The recently concluded Araw ng Kasarinlan festivities aroused the curiosities of many. You may wonder, why so? Thanks to local Tinseltown’s three favorite leading men, Dingdong Dantes, Alden Richards and Paulo Avelino, who added the heat and sizzle to the rainy day that was June 12, the 120th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.
I personally attended the Istorya ng Pag-asa Film Festival, with Dong Dantes (the voice over called him as such) as the host and Vice President Leni Robredo as the special guest.
Five best short films, selected from 73 entries, were shown and presented to an enthusiastic crowd inside the Cinema 6 of Glorietta 4.
In her speech, Robredo said, “This festival and the whole Istorya ng Pag-asa project of the Office of the Vice President have been a journey of hope, positivity, and affirmation of what makes us proud to be a Filipino. Today, we celebrate the stories from these 15 filmmakers, as well as the triumph of every Filipino who has gone through tremendous adversity and emerged hopeful as bearers of light for the people around them.”
The major partners of this festival were the Ayala Foundation and the Ayala Group of Companies. Festival judges were Professor Doy Del Mundo, FDCP’s Liza Diño, filmmakers Dan Villegas and Quark Henares with actress Shamaine Buencamino as chair.
The Winners Circle includes special awardees: Best Script – Ang Gahum Sang Daku Nga Gahum (by Demy Cruz); Best Cinematography – The Climbing Puppeteer (by Aunell Ross Angcos); and Best Director —Pamilyang Bernardo (by Anna Mikaela Quizon).
Victorious films were: 2nd runner-up —Gawilan (by Kelsy Lua); 1st runner-up—Tago (by Margaret Serranila); and Best Picture—Ang Byahe ni Marlon (by Florence Rosini).
The Best Film was my personal favorite, Rosini’s Ang Biyahe ni Marlon, about a father afflicted with Tourette Syndrome. It’s a powerful short film that conveyed in five minutes, a husband and father whose heart is filled with courage, hope, and love for life, which some two-hour garbage masquerading as a comedy movie can never bring to light.
Going back to Dantes, his hosting was on point. He did not buckle. Read his cue cards and pronounced the words sans the pretentious American accent. No unnecessary adlibs. He did not murder the King’s language. As he mentioned the names of the filmmakers, one can feel his admiration and respect for these young blood, the new hopes of the filmmaking industry.
In a chit-chat, the actor inquired if I have watched Sid and Aya. I answered an affirmative and I saw his eyes twinkled with appreciation. Proud to admit that I’m one of the many who made the Irene Villamor motion a mammoth hit, P141 million box-office gross (and counting).
Meanwhile, at the Grandstand area, nobody can rain on his parade as Paulo Avelino arrived on a horse as Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.
Ably supported by other cast members such as Mon Confiado as Emilio Aguinaldo, Epy Quizon as Apolinario Mabini and Gwen Zamora.
Avelino was a sight to behold as Goyo. His extra good looks was a definite advantage and fully costumed as the young general, one can sense that Paulo invested much on giving life to the historical figure, his authority and gravitas as the hero whose life story will be made known soon in September, was truly electric.
In the Queen City of the South in Cebu, Pambansang Bae Alden Richards joined the flag raising ceremony of the City Government of Lapu-Lapu at the Liberty Shrine.
The Bedinpled One employed his charm offensive at 7 am, wearing a Barong Filipino that made him look like Prince Charming in a traditional Filipino outfit.
Later that afternoon, Richards had a Kapuso Fans Day program held at the South Town Center in Talisay, Cebu.
Without any doubt, the actor who once portrayed national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, made a lot of Cebuanos oh so very happy last Independence Day.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang ating Kalayaan at Kasarinlan!