| Hoping for the best |
| DirectLine by Boy Abunda | |||
| Friday, 22 January 2010 00:00 | |||
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It’s extremely difficult to write about Kris Aquino without being defensive because I’m defensive about her most of the time. Otherwise, I choose to shut up. After all she can articulate very well her opinions, ideas, feelings, joys, pains, failings, successes better than most of us.
Once again, Kris is in the center of controversy about an alleged “confrontation” between her and another girl. Kris eloquently spoke about her side of the story that has been conveniently dragged into the political arena. In other words, as one text message asked, “Will we vote for Noynoy given the circumstance that happened between Kris and this girl?” It was at this point that Kris who had earlier decided to keep mum about the issue in deference to the supposed “chemical depression” of the girl, made up her mind to come out, break her silence to defend Noy and herself. I am privy to the communication between Kris and Noynoy whose unflinching stand was/is for Kris to do everything to save her marriage. The siblings had differences in the past precisely because Noy disagreed with some of Kris’ personal decisions. Of course, some say it’s not surprising at all that Noynoy is being dragged into the imbroglio because he is the No. 1 contender to the presidency and the election fever is raging on. I pray to God that both Kris and James be enlightened so that they can make the best decision that will affect not just them but also their innocent boys who deserve the best from both parents. Despite her debilitating schedule, every day, I see with my two eyes how hard Kris works at keeping a balance in her life and primary to this is to make her marriage work. I know that it hasn’t been easy. A slice of Maynila One of the longest running TV programs on television today is Maynila, aired every Saturday on GMA 7, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. It has withstood several changes in its timeslot which can be deadly in the TV survival game but for an independently-produced show, it has managed to stand up on its own, even bagging awards and nominations from prestigious award-giving bodies. Few people know that the woman behind the show is Lani Beltran, who is good-looking enough to be in front of the camera. “I did a short stint on television as a host and it was then that I knew I wanted to be in production; and not necessarily as an on-cam talent,” explained the dusky beauty. The show’s concept was to “put slices of life of the people living in the city — set against the backdrop of Manila’s rich culture, century-old churches and the realities of true and genuine characters that make it distinctly Manila,” Lani added. Maynila just recently celebrated its first decade on-air and Lani is thankful it continues to rate very well. “We’ve changed timeslots so many times but viewers still watch us. We have a regular following,” she enthused. The 10 years have been very exciting and rewarding for Lani but she feels the greatest challenge she had to hurdle was to get the right people and team who share her passion for the show. Fortunately, she has found them and they have been with her most of these times. But TV production is not her day job. Lani is a successful real estate entrepreneur, whose most recent venture is an international real estate project in Guam. “We constructed a 26-unit high-end townhouse, a first of its kind in Guam,” she divulged. Her real estate project named Bel Air Tumon is her way of giving Filipinos a chance to capitalize on Guam’s growth prospects. Unknown to many, the US and Japanese governments have decided to infuse $16-B into the Guam economy for the next four years. Aside from this, the US government will move the Okinawa base to Guam, increasing the population by 25 percent. These two landmark decisions will definitely spur economic growth that will increase the value and demand for property in Guam. Her project , which sits within Tumon, considered the Ayala Center of Guam, allows investors to ride on Guam’s growth. “The investment is almost risk free,” said Lani. “First, the project is completed so there is no speculative risk, and secondly, the location is prime and unlike many properties in the Tumon area which are leased, you get your own townhouse units.” The optimism in Guam is so high that over 50 percent of the units have been sold. It has been described by some business analysts as a worthwhile investment to consider instead of keeping money in the bank at low interest rates. Lani is open to helping Filipinos know more about the prospects of investing in Guam via her website, www.belland.net. While her real estate venture is in Guam, her heart really belongs to Manila. Under Lani’s stewardship. Maynila has evolved into a show that tackles themes mostly about relationships: Romantic, familial and friendly. “I feel that romantic themes teach the youth how to see and deal with relationships that can last a lifetime or lessons in love and life that can prevent failures in future relationship,” Lani said. She is setting her eyes on fulfilling a lifelong dream to produce a full-length romantic movie with a blockbuster cast she has yet to decide on. So let’s wait and see. First Posted: DIRECTLINE By Boy Abunda Watch Your Favorite Movies, Tv Shows, News And Sports Anytime You Want Here!
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