Metro Manila filmfest unspools tomorrow

Author: Isah V. Red
Column: Life & Entertainment

It's the time of year when Filipino movie fans troop to the 'plexes for a peek at the movies of their favorite stars.

The annual Metro Manila Film Festival is ushered in by a Parada ng mga Artista, which will happen today with stars of each of the eight entries hoping to hype up the festival with their presence in the floats.

For many of us, it is a 10-day break from theaters, not so from the movies as many of us have stacked up on movies (from Hollywood and other countries, including Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Japan, not to mention those from Latin America and Europe) on DVD we have failed to watch in theaters in the last 12 months and even beyond to keep our eyes busy.

The Metro Manila Film Festival has been on a retrograde mode in the last couple of years. And it's not the fault of the Metro Manila Development Authority.

The local movie producers have been lukewarm on the festival, considering that not all (this year it's only eight) entries will make money, and particularly this year due to: 1) global economic meltdown trickling down to the country; 2) availability of better movies on DVD in the Quiapo, Metrowalk, Greenhills, and Makati markets; and (3) the long holiday (eight days), more Filipinos in Metro Manila are in the provinces until Jan. 3 next year.

The only remaining producers banking on the film festival include Regal Entertainment (entries now down to just two--Desperadas 2 and Shake, Rattle & Roll X), OctoArts Films (One Night Only) and in co-production arrangement with MZet and APT Entertainment (for Iskul Bukol), Star Cinema with Ang Tanging Ina 'Nyong Lahat, Viva Films with Baler, Maverick Films with Magkaibigan, and Cutting Edge with its animated feature Dayo.

Interestingly, only Cutting Edge, which is made up of young idealist animators, is hopeful about the festival, with its fully digital animated Dayo, the kind of picture that seems an oddity in a festival where movies are sold to an audience craving to see their idols clown on the screen for an hour and a half of laughter or tears.

The guys over at the animation studios are not hot about Dayo landing the top spot of the box-office race. "We just want to tell the Filipinos that we have world-class artists working in the animated sector of the industry," a spokesman said at the film's press conference not so long ago.

Hardcore Tagalog movie buffs are still in a denial phase about the industry's state of inertia (some call it in comatose and others even consider it dead).

Looking at the trailers being shown in theaters make me squirm in my seat as they look they were taken out from a vault of films that have been produced in the early '80s with bad-looking images, irritating soundtrack that have been recorded monoaurally (or in ageing Dolby Stereo equipment), and dated screenplays that no longer reflect the values of contemporary society.

Most of the movie companies participating in the film festival simply don't offer works that are comparable to those that they themselves patronize when they are not making movies.

When I was in college many years ago, among classmates we discussed the moral bankruptcy of the movie industry... and this continued till we all have found work. These days, with the festival going nearly four decades... with the mandate to help the industry... the bankruptcy seemed to have deteriorated to an even worsening condition.

I don't think MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, even with his enthusiasm to make every year something memorable to the industry and the people who continue to hang on to the notion that it, like the proverbial Phoenix, will rise from the ashes, can change the scenario of the local movies heading towards what the late Michael Chrichton calls the Jurassic Park.

Yuletide babies

Babies born in December are normally called Yuletide babies. Star Magic, the talent agency of ABS-CBN, has a bunch of them now in their teens and some full-grown adults. Let's meet them.

Jessy Mendiola is one of the Star Magic's pretty faces. She turned 16 last Dec. 3. First Pinoy Dream Academy grand winner Yeng Constantino is now 20. She celebrated her natal day last Dec. 4. Roden Araneta celebrated his birthday last Dec. 5.

From Cebu, Dionne Monsanto was one of the most controversial housemates in the Pinoy Big Brother House. She turned 23 years old last Dec. 6. Yulio Pisk celebrated her 8th birthday last Dec.7 with family. Mika de la Cruz turned 10 last Dec. 9.

Lui Villaruz had a blast for a birthday party last Dec. 10. While balikbayan Johanna Villeta, born in Los Angeles, had her coming-out party also last Dec. 10.

Yong An Chiu turned 12 last Dec. 1, while Joshua Dionisio turned 14 on Dec. 14.

Makisig Morales, who played Super Inggo, is excited to be back on TV and this time with Comedy King Dolphy in Utoy. He is now 12 years old after celebrating last Dec. 22.

Jake Cuenca could be the most controversial actor this year. He is in Dragonna and very soon, he will complete the love triangle of Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson in the much-awaited series Tayong Dalawa. He is adjusting to his new role but is doing well especially with the help of his director and co-stars. He will surely have a good time celebrating his 21st birthday with family and friends on Dec. 30.

Kabarkada movie marathon

Eye-popping floral floats, high-stepping equestrians and spirited marching bands will make TV watching these holidays something we will not regret.

The world-renowned display of tradition and pageantry in the "119th Rose Parade" airs on New Year's Day (Jan. 1), 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., on Studio 23 and on ABS-CBN at 9 a.m.

With the theme "Passport to the World's Celebrations," this prestigious annual event will be led by this year's Grand Marshal, US celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, who will also toss the coin before the 94th Rose Bowl Game.

"Food is an integral part of celebrations and traditions around the world and Emeril is a master at bringing us all a taste of fun and excitement through culinary skill and creativity," said CL Keedy, president of the Tournament of Roses.

The explosive opening show featuring dancers and flags from around the world will culminate, for the first time, with a flyover by Navy F18 hornets.

Preceding the 119th Rose Parade is a must-see marathon of your favorite doctors at Seattle Grace Hospital in Grey's Anatomy at 1p.m. to 6 p.m. Relive the hospital drama these past seasons and be reminded of Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Derek's (Patrick Dempsey) on-off love affair.

Meanwhile, Christmas day will be better spent at home as Studio 23 also offers you a lineup of movies you don't want to miss.

Beginning at 1 a.m., watch Arnold Schwarzenegger in James Cameron's hit action movie True Lies followed by the comic remake of Charles Dickens' classic story in A Divas Christmas Carol at 3:20 a.m., fantasy-adventure story of Earthsea at 5 a.m., fun-filled family flick Honey I Shrunk the Kids at 8 a.m., Bruce Willis' hit sci-fi drama A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) at 9:35 a.m., Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow's romantic picture Bounce at 12 p.m., action-thriller Reign of Fire at 2 p.m., and Oscar-winning movie Ghost at 3:45 p.m.

Your favorite Fresh from the US Episodes (FUSE) also welcomed some changes and will be seen on different timeslots every weekdays, beginning Jan 5. Grey's Anatomy Season 5 (8 p.m.) and Brothers & Sisters Season 3 (9 p.m.) air Mondays; Reaper (8 p.m.) and Ugly Betty Season 3 (9 p.m.) on Tuesdays; CSI Season 7 (8 p.m.) and Smallville Season 8 (9 p.m.) on Wednesdays; Two and a Half Men Season 5 (8 p.m.), Samantha Who Season 2 (8:30 p.m.) and Desperate Housewives Season 5 (9 p.m.) on Thursdays; and Ghost Whisperer Season 3 (8 p.m.) and Lost Season 4 (9 p.m.) on Fridays.

Joys of 'caroling'

There are many things that make the Filipino Christmas unique: One of them, our version of the Western tradition of singing carols.

At sundown every Dec. 16, children knock on doors to sing carols in exchange for a coin or two. What makes this truly unique are the musical instruments used: tambourines made out of wire and flattened bottle caps; cans topped with plastic wrappers as drums, and tin cans filled with pebbles as noisemakers.

Through the years though, owing perhaps to the harsher economic climate, the singing of Christmas carols has oftentimes been associated with purely "entrepreneurial spirit" rather than "Holiday spirit."

Fortunately, traditional "caroling" is set to get more attention via an unlikely medium: a TV commercial, commissioned by Purefoods Fiesta Ham, the popular noche buena delicacy.

In the ad, a family is about to enjoy their noche buena when two kids start singing Christmas carols outside their home. As the lady of the house slices the Purefoods Fiesta Ham, the singing outside becomes merrier and grander because the kids were joined by several choir groups, one of which, as seen on TV, was the UP Singing Ambassadors.

It's a noteworthy short, even if it's a commercial. It evokes the feel of the true Pinoy Christmas: a family gathered around the table; a modest feast (featuring the star of the noche buena season) to celebrate family, and carolers giving cheer in the background.

But what it also does is bring us back in time, when we were children and "caroling" was about having fun, spreading that Christmas fun around even through makeshift instruments, and sharing and enjoying whatever blessings you had--be they coins or, in this case, slices of pure, premium meat Fiesta Ham.

Hopefully, through the Purefoods Fiesta Ham TVC, many of us will once again be reminded that it's not the décor or Holiday trappings that matter. Rather, it's the simple joys of coming together--to sing a Christmas carol, or celebrate family and togetherness, with a special feast.

Sandugo Xmas Luau

Survivor Philippines castaways graced Sandugo Sandals' Luau-themed Christmas party held last Dec. 3, at the Filinvest Homes Clubhouse in Antipolo.

Everyone got "giant" Sandugo Sandals, including Marlon Carmen, Patani, Mommy Zita, Emerson Diño, Sandugo VP Zsa Faminialagao, Niña Ortis, Gigit Sulit, Kaye Alipio; and (back row) Sandugo president Job Faminialagao. They joined more than 300 employees and guests welcome the holidays and give thanks for another prosperous year. Each of the castaways thanked Sandugo for their Storm Sandals, the only footwear they used during their stay on the island. They narrated their personal experiences with the sandals and how much it helped them survive the rugged and harsh conditions. Storm unisex all-weather sandals are available at most department stores and sports shops nationwide.

Thanks a million

Last Dec. 19, we held our Christmas Party at the office. It is a tradition that dates back to the time the Manila Standard Today was established some 21 years ago. Meant for the employees of the paper and its printing subsidiary, the party started off with a mass then a dinner and party highlighted by a raffle draw and competitions in performances and room decoration.

But it was the unexpected visit of Myrus, Patani, Jace Flores, and Ava Jugueta that made the party more than the usual.

Thank you to Chris Cahilig for lending to us Myrus, and GMA Talent Center for the Survivor Castaways Patani (a hit among the kids) and Jace (among the female employees) and Ava among the males.

May the Little Jesus bless you with more in the coming year.

Source: Manila Standard Today