NEWSFLASH

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ALBERT MARTINEZ TAKES OVER TONTON'S GAY ROLE

Manila, April 21, 1998 - It is now Albert Martinez playing the live-in lover of Eric Quizon in the movie "Pusong Mamon" to be directed by Joel Lamangan.

Eric had no qualms about accepting the role, saying "I am an actor and ready to accept any good role."

Albert was reluctant, on account of his wife Liezl Sumilang. Liezl was quoted as saying, "Okey lang as long as he does not wear women's dresses and there are no love scenes with another man."

But director Joel Lamangan assured Albert and Liezl that the gay part would be handled delicately.

Albert takes over from Tonton Gutierrez, who had earlier agreed to the role but backed out because of earlier schedule commitments. Tonton is now in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, shooting a Reyna Films project directed by award-winning Carlitos Siguion Reyna. Pagudpud is a scenic coastal town which is the favorite shooting locale of Armida Siguion Reyna's outfit.

There was an earlier report that Tonton had to back out of the gay role in deference to his impending marriage to Glydel Mercado.