When the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) presented Edward Perez, head of its national committee on dramatic arts, at a press conference in January to announce the launch of National Arts Month (NAM) in February, I was both proud of and excited for him. Perez spoke about his flagship projects, zeroing in on...
Category: Entertainment
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‘What film can do more than what film can say’
What’s on the world cinema landscape this year? The prevailing temperament, style and substance of filmmakers and markets in the Asian capitals, including Manila? Writer-producer Roger Garcia, who was born in Hong Kong but grew up in England, is one of the best resource persons to talk about movies. He is the executive director and...
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The Metro Manila Film Festival shows an industry alive and kicking
Awards nights are not complete without questioning the decisions of the jury, and the awards night of the 2023 edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) on Dec. 27 was no exception. Eyebrows were raised when “Firefly” was declared best picture over “GomBurZa,” which came in second. “GomBurZa,” after all, won more technical awards—best...
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Imelda Papin on being a Marcos loyalist
There are many ways to view Imelda Papin, who is regarded as “Asia’s Sentimental Songstress.” From the sociopolitical standpoint, she is not a turncoat. The public moves she makes all seem to involve her political alliances—win or lose—particularly when she sought public office in Camarines Sur and in Bulacan. She has never turned her back...
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Coming soon: the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival vs livestreaming
At the rate things are going, with most local movies screened in theaters ending up in the doldrums, what fate awaits the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF)? Ten official entries will be shown in cinemas all over the country starting on Dec. 25 until Jan. 7, and elsewhere like Los Angeles, California, from Jan....
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Netflix’s ‘Chef Chico’ offers delicious viewing experience
“Replacing Chef Chico” is a taste test of how far Filipino creatives can satisfy the international audience. And from the rave reviews and positive feedback it has been receiving since it was released globally last Nov. 24, it looks like the first Filipino-produced series on Netflix has passed the test. As of this writing, the...
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National talk: KathNiel split
Once there was a big-hit onscreen love team popularly known as KathNiel. Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla had been the top revenue-generating tandem in the advertising and box-office receipts of ABS-CBN, its erstwhile free TV Channel 2 and other tube broadcasts, and the network’s film arm, Star Cinema. Cable networks and livestreaming apps are still...
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Remember Vida Verde, sexy actress of the ’80s?
TUMAUINI, Isabela—I hate to call them “bold stars,” those nymphets who bare their bodies on screen. But in the past and down to the present, I toe the line of the consumerist’s tag to sell a product. For the moment, though, let me use the term “sexy actress” to describe Vida Verde, one of the...
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A challenge to winning showbiz people in the barangay and youth elections
It’s back to business among showbiz personalities who ran and won in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections last Oct. 30. After all is said and done, quo vadis, poll winners who are now barangay captains, youth chairs, and council members? What are we expecting in terms of better lives for ourselves or in behalf of...
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Sam Oh is the ultimate Korean fan meet host and fangirl
That Sam Oh never queues for tickets to the K-drama stars’ fan meet is why she’s envied by fans. She already has a special place on stage, right next to the latest oppa in town. Her proximity and friendly repartee—helped by translator Joonhyun Kim this time—with the Korean celebs are stuff that fuel K-drama oppa...
