TinTin Ng is giving back during the Coronavirus pandemic

Boholana actressTintin Ng is doing her part to help other people as the coronavirus spreads in the province.

Amid the pandemic, celebrities and artists have been using their platforms to spread awareness, whether it's by sharing videos of themselves washing their hands or advising fans to stay home and practice social distancing. 

As the coronavirus spreads in the country, actress and performer Christine “Tintin” Ng 

is doing her part to help.

Tintin is feeding children at Sunshine Home and at the Tagbilaran old dumpsite area. 

She also joined her friends distributing food packs, face masks and vitamins courtesy of actress and entrepreneur Kate Brios to frontliners in Getafe and other parts of Bohol. 

"In times like this, it is very important to be united and support however we can to help our fellow kababayans," Tintin said. 

The Boholana actress was able to go home before the lockdown on March 16 to be with her family. 

She will stay here until it will be safe to travel back to Manila for her pending projects and appearances on TV. 

But helping other people in her own small ways is keeping her busy. 

"We need to stand together and care for one another," she added.

Tintin was discovered by the late Boholano renowned director Maryo delos Reyes. 

She appears in Nandito Ako Nagmamahal Sa ‘Yo (2008), I’ll Be There (2010) and in some indie films like Biktima (2010), Pendong (2010) and Mainit (2011).

Her breakthrough role, however, was on GMA 7’s Dwarfina and Munting Heredera which showcased Tintin’s natural acting. 

On and off the camera, Tintin makes you laugh with her wits. 

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Direk Maryo J: Magnifico!

Acclaimed director Maryo Jarolan delos Reyes—Direk Maryo J to many—had thoughts of retiring in his mother's home province of Bohol where he owned several pieces of property.

He owned a villa on a farmland in Barangay Progreso, Alicia town, about 88 km northeast of Tagbilaran.

The property was an inheritance from his mother, Lourdes, which he converted into a farm which was planted with rice, coconuts and bananas.

The death of famed director Maryo J. Delos Reyes set off an instant
emotional outpouring from a stunned industry including one
of his many talents Scarlet Geulen-Boiser. Contributed Photo

He once said that farming was viable industry that would benefit the townfolk and that he saw himself retiring as a farmer.

Direk Maryo also acquired a property in Barangay Dao, Tagbilaran City, which he named “Celebrityville.” Inside the property were his house and four-unit apartment which he named after his movies --“Pari 'Koy,” “Niño,” “Annie Batungbakal” and “Magnifico.”

Last week, Direk Maryo instructed his caretaker Tata Castillo, 40, to clean his house since he would be there on Jan. 29 with some of his celebrity friends. He also wanted to supervise the finishing touches on his house and the plans to build a pool inside the property.

But Direk Maryo didn’t make it home. He died on Jan. 27 after suffering a heart attack.

His sudden death brought shock to his fellow Boholanos.

“Nakurat ko kay kalit lang jud (I was so shocked because [his death] was so sudden),” said Castillo.

The industry began an outpouring of grief and remembrance immediately after news of his death.  The director’s reputation and generosity evidently touched those across his life.

Among those grieved the loss of such a major and influential talent was singer-actress-comedianne Scarlet Geulen-Boiser, one of Direk Maryo’s talents whom he treated like his children.

“He’s like my second parent, mentor, critic, talent manager and friend. He was a very generous friend. It seemed that I lost an angel who was always helping me,” said Scarlet.

Scarlet started her showbiz career in 1998, but she made a big splash when Delos Reyes pushed her career to star in films and some teleseryes on ABS-CBN and GMA.

She said she learned valuable lessons from Direk Maryo.

“Positive nga tawo si Direk Maryo. He said we should learn to forgive and forget the bad things that happened.

He only wanted positive vibes, really happy,” she recalled.

He constantly told her that there was no point getting depressed by problems no matter how big these were because these would be dealt with by a bigger God.

Another actress TinTin Ng described Direk Maryo as "a big hearted and compassionate man.”

Lutgardo “Gardy” Labad, bosom buddy and musical scorer of his landmark films, described Delos Reyes as a “preciously Boholano and Filipino, a good, true, beautiful human being.”

Last Wednesday, Scarlet (who was with Ms. Rose Sabijon Rara, Architect Niño Guidaben and fellow actor Mark Sepe) broke down as soon as he saw Direk Maryo inside a coffin.

Scarlet was overjoyed by the number of people who love Direk Maryo...people from showbiz, politics, business, all sectors of society.

“Many people love Direk Maryo J,” said Scarlet.

And they keep coming to bid Direk Maryo a fond farewell last Saturday, perhaps less with tears but more with recollection of beautiful memories and anecdotes about Direk Maryo.

Direk Maryo was all that — and more.

Every time we met, he would ask, “Kailan ka ba bibisita sa farm ko?”  Before I could answer, he added,

“Anong masasabi mo sa teleserye?”

In 2013, when he saw me and my nephew Jhelmar Jala during the first Saulog celebration, he convinced me to allow my nephew to enter showbiz. But Jhelmar didn’t enter showbiz because he’s still studying.

The last time we met was in 2016 during the launching of the Blue Way, a dance workshop organized by Gardy.

He asked, “Kumusta ka na Leo? Bakit hindi ka nagpapakita sa akin? Kailan ka ba pupunta sa farm ko?”

He was also very accommodating if I want to interview him or his talents.

Direk Maryo wanted to become a priest. But it didn’t happen when he enrolled at the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communications in 1974.

At that time, he was very active with the Philippine Educational Theater (PETA), the country’s premiere theater group.

From 1965 to 1975, he participated in various art and theater seminars and workshops here and abroad as organizer, moderator and instructor.

He also became a professor and lecturer at the UP College of Mass Communications and began writing for television drama anthologies. He had directed many films and television series since his directorial debut in 1978.

His critically acclaimed drama films were "Magnifico" (2003) which received the Crystal Bear in the 2004 Berlin International Film Festival, "Naglalayag" (2004) which garnered major awards in the 2004 Manila Film Festival, the box-office hit "A Love Story" (2007) and his last film "The Unmarried Wife" (2016).

Despite the fame and recognition, Direk Maryo remained grounded and level- headed.

Close friend Gerry Lugod said that while the director was born and based in Manila, he knew how to remember his roots.

“He felt he was really Boholano even though he was born in Manila,” he said.

In Bohol, he supported students and some schools without any the fanfare and publicity. His family donated a lot for Progreso Elem. School in Alicia.

He accepted speaking engagements and conducted acting and film making workshops.

In fact, Direk Maryo had planned to establish a film school in Bohol and conduct a local film festival.

Direk Maryo made an effort to showcase local talents and promote Bohol when he directed movies such as “Nandito Ako,” “Nagmamahal Sa’yo” and “Bamboo Flowers” which were entirely shot in Bohol.

I once asked him why did he choose to film the movies on location in Bohol?

His replied: “I'm from Bohol and I want to showcase the beauty of my home province.”

Direk Maryo supported Oplan Bangon Bohol (OBB), the brainchild of the Association of Young Boholano Professionals in Metro Manila, to help fellow Boholanos when the province was hit by earthquake on Oct. 15, 2013 which brought Bohol to its knees.

Down-trodden by the tragedy, Direk Maryo offered “Bamboo Flowers” to OBB as part of his contribution to the fundraising.

So long Direk! You’re truly magnifico!

***

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An abundance of love: Valentine happenings around Bohol

There’s a lot of lessons to be learned (yes, by everybody) from Bamboo Flowers, a film by Direk Maryo delos Reyes.

Think positive.

Faith is a tool. When the world is darkest, and you struggle to survive, faith can get you over the worst.

Simply survive each day and you will succeed. Learn from each step, better yourself on the next step, and you will succeed.

Make good things that you can say your own legacy.

Make your own bamboo flowers.

Last Tuesday morning, the Bamboo Flowers stars Xyrus Cruz, Asley Strom, Orlando Sol and Ruru Madrid were in Bohol for (another) Bohol premier. They also answered the questions from the media and crowd during the presscon.

It was also a sort of “reunion” when I met some people in the film industry like Direk Maryo delos Reyes, Lailette Geulen-Boiser, TinTin Ng, Gerry Lugod, Jerome Sarabia, Gardy Labad and Yuri.

Veteran broadcaster Peddie Bolanio (who claimed he’s Robert De Niro’s lost twin) with Direk Maryo delos Reyes during the Bamboo Flowers premier last Tuesday. Photo by Arlene Pisquera

“Para sa akin kaya pinili ko Bamboo Flowers na title dahil universal ang ibig sabihin ng bamboo flowers. It has ancient flavor na maintindihan natin lahat ito,” Direk Maryo told the media while having our lunch at The Buzz. “It has a universal appeal and universal sounding film.”

A lovely day with friends (l-r) LPU, Gerry Lugod, Tintin Ng, Inday Charity and Lailette Boiser.-Jade Boiser

In addition, according to Inday Charity (who loved the trailer and, of course, Ruru Madrid), Bamboo Flowers is a movie about achieving one’s dreams in life. “We should learn how to fight for our true love,” shared Inday Charity.

 “Kapag nag-fade na ang bamboo tree, the flower starts to bloom. Ganun din ang heritage kapag wala na ang magulang ang mga anak naman nila mag-take over. Ganun din ang buhay natin kapag umalis na tayo ang maiiwan ay ang magagandang alaala natin,” said Direk Maryo.

(Note: The Bamboo Flowers regular screening is until Feb. 18, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the ICM Screenville Cinema. Proceeds will go to PROCESS-Bohol Inc. for the development of the Abatan River.)

Three days after, I saw myself at Cion-Virge Restaurant (inside the Tagbilaran Airport) for a tête-à-tête with Bohol’s Queen of Tourism Rose Soy.

Bohol’s Queen of Tourism Rose Soy (2nd from left, with her staff at Cion-Virge Restaurant) amazes many people by looking forever young. Her secret? “I don’t think of problems!” -LPU

 

The widely-smiling Rose Soy (who offered me her product “Up,” an instant coffee mix with tongkat ali and ginseng which is available only at her restaurant), shared about loving her work and helping other people through the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran. 

Unfazed by her back-breaking job running the restaurant and charity works, Rose Soy amazes many people by looking forever young, never mind if she insists that she’s “loveless.”

So what keeps lovely in lovelessness?

“I don’t think of problems. I just love my work,” said Rose Soy.

From where we were seated, I had a good view of a vintage photograph of Rose Soy at the top of the Chocolate Hills in Carmen.  It was Rose, the only Rose, who promoted Bohol to the world when Bohol was not yet known at that time.

At 3p.m., at Eva’s Flowershop, I’d witnessed how people were busy buying flowers and Valentine items for their loved ones.

At 4p.m., I went to Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School to see their Valentine gimiks.

They had a “love bulletin” where students could display their love messages for five pesos. Other offerings were face painting for five pesos, card reading for three pesos and palm reading for two pesos.

Proceeds from these gimiks will go to their charity projects.

 “We aim to go to Sunshine Home and help the kids. We also want to help the girls who are involved in drugs,” said student Mary Rose Castro.

But the best of all was the “funny” wedding ceremony for 10 pesos. Student volunteer Vanessa Siao explained that someone could pay for the couple’s wedding. The team would look for the pair and had them married.

 “It’s for fun and enjoyment as celebration of Valentine’s Day,” said Vanessa.  

Proceeds will go to rehabilitate their classroom.

At 5 p.m., Inday Charity and I went to Camp Dagohoy to witness how Philippine National Police (PNP) -Bohol marked Valentine’s Day with a mass wedding.  

Ten couples, whose spouses are members of the PNP have exchanged their vows at St. Michael Archangel Chapel inside the PNP headquarters in Camp Dagohoy.

Solemnized by Msgr. Jeff Malanog, the mass wedding ceremony was organized by the PNP under Senior Supt. Dennis Agustin.

“This is to allow police personnel the opportunity to legitimize relationship with their partners,” explained PSupt Joie Pacito Yape Jr, PNP-Bohol Information Officer.

One of participants, PO3 Darwin Andales of PNP-Loon, has been civilly married to his wife PO2 Rosalinda Andales for four years.

"We’re very happy because after four years sa among civil marriage our church wedding came true,” said Andales while gazing into the soulful eyes of his inamorata. “I am very thankful for this opportunity”.

The police officials advised newlyweds to remain faithful to their chosen lifetime partners.

The ceremony, including the reception, was provided by the principal sponsors, Supt. Agustin. Gov, Edgar Chatto, Reps. Rene Relampagos, Aris Aumentado and Art Yap.

In Ubay town, 84 couples finally tied the knot at San Pascual Church on Valentine’s Day. It was sponsored by Bohol 2^nd Rep. Aris Aumentado.

After the mass wedding, I went to the city and I saw Valentine’s Day was a busy night for Cupid, but it was just as busy for restaurants and their staffs. The restaurants all across the city up the ante with prix-fixe meals and amour-themed specials that the lovebirds and family sure to love.

What a busy Valentine! Ako? Busy-busyhan lang pag may time! Ha!Ha!Ha!

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Tintin Ng: Funny and Fabulous

Shiela and her mom

Wake-uppers:

Seen: My aunt Lucila Udtohan-Olorvida died of lung cancer last October 13, 2011. She was a second hand smoke victim. She was 59 years old. Her daughter Shiela Olorvida-Glaring would like to donate their unused, unexpired cancer medications to needy cancer patients. Please text or call +63908-663-4183 or +63921-244-6791.

Scene: The local government unit of Catigbian presents “Catigbian D.A.T.E. Park Photo Challenge,” an onsite photo contest on Dec. 3, 2011. Registration Fee is P700 (P550 for early birds) which includes free shuttle from Tagbilaran, lunch and two snacks, photo lectures, model shoot, cash and trophy, kit and certificates.  Open for DSLR and P&S categories. Visit facebook.com/catigbian to know more. Text or call Charles Borja at +63926-571-1111.

Seen: Eight of the lovely candidates of Miss Earth 2011 were here in Bohol for an official visit last Friday. They were Miss China Yu Jun Liu, Miss Singapore Felicia Orvalla, Miss Canada Ashlea Moor, Miss Turkey Merve Saribas, Miss India Hasleen Kaur, Miss Sweden Renate Cerljen,  Miss USA Nicole Kelley and Miss England Roxanne Smith. Miss Sweden Renate Cerljen was Miss Universe 2009 Top 15 and Beauty of the World 2010 fourth runner-up. The 2011 Miss Earth pageant has been moved back to the Philippines, its original home, because of the rising floods in Thailand, threatening Bangkok where it was supposed to be held. The grand coronation will be held on Dec. 3, 7 p.m. at the University of the Philippines Theater.

Eight of the Miss Earth 2011 candidates with Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto and wife Pureza and provincial administrator Ae Damalerio.

 

Miss Sweden and Miss India with Catherine Untalan, former Miss Philippines Earth who was crowned Miss Air (2nd RU) in the 2006 Miss Earth Pageant. Miss Untalan is now an Executive Director of Carousel Productions that produces the annual Miss Philippines & Miss Earth Pageants.

 

 

 

 

Never forget...

Scene: Some journalists and concerned citizens gathered last November 23, 2011 at the Plaza Rizal to celebrate the International Day to End Impunity as the nation remembered the 2nd anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre which claimed 58 victims on November 23, 2009 -- 32 of them were journalists. The statement read: “We, Bol-anon journalists and concerned individuals call on the end to impunity in the Philippines and all over the world. We call for justice for the victims of the Ampatuan massacre. We call for justice for all journalists and freedom advocates who have been killed for exposing the truth." (Thanks to Liza Macalandag, Shem Quezon, Salvio Makinano, Vida May Tirol-de Juan and Nemi Monton and his angels.)

Seen: First district Bohol Rep. Rene Relampagos has filed House Bill 5422 that seeks to rename Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) to Corazon Aquino Avenue. The measure is now pending with the committee on public works and highways of the House of Representatives. Relampagos said “EDSA should be named after Aquino because “one cannot think of the 1986 EDSA Revolution without thinking of former President Corazon Aquino.” However, large number of Pinoy Nettizens (including celebrities such as Tim Yap, Georgina Wilson, and Paolo Paraiso) refuse to have anything to do with the bill and expressed their disagreement openly online.  The topic became a Top Trend on Twitter last Wednesday.

Seen: World-renowned operatic tenor and philanthropist Sal Malaki will perform on Dec. 4 at the Bohol Cultural Center, 6 p.m. The two-hour concert, dubbed “Christmas Showers of Grace” is directed by thespian Daisy Baad and animated by Spring Rain Global Consultancy Inc. led by president and CEO Glenda Antonio. The concert will have pianist Carmencita "Menchi" Ybud. The Placido Domingo protégé, Malaki, who traces his roots to Anda, Bohol, was born in Leyte and studied at the University of the Philippines’ College of Music, major in Flute and Voice, is the only Filipino member of two prominent ensembles in the US: the Los Angeles Master Chorale and the Los Angeles Opera. (Note: The tickets are pegged at P1,000 (gold), P 500 (silver) and P 300 (bronze). For ticket reservations, contact 0915-8886488, 0928-4551866 and 0923-3186800. Visit Holy Spirit School or call 411-2558.)

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Christine “Tintin” Ng has elicited laughter and admiration from fans, friends and even foes.

For an artista to get through the industry, it’s either you get the breaks or you break barriers. Some of them bloom late. Others bank on pure talent, versatility and fame to step in without much struggling.

Ask Christine “Tintin” Ng, who hails from Tagbilaran City, has come a long way from being the shy probinsya and now a rising actress in the country.

Tintin was discovered by her fellow Boholano, renowned director Maryo delos Reyes, who was initially doubted Tintin’s ability but eventually ended up a adviser and a good friend.

What made Tintin decide to join showbiz?

“My love for acting!” exclaimed the comedian-actress. “It was my mentor and beloved director Maryo J. de los Reyes who convinced me to enter showbiz. He gives sound advices. You know, I don’t have any acting workshop, kumbaga eh nasabak ako sa digmaang biglaan na walang dalang sandata at bala. Sabi ni Direk Maryo sa akin ‘gamitin lang ang diskarte at magiging observer.’”

In 2008, Tintin appeared in Nandito Ako Nagmamahal Sa ‘Yo, I’ll Be There (2010) and in some indie films like Biktima (2010), Pendong (2010) and Mainit (2011).

Her breakthrough role, however, was on GMA 7’s Dwarfina and Munting Heredera (will end in January 2012) which showcase Tintin’s natural acting. Quite credible in her role in Munting Heredera, Tintin appeared the talkative and seductive yaya or maid and showed she could act, exuding both comic and sensitivity.

TinTin Ng first TV appearance on GMA 7’s Dwarfina (with Janice de Belen and Chanda Romero) where she played the comic sexy maid.

On and off the camera, Tintin makes you laugh with her wits. She catches your eyes with her height and fabulous figure. She leaves you amazed of the real Tintin Ng. Very natural! Very kuwela!

Asked what have her showbiz experiences taught her thus far, she turns philosophical: “Showbiz-showbiz para sa akin ay hindi habang buhay nasa kinang ka ng mga tala. Kailangan mo lang i–enjoy ang bawat ningning na nakapalibot sa iyo at ang pakikisama at lalo na ang pag-arte kailangan marunong makiramdam. Maging creative at maging listo.”

She adds, “Hindi lang naka- base kung ano ang blocking nang direktor eh yun na ang susundin mo. Kailangan mo ring mag-experiment na tutugma sa role na ginagampanan mo , at i-suggest mo sa direktor kung puwede  mo bang gawin yung idea na naiisip mo para mag-work ang character na in-established para sa iyo.”

Her height (4’8”), which she carries with natural gracefulness and confidence,  no doubt helped her right in showbiz. “Maybe kasi maliit ako at trying hard magpa-sexy na unique kasi nga yun ang role na established sa akin. Malandi na petite! Ha! Ha! Ha!”

Drama or comedy? “Both, gusto kong maging versatile na pwede sa drama or comedy. Pero mas priority ang comedy sa akin. Nachachallenge kasi ako sa drama kasi ang hirap umiyak at matagal akong mapaiyak.”

She dreams of having Dingdong Dantes as her leading man if she will be given a big break. “Dingdong Dantes! Marian sa question lang to gurl He! He! He! Baka masabunutan mo ako dito. Choz!! For me, he is cute and sexy and yummy!! Ha! Ha! Ha!”

And she is willing to give it “all” in the name of acting. “Like kissing? Yes!  Kailangan! We did some of my leading man in Mujer na kahit wala sa script eh nag- smack siya sa akin pero walang reklamo kasi part na sa job namin ang ganoon. Diyan makikita ang pagka- actress or actor mo.”

To date, according to Tintin, she has never snubbed a fan, although he steers clear of people who have topak (tantrums). In fact, she has her own fast growing fans club whose members give her letters, flowers and stuff toys. “I’ll put it beside n my bed then tinatago ko yung mga perfumes at yung mga package na padala nila. Eh kasi tatanungin nila saan ako nakatira. Para sa akin I didn’t treat them as fans only but I treat them as my friends. I give time to talk with them kahit ilang minuto lang para kahit sa ganoon man lang eh makapagpasalamat ako sa kanila. Kaya valuable yung mga bigay nila sa akin. Ang mga letters tinatago ko lahat at dadalhin ko yun hanggang sa pagtanda ko na minsan sa buhay ko ay may mga humahanga din sa akin at iniidolo ako.”

I bet you didn’t know that Tintin is almost famous in the country. She is mobbed by fans wherever she goes. “I don’t know but I have noticed it lalo na sa mga places na may nag-papapicture sa akin at nag-papaautograph. Minsan nagtiyangge ako gaya ng ginagawa ko dati di ko naman alam na dudumugin nila ako at nagkapasa ako. Kinamayan ko sila, nag- shakehand hinila ako at sa liit ko namang ito nako po ay talagang nagkapasa ang kamay ko. But it’s ok natutuwa ako sa kanila.”

For years, Tintin has elicited laughter and admiration from fans, friends and even foes. She isn’t stopping just yet. “Simply lang po ang dream ko na mag-mark ang name ko sa mga tao na maalala nila ako bilang si Tintin na kakaiba at nakakatuwa.”

Tintin’s last visit to Bohol was in May 2010 and she missed her family and siblings. “Ahermm  Namimiss ko rin ang daming kalandian ko sa Bohol at alam niyo yan guys kong sino kayo if lalabas na tong article na to! Ha! Ha! Ha!”

Despite her success, Tintin remains a simple Boholana at heart. She may have already achieved milestones in her career, but she prefers to remain humble. She proves that when it comes to pursuing dreams or just fulfilling your passions, limits do not exist. The possibilities are endless for those who have the right attitude.”

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