WE ATTENDED the appreciation dinner for Metro Manila Filmfest 2009 and the official launching of the the 36th Metro Manila Filmfest 2010 at Gloria Mariz Greenhills last Friday. It was a star-studded affair. Best actor and best film winner (for "ANg Panday") Bong Revilla was there, along with best supporting actor Phillip Salvador and best child actor Buboy Villar. Best director Joel Lamangan ("Mano Po 6") was present with Mother Lily, along with Dolphy ("Nobody But Juan"). Also present were OMB Chair Ronnie Ricketts (who got an award of recognition), FAP's Leo Martinez, OctoArts Orly Ilacad ("Darling Kong Aswang"), and Quantum Films producer Atty. Josabeth Joji Alonso who's now producing three films ("Here Comes the Bride", "Sampaguita" and "Magkakapatid".) Emcees for the night were Boots Anson Roa and Rick Camaligan of the MMFF execom.
Chairman Oscar Inocentes formally launched MMFF 2010 then presented an audio-visual docu (about the projects of the Metro Manila Development Authority-MMDA) with him as secretary and gave cash awards to all the winners. He also distributed the net proceeds of amusement tax collected from the MMFF to designated beneficiaries. Song numbers were rendered by Francine Prieto, Rhap Salazar, Juris, Faith Cuneta, Say Alonzo, Big 3 Sullivans, and GMA's "Are You the Next Big Star" winner Geoff Taylor. All producers are reminded that Chairman Inocentes will meet with them re festival rules and regulations on March 10, 11 AM. No representatives will be allowed and the producers themselves should be present in person. The deadline for submission of entries to the MMFF 2010 is May 14.
