Filipino filmmaker won the International Indigenous Award at the recently concluded Wairoa Maori Film Festival in New Zealand. Solito presented his film “Busong” in the fest that supports, recognizes and celebrates “indigenous storytelling.” Winners each received a trophy crafted by Rakaipaaka artist Matthew Randall.
“I find TV hosts’ overly dramatic way of talking annoying. Mel Tiangco always seems to be hosting ‘Magpakailanman,’ even when she’s anchoring ‘24 Oras.’ An overload of vocal bombast is also the style of Mike Enriquez and Noli de Castro, who sounds like he’s in a boxing ring. Even Jessica Soho is beginning to sound like a preacher in a pulpit. They treat television like radio, and undermine viewers’ intelligence and taste—it’s insulting.
ELLEN SANTAMARIA, businesswoman: “I am saddened by the death of director Danny Zialcita. I hope CCP would organize a retrospective of his classics, like ‘Nagalit Ang Buwan Sa Haba Ng Gabi,” “Palabra de Honor” and “Dear Heart.”
The Philippines, like Venezuela, is addicted to international beauty pageants. In 1953, Armi Kuusela of Finland, the first Miss Universe, conquered the country when she came for a surprise visit.
Throughout her decades-long career, Nora Aunor has been misunderstood by many—including herself! Since we’ve worked with her and think the world of her as a genuinely Filipino screen icon, we’ve taken the time to arrive at a number of insights into what makes her tick—and click.
Gil Manalang, film enthusiast: “One of the reasons why our film industry is ‘alive’ only during the annual Metro Manila Film Festival and ‘dead’ in the months before it is the high cost of admission in movie houses. While I understand the present economic realities, perhaps film distributors, producers and theater operators can consider lowering the price of tickets to an affordable rate.
I remember one of Imelda Marcos’ film fests in the ’70s. She rushed the construction of the Film Center, hoping that the Manila International Film Festival would compete with Cannes, Venice and other international festivals. So, Hollywood stars were invited to grace the event.
I would like to thank Boy Abunda for recently stating on TV that I was one of the people whom he felt deserved to be named National Artist. What an unexpected endorsement!
Justin Bieber’s manager has lambasted the Grammys organizers after the Canadian teen sensation failed to garner a single nomination for this year’s music awards.
Benito Bautista’s “Harana” won the Asian Network of Documentary and Distribution Fund along with “Go Grandriders” (Taiwan) at the Busan International Film Festival 2012.
The Venice film festival opening on the famous lagoon on Wednesday and running until September 8 will bring together the best of Hollywood as well as up-and-coming talent from around the world.
A number of Dolphy’s fans are less than happy with President Benigno Aquino III, because he has opted not to step in and fast-track the National Artist selection process, so that the recently departed star would be able to receive it posthaste.
