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Salamat sa Diyos, sinagot ang aking munting panalangin

Author: Billy Balbastro
Column: Take Billy

THE Year of the Indies indeed as small films from new blood are continuing in making waves. In fact, it appears that more small films, mostly digital, have been made this year than mainstream movie.

Now more good news � if only to forget our ailing film industry.

Thank God, our little prayer here have been answered positively. The Locarno Golden Leopard winner, Masahista in enjoying good box-office.

On its first day in the theaters last Wednesday (Oct. 19), Dante Mendoza�s debut film, now on 35mm, in spite of its limited theaters (SM refuses to run it) made more than P1 million in gross earnings.

For an independent film with limited funding as well, this is "an unexpected box-office hit," insiders admits. "This is a record, the highest opening day gross by an indie," film consultant Ed Instrella observes.

The movie is in some selected theaters in Metro Manila: Star Mall, Metropolis, Remar, Roben, Gateway and Robinsons mall theaters in Galleria, Ermita, Commonwealth, Malabon, Imus, Dasmari�as (Cavite) and San Francisco (Pampanga) as well as in Gotesco�Caloocan, Commonwealth and Cebu.

The movie which is also being shown this week in Vienna (Austria) and Sao Paolo (Brazil) filmfests stars Jaclyn Jose, Alan Paule, Lou Veloso and Coco Martin in the title role.

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The digital films are stealing the thunder from the international movies in the current Cinemanila International Film Festival being held in SM Manila and San Lazaro, Robinsons Ermita and Isetann.

The movie crowd seems to be intrigued by such films as Tuli, Ilusyon, and Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Now add two films worthy of public interest � Briccio Santos� multi-awarded Ala Verde, Ala Pobre and Mes de Guzman�s Ang Daan Patungong Kalimugtong.

In the Oct. 20 rites at Aliw Theater, Tuli won best digital film for Viva and best director for Aureaus Solito. It is ironic, however, that Ala Verde, Ala Pobre won third best film and won awards for best screenplay as well as best actor (Bo Vicencio) and besty actress (Ana Capri).

Mes de Guzman�s movie won second best film.

In the international competition; best film, President�s Last Bang of Sang-soo Im (Korea), Brocka award; In Casablanca Angels Don�t Fly of Mohamed Asli (Morocco), jury prize.

Hong Kong curator Jacob Wong was chairman of the five-member jury which included two locals, National Artist F. Sionil Jose and writer Sylvia Mayuga.

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PAINTBALL CHAMPS: Our childhood baril-barilan has now appeal to adults. Yes, paintball is a current craze. Even movie stars enjoy the game that Robin Padilla, Richard Gomez, Eula Valdez and the Eigenmanns.

Allow John Martin Garcia, 16 and 4th year high school at Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary, tell us about it: "Parang hide-and-seek. Maraming gamit lang ang kailangan. War game to na kailangan ang baril or marker, hopper na lalagyan ng bala, tank at harness. Barilan siya pero ang pinakabala ay pintura. Actually, gelatin capsule, water-based. If you�re hit by the paint, out ka na."

John Martin knows what he�s talking about. He was a member of the Philippine team who won the grand champion trophy in the Asian Pacific Paintball Games in Bukit, Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last Oct. 1 and 2, 2005.

His brother Stephen Anthony at 14 is the youngest Philippine team member.

Both Garcia brothers explains that paintball tests your agility. Five players in every team: one mid-player instructs the two front players where to go and the two players are there for support.

John Martin and Stephen Anthony have supportive parents in Stephen and Maria Garcia. Their mom Maria even joined them in Malaysia. They are set to compete in the World Cup in 2008, three more years away.

Paintball began in New Hampshire, US in the late 80�s by loggers in cutting timber. Now it is a rich man�s sport � the gear cost P100,000. One day of practice costs P2,000.

The champion Philippine team to Malaysia was sponsored by Sonny Torres of Global Gutz. It won over 22 teams from 15 countries. The players also include Charles Joseph Joquico, Grace Ann Alaveri, Jonard Gerado and Jun Fiel.

The team captain is Cristy Joaquico while Arnel Panaligan their coach.

The Paintball Sports Academy that trained the kids are the first in the world and it is here in the Philippines.

Source: Abante