Joel, Ian winners at Portugal fest
Orient Section Ian was Best Joel Veneracion won Jury hailed Actor Bhoy Lamangan’s Express while the Prize, for Intsik as Special Dan Spirit), Films (The Villegas’ Section, Fantasy Water Ilawod in the Internacional 38th Festival de Cinema in Portugal do Porto on March 3.
Intsik Written is “the by story Ronald of two Carballo, small-time Bhoy felons (played by Raymond “RS” Francisco and Ronwaldo Martin) with disparate personas cross paths: one is a principled tough gay; the other is a scheming, street-smart teenager.” It was an entry to the 2017 Cinemalaya and 2017 Sinag Maynila Film Festival. Francisco won Best Actor in Sinag Maynila and 34th PMPC Star Awards for Movies.
Ian won for his role as Dennis, a website reporter who accidentally in- vites the ilawod, the elemental of water that flows downstream into his home, where it latches onto his young son. The film, written by Palanca awardee Yvette Tan, also stars Iza Calzado, Therese Malvar, Xyriel Manabat and Harvey Bautista. Villegas received the award for Ian. Also present at the awarding ceremony was producer Ferdy Lapuz who belatedly received the trophies of Pamilya Ordinaryo, directed by Eduardo Roy, Jr., which won Best Film and Best Actress for Hasmine Killip last year. — Celso de Guzman Caparas
Of course, her parents, Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong (who was with Mariel during the contract-signing) are known for being, well, “reserved” and not having been enmeshed in any controversy. Is the impression correct that her parents cannot control her (or put her in place)?
“I respect them as my parents who guide me all the way. But they are aware that I am my own person and that it’s not good to fully control your children...tell them what to say or do. I listen to what my parents say and I never argue with them or talk back to them. It’s up to me how to apply in my life what they are telling me. They allow us to have our own mind and our own identity.”
Turning 25 on May 23, Mariel considers the Binibini as the turning point of her life.
“That’s when my life really started. The Binibini changed my life radically. It was the year when I really started growing up.”
Did growing up include breaking up with her boyfriend?
“We still talk naman, we are still very close and we go out. The main thing with me now is that I don’t want to be serious with a relationship. I’m not that young, so I want to take every opportunity that comes my way.”
Even when she accepted the offer to be Coco Martin’s leading lady (along with another beauty queen, 2015 Miss International Kylie Versoza), Mariel was then “not quite sure” about following in the footsteps of her parents.
“But I guess I’m really serious about it now,” confessed Mariel, “although I don’t think I can duplicate my parents’ achievements. I still have a lot to learn about acting. I super-enjoyed doing Panday. I used to say I didn’t want to be in showbiz but after Panday, I’ve changed my mind. I was really taken care of while doing Panday, I learned new things, and that opened my mind.”
Any limitations in her choice of roles?
“For sure, I won’t do any nudity. But I can wear bikinis which I already did during the Binibini. I’m open to doing kissing scenes but beyond that, well, I have to think hard about it.”
All her parents advise Mariel is to be professional (and punctual, “Don’t make people wait”), be kind to the cast and especially the crew members, and to be prepared and ready with her lines before going to the set.
She’s set to star in an indie film titled Latay as the ex-wife of Allen Dizon (with Lovi Poe as the current wife), to be produced by Baby Go’s BG Film with Ralston Jover as director.
What’s her advice to her Binibini successor?
“Enjoy every moment and stay true to yourself. Take things slowly. Don’t fake yourself on social media because people can see and read through you. People will appreciate you more if you are genuine and true to your opinions and still respectful of other people.” And to her bashers? “Nothing really, because I think bashers are sad people. Only sad people are negative towards other people because if you are happy, you won’t bash other people.”
(E-mail reactions at rickylophilstar@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www. philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)