Fans lined up excitedly on the third floor of SM Megamall last night, August 26, to catch a glimpse of For the First Time lead stars KC Concepcion and Richard Gutierrez. The premiere night held at SM Cinemas 9 and 10 was extra-special since it was attended by stars and executives of rival networks ABS-CBN and GMA-7.
Family members and friends of the lead stars gave their support for the 15th anniversary offering of Star Cinema, which is now being screened in more than 100 theaters nationwide. ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio and chairman Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez III attended the event along with Ms. Malou Santos, Ms. Cory Vidanes, and Mr. Johnny Manahan. Also spotted at the venue were Olive Lamasan and Deo Endrinal.
Richard's co-stars in Asero, Richard Gomez and Janno Gibbs, were at Cinema 10 of the SM Megamall. Also in attendance were Asero director Mark Reyes and executive producers Carol Reyes and Angie Castrence, as well as Kapuso network executive Ms. Redgie Acuña-Magno.
When Sharon Cuneta arrived with her husband, Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, she immediately exchanged hugs with the family members of Richard: Annabelle Rama, Eddie Gutierrez, and their kids Ruffa, Raymond, Rocky, Ritchie Paul and Ramon Christopher.
Cast members of For the First Time—Phillip Salvador, Candy
Pangilinan, TJ Trinidad, Bubbles Paraiso, Ana Roces, Bobby Andrews, Beatriz
Saw, Gee-Ann Abraham, Carla Humphries, Denise Laurel and Ahron Villena—came in full force.
Among the early birds were German "Kuya Germs" Moreno and Jericho Rosales. Sen. Bong Revilla Jr. was seated beside Ipe during the screening. Sisters Michelle and Ehra Madrigal were present, as well as the other Kapuso stars JC de Vera, Paolo Paraiso and Rhian Ramos.
Celebrity couples were there: Gary Valenciano and Angeli Pangilinan, as well as Maricel Laxa and Anthony Pangilinan. Kapamilya stars were also there to watch the Star Cinema film: Sarah Geronimo, Mariel Rodriguez, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Maja Salvador and Manila Vice MayorIsko Moreno.
Meanwhile, in Cinema 9 of SM Megamall, KC's biological father Gabby Concepcion quietly watched the film, away from his ex-wife Sharon.
Prior to the screening of the movie, KC and Richard gave a short speech
regarding their first team-up. Richard addressed the jampacked crowd:
"Thank you so much for sharing this moment with us, salamat at nandito kayo.
Sana magustuhan ninyo ang handog ng Star Cinema para sa inyo. At salamat sa GMA
and Star Cinema na nagkaisa kahit sandali lang, maraming salamat sa inyo."
KC also shared her excitement about her debut as an actress on the big screen. "Wow! First of all, this has been a dream come true. I love you, Mom, I can see you. Dad! [referring to Senator Kiko]. Hinding-hindi ko po malilimutan po ito. I'm so proud that my first movie is with Star Cinema and Richard's first movie with Star Cinema. Salamat kay God, yun ang pinakaimportante sa lahat."
For the First Time director Joyce Bernal joined KC and Richard in asking everyone to spread the good word about their movie, which was shot in Santorini, Greece.
The story is about a happy-go-lucky guy named Seth (Richard) and a responsible girl named Pia (KC). While spending a vacation in Santorini with her Manang Josie (Candy Pangilinan), Pia gets to know Seth and his good friend Benjo (Nor Domingo). After spending a memorable vacation on the Greek isle, Seth breaks Pia's heart. He realizes that he has fallen deeply in love with Pia and follows her to Manila to apologize in person.
Right after the movie, Sharon gushed about the movie of her eldest daughter. "Paglabas n'yo ng sinehan, masaya kayo pero may moments na mata-touch kayo. I'm so proud of KC and Richard. Sabi ko kay Ruffa, ‘I can't believe she's up onscreen.' Saka bagay sila [KC and Richard].
"There are one scene na gusto ko nang awayin, si Ipe [Phillip Salvador, who plays KC's father in the movie]." She was referring to the confrontation scene wherein KC's character Pia is pleading with her father (played by Ipe) who has not forgiven her for loving the wrong person in the past.
Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, the stepfather of KC, admitted that he could relate very well to the character of Ipe. "Na-guilty ako kasi parang ako yung strict na tatay, e."
Sharon adds: "Parang siya yung maraming pinapatamaan dun. Ginaganyan ko siya [Sharon demonstrated by nudging her husband with her elbow], 'Ganyan ka, ganyan ka.'"
How does she feel, now that the hard work that KC put in this movie has paid off? "Ang anak ko wala pang tulog. Pero si KC, hindi ko rin masita kasi ganun din ako magtrabaho. Sanay na siya [Senator Kiko] na nawawala ang mga chicks niya sa buhay niya pag may trabaho," says the Megastar.
PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) asked the Megastar about her assessment on the chemistry between the two young stars and she said: "Wonderful! Bagay sila. Ang lakas! Saka sana si Richard marami pang gawin for Star Cinema kasama namin."
It was also announced that night that Star Records will be
releasing a compilation album titled Musika at Pelikula, which will
include the theme song of For the First Time interpreted by KC Concepcion.
Trailer courtesy of Star Cinema