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He has made his mark in indie films, most notably in Ron Morales’ “Graceland,” which was screened during the Tribeca Film Festival in New York in 2012. Now, Arnold Reyes impressed us once more with another noteworthy portrayal, this time in Gil M. Portes’ “Ang Tag-Araw Ni Twinkle,” an entry to the Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival (All Masters Edition) slated this September.

In “Ang Tag-Araw Ni Twinkle,” Arnold plays the cancer-stricken communist rebel and biological father of Twinkle (Ellen Adarna), who grew up as the wild and rebellious daughter of a retired general (played by Chris Villanueva) and his wife (played by Rina Reyes).

Already on the brink of death, the communist rebel confronted the retired general and appealed to see his daughter. Convinced of the urgency of the request, the general capitulated. Twinkle, who was in the midst of her own personal crisis (she was to go into rehab for her cocaine addiction in their own family vacation farm), was told the truth and finally got to know her real father.

Everything went fine and the retired general and the communist rebel even became good friends.

In playing a dying man, Arnold managed to transform himself to look emaciated, so we asked him if he intentionally got himself into a weight loss regimen. His answer was yes he did. In the beginning of the story, he looked hale and healthy; he later had to lose the weight, and eventually gain the pounds again, he related. It wasn’t an easy thing to do but Arnold was able to, for the love of his craft.

In a recent interview, Arnold revealed that he did not initially seek to be an actor but his professor in college suggested that he audition for a play and he did. That started his acting career. “Dun ko na-discover na puwede pala ako umarte,” Arnold said. “At minahal ko na siya (career).”

When Arnold joined Boy Abunda’s Backroom, Inc., he initially did some singing, not acting. He became a member of a now-defunct all-boys group. Then opportunities to do indie movies started pouring in and, soon, he earned the reputation as the “independent actor” to reckon with.

Aside from “Ang Tag-Araw Ni Twinkle,” which will be shown in SM Cinemas nationwide on Sept. 11-17 under the auspices of Film Development Council of the Philippines, what’s making Arnold so excited these days is his movie with superstar Nora Aunor, “Ang Kuwento Ni Mabuti,” but we’ll tackle this some other time.

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Celebs Support Wellness Mania Launch

Former beauty queen turned “The Buzz” TV host Charlene Gonzales-Muhlach lent glitz and glamour to the recent launch of Wellness Mania at Robinsons Place Ermita.

Wellness Mania preaches health inside and out through experiential and educational in-store activities in Robinsons Supermarket. During the meet-and-greet with shoppers, Charlene encouraged the customers to live a healthily lifestyle by observing proper diet and regularly checking their skin. For her, one will definitely exude beauty with total wellness.

The Wellness Mania launch was hosted by TV host and wellness advocate Gelli Victor, who also could not run out of words to describe how well-thought Wellness Mania is. Gelli’s favorite is the Happy Home booth where she could get tips about taking care of her house while getting a relaxing back massage.

Wellness Mania will run throughout the year featuring four booths that target different areas of wellness – Health and Beauty, Happy Home, Delicious and Nutritious, and Share Happiness. In partnership with Unilever Philippines and Robinsons Supermarkets, Wellness Mania aims to make the public aware and conscious about their well-being.

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The Appeal Of Amaia Skies Cubao

Multi-faceted artist, singer-songwriter-actor Rico Blanco has talent and likability combined into a neat package. He is the quiet, hardworking type of a person who values his privacy despite his being a public figure.

When Amaia Skies Cubao Tower 2 was launched in the first quarter of 2013, Rico Blanco gave an earth-shaking performance in his guise as Galaktik Pinoy in an event that highlighted the building’s amenities, among them a multi-purpose room, adult and kiddie pools, children’s play area, and reading books.

Amaia Skies Cubao Tower 2 is the second phase of Amaia’s fastest selling project located along Edsa-Cubao.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Sept. 6, go to awarded director Jeffrey Jeturian, Mylene Dizon, UP Prof. Letty H. Tison, Joanne de Asis-Benitez, Annie Salonga, Sylvia Lina, Ma. Cristina Herella, Rosie Romey, Rodrigo V. Palma of California, Cecile Tiangco, Gerard K. Gozon, Ditas Hilario, Ricky Barbiero, Anna Cecilia “AC” S. Javier, Prof. Rene Durian, Sonia Nunez, Ed de Leon, Liwayway C. Bartolome of Bakersfield, CA, Ed de Leon, Carmen Yorac Cheung, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Ronnie Nolasco, Marjory Acosta Tagarao, Joyce So, John Manalo of Star Magic and Kaye Villagomez… It’s Rev. Fr. Cornelio L. Matanguihan’s priesthood anniversary today…