Illegal Drug Trade and Celebrity Duets

DDB chairman and former Senator Tito Sotto with Rafael Rosell IV, star of ‘Tulak.’
Dangerous Drugs Board chairman and former senator Vicente C. Sotto III has commended the production of “Tulak,” a movie which features the victims of illegal drugs and how their lives are ruined.

“The exhibition of the movie (filmed in digital format) is very timely,” said the former senator who authored the creation of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). The exhibition of the movie, which will have its premiere presentation Saturday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the SM Megamall Cinema 12, coincides with the current observance of the National Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week. Its theme is: “Hakbang ng Bayan Laban sa Droga.”

“Tulak” stars actors and actresses formerly identified with drugs but have now recovered and allowed themselves as testimonies and also now advocating for the eradication of society’s greatest menace. Among the stars who had illegal drugs experiences are Ma. Isabel Lopez, John Regala, Melissa Mendez, Lyka Ugarte, Ritchie D’Horsie, Ynez Veneracion, Criselda Volks, and Liz Alindogan.

Mon Confiado said: “Believe it or not, I never experienced any of those illegal drugs. But to play my role in the movie, I have to lose some weight so that I appear credible as a drug user.”

Rafael Rosell IV, the lead male star, also said that he had not experience any illegal drug yet, and he vowed never to touch it. Professor and popular stage actress Rustica Carpio plays an elderly drug pusher. Of course in real life, Prof. Carpio has never been involved in any illegal drug experience.

Julio Diaz and Fanny Serrano also play very significant roles in the movie produced by Donna Sanchez (who confessed she also had an experience with illegal drug) produced the movie with Neal Tan as the director.

Maria Isabel Lopez, who served as line producer, said that they will continue, beyond the film, to advocate for the awareness on the dangers of illegal drugs. “We are more than willing to attend for anti-drug addiction,” she said.

They displayed excellent performances of their respective roles, and they acted naturally well. In fact, there was no need to act, because they were portraying true-to-life experiences.

“Tulak” revolves around the lives of people in a depressed or marginalized community where a drug pusher lords over everybody. The illegal drug community – reminiscent of the drug talipapa in Pasig City – also spawns various nefarious crimes such as prostitution, murder, conspiracy and robbery.

What makes the movie so significant is that it reflects our current society – that when nothing positive is done, all will be dragged to the gutter!

Anyway, it is estimated that there are about 1.7 million drug dependents, according to DDB Chairman Sotto III, 50% of them are regular shabu user, and they consume about P300 million a month.

And to think that, according to a PDEA top official, they have only about P15 million intelligence fund a year!

* * *
‘Celebrity Duets’ ends with fabulous Las Vegas-style finale

The 3rd edition of “Celebrity Duets” ended last Saturday with a star-studded Las Vegas themed finale. Battling it out were the “Final 3” contenders – Akihiro Sato, Joel Cruz, and Jomari Yllana. It was Joel Cruz of course who won as the 3rd Celebrity Duets grand champion. He bagged the P1-million cash prize.

Ever since he joined the competition, perfume authority Joel Cruz has been very vocal about wanting to bring home the grand prize. Indeed, his well-choreographed numbers and elaborate costumes did much to prove that he’s really out to win the competition. For the finale, he sang popular hits, “In the Navy” with the multi-talented Michael V. and “Electric Dreams” with “Pinoy Idol” finalist Mae Flores.

For his first performance for the night, Akihiro sang with Arnel Ignacio (Prince’s “Kiss”), and for his second song he chose Hugh Grant’s “Way Back Into Love” together with StarStruck Avenger and Bb. Pilipinas runner-up Rich Asuncion. Aki was considered the most improved contender of “Celebrity Duets” third season.

Actor and concert producer Jomari Yllana’s strong stage presence was his biggest asset. This earned him not only praises from the judges but also enough votes to secure him a spot in the finale. On the Grand Finals Night, Jomari chose ballads: “The Way You Look Tonight” which he sang with Pop Diva Kuh Ledesma, and “Tell Me Your Name” with Christian Bautista.

The other Season 3 “Celebrity Duets” who were previously eliminated included beauty queen Janina San Miguel, costume and fashion designers to the stars Maxie Cinco, beauty queen maven Mikaela Bilbao, topnotch fashion photographer Niccolo Cosme, and award-winning actress and director Gina Alajar.

Hosts Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez performed in grand production numbers together with guest stars Janine Desiderio, Bituin Escalante, Ayen Munji, Sheree and Kris Lawrence.

* * *
Extraordinary songs from Erik Santos and Sitti

In their show Saturday night at the Aliw Theater, expect extraordinary songs from Erik Santos and Sitti. Actually, the title of their show “Extraordinary Songs” promises this. At their recent press conference, both Erik and Sitti said they really prepared special, extraordinary songs with extraordinary arrangements. “Para naiiba naman ang show namin.”

They’ll be singing songs that they popularized, and at the same time, the audience can expect a varied repertoire that includes everything from pop to bossa nova to movie and TV theme songs, OPM, Broadway and even novelty songs.

“We have a lot of surprises for the audience in this show,” Erik and Sitti said.

Theirs is actually an exciting, extraordinary tandem – the Prince of Pop and the Bossa Nova diva sharing the stage to showcase their musical prowess. Erik is known as one of the finest balladeers in the country, sought-after here and abroad. Ever since he won in the contest “Star in a Million,” people have not stop raving about his rendition of his signature song “This is the Moment” from the musical “Jekyll and Hyde.” And just recently, Erik was chosen to record a full album of songs by American singer-songwriter Jim Brickman.

Sitti (Navarro), on the other hand, is the country’s most-loved Bossa Nova diva. Her style is different from Erik’s in that it is low-key and relaxing. But she is a trendsetter in her own right and her 2006 debut album “Café Bossa” touched off a musical revolution of sorts and spawned dozens of copycats. Single-handedly Sitti redefined Bossa Nova music for the current generation of music lovers.

Also performing in the concert is the country’s premier vocal group The CompanY.

“Extraordinary Songs” is directed by Calvin Murphy Neria with musical direction by Beth Martin from a script by Noel Ferrer. Proceeds from the show will benefit Support Our Troops, Inc. and victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

* * *
Tidbits: Hapy b-day greetings on Nov. 21 go to Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco who’s running for congressman this time, actor-businessman Mandy Ochoa, Candy M. Untalan, Daisy Asuncion, Honorata Ignacio, Presentacion “Nene” Tiongco, Dr. Pete Villanueva, Tony Africa, Tintin Gahom, Joel P. Dagang of California, Isabel Roces, Tita Swarding and former Central Bank Gov. Gabby Singson... Condolence to the family of award-winning veteran character actor Johnny Delgado who passed away Thursday afternoon. Johnny, director Laurice Guillen’s husband, died of lymphoma. His remains lie at Mt. Carmel Church in New Manila, QC.