Rufa Mae’s ‘Huling Henya’ Opens Today

by Crispina Martinez - Belen
September 11, 2013 (updated)

Rufa Mae Quinto

In Rufa Mae Quinto’s latest movie, “Ang Huling Henya” which opens in theaters today, she sheds her popular “Booba” persona in favor of a brainy, kick-ass agent.
The comedienne undergoes reinvention by playing Miri Alvarez, one of the best agents of an international group organized to protect scientists and inventors from a tech-grabbing group called The Agency.

It is Rufa Mae’s first serious lead action role since appearing in countless box-office comedies like “Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme,” “Desperadas 2,” “Manay Po 2: Overload,” “Desperadas,” “Pasukob,” “Oh My Ghost!,” “D’ Anothers, “ Masikip Sa Dibdib: The Boobita Rose Story,” “Super B,” “Mahal Kita: Final Answer,” “Pagdating Ng Panahon” and “Booba,” among many others.

“Kailangan talaga kasi ibang Rufa Mae ang mapanuod nila. Medyo serious ako rito. Medyo lang, ha? Hindi na yung usual na Booba character, pero kahit papaano, may touch pa rin ng comedy,” she said.

In preparing for the role, Rufa Mae not only underwent a drama workshop in PETA (Philippine Educational Theater Association) but did rigorous training for her physically demanding action scenes. “Sobrang training ko – boxing, Muay Thai, pati firing,” she shared.

In contrast to previous “dumb blonde” characters, “Ang Huling Henya’s” Miri is hot-headed. She refuses to follow orders. In fact, in one of the group’s rescue operations, her refusal to follow protocol gets her long-time partner killed. So, Miri is suspended and is sent back to Manila. Her return to Manila only brings her back to more trouble of the personal kind.

Even as a young girl, Miri believed she is responsible for her parents death and the guilt kept her from building healthy relationships with those around her, especially with her younger brother Mark (portrayed by Edgar Allan Guzman). Miri is, thus, trapped in her past and this time, her whole past comes crashing back into her life: Old dead secrets, her dead parents and even zombies!

Collaborating with Direk Marlon on the project is his good friend director Chris Martinez, with whom he previously worked on other movies. Lending able support to Rufa Mae’s big screen relaunch/comeback of sort are Fabio Ide, Kean Cipriano, Candy Pangilinan, Ayen Laurel, DJ Durano, Ricci Chan, Edgar Allan Guzman, Kalila Aguilos, Valerie Weigmann, Jovic Munsod, Abby Bautista and Robert Seña, among others.
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Eiga Sai 2013 Ongoing At UP

Eiga Sai 2013 (Japanese Film Festival) is continuing at the UP Film Institute in Diliman, Quezon City till Aug. 25. The annual Japanese film festival started in July with the films initially screened at the Shang Complex at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, followed by screenings at FDCP Cinematique and Abreeza Ayala Mall in Davao City, and at Ayala Center Cebu City.

Among the films shown is “Otouto” (“About Her Brother”), by master filmmaker Yoji Yamada who has always been for his humanistic films. The film has enjoyed successful runs at various international films festivals and emerged as one of the most acclaimed films from Japan in 2010.

All films have an English subtitles. Admission is free.
Eiga Sai 2013 is presented by the Japan Foundation Manila in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, Shangri-La Plaza Mall. UP Film Institute and the Film Development Council of the Philippines with the support of WAO Corp., NET-25, SPOT.PH, ClickTheCity.Com, Cravings, C2 Classic Cuisine, Lombardi’s, Wicked and the Coffee Beanery.

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MYMP Performs At Resorts World Malaysia

MYMP, one of Asia’s most popular bands, continues its evolution each time it reorganizes. MYMP’s fan base, whose purchases amounted to 11 Platinum albums, continue to be amazed how MYMP has moved on and aimed higher after each reorganization.
MYMP celebrates its 10th year in the pop-music business with a series of performances at Resorts World Genting Malaysia and concerts in different parts of the country. For this month, they have already performed at various venues such as Bagaberde, Ynares Center, 19 East, ChicBoy Antipolo and more.

The band started performing at Resorts World Genting Malaysia on Aug. 14 and will continue their stint there till Aug. 27. On Aug. 28, MYMP will perform at 19 East in Sucat, Parañaque.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 21, go to Sen. Lito Lapid, Jeanne Margaret Goulbourn, Hector Villanueva, Niña Teves, Charlie Uy, Eva Gonzalez, Francis Zamora, Noemi B. Reyes, George del Rosario, Mayor Manny Ilumba, Mutya C. Laxa, Chit Picache Vizconde, Carmelita “Baby” Millado, Jay Valenciano-Glorioso, Flordeluz B. Niedo, Evangeline Florence “Gay” Lozano, Carol Yap, Arvin Perry, Pinky Martinez Anudon, and Miguel “Mikki” Mendoza… Happy wedding anniversary to Col. and Mrs. Clemente Lobusta…