...the Russian filmfest awardees

Filipino films score trophies abroad

By: Regina Mae Parungao

 September 20, 201

There’s no stopping Filipino films from conquering big festivals abroad.

Louie Ignacio’s short feature “Ngiti Ni Nazareno” bagged the Jury Award at the 2019 Innuendo International Film Festival in Milan, Italy.

Starring child actor Kenken Nuyad, the synopsis of the 15-minute film reads: “Nazareno’s birthday falls on a very special day, as thousands of people move through the streets of Manila. When he comes back to his mother after the festival, with a piece of aluminum foil as a gift, of all things, it is touching and shaking at once.”

SCENES FROM ‘Ngiti Ni Nazareno’ ; ‘Musmos Na Sumibol Sa Gitna Ng Digma’

“Ngiti” was an entry to the 5th Sinag Maynila Film Festival, where it won 3rd place in the short film category. Iar Arondaing’s “Musmos Na Sumibol Sa Gubat ng Digma” took home the Best Cinematography Award for Mac Cosico at the Internacional de Cinema da Figueira da Foz-Film Art 2019 in Portugal.

It was originally released as part of the 2018 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, where it won the award for Best Sound in the full-length feature film category.

The movie is about an old man who recounts the coming-of-age tale of a young Muslim girl named Eshal (Junyka Sigrid Santarin). She is forced to hide in the forest with her infant brother Affan to escape the violence of the inter-familial dispute (locally called “Rido”) that has plagued her family. In the forest, he meets a boy named Farhan (JM Salvado) with whom she develops a friendship as they wait for adults to find them and bring them back to their families.

The film will be screened at the Baikal International Film Festival in Russia this month.

...the Filipino-inspired films to Oscars

3 Philippine-themed films submitted to Oscars

by Rappler.com
09/21/2013

 

MANILA, Philippines – The award-winning indie film Transit and two foreign films abroad with Filipino characters and settings have been submitted for nomination to the Foreign Language Film category of the 86th Academy Awards.

The Philippines selected Transit, a film about overseas Filipino workers in Israel. It won 10 awards in this year's Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, including Best Film, Best Director (for Hannah Espia), and Best Actress (for Irma Adlawan).

According to Variety, the pick was made by the Film Academy of the Philippines and a committee led by renowned filmmaker Peque Gallaga.

'Metro Manila' and 'Ilo Ilo'

Metro Manila was picked by the United Kingdom as its nominee, while Ilo Ilo was chosen by Singapore.

Metro Manila, by Oscar-nominated British director Sean Ellis, tells the story of Oscar Ramirez, who left the province together with his family for the big city, in the hope of securing a better life. Instead, he becomes entangled in a web of deception and betrayal.

Ilo Ilo, on the other hand, is directed by Anthony Chen. The movie is about Filipina domestic worker from the province of Iloilo in the Philippines and how she sees the struggle of her employers, a Singaporean family, during the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

Films from the Philippines and Singapore have never been official nominees in the Foreign Language Film category. The last 5 Filipino films submitted for an Oscar nomination were Ploning, Ded na si Lolo, Noy, Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, and Bwakaw.

In 1993 and 1999, a UK film made it in the official nominees list for the category, but neither won.

Nomination voting by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) will begin on December 27. Announcement of official nominees will be on January 16, 2014.

The Oscars awarding ceremony will take place on March 2, 2014, at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California. – Rappler.com

 

...the Dragon fireworks

Dragon Fireworks, representing Philippines, wins pyrotechnics gold in Germany    


By: Tricia Aquino, InterAksyon.com
September 11, 2013

 

 

 

 

The Philippine contingent to the Pyronale fireworks championship in Berlin, Germany, bagged the gold Saturday, besting five other competitors from Europe.

Dragon Fireworks put on a 15-minute pyrotechnics display titled, "Here comes the dragon", set to the tune of both local and foreign music such as: "Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas" by Angeline Quinto, "Tinikling", "Tanging Yaman" by Carol Banawa, "Vivaldi vs. Vertigo" by David Garrett, "Business Part 1" by Craig Armstrong, "Cerberus" by Audiomachine, and "For The Win" by Two Steps From Hell.




The company, described by Pyronale as the largest fireworks manufacturer in the Philippines, began "as a consumer fireworks manufacturer making products like rockets or fountains before turning to professional display shells and special effects."

Spain was awarded the silver prize, while Finland got the bronze. Croatia, Poland, and Greece also competed.

...the Filipina actress with two Cannes films

Filipino actress has two films in Cannes

For Angeli Bayani, this also meant scrambling for five gowns for red-carpet events

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

May 13, 2013

 

BAYANI had no time to think about fashion, as she was deep in the forests of
Davao, shooting.

It hit Angeli Bayani that she had nothing to wear for the Cannes fest only after securing a French visa last week.

“I realized that I had to attend at least five red-carpet events there,” she said.

She had little time to think about sartorial matters. She had been deep in the forests of Davao shooting Sari and Kiri Dalena’s “The Guerrilla is a Poet,” an entry in the coming Cine Filipino fest.
In sheer panic, Bayani turned to friend Kalila Aguilos, Philippine Theater Actors Guild president.

Aguilos immediately posted a plea on Facebook. After just a few hours, Bayani heaved a sigh of relief. “Heartening,” she described the quick response of designers like Joey Samson, Boy Domingo, Nikki Veneracion and Fanny Serrano (“no less”).

If these fashion experts seem inspired, that’s because Bayani holds the distinction of having two films in Cannes this year: Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz’s “Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan” in Un Certain Regard and Singaporean director Anthony Chen’s “Iloilo” in the Directors’ Fortnight.

AS THE troubled sister-in-law of Hazel Orencio (right) in “Norte, Hangganan ng Kasayasayan” courtesy of Wacky O Productions

Bayani’s “Norte” costar Sid Lucero also has two Cannes entries. He is also in Adolfo Alix Jr’s “Death March,” also in Un Certain Regard. Unlike Bayani, however, Lucero won’t be flying to Cannes. “It’s a pity,” she said

Lav’s short film

More than anything, Bayani said, she’s happy for Diaz. “It’s his first time there. After all,” she jested, “he made a short film for Cannes.”

At four hours, “Norte” is considerably shorter than Diaz’s previous epics like “Death in the Land of Encantos” (nine hours) and “Melancholia” (eight), which won prizes at the Orizzonti section of the Venice fest.

Bayani walked with Diaz on the Venice red carpet for “Melancholia” in 2008. “I was supposed to go with him the year before, for ‘Death,’ but I was pregnant,” she recalled.

In Venice, she got a valuable tip from Diaz. “We were at this event and I saw the crowd cheering for a man. I thought he was an actor. But Lav corrected me—it was director Wim Wenders.”

AS THE nanny of Koh Jia Ler (foreground) in “Iloilo” by Fisheye Pictures photo courtesy of Fisheye Pictures/photo by han

She realized that, in Europe, directors are as celebrated as actors.

She explained the French fest’s significance for her, personally: “Lots of artists dream of going to Cannes. I won’t deny I’m one of them. More than anything, it means that, as an actor, you are being recognized for your hard work. It’s an honor.”

She’s proud to join the “Norte” team on the red carpet for the movie’s world premiere on May 23.

Major feat

Her colleagues had to point out to her that it’s a major feat to be part of a Filipino film and Singaporean movie at the same time.

“I didn’t give it much thought until other filmmakers told me that it’s rare for a Filipino to attend Cannes for a foreign film,” she said.

(Last time a Filipino had two Cannes films was in 2009, when Mercedes Cabral starred in Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s “Kinatay” and Korean filmmaker Chan-wook Park’s “Thirst.”)

Bayani also plans to reunite with the “Iloilo” team on the red carpet when it premieres on May 19.
“That’s why I have to leave the country on May 17,” she said.

She’s now fixing her schedule because she still has to finish the shoot of “Guerrilla is a Poet,” where she portrays the wife of a real-life revolutionary. “It’s a huge responsibility,” she said of the role. She cut and curled her hair to look like the woman she’s portraying.

“Now I look different from the long-haired characters I played in ‘Norte’ and ‘Iloilo,’” she said. “In ‘Norte,’ I’m the wife of a convict. In ‘Iloilo,’ I’m a nanny in Singapore.”

If a guerrilla is a poet, an actress is a chameleon.

 

...the gold medalist at NY Festival

ABS-CBN bags gold at New York Festivals

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

04/11/2013

 

 

LAS VEGAS – ABS-CBN bagged the sole gold medal for the Philippines at 2013 New York Festival's World's Best Television & Films competition held on Tuesday at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

A total of 50 countries participated in the competition, which is now on its 55th year.

“A Call to Arms” won a gold world medal for ABS-CBN Sports in the category of sports program promotion, while ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs earned a silver gold medal for “Johnny: The Juan Ponce Enrile’s Story,” the TV special on the life of the senator, in the television documentary information program category.

ABS-CBN also had six finalist certificates in the prestigious international competition -- the most from the Philippines.

"Be Careful With My Heart," starring Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap, was a finalist in the "telenovelas" category, while another Kapamilya series, "Budoy," starring Gerald Anderson, was a finalist in the drama category.

Kapamilya teen actress Jane Oineza was among the nominees for best performance by an actress for her performance in a controversial episode of the drama anthology "Maalaala Mo Kaya," where she played a young girl who was raped by her stepfather in front of her own mother.

Two current affairs programs of ABS-CBN were also among the finalists at the festival: "Failon Ngayon" for its episode "Mine Tailings" and "Krusada" for its episode "Bata ng Tahanan."

The 3D animated special "Ang Simula: The Natural History of the Philippines," meanwhile, is a finalist in the history and society category.

Another Kapamilya entry in the list of finalists is "A Call to Arms," which is included in the Sports Program Promotion category.

The Philippines won two other medals at the New York Festivals: GMA Network won a silver medal for "Reel Time: Bone Dry (Salat)" in the TV documentary/information program category; while Unitel Productions won a bronze medal for its short film "A Life in a Day" for Sun Life Financial.

Four other entries from the Philippines received finalist certificates. -- Report from Bev Llorente, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau

 

...the Filipinos in ASEAN Film fest

Filipino talents shine in ASEAN Film Festival

 

 

 

Philippine Information Agency

April 2, 2012

 

 

MANILA, April 2 -- Filipino film talents proved once again that they are world-class in their chosen field as they reaped honors during the first ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA 2013) in Kuching, Sarawak from March 28 to 30.

Best Picture - Sta. Niña

During the awards night held on March 30 at the Borneo Convention Center and attended by prominent ASEAN film personalities, Filipino actors Alessandra de Rossi, Anita Linda and Bugoy Carino took home the Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor awards, respectively. The movie Sta. Niña garnered the Best Picture-Drama honors.



Best Actress Alessandra de Rossi - Sta. Niña

 

Best Supporting Actress Anita Linda - Sta. Niña

Best Supporting Actor Bugoy Cariño - Alagwa

De Rossi and Linda were honored for their performance in Emmanuel Quindo Palo’s Sta. Niña, while Mr. Carino took home the prize for the Ian Dean Loreños’-directed Alagwa.

The Philippines tied with Malaysia for the number of awards at four, Indonesia bagged three awards, while Singapore garnered one award. Brunei Darussalam, Laos, Myanmar and Hong Kong also participated in the AIFFA 2013, a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Malaysian director U-wei Haji Saari was given a Special Honour award, while Malaysian-born Hollywood actress Michelle Yeoh was bestowed the AIFFA Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Once again, Filipino artistry in film shone brightly in this festival. With these honors, we have uplifted the profile of the Filipino community here in Malaysia and in the entire ASEAN. I extend to them my warmest congratulations,” Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya said.

“Here in Malaysia, the Philippines and Filipino actors are well-admired because of their talent and charisma. Malaysian channels have bought rights to and screen Filipino soap operas here, which are actively watched and enjoyed by audiences here. In fact, some Filipino actors enjoy a huge following in this country,” the Ambassador added.

Eleven Filipino feature films joined over 100 films made by ASEAN artists in the the maiden edition of the film festival, including Tyrone Acierto’s The Grave Bandits, Whammy Alcazaren’s Colossal, Lawrence Fajardo’s Posas, Marie Jamora’s Ang Nawawala, Gutierrez Mangansakan II’s Qiyamah, Vincent Sandoval’s Aparisyon, Richard Somes’ Supremo and Paul Sta. Ana’s Oros.

A student’s short film, Juan Paulo Reyes’ “Ode to Home,” was also screened.

A 25-member Philippine delegation was present during the film festival, led by cinematographer Rain Yamson II. Other notable Filipino personalities who attended were popular Filipino actors Ricky Davao, who was member of the five-man jury, and Jericho Rosales, who was also nominated for Best Actor honors for his role in Alagwa.

Filipinos also played vital roles during the awards ceremonies, with actors Alfred Vargas and Dominic Roco presenting the awards and Miss Saigon star Ima Castro performing in one of the intermission numbers.

Embassy Cultural Attaché Helen Grace Cuisia and Filipino community leaders Justin Yntig Bersales Jr. and Audry Wan Ullok-Bersales were present during the awards ceremonies.

The AIFFA 2013 aims to draw attention to and raise the profile of ASEAN films. The festival hopes to contribute towards the development of films within ASEAN, providing an avenue for its filmmakers to showcase their work to a global audience and most importantly, have these films recognised on an international scale.

It was endorsed by the Sarawak Tourism Ministry and fully supported by the Malaysian Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry’s ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia. (DFA/ASEAN)

...the international dance fest host

Puerto Princesa hosts int’l dance fest

 

 

By Alex Wong

The Philippine Star

March 28, 2013

 

 

The Halili-Cruz School of Ballet is one of the dance companies featured in Dance Xchange on April 11 to 14 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

 

 

MANILA, Philippines - Puerto Princesa City, led by Mayor Edward Hagedorn, will host a grand gathering of world-class performers billed as Dance Xchange: The Philippine International Dance Workshop and Festival on April 11 to 14.

Artistic director Shirley Halili-Cruz

The National Committee on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) National Committee on Dance, under the leadership of Shirley Halili-Cruz, established the annual big event five years ago.

Its 2013 edition will feature leading dance companies and experts from Japan, Hong Kong, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, England, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam and Taiwan. Also participating are 22 Filipino dance companies.

One of the said groups, the Halili-Cruz School of Ballet, will represent the country at the Dance Excellence USA in Los Angeles, California, from March 30 to April 7, before joining the Dance Xchange at Puerto Princesa. With its artistic director Shirley Halili-Cruz, the company won the coveted grand prize Dance Excellence trophy in the international contest participated by 50 American states, 30 countries and more than 10,000 dancers. A potential National Artist for Dance awardee, Shirley’s company has brought home top honors in several dance competitions, all over the world, in the last four years.

Meanwhile, on the welcome dinner alone of Dance Xchange, hosted by Mayor Hagedorn, more than 1,200 delegates are expected to attend.

With dance being the new and creative form of connecting people, culture and nations, Dance Xchange, one of the biggest events of the art, has proven very effective.

Only a leading tourism attraction, Puerto Princesa’s hosting the Dance Xchange will further attract more visitors to Palawan from all over the globe.

 

One of the highlights of the dance festivals is a tour of one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Puerto Princesa’s underground river.

...the top Asian Film awardees

Nora Aunor, Eddie Garcia win top acting honors at Asian Film Awards

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

March 18, 2013

Facebook photos. Eugene Domingo (left), Eddie Garcia  and Nora Aunor

MANILA, Philippines—Two Filipino actors, Nora Aunor and Eddie Garcia, won big at the 7th Asian Film Awards (AFA), held at the Grand Hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Hong Kong Monday night.
 

Photo grab: wsbtv (Atlanta, Georgia)

The Philippines actress Nora Aunor poses with her trophy after winning the Best Actress Award of her movie "Thy Womb" at the Asian Film Awards as part of the 37th Hong Kong International Film Festival in Hong Kong Monday, March. 18, 2013. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Aunor won for best actress for Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s “Thy Womb”—the same role which earlier won her best actress at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards held in Brisbane, Australia in November.

 

Photo grab: Times Colonist (Canada)

Actor Eddie Garcia of the Philippines raises his trophy after winning the People's Choice Favourite Actor award for his role in the film " Bwakaw ", at the Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong Monday, March 18, 2013. At left is the Hong Kong actress Deanie Ip. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

Garcia won for best actor for Jun Robles Lana’s “Bwakaw”—the same role which earlier won him best actor at the Asia Pacific Film Festival held in Macau in December. Garcia also won people’s choice favorite actor for the same film.

Among Aunor’s fellow nominees in the best actress category were South Korea’s Cho Min-soo (“Pieta”), Afghanistan’s Golshifteh Farahani (“The Patience Stone”), Taiwan’s Gwei Lun-Mei (“GF*BF*”) and China’s Hao Lei (“Mystery”).

People’s choice favorite actress went to Min-soo of South Korea.

Also nominated for best actor with Garcia are Taiwan’s Joseph Chang (“GF*BF*”), Hong Kong’s Tony Leung Ka-fai (“Cold War”), China’s Liu Ye (“The Last Supper”) and South Korea’s (“Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time”).

Last year, two Filipinos brought home trophies from the AFA: Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino won best supporting actress for Loy Arcenas’ “Niño,” while Eugene Domingo won people’s choice favorite actress for Marlon Rivera’s “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank.”

In 2009, Gina Pareño won best supporting actress for Mendoza’s “Serbis” at the AFA.

This year’s jury was headed by Cantopop singer-actor Andy Lau, who was voted last year’s people’s choice favorite actor for “A Simple Life.”

The people’s choice favorite actor and actress categories were decided by an online poll among Netizens.

Apart from Garcia and Aunor, Domingo also attended the AFA as a presenter.

Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh, who starred in the Oscar-winning film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” was honored with the “Excellence in Asian Cinema” award.

 

...the best supporting actress at the Asians on Film Festival

Fil-Am Eileen Soong named best supporting actress at Asians on Film Festival

 

 

GMA News

February 23, 2013

Filipino-American Eileen Soong was named Best Supporting Actress at the inaugural Asians on Film Festival held from February 15 to 17 in North Hollywood, California.

 

 

Soong won the award for portraying a devious role as #69, the antagonist of main character Joo Si in the short film Born to Dance This Way, according to a news release from its director, Filipino-American Jerell Rosales.

“This award will be a milestone that we can look back on along with our other accomplishments we've had so far and will receive in the future.” Soong was quoted as saying during her acceptance speech.

The film, a dance comedy also won awards such as Director's Spotlight and Best Editing has been shown in various countries especially in places in the US including New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Soong will be starring as “Chai” in The Broadcast Club, a web series which will be premiering on March 1.

The Broadcast Club is also directed by Rosales while Soong is a co-writer. This comedy revolves around the lives of a college group who unexpectedly formed a broadcast club.

The Asian on Films is an organization that recognizes Asian and Pacific islanders who are minorities in the film industry. - Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News

 

 

...the Vesoul filmfest awardee

Bwakaw’ wins three awards in Vesoul int’l filmfest

By Bayani San Diego
Philippine Daily Inquirer

February 13, 2013

 

 

MANILA, Philippines—Jun Robles Lana’s “Bwakaw” won three awards at the 19th Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema held in France.

The film bagged the Emile Guimet award given by the Friends of the National Museum of Asian Arts of Paris.

“Bwakaw” also won the Grand Prix de Jury International and the High School Award, which is voted by students.

Written and directed by the much-awarded playwright-screenwriter Lana, “Bwakaw” tackles the story of a gay old man who lives alone with his pet dog.

Described a comedy-drama, it won the best actor award for veteran actor Eddie Garcia, audience choice and Netpac awards during last year’s Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

“Bwakaw” is topbilled by Garcia.

 

 

...the Sundance Film Festival awardee

'Metro Manila' wins World Cinema Dramatic audience award at Sundance

 

GMA News

January 27, 2013

 

 

British-Filipino film "Metro Manila" brought home the World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival awards ceremony in Park City, Utah on January 26, according to a press release on the festival's website.

The film, by Academy Award- and BAFTA-nominated British director Sean Ellis, was chosen from 12 films in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition, in which "emerging filmmaking talents offer fresh perspectives and inventive styles."

"Metro Manila" tells the story of Oscar Ramirez, who moves to Manila in search of a brighter future. As Ramirez learns, his new life in the megacity has its own perils. The film was shot in Metro Manila and stars Jake Macapagal, John Arcilla and Althea Vega.

"Director Sean Ellis’s return (The Broken premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival) vividly captures the desperation of life amongst the squalid Manila slums, then ratchets up the tension, creating an intense thriller with a poignant humanity and palpable dramatic stakes. In the role of Oscar, Jake Macapagal brings emotional depth to the wrenching choices he must make to sustain his family," reads the film's description on the Sundance website.

Meanwhile, the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize was given to Muel O's "Jiseul," which tells the story of some 120 villagers who hid in a cave for 60 days from soldiers who were under shoot-to-kill orders during the 1948 Jeju Massacre in Korea.

Founded by Robert Redford in 1981, the Sundance Institute aims to provide a space for independent artists to explore their stories free from commercial and political pressures.

Held this year from January 17 to 27, the annual Sundance Film Festival features dramatic and documentary films, shorts, New Frontier films, installations, performances, panel discussions, and dynamic music events.

"Since 1985, hundreds of films launched at the Festival have gained critical recognition, received commercial distribution, and reached worldwide audiences eager for fresh perspectives and new voices. Year after year, the Festival pursues new ways to introduce more people to the most original and authentic storytelling," the festival's website said.

The complete list of this year's Sundance Film Festival winners may be viewed on the website. — Carmela G. Lapeña/BM, GMA News

...the Palm Spring filmfest awardee

Arnel Pineda docu wins at Palm Springs film fest

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

01/17/2013

 

 

MANILA, Philippines -- The documentary on the rise to fame of Filipino singer Arnel Pineda was recently recognized at an international film festival in California.

 

 

Journey frontman Arnel Pineda in a scene from the documentary “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey.”

Directed by Filipina-American Ramona Diaz, "Don’t Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey" received early this week the Audience Award Best for Documentary Feature at the 24th Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF).

The documentary tells the modern-day story of how the life a homeless man, Pineda, takes its biggest turn when he is tapped to become the lead singer of the American rock band Journey.

It was in 2007 when Journey first contacted the Filipino singer, after seeing his performances of the band's hits uploaded on the video-sharing site YouTube.

In April last year, "Don't Stop Believin'" premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York.

Diaz, in an earlier interview, said a local release of the documentary is planned to coincide with its release in the United States.

Jericho Rosales' indie film "Alagwa" was also shown at this year's Palm Springs film fest

...the Sinulog in Dubai

For 1st time, Sinulog festival to be held in Dubai

 

GMA News

January 15, 2013

 

 

Cebuano families in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may get their first taste of the famous Sinulog Festival there this Friday, Jan. 18, at the Al Safa Stadium in Dubai.

Dubbed the “Sinulog sa UAE Festival 2013,” the festival is expected to bring the Cebuano families in the UAE a brief sense of home.

“It will be celebrated with a Sinulog Dance Festival Competition from 8 a.m. to noon, to be followed by Festival Queen Contest from 1 to 3 p.m.,” United Cebuanos-UAE president Wendell Castro said in an interview with the UAE news site Khaleej Times.

Castro said “Sinulog sa UAE Festival 2013” is the group's first major event and a replica event of the Sinulog Festival in Cebu.

United Cebuanos—UAE is a civic organization of active professional and non-professional Cebuanos residing and working in the UAE.

Castro said Cebuanos in the UAE have had no chance to go home to join the Sinulog celebration held every third Sunday of January.

“We have decided to bring the festivity in Dubai highlighting the acronym C.E.B.U. as Camaraderie among Cebuanos, Engagement in social activities via Filipino Community, Business collaboration and employment opportunity, and Unselfish service to humanity,” he said.

Castro said the festival has been approved by the Sinulog Foundation Inc. and the Cebu City Tourism Commission, the organizers of the Sinulog annual event in the Philippines.

Sinulog promotional materials and photos featuring Cebu as a tourist destination will also be displayed at the exhibition area of the stadium.

Contests

Meanwhile, three Filipino groups will vie for the Sinulog Festival Dance Competition: St Mary’s Dance Group, Filipino Digirati Association and the Filipino Dance Sport Club.

At stake is Dh5,000 cash prize and a trophy.

“We will also give away Dh1,000 as a consolation cash prize for the other participating groups," he said.

A dance parade inside Al Safa Stadium will usher in the “Sinulog sa UAE Festival 2013,” followed by the Festival Queen Competition will start with 10 candidates.

Meanwhile, a bazaar which offers Filipino food will be held at the open stadium that can accommodate 5,000 people.

“This will celebrate the ‘Kainan’ or the eating portion of the festival,” Castro said.

During the festival, Higantes or giant papier maches - though stationary compared to the moving versions in Cebu - and banderitas will show the festive atmosphere of the Sinulog Festival. - VVP, GMA News

...the Asia-Pacific best actor

Eddie Garcia wins best actor at Asia Pacific fest

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

December 17, 2012

Eddie Garcia

Filipino actor Eddie Garcia won best actor for Jun Robles Lana’s “Bwakaw” at the 55th Asia Pacific Film Festival held at the Venetian Resort Hotel in Macau on Saturday.

The screen legend received a standing ovation from the foreign audience on winning his first international acting award at age 83, according to his wife Lilibeth who attended the festival with him.

The report reached the Philippine Daily Inquirer through line producer Tonee Acejo and producer Ferdinand Lapuz, who were told about the victory by Garcia’s wife.

Garcia was one of 10 actors honored by the Inquirer at the 3rd Indie Bravo! Tribute held at the newspaper’s office in Makati last Monday.

“Eddie Garcia’s staying power in the industry is primarily due to real talent, hard work and professionalism. Today’s young stars have a lot to learn from him,” director Lana, one of 10 filmmakers in the 3rd Indie Bravo! honor roll, told the Inquirer.

Garcia, who arrived in Manila Sunday, said he was happy for the international recognition, no matter how long it took.

“I don’t really mind the long wait. I’ve always believed—if it comes, thank you; if not, I’ll be fine too. As I always say, it’s a nice bonus for a job well done.”

He said the recognition was sweeter because it came “from peers from all over Asia.”

Garcia is the only Filipino actor elevated to the Famas Hall of Fame for his achievements as a supporting actor, actor and director.

Another Filipino, Nora Aunor, was nominated for best actress in this year’s Asia Pacific fest for Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s “Thy Womb.” The prize went to Taiwan’s Gwai Lun-mei for “Gf*Bf.”

The other awards were: best film, Johnnie To’s “Life Without Principle” of Hong Kong; best director, Hirokazu Koreeda’s “I Wish” of Japan; best supporting actor, Hoi-pang Lo for “Life Without Principle,” and best supporting actress, Makiko Watanabe for “Capturing Dad” of Japan.

Garcia said one of the earlier films he directed, 1963’s “Historia de un Amor,” was entered in the Asia Film Festival by its producer, Sampaguita Pictures. “Mga Anak sa Pagkakasala,” a 1962 Sampaguita drama that he directed, was also entered in the Cairo film fest, he said.

“Unfortunately, we were not able to provide subtitles for Mga Anak sa Pagkakasala. The foreigners didn’t understand the movie,” he recalled.

According to online reports, the Asia Pacific Film Festival (then called Asia Film Festival) was the same event where National Artist Lamberto Avellana’s “Anak Dalita” won for best picture in 1956. In the same year, two other Filipinos won—Gregorio Fernandez was best director and Rogelio de la Rosa was best actor, both for “Higit sa Lahat.”

Other Filipinos who topped the Asia Film Fest in the past were Avellana as best director, with his team bringing home individual citations for “Badjao” in 1957; Rebecca del Rio as best supporting actress for “Malvarosa” in 1958; Leroy Salvador as best supporting actor for “Biyaya ng Lupa” in 1960; Charito Solis as best actress for “Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak” in 1967, and Charo Santos as best actress and Mike de Leon as best director for “Itim” in 1978.

“Bwakaw” was chosen by the Film Academy of the Philippines as the country’s entry to the best foreign language film category of the Academy Awards to be held in Hollywood next year.

“It would be great to be chosen among the top five, but my only hope is that the Oscars people will have the chance to see our film,” Garcia said.

...the Pau International Filmfest Best Actress

Eugene Domingo is best actress

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

December 10, 2012

 

Filipino actress Eugene Domingo wins best actress at the 3rd Pau International Film Festival held in France, for her work in Marlon Rivera’s “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank.”

MANILA, Philippines—Comedienne Eugene Domingo won best actress honors at the 3rd Pau International Film Festival held in France over the weekend for her work in Marlon Rivera’s “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank.”

 

Domingo attended the festival with producer Joji Alonso, who announced her achievement on Facebook.

Domingo received the trophy created by sculptor Chahab.

“Septic Tank” competed with films from Romania (“Best Intentions”), Russia (“Chapiteau-Show”), Japan (“Himizu”), Ukraine (“House with a Turret”) and Sweden-Denmark-France (“Play”).

According to an online report, the Pau fest’s goal is to “introduce politically engaged films” to the French audience.

Earlier this year, Domingo topped an online poll and won the best actress award (People’s Choice) at the 6th Asian Film Awards held in Hong Kong—also for “Septic Tank.”

She is one of the honorees in “Indie Bravo: 3rd Inquirer Indie Tribute” to be held Monday night at the paper’s Makati office.

...the APSA awardees

Aunor, Mendoza win top prizes in Asia Pacific awards

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

November 23, 2012

 

Brillante Mendoza and Nora Aunor.

DAVAO City, Philippines—Filipino actress Nora Aunor won the best actress prize while Brillante Mendoza bagged the best director award for “Thy Womb” in the 6th annual Asia Pacific Screen Awards held in Brisbane, Australia, Friday night.

Mendoza and Aunor were clearly ecstatic about their movie’s latest triumph.

“After winning abroad, we hope our countrymen would become more curious to watch our films so that indie films will be recognized not only by foreigners, but by Filipinos well,” said Mendoza.

Founded in 2007, the Asia Pacific Screen Awards seeks to “recognize and promote cinematic excellence and cultural diversity in the vast Asia-Pacific region … and is considered as the region’s highest accolade in film.”

All APSA winners and nominees are inducted into the Asia Pacific Screen Academy. They are some of the most respected names in film from the region.

Four years ago, Ishmael Bernal’s “Himala,” which also starred Aunor, won the CNN APSA Viewers’ Choice award for best Asia-Pacific film of all time.

Aunor and Mendoza were informed of the good news while at the Philippine premiere of “Thy Womb,” held during the second Sineng Pambansa at the SM Lanang in Davao City.

They chose to hold the local premiere of “They Womb” in Davao because the film was set in Tawi-Tawi.

Both Aunor and Mendoza fell in love with the island-province and have dedicated the film’s many triumphs to its “gentle, peace-loving” people.

Co-star Mercedes Cabral also graced the Davao screening,

APSA celebrates “the finest, bravest and most audacious cinema in the region,” according to its web site.

Chris Martinez, who attended the event in Brisbane, told the Inquirer that Marlon Rivera, the director of “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank,” was awarded the APSA Netpac award which comes with a film development cash prize of $5,000. Martinez was nominated for best screenplay in APSA for “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank.”

In September, “Thy Womb” won three awards at the 69th Venice International Film Festival: Bisato D’Oro, La Navicella or Venezia Cinema prize and the P. Nazareno Taddei Award Special Mention.

...the Canadian filmfest winner

Musical 'Prison Dancer,' inspired by Cebu's dancing inmates, wins Canadian filmfest

 

GIAN GERONIMO,

GMA News

November 17, 2012

 

 

"Prison Dancer," the musical series staged by a group of Filipinos in Canada and inspired by the famous "dancing inmates" in Cebu, recently won an award at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival.

The festival's website said "Prison Dancer" won the Reel Asian Best Canadian Film or Video category.

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, largest Asian film festival in Canada, began in 1997.

Considered as “a unique showcase of contemporary Asian cinema and work from the Asian diaspora,” the festival showcases films and videos from East and Southeast Asian artists from all over the world.

“Prison Dancer,” a musical web series that can be viewed on YouTube, stars a Filipino-Canadian cast led by comedian Mikey Bustos.

The musical was inspired by the so-called “dancing inmates" from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center in the Philippines.

 

 

Bustos, a Canadian Idol finalist, rose to fame because of his viral “How to Be Filipino" videos on YouTube.

 

 

On Monday, upon learning that the musical won, Bustos tweeted: Congrats to @prisondancer "Winner of Best Canadian Feature Film/Video" at Toronto's Reel Asian Film Festival @gmanews pic.twitter.com/Tt5vfkuO
 

"Prison Dancer" story

 

 

With an estimated running time of 13 episodes with around “eight minutes of three to four branching videos," this interactive web musical tells the jail time stories through Matt Wells, the known music and pop culture reporter (playing himself) who is assigned to report about the dancing Filipino inmates who became YouTube sensations.

 

 

The story takes the form of combined “faux documentary styles" and traditional musicals, where Wells “uncovers the personal, poignant, hilarious, and universal life journeys" of “prisoners" including:
 

• Ruperto Poblador a.k.a. Lola (played by Jeigh Madjus), who lets his boredom slip in his tiny cell by coming up with dance routines and song numbers that he performs discreetly with his gay minions, Oo oo (Joseph Seville) and Nana (Pierre Bayuga);
• Cherish (played by Catherine Ricafort), the Warden’s daughter;
• Christian (played by Bustos), Cherish’s secret love and the newest inmate;
• Shakespeare (Nicco Lorenzo), the resident poet; and
• Hookaps (played by Normal Alconcel), the prison hustler.

- VVP, GMA News

...the best director in Manhattan filmfest

Filipino filmmaker Will Fredo named best director in Manhattan int’l film fest

INQUIRER.net

November 12, 2012

From left, IFFM 2012 Best Director Will Fredo, actress Liza Diño and “The Caregiver” producer Fernell Cruz. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

NEW YORK CITY—Will Fredo was named Best Director for the movie “The Caregiver” in the ongoing International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM) in New York City.

The award was handed during the opening ceremonies on November 8. The festival runs until 15 at the Quad Cinemas, 34 West 13th Street, New York.

“The Caregiver” is the story of Carlito Mariposa (Joshua Deocareza) who is nursing Agustin Vergeire (Marcus Madrigal), a “sepaktakraw” (competitive hacky sack) player who was badly injured in one of his crucial games.

Confined in a very limited and shrunken world, the two developed an unlikely attraction that had Carlito thread an unexpected journey of self-discovery, shedding layers of skin along the way like a deadly viper.

Completing the cast are Liza Diño, CJ Mercado, Jake Macapagal, Lynn Sherman, Lily Chiu, Miguel Castro, Mika Margolles and Leo Rialp.

Elin Jr., a Filipino-Australian musician provided the musical score.

Fredo is the only Filipino winner of the Merit and Juried awards handed out that night.

Among the winners were Stefan Immler for “Oxygen for Ears” (Best US Documentary) , Tetsu Shiratori (Japan) for “Inori” (Best Global Documentary), Daren Press for “Theresa is a Mother” (Best US Narrative) and Nikolay Iliev (Bulgaria) for “The Foreigner” (Best Global Narrative).

Fredo, in his acceptance speech, mentioned that the award was unexpected given the quality of films in competition. He said “The Caregiver” is a personal film and is delighted to have found a very appreciative audience in this festival.

Luis Pedron, Director of IFFMNYC, forwards that “the directorial prowess of Will Fredo and the acting skills of Filipino actors, show the relationship between a caregiver and a patient.

The narrative ends with a jaw dropping twist!”

In attendance in the opening and awards night were Liza Diño, who stood in for GregoryMacaraeg, president of HUBO Productions, to receive the Mount Hope Project Award for the film “Ganap na Babae (Garden of Eve),” and Fernell Cruz, board member.

HUBO Productions is an independent multi-media production company that is known for its core film ventures. To date, HUBO has released three-full length films.

“In Nomine Matris,” its fourth offering, is an official selection in the New Wave Cinema Category ofthe 38th Metro Manila Film Festival, which will run December 18 – 22.

HUBO has ventured its artistic reach in music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. HUBO encourages artistry through practical means and dedicates its art to stimulate the mind however unconventional and unfamiliar.

...the Pampanga's Star

Pampanga’s ‘parol’ goes global

By Tonette Orejas
Inquirer Central Luzon

Sunday, November 11th, 2012

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Ornamental Christmas lanterns in various shapes and sizes handcrafted in this Pampanga capital have gone global, having been shipped out to many Filipino communities abroad for the Christmas season.

The “Sampernandu parul” (as old folks still call the San Fernando lanterns) has brought its warm glow of lights overseas “to strengthen our Christmas tradition,” according to Mayor Oscar Rodriguez.

“It’s one of their (Filipino communities) connections back home. It reminds them of their families and our country while they work overseas,” Rodriguez said.

In Spanish colonial times, lantern making began in Bacolor, the Athens of Pampanga, a town from which San Fernando was founded. Bacolor was then the capital town of Pampanga, as well as of the entire Philippines under Spanish control.

The faithful lit candles encased in paper lanterns to illuminate the religious processions in this part of Pampanga, which was the seat of Augustinian missions in Central Luzon.

In 1908, salt vendor Francisco Estanislao of Barangay Sta. Lucia at the border of Bacolor shaped a big lantern out of bamboo and coco cloth for the Christmas dawn Masses.

Since then, the lanterns have evolved in design, lighting technique, size and materials and have also spurred household-based enterprises.

Since the first lantern competition in 1931, held to honor First Lady Aurora Quezon, the city government has vigorously promoted the lanterns for other objectives.

“For foreigners to know our city for tourism purposes, to showcase our products, to help our parul makers in finding a market and to show the special skills and talent of our people,” Rodriguez said.

Regular partners in the undertakings are associations of Filipinos, many of them Kapampangans, and embassies or consulates.

Honolulu fest

In December, Filipinos in Honolulu, Hawaii, are holding their first lantern festival.

According to San Fernando tourism officer Ching Pangilinan-Gonzales, the city government is shipping to Hawaii a giant lantern and bringing in craftsmen who will share the basics of lantern making.

The city government also sent out the first set of lanterns to the Philippine Embassy in Poland, she said.

Two giant lanterns will be displayed at the Cathedral of Good Shepherd in Singapore. The traditional beacons will also grace the Philippine embassies in Singapore, Moscow in Russia and Ottawa, Canada.

Pampanga’s pride embellished the Philippine embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2011 just as they did the new Philippine Embassy in Dublin, Ireland; the consulate in Beijing, China; and the Ethnology Museum in Vienna, Austria, in 2010.

In 2009, the Philippine consulate in New York and the Lord Mayor’s House in Dublin decorated the premises with lanterns.

In 2007, they enhanced the Christmas tree that Filipinos put up on the Vienna City Hall grounds in Austria.

In 2006, they were exhibited to commemorate the centennial of Filipino migration to Hawaii and the 60th anniversary of Philippine-Austrian diplomatic relations.

The first documented overseas display of Pampanga’s giant lanterns was in 1979 for the 75th anniversary of the Philippine-Hawaii Commission that year.

In 1989, a giant lantern flickered to delight audiences at the Kunitchiwa Asian Fair in Yokohama, Japan.

In 1992, or just a year after the eruptions of Mt. Pinatubo, 40 kilometers west of Pampanga, a giant lantern was exhibited at the World Expo in Seville, Spain.

In 1993, a float that featured a giant lantern made in San Fernando won first place in the Hollywood Christmas parade.

In 2003, former Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon sent a giant lantern to the Taiwan International Lantern Festival in Taipei.

In 2005, the city joined the 3rd Annual Parol Lantern Parade organized by Filipino-American Development Foundation in California.

Popular craftsmen

Pampanga lanterns also adorned various international exhibits, competitions or contracts undertaken by popular lantern makers like Roland Quiambao and Eric Quiwa.

Quiwa, 40, a descendant of pioneer lantern maker Estanislao, exhibited household and giant lanterns in Seville in 1990, San Diego in California in 1993, Taipei and Hollywood in California in 1995, Dubai in 2008 and 2009, and Hawaii and Singapore this year.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines has also displayed them on its facade since 2011.

Craftsmen in San Fernando helped evolve the traditional lanterns.

From the “papel de japon” (rice paper), the lanterns were soon wrapped in sheets made of capiz (flattened white sea shells), plastic vinyl, handmade paper composed of grass and in the last four years, fiberglass.

From the original candle, the lantern used light bulbs powered by batteries, an initiative of Severino David, son-in-law of Estanislao, in the 1940s.

The bulbs allowed the operators of giant lanterns to switch the lights on and off, in sync with the music played by a brass band.

Mario Datu and Susing Manalang introduced the use of molded steel as the frames of Pampanga lanterns in 1950, replacing the bamboo and wood.

The addition of a rotary motor in 1957 improved the course of illuminating lanterns, by giving out the illusion of dancing lights and shadows. The rotor is credited to David’s son, Rodolfo.

By the 1970s, the small lanterns provided “dancing lights” through sequencers, which were appropriately attuned to international safety regulations, and which opened the opportunity for Pampanga lanterns to be exported.

Village beacon

The “ligligan parul” (lantern festival) has been sustained through “bayanihan” (volunteerism). Residents of a village contribute money, materials and food so their community can construct a fresh lantern and join a local contest.

The tourism ministry supported the festival for the first time in 1975.

No festival was held in 1978 and 1979 because then Mayor Armando Biliwang canceled the event due to martial rule.

Gov. Estelito Mendoza revived the festival in 1980. Mayor Vicente Macalino standardized the size of giant lanterns to a ceiling of 3 meters (at present, authorities allow lanterns to loom as large as 5.4 m in diameter) and began the policy of providing subsidies of up to P5,000 in 1982.

Held on Dec. 22, 1990, the festival was highlighted by two lanterns participating in the event, one of which was shaped by Ernesto Quiwa, a grandson of Estanislao.

In 2007, the subsidies were increased to P125,000, but lantern makers said that represented only a quarter of the P500,000 needed to make an outstanding lantern.

The first lanterns were exported in 1987 during the term of Mayor Virgilio Sanchez.

Robert David, another grandson of Estanislao, made lanterns to adorn the roofs of the Paskuhan Village and the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center, both in San Fernando.

David also attempted to set a world record but failed to build a 31.5-m-tall lantern in 2002.

Tourist attraction

The lanterns are a Hall of Fame titlist in the Department of Trade and Industry’s One-Town One-Product (OTOP) program.

The festival draws foreign and local dignitaries as well as tourists. In 2007, Nileema Noble, United Nations resident coordinator in the Philippines, said: “Magnificent! The efforts here to preserve heritage and tradition are flourishing.”

There is no school that trains for the craft of lantern making, Pampanga-style.

Edwin David Jr., 29, learned by “albe-albe” (watching) or “ilig” (preference) or “tuki-tuki” (tagging along).

Fifth-generation lantern makers like Eric Quiwa are convinced that the rotor cannot be replaced by computers. “It really gives the lanterns the magical effect of dancing lights,” he said.

Computers are only used to design the lanterns, Eric added. His 19-year-old son, Carl Ernesto, and his 15-year-old nephew, Christian Lervin, have been learning the craft by observing, helping out and running errands.

In this year’s festival on Dec. 15 at the Robinsons Starmills in San Fernando, Eric expects to win the best lantern—his third in a row.

...the Apparition

Jodi's indie film wins award in Hawaii film fest

 

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

10/22/2012

 

 

MANILA, Philippines – The independent film “Aparisyon,” starring Kapamilya star Jodi Sta. Maria, bagged the prestigious NETPAC Award 2012 at the recent Hawaii International Film Festival.

 

Directed by Vincent Sandoval, “Aparisyon,” an entry in the New Breed section of this year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival about a nun balancing her religious and political beliefs, bested 226 other films from over 41 countries.



(Read our review of “Aparisyon” here.)

The NETPAC Award or Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema is given only at select international film festivals around the world to only one exceptional film from the Asia Pacific. It is presented annually at the Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Rotterdam, Pusan, Singapore, Taiwan, Yamagata, Amiens and Hawaii international film festivals.

This isn’t the first time “Aparisyon” was shown in an international film fest. It was also nominated for the News Current Award at the recent Pusan International Film Festival. It also competed for the the Dragons & Tiger award at the Vancouver fest.

The Hollywood trade publication Variety gave a rave review of the movie, calling it an “intelligently scripted and deeply moving mood-piece (that) asks hard questions about the reconciliation of spiritual beliefs and physical realities.”

Two other Filipino films were also in the running for the two other top awards at the Hawaii film fest.

However, “Bwakaw” lost “Key of Life” from Japan for Best Narrative Feature, while “Harana” gave way to “Where Heaven Meets Hell,” a Indonesia-US co-production, for Best Documentary Feature.

The production teams of “Harana” and “Bwakaw,” who attended the ceremonies, said that being nominated was honor and commendation enough considering the number of films in contention.

Directors Benito Bautista of “Harana” and Jun Lana of “Bwakaw” expressed pride for having been given the chance to showcase Filipino film talent in a huge event such as the Hawaii International Film Festival.

“Bwakaw” is the country’s official entry to the Best Foreign Language Film at next year’s Oscar Awards.