Leo Lastimosa and Kapamilyas

DYAB and ABS-CBN Cebu Anchor Leo Lastimosa with a young lady, Ava Asirit

DYAB Local and International Job Fair applicants

Ramil Ayuman anchors Atong Banat over DYAB AM 1512 khz

Leo Lastimosa anchors Arangkada over DYAB AM and TV Patrol Central Visayas over ABS-CBN Cebu Channel 3

Ramil Albano anchors Inday Misyel Live over DYAB AM 1512 khz

Jen's New Man

Vince Vaughn and Brad's Ex.

 

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Bawat Pinoy Kapamilya.

 

Tawag Na!

ABS-CBN Showbiz Headlines

007 secret safe so far as James Bond casting looms
LOS ANGELES/LONDON - Aptly enough for the world's most famous spy, the decision on who replaces Pierce Brosnan as the next James Bond remains a mystery just weeks, possibly days, ahead of an official announcement.
Reuters/abs-cbnNEWS.com

 

Cinemanila finally in Manila The name of this film festival doesn't sound right. Its official name was the Makati Cinemanila International Film Festival. The name Makati had previously been included because of the festival's annual venue at the Greenbelt theaters in past years. This peculiarity left film buffs wondering why it wasn't named "Cinemakati" instead. The Manila Times (10/12/2005 3:55:54 AM)

Michael Bublé sings at Big Dome Wednesday night Manila never forgets about the Canadian crooner Michael Bublé. He is, especially to the new generation, the young Frank Sinatra who brought jazz and standard music back to the mainstream. The Manila Times (10/12/2005 3:54:58 AM)

The 'Gigolo' conquers Europe Rob Schneider was always the clown in high school, what with his sleepy eyes, untamed hair and bold sense of humor. The Manila Times (10/12/2005 3:54:11 AM)

Asian living at its finest Among the several films being screened in this year's Cinemanila International Film Festival is Better Luck Tomorrow (2002). The film was written by the Asian-American writer/director Justin Lin. DENNIS LADAW/The Manila Times (10/12/2005 3:53:13 AM)

Eminem fuels retirement rumors with hits CD NEW YORK - Adding further fuel to the rumor that he plans to retire or at the very least take an extended break from music, Eminem is eyeing a December 6 release for his first retrospective, "Curtain Call." Reuters/abs-cbnNEWS.com (10/11/2005 7:39:42 PM)

Britney Spears pulls costume bra from eBay auction LOS ANGELES - Oops! ... It happened again. Britney Spears' jewel-encrusted bra has been removed for a second time from Internet auction site eBay -- this time by the pop singer herself. Reuters/abs-cbnNEWS.com (10/11/2005 10:44:05 AM)

Irish writer Banville wins Booker prize LONDON - Irish writer John Banville was the surprise winner on Monday of the Booker Prize, one of the literary world's most prestigious awards, for "The Sea," his poignant and dark novel about childhood memories. Reuters/abs-cbnNEWS.com (10/11/2005 9:04:25 AM)

Aiko, 2 friends in bar melee charged Criminal charges were filed against Councilor Aiko Melendez of Quezon City and two of her companions in relation to an incident on October 3 inside a bar in Makati City. The Manila Times (10/11/2005 7:53:52 AM)

Instituto Cervantes brings Spain's hottest flamenco dancer to Manila From New York to Tokyo, aficionados flock theaters and dance studios for a feel of the flamenco. While this dance genre is Spanish by birth, years of fame and innovation have made it a world craze—the Philippines included. The Manila Times (10/11/2005 2:57:15 AM)

Blaze destroys Wallace and Gromit's history LONDON - All the props and sets from the Wallace and Gromit movies were feared destroyed in a fire on Monday, the day after the plasticine pals' debut feature film went straight to the top of the North American box office. Reuters/abs-cbnNEWS.com (10/11/2005 2:56:15 AM)

J-Lo plays reporter probing Mexican border murders NOGALES, Mexico - Pop diva and actress Jennifer Lopez has put aside her usual glamour and is filming in a hilltop shantytown this week for a gritty movie about the murders of hundreds of women on the US-Mexico border. The Manila Times (10/11/2005 2:55:17 AM)

Erik is loyal to the 'Star' Erik Santos's music career remains anchored on Star Records, which just released his second album, Loving You Now. DANNY VIBAS/The Manila Times

Maricel's Main Man

Maricel Soriano: I don't miss sex

Nini Valera
Inquirer News Service

"I DON'T MISS SEX," SAID MARICEL SORIANO IN an exclusive interview with Inquirer Entertainment.

Maricel, 40, confided that she had not been intimate with a man for about 10 years now.

"Honestly, I prefer to be alone in bed with my pillows. I have only one 'man' ... ang nasa taas (the One above). He's enough for me," she said.

The actress has had her share of romance. Her one marriage-to actor Edu Manzano-ended in separation after four years.

"But we have remained friends," she insisted. "The marriage just didn't work out."

She refused to dig up the past, saying that it's better left in her memory. Right now, it's the future and her family that are most important to her.

"I have my children to be happy about," Maricel proclaimed.

Marron, 17, an adopted son with former boyfriend Ronnie Ricketts, and Tien, 11, her son by Congressman Cesar Jalosjos, are a hovering presence in Maricel's current existence.

"It's tough to reason with Tien," she said with good humor. "Like, he would insist that I come home early even when I'm on location shooting. He would nag me endlessly. One time, we were talking on the phone when I told him that I would not be home until late. And he said, 'How come you were early yesterday?' I told him I just got lucky the previous day."

Survivor

But luck and Maricel are more than just nodding acquaintances. She has survived the pitfalls of her show biz career, which now spans more than three decades and more than a hundred movies. She was only 8 when show biz called. As a young star, she seemed to suddenly lose her naivete, embracing as she did the trademark "taray" image.

The years, however, have softened the toughness and smoothed out the rough edges.

"There are movies I made in the past that make me cringe now," she admitted. "But they are still part of what I am and what I have become."

What she has become is the "Diamond Star," a tag she earned with her glowing dramatic performances, the most recent of which was her role as the spinster in the family drama "Filipinas" in 2003. The role bagged her several acting awards and reaffirmed her status as an A-list actress.

"I love what I do," she said. "My work is interesting, and my roles keep changing. Still, there's that routine in my life which has given me peace. It's nice to come home every night and drink tea."

It's also nice, she said, to be working again for television, a medium that has always been kind to her. Starting tonight, Maricel will be seen on ABS-CBN in the teleserye "Vietnam Rose," in the role of a Vietnam War survivor, who has to confront her past in order for her to make peace with her future in the Philippines.

"When I was asked to do 'Vietnam Rose,' I did not hesitate," Maricel said. "I knew I would be working with Direk Joel Lamangan, whom I really respect and admire. Just give me a good script, a good director and a good company, and I will jump."

Katrina Relief

Stars Turn Out for Katrina Telethons
By Stephen M. Silverman
People Magazine
Friday night, the six major networks broadcast Shelter From the Storm, during which – ironically, unless it was an intentional goof – Kanye West's microphone didn't work at first. (At an earlier telethon, the rapper heavily criticized President Bush, who he said "doesn't care about black people.") But West still got to perform – he sang his hit, "Jesus Walks" – as did U2, Neil Young, Mary J. Blige, Garth Brooks, Mariah Carey, Sheryl Crow, the Dixie Chicks, the Foo Fighters, Alicia Keys, Randy Newman, Paul Simon and Rod Stewart. Only comedian (and this year's Oscar host) Chris Rock rocked the boat, as it were. "George Bush hates midgets," he blurted out during Shelter From the Storm. When he got to the BET telethon, he said: "Don't forget: George Bush hates albinos." Meanwhile, Jack Nicholson sang "Maria," from West Side Story, because a woman calling in to donate money had requested it. "You see, tonight I'm ready for everything," the actor said. Ellen DeGeneres opened the show, saying of her native city: "Tonight let's show people from New Orleans that they have friends all over the world, friends who care, who understand are here to give them shelter from the storm." Julia Roberts closed the program, and in between, Jack Black, Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz, Morgan Freeman and Ray Romano made appeals on behalf of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The program was slightly more political on SOS Saving OurSelves: The BET Relief Telethon, also on Friday. Former President Bill Clinton called in to express support and was asked by cohost Steve Harvey what his administration would have done differently if it had been handling the disaster. Clinton refrained from criticizing Bush, but talked about the importance he placed on the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "We always thought faster was better than slower," Clinton said. The BET benefit, cohosted by Harvey and Queen Latifah, interspersed musical performances with heartbreaking film clips of Gulf Coast residents asking for help to locate missing relatives and friends. Alicia Keys sang her hit "If I Ain't Got You," and Patti LaBelle sang the Pretenders' "I'll Stand By You." And although they showed up 15 minutes late, Jay-Z and Diddy made quite an entrance: presenting a $1 million check to the Red Cross from the New York hip-hop community. "There's been a lot of telethons," Diddy said, "but this is our telethon. These are our people." On Saturday's ReAct Now: Music & Relief telethon on MTV and its sister networks VH1 and CMT, satirist Jon Stewart didn't crack a single joke, instead making the point: "The help that we have seen is way more powerful than this hurricane was." Music was provided by such acts as Green Day, the Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Elton John, the Foo Fighters, Fiona Apple, John Mellencamp, Kelly Clarkson and Pearl Jam, among others, with tributes to New Orleans peppering the program. Sheryl Crow, who recorded her eponymous 1996 CD in the Big Easy and says she's had a love affair with the city ever since, said: "There is an undeniable energy in New Orleans. "The people there are extremely soulful ... and there is a real spiritual vibe about it," Maroon 5's Adam Levine said, "The last time we were in New Orleans was one of my fondest memories of touring. ... So it was particularly upsetting to watch it crumble."

Sha'll Be Back 2006

Sharon Cuneta’s many roles
Marinel R. Cruz Inquirer News Service
“I’M SCARED FOR HIM. IT WOULD BE hypocritical to say I’m not. But at the end of the day, as he always tells me, he’s really just following his principles,” said Megastar Sharon Cuneta when asked to comment on the recent political move of her husband, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.
Kiko, Senate majority leader (Liberal Party), has called for the resignation of President Macapagal-Arroyo. Other LP leaders who have demanded that Ms Arroyo step down are Senate President Franklin Drilon and Senators Manuel Roxas II and Rodolfo Biazon.
“We may have [political] differences, but [these are always handled] respectfully,” Sharon told a group of writers over lunch last week. “A perfect illustration is the friendship I’ve maintained with the Estradas. I may not agree with some things that transpired during President Joseph Estrada’s administration, but that did not diminish my affection for [the deposed leader and his family]. I never discussed this before.”
But Sharon did not say whether or not she agreed with her husband’s position. “Friendship is different,” she explained. For instance, she said, she has known the former president’s son, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, since she was 13.
“Kiko was never really close to (the Estradas). He only got to know Jinggoy when the latter became a senator, too,” she said. “What I want is for our country to get better —this is because I have children. I’m a mother, first and foremost.”
Need to lose weight
Kristina Cassandra or KC is Sharon’s eldest daughter from her previous marriage to former actor Gabby Concepcion. She and Kiko have two daughters—Frankie, 4, and Miel, 1.
Sharon took a break from show biz because of her last pregnancy, which turned out to be delicate. She had gotten pregnant immediately after filming Mark Meily’s “Crying Ladies” in 2003. She was set to resume hosting her TV show on ABS-CBN last February, but opted to rest until the end of 2005.
“I need to lose more weight,” Sharon said. “From the time I got back after the US concert tour in June, I have dropped 14 pounds. I thought of going back to work in July, but there had been too little time to prepare and I still was heavy. In the end, I said since January is my birthday month, I might as well do everything then—turn a year older, start the New Year and start a new show. Hopefully, I’d look much more presentable.”
Her new show, Sharon noted, would be “something that the viewers and I would enjoy.”
She recounted that the last show was supposed to be “something like ‘Oprah.’ But often, the audience just wanted to laugh and be entertained, so we had to give in to that. The new show would be the magazine type.”
Sharon co-produced Meily’s “La Visa Loca” with Unitel Pictures last summer. The movie top-billed her former boyfriend, Robin Padilla, and Rufa Mae Quinto under Meily’s direction.
Though “La Visa Loca” did not do so well in the box-office, she said, she was very proud of it. “It’s a perfectly good film. If we overlooked anything, maybe it was that children were more into the ‘fun’ side of things. I think the movie will be better appreciated by a foreign audience, though. It was loved by an older audience here, but kids 13 to 15—nabibigatan sila.”
Many roles
She would continue producing films, Sharon vowed. “It’s a business. You have to save up for the next if the first one didn’t really give you enough to produce two or three. Later on maybe we’ll do small movies with talented comedians, or movies that are really dramatic. There are so many things we can do.”
The press lunch launched Sharon as endorser of Lady’s Choice Mayonnaise. Sharon and a group of friends shared assorted dips, which they made themselves, using the product.
“In acting you play a role, in endorsing you are following a story board but you are putting your credibility on the line,” the Megastar, arguably the country’s top endorser, said. “If I had accepted all endorsement offers presented to me, I would be tens of millions of pesos richer. It’s simple: If it’s something I don’t eat, I turn down the offer; or if it’s a new product, I always ask for samples. Yung iba, kahit ano papatulan basta magka-pera. We all need to make a living but we should also be discerning.”

Showbiz Quizbook

A not-so-trivial pursuit

Bayani San Diego
Inquirer News Service

A VERITABLE treasure trove overflowing with show biz "facts, feats, tales and trivia" is "A Movie Album Quizbook," launched early this year.

The book is the fruit of research by an inveterate movie fan, who embarked on the project clearly with other star-struck souls in mind.

In his introduction, Jessie B. Garcia- teacher by profession and movie buff by avocation-says the idea for this book, his fifth on show biz, came to him in 1982. He recalls that fellow film aficionado T.D. Agcaoili encouraged him to whip up a volume on "things that will never make it in a dry-as-dust . . . straight historical account of Tagalog movies."

Sifting through the 400-plus-page book yields not a few gems:

The first underwater kissing scene in Philippine movies was between Fernando Poe Sr. and Rosa del Rosario in "Zamboanga," 1937. "Zamboanga" was also the first Pinoy film to be shot in full color. It was processed in Hollywood, with no less than Frank Capra ("It's a Wonderful Life") as editor and supervisor.

The first radio play that crossed over to the big screen was Lina Flor's "Gulong ng Palad," 1950. It starred Jose Padilla Jr. and Arsenia Francisco.

Leila Morena was the first local actress to produce a film, "Salome," 1952.

The lead star of "Ifugao," Efren Reyes, was the first Pinoy to win Best Actor at the second Asian Film Festival held in Singapore, 1955.

The first Pinay to bring home the Best Actress prize from the Asian Film Festival was Charito Solis, for "Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak," 1967. La Chato was also the first local actress to headline a Japanese movie slated for international release-"Shaka" (later retitled "Buddha"), 1962.

Lino Brocka scored a double whammy at the Cannes. His "Insiang" was the first Filipino film to be screened in the "Director's Fortnight" in 1976, and "Jaguar" was the first to be shown in the "Main Competition" in 1980. And how's this: Brocka actually considered hiring Imee Marcos as "Insiang," instead of Hilda Koronel.

Aside from these noteworthy "firsts," Garcia also compiled a number of facts that even some LVN, Premiere and Sampaguita stars would barely remember:

In 1939, movie queen Carmen Rosales, already a radio star, flunked her LVN screen test because she had "no profile."

The country's first "Darna," Rosa del Rosario, worked as a welder in Henry Kaiser's shipyard in the US during World War II. She was also the first Pinay to star in a Hollywood flick, "Border Bandits," 1946.

Ruben Tagalog was not Tagalog; he was actually from La Paz, Iloilo.

The zoom lens was invented by director Manuel Silos while doing "Victory Joe," 1946.

The first Maria Clara Best Actress was Nena Cardenas, for "Doble Cara," 1950.

Anita Linda-Alice Lake in real life-shares her birth name with her paternal aunt-a Hollywood star and contemporary of Rudolph Valentino.

Manuel Conde gave up his direction credit in "Genghis Khan" in favor of Lou Salvador Sr., because the latter agreed to completely shave off his head to play a Mongolian chieftain in that movie.

Lilia Dizon was the first Pinay to win Best Actress in a foreign film fest-specifically the Cambodia Film Festival-for Lamberto Avellana's "Kandilerong Pilak," 1954. The same Avellana classic was also the first Pinoy film shown "Out of Competition" at the Cannes.

Susan Roces first appeared as a child star in Jose Nepomuceno's "Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan."

Gloria Romero's singing voice in musicals was dubbed by pro Cely Bautista.

Artemio Marquez wrapped up shooting "The Lucila Lalu Story," 1965, in four days, while Elwood Perez took over three years to finish "Bilangin ang mga Bituin sa Langit," 1989.

And for the ultimate piece of trivia:

The term "bakya" was coined by National Artist Lamberto Avellana, not as a pejorative term, but to describe the masses who watched movies at the Rialto and Dalisay, "lugging their bayong and baon and wearing wooden clogs."

(For copies of "A Movie Album Quizbook," contact Erehwon Books & Magazines, P.O. Box 331 Iloilo City.)

Virgin is Tops

'Virgin' vanquishes rivals at US box office

LOS ANGELES - "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" enjoyed a second romp on top at the weekend box office on Sunday, and overall ticket sales tumbled to their lowest level since early May in the dying days of summer.

"Virgin" sold $16.4 million worth of tickets in the three days beginning on Friday, taking its 10-day haul to $48.7 million. The $26 million comedy, starring Steve Carell as a store clerk who never got around to going all the way, was released by Universal Pictures.

The top 10 contained two new releases, led by the historical fantasy "The Brothers Grimm" at No. 2 with $15.1 million. Debuting at No. 6 was the monster movie "The Cave" with $6.2 million. A third new wide release, "Undiscovered," a romance starring pop singer Ashlee Simpson, stayed true to its title, opening with just $690,000.

"Grimm," starring Matt Damon and Heath Ledger as the sibling purveyors of fairy tales, was directed by Terry Gilliam, the man behind "12 Monkeys" and "Brazil." It was released by Dimension Films, a division of Miramax Films.

"The Cave," about monsters who terrorize a group of adventurers, was released by Screen Gems, the mid-budget division of Sony Pictures.

The top-12 films grossed $82.8 million, according to tracking firm Exhibitor Relations Co., down 16 percent from last weekend, and down 2.5 percent from the year-ago period. The tally represents the lowest level since the May 6-8 weekend, when "Kingdom of Heaven" led a $78 million weekend.

The studios have all rolled out their big summer flicks, and will be dumping their leftovers over the next few weekends into increasingly empty theaters as moviegoers make the most of the late summer.

The rest of the top five were each down one place from last weekend: the thriller "Red Eye" (DreamWorks) was at No. 3 with $10.4 million in its second weekend; the urban drama "Four Brothers" (Paramount) earned $7.8 million in its third; and the comedy "Wedding Crashers" (New Line) pulled in $6.3 million in its seventh.

Universal Pictures is a unit of NBC Universal, which is controlled by General Electric Co.. Miramax Films is a unit of Walt Disney Co.. Sony Pictures is a unit of Sony Corp.. DreamWorks SKG is privately held. Paramount Pictures is a unit of Viacom Inc.. New Line Cinema is a unit of Time Warner Inc..

"Undiscovered" was released by Lions Gate Films, a unit of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.

Brand New Dad

Why Marvin is on Cloud 9
Directline By Boy Abunda
The Philippine Star

Marvin Agustin is now a proud father to twins Santiago and Sebastian who were born last Aug. 16, in San Francisco, U.S.A. According to his friend and publicist Joey Diego, "Sobrang excited siya. Kamukha raw niya yong mga bata, guapo." The twins are fraternal but they look alike. Marvin spent his first day as a young father by learning how to feed them and how to change diapers. It's the best time of his life, according to Joey. The boys stayed with their mother in the room and not in the nursery, so Marvin stayed close to his twins. He plans to stay in the US for another month.

Will the birth of Santiago and Sebastian bring Marvin and Tetet closer to the altar? We don't know yet, but the couple has decided to raise the twins in America. Marvin, one of the most hardworking actors we have, left Manila with a heavy heart, disappointed with a couple of snags in his career. I think this has something to do with the cancellation of some of his TV shows and his desire to do more, given his artistic energy. But according to Joey, when Marvin saw his sons for the first time, nothing else mattered.

"From Day One when I saw Sebastian and Santiago, all my hurt feelings vanished. Ang sarap ng feeling. So this is how it feels to be a father. I'm very happy," says Marvin.

We are truly happy for you, Marvin.

A revelation named Alcris Galura

Sixteen-year-old Alcris Galura is quite a revelation. This boy has been acting in movies since he was eight. Among his most memorable films are Mga Munting Tinig, Santa Santita, Babae sa Breakwater where he earned nominations for Best Child Actor at the FAMAS and Best Supporting Actor at the Urian.

Recently, I had the chance to speak with Marvin together with the cast and director of Pusang Gala, Ellen Ongkeko- Marfil, Irma Adlawan and Lauren Novero in my show Private Conversations with Boy Abunda, 6 p.m., Thursdays, ANC News Channel.

Since the movie dealt on genderless love, longingness, belongingness, sex, among others, and where one of the major characters of the movie is gay (played by Ricky Davao), our conversation also touched on similar topics. I asked Alcris what he thought about homosexuals. Alcris said he felt it was wrong to be gay, as it is written in the Bible. Alcris is a Baptist. He says he reads the Bible everyday. But after being involved in Pusang Gala (he plays Jojo, who was adopted by a gay novelist played by Ricky Davao), he has come to understand gays and now has a broader view about them. I appreciated this boy's boldness and honesty. He did not mince words in front of people who thought otherwise.

Pusang Gala is one of director Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil's best works. Lead actress Irma Adlawan, who goes daring in the movie, says that so far, none of her children has come to watch the movie. Nor has she invited them to see it. Irma could not have done wrong in this movie. As always, she sparkles!

British Council anniversary

British Council Philippines, on its 25th anniversary celebration, presents a grand theater festival anchored on the works of William Shakespeare this September. It also invites local audiences to savor fresh perspectives of the Bard's works through three of his most famous works.

Tanghalang Pilipino, resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, stakes its claim to masterful performance via R'meo luvs Dew-Lhiett – a whimsical jologs version of the immortal love story. The play is now running at the CCP's Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino and is set to move to Tanghalang Huseng Batute come September. It stars Noel Escondo and Catherine Racsag under the direction of Herbie Go, Tanghalang Pilipino artistic director.

Repertory Philippines, considered the foremost proponent of English language theater in the country, will stage an all-male version of Taming of the Shrew beginning Sept. 2 at Rep's Globe Theater in Greenbelt. With Bart Guingona at the helm, the cast includes Joel Trinidad, Niccolo Manahan and Topper Fabregas.

As a special treat, the British Council and its partners, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, New World Renaissance Hotel, Smart Communications, Dream Satellite Cable, ABC Channel 5, Shell Philippines Explorations, Bank of Commerce, Philippine Airlines and Pandiman Philippines have invited Scotland's Theater Babel to present its touring production of Macbeth at the CCP Little Theater on Sept. 14 and 15. Theater Babel's version is unmatched in its exploration of the corrosive effects of power and shows with searing clarity how little separates military heroism from violent brutality.

For inquiries on the Shakespeare festival, call 914-1011 to 14 or log on to www.britishcouncil.org.ph.

Kadayawan Stars

ABS-CBN stars shine in Kadayawan
By Peachy Vibal-Guioguio
The Philippine Star

Davao's Kadayawan Festival is the city's biggest annual party and this year's festivities could have not been any bigger than when a number of Philippine broadcast's biggest stars descended in this city care of your Kapamilya Network, ABS-CBN.

"This is the biggest show that has been mounted in the city so far," enthused ABS-CBN AVP George Padolina, commenting on the crowds that gathered as early as 8 a.m. at the SM grounds.

According to police estimate, there were about 30,000 to 35,000 people who trooped to the venue to get a glimpse of their favorite stars. During the press conference held on the evening of Aug. 20, Saturday at the NCCC mall, no less than the Network's executive vice president, Charo Santos-Concio, welcomed the local and the Manila-based members of the press. Concio intimated that the Network is planning something big for the local talents of Davao which was warmly received by the local press in attendance.

ABS- CBN holds the No. 1 spot for most Davao television viewers and as a way of showing appreciation for their overwhelming support, the Network's management and regional team came up with this showbiz blitz featuring the country's most admired broadcast talents coming to Davao to celebrate one of the country's most colorful and culturally rich celebration, the Kadayawan Festival. This has been the second consecutive year that the people and city government of Davao have asked ABS-CBN to be its exclusive media partner for this week-long celebration that has attracted thousands of tourists and visitors from all parts of the country as well as abroad.

According to Kim Hife, station manager of ABS-CBN Davao, the Network started to regularly bring in Manila talents last year. "We feel it's a way of giving back to Davaoeños our heartfelt gratitude for patronizing our Network," Hife explains. "Since then, we make it a point to bring a Network show here in Davao where local talents join them." Davao City by land area is considered as the biggest city in the world and is the economic and trading power-house not only of Mindanao but also in the ASEAN region.

As events have it, the ABS-CBN talents and crew were welcomed into this lovely city of fruits and flowers last Aug. 19, Friday, by a heavy downpour that lasted for almost two hours without let-up and submerged some parts of the city in knee-deep water. An occurrence which, as one local resident quipped "is very rare." The rains turned out to be a felicitous sign of welcome as the rest of the weekend turned out sunshiny all the way.

Kadayawan is a week-long festival that culminates in street dancing over the weekend in which the entire city virtually goes into gridlock as people massed into the streets. The drawing power of ABS-CBN stars were evident in the jampacked crowds that participated in live broadcasts held that Saturday at Gaisano South, SM and NCCC Mall Convention Hall. The milling crowds and the joyous response only confirm one thing: that ABS CBN is No. 1 in the hearts of the people of Davao.

Sunday morning greeted the city dwellers with humongous traffic as the city winds down its Kadayawan festivities. But it was actually the SM ground that was teeming with people who came to watch ASAP 05 and ASAP Fanatic that caused the jam. But people didn't mind. For them, standing on hours even under the sweltering sun, is a small discomfort compared to catching a view of their favorite stars. And the heavens cooperated since not a single drizzle dropped from the sky. Only luminous stars of Philippine television were up on stage and framed under the blue skies as they wowed the people of Davao.

Sleepless in LA

Nora's trial set Oct. 14

Janet Susan R. Nepales
Inquirer News Service

LOS ANGELES—A haggard and sleepless-looking Nora Aunor showed up Tuesday morning (Wednesday in Manila) before Superior Court Judge James R. Brandlin at the Airport Courthouse in Los Angeles, where her drug possession case is being heard.

"So many problems," Aunor replied in Filipino when asked why she looked exhausted.

Dressed casually in a gray top and white pants and wearing no make-up, the singer-actress fidgeted in her seat. She remembered to turn off her cell phone, as required inside the courthouse, only after it rang. Third judge Brandlin is the third judge that Nora has had to face here. Previously, she faced Judge Paula Adele Mabrey and Judge Joseph Shino Biderman.

Pre-trial date was set Sept. 30, and trial was scheduled to commence on Oct. 14 and end Oct. 24.

Only a handful of press people were present—aside from Inquirer, only the Associated Press, Philippine News, GMA and ABS-CBN were represented. There were no Noranians in sight.

When asked how she felt about the progress of the case, Lourdes Tancinco, Nora's immigration lawyer, said it was "premature" to give an opinion.

Also present was the singer's manager, Norie Sayo.

I'm Straight

So, Ricky, are you gay?

Marinel R. Cruz
Inquirer News Service

"THAT Jackie Lou and I have separated is old news. [And] now that I'm in this film, people think we split up because I'm gay," said actor Ricky Davao, who plays a homosexual writer of romantic novelettes in the movie "Pusang Gala."

Davao said he was "tired of telling people that I'm straight," having had to promote films like "Mga Lalaki sa Buhay ni Selya," "American Adobo" and "Bikini Open" where he portrayed different gay characters.

"If that's what people think of me, bahala na sila. It doesn't bother me anymore," Davao told Inquirer Entertainment in an exclusive interview on Friday. "There is intrigue in every industry. But in show biz, it is always magnified. It happens all the time. I've learned to accept that. Otherwise, I would never be happy; I would forever be paranoid."

Davao said even his wife, TV host Jackie Lou Blanco, was handling the "gay rumor" really well. "She just laughs it off." Although he recalled that when Jackie Lou first saw his kissing scene with Allan Paule in "Selya," she nearly fell off her seat. "She knew my character was gay; she read the script. I guess it's different when you see it on the big screen."

The award-winning actor said his wife had yet to watch his controversial shower and kissing scenes with newcomer Lauren Novero in "Pusang Gala."

"My kids (Kenneth, Rikki Mae and Arabella) are already asking if they can watch the movie," Davao said. "I told them, maybe when they're older. But they know I play gay roles." First in RP The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has given "Pusang Gala" an R-13 rating.

"My youngest daughter, when she was 6, saw 'Selya' on CinemaOne," Davao recounted. "When I arrived home, she had this smile on her face. She said, 'Papa, I saw you; you were kissing a boy. It's okay. I know you were just pretending.' They understand because I explain my work to them."

Davao flew to Cebu City a few hours after this interview. The trip was to promote "Pusang Gala" in the South. Here in Manila, he said he had gone as far as distributing posters and flyers of the film to beauty parlors and gas stations. He even convinced the Quezon City Sports Club to help distribute the promo materials.

"I'm part-owner of this film," he explained. "This means that, instead of getting my talent fee in full, part of it went to the production of the movie. Also, I signed a contract that says I get a portion of the earnings. Kaya masarap trabahuhin."

He added: "I think this is the first time this (payment scheme) is being done here. In Hollywood, actors are given a certain percent of the returns in, let's say, Japan or the whole of Asia. In the end, this is usually bigger than their talent fee."

According to Davao, no major producer would do an independent film like "Pusang Gala." "It's something out of the formula. Indie films are a welcome change in this industry. This means that even without the backing of a big producer, a filmmaker's vision could still be realized. The only thing we need now is the support from the audience."

"Pusang Gala" also stars Irma Adlawan, Reggie Curley and Archie Galura. Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil directs. The movie opens today in theaters.

Claudine Sued

Magazine editor files raps vs actress Barreto

MAGAZINE editor Jo-Ann Maglipon has filed seven cases of libel against Claudine Barreto for the actress's allegedly damaging remarks against the journalist.

"Ms Barreto has caused damage to the hard-earned reputation and image of Ms Maglipon," Sandra Coronel, legal counsel of Maglipon, said on GMA Network's "24 Oras" evening newscast. "This is a criminal act."

Barreto filed last month an eight-million-peso suit against Maglipon, publisher of Yes and High magazines, for allegedly publishing photos of her and her daughter Sabrina without her consent.

Barreto also asked the court to bar Maglipon and her staff from getting near her, her immediate family, and places of residence.

Coronel said the film and TV actress had claimed before television and press interviews that Maglipon was an unprofessional journalist.

Raymund Fortun, lawyer of Barreto, would not comment and said he would like to see the charges first, GMA-7 reported.

Maglipon writes a column for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, a parent company of INQ7.net.

Sandara's Fave

And Joseph gets the girl

Nini Valera
Inquirer News Service

IN THE realm of teen star rivalry, Joseph Bitangcol found himself getting the girl—Sandara Park—and edging out the competition—Hero Angeles.

But the 21-year-old "Star Circle" finalist told Inquirer Entertainment in an exclusive interview last week that he felt bad for his show biz rival, Hero, whose career was in jeopardy after a falling out with Star Magic, the talent management arm of ABS-CBN.

"It's such a waste," Joseph said. "I hope he recovers from it." Hero is also embroiled in a legal battle with a tabloid columnist.

The young actor admitted that he was jealous of Hero especially when the Sandara-Hero love team became a hit. But still, Joseph pursued the girl in private, waiting in the wings.

"Sandy and I have been together for more than a year now," he said. "We came out in the open [only recently] to avoid intrigues."

Fans who sought a scapegoat for the breakup of the Sandara-Hero tandem, made Joseph out as the culprit.

But he claimed that Sandy and Hero had a falling out after they made the movie "Can This Be Love," and it wasn't because of him. He also said his and Sandy's parents had met.

"When Sandy left for Korea [last April]," Joseph related, "my parents and I sent them off at the airport."

He admitted he was missing Sandara. "But she'll be back soon," he said.

Hollywood Debut

Only in Hollywood : Hollywood co-stars, director, producer praise Cesar Montano

Ruben V. Nepales
Inquirer News Service

LOS ANGELES -- We've read Cesar Montano's interesting accounts of his experience while filming "The Great Raid."

Last Monday, I grabbed the chance to get a different perspective: I asked Cesar's "Raid" co-stars, director and producer to talk about him, for a change. In our separate press cons with Joseph Fiennes and Connie Nielsen and later, lunch talks with director John Dahl and producer Marty Katz, I asked (and asked some more) about Cesar, Filipino-Australian actress Natalie Mendoza and Paolo Montalban, who are also in the movie, and other Philippines-specific topics.

I would have preferred to see Cesar himself sitting there at Four Seasons and making history as the first Filipino actor interviewed by our press group (that will be the day!). In the meantime, I did the next best thing and peppered the morning's subjects with questions about the Boholano actor.

Benjamin Bratt and James Franco were tied up elsewhere and could not join us.

Joseph's large brown eyes (appearing yellow-green up close, by a window bathed in morning sunlight) and long eyelashes are as remarkable in person as they are onscreen. Connie is a statuesque stunner. In researching her role as a foreigner helping the Manila underground movement, she learned, and is still appalled, by the Japanese army's use of Filipino and Korean women as sex slaves.

John is a serious, reflective man who chooses his words carefully while Marty, in a Hawaiian shirt, is a true-blue producer—he is assertive. Marty surprised me by telling me that Susan Barlin, a realtor and a Fil-Am community leader, is his sister-in-law. "That's partly why I'm close to Filipinos," he told me as a parting shot.

Below are excerpts of my not-as-usual Hollywood interviews:

On Cesar

Joseph: He's a wonderful actor. He really became like a brother to me while we were filming. Cesar truly evokes all the heroic qualities and sentiments of the Filipino resistance during that war. He's a warm and generous spirit.

I saw the warmth and generosity among the Filipino actors—Cesar and the whole group. They kept telling me, 'You've got to come to the Philippines, man.' I'd love to go as Cesar's guest because I know he would look after me.

Connie: I just had a meet and greet with Cesar at a dinner toward the end of shooting. But I can tell you that he is a cool guy. He is very…hot, actually.

John: When we were looking for an actor to play the lead part of Captain Pajota, we got Cesar's film—I am trying to think of that movie he did where he was on a ship, like a fishing vessel—I thought he was fantastic in that movie ("Muro-Ami"—Ed). I sent parts of the film to Miramax. We brought him over from Manila and met him. I thought he was terrific for the part.

Marty: He is, as you know, a bigger star in the Philippines than he is here now, but he will be a star here—although it all depends on his first opportunity here. That first part is crucial. He has an option with Miramax for two more pictures. Hopefully we will find it for him. He is a real talent.

On Natalie

Joseph: As an actress, Natalie is luminous, formidable and incredibly talented. On film, she comes across in a beautiful way. She is also a wonderful singer. (When I asked this brother of Ralph Fiennes to confirm reports that he dated Natalie, he laughed and said, "I won't answer that.")

Connie: Natalie is an amazing young woman. She is Filipina but she grew up in Australia and is now working and studying in London. We became very good friends while working on the movie.

John: In casting for this movie, I found that a lot of Filipino actors and actresses did musical theater. We liked Natalie the best. The only problem was, we had to try to get her to speak Tagalog.

On Paolo

John: We liked Paolo and wanted to use him as one of the Alamo scouts. It was a small role, but he wanted to be in the movie.

Connie Nielsen on the Manila underground: There were a lot of amazingly brave people, both men and women who worked in the underground. I learned how much the underground and guerilla forces played a big part in the liberation of the Philippines.

John Dahl, solo

On his father serving in the Philippines: My father ended up joining the service like a lot of guys did during his time. He will be 82 in September. He landed in Luzon and he was with this unit that went through the mountains with a couple of infantry riflemen. He has seen the movie. For 60 years, he hadn't spoken to anybody from his unit. As a result of my working on this movie, he thought he should try to find one of his friends. That friend visited him last year in Montana. A couple of weeks ago, he went to South Carolina and, for the first time since the war, he spent more time with the guys from his unit.

On changes he made to address the apprehension that the movie would downplay the Filipinos' role in the rescue of over 500 American POWs: In the original script, Captain Pajota was American. I had to convince Miramax to make [the character] a Filipino. Also, when I started reading about the Filipino resistance, I realized that many of them were leading citizens of Manila, wealthy people who had a lot to lose. I thought it was a much more interesting story. I would have liked to see more of that, but there is only so much that you can squeeze into a movie."

On the film's premiere in Washington, DC and some Filipino vets' reaction: A few days before the premiere, I met these two men in Chicago. This guy in his 80s was crying by the end of the film. I turned around when the movie was over and there was another 87-year-old survivor of the Bataan death march, a Filipino. He was one of the first Filipinos that I had met who survived that march. It was an extremely emotional story for him. It has always been great screening the movie for veteran groups and survivors because it is a very powerful story for them.

So ultimately, going to Washington, DC for the premiere and having a four-star general introduce the movie and having two senators, Hillary Clinton and John McCain, make you realize that it has been a privilege to work on something that is so much larger than the movie business. You realize how many people's lives have been affected by this event. And to go to the World War II museum and see that Cabanatuan and Bataan etched in marble, that is pretty powerful.

On whether Japanese moviegoers will see the film soon: Japan is probably the last place where the movie will be released. But it will be released there eventually. The plan is to show the movie in other parts of the world and then ultimately, based on recognition from other parts of the world, bring the movie to Japan. It would be hard for me to imagine that Japan would jump right up and embrace this movie.

When we were [shooting in Australia], a lot of the kids we hired to play Japanese soldiers were on surfing holidays. We gave them materials translated from our history books into Japanese because they knew nothing of the story. Japan is a place that needs to see this movie.

Nora's Trophy

Did Nora really beat Hillary for a trophy?

Inquirer News Service

DID Nora Aunor really win the Best Actress Award for "Naglalayag" at the 2005 Provincetown International Film Festival in Massachusetts?

This piece of news was relayed to media organizations on Saturday by a Filipino who supposedly attended the festival.

Jojo de Vera, an officer of an Aunor fan club, reported that Nora beat Gong Li ("2046"), Zhang Ziyi ("Mo Li Hua Kai" or "Jasmine Women") and Oscar winner Hilary Swank ("Million Dollar Baby") for the trophy.

The story was carried in GMA 7's show biz talk show "S Files" on Sunday, and included a phone interview with the actress from her current residence in San Bruno, California.

Aunor said she didn't know her movie had competed, but that she was happy. A quick visit to the festival website, www.ptownfilmfest.com, however, revealed there was no entry this year titled "Naglalayag." Or "Million Dollar Baby," for that matter.

Bribe

Dollywood : Bribing janitor to pass exams

Dolly Anne Carvajal entertainment@inq7.net
Inquirer News Service

GUESS who this young actor is? He has been in cahoots with the janitor of the university where he is now a junior. The teen idol asks the janitor to steal test papers for him. In return, he promises to pay him a hefty amount. The young star is desperate to pass all his exams because he wants to take up further studies abroad. The janitor has kept his end of the deal for the past two semesters but the actor hasn't paid him in full. He is in dire financial straits since his home studio has not given him any project for quite some time now. When the janitor nags about the balance, the actor threatens to ask the campus frats to gang up on him. Wonder if the university has any inkling that the person assigned to keep the campus clean has to clean up his act as well? Imagine the janitor having access to the test papers before exam time? As for the young actor's case, it's good that he is bent on finishing his studies. But he should not treat it like some movie plot where the end justifies the means.

* * *

Guess who this TV host/actor is? The staff of a show where he was a guest was peeved because of his demands. Prior to taping, he agreed to the fixed talent fee. But when he found out that the episode was going to be aired in two parts, he started badgering the executive producer for additional talent fee. One of the staff lamented: "He was paid for one taping day, which was finished in one day. Why is he charging extra? Besides, he's difficult. He refused to deliver some lines for fear that they might irk his home studio—where he has no projects, by the way."

It reminds me of one of the many show biz lessons from my mom: "Do not mind working more even if you are paid less. The experience will help you get to the day when you will be working less and paid more." Ara's not looking

ARA Mina is not out to replace Jomari Yllana in her life. So even if she has hordes of suitors, Ara is weighing things carefully. I heard that Polo Ravales is the most ardent of her admirers and that Ara is on the verge of falling for him. If it's for the long haul, Polo should also be consistent and not just persistent.

Nora Shines

Nora beats Gong Li, Swank, Zhang Ziyi

Inquirer News Service

SUPERSTAR Nora Aunor added another feather to her acting cap last week by winning the Best Actress Award for "Naglalayag" at the 2005 Provincetown International Film Festival in Massachusetts.

Nora beat Gong Li ("2046"), Zhang Ziyi ("Mo Li Hua Kai" or "Jasmine Women") and Oscar winner Hilary Swank ("Million Dollar Baby") for the trophy.

Currently residing in San Bruno, California, Nora was not around to receive her award on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning in Manila) at the Cape Tip Estates in Provincetown Massachusetts, according to her manager Norie Sayo.

"We first heard of the news via a text message from Manila. We got it at about midnight," Norie told Inquirer Entertainment via e-mail on Monday. "Guy (Nora's nickname) was already asleep."

The Best Actor's award went to Spain's Raul Cortez for "O Outro Lado da Rua (The Other Side Of The Street)."

Bruce's Home

Bruce Willis makes surprise visit to German birthplace

Agence France-Presse

BERLIN -- Hollywood star Bruce Willis appeared unannounced on the doorstep of a German family asking to see the house where he was born 50 years ago, according to a report published Monday.

Accompanied by his father and youngest brother, both named David, Willis rang the doorbell of the home in the southwestern town of Idar-Oberstein, the daily Nahe Zeitung reported.

"We were sitting in the garden and didn't even hear that someone was there. My mother still had her curlers in her hair," said Doris Busch, who lives in the house with her husband.

Busch said that Willis had explained in shaky German that he wanted to see the house, in particular a basement bedroom where he spent the first two years of his life.

The action star ("Die Hard") took a few pictures but declined to be photographed himself, the newspaper said.

Willis, who was named a "special ambassador" for Idar-Oberstein on his 50th birthday March 19, then visited the nearby Strassburg army barracks, where his father was stationed as a GI.

Media Notes

Katie Couric: "Everybody needs recharging"

Katie Couric says she'll decide this fall whether to continue her long-running morning television partnership with Matt Lauer. The "Today" show co-anchor faces the question because her contract expires next May. "I have, when it's operating on all four cylinders, one of the best jobs in television," she told The New Yorker magazine. "At the same time, everybody needs recharging." Couric, 48, has been approached by CBS News about its evening news anchor job. NBC Universal executive Jeff Zucker said last month that he hoped Couric was at the network "for many, many years to come."

Thornton happy for Jolie

Billy Bob Thornton is happy for his ex-wife Angelina Jolie, who adopted an orphaned baby girl, Zahara Marley, in Ethiopia last month. "I love it. I knew for a while that she was going to adopt," Thornton tells People magazine in its Aug. 8 issue. "She cares so much for kids who don't have anything." Before their split in 2002, Jolie and Thornton adopted a baby boy, Maddox, from Cambodia.

Bacall: Cruise's behavior 'shocking'

Lauren Bacall has a few unkind words to say about Tom Cruise. In an interview in the Aug. 8 issue of Time magazine, now on newsstands, the 80-year-old actress says, "When you talk about a great actor, you're not talking about Tom Cruise. His whole behavior is so shocking," she says. "It's inappropriate and vulgar and absolutely unacceptable to use your private life to sell anything commercially, but I think it's kind of a sickness." Bacall was alluding to Cruise's displays of emotion and public courting of Katie Holmes in the weeks leading up to the release of his new film, "War of the Worlds." Cruise and Holmes became engaged in June after he proposed at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Luke Skywalker's light saber sells for $200,600

It didn't come cheap, but an anonymous bidder now owns a piece of Jedi history. A light saber used by Mark Hamill when he played Luke Skywalker in the original "Star Wars" sold for $200,600 Friday in an auction of movie props and costumes, said Joe Maddalena, president of Profiles in History, which held the auction. Other items included a light saber used by the character Darth Vader in "Star Wars," which fetched $118,000; a leather jacket worn by Harrison Ford in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," which brought in $94,400; and a leather jacket worn by Arnold Schwarzenegger in "The Terminator," which went for $41,300.

Columbia polishing Diamond release

Neil Diamond's highly anticipated new Columbia album, which pairs the singer/songwriter with producer Rick Rubin, has been pushed back to Nov. 8. The project was originally slated to come out this summer, in conjunction with Diamond's U.S. tour, which includes shows at the Target Center Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. The album release move to Sept. 6, according to a source, was made to give Columbia more time to set up the album, as it is now considered one of the label's top holiday projects. — From wire services

Seann William Scott OK with image

Seann William Scott has made peace with the notion that he may be dolt on screen forever. Cottage Grove native Scott, who embodied the blockhead jock Steve Stifler in the "American Pie" movies, the nitwit in 2000's "Dude, Where's My Car?" and the sex crazed buffoon in "Road Trip," is now in the "Dukes of Hazzard" movie, playing Bo Duke. "Most of the comedies will have some similarity because most comedy roles are about guys that aren't that bright," Scott told the San Francisco Chronicle in Sunday's editions. "Every once in a while you'll get a 'Sideways,' not that I'm doing it." Scott, 28, was still working at Home Depot in Los Angeles when he was cast as Stifler, the Neanderthal hedonist with the horny mom in "American Pie."

Haley Joel Osment back in movies

Haley Joel Osment is making a return to movies, taking a starring role in the indie coming-of-age feature "Home of the Giants." Set in an Indiana town that lives for basketball, the story follows a teenager (Osment) who idolizes one of the town's basketball stars. The teen and his best pal are befriended by the player, who ends up being anything but the hero they thought he was. The movie goes into production early next month in North Carolina. Osment rose to international fame through his Oscar-nominated performance in "The Sixth Sense." He followed that with starring turns in "Pay It Forward" and Steven Spielberg's "A.I. Artificial Intelligence." His most recent role was in 2003's "Secondhand Lions," opposite Robert Duvall and Michael Caine.

La Rue joins 'CSI: Miami'

Eva La Rue has been cast as a lab specialist in CBS' "CSI: Miami." La Rue will portray Natalia Boa Vista, who focuses on unsolved cases, in the forensic drama series. The series, a spinoff of CBS' "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," stars David Caruso and is headed into its fourth season. La Rue is best known for her Daytime Emmy-nominated role as Dr. Maria Santos on ABC's "All My Children." She also had a recurring role last season on ABC's "George Lopez" as George's sister Linda.

Digital Festival

Digital invades cable

Bayani San Diego Jr.
Inquirer News Service

QUICK on the heels of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, ABS-CBN's Filipino movie channel held the Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival July 29 to 31 at SM Megamall Cinema 12.

Ronald M. Arguelles, director of programming of Creative Programs, Inc., explained candidly that the festival was conceived to help the cable channel solve a daunting problem.

"We have a weekly show, Sunday Cine Premiere, and we need 52 new movies every year to fill that time slot," Arguelles told Inquirer Entertainment.

Unfortunately, the local movie industry, whose output had dropped from 200 to 30 annually, could fail to meet the requirements, he said. "There are two solutions: One is to acquire titles from elsewhere in Asia and dub them in Tagalog."

That's bereft of creativity, he admitted. "We'd rather produce our own content. We decided to reallocate our budget for buying new titles to the production of new digital movies instead. Actually, I got the idea from [indie filmmaker] Jon Red who told me that for less than a million you could produce a good digital movie."

After the launch last September 2004, the organizers were swamped with "300 story proposals from all over the Philippines," which they eventually narrowed down to the six finalists that received P600,000 grant each.

The final six, Arguelles asserted, tell unique stories, "of varying genres."

Topel Lee's "Dilim" is an action thriller that centers on a nocturnal vigilante. Dennis Marasigan's "Sa North Diversion Road" is based on a 1985 play by Tony Perez and features two actors essaying 10 different characters.

Mark Gary's "Sandalang Bahay" chronicles the emotional homecoming of three sisters grappling with family secrets. Sigfreid Barros Sanchez's "Ang Anak ni Brocka" is a "mockumentary" that tracks down the alleged son of the late great filmmaker.

Lisa Cornejo's "Sitak" recounts the story of a laid-off corporate executive who becomes a taxi driver. Jon Red's "Anak ng Tinapa" follows the misadventures of film school geeks who are stalking corrupt cops.

The significance of a digital film festival spearheaded by a mainstream cable company is not lost on Red, a veteran of the indie scene.

"In the past, my movies were self-financed, produced with the help of friends," Red said. "That's why it makes me happy that there are now companies like Cinema One that are ready to finance digital films. It's as if all our past efforts are now bearing fruit."

As usual, budget was a major stumbling block.

"It's true that the budget is inversely proportional to the creative freedom," he cracked. "Unlike mainstream producers, independent filmmakers solve problems with ideas, not money."

Beyond the financial constraints, the bigger challenge for Red is directing material that he himself did not write. "Tinapa" is based on "Fish Crackers," the Palanca-winning screenplay of Ogi Sugatan.

"The first thing we did was to simplify the script, which originally had three points of view," Red said. "That has always been my strategy: Simplify the material. This might be a simple story, but it still consisted of big ideas and experimentations."

Planning

Planning helped another filmmaker overcome the odds. Dennis Marasigan, assistant vice president for marketing of the Cultural Center of the Philippines "devoted a lot of time on pre-production, surrounded himself with a good staff, and hired well-trained actors."

"Prior to the shoot, I went trough the entire script with the actors," he recalled. "So on the set, reminders na lang."

Shooting was a test of nerves.

"On our first day, we had seven location changes," he gasped.

Working with tried-and-tested pros somehow alleviated the pressure-cooker conditions on the set (they shot for three days that lasted from 4 a.m. to 4 a.m.).

Digital technology was heaven-sent, in more ways than one.

"What I love about the digital camera was I could ask my actors to do scenes over and over again and there would be no wastage of film," he noted. "For the highway scenes, I used a two-camera set-up. That would've been expensive on film. Also, a digital tape costs only P150. I could use up 20 tapes, have 20 hours of footage and not go over-budget!"

"Filmmaking is not about technology; it's about accessibility," Red said. "If digital technology will allow you to tell your story, then use it."

"The great thing about festivals like Cinema One and Cinemalaya is that it opened the door for filmmakers with scripts that will never get produced in the mainstream," Marasigan acknowledged.

Optimistic

"It makes me optimistic," Red agreed. "Some actors are worried about the low budget. But this is just the start. We should all be thankful that, at least, digital films are keeping us busy."

"Eventually the indie scene will grow and talent fees will improve," Marasigan and Red chorused.

"We look at digital films as a source of new content," Arguelles concluded. "We are excited about it. After screenings in UP and the Cinemanila, we'll air these movies on Cinema One. These films will allow us to capture markets beyond our usual cable audience. This festival is our contribution to the quest to strengthen the local movie industry."

Top 10 Movies

1.	Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
2.	Wedding Crashers
3.	Fantastic Four
4.	The Island
5.	Bad News Bears
6.	War of the Worlds
7.	March of the Penguins
8.	Hustle and Flow
9.	Batman Begins
10.	The Devil's Rejects

Hello, Garci Ring Tone Download

Here are Mp3 and wav files of the Hello Garci ring tone:

Indymedia server:
"Hello Garci" ringtone, MP3 format (124.1 KB)
"Hello Garci" ringtone, MP3 format (72.1 KB)

Server Mirror 1:
"Hello Garci" ringtone, MP3 format (360KB)
"Hello Garci" ringtone, WAV format (197KB)

Server Mirror 2:
"Hello Garci" ringtone, MP3 format (360KB)
"Hello Garci" ringtone, WAV format (197KB)

Server Mirror 3:
"Hello Garci" ringtone, MP3 format (360KB)
"Hello Garci" ringtone, WAV format (197KB)

To save, right-click on the file and click save as.

Many thanks to QC Indymedia and Yuga of PinoyBlog and Ploghost for hosting the files.

Links to the entire tape are at the PCIJ blog.

How do I put it in my phone?

1. Download your choice by clicking any or all of the files.

2. Transfer the downloaded file/s from the computer to your phone using either an infrared connection or a USB-to-phone cable.

3. For those whose phones have GPRS/WAP access, point your phone's browser to www.txtpower.org and download it directly to your phone.

4. Once transferred to your phone, the sound file may be used as ringtone for calls or text messages.

Other options

1. Ask for file-transfer from friends who may already have the ringtone. Both your phones should have either infrared or bluetooth connections.

2. Join any of the future anti-GMA rallies and look for the TXTPower banner. Next big date is June 24.

3. Watch out for the TXTPower "Hello Garci" Ringtone Download Team when they go around offices, stores and tiangges, communities and schools!

Download Garci Ring Tone From TxtPower

June 17, 2005
Here are Mp3 and wav files of the Hello Garci ring tone:

Server Mirror 1:
"Hello Garci" ringtone, MP3 format (360KB)
"Hello Garci" ringtone, WAV format (197KB)

Server Mirror 2:
"Hello Garci" ringtone, MP3 format (360KB)
"Hello Garci" ringtone, WAV format (197KB)

Server Mirror 3:
"Hello Garci" ringtone, MP3 format (360KB)
"Hello Garci" ringtone, WAV format (197KB)

To save, right-click on the file and click save as.

Many thanks to Yuga of PinoyBlog and Ploghost for hosting the files.

Links to the entire tape are at the PCIJ blog.

Naomi Campbell

Top model Naomi Campbell shows the TNG Spring Summer collection during the Fashion Rio Show 2006, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 

 

 

Alicia Silverstone

Alicia Silverstone
The Governor's Ball
55th Annual Emmy Awards After Party

Rob Lowe, Alicia Silverstone
55th Annual Emmy Awards

 

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Inquirer Entertainment

CLAUDINE BARRETTO had to press the barong Tagalog of Piolo Pascual for the red carpet premiere of their movie "Milan" in Cannes, France, last month.

Claudine, 25, told Inquirer Entertainment in an exclusive interview last week that she really had no choice.

"We were all dressed up when Piolo knocked on our door," Claudine related. "He showed us his barong, it was all wrinkled."

Claudine shared an apartment with her director Olive Lamasan, sister Marjorie Barretto and ABS-CBN executive Malou Santos. The men-Piolo and Cesar Montano, whose film "Panaghoy sa Suba" was also screened in the prestigious fest- stayed in another apartment.

Clad in a white, mercifully wrinkle-free, Rajo Laurel gown, Claudine whipped out an iron and proceeded with the task.

"My gown had a very long train," said Claudine. "Marjorie had to hold it."

Claudine realized she had never done any such thing for her fiancé, actor Raymart Santiago. She turned to Piolo and said: "Ang kapal mo (You're so cheeky). And you haven't even told us that we're beautiful."

Serious business

Turning serious, Claudine narrated how awesome it was to walk the red carpet in Cannes.

"It was really quite an experience. (Even if) you're appreciated in your own country, it's different when you're appreciated by a lot of people from all over the world."

The backless gown also gave Claudine the shivers, literally.

"It was jacket weather out there," she said. "Once we walked the red carpet, it was really cold. We had left our jackets in the car because no one would hold them for us."

She wished the walk would end almost as soon as it began.

"I was really scared [I might trip]," she revealed. "I was so conscious. [The walk] was so long. The paparazzi called out my name because they could pronounce it, [being] a French name."

The women raved about Cesar and Piolo, Claudine noted.

(Next day, the group had to buy the pictures from the paparazzi for 25 euros apiece.)

She described the Philippine delegation as "elegant" on the red carpet. "With all our guys in barong, we looked different."

Always eating
For the Cannes event, Claudine did away with all the rituals she was used to in Manila, like not eating hours before. "We were always eating in Cannes," she said. "Nothing was planned. When I'm preparing for an event [in Manila], I'm more organized."

She was more in control when she walked the red carpet during the Film Academy Awards night last month, where she won the Luna Award as Best Actress for her role in "Milan." Last week at the Urian Awards, she lost out to Judy Ann Santos.

"I didn't really expect to win," she confided. "It's hard to expect because I don't want to be disappointed. Every actor dreams of winning an acting award, [but] I don't have the right to feel bad if I don't win. I got a Luna Award, and went to Cannes. I couldn't ask for more."

Claudine's role in her latest movie, "Nasaan Ka Man" (opening today), directed by first-time director Cholo Laurel, might just give her another acting trophy. "I think it is an award-driven role," she said. "But still, I'm not expecting anything."

Demanding role

She described the part as "physically, emotionally and spiritually" demanding.

"I'm really into my role always," said Claudine. "That's why I can't do two movies at the same time. This is the hardest of all my roles so far. Unlike in 'Milan,' where I told myself that the part I was playing could happen to anybody, this role in 'Nasaan' doesn't happen to just anybody. Imagine two old maids adopting three children. It's so weird."

With this role, she said, "I'll know if I'm an artist or if I'm just a star."

Musical Dolls

Actor Ewan McGregor and Zoe Hardman perform during a photocall for the musical Guys and Dolls, at the Piccadilly Theatre in London.

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