01/05/2019
CELEBRITY WORLD PH
By Crispina M. Belen
Gabby and Jodi, as ‘Man and Wife’
It’s the first team-up for Gabby Concepcion and Jodi Sta. Maria (Jodi Sta Maria PH)in the movie “Man and Wife,” a Mother’s Day offering from CINEKO Productions to be distributed by Cinescreen. The movie opens in local theaters on May 8, 2019.
At the mediacon for the movie directed by multi-awarded filmmaker Laurice Guillen, Jodi who wasn’t feeling well but still gamely answered questions despite the fact that she could hardly talk, said working with Gabby and Direk Laurice intimidated her. “It’s my first time to work with Gabby, magaling siyang actor and is a true gentleman.”
Direk Laurice, in the other hand, has directed Gabby (too bad he wasn’t able to attend the mediacon) in at least five movies, among them “Rosenda” and “I Love You Goodbye.” She described Gabby “as a very good and charming person, hindi siya nagbabago. And the nice thing is that I’m very comfortable working with him. Familiar na kami sa isa’t-isa, enough for me ask him anything. Bagay sa kanya ang role niya as an ordinary husband sa ‘Man and Wife.’
“Si Jodi naman, she’s a lady, well-mannered, but you’ll have to find a way to reach out to her; you just can’t invade her.”
It’s Gabby’s comeback movie after “Across the Crescent Moon” which he made two years ago. For Jodi, it’s her second film this year, following “Second Coming” which was released last February.
“Man and Wife” tells the story of Carding (Gabby) and Luisa (Jodi), a married couple torn between their love for each other and issues with their respective families.
Carding’s family, led by his mother and mayor of the town Menang (Liza Lorena), permits abusive mining companies to operate in their place, affecting the agricultural lands, including the one run by Luisa’s sibling Totoy (EA Guzman).
As the couple tries to stick together amid the rift between their families, they realize that the process is more complicated than they anticipated - Carding comes in conflicts with his mother; Luisa with Totoy and her other siblings. This makes them questions their decision of building their own family.
How can a man pick sides between the woman he loved and the woman he first loved? Who will a man choose between his mother and the mother of his child?
As to the title of the movie, Jodi explained that after getting married and saying their vows, the priest says to the couple you are now “man and wife,” so they become one.
By the way, we would like to congratulate Direk Laurice for being the recipient of FAMAS 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award. “I’m so happy and honored that my efforts have been recognized, na napansin nila ang pinaghirapan ko, my humble contribution to the film industry,” she expressed.
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