If Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairman is expressing overjoy with the success of the first Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, Vic del Rosario of Viva Films, producer of the festival’s top-grossing movie, is laughing his way to the bank as 100 Tula Para Kay Stella runs away ahead of the other films in the weeklong Tagalog moviefest.
The film is simple, no frills story of a guy with a speech defect who turns to writing poetry to verbalize his feelings for a girl who has passion for music, written and directed by Jason Paul Laxamana.
Says its marketing pitch, it is an artistic depiction of a realistic love story between college friends Fidel and Stella, (JC Santos and Bela Padilla).
At the press conference of PPP before the festival opened, Santos said the film is based on the true story of director Laxamana himself. “Mayroon talagang tula at mayroon talagang girl na inalayan niya ng kwento,” he said. The speech defect is just an added element to the lead character.
Meanwhile, Bela said that before she and Santos landed the roles, many actors had been considered for their roles. She is very grateful to VIVA Films for producing the movie. “Sumugal sila kasi kakaiba yung materyal pero pinayagan nila kaming gawin ito,” she said emphatically. Undoubtedly proud of this project, she said there was no way she would have let this opportunity pass.
The characters Fidel and Stella are classmates in college majoring in psychology. Fidel limits his sentences to three words because anything longer than that would cause him to stutter. Stella says she doesn’t mind even if he stutters, and treats him as a friend.
The two enjoy each other’s company.
Stella, a vocalist of a rock band, talks about her dream of performing in front of a huge crowd. Fidel encourages her, at the same time, reminding her to pay attention to her studies as well. Fidel falls for Stella and writes poems to win her heart, like, “Handa na ang sundalong ito na sumabak sa giyera. Nais kong malaman mong gustong-gusto kita.”
But having his love reciprocated becomes just another concern as he notices that Stella’s studies are suffering because of her dream. As he challenges her to set her priorities straight, does his love for her stand a chance?
Time for you to head on to the nearest plex showing the film as the festival ends officially today. Well, with the popularity of the film it could have an extended run, not unless the Cineplex operators have committed their screens to English language films.
Simple but heartfelt poems, a touch of rock music, JC and Bela’s acting, solid storytelling — see how all these made 100 Tula Para Kay Stella the big hit in the first ever Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino.
★★★★★
Remember Dayanara Torres? She seems she can’t forget her experiences in the Philippines. Recently, she sent a note for every Filipino to read.
We’re reprinting it in toto for your appreciation.
In love with the Philippines
It was only at the beginning of this year that I was able to go back to a country that is very dear to my heart, a country that gave me the opportunity to live, work, and make so many wishes come true. I was ecstatic when I heard that this year’s Miss Universe pageant was coming back to the Philippines. I knew in my heart I needed to be there! So many memories, so many friendships…
Arriving in the Philippines was honestly like coming back home. The love, the smiles, the hugs…it was as if I had never left. My heart was filled with so much love and emotions…brought tears to my eyes…such an emotional journey!
My days were full – in-between my duties as one of the Miss Universe judges – but always making time aside to meet with my old friends and co-workers. I decided to stay longer and be part of ASAP’s 22nd anniversary! ASAP was the show I started as a host together with Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez, and Ariel Rivera in 1994. Getting back to be on that stage and do a dance number just like before was such a memorable experience. Unforgettable! I will treasure that moment forever.
Lots of ideas and opportunities kept coming…the shows of ABS-CBN, and then I became a member of the Belo Family and Luxxe Renew. I’ve been pretty much dedicated and involved with my sons’ lives… and now they are much older and I have been able to get back to my career, little by little. The timing was perfect!
My summer was set, I was ready to go back to the Philippines for the whole summer! I even planned to bring the boys for part of the summer too. Unfortunately, the two projects that were supposed to keep me busy in Manila were pushed back a year!
Although I’ve been sad about this, I’m still hopeful that things will turn out when they are supposed to…my Love and admiration for the Philippines and its loving people remains in my heart…
For now I keep connected to my wonderful & loyal fans. I’ll be part of the Binibining Pilipinas USA 2017 this Sunday at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center as one of its judges together with Dennis Quaid, Gary Catona and Cece Peniston. To be televised at a later date on TFC.
Will always keep in touch through my social media @dayanarapr (especially on Instagram) any news, events happening…you’ll be the first to know!
Until I come back…hopefully very soon! Hanggang sa muli. Mahal ko kayong lahat!
Love,
Dayanara Torres
★★★★★
Miss Universe 1993 Dayanara Torres was the chairperson of the board of judges of Bb. Pilipinas USA. The show was held last Sunday at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. The event was hosted by KC Concepcion and KC Montero. Kat de Castro was also one of the judges.
★★★★★
OPM icon and award-winning songwriter Vehnee Saturno inked a publishing agreement with GMA Network on Aug. 11, assigning all the rights of his hit songs to GMA Records.
The agreement enables GMA Records to administer the copyrighted works of Saturno and allowing GMA Network to use the hit materials as theme music for programs, background music, actual performances, and the like.
Present in the contract signing were GMA executives – Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Records Managing Director Rene Salta.
Saturno feels honored to be able to share his timeless music to a wider audience and provide quality songs to the Network’s programs.
“Tuwang tuwa ako dahil finally meron kaming magiging partnership with GMA. For a songwriter na mabigyan ng opportunity to sign up yung mga existing catalog mo and gamitin nila sa mga programa ay sobrang nakakatuwa at nakakataba ng puso,” shared the OPM icon.
Meanwhile, Salta expressed his admiration to Saturno’s works.
“Vehnee is one of the living legends of OPM. Iilan na lang silang elite songwriters natin dito sa Pilipinas so it’s very good for us GMA Records and GMA Network na magkaroon ng partnership.”
Some of the songs that can be utilized by the network include “Kung Malaya Lang Ako,” “Sa Aking Panaginip,” “Nasaan,” “Awit Kay Inay,” “Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka,” “Ikaw Na Sana,” and “Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa.”
