that’s how it will be called) can offer.
This is why he feels a sense of urgency to go into movie production as well to make sure the theme park will have the same kind of appeal other theme parks in other countries, in the USA where most of them are movie-related (think Disney and Universal) allowing for a smooth marketing transition from reel to real.
So, the Congressman will reopen communication lines with his friends in show business like Gabby Concepcion, Albert Martinez, Richard Gomes, Piolo Pascual to revive his film project. He hopes this time it would be green and go so the cameras could start rolling.
“I got wind that Sharon Cuneta asked what happened to the film project. I think it’s a good sign, especially now that she’s back on the big screen,” he said before he finally concluded his tete a tete with the showbiz writers and editors.
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Mystery and friendship play out in GMA Network’s primetime series Sherlock Jr. beginning tonight.
They say that dogs are a man’s best friend, but sometimes, these warm and loveable pets are so much more than that.
GMA Network takes its viewers on a fun investigative journey with its newest primetime offering Sherlock Jr featuring a star-studded and interesting cast.
Featured in this series are two of the network’s brightest young stars and one of today’s hottest love teams – Ruru Madrid and Gabbi Garcia – along with an endearing dog named Serena.
There will also be a special guest participation of beautiful and talented Kapuso actress Janine Gutierrez.
Ruru breathes life to Sherlock “Jack” Jackson, Jr., a clever investigative reporter who never backs out from solving mysteries. Aside from being a good son and brother, he also loves his girlfriend very much.
Gabbi plays the role of Lily Pelaez, a jolly and bubbly veterinary clinic assistant. She loves joining anything that can make her famous including various contests and beauty pageants.
Janine is Irene Manansala, Jack’s girlfriend and a lifestyle reporter. Despite being an orphan, she felt the love and belongingness that she longs for from Jack.
The show also introduces the golden retriever named Serena, the wonder dog who will touch everyone’s lives and will teach them lessons on love, life, family and friendship.
In the story, everything is going well for Jack and Irene who are happily in love with each other. But when curiosity and eagerness to expose the truth engulfs Irene, she finds herself in trouble along with her newfound friend, Lily.
Jack, together with Irene’s beloved pet dog, Serena, is determined to investigate what happened to the two ladies. Lily can’t remember anything from that night but she helps in the investigation, only to find herself falling in love with Jack. Altogether, they embark on a probing adventure and discover truths that are beyond what they are searching for.
Joining them is Philippine Comedy Queen Aiai Delas Alas as Perla Calubaquib, Jack’s hopeless romantic mother. She is a secretary at their barangay and constantly seeks the help of Jack in solving problems and crimes.
Completing the cast is a roster of multi-talented artists: Tonton Gutierrez as Sen. Lawrence Carazo, a high-profile politician and Dindo’s father; Andre Paras as Pido Lumabao, Jack’s best friend and a policeman; Roi Vinzon as Rado Nunez, Perla’s proud and cheating second husband; Sharmaine Arnaiz as Lorraine Pelaez, Lily’s mother who is an OFW; Rochelle Barrameda as Carolina Almendral-Carazo, Lawrence’s power-hungry and manipulative wife; Matt Evans as Dindo Carazo, Lawrence’s arrogant son who is being groomed to also be a politician; Kate Valdez as Jenny Nunez, Perla and Rado’s sweet daughter who is also a nursing student; Alyana Asistio as Diosdada “Diosa” Mamaril, Lily’s friend who also loves joining pageants and falls for Pido; and Sofia Pablo as Caray, Perla and Rado’s youngest daughter who also loves solving crimes.
Sherlock Jr. is all set not only to pique viewers’ interests with its thought-provoking storyline filled with action, mystery and drama, but also to show how love and family are some of life’s greatest joys. More importantly, that true friendship knows no boundaries—humans, animals, and all.