AUG 11 - 17, 2018 ISSUE

FIRST ON INSIDE SHOWBIZ! Sue, Jameson, and Markus on their bond as best friends

EXCLUSIVE TELL-ALL INTERVIEW! Sue reveals who between Markus and Jameson makes her kilig

SUE, JAMESON, & MARKUS This Generation’s New Sensations #FirstOnInsideShowbiz

VANI ALTOMONTE EDITOR ANGELU ZAFE WEB CONTENT WRITER

ART NICOLE VILLARUEL JUNIOR ART DIRECTOR BRIA CARDENAS JUNIOR MULTIMEDIA ARTIST DENNIS FLORORITA FINAL ARTIST

SPECIAL PROJECTS MARGA TUPAZ HEAD

STEPH FERRER, ANGELI MANABAT COPYWRITERS

JOSHUA ARGOSINO, FATIMA ESMERO, CARMINA AGLIPAY, NICCA ESPAÑOL MULTIMEDIA ARTISTS

CONTRIBUTOR

FLOYD JHOCSON, PHOTOGRAPHER ROSY MINA WRITER WALTER DE JESUS BRAND ASSOCIATE FAYE JESSICA YOINGCO DIGITAL CONTENT STRATEGIST

ERICA LUNA EDITORIAL ADMIN ASSOCIATE SUKI SALVADOR VICE-PRESIDENT — MAGAZINE & PRINT BUSINESS ARCHIE CARRASCO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER

FOUNDER & CEO SARI YAP CHAIRMAN J. TIU FOUNDING CREATIVE DIRECTOR LORRAINE BELMONTE INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE TAKING THE SPOTLIGHT

The main cast of Ang Babaeng Allergic sa Wi-Fi talks about their showbiz journeys.

INSIDE SHOWBIZ WEEKLY AUGUST 2018 You know you’ve seen them already; they are familiar faces on the television screen. Sue Ramirez was Anna in Hanggang Saan as well as Catleya in La Luna Sangre and Ligaya in Pangako Sa ‘Yo. She is also a co-host and performer on Sunday variety program ASAP. Jameson Blake, meanwhile, was Fort in A Love to Last and is currently seen on It’s Showtime as a member of the Hashtags as well as on the sitcom Home Sweetie Home as Luke. Markus Paterson, who was a contestant in reality singing competition Pinoy Boyband Superstar, is part of the daytime drama Sana Dalawa Ang Puso. This time around, they are the main headliners of a movie, no less.

The three young stars comprise the lead cast of Ang Babaeng Allergic sa Wi-Fi. This big screen project is an official entry to the 2018Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) and it tells the tale of Norma, played by Sue, who is diagnosed with Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) or simply put, an allergic reaction to Wi-Fi. The movie tackles her love triangle with brothers Aries (Jameson) and Leo (Markus) in a way that is said to be unconventional.

INSIDE SHOWBIZ WEEKLY AUGUST 2018 INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE “It’s very refreshing. Bagong-bago ‘yung kuwento. Wala pa tayong naririnig na ganito. Sino ang makakaisip na may babaeng allergic sa Wi-Fi? It’s something na hindi pa talaga nakikita ng mga tao before. Maybe never heard pa nga eh. Siguro ‘yun ‘yung pinaka edge ng movie,” Sue tells Inside Showbiz Weekly. “Sabi ko nga, maipalabas lang ‘yung pelikula namin, ang laking bagay na nun pero the fact na nakasama kami sa PPP, it’s an even bigger thing for us.”

Jameson agrees that the story is probably the main reason why their film made it to the PPP. “Yeah, maybe because of the uniqueness of the story, like how it deals with a rare illness and it revolves around relationships between couples, friendships, and family.” Markus notes: “I feel like walang standout factor. Everything just worked together so perfectly like the way we all worked, the chemistry we had, the way we attacked each scene.”

CAREER HIGHLIGHT

The three stars are also quick to mention how amazing it was to be directed by Jun Robles Lana, an acclaimed director and screenwriter as well as a Palanca Awards Hall of Fame inductee. Direk Jun’s most recent work is the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Audience Choice Award recipient, Die Beautiful. “‘Yung highlight ko sa movie na ‘to ay makatrabaho talaga si Jun Lana. As in. Ang dami naming natututunan sa kaniya tapos talagang hands-on siya. Gina-guide niya kami. Very patient siya sa amin,” says Sue.

INSIDE SHOWBIZ WEEKLY AUGUST 2018 “Sobrang happy kami sa naging outcome ng movie kasi nakita namin na lahat ng characters nabigyan ng importance, may highlights lahat ng tao. Siguro yun ‘yung masarap kasi sa feeling, fulfillingtalaga siya kapag nakikita mo ‘yung outcome ng trabaho mo na maganda,” she continues. “Grabe talaga si Direk Jun as in kahit pakain. As in hindi siya madamot. Nagdadala ‘yan lagi ng chichirya sa set tapos papakainin kaming lahat. So hindi siya madamot sa learning, sa mga tinuturo niya sa amin.”

Jameson also cites why he immediately said yes to the project. “What caught my eye talaga was ‘yung story kasi yung time na ‘yun, hindi pa finalized ‘yung script but then I automatically really wanted to do it. And when I heard that it was Direk Jun, my handler said, ‘Si Direk Jun Lana iyan, lahat ng movies niya maganda.’ And then it is his passion project. Of course, I like that feeling to be part of a passion project of a director so I took it. It was a great experience shooting with Direk Jun and with everyone.”

Markus then points out their director’s work ethic. “I learned how movies work. This is my first movie.Sobrang iba sa teleserye na okay, one sequence, cut, done, next sequence, cut. This one, even if there’s a bird in the distance that Direk didn’t like, he will say, ‘Okay isa pa, isa pa.’ Everything has to be perfect. It was a long but really fun and eye-opening experience.”

INSIDE SHOWBIZ WEEKLY AUGUST 2018 INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE WORKING WITH FRIENDS

What made Ang Babaeng Allergic sa Wi-Fi more memorable for them is that they were able to strengthen their bond given that they are really friends off-cam. “It was such a surreal experience especially working with my best friends. It was like a walk in a park. Nahirapan lang kami sa kilig-kiligan kasi Sue is my best friend so it’s kinda like weird but we had to do it. It’s the job,” says Markus.

Jameson chimes in, “When you work with someone you really know, you don’t really have to build up the chemistry. Parang andun na. So kami ni Markus, there was no awkwardness or anything. It was just the being new to acting together in a movie.” He then talks about his leading lady: “Sobrang chill lang. I like Sue. Walang bigat. You won’t really feel pressure or anything. Si Sue is just very laidback lang. We’re just having fun.”

Sue reacts hilariously to working with Markus and Jameson for the first time: “Nakakaloka kasi boyfriend ko dito si Markus eh sobra kaming mag-barkada ni Markus so malaking challenge para sa aming dalawa. Mas madaling mag-go through sa long working hours, matinding pagod at init kapag magaan ‘yung mga kasama mo eh at kapag nag-e-enjoy ka sa company na meron ka. So sobrang kulitan lang kami talaga. Naging sobrang madaling working place ‘yung set namin kasi happy lang eh. Walang nega.”

INSIDE SHOWBIZ WEEKLY AUGUST 2018 INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE BREAKTHROUGH ROLE

The title role of Ang Babaeng Allergic sa Wi-Fi is said to be a breakthrough for Sue, 22, even if she has already taken on a lead role in the 2017 horror filmThe Debutantes. “Eto ‘yung role na hindi ko na puwedeng palampasin kasi I can never come across another role like this. So, no doubts talaga in my mind. Talagang tinanggap ko,” she states. She also reveals what is so special with her role.

“Kasi kahit ‘yung mga roles na ginawa ko before, medyo may tigas pa rin. Eto talaga malambot all the way. Parang pati ‘yung galit na emotion na kinailangan kong ibigay sa movie, kailangan malambot pa rin. ‘Yung may conviction pero ibang atake talaga.” She explains, “Ang hirap magpa-sweet. Sobrang sweet ni Norma. Eh diba alam mo naman ako. Jusko po. Si Norma sobrang sweet siya at prim and proper siya, girl na girl. Ultimo lakad, kinailangan kong baguhin. Alam mo naman ako, babargas-bargas ako maglakad.”

“Tapos merong mga times dalawa o tatlong take na, para lang maayos ko ang lakad ko kasi parang titibu-tibo nga so kailangan perky ka na bouncy na girl talaga so medyo naging challenge for me. Pero bilang tinutulungan tayo ni Direk Jun, hindi naging sobrang struggle ‘yung paggawa ng pelikulang ito kasi andiyan siya nakatutok siya sa aming lahat.”

INSIDE SHOWBIZ WEEKLY AUGUST 2018 INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE THIRD MOVIE THIS YEAR

As for Jameson, he says his most recent film role is something that resonates with him. “I didn’t really do much adjustments in the movie kasi ‘yung personality ko atsaka ‘yung personality ni Aries is almost the same. Siguro sa dialogue lang sa Tagalog,” says the 21-year-old Filipino-American. He adds that his character is similar to the one he had in the film So Connected which was shown a couple of months ago.

“Siguro the production thinks that’s where I fit most, doon ako bagay sa parang shy na character. Maybe it was just like a coincidence that there are two movies that I’ve done na almost the same ‘yung character. Pero I don’t mind, hindi naman lagi. I’ve played other kinds of roles. Siguro ngayon lang ‘yung biglaan na magkasunod na movies na same ‘yung role.”

The former Pinoy Big Brother housemate made waves early on in his career when he bagged the Best Supporting Actor trophy in the 2016 Cinema One Originals Film Festival for his work in 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten. With his string of commercial films this year, led by Mama’s Girl in January, industry watchers are wondering if Jameson is set to make his indie comeback soon. “It’s been a while since I’ve done indie pero mainstream muna ako.”

Despite going the mainstream route, Jameson is still beyond happy because his latest film is part of yet another film festival. “It was an achievement talaga kasi we’ve been thinking kailan lalabas ‘yung movie. Then when we found out it was gonna be for the PPP, we were really happy na we were picked. And achievement din para sa akin kasi I’ve joined Cinemalaya (for Nabubulok), MMFF (for Haunted Forest), and Cinema One Originals. It’s a big achievement para sa amin and also for me.”

INSIDE SHOWBIZ WEEKLY AUGUST 2018 INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE FILM DEBUT

Markus, 19, is clearly still overwhelmed with how things are going for his film debut project. “The PPP is a very well-respected festival for movies and lahat ng mga pelikula na nasasama doon talagang good movies so nagulat ako na ‘Wow, I’m part of a movie that’s also amazing.” He, however, was not the first choice to play the role of Leo. A teaser for the film had already come out featuring Sue, Jameson, and Jerome Ponce.

Despite being Jerome’s replacement, the 19-year-old Filipino- British says he does not mind being the second choice. “Jerome is also a really good fit for this role. There’s no doubt about that.Wala tayong magawa if may conflictsa schedule eh but I’m just glad that I did my job well and Direk Jun really liked it.”

Markus admits to having encountered difficulties on the set. “Nahirapan ako doon kasi Leo is a very self-centered guy. He’s not a bad person pero siya ‘yung spoiled, sanay na siyang he takes advantage of his brother. He doesn’t really care about his girlfriend too much. Mas focused siya sa basketball and studies. Nahirapan ako kasi may mga scenes kami na I have to shout at Sue, I have to say really mean things. We had some takes and Direk was like, ‘Parang hindi ka sincere, parang hindi ka talaga galit.’ But yeah, he got it out of me.”

INSIDE SHOWBIZ WEEKLY AUGUST 2018 INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE STAYING FOCUSED ON THEIR CAREERS

With all the good things happening in the careers of Sue, Jameson, and Markus, the three celebrities say they just want to remain focused on their craft. They are grateful for being part of Ang Babaeng Allergic sa Wi-Fi and would want moviegoers to learn a thing or two from their film. “Gusto ko manood sila para sa sarili nila kasi ang daming lessons na matututunan atsaka maganda talaga ‘yung film.Hindi kayo magsisisi pagkalabas niyo sa sinehan. Itaga niyo sa bato, napakahusay ni Direk Jun,” declares Sue.

She goes on, “From the story, ang natutunan ko talaga is take your chances. Huwag mo nang palampasin kasi you never know baka hindi mo na makuha ulit ‘yung chance. Kapag may tao kang mahal, sabihin mo na sa kaniya na mahal mo siya. Cliché siya pero ‘pag napanood niyo ‘yung pelikula, ma-ge-gets ninyo kung bakit. At importance of family, malaking support system talaga siya sa tao.”

As for what is coming up in Sue’s career, she makes clear what she wants to achieve: “I will always be aiming for something, not fame, but ‘yung experience of having to work with different people.” The rumored lady love of Boyband PH member Joao Constancia continues, “Gusto ko mag-comedy, sitcom, at action. Actually ‘yun lang naman ang goal ko sa career ko, na magawa ko lahat. Kung magkakaroon ng mas sweet pa kay Norma, sige kakagatin ko iyan. I’m just willing to learn every time na mabigyan ako ng job, gusto ko lang lagi akong may matututunan.”

INSIDE SHOWBIZ WEEKLY AUGUST 2018 INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE Jameson, meanwhile, will soon be seen on the teleserye Ngayon at Kailanman bannered by and Julia Barretto. “I won’t try to do anything, siyempre it’s part of the story na kasama ako sa love triangle. I just have to step up my game and do better,” he says while remaining tightlipped about his other projects. “Hopefully, I’m having a good head start. Thank God na may mga movies akong sunud-sunod. I don’t wanna jinx anything. Pero ayun, I’m on the right track and I am happy where I am right now.”

Lastly, Markus gives an update on his love triangle with and Henz Villaraiz in Sana Dalawa ang Puso: “It’s going well. The story right now is focusing more on the friendship of us three so masaya naman.” He also reveals his excitement about bagging a movie role in another JoshLia project, the zombie flick Block Z directed by Mikhail Red. “I’d rather stick with movies but TV is okay lang din sa akin because work is work. Kahit anong opportunity, tatanggapin ko naman ‘yun.”

INSIDE SHOWBIZ WEEKLY AUGUST 2018 INSIDE SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE

Words by Rosy Mina Photography by Floyd Jhocson of Studio100 Art Direction by Nicole Villaruel Assisted by Bria Cardenas Sittings Editor Vani Altomonte

Special Thanks to Phils, IdeaFirst