CARLO,  DONNA  HOPE  TO HIT  JACKPOT  WITH  NEW  MOVIE

MANILA, SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 (MALAYA) STUDIO WHISTERS by ETHEL RAMOS (‘’Ang Pangarap Kong Jackpot’ is our share in the national effort to revive the seemingly dying film industry. – Donna Villa’)

MEGA film producer and now National Artist Carlo J. Caparas is back directing a movie which assembles a stellar cast of film actors and showbiz personalities, topped by no less than the People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao.

Titled "Ang Pangarap Kong Jackpot Trilogy," the film stars together for the first time veteran performers Eddie Garcia, Gina Pareño, Tommy Abuel, Joel Torre and Pen Medina. Also starring are rising stars Jake Cuenca, Mark Herras, Baron Geisler and Megan Young.

At the presscon, Direk Carlo J said of his stars, specifically Manny Pacquiao. "I am in awe of all of them. I am grateful for their cooperation. Especially to Manny.

"I assure the public that in this movie, they will see a different Manny."

Producing "Ang Pangarap Kong Jackpot Trilogy" is Direk Carlo J’s wife, the beautiful former actress Donna Villa, who co-owns Golden Lions Films International with her husband.

"’Ang Pangarap Kong Jackpot’," said Donna, "is our share in the national effort to revive the seemingly dying film industry.

"So, it’s my hope and prayer that we hit the jackpot with this movie. Para maka-produce pa kami ng ibang pelikula.

"We owe the local film industry so much. We owe our success to the Filipino moviegoers."

The husband and wife had worked in tandem before in producing several film projects, most of which emerged blockbusters.

"Pangarap Kong Jackpot Trilogy," which also features CJ and Peach, Direk Carlo J and Donna’s children, is part of the celebration of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’a 75th anniversary this September. The agency, according to Donna, helped a lot in the researching of the materials for the three stories.

The stories are about despondent men and women, who with the help of friends and their loved ones, were able to overcome poverty and defeat.

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Manny is featured in the story called "Sa Ngalan ng Busabos," which is about Abel, a street urchin who is forced to a life of crime at a young age.

He gets rid of his evil ways when he is taken in by a poor family who treats him as their own.

"May drama at aksyon ang pelikula," said Direk Carlo J. "Kaya naipakita rin ni Manny ang, wika nga’y, bagsik ng kanyang kamao."

Eddie heads the cast of "Hiwaga ni Lolo Hugo," which is about a house caretaker who lives in a mansion believed to be haunted by evil spirit.

"Hawak Kita, Hawak Mo Ako" stars young talents Jake Cuenca and Megan Young. They play outcasts whose fates become intertwined after a chance encounter.

***

For the fourth consecutive year, Dermablend signed up Sam Milby as official endorser of Dermablend Papaya Orange Whitening Soap.

Dermablend Papaya Orange Whitening Soap is a product of BCP Dermatological Corporation, which has been catering to dermatologists for years.

The company is owned by Dina Stalder, who is a medical technology graduate.

"Well, when we felt we already have proven our quality to the ethical industry, that’s when we thought of getting an endorser for Dermablend Papaya Orange Whitening Soap," said Dina.

It was Dina’s daughter, Diana, who suggested that they get Sam for an endorser for the product. This was in 2006 and Diana was only 13 then.

Sam, at that time, had just gotten out of the "Pinoy Big Brother" house.

"We are glad we got Sam for our endorser. Napakabait niya at napaka-cooperative.

"Sana, he will stay as our endorser for the next four more years. And another four years," stated Dina.

We asked Sam, who was born and raised in America and thus is used to using imported products, if he really uses Dermablend.

"I do," he said. "I have a hunch it was Dermablend Papaya Orange Whitening Soap which helped me whiten my skin quickly. Dati dark ako."

***

Senior actress Luz Valdez’ presence at the presscon held at Mario’s in Morato, was welcomed by the entertainment writers.

Luz is close to Dina and had a hand in inviting the small group at the presscon.

Sam was asked by one of the press people if he knew Luz. His quick reply: "Yes po, naman, I see her on TV. But I am sure my mom knows her more. She was born and lived here in the Philippines until my dad (an American) saw and married her."

In her time, Luz was one of the prettiest in her batch. She played lead roles in a number of pictures, including one which was a Hollywood movie and co-starred her with one of the most popular actors then, Jeffrey Hunter.

Luz later married her favorite leading man, Robert Campos, with whom she has two kids.

Luz and Robert are now separated.