Director `problematic' over 4 actresses

DIRECTOR Joel Lamangan knew the hazards of putting four stars, who are busy on TV, together in one movie. His filmfest entry, “Desperadas,” stars Ruffa Gutierrez of “Kokey,” Rufa Mae Quinto of “Whammy” and “Bubble Gang,” Marian Rivera of “Marimar,” and Iza Calzado who’s shooting other movies here and even abroad.

“That’s why ang hirap-hirap nilang pagsamahin,” he wails. “I shoot them individually, pero siyempre, we have to shoot them nang magkakasama sa isang eksena as they play half sisters in the movie. Finally, after so many snags, natuwa ako na natuloy na rin ito last week.”

They shot a big sequence in the ballroom of a top hotel involving 100 extras. “First time nagkasama sina Ruffa at Rufa Mae in one movie kaya tuwing tatawag ako ng Ruffa, dalawa silang tumitingin. So they told me tawagin ko na lang Peachy si Rufa Mae, her nickname, para hindi sila malito.”

Other than that, he didn’t have any other problem on the set. “They’re all cooperative at walang nagpi-primadonna sa kanila kasi bawat isa, may kanya-kanyang make up artist at stylist para walang inggitan. And in fairness, they all took their roles seriously kaya I won’t be surprised if all of them would get nominated as best actress sa Metro filmfest awards night.”

COMPLAINT AGAINST IZA’S MOVIE?

IZA Calzado flew to Batanes right after shooting the big scene of “Desperadas.” She’ll be shooting “Batanes: Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan” in that beautiful island with Chinese actor Ken Zhu. She thought her new movie, “Mona: Singapore Escort,” will be shown on October 17 while she’s away. But it turns out the movie’s playdate has been postponed.

We heard the Singapore Embassy has complained about using the name of their city state in a movie about prostitutes working in Singapore. They now want to see the entire movie first before they give their approval. They want to make sure that Singapore will not be put in a bad light. If they get derogatory treatment in the movie, expect them to file a formal complaint like Pinoys did when “Desperate Housewives” made a slur on Filipino doctors.