Paolo Ballesteros returns to the big screen

Director Tony Y. Reyes said they only had Paolo Ballesteros in mind when he, Boss Orly Ilacad of OctoArts, Bossing Vic Sotto of M-Zet and Rex Tiri of T-Rex Entertainment decided to make a new version of the Barbi character that was popularized by Joey de Leon.

“Paolo fits the role perfectly,” said the box-office director who was behind the hit movies of Vic Sotto which triumphed many times over in many MMFF editions.  

“Another plus factor why Paolo clinched the role is because maganda siya pag naka-makeover na. Guwapo siya pag lalaki tapos ang ganda rin pag nakabihis babae na,” Direk Tony added.

Besides, Direk Tony added, Paolo is also a very good comedian. “His stint as one of the lolas in the Kalyeserye did him in good stead. Mas nahasa pa siya sa pagko-comedy. That is why he is the logical choice for the role of Barbi, D Wonder Beki.”

Paolo became more popular by impersonating celebrities via makeovers. This ability of his was put into very good use during the filming of “Barbi, D Wonder Beki” because he does not only his makeup, but also that of his co-actors. “Nakikialam na rin siya sa makeup ng ibang cast members namin. Siya na ang nagre-retouch kung kailangan.”

Direk Tony has nothing but praises for his lead actor who won a number of acting awards playing the lead role in the movie “Die Beautiful” which was a box-office hit at the 2016 MMFF.

“We made the right choice in giving Paolo the role and he did his best to give life to the character with aplomb. And if the movie makes money, God-willing, we hope we can make a sequel,” said Direk Tony.

“Barbi D’Wonder Beki” is not just slapstick comedy. Direk Tony says the members of the LGBT community can relate to the story. “This is also a story about acceptance.”

The movie will be shown in cinemas nationwide on November 29.

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Independent film and stage actress Anna Luna recently won her first Best Actress award at the Five Continents International Film Festival in Venezuela. She bested nine to 12 foreign and local actresses, including a celebrated Argentine actress.  

Anna won for her most inspired performance as Iah Seraspi, a poor Education student who perseveres against the backdrop of extreme poverty and hardships in life in Lemuel Lorca’s “Maestra” (An Educator). The film also received a Special Mention citation for Best Screenplay for Archie Del Mundo.

“Maestra” is a film based on interconnected true stories of three generations of teachers.  

Premiering in August at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, “Maestra” was produced by Dr. Carl Balita whose other film is Adolf Alix’s “Nars.” Balita is an educator, entrepreneur, and radio announcer.

Lorca was nominated for his LGBTQ film “Ned’s Project” at the Gawad Urian last year. “Maestra” has also been selected in other international festivals, such as the Warsaw Avenue Film Festival and FACINE festival in the United States, and at the Sydney World Film Festival.  

Anna and Del Mundo will be receiving gold trophies and certificates from the festival organizers. Del Mundo said he will donate his own trophy to his producer’s office as a sort of token of appreciation for their support.   

Lorca passionately congratulated his entire team, including the award winners: “Nakakatuwa lang. Pag independently produced ang isang pelikula, mga magkakaibigan lang ang madalas magtulungan para makagawa ng isang pelikula. Kung minsan buwis-buhay alang-alang lang sa ginagawa. Nakakakonsensya at nakakataba ng puso ang trabaho, paghihirap, sakripisyo at kontribusyon na ibinibigay nila mapaganda lang ang pelikula. Kaya ito lang ang nais mo para sa mga kasamahan : ang ma-recognize sila at maparangalan. Ito lang ang pwede mong regalo na maibigay bukod sa pagkakaibigan at kaunting mai-aabot, huwag lang masabing libre. Mabuhay kayo at maraming salamat! Congrats ulit!”

“Maestra” will continue to be featured in more international festivals until the middle of 2018. The film will have a commercial and awards qualifying run in December.