It’s confirmed that Coco Martin will headline a new potboiler under Star Cinema opposite Angelica Panganiban. This can be considered as the popular actor’s homecoming project for the film outfit since after Super Parental Guardians in 2016. Coco has been appearing in movies produced by his own CCM Productions just like the reboot of Panday, which was even fielded in the annual Metro Manila Film Festival.
In a recent interview, the 38-year-old actor revealed that Love or Money is the working title for the movie and it will be helmed by Mae Cruz.
“We just had our story conference. This will be Star Cinema’s Valentine offering for 2020. I’m thrilled because it’s my maiden screen pairing with Angge,” says Coco.
“Although I already had a guesting stint in Ang Probinsyano in 2016,” Angelica says.
It’s good that Coco still has the time to shoot a movie considering he’s very much hands-on with Ang Probinsyano where he’s not only the main lead star but director as well.
“Well, it’s just a matter of proper scheduling. As of now, I still can manage. I’ve been directing the soap for four years now and so far, everything’s running smoothly. Actually, I’m used to doing films while acting and directing Ang Probinsyano. As I’ve said, it all depends on proper scheduling and time management. Our goal is to wrap-up the project in time for its Valentine release,” Coco admits.
Meanwhile, Angelica says in jest, “ I’m the only one who can stop the tapings for Ang Probinsyano’ to give way to the shooting of Love and Money.”
Interestingly, Coco admits he feels some pressure with his latest big-screen outing.
“I’m really tensed with Love and Money. For one, my screen pairing with Angge is a new combination and definitely, it’s something very different from the usual stuff viewers see in me in Ang Probinsyano. The film is a mixture of romance, drama, and comedy and I’m glad that I’m doing drama again after quite some time. Apart from these, everybody knows that Angelica excels both in drama and comedy so I have to sort of put up with her. But I’m sure we’ll help each other in every scene.”
For Angelica, it’s exciting to work with someone like Coco.
“His show is airing for four years already and it’s a huge feat. Looking back, I had a guesting stint with ‘Ang Probinsyano’ a few years ago but it was kind of short. As far as I can remember, it lasted for just a month. Surely, it will be a different and memorable experience to collaborate with him in a film project!”
Interestingly, the concept of Love or Money came from Star Cinema Managing Director Olivia Lamasan.
“According to Direk Mae, it has been with Star Cinema for a long time already. It was an original concept by Direk Olive. Everyone waited for the right time to have the final concept and the actors who will comprise the cast. Luckily, Angelica and I were picked to top-bill the film and that’s when they realized it’s the outfit’s perfect Valentine presentation in 2020,” ends Coco.
* * *
It seems that Bianca Umali’s career will zoom higher in 2020. After the ratings success of her last soap opera Sahaya over at GMA-7, she’s set to shoot a new series for HBO Asia titled, Halfworlds.
The pretty actress is very excited with this new project in which she was the only Kapuso artist who auditioned for the part. It was learned that many stars from rival network ABS-CBN also auditioned but it was Bianca who was chosen to play the lead part.
“Of course, I’m so happy and proud that the role landed onto my lap,” she avers. “It’s really a huge honor and privilege to do this series for HBO Asia. Actually, ‘Halfworlds’ is already on its third season. The first was shot in Thailand then the second one was in Indonesia. Now, they picked the Philippines as the location for the third. It’s such a big boost to my career!”
Interestingly, what’s the concept of the show?
“Well, Halfworlds focuses on the folklore of each country it presents. So, for the third season, there will be lots of mythical creatures from our country like the ‘aswang’, ‘kapre’, ‘manananggal’, ‘tiyanak’ and ‘engkanto.’ It’s simply exciting!”
This is the reason why for the past month, Bianca flew to Sinagapore several times.
“Yes, to meet with HBO people. We engaged in workshops there along with my director Mikhael Red,” she states.