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Quezon City launches major filmfest

BUZZSTATION

Edgar Cruz

07/15/2008

What shape will the local film authority take in three years? “We intend to institutionalize the Quezon City Film Development Commission (QCFDC),” says Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista. “That is why we talk about positions and not personalities so the continuity will be assured. It will stay beyond 2010. We are starting small because we want to have a firm grasp of what we’re doing before we expand. This is only the start. The Commission aims to hold an activity every quarter. Hopefully we can do it starting next year. We want it to develop into an Asian film festival. Efforts to this end are underway.”

The QCFDC officially launched the 1st Quezon City Independent Film Festival last June 9 at the Quezon City Hall Executive Lounge. The event was presided by chairman Jerico “Nico” Antonio. Co-chairman and action officer Vice Mayor Bautista, Majority Floor Leader and Commissioner Councilor Ariel Inton, officer-in-charge Culture and Tourism Affairs Office and Commissioner lawyer Victoria Loanzon. Gender and Development Resource and Coordinating Office Dr. Ruby Palma, Directors Guild of the Philippines President and Commissioner Tony Reyes and UP Film Institute Faculty Coordinator for Theatre and Extension Service Gigi Javier Alfonso attended.

Participants will be students of the University of the Philippines — Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University, Miriam College, St. Paul University of Quezon City (formerly known as St. Paul College), Trinity University of Asia (formerly known as St. Paul College) and Angelicum College. The event will be held at Cinema 4, 4/L, Cineplex 4, Gateway Mall, Araneta Center from Sept. 10 to 17, 2008. This is to promote the Araneta Center as one of the major tourist hubs of the city. The festival will promote gender equality. For those who are interested to join, call chair Nico or Wowie Palma at 925-6045 (loc. 399 or 284, go to the first floor of the Legislative Bldg. of the Quezon City Hall or visit QCFDC.multiply.com.

Breaking buzz: When asked about his political plans, Vice Mayor Bautista shared, “I’m running for mayor.” He impressed Buzzstation with the way he conducted himself during the launching. Very professional, he answered authoritatively and showed a future-looking insight. You wouldn’t have guessed he once played Captain Barbell’s weakling alter ego. Well, almost. After the launch, he acted gay for a quick second to make us laugh.

Gabby, a lead actor in Iisa Pa Lamang

At the grand press conference of Iisa Pa Lamang, Buzzstation asked directors Ruel Bayani and Manny Palo why Gabby Concepcion and Diether Ocampo’s roles were not balanced, tending to focus on Diether. This became obvious during the advanced screening of the first five episodes at SM The Block. Ruel acknowledged the observation and explained that a twist will happen in the narrative midway, which will give Gabby more exposure. He clarified, “Hindi namin isasama si Gabby sa teleserye as a support character. Siyempre isa siya sa main characters. We submitted the storyline to Gabby and his manager, Mommy Rose Flaminiano bago pa kami magsimulang mag-taping and both gave us their approval. Pareho nilang nagustuhan ang role ni Gabby.” He added, “Sa flow ng istorya, una talagang in-establish ang relationship nina Claudine at Diether. ‘Yung pag-growth ng involvement ni Gabby kay Claudine will come out later. Gabby will play a very vital role in the story. Basta mabibigla ang lahat dahil napakalaki ng impact niya sa istorya.”

Jay breaks through

Met up with Kambyo director Jay Alterejos at Café Breton for a chat. The movie is a “kambyo,” a shift from his first two landmark movies, Ang Lalaki Sa Parola and Ang Lihim ni Anthony. He wants to find out how his cult following will react to the light material minus the voyeurism. Jay lives up to his status of a twister who does not want his captive audience to be smug. He’s the only director now who honestly depicts homosexuality in very startling ways. This movie manages to shock with its simplicity and sensibility. If you want to see a love scene between two males — as compared to the type sex scene — watch Kambyo. Everything is organic about the movie. The acting by small-time and newbie actors is convincing, their status not destructive to the narrative flow. The photography and production design, as well, present the countryside in new ways that don’t call attention. The music fits the movie’s mood, sometimes upbeat and at other times uplifting. I insist Jay is a breakthrough director, and it’s a big mistake for the movie award-giving bodies to have passed up Ang Lalaki Sa Parola in this year’s derbies.

Breaking buzz: I’m excited about Jay’s two new projects especially the one he’ll produce with some friends, which he’s thinking of releasing next Feb. A Valentine movie for gays? It’s about time!

Clueless about being like F4

When Romantic Princess superstars Calvin Chen and Wu Chun arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last Saturday, they were amazed by the huge crowd waiting for them. This included Taiwanese fans that came to the country just to follow them. During the press conference at 9501 Restaurant after the Entertainment Live appearance, Calvin and Wu charmed hard-nosed media members with their ability to speak English and wholesome personality. They didn’t know if they had achieved the status of F4, who was a big thing in the metro some years ago. After the interview, they had a sound check at the Dream Academy Performance Hall were an overload of fans had gathered. Once they started singing, fans screamed until the last note of their song. Calvin and Wu have turned into an Asian phenomenon.

Breaking buzz: Calvin owns a gym in Brunei where 80 percent of the personnel are Filipinos. That’s why he’s familiar with the Philippines, learning Filipino words from them. His family is based there and he considers it home.

Star Records turns over P1 million

Six months ago, Star Records released H.O.P.E. (Healing of Pain and Enlightenment), a CD which was produced through the initiative of Pinky Tobiano of the Pinky Cares Foundation, a support group that helps cancer victims. For cancer patients and survivors and people experiencing pain, the CD is a collection of soothing songs by such singers as Gary Valenciano, Jamie Rivera, Charice, The Company, Jon Joven, among others. It did so well in terms of sales that Star Records’ Annabel Regalado turned over P.5 million to Pinky for Pinky Cares Foundation and I Can Serve, an advocacy team that empowers women with breast cancer. Another P.5 million went to Cara Magsano-Alikpala of Bosom Buddies, another cancer patient support group. Said proceeds will be used to help out cancer victims. The turnover event hosted by Cheryl Cosim featured performances by The Company, Charice and Jamie at the 9501 Restaurant.

Nyoy’s girlfriend a Miss Real Estate Philippines finalist

The 21-year-old Jeff Gaitan, Nyoy Volante’s 5’5” girlfriend for eight months, who replaced singer Nina in his heart, is one of the 24 finalists in the 2008 Miss Real Estate Philippines contest. A veteran of several beauty contests, Jeff is a Mass Communications graduate from the Dominican College Sta. Rosa, Laguna. They met through a common friend. She was scheduled to tape for I Love Betty La Fea last Friday. Other finalists are Theresa Baltazar, Glaiza Bilas, Amit Bhopal, Glenda Cabailo, Ferina de Paz, Shamaine del Rosario, Angelee delos Reyes, Richel delos Reyes, Mirasol Dianco, Paula Figueras, Mean Flores, Cherry Kubota, Mary Ann Laggui, Andrea Laurel, Christine Mayor, Elizabeth Naluz, Sandra Palma, Jennifer Recto, Katrina Rigets, Alex Roces, Bernadette Solero, Jesusa Torres and Camille Rodriguez. Pre-pageant night will be on July 24 while coronation night will be on July 25 at the SMX, Mall of Asia.

Julius for a good cause

ABS-CBN News Anchor Julius Babao celebrates his 40th birthday with ART 40, a fund-raising art exhibit and auction for Gawad Kalinga. 126 Artworks by National artists and top contemporary artists will be exhibited and auctioned off at Pinto Gallery, Sierra Madre St. Grand Heights Subdivision in Antipolo City on July 20 at 2 p.m. Among the 40 participating artists are biggies National Artist Bencab, Malang, Jerry Elizalde Navarro, Gus Albor, Manuel Baldemor, Gabby Barredo, Rock Drilon, Ramon Orlina, Mario Parial and Roy Veneracion. Proceeds from the exhibit will be used for the construction and development of the ART 40 GK Village in Bagong Silang Caloocan City. For inquiries, call 697-1015 or 722-9205.

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