Recently, Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) prexy Leo Dmonguez filed a mandamus petition for the Court to stop turnover of Amusement tax to Metro Manila Development Board of the earnings of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2013 earnings, directed to MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino.
Leo stated, “aside from Film Academy of the Philippines, MOWELFUND, the other beneficiaries of the MMFF earnings are the Film Development council, Motion Pictures Anti Piracy Council and the Optical Media Board. Sadly, from 2002 to 2008, we haven’t received yet the benefits.”
Leo’s lawyer Atty. Ariel Inton clarified there’s no personal grudge on MMDA head Francis Tolentino and the head of National Cinema Association of the Philippines Dominic Du but to look to the matter, what causes the delay in handling the distribution of the benefits.
With the total gross of the MMFF 2013 reportedly near the P1 billion, the very essence of anticipation, doubt can’t be simply erased.
Why Coco Prioritizes on Indie Films
Albeit the truth Coco Martin maintains a top position in the mainstream TV and movies, he admits he will always prioritize making Indie films. Coco expounded that he has gained a lot, established professionally as a serious actor through the Indie vehicles since early 2000.
“How can I forget that the Manunuri’s Urian Awards handed me the Actor of the Decade trophy via the starrers from low-budgeted, independent stuffs? I wouldn’t have achieved fame as mainstream lead actor if not for that recognition. Kaya never kong tatalikuran ang Indies movies.” Coco confided to the movie press.
In the past, Coco bannered several Indie starrers, including Serbis, Kinatay, Tirador, Masahista all megged by Cannes filmfest best director Brilliante Mendoza which gave best actor awards to Coco.Now, another dream fulfilled for Coco is his current pic with Nora Aunor titled Padre de Pamilya shot in Malaysia.
“My long cherished wish to work with her finalized. It’s another milestone in my acting career.” Enthused Coco. Expect accolades to beckon the duo, locally and internationally.
Trivia:
Did you know that Tondo in Manila has played significantly in the showbiz history? For the record, in 1902, the first Filipino owned cinema house was in Azcarraga st., a stone’s throw from the Tutuban Railway station. It was erected by scenograhic printer Jose Jimenez. The second theater was Cinematografo, also in Tondo.
Subsequently, the first movie studio called Malayan Films was founded in Tondo by the siblings Jose and Jesus Nepomuceno. Its maiden offering was Dalagang Bukid, topbilled by Atang dela Rama and Marcelino Ilagan of the noted Ilagan clan. Jose turned movie actor too.
Tagged as the Father of Philippine Movies was Jesus who was the grandfather of bowling world champ Paeng Nepomuceno who made a brief appearance in showbiz. Paeng’s dad formed the movie outfit Nepomuceno Productions which produced award winning films, including Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak which bagged Asia’s best actress trophy for the late Charito Solis in the Asian Film Festival held in Japan.
During the Japanese occupation, Dolphy as Golay made a name in stage shows in the said Tondo theater. So with Atang dela Rama, Chichay, Canuplin who were all Tondo residents. Eventually Dolphy became the famous comedian, the Comedy King.
Other famous celebrities from Tondo were LVN Pictures top actress then Mila del Sol, Norma Blancaflor, the original actress who enacted Virgin Mary in the flicks Pagsilang ng Mesiyas and Kalbaryo ni Hesus, the late Angel Esmeralda (deceased Jay Ilagan’s dad) and Mona Lisa.
More stars from Tondo cropped out in the ‘50s, notably Lilia Dizon (Christopher de Leon’s mom), the late Fred Montilla, Tony Santos Sr. and Perla Bautista. Even her love team then ex-Pres. Joseph Estrada originally lived in Tondo. As evident by mastering Kanto boy roles, topped by Asiong Salonga and Batang Tondo.
In passing, when Erap ran for Manila mayor his residency was questioned.He proved detractors wrong by documents which showed by birth he was Tondoeno, owned a house there where he stayed for many years there and returned there for some time prior to the election day.
Off cameras, other prominent figures from Tondo were multi-awarded film directors Bert Avellana, Totoy Buenaventura, musical directors Levi Celerio, Ariston Avelino, Tony Maiquez, cameramen Sergio Lobo, Eddie Catindig, writers Pablo Gomez,Liwayway Arceo,Rolando Tinio,Ben Pinga, radio announcer Rafael Yabut and noted fashion designer Pitoy Moreno.
Those named National Artists were Bert Avellana(films), Levi Celerio (music), Rolando Tinio (theater-films) and Atang dela Rama(arts).
Jennylyn Reacts on Angel-Luis Rekindled Love
With the public seems to accede the rumored reconciliation of ex-lovers Luis Manzano and Angel Locsin, my colleague recounted to me what Luis’ erstwhile gf Jennylyn Mercado commented. That the latter doesn’t have acerbic feelings if it’s true.
“In the first place, I’ve moved on after my break up with Luis. We’re still vibes with each other and happy for the duo. Though Angel’s not a close chum, we’re cordial to one another. Kasi nag-abot naman kami sa GMA-7 before she turned a Kapamilya star.” Jen was quoted as saying.
Jen cleaves also to what she vows to concentrate on her acting career this time sans love angle. That’s why she reportedly laughed when asked that ex-bf Mark Herras tries to woo her anew. It happens that the two often get together out of their new TV series Rhodora X, their reteaming after many years.
Finally, Recognition for Vilma Abroad
For years, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos paled in comparison with her arch rival Nora Aunor who bagged several best actress awards in various international film festivals. Finally, Vi got her share when the Dhaka Film Festival in Bangladesh handed her best actress trophy for Ekstra. Vi competed with Asian, European actresses. Iranian Leven Hofevan won the best actor for Parviz. No best film was declared.
By the way, Vi doesn’t give up hope that to enact the late Cory Aquino will still push through. It’s a much delayed movie project But she’s still willing to portray the ex-president-heroine of the EDSA revolution.
Spicy Items: If his wife Judy Ann Santos is indeed pregnant, Ryan Agoncillo hopes to be twins if ever for a change. Ryan admits it’s no issue which of their competing TV programs (Juday’s Bet on My Baby and Ryan’s Picture, Picture) fair better in viewership. No rivalry whatsoever, career-wise for the couple.
A recent hit and run victim, Kapuso star Kristoffer Martin posted in his Instagram the photo, plate number of the car which bumped into him. Rather than to stop, the driver even yelled which irked him. This made Kristoffer late in the taping of his new TV series Paraiso Ko’y Ikaw.
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