The first official function of Jose “Joey” Javier Reyes as the new chair of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is the “Parangal ng Sining” scheduled on April 19. Reyes will lead the Parangal, or the FDCP’s annual homage to the women, men and organizations who have shaped the Philippine film industry and...
Author: Joel Saracho (Joel Saracho)
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In search of beloved ‘desaparecidos’
How does a family mark the birthday of a loved one missing for 16 years, abducted by unidentified men believed to be military or police agents? By strengthening solidarity with other families in the same sorrowful straits. On April 2, some of these families gathered at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani grounds in Quezon City...
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What’s cookin’, Juday?
Viber beeps a message: “Can you take a call?” I reply: “Who is this, please?” A few minutes later, Viber beeps again: “Hello, Mr. Farmer. Can I call?” I realize who it is. Ext. Seashore. Early morning. The scene opens with a man preparing to cast a fishing net into the sea. Another man is...
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Piolo Pascual returns to the ‘teleserye’
Cinema is transforming, and actor-producer Piolo Pascual hopes that Filipino filmmakers are ready for the changes. Unlike the naysayers who predict the death of the cinema, Piolo would rather view recent developments in the film industry as a transformation. Developments in technology, the economy, and the attitudes and habits of the movie-going public are dictating...
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New head of film development council chosen
Malacañang has chosen his replacement as chair of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), according to Tirso Cruz III. Citing “personal reasons,” Cruz resigned as FDCP chair early this month after one year and eight months of service. His replacement will cover his term remainder of one year and four months. Cruz said...
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Case of filmmaker, friends shows need for public awareness of warrantless arrest
The practice of warrantless arrest and the necessity of public awareness of its workings was highlighted in the recent release of filmmaker Jade Castro and his three friends from a jail facility in Catanauan, Quezon. Castro, sales manager Ernesto Orcine, and civil engineers Noel Mariano and Dominic Ramos were freed at 7.30 p.m. on March...
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Jaclyn Jose could drink till daybreak and still arrive on set ready with her lines
In a huddle after the meeting called last January by the office of Sen. Robinhood Padilla to discuss the Eddie Garcia Bill, the award-winning actress Jaclyn Jose told me that we should all pull together to push the enactment of the important piece of legislation. “Hoy, pagtulung-tulungan natin na maipasa ito. Pero sana naman huwag...
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Leo Martinez opposes Senate version of Eddie Garcia Bill
Veteran actor and comedian Leo Martinez is not happy with Senate Bill No. 2505, otherwise known as the Eddie Garcia Bill. “I do not support it,” Martinez said, adding that he is in favor of the House of Representatives’ version of the measure. Martinez is known for his alter ego, “Tongressman Manhik Manaog,” and was...
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Fashion storytelling with flair and passion
Norman Peñaflorida wants to be known as a fashion storyteller. “I design and create to tell stories about our indigenous people, our folklore and mythology,” he said. He believes that blending regional fabric and weave with a contemporary touch will reach and draw “a wider audience to listen to our narratives.” It was his theater...
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A proposed law bears Eddie Garcia’s name and legacy
Five years after his death, the iconic character actor Eddie Garcia is honored with legislation bearing his name and aimed at protecting workers in the film and television industry. Senate Bill (SB) No. 2505, otherwise known as the Eddie Garcia Bill, was unanimously approved by the Senate on Feb. 19. It now awaits a bicameral...