Joel Lamangan: MMFF should be run by show biz industry not by LGUs

JOEL Lamangan

THE METRO Manila Film Festival (MMFF) brouhaha rages on. At the rate things are going, MMFF could very well stand for Money Making and Fundraising Festival.

Ace director Joel Lamangan shares with the Inquirer his sentiments about the issue:

“The MMFF must be run by the industry, not by the local government units of Metro Manila. It must go back to the days when outstanding Filipino films were being shown in the festival!

“Profit was not just the sole reason for its existence—it also gave filmmakers a chance to focus on the different realities of our society! The film fest is an industry concern. The government must create an agency—or assign a film organization to supervise it!”

Paolo’s new ‘baby’

What a blast I had with my friend from way back, Paolo Bediones, at his hip resto bar, Punta Mandala (PM). The Latin American-themed joint is at Mandala Park on Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong (For reservations, call 0935-4171713).

Pao welcomed me with open arms—and an open bar!

“After the [sex] scandal I got embroiled in, I channeled my energy and creativity to building this place,” he pointed out. “It’s a dream come true. Some of my business partners are Lara Morena and Jimmy Bondoc. I’m hands-on. This is my new ‘baby.’”

PM features cool bands nightly, even on Sundays. No rest for the wicked!

Pao, who is a great keyboardist, often gamely jams with the bands. Their Hora Feliz (Happy Hour) promo is buy one-take one on specialty cocktails from 5 to 8 p.m. daily.

Some of PM’s specialties include Churritos, Patatas Bravas and Chicken Breast Plato Asado. Although Pao’s focus is now on his biz, he is still willing to host shows and deliver the news.

“My contract with TV5 has expired, so as of now, I’m a freelancer,” he quipped. “I’m still open to hosting, but I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m not chasing anything anymore.”

And it shows in Pao’s aura. I’ve never seen him more at peace—and at ease. He’s done with trying to get ahead. Pao is now enjoying where he is.

Loveless Ara

Ara Mina is overjoyed that her younger sister, Cristine Reyes, will soon get hitched with her fiancé Ali Khatibi. But she is in no hurry to take the plunge, as well.

Ara has parted ways with Pat Meneses, the dad of her baby girl, Mandy, but they remain friends.

“Marriage comes unexpectedly. I’m not dwelling on it, because I know it’ll come when it’s God’s will,” she mused. “It’s a gift that we should be ready to accept—and be worthy enough to receive.”

The hot mama has no urge yet to “merge.”