Stories of hope

Whether in its full motion picture format, documentary or short films, we all know that movies can bring a different kind of inspiration in our lives. My former boss, the late great National Artist for Film Eddie Romero believed that films are the best repository of culture as it mirrors and present the past, present and future of a given people and their country.

For Romero, it is a powerful tool for change and movement. Now, I no longer wonder why the Office of the Vice President Leni Robredo utilizes not only the potential but the power of film in bringing stories of hope to the consciousness of every one.

Let me share first this short and sweet conversation with VP Leni who, in her cerulean dress, looks so regal and lovely,

Since “Istorya Ng Pag-Asa Film Festival 2019” will present short films that will highlight regular Filipino with aspirational and inspirational stories, my curiosity led me to inquire who were her favorite actors and actresses.

VP Leni shares, “Growing up, the actresses who were considered the fiercest rivals then were Nora Aunor and  Vilma Santos. Sila ang movie queens na pinagtatapat noon pero wala akong pinili. I think the only time I chose an actress that I like was when Dina Bonnevie, Maricel Soriano, and Snooky Serna were the most popular young actresses.”

She rooted and supported the Diamond Star, Maricel Soriano because, “She was the most authentic.”

Fast forward to the present, the actors she likes nowadays are Piolo Pascual and John Lloyd Cruz. 

Watching Filipino films is her therapy of sorts, her mode of unwinding after all the grueling activities she has to attend to as the second most powerful person of the Republic.

Some of her recent film favorites are How To Be Yours, That Thing Called Tadhana, Exes Baggage, and in the nearest future, she says, “Naka-linya na ang Kita Kita sa panonoorin ko via Netflix.”

She admits, “I like feel good movies. My daughters cry and really get affected when they watch movies, ako, hindi.”

Amongst the female stars, she likes best, “Bea Alonzo and she knows that I am a fan.”

Will be she comfortable with the idea of Bea portraying her in a biopic? She smiles shyly and replies, “Parang ang ganda-ganda naman niya to portray me and wala sa isip ko yang biopic na yan.”

She blurts out a hearty laughter with my inquiry about her favorite movie time snacks, “Nagaraya, the green one and Cheetos, yung Jalapeno.”

When she is not busy, VP Robredo comes clean, aside from movie watching, what she does for fun is, “House cleaning. Gusto ko organized ang lahat.”

Speaking of organized, there is without any doubt that the forthcoming “Istorya ng Pag-Asa Film Festival 2019” is most organized. March 25 is set as the deadline for submission of entries, Application forms and FAQs about the festival are available via istoryangpagasa.ovp.gov.ph

Winning short films, aside from the bragging rights and showing in all Ayala Cinemas prior to the screening of a main feature, will bring home P80K (best short film), P50K at P30K for second and third best short films.

Congratulations to VP Leni Robredo and the Ayala Foundation for this festival, Hope springs eternal indeed for Filipinos from all walks of life because of your quest to highlight the goodness and greatness of Pinoys who find meaning and hope even when they face the most trying of predicaments.