All we want for Christmas and New Year

Since we already have our “endentured” front teeth, thanks to Dr. Oabel, we’re reserving our fondest Christmas and New Year wishes for some exceptional members of the local show biz and media community.

They deserve to get the biggest breaks, and bask in our grateful recognition, because they’ve worked hard to become the best they can be.

Topping our wish list this season is songwriter, composer and music educator Ryan Cayabyab, whose latest exceptional work, the film musical “Ang Larawan,” is currently reaping acclaim in the ongoing Metro Manila Film Festival.

Our first wish for Ryan is that the fine film he wrote divine music for will be viewed by many people, who should do themselves a favor and go out of their way to enjoy, savor and be inspired by it.

Next National Artist?

Next, we wish that it decisively affirms Ryan’s “K” to become the country’s next National Artist for music and the allied arts—a “logical” conclusion that we have been boosting for years now.

Ryan’s superior and extensive body of work since the ’70s should be proof enough that he deserves the country’s top artistic honor, but some decision-makers have been “turning the other ear” for several award cycles now.

What will it take for overwhelming artistic and popular opinion to finally and definitively turn the tide on his behalf?

We trust that, if enough people watch “Ang Larawan” and are moved and enlightened by it, the National Artist conferment that we have long and devoutly wished for—will finally happen next year!

We also wish upon a huge and dazzling Christmas star from Pampanga that some gifted but underappreciated luminaries will move up to the next level this show biz season.

From support to lead

For instance, Maricar Reyes has languished in supporting or kontrabida roles for far too long, and should be given a lead role in a significant film posthaste.

She can act circles around some “bigger” players, so why not make her the center of attention?

Zsa Zsa Padilla is another obviously talented and experienced performer who should be given a big, lead showcase in 2018.

Yes, she’s sinisterly “vicious and delicious” in her current kontrabida role in the “Wildflower” teleserye, but the action should revolve around her in her next TV or film outing!