First was the Cinemalaya Filmfest in July. In the New Wave Category, the winners are “Transit” as best picture, its director Hannah Espia as best director, its stars Irma Adlawan and Jasmine Curtis Smith as best actress and supporting actress, respectively. In Director’s Showcase category, the best picture is “Sana Dati” and its director Jerrold Tarog as best director, Vilma Santos and Ruby Ruiz as best actress and supporting actress in “Ekstra”.
There was also the Sineng Pambansa, Masters Edition in September, with eight top directors showing their own works. Two directors withdrew: Carlitos Siguion Reyna and Tikoy Aguiluz. The best films here are “Sonata” by Peque Gallaga & Lore Reyes, “Badil” by Chito Rono, “Lihis” by Joel Lamangan, “Bamboo Flowers” by Maryo de los Reyes and “Lauriana” by Mel Chionglo.
In the Quezon City Filmfest, three film entries were shown in October: “Gaydar”, “Hello World” and “Lucas Nino”. In TV5’s first CineFilipino filmfest, also in September, ten films competed. Best picture is a tie, with “Kuwento ni Mabuti” and “Huling Chacha ni Anita”. Best actress was Teri Malvar and best supporting actress was Angel Aquino for “Huling Chacha”. Best actor is Karl Medina and supporting actor is Bong Cabrera for “The Guerilla is a Poet”.
In November, the Cinema One Originals Filmfest was held, with a total of 15 entries. In the Plus Category (with P2 million grant), the best picture is “Alamat ni China Doll”, with Angelica Panganiban as best actress. Best actor is Joel Torre for “Kabisera”, best supporting actress is Bing Pimentel also for “Kabisera”, best supporting actor is Peque Gallaga for “Woman of the Ruins”. In the Current category (with P1 million grant), best picture was “Bukas na Lang Sapagkat Gabi Na”, best actress and supporting actress are Vivian Velez and Anna Luna for “Bendor”, and best actors and supporting actor are Rayver Cruz, Matteo Guidicelli and Joseph (tie as best actor) and David Chua, all for “Saturday Night Chills”.
In the recent Cinemanila Filmfest, four films compete in the Digital Lokal section and the best picture was “How to Disappear Completely” directed by Raya Martin, who won as best director.
Then there’s the New Wave indie film section of the Metro-Manila Filmfest with five entries. “Dukit” won as best picture and best director for Bing Lao. Best actress is Agot Isidro for “Mga Anino ng Kahapon” and best actors are the new actors of “Dukit”.
ENCOUNTERS WITH THE MTRCB: “Party Pilipinas” was reprimanded by the MTRCB for a sexy and provocative dance number Lovi Poe did with Rocco Nacino. “Bubble Gang” was also warned for suggestive “puto bumbong” joke Rufa Mae Quinto did. Arnold Clavio was also reprimanded for being rude to the lawyer of Janet Napoles in “Unang Hirit”.
Anne Curtis was also reprimanded by wearing a gown with a revealing slit in “Showtime”. But the bigger controversy she got herself involved in is the “slapping scandal” involving John Lloyd Cruz at Prive Bar in the Fort where she allegedly told Phoemela Baranda “I can buy, you friends and this bar.”
Vice Ganda was censured by the public for making fun of Jessica Soho in a nasty rape joke during his concert “I-Vice Ganda Mo Ako” at the Big Dome.
IN MEMORIAM: Celebrities who went to the great beyond started in January with Pepe Pimentel, who hosted “Kuarta o Kahon” for the longest time, saying goodbye in January. This was followed in March by Director Danny Zialcita (best known for “Hindi sa Iyo ang Mundo, Baby Porcuna”, “Langis at Tubig”, “Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan”) and comedian Subas Herrero (for “Champoy) who also excelled in villain roles. Also in March, two veteran journalists said goodbye: Mar D’Guzman Cruz and Resty Vergara.
In May, it was veteran contravida par excellence Bella Flores who left first, followed by radio personality Tita Swarding, and two National Artist: respected theatre actress Daisy Avellana and filmmaker Eddie Romero. In June, it was producer-director Randy Rufino and comedian Sammy Lagmay’s turn to go. In July, award-winning character actress Amable Quiambao bid us adieu.
In August, those we left for good are director Behn Cervantes, singer Susan Fuente and entertainment writer Ernie Enrile. In October, character actor Renato del Prado (father of actor Janus del Prado and writer Pilar Mateo) succumbed to the big C in the U.S. In November, TV host-former actress and heroine of the EDSA Revolution June Keithley also went away after a long terminal illness. Recently, Papa Dom, vocalist of the band Tropical Depression, succumbed to kidney ailment, and the granda pa Ara Mina, former QC Mayor Mel Mathay, also said goodbye.
Let’s all pray for the repose of their souls.
And since it’s the first day of the New Year, let’s all pray that 2014 will be a truly productive, peaceful and prosperous year for all of us. No more calamities and rebellions, please, Dear Lord. Happy New Year to all our Dear Readers.
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