2017 is shaping up to be the year Vin Abrenica finally comes into his own as an actor.
Last year saw the brawny young man step out of TV5, the network where he started and had been for three and a half years, to join ABS-CBN’s roster of stars.
While he waited for his turn to be introduced in a major teleserye on the network, he flexed his acting muscles in two big screen projects.
In September last year, he appeared in a supporting role opposite elder brother Aljur Abrenica in the high-profile historical drama Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli. He delivered a scene-stealing performance marked by his magnetic screen presence and fiery intensity.
Next, the younger Abrenica opened 2017 with his Star Cinema debut as one of the three sexy leading men in the female-centric action-comedy romp Extra Service. If anything, this movie highlighted his physical assets as one of the hottest hunks in showbiz today.
Hot on the heels of that film is T-Rex Entertainment’s pre-Valentine presentation, Moonlight Over Baler. Besides showing more of his fab six-pack abs, the romantic comedy-drama promises to showcase his exceptional range as an actor and as a bona fide leading man.
As the title indicates, the film is set mostly in the scenic and historic town of Baler, but its story takes place in two eras: the early 1940s and the summer of 1986.
Vin plays the dual roles of Nestor, a Filipino USAFFE soldier who fights the Japanese Occupation during World War II, and Nestor’s doppelganger Kenji, a Japanese photojournalist and surfing enthusiast who visits Baler after covering the Edsa Revolution.
His dual lead roles mean he has two romantic leading ladies – Sophie Albert, who plays Nestor’s fiancée Fidela, and Ellen Adarna, who portrays Aurora, the feisty student of Nursing who steals Kenji’s heart and forces him to learn Filipino.
But, in fact, he has three. Vin’s third leading lady is none other than Elizabeth Oropesa, who stars as the 65-year-old spinster Fidela, who bridges both timelines by reliving her romance with her one true love Nestor and serving as Kenji’s coach in his courtship of Aurora.
Vin is grateful for the privilege to be romantically paired with both Sophie and Ellen in Moonlight Over Baler. He considers it an honor to act opposite one of the finest actresses in the industry, Elizabeth Oropesa.
He will soon steam up the small screen opposite Maja Salvador in ABS-CBN’s upcoming sexy soap opera Wildflower, but this love month, 25-year-old Vin Abrenica stakes his claim as the new romantic lead actor to watch in 2017.
Directed by Gil Portes from a Palanca Award-winning screenplay by Enrique Ramos, Moonlight Over Baler also stars Daria Ramirez, Menggie Cobarrubias, Angie Ferro, Kate Alejandrino, Abel Estanislao, Aaron Yanga, Dennis Coronel, Alvin Fortuna, Jess Evardone, Jun Nayra, and Blaine Medina.
Produced by T-Rex Entertainment and distributed by OctoArts Films, the movie opens February 8 in cinemas nationwide.
* * *
In an announcement that aims to kick-start a potentially remarkable year, hairstyling brand Grips officially introduced matinee idol Enrique Gil as its new celebrity endorser.
Aside from being a multi-awarded actor and dancer, Gil is also known for wearing iconic hairstyles that fit his many roles.
“Our hairstyles are not just about good looks, they also allow us to express ourselves,” the Kapamilya star said during the official launch held at B Hotel in Quezon City. “Styling our hair, however, can sometimes be time-consuming, but thanks to Grips, hairstyling is easier and more hassle-free now.”
The formulation of Grips Hair Wax and Grips Clay Easywash promise an easy style, easy wash experience. Grips helps users achieve their desired hairstyle even when they are on the move. Because Grips Hair Wax and Grips Clay Easywash are easier to wash compared to other similar hair products, users need not worry about unwanted stickiness or the possible effects of ingredients that stay in the hair despite trying to wash it off.
Grips’ products also use ingredients like Pro-Vitamin B5 that make hair strong and nourished.
Grips’ styling products are available in supermarkets, groceries, drugstores, and convenience stores nationwide. Grips Wax 75g jars start at P81.75 SRP. Grips Clay EasyWash is available at P86.90 SRP. These products are also available at 25g jars and 5g sachets.
For more information, check out Grips’ Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/gripsbrand/. You may also follow #EnriqueForGripsWax #GripsEasyStyleEasyWash on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
* * *
The 2nd Wish 107.5 Music Awards (WMA) will be more than just an evening of music and entertainment. The FM station that puts philanthropy at its core will also be granting over P1 million to key charitable institutions.
This “wish granting” will be one of the main highlights of the 2nd WMA, which happens tonight at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
The winners of the WMA’s major categories will be given the chance to donate P100,000 to their chosen beneficiaries. This is apart from the cash prize worth P 25,000 each of the winning artists will receive.
These categories include Best WISHclusive Performances (by a Group or a Duo/Young/Female/Male Artist), Wish Original Songs of the Year (by a Group or a Duo/Female/Male Artist) and Wish Artists of the Year (Young/ Female/ Male).
Apart from these major awards, the 2nd WMA will also honor OPM artists through the following minor and special awards: Wish Promising Artist, Best Wish Cover, Wish Reactors’ Choice Award and WISHclusive Viral Video of the Year.
Meanwhile, the highest citations will be given to the first batch of members of the WISHclusive Elite Circle. This group will be composed of artists whose performances on the Wish 107.5 YouTube Channel have garnered at least 10 million views.
Fans and supporters can cast their votes online through the WMA website, www.wish1075.com/wishawards, until 12 noon of Jan. 16. Online votes will comprise 50 percent of a nominee’s total score while the other 50 percent will come from the votes of a select panel of judges.
