TV and comedy show addicts would surely remember comedians Ariel Villasanta and Maverick Relova of the defunct comedy duo Ariel and Maverick. The wacky tandem, famous for their stylish get-ups and oversized accessories, tickled people’s funny bones in such comedy-reality TV shows as Totoo TV and The Misadventures of Maverick and Ariel.
Ariel recently surprised the entertainment press when he appeared before them minus Maverick to promote their movie, Kings of Reality Shows, which was filmed 10 years ago. Initially titled First Ever Ever Movie Hollywood or Else (Ang Pinakamahabang Title ng Movie sa Balat ng Lupa), the movie finally hits cinemas in November 27 after getting shelved while it was in its final stretch of filming.
“Where is Maverick?” was the big question of the day. Ariel said his partner has intentionally turned his back on showbiz and even on their friendship. Ariel said: “Let’s give him some more time. Maybe he’ll come back soon, or at least show himself to me. I’m not closing on our friendship.”
Aside from comedy TV shows with Maverick, Ariel also made movies via Joaquin Bordado (2008) and Alyas Batman en Robin (1991).
The cousin of TV host-comedian Joey de Leon, he also starred with his mother, Elvie Villasanta (who died in February 2013), in Mommy Elvie’s Problematic Show and Mommy Elvie @ 18.
Ariel said he has no words for why his last movie with Maverick was not released, but he decided to push through with the film of his original concept, despite lacking in funds. He said he asked financial help from big personalities so that he could buy the rights to Kings of Reality Shows from GMA Films. He acknowledged the great help of Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, Sen. Bato de la Rosa, former Sen. Antonio Trillanes, Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno, Rep. Strike Revilla and (wife) Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Raffy Tulfo, Mocha Uson, Joey de Leon, Coco Martin, Regine Tolentino, Jose Manalo, Empoy Marquez, Jasmine Trias, Suzette Ranillo, Cristina Decena (Ariel’s ex-wife), and the late Eddie Garcia and German “Kuya Germs” Moreno. They, too, appear as themselves in the movie, according to Ariel.
Kings of Reality Shows is the first reality movie in the Philippines that documents Ariel and Maverick’s journey to the US 10 years ago, while they were trying to audition for American Idol Season 7. Since the film was canned, Ariel picked up the story where it left off and proceeded to write his true-to-life story.
“It’s about a struggling artist, which is me, who did everything to the point of asking financial help from several personalities. I had to make loans with my house as collateral to finish this movie. This is dedicated to my mommy Elvie and all struggling artists,” said Ariel.
Produced, written and directed by Ariel, Kings of Reality Shows starring Ariel and Maverick is released under Solar Films and Lion’s Faith Production.
“What I like about the story is it’s not your typical scripted movie that requires one to memorize the lines. This one is very spontaneous,” said Ariel.
Ariel said he is playing his last card for this movie: “Whatever happens, I will be thankful. I don’t want to regret later. Ayokong dumating ’yung araw na nasa wheelchair na ako, sasabihin ko: ‘Bakit di ko sinubukan o lumaban?’ So I hope moviegoers would spare the time to watch it.”