Guilty! Yes, been out for several issues but I am back and that truly matters.
It’s the roaring dragon year and let it purr, no, growl with fire (haha). I agree 2024 is a year of creativity, energy, fierceness, and kindness. What about yours?
To Bea or not to Bea
So another team bites the dust. No more DOM for Bea. Is it good or bad? In social media, the tumultuous sparring has begun. Some dirty linen is being washed in public. Pero teka, di ba kumita na yang teleserye na yan. Now the sizzling best-loved-watch-till-dawn episodes belong to LINLANG! So, sino ang nilinlang? As always, there are two sides to a story, naaaah, but the third side as truth seekers aver is the truth. Not being omitted is – why not Bea and Lloyd na lang – aba, ano? Irewind pa ba ang Popoy/Basha tales of “naging sila ba talaga?” Again, let me pose this question – were they real even for a limited time?
If I were Bea, I would just be alone muna. Now I know of 5 producers wanting to pursue a Bea/Lloyd movie (Finally? ang tagal naman).
Now, as if to follow the splitsville trend, the younger devotees of CassRen (Cassy Legaspi and Darren Espanto) are heart broken because of the big divide rumors.
Which takes over the backseat with celebs who are currently emotionally exhausted? Should career be always in overdrive? No shifting to low gear?
Look at Kathryn Bernardo, mind over matter seems to work.
Long before the Daniel/Kathryn fiasco, I was suggesting – why not uncouple this pair on the screen – like make Daniel an action star. While Kathryn continues to reap glories as a solo lead actress (look at the box office returns!), maybe Daniel should veer away from drama. Let him build muscles and be a rebel-without-a-cause headliner. Give him a gun, let him smack his foes with flying fists. Forget the love interest angle. It has been a long time – no new action vehicles are showing at the theaters. Obviously, this is one big reason why Probinsyano and BQ (Batang Quiapo) are lording it over as the unbeatable teleseryes to watch regardless of platforms. The fans want action, barilan, suntukan, bugbugan! Am waiting Daniel, do it! Don’t forget I told you first!
Famas – Then and Now
Yes, all roads willl lead to Manila Hotel on May 26 to celebrate the FAMAS Awards. On May 11, the nominees will be awarded citations at the Sampaguita-VP compound (maybe the last event to be held there – it saddens us to hear the place will be demolished?).
But wait – do you know the origin of the Famas statuette?
The FAMAS Award of Merit statuette was modeled from the movie legend and FAMAS Award-winner Rosa Rosal. The varnished gold-painted wood statuette boasts of a Balintawak-clad woman whose raised hands hold a four-spoke film reel. She stands on a black cylindrical pedestal, which is encircled with a thin gold leaf that bears the initials and full name of FAMAS in big black letters, the awards ceremony, the category in which it was won, the name of the winner, the place where it was given and the signature of the FAMAS President. The statuette design itself has never changed over the years. The figure was designed by Manuel Barreiro.
The forerunner of the FAMAS Award was the Maria Clara Awards, established by the Manila Times Publishing, Inc. under the tutelage of Alejandro Roces in 1951. The first awards in the Philippine movie industry were doled out for the movies of 1950-1951 and for the year 1952. The award statuette, which bore the figure of Maria Clara, a character in José Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere, was sculpted by National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino. For two years, the Maria Clara Awards honored the Philippine movie industry’s cinematic achievements.
Later, seven writers (Flavio G. Macaso, Vic Generoso, Mario Mijares Lopez, Clemente Roxas, Paulo Dizon, Amado Yasoma and Eddie Infante) established the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences formally replacing the Maria Clara Awards.
The present FAMAS roster is headed by Ms. Francia Che Conrado (whose reign seems to be well-applauded, more about her in our next ish). Assisting her is this young author, Famas’ Publicity Director, Renz Spangler, popularly known for his books dedicated to veteran performers.
Here’s my short interview with Renz.
Q: What inspired you to write about veteran stars?
A: During my childhood, my favorite subject was Philippine History so dahil sa pagiging curious ko about sa mga lumang bagay I got interested in the early history of local cinema, Every Sunday kasi nagsisimba kami ng 7 or minsan 8 am, pag uwi namin may supply na kami ng newspaper. I was always amazed at the column of Danny Dolor, yung “Remember When” at doon ako nakakakita ng lumang pictures ng artista at mga movie pictures nung araw. Also admired “Funfare” by my favoirite entertainment columnist Ricky Lo, sila po talaga ni Danny Dolor ang hinahangaan ko noon pagdating sa pagsusulat ng tribute sa mga veteran stars natin dahil kung hndi dahil sa kanila siguro hindi mag eexist ang isang Renz Spangler sa entertainment writing.
It was my grandfather who did a lot of research about old films. Nung nagkaedad na ako napapansin ko na parang wala ng sumusulat sa mga lumang artista, parang nakakalimutan na sila ng industriya, siguro may ilan lang pero totally parang halos mabaon na sila sa limot, dagdag pa dito yung nabalitaan ko na unti unti nang nangamatay ang ilan sa kanila. so I started this advocacy – to concentrate on the senior stars and learn the early history of the industry.
Q: Are you interested to be involved on films – like do a screenplay or direct a movie? If and when you do, what project do you have in mind?
A: If I were given an opportunity, I would!!! I love writing short stories – both romcoms and horror. I have attempted to do a novel, reached Chapter 10, even incorporating some history, also influenced by Noli Me Tangere. I intend to finish this after publication of my other books.
Q: Why are you doing your best to help the FAMAS Awards?
A: Dahil gusto ko pong ituloy ang luma sa bago, in short, iconnect ang mga beteranong artista so they can inspire today’s talents. Simula ng inimbitahan ako ng FAMAS bilang Public Relations Officer ay marami na akong planong ibinahagi sa aming FAMAS President na si Madam Francia Conrado, and she is supporting me. Wala po akong ibang hangad kundi ang maibalik ang kinang ng FAMAS at makilala ito ng mga henerasyon ngayon as the oldest and most prestigious award giving body.
Q: Please describe the books you are writing.
A: The first 3 books are entiitled “Talambuhay ng mga Beteranong Artista ng Pelikulang Pilipino”. One book includes the life stories of 50 veteran stars. Actual ko pong kinukuha ang information from their families at kahit sa mismong beteranong artista kapag nabibigyan ako ng pagkakataon na makapanayam sila.
Q: What about this book – the much-talked about “The Diary of Lilian Velez”?
(Background: Last year, March of 2023, – 74 yrs after her death, Lilian Velez’s diary entries were compiled in a book. All about this legendary independent-minded singer-actress whose legacy was overshadowed by her death in the hands of her screen partner, Narding Anzures. The entire manuscripts were entrusted to Renz Spangler by the family of Velez.)
A: I was supported by no less than the late daughter of Ms Vivian Velez on this project and the assistance of Isidra Reyes, Gerard Lico, and Brian de Asis. I am concluding too the Volume 4 of Talambuhay ng mga Beteranong Artista…
Q: Renz, your immediate plans after your books?
A: I will continue to explore, write and research about the history of our local cinema. The industry is not all about newbies, let me remind today’s audience that we should be grateful to the cinematic pillars.]
Siné FilmFest’s Challenge
Yes, be there. April 12-14. At Hotel X. Where you will witness HISTORY. You will wtiness the very first Filipino film festival. What entries will you watch? ABANGAN!
Meanwhile, hear this.
Siné FilmFest is the first film festival in Canada dedicated to showcasing Filipino talents in film. Taking place on April 12-14, 2024 at Toronto’s Hotel X, SFF aims to connect and promote collaboration in order to foster creation of new projects. It will also welcome and cater to attendees whether you’re a film enthusiast, industry professional, or future filmmaker through the pillars of the festival.
The launch of SFF in 2024 comes at a most opportune time as Philippines and Canada celebrates its 75th year of bilateral relations.
SFF’s main objective is to put in motion the 1998 Treaty between Canada and the Philippines by encouraging filmmakers to join a trade delegation to explore potential participation in the Philippine/Canadian Co- Production Agreement. This treaty aims to provide the Philippines with better resources and exposure to practices in Canada while also granting access to the North American market.
SFF will provide accessibility and discovery of sustainable career paths in the industry Development/Preproduction, Production and Post Production/Festivals/Marketing & Distribution. SFF wants to bring together Filipinos and share stories in the form of cinema Six (7) feature films and 16 short films will be screened. The amateur filmmakers will be awarded access to proper resources for production and delivery of their next short film to be shot in Toronto.
Let us celebrate the Filipinos through cinema.
Where is Hotel X?
HOTEL X is the luxury urban resort nestled in lakefront downtown Toronto. This upscale hotel offers state-of-the art film screening theatre designed for an
amazing cinematic experience. The venue is designed with combined comfort and technology with its plush seats and superior audio visual equipment for optimal viewing and listening experience. Break out rooms and mini theatres are ideal for the SFF-scheduled training and workshops.
Bobot’s New Pledge of Love
He’s back. Edgar Mortiz sings SINATRA this time – we have been waiting for this. In Goin’ Standard, Mortiz does a Frank Sinatra songbook – he chose the best and I will definitely get a copy of this when I revisit Pinas in May. Included are gems: All My Tomorrows, Somewhere In Your Heart, How Do You Keep The Music Playing, You And Me (We Wanted It All), You Turned My World Around, You Will Be My Music, What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life, That’s Life.
“Music is part of my life and finally, I found time to do this – my plan was actually to see this completion before I turn 70! Here it is,” Edgar said.
Right now, Bobot is busy doing a film project with Malou Santos which will be filmed in Japan. “Then there are 3 more movies I want to do, secret muna,” he added. We asked, will John Lloyd be the main star? “Ssssh,” he hinted. Alam ko na!
ASAP in Los Angeles
As we say see you again in 2 weeks, we are happy to share this happy news: ABS-CBN’s ASAP Natin Ito will celebrate its anniversary on August 3 at Toyota arena in Ontario, California. Yes, will attend! Are you flying too?