Anita Linda gets standing
ovation at Toronto filmfest

Anita headlines "Adela," an Indie movie directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr. and produced by Arleen Cuevas. It is her second title role vehicle. The first one was "Sisa" (1951), where she received her first best actress trophy from the Film Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS).

"Adela" is a dream come true for Anita, as she had always wondered if she’d ever topbill another movie. She’s turning 84 in November.

"That trip to Canada was Anita’s first trip after many years," Perla Bautista, who co-stars with Anita in "Adela," revealed. "At 84, sabi niya sa akin, parang ‘di akmang bumiyahe siya. Ang tagal din kasi ng biyahe. Fourteen hours.

"Bale daw ba, she was not entitled to a chaperone. But the producer, Arlene, promised to look after her.

"I told her, ‘Ganun naman pala’," Perla continued. "Sayang naman if you don’t go. Not every artista, especially our age, is given the chance to attend a filmfest abroad because of a movie which has her playing the title role."

Because of their closeness, it was but natural that the first person Anita called up upon her arrival from Canada was Perla. Excitedly, Anita told Perla that she got goose pimples when she was given a standing ovation after the screening of "Adela."

"I, too, had my share of applause," said Perla. "In ‘Adela,’ I had but a cameo role. Ako ‘yung kapitbahay niya na matanda na rin, pero, natutong umibig sa isang lalaking puwede na niyang maging apo.

"I thanked Anita for the good news. For me, it was good enough na napansin ako, samantalang ang kabuuan ng pelikula ay maituturing na kanyang-kanya."

Doesn’t Perla dream of also joining an international filmfest where the movie she will headline is an entry?

"Sana nga," she said. "Sa edad ko ngayon (she’s in her 60s), that would be an honor."

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The festival, which ran from September 11 to 16 at the Gateway Cinema 4, featured 27 entries from students and alumni of UP, Ateneo de Manila, Miriam, Angelicum, Trinity and St. Paul. Admission fee per screening was P80.

The entries were categorized as follows: animation, narrative, experimental and documentary.

Present at the festival’s opening last Wednesday were, aside from Vice Mayor Herbert, Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte, who cut the ceremonial ribbon.

On hand to help Vice Mayor Herbert was his charming lady love, Tathess Gana.

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Is it true that a popular TV talk show host had some changesdone on her face?

Well, whatever alteration she allowed to be done worked to her favor. And how!

Her prominent jaws have been reduced. Her nose has been slightly lifted. Some "un-needed" flesh was removed from her eyelids. Her eyebags had been totally removed.

Did we also hear it right that her beauty doctor also did something to her upper bumpers, making it to look slightly bigger?

Well, as a senior singer (who underwent physical "overhauling") said it’s a mortal sin not to get the services of an A-1 plastic surgeon to help you look young again, especially if you can well afford it. More so, if your profession requires you to look pretty. Yes, despite your age.

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Remember former sexpot Aubrey Miles? She has been away from the showbiz scene for quite sometime. And all because she’s pregnant.

Aubrey is due to give birth anytime now. Father is Troy Montero (remember him?).

The baby, a boy according to the couple, will be named Hunter Cody.