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| harlene and hero bautista |
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| even the kids are for hero as councilor |
HARLENE BAUTISTA is the one managing their family’s film production outfit, Heaven’s Best Entertainment, and she’s very happy that their award-winning Metro Manila Filmfest entry, “Rainbow’s Sunset”, has won more awards abroad. At the recent 52nd Houston World Filmfest in Texas, it won best actor awards for its lead stars, Eddie Garcia and Tony Mabesa, and the most innovative story award for screenwriter Eric Ramos. The film itself won the Special Jury Prize. “At pupunta pa siya sa ibang international film festivals like Miami and Fort Lauderdale filmfest,” she adds.
Harlene was at the party at Annabel’s that she and brothers Mayor Herbert and Councilor Hero Bautista hosted for the press people who were born from January to June. Mayor Herbert was not there and we ask Harlene what his plans are, now that his last term as QC mayor is ending.
“He wants to rest daw muna and take a break from politics,” she says. “He wants to make up for lost time with his kids kasi lumalaki na ang mga anak niya. May balak din siyang bumalik sa showbiz. May nag-offer na nga ng movie sa kanya recently pero hindi pa siya available until after tapos na ang term niya. It’s either he will act daw or direct a movie.”
Heaven’s Best is encouraged by the big success of “Rainbow’s Sunset” so they’re now filming another movie, “In the Name of the Mother” starring Snooky Serna, Gardo Versoza, Rita Daniela, Pancho Magno and others, directed by Joel Lamangan. This will be their entry to the 3rd Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino to be held in September.
“Meron din kaming project for the Metro Filmfest in December and we have an 8-episode series for iWant TV, ‘Don’t Call Me Tita’ starring Cherry Pie Picache, Angelica Panganiban, Agot Isidro, Jaclyn Jose, Mylene Dizon and Ice Seguerra, directed by Andoy Ranay.”
How is her relationship with Romnick Sarmenta after their separation? “We’re civil naman with each other,” she says. “Just a few days ago, magkasama kami kasi may program yung mga bata sa school so we attended it. Okay naman. After the event, sumama sa kanya ang mga bata at doon natulog sa kanya. Friends pa rin naman kami at hindi gaya nung ibang separated couples na bawal ipahiram ang mga anak nila.”
They’re now working on the annulment of their marriage and they’ve both moved on. Romnick has a new girlfriend and Harlene doesn’t hide the fact that she’s going out with another guy who she used to work with in ‘That’s Entertainment.’
Harlene is all out in helping her Kuya Hero in his re-election bid as QC 4th District councilor which has a total of 38 barangays from UP Village, Krus na Ligas and Cubao to Welcome Rotonda. “Don’t forget, number 3 po siya sa balota,” says Harlene.
Hero says his program is anchored on his initials. H is for health and he personally brings a health caravan to help his constituents in the various barangays. E is for education as he has about 250 scholars he sends to school. R is for reform as he is always introducing new ordinances to improve the lives of his constituents and O is for order as he has set up CCTV cameras in various barangays to monitor any illegal activities that might be going on.
“We are also cleaning up and dredging our creeks para maalis ang mga basura and prevent flooding in the rainy season,” he adds. “Pero siempre po, hindi ko pa rin matalikuran ang showbiz. May bago po akong movie, ‘Fusion’, with Daiana Menezes and Maria Ozawa intended for Netflix at ipalalabas po sa September. Abangan nyo.”