Reese Witherspoon to make a film here?

Author: Bong De Leon
Column: Check It Out

SENATE President Manny Villar, in a friendly meeting with the entertainment press, said that with the numerous attractions it offers, the Philippines continues to earn the distinction as a prime filming destination among foreign film industries, including Hollywood.

Villar, who is also president of the Nationalista Party, noted that the natural beauty of the Philippines is one of the reasons why more and more international movie stars have expressed desire to work here.

"Of late, no less than Oscar Award winner Reese Witherspoon has indicated that she wants to film a movie here," said Villar. He filed Senate Bill 2404 which seeks to promote the country's potential as prime film tourist destination showcasing the various islands of the country as the perfect setting for movies, TV shows, music videos and other media projects.

He added that the Philippines is now in the spotlight with the inclusion of four attractions in the Top Ten of the Seven Wonders of nature nominees namely, the Tubbataha Reef, Chocolate Hills, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and Mayon Volcano.

"The Film Tourism Act will highlight the country's globally competent filmmakers, state-of-the art production facilities and capable technical crew who are willing and ready to assist foreign production and media outfits," he said.

The bill also seeks to exempt the film production and institution and other service providers involved in the tourism industry from payment of EVat and customs duties for the importation of cinema equipment and facilities necessary for the operation. "Also, with the help of overseas Filipino workers association around the world, we are confident that information regarding film tourism in the country will be widely disseminated," Villar said.

ABS-CBN BACKS UP ANGEL

Angel Locsin, the female lead of the primetime teleserye, "Lobo" over ABS-CBN, wowed the huge crowd at Trinoma in spite of the bad weather when she modeled for Folded and Hung that evening.

The audience admired her for her elegance. No one can say she's a neophyte on the ramp, even if she didn't don any sexy outfit that night.

Angel is one of the most sought-after endorsers in the country today. Soon she will grace some big billboards along EDSA for Folded and Hung.

Meanwhile, Angel will also start shooting for a new movie opposite Piolo Pascual for StarCinema Her detractors may not be happy that she is still here in showbiz, with ABS-CBN backing her up, no matter what the ratings say.
HIS FATHER'S SON

Vandolph Quizon has his own talent, and people like his brand of comedy not only because he is the son of the king of comedy, Dolphy. Tonight, he joins GMA7's biggest comedy gang, "Bubble Gang," composed of Michael V, Ogie Alcasid, Rufa Mae Quinto, Boy2 Quizon, Wendell Ramos, Antonio Aquitania and Maureen Larazabal .

Vandolph is also joined in segments like TV commercial spoofs, and new sketches "by Tuesday Vargas. It's another quality comedy show on "Bubble Gang" on GMA7.
REGINE'S REASONS TO REJOICE

THE one and only Songbird Regine Velasquez has reasons to rejoice, as every week, "Songbird" marks a satisfactory rating.

And since Regine isn't too busy with local concerts, GMA7 brings her to the small screen for her fans.

Meanwhile, Regine is happy to announce that starting June 30, her Koreanovela-inspired, My Name is "Kim Sam Soon" will be shown. The cast also include Mark Anthony Fernandez (as Regine's leading man, no less), Tessie Tomas,Wendell Ramos, Pauleen Luna, Nadine Samonte, Carmi Martin, Eugene Domingo, John Lapus, directed by Khryss Adalla and Dominic Zapata.

Source: People's Journal