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...
Category: Film/TV
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Ricky Lee’s birthday party was a wedding like no other
I kept gushing about the arrangements at his party and our dear birthday boy, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, replied that if he would get married, it would also be potluck. But I was talking about his wedding! On his 77th birthday last March 19, Xavierville Clubhouse was transformed into some kind of wedding...
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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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Our acting workshop was a sad-funny experience, but we never say die
I’ve discovered that traveling the extra mile to Isabela to conduct a theater and acting workshop on my own initiative for a planned film is not a walk in the park. Even looking for three girls to play the children of a mother who is also a herbalist and healer did not come easy. Such...
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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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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...
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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...