‘Romeo & Juliet’ minus tragedy

Manila, Philippines – CHALLENGE ­ Doing a musical, whether onstage or onscreen, is tough… and expensive.

Mounting just one musical can take a day or two and cost thousands and thousands of pesos. Think of the big cast, crew, and staff. Wardrobe, set, props. Payment for the rights to use the song or songs.

But then Tony Gloria of Unitel is not one to run away from the challenge of producing a musical. And so he came up with “I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nApo Sila,“ inspired by the timeless songs of the Apo, composed of Danny Javier, Buboy Garrovillo, and Jim Paredes.

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FINE FILMS ­ Actually, Tony is noted for producing fine films.

Think of “Crying Ladies,“ “La Visa Loca,“ “Santa Santita,“ among others.

And before Unitel, Tony produced “Gaano Kita Kamahal.“

Next is “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang,“ an entry to the December Metro Manila Film Festival.

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‘ROMEO & JULIET’ ­ “I Do Bidoo Bidoo“ has a “Romeo & Juliet“ flavor ­ minus the tragedy. On the contrary, the young lovers played by Sam Concepcion and Tippy Dos Santos end up happily ever after, to the tune of Apo songs.

What a wholesome and talented pair they make. Sam, 20, is a “triple treat“ ­ acting, singing, and dancing. Tippy is equally gifted ­ and bright in school, too. High School salutatorian from Reedley and UP college freshman.

Yes, they have a love scene in “I Do Bidoo Bidoo,“ doing it well. The kissing was a breeze, both readily admitting they’ve had “some practice“ offcam. NOT with each other though, but with ex-sweethearts in real life.

In the movie, Sam impregnated Tippy. He hastens to add, “Di pa ako nakakabuntis.“

We believe you, Sam.

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BIGGEST BREAK ­ Teen heartthrob Sam Concepcion admits that Unitel’s heartwarming comedy-musical “I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nApo Sila is his biggest career break, and he is grateful that he has the promising Tippy Dos Santos for his leading lady.

The movie, which features the iconic songs of the Apo Hiking Society, is topbilled by the entertainment industry’s most respectable names ­ Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ogie Alcasid, and Eugene Domingo and is helmed by box-office director Chris Martinez.

“Tippy and I have been friends since way back. We represented the country in a festival in Korea when we were kids, and last year, we were first paired in “Peter Pan.“ I was Peter to her Wendy,“ recounts Sam. “This is such a big break and I am thankful that I have Tippy by my side to support me.“

In the movie, Sam plays Rock Polotan, who has impregnated his girlfriend Tracy Fuentebella (Tippy). Conflict starts when their families come into the picture ­ the affluent Fuentebella family (Zsa Zsa and Gary) and the poor yet musical-inclined Polotan family (Ogie and Eugene).

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OLD FRIENDS ­ “I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nApo Sila“ marks Sam’s crossover to more challenging and mature roles, as he was required to do his first onscreen kiss in the movie.

“Being in the business for so long, I know some people’s perception of me is that I’m still 12 or 13, but thankfully, I was blessed with this movie that I get to make people realize that I am already a grown-up,“ shares the teen heartthrob. “Working with Tippy has always been a breeze.
We have this rapport that comes from years of friendship.“

Asked about the kiss, Sam says, “When we did the scene, I was already Rock who is madly in love with Tracy. So, it was ok. The more memorable parts are the minutes before and after the take.“

Tippy adds, “This is my first movie, so kissing scene made me really nervous, but because it is Sam, with direk Chris as our director, everything turned out well and romantic.“

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‘MOVIE-OKE’ ­ Tippy was a seasoned, yet young theater actress before showbiz discovered her. She has appeared in TV shows like “Idol,“ “Shoutout,“ “Growing Up,“ among others.

Sam and Tippy are grateful that Tony Gloria and Unitel Pictures entrusted this project to them. Both are happy to be part of a groundbreaking “movie-oke“ that is guaranteed to make the audience burst into a song while watching the film.

Until now, we can’t believe that we were tapped to be a part of this landmark movie,“ gushes Sam. “This is a movie that every Filipino family should watch.

“I Do Bidoo Bidoo“ is coming soon in cinemas nationwide.

Sam is pure Pinoy, while Tippy is American mestiza, with Portuguese roots.

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