GABBY Concepcion turned 50 on November 5. He is the young­est-looking golden boy we know. He is paired with Cristine Reyes in “When the Love Has Gone” and it certainly doesn’t look like a May- December affair for them. Gabby weard looks of the ‘80s. The years have been so kind to him. The role of the philandering husband of Alice Dixson who is having an affair with Cristine (who’s in turn mar­ried to the gay Jake Cuenca) in “Where the Love Has Gone” is truly a great part for Gabby.

It was originally played by the late Dindo Fernando in the 1983 film about infidelity, “Nagalit ang Buwan sa Haba ng Gabi,” which was writ­ten, directed and produced by the late Danny Zialcita. This is the kind of plum role that he should have done when he just returned to showbiz after his 15-year hiber­nation in the U.S.

Cristine’s role was first played by Gloria Diaz and her gay hus­band was Eddie Garcia, now played by Jake Cuenca. Dindo’s wife then was Laurice Guillen and she’s now played by Alice Dixson. Their daughter, now played by Andi Eigenmann, was Janice de Belen then. A seemingly minor but actually very important role in “Nagalit” was played by Susan Valdez, whose character gave a shocking twist to the story. It’s now played by Dina Bonnevie. Janice’s boyfriend then, Tommy Alvarado, is now played by Anton Revilla, son of Princess Revilla (sister of Sen. Bong) who’s being introduced here.

Another short but standout role in “Nagalit ang Buwan” was that of the doctor played by Liza Lorena, who delivered a long line about the garden of Eden and what tranquilizers could have done to prevent Adam and Eve from sinning. But we’re told cur­rent director Andoy Ranay has decided to retain that scene in his reimagining of Zialcita’s work in “When the Love Has Gone.”

At the movie’s presscon, Viva presented Gabby with a huge birthday cake while everyone sang the birthday song for him. Direk Andoy revealed that Gaby and Cristine had a total of nine sizzling love scenes in the film.

“They did it sa pool, sa dagat, sa car, sa gubat and of course, sa bedroom”, he said.

Did Gabby have any qualms about making love to someone who’s about the same age as some of his daughters? “No, I don’t look na lang at how old she is para walang ilangan. I treat it as trabaho lang, walang personalan.

I’m just thankful to Boss Vic for giving me this project and giving me the chance to work with Cristine.”

Direk Andoy said that Gabby’s charisma remains intact after all these years. “He’s really amaz­ing. Still oozing with sex appeal. At wala siyang attitude, walang kiyeme. Lahat ng pinagawa ko, ginawa niya. In that pool scene with Cristine, I told him to take off his shirt and pants and just dive into the pool in his briefs, and he did it.”

The film’s theme song was done by US-based singer Jason Farol, who won in “Duets” with Kelly Clarkson. It’s featured in his debut album with Viva Records.
The movie opens in theaters on November 27.( M. Bautista)