A Life in the Theater

Guess what? Two of the actors who sent heart rates soaring in the previous Cinemalaya festivals are back, this time in one film. In the first Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2007, the surprise hit with both audiences and critics was “ANG PAGDADALAGA NI MAXIMO OLIVEROS.” Next to Nathan Lopez who played the title role, it was PING MEDINA who connected to the audiences the most with his touching portrayal of Maxie’s older brother. The following year, it was SID LUCERO’s turn to charm audiences and critics alike with his seemingly effortless portrayal of a BIO (Butanding Information Officer) in in “DONSOL”, a role that fittingly won him Golden Screen’s Award for breakthrough performance. For this year’s edition of Cinemalaya, both actors are back to tempt audiences anew as they pit talents against each other in Dennis Marasigan’s “TUKSO”, one of the full-length feature film finalists. Sid and Ping are only too happy to be part of “TUKSO” playing two men who become romantica

The 2nd and final weekend performances for Virgin Labfest 3 take place at the CCP beginning today until Sunday, July 8. Do not be like those who wait until the last day to come, only to find out that there are no longer any tickets left. Call the CCP Box-Office (832-3704) or the Tanghalang Pilipino office (832-3661) for schedules and tickets. (Look up Gibbs Cadiz' blog at http://www.gibbscadiz.blogspot.com/ to read more about some of the plays being staged this year. He also has links to other bloggers who have seen some of the plays.)