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[mhie]

Manila Bulletin
Thursday, February 25

Miss You Like Crazy': Satisfying fan fodder but...

Three years is a pretty long time but borrowing (with a little improvisation) a line from Star Cinema's post-Valentine's Day offering, "Miss You Like Crazy"---"time is meaningless when you are a fan."

Indeed, the reported P18 M opening gross for this JOHN LLOYD Cruz-Bea Alonzo reunion flick (after 2006's "One More Chance") says a lot about their fans who obviously missed them like, well, crazy.

With all the rabid anticipation aside, this Cathy Garcia-Molina-directed romantic drama bears a lot of burden. After all, "One More Chance" was a tough act to follow. But the bottom line is-is it a worthy follow-up? The answer is yes.

Alan Alvarez (JOHN LLOYD) is a yuppie who has been hitting two birds with one stone for years now: he's working his way to the corporate ladder while putting up with his girlfriend Daphne (Maricar Reyes, in a distracting wig) who is just so full of herself.

Alan's seemingly submissive life was rocked when he begins to take notice of the quirky-she frequently writes her thoughts on rocks-restaurant desk officer Mia Samonte (Bea). In true cinematic "magic-in-meeting-strangers" style, their connection and attraction quickly blossom into love. However, they soon discover that what they thought was "the perfect connection and perfect timing" is not so perfect after all.

Predictable? Well, yes, but what compensates for the film's trite story is its innovative storytelling. It is commendable that a mainstream movie is slowly trying to experiment in story presentation, specifically, in a non-linear fashion. After all, audiences now expect more and know better.

The "Before Sunrise"-"Before Sunset" kind of script is also refreshing in a way (in the context of local cinema), thanks to the efforts of LLOYDY and Bea, because they made their characters' interaction look effortless and natural, but still endearing and interesting to watch.

No other pair could've played these flawed characters to a T than this box-office tandem, whose chemistry is as solid as those rocks used in the film, yet as hot and appetizing as, hmmm, probably the congee their characters ate during the first meeting.

Bea and LLOYDY are again at their best in this one. But between the two, Bea shines all the more with her realistic portrayal and emotional depth. She is clearly one of the finer thespians of her generation. She has grown quite graciously from her "Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay" days. A defining moment in the film for Bea was the kitchen confrontation scene with LLOYDY's character. Who would have thought that a person with a seemingly too angelic face can pull off such an angst-driven swear word!

And while LLOYDY somehow took the backseat for Bea in this movie, he still gave another believable and well-internalized performance that is almost always a given in his performances. (His eyeglasses make him look like an older Yuri Orbida, though.)

The rest of the cast, in spite of their limited screen time, provided good support for the leads.
Ketchup Eusebio is a joy to watch as Bea's gay friend who is like Cupid rooting for "August" (Alan's moniker). Noel Trinidad and Sid Lucero, who both have short yet significant roles in the film, did good as well.

Maricar, likewise, succeeds in irritating the audience as an excessively O.C. girlfriend who has a penchant for ranting like a rifle. Malaysian actor Hans Isaac is also empathetic as Bea's other lover. Who wouldn't feel for a person, who, for his beloved's happiness, makes the ultimate sacrifice of setting her free?

However, a good film is still not safe from setbacks. Time plays an integral part in the film, yet lucid references about these were not set. Audiences may be left confused about the movie's timeline, given that the only indication that the years rolled by were JOHN LLOYD's-not so palpable-more mature look and Bea's hair extensions.

Another problem was the unexplored subplots.

It was apparent that the film revolved around the two's love story, but if Alan's struggles in his job, Mia's domestic conflicts, and Alan and Daphne's relationship were sufficiently expounded, it would have added more depth and substance to the film.

A Cathy Molina film always ends happily, although one would probably hope it wouldn't, for a change, and adhere to a bit of "realism."

But it is a film about destiny, and those cynical about love would only be disappointed.

It is fictitious yes, but it can be a pragmatic testament about love. Whether 25 years or seven days in the making-as alluded in the movie-it doesn't matter. When and if it is love, then it is love.

[mhie]

33rd Gawad Urian – 2010 Nominees Revealed

February 27, 2010 by cd

The Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP) released their list of nominees in the running for the 33rd Gawad Urian which is happening on April 29, 2010 at the UP Cine Adarna.

Here is the complete list of nominees for 2010 Gawad Urian:

Best Film

The Arrival
Bakal Boys
Colorum
Engkwentro
Himpapawid
Hospital Boat
Kinatay
Lola
Last Supper No. 3
Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe.

Best Director

John Steffan Ballesteros (Colorum)
Pepe Diokno (Engkwentro)
Ralston Jover (Bakal Boys)
Erik Matti (The Arrival)
Arnel Mardoquio (Hospital Boat)
Brillante Mendoza (Kinatay)
Brillante Mendoza (Lola)
Raymond Red (Himpapawid)
GB Sampedro (Astig)
Veronica Velasco (Last Supper No. 3)
Alvin Yapan (Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe)

Best Actor

Raul Arellano (Himpapawid)
Allen Dizon (Dukot)
Dwight Gaston (The Arrival)
JOHN LLOYD Cruz (In My Life)
Coco Martin (Kinatay)
Joey Paras (Last Supper)
Felix Roco (Engkwentro)
Alfred Vargas (Colorum)
Lou Veloso (Colorum)
Jacky Woo (Walang Hanggang Paalam)

Best Actress

Irma Adlawan (Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe)
Janice de Belen (Last Viewing)
Iza Calzado (Dukot)
Rustica Carpio (Lola)
Eugene Domingo (Kimmy/Dora)
Anita Linda (Lola)
Che Ramos (Mangatyanan)
Rosanna Roces (Wanted Border)
Vilma Santos (In My Life)
Tessie Tomas (Sanglaan)

Best Supporting Actor

John Arcilla (Himpapawid)
Dennis Ascalon (The Arrival)
Soliman Cruz (Himpapawid)
Milton Dionson (The Arrival)
Jose Ma. Javellana (Colorum)
John Regala (Kinatay)
Jake Roxas (Walang Hanggang Paalam)
Ariel Ureta (Kimmy/Dora)

Best Supporting Actress

Gina Alajar (Dukot)
Glaiza de Castro (Astig)
Jea Lyka Cinco (Hospital Boat)
Maria Isabel Lopez (Kinatay)
Gina Pareño (Baseco Bakal Boys)
Marissa Sue Prado (Himpapawid)
Miriam Quiambao (Kimmy/Dora)
Dimples Romana (In My Life)

Best Screenplay

Linda Casimiro (Lola)
Pepe Diokno (Engkwentro)
Christopher Gozum (Anacbanua)
Armando Lao (Biyaheng Lupa)
Armando Lao (Kinatay)
Erik Matti (The Arrival)
Raymond Red (Himpapawid)
Veronica Velasco and Jinky Laurel (Last Supper No. 3)
Alvin Yapan (Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe)

Best Sound

Ditoy Aguila (Himpapawid)
Mark Locsin (Bakal Boys)
Albert Michael Idioma (Kinatay)
Albert Michael Idioma and Addiss Tabong (Lola)
Mark Laccay (Engkwentro)
Andrew Millalos and Mike Idioma, (Last Supper No. 3)

Best Music

Teresa Barrazo (Kinatay)
Dan Gil (Last Supper No. 3)
Lutgardo Labad (Independencia)
Gauss Obenza (Hospital Boat)
Francisbrew Reyes (Dinig Sana Kita)
Francis de Veyra (The Arrival)

Best Editing

John Steffan Ballesteros (Colorum)
Jay Halili (Biyaheng Lupa)
Raymond Red, Dave Hukom and Jay Halili (Himpapawid)
Kats Serraon (Kinatay)
Kats Serraon (Lola)
Orlean Tan, Ralph Crisostomo and Miko Araneta (Engkwentro)
Borgy Torre and Ronald Banawa (The Arrival)
Veronica Velasco and Pablo Biglang-awa Jr. (Last Supper No. 3).

Best Production Design

Bryan Bajado (Hospital Boat)
Deans Habal (Bakal Boys)
Brillante Mendoza (Kinatay)
Brillante Mendoza (Lola)
Danny Red (Himpapawid)
Digo Ricio (Independencia)
Mic Tatad and Giselle Andres (Last Supper No. 3)

Best Cinematography

Dax Canedo (Hospital Boat)
Ruben Dela Cruz (Bakal Boys)
Neil Daza (Engkwentro)
Odyssey Flores (Kinatay)
Odyssey Flores (Lola)
Sol Garcia (Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe)
Joni Guttierez (Anacbanua)
Jeanne Lapoirie (Independencia)
Raymond Red (Himpapawid)

Natatanging Gawad Urian

Armida Siguion-Reyna

[mhie]

Journal
by John Fontanilla
27 February 2010

JOHN LLOYD Cruz sabik na sabik nang makasama si Angel Locsin

angellMULING nanumbalik ang init ng tambalang JOHN LLOYD Cruz at Bea Alonzo sa pagtabo sa takilya ng kanilang la-test movie na Miss You Like Crazy na humamig ng P18M sa unang araw ng showing, at patuloy pang luma-laki habang ipinapalabas sa mga sinehan sa Metro Manila.

Kaya naman thankful si JOHN LLOYD sa pagtangkilik ng mga manonood sa kanilang reunited film ni Bea. Pero, after Bea ay super excited namang makatrabaho ni John Loyd si Angel Locsin sa isang bagong soap opera ng ABS-CBN.

Ito raw ang unang pagkakataong magta-tambal sa isang soap sina Angel at JOHN LLOYD.

Attachments:

[mhie]

Abs-Cbn.com
by Rachelle Siazon |
February 28, 2010

Maricar Reyes talks about her brief stint in ‘Miss You Like Crazy’

Since Maricar Reyes is known for her flair for drama, people who have watched Miss You Like Crazy are wondering why her role was very brief. She played Daphne, a wealthy career woman who is the fiancée of Alan played by JOHN LLOYD Cruz. Maricar’s avid fans say that she should have been given more moments to shine in the film. “Ah ganon ba? Well, when you make a movie, maraming factors na kailangan i-consider [like time constraints]. And there are some things we cannot control. Pero I think, overall naman kasi naibigay naman ni Direk (Cathy Garcia-Molina) yung message na gusto niyang ipakita sa film. So yun naman kasi ang role ko, ang ipakita yung side ng character ni JOHN LLOYD before (he met Bea),” she explained in an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN.com.

Nevertheless, the beautiful actress expressed how happy she is with the success of Miss You Like Crazy, which earned eighteen million pesos only on its opening day in theaters. “Yun nga e, nung narinig ko na successful siya, siyempre thankful ka na may natutuwa naman sa trabaho mo and of course malaking factor na si JOHN LLOYD at Bea (Alonzo) ang stars sa pelikula. Actually, kahit ako hindi ko alam na ganon ang magiging treatment ni Direk Cathy. After watching it, wow! Let’s just say na mabuti na lang at madilim dun sa sinehan,” said Maricar who was also moved to tears after seeing what the characters of JOHN LLOYD and Bea had to go through. “After nung premiere night sa SM Megamall, nag-dinner kami nila Bea and the rest of the cast and crew. Siyempre nakakatuwa. Madami kaming napag-usapan. Meron ding hindi tungkol sa movie. It’s nice to unwind din. Kasi sila rin nila JOHN LLOYD trabaho ng trabaho. So maganda din na makapag-relax yung mga tao,” she added.

With the way her showbiz career is going, Maricar is just grateful that she’s given quality projects that really showcase her talent as an actress. When asked if she will soon have her very own Star Cinema film, she shyly replied, “Ahhh… Huwag naman tayo mag-assume. Meron akong naririnig pero ‘di ba it’s hard to expect things kasi siyempre hindi naman final yun. Pero kung meron na, maraming salamat,” she beamed. In the meantime, she’s still busy taping Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo (KTM) three times a week. “Ano ang aabangan kay Selina (her character in KTM)? Magiging medyo praning siya. Yung character ko talagang family-oriented siya kaya anything na mag-threaten sa pamilya niya medyo nagiging high-blood siya.”

Despite her busy schedule, Maricar further shared that she was able to spend some quality time with her parents when they flew in from Cagayan De Oro last Valentine’s Day. “Ang saya. Actually simple lang yung ginawa namin. Bumili lang kami ng food tapos sa bahay na kami nagluto. Ang saya lang. Tapos pinadalhan nila ako ng, siyempre kasi may maliit kami na farm dun, so may konting manok, may turones de mani…Nakaka-miss din na magbakasyon sa amin pero I don’t know kung kailan ako pwede bumisita dun.” Does she have plans to go there during the Holy Week in April? “Yun nga inisip ko e. Saan ba maganda magbakasyon? Siguro subukan namin mag-beach sa CDO or sa Camiguin siguro. Dive spot yun ‘di ba? Gusto ko dun. At this point wala pang definite plan. Tignan ko rin sched ng dad ko kasi as much as possible gusto ko buong family kasama,” she cheerfully replied.

Attachments:

[mhie]

www.abs-cbn.com/Feature/Article/6759/John-Lloyd-Cruz-and-Bea-Alonzo-wants-to-keep-their-communication-lines-open.aspx
by Bernie Franco
March 01, 2010

JOHN LLOYD Cruz and Bea Alonzo wants to keep their communication lines open

Matapos ang kanilang pagbabalik-tambalan matapos ang tatlong taon sa pelikulang Miss You Like Crazy ay magkakahiwalay na muli ang team-up nina JOHN LLOYD Cruz at Bea Alonzo. Sa susunod na proyekto kasi ni Lloydie ay si Angel Locsin ang kanyang makaka-partner, samantalang ang susunod na TV project ni Bea ay sina Gretchen Barretto at Derek Ramsay naman ang kanyang makakatrabaho.

Sa guesting ng dalawa sa The Buzz kahapon, sobrang thankful sila sa malaking pagsuporta ng kanilang mga tagahanga dahil certified box-office hit ang kanilang pelikula. “Nakakatuwa na ganyan ang pagsuporta pa rin nila sa amin,” sambit ni Bea. “Tsaka big help si JOHN LLOYD, ang tinaguriang Box-Office King.” Sinabi naman ni LLOYDY na sa walong taon nilang pagtatambal ni Bea ay nasaksihan ng mga tao ang kanyang pagbu-bloom bilang aktres.

At dahil matatagalan pa bago sila muling magkasama sa iisang proyekto, sinabi ng aktor na sana ay manatili ang komunikasyon nila. “More than a promise sana hindi na mawala ‘yung ganito (closeness), sana hindi na ito matigil kahit hindi tayo magkasama. Sana we can manage to keep in touch at magbalitaan,” ani Lloydie.

Ikinagulat nga ng host na si Kris Aquino na hindi mahilig mag-textan at magtawagan ang dalawa kung wala silang proyekto. At binirong maaaring takot ang dalawa na ma-develop sa isa’t isa kung kaya’t ayaw nilang ma-attach sa isa’t isa. “Siguro nasanay na kami ng ganito. Umabot kami ng eight (years) na ganon kami,” depensa naman ni Lloydie.

Pero sinabi naman niya na pagkatapos ng Miss You Like Crazy ay umaasa siyang baguhin ang kanilang nakasanayan sa loob ng walong taon. “Sinasabi ko nga baka this time kakailanganin natin dahil magkakahiwalay na naman tayo. Kung ayaw nating mangyari ‘yung nangyari before na medyo parang nawala ‘yung closeness, para maiwasan baka kailangan (ng constant communication).”

Nang tanungin ni Kris ang dalawa kung anong katangian meron ang isat-isa upang ma-in love sila sa isa’t isa, ang sagot ng aktor, “She has this mystery. Akala ko kilala ko na siya pero parang hindi pa rin. Eight years ‘yon pero hanggang ngayon parang meron ka pa ring (misteryo).” “Punum-puno siya ng puso,” sagot naman ni Bea. “Whenever he talks talagang alam mong nanggagaling sa puso.”

Attachments:

[mhie]

www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/03/01/10/john-lloyd-cruz-bea-alonzo-be-separated-again

ABS-CBN.com
by Bernie Franco
03/01/2010

JOHN LLOYD Cruz, Bea Alonzo to be separated again

MANILA, Philippines - Matapos ang kanilang pagbabalik-tambalan matapos ang tatlong taon sa pelikulang “Miss You Like Crazy” ay magkakahiwalay na muli ang team-up nina JOHN LLOYD Cruz at Bea Alonzo.

Sa susunod na proyekto kasi ni Cruz ay si Angel Locsin ang kanyang makaka-partner, samantalang ang susunod na TV project ni Alonzo ay sina Gretchen Barretto at Derek Ramsay naman ang kanyang makakatrabaho.

Sa guesting ng dalawa sa The Buzz noong Linggo, sobrang thankful sila sa malaking pagsuporta ng kanilang mga tagahanga dahil certified box-office hit ang kanilang pelikula.

“Nakakatuwa na ganyan ang pagsuporta pa rin nila sa amin,” sambit ni Alonzo. “Tsaka big help si JOHN LLOYD, ang tinaguriang Box-Office King.”

Sinabi naman ni Cruz na sa walong taon nilang pagtatambal ni Alonzo ay nasaksihan ng mga tao ang kanyang pagbu-bloom bilang aktres.

At dahil matatagalan pa bago sila muling magkasama sa iisang proyekto, sinabi ng aktor na sana ay manatili ang komunikasyon nila.

“More than a promise sana hindi na mawala ‘yong ganito [closeness]. Sana hindi na ito matigil kahit hindi tayo magkasama. Sana we can manage to keep in touch at magbalitaan,” ani Cruz.

Ikinagulat nga ng host na si Kris Aquino na hindi mahilig mag-textan at magtawagan ang dalawa kung wala silang proyekto. At binirong maaaring takot ang dalawa na ma-develop sa isa’t isa kung kaya’t ayaw nilang ma-attach sa isa’t isa.

“Siguro nasanay na kami ng ganito. Umabot kami ng 8 years na ganoon kami,” depensa naman ni Cruz.

Pero sinabi naman niya na pagkatapos ng “Miss You Like Crazy” ay umaasa siyang baguhin ang kanilang nakasanayan sa loob ng walong taon.

“Sinasabi ko nga baka this time kakailanganin natin dahil magkakahiwalay na naman tayo. Kung ayaw nating mangyari ‘yong nangyari before na medyo parang nawala ‘yong closeness, para maiwasan baka kailangan [ng constant communication].”

Nang tanungin ni Aquino ang dalawa kung anong katangian meron ang isa’t isa upang ma-in love sila sa isa’t isa, ang sagot ng actor: “She has this mystery. Akala ko kilala ko na siya pero parang hindi pa rin. Eight years ‘yon pero hanggang ngayon parang meron ka pa ring (misteryo).”

“Punung-puno siya ng puso,” sagot naman ni Alonzo. “Whenever he talks talagang alam mong nanggagaling sa puso.”

[mhie]

Pilipino Star Ngayon
SHOW-MY Ni Salve Asis
March 02, 2010

Hindi talaga maiiwasan na ikumpara ang pelikula nina JOHN LLOYD Cruz at Sarah Gero­nimo (A Very Special Love and You Changed My Life) sa pelikula nina JOHN LLOYD at Bea Alonzo na kasalukuyan pang palabas.

Bukod sa mas malaki pa rin ang kinita ng dalawang movie nina JLC and Sarah G., acting and story wise, mas type ng madla ang pelikula ni Sarah.

Natural umarte ang Pop Princess at hindi over like Bea sa Miss You Like Crazy.

Sa story ng pelikula, mas sobrang nakakakilig ang A Very Special Love and You Changed My Life kumpara sa Miss You Like Crazy na may iyakan portion.

Actually, ito ang kinatatakutan ni Bea. Ang ikumpara ang pelikula nila ni Sarah.

Halatang-halata sa acting niya ang pagiging conscious na matalbugan niya si Sarah.

Though, magaling si Bea, pero magkaiba ang level ng acting nila.

Ngayon, may clamor talagang gumawa uli ng movie sina JLC at Sarah G.

[mhie]

www.starmometer.com/2010/03/01/john-lloyd-cruz-is-on-the-cover-of-formula-magazines-maiden-issue/
Starmometer
March 1, 2010 by cd

JOHN LLOYD Cruz is on the Cover of Formula Magazine’s Maiden Issue

A new magazine for men is born with the box office king, JOHN LLOYD Cruz, on the cover of its maiden issue.

Kapamilya actor JOHN LLOYD Cruz looks dashing on the cover of Formula Magazine. As a new player in the male magazine industry, Formula has two focus: stuff and substance. An essential read for young professional male who are into gadgets and success-driven lifestyle.

On its maiden issue, discover how JOHN LLOYD Cruz earned his way to stardom. Also inside are articles about the “2010 Presidentiables,” “Smartphone Showdown”, a comparison between two hip automobiles “Jazz and Yaris” and “Health Myths.”

Attachments:

[mhie]

[mhie]

www.mb.com.ph/articles/245957/LLOYDY-s-new-passion

Manila Bulletin
By ALEX VALENTIN BROSAS
March 3, 2010, 1:30pm

LLOYDY’s new passion

Young box-office actor JOHN LLOYD Cruz has a new hobby: biking.

“It started as recreational. Kaming magtitito. Meron akong pinsan na ten years old, nag-ba-bike. My cousins and my friends, lahat kami nagba-bike. So, parang, wala lang, hindi siya nawawala,” the actor explained on “Showbiz News Ngayon” on March 2.

The actor added that biking gives him the opportunity to explore different places and enjoy the sights.

“Every time na nagba-bike ako, [it’s] always fun. Puwede kang makarating ng Corregidor mag-bike ka lang. Sasakay ka lang ng ferry boat. Puwede kang makarating ng Baguio, maraming magandang trail doon. Maraming magagawa sa pagba-bike. Ang daming puwedeng puntahan,” he said.

LLOYDY was photographed together with Shaina Magdayao while inside a bicycle store recently. The uploaded photo drew curiosity from fans, especially since the two are rumored to be sweethearts. Maybe this explains JOHN LLOYD’s fancy for biking.

Still on the actor, JOHN LLOYD reciprocates Gretchen Barretto’s desire to work with him.

In a past SNN episode, La Greta shared her longing to work with Bea Alonzo’s favorite leading man in whatever assignment, whether for television or the movies.

“Gusto ko naman maka-work si JOHN LLOYD. Ang galing niya sa ‘Miss You Like Crazy.’ I’m very willing to work with him one of these days. Ang sarap niyang kaeksena,” Gretchen said.

The actor commented, “Ako rin, hindi rin naman ako naiiba sa lahat ng mga karamihang lalaking gusto siyang makatrabaho. Yeah, I’m hoping to work with you soon after your soap with Bea and Derek.”