The series of performances will start from April 19 to 22 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila.

Having performed in sold out shows staged in Germany, Italy, Romania, Russia, Netherlands, Australia, Belgium and Spain – Cirque Mother Africa will tantalize audiences in Manila with a unique African-themed spectacle.

Dancers, percussionists, singers, acrobats and contortionists energetically take to the stage in a celebration of the culture of the traditional and modern African arts & culture.

The heartbeat of Africa pulsates throughout the jaw-dropping show as the musicians and artistes articulate their passion and love for their homeland including Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Benin, Zimbabwe, and Guinea.

The innovative show combines the talents from nine African countries to provide the wonder, suspense and joy of Cirque Mother Africa.

The show is a delight for the senses with items spun through the air, bodies contorted into mind-boggling shapes, and performers balance on other performers, percussionists beat up a storm of sound and traditional dancers tell their own stories. The audience will be overwhelmed by the complexity and versatility of these world-class acts.

Masks, drums, beads, and amazing costumes all bring forth the feel of authentic African traditions.

Cirque Mother Africa is not just a traditional African show. It also has a take on the modern, fresh and dynamic culture of the new Africa. Young acrobats perform feats that belong in any world-class circus, and energetic young performers compete in tap-dancing that is a toe-tapping delight. This is a fresh and fantastic show that evokes passion and demands a response. Audiences are encouraged, prodded and charmed to actively respond rather than to simply watch a breath-taking spectacle.

Cirque Mother Africa 2012 can be seen from April 19 to 22 at Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila. Tickets are available at selected National Book Stores, Robinsons Department Stores, Cinema Lobby – Greenbelt 1 and Trinoma. You may also inquire at TicketWorld Office www.ticketworld.com.ph call 891-9999 for bookings & reservations.

EXCLUSIVE! Enjoy a 15% discount from February 7-20 by calling the following hotlines 0916-3403919 or 0921-5642108

Cirque Mother Africa to Perform at Resorts World Manila originally appeared on Starmometer on February 8, 2012.

Among the films to be shown in the South installment of the festival are Cebuano-made “Di Ingon ‘Nato [Not Like Us],” “My Paranormal Romance,” “Ang Damgo Ni Eleuteria” and “Confessional.” Mindanaoan film “Imburnal,” which is also in Visayan dialect, is in this powerful lineup.

Also featured in the filmfest are titles that recently bagged awards in the 2011 Cinema One Originals Festival such as “Ka Oryang,” “Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay,” “Mga Anino Sa Tanghaling Tapat,” “Cartas de la Soledad,” “Sa Kanto Ng Ulap at Lupa,” “Sa Ilalim ng Tulay,” and “Big Boy.”

Stars of the 7th Cinema One Originals films like the festival’s Best Actress Lilia Cuntapay, Mercedes Cabral, Franco Reyes, Phoebe Kaye Fernandez, Paul Jake Castillo, Publio Briones III, Van Roxas and others will grace this big event. Of course, award-winning filmmakers such as Sari Dalena of “Ka Oryang” and Antoinette Jadaone, together with some Cebuano filmmakers and actors will also be there.

It can be recalled that “Ang Damgo Ni Eleuteria” recently took home two awards at the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival in Indonesia such as Golden Hanoman (for best Asian feature film) and Geber (given by the Indonesian film communities). ” It also won the Special Jury prize in the 12th Jeonju International Film Festival in South Korea. In the local scene, the Cebuano-made film was also a big winner in the 34th Gawad Urian—bagging the most coveted Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography (by Christian Linaban) and Best Music (by Jerrold Tarog)—and was hailed Best Picture in the Cinemanila 2010 (Southeast Asian Category).

“Brave, bold and original,” goes the description on the featured films. The talents are also a mix of flag bearers and an emerging new breed.

Catch all of the films in the Cebu leg of the Cinema One Originals festival. These movies are produced and owned by Cinema One cable channel and the Creative Programs, Inc. For more info, log on to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cinema-One-Originals/

CINEMA ONE ORIGINALS CEBU FILMFEST
MOVIE SCHEDULE
February 11 to 16, 2011
SM City Cebu Cinema 8

Feb 11, Saturday
6:30 PM OPENING COCKTAILS/CEREMONIES
8:15 PM ANG DAMGO NI ELEUTERIA

Feb 12, Sunday
11:00 AM IMBURNAL
3:00 PM SA ILALIM NG TULAY
5:00 PM CONFESSIONAL
7:00 PM ANG DAMGO NI ELEUTERIA
9:00 PM DI INGON ‘NATO

Feb 13, Monday
12:00 PM LAYANG BILANGGO
2:25 PM ISHMAEL
4:50 PM ANG DAMGO NI ELEUTERIA
7:10 PM ANATOMIYA NG KORUPSIYON
9:30 PM SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION FROM LILIA CUNTAPAY

Feb 14, Tuesday
12:00 PM SA KANTO NG ULAP AT LUPA
2:15 PM CARTAS DE LA SOLEDAD
4:50 PM ANATOMIYA NG KORUPSIYON
7:10 PM DI INGON ‘NATO
9:30 PM MY PARANORMAL ROMANCE

Feb 15, Wednesday
12:00 PM DI INGON ‘NATO
2:25 PM MGA ANINO SA TANGHALING TAPAT
4:50 PM SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION FROM LILIA CUNTAPAY
7:10 PM MY PARANORMAL ROMANCE
9:30 PM KA ORYANG

Feb 16, Thursday
12:00 PM BIG BOY
2:25 PM ANG DAMGO NI ELEUTERIA
4:50 PM MY PARANORMAL ROMANCE
7:10 PM KA ORYANG
9:30 PM DI INGON ‘NATO

Cinema One Originals Festival to Invade the Queen City of the South originally appeared on Starmometer on January 29, 2012.

This year, through the auspices of the Cultural Office of the People’s Republic of China, the festival features six films that cater to different age groups and audiences. Our leading film, Ocean Heaven, features Jet Li in a family drama. In the other films, audiences will be treated to a comedy about going home for Chinese New Year, a wedding that sets off the urban/rural debate, an animated film about saving our environment, and in the last Chow Yun-fat essays the role of Confucius.

Unlike previous years when a minimal admission fee was charged, this year’s festival will offer free admission to the public. Schools are welcome to bring their students for block screenings on a first-come, first-served basis.

Here are the synopses of the featured films:

Ocean Heaven – Ocean Heaven is a family drama which features a father- Sam Wong (played by Jet Li), who is solely taking care of his autistic child- Dafu. Wang finds out that he has liver cancer and has a few days to live. Not only does Wang have to cope with his own suffering and impending death, he also has to deal with the heartache of leaving Dafu with no immediate family. This heartwarming film shows the challenges of being a single parent and how parents, even on their last days, would do anything just to ensure the safety and happiness of their children.

Fans of Jet Li will definitely be surprised to see him in this non-Kungfu movie; this role won him the 2010 Wen Zhang Best Actor Award. The movie was also recognized by the Shanghai Media Awards, CCTV Movie Channel Media Awards 2010 and Golden Goblet Award. In July 2011, Li even named one of his charity projects as Ocean Heaven Project to help children with autism, cerebral palsy and other disorders.

Lost on Journey – A comedy film narrating Li Chenggong’s travel home, as he encounters a series of unfortunate incidents, to celebrate New Year’s Eve with his family. Li hops from a plane, to a train, to a bus, and to a boat in the desire to be with his relatives during the most important event of the year. And along the way, he meets a stranger, Niu Geng, who later helps him discover something important about himself and the goodness of other people. This movie is a funny presentation of how a stroke of bad luck brings two different worlds together.

Country Wedding- Tells the story of a couple about to get married. With their respective families getting so excited, their parents start to meddle with their wedding preparations. The bride’s mother insists on holding the wedding at a ritzy hotel in Beijing Central, the groom’s father, being the director of a cooperative in a rural village, feels indebted to the community, and wants to share the wedding with the whole village. The couple gets caught in between conflicting would-be in-laws. This film is a funny portrayal of the clash of cultures between the city and country side.

Confucius – Confucius, known as the “Great Sage”, lived during the time when China’s dynasties were in chaos and engulfed by corruption and greed. He strongly believed that ethics and education would put all things to order. His wisdom was sought by different dynasty leaders but he was abandoned after he dutifully served his purpose. The world knows so much of his teaching, but little is known of his hardships. This biographical drama shows the sufferings and pain Confucius endured and the principles he fervently kept that became the foundation of China’s ethics, morality and law. Starring Chow Yun-Fat as Confucius, Nominated for Best Actor at the 30th Hong Kong Film Awards. Other nominations include Best Cinematography, Art Design, Costume Design and Original Song.

Bodyguards and Assassins – In 1905, Hongkong was under the British rule and revolution was on the rise. Sun Yat-Sen was set to land in Hong Kong to meet and to unify faction leaders to finally take down the corrupt and crumbling Qing Dynasty. Because of this, Dowager Cixi wanted Sun Yat-Sen assassinated. For the Chinese people who had been clamoring for freedom, they understood that protecting Sun Yat-Sen would mean keeping China’s liberation hopes alive. Li Yutang, a businessman, gathered a tofu vendor, rickshaw pullers, a beggar and an orphan to serve as bodyguards. These bodyguards displayed their superb fighting skills as they battled it out with the assassins to protect Sun Yat-Sen, whom they hadn’t even met. This action-historical movie garnered numerous awards from the 4th Asian Film Awards, 29th Hongkong Film Awards, 16th Hongkong Film Critics Society Awards and 47th Golden Horse Awards.

King of Milu Deer- This 3D animation movie focuses on protection of the environment. It is a story of a white deer, Yoyo, who turned into a lady and made friends with Tzan-the prince of Kingdom of Clouds and Dreams. Tzan was ordered by the minister to search the Labyrinth Mountain to hunt for the Milu Deer to use it as a sacrifice to bring rains in the kingdom. But Tzan discovered the beauty of the Labyrinth Mountain and got closer to Yoyo. Together, they fought sea lizard monsters, fire, soldiers, and the evil Minister to save the wildlife and natural resources of the Labyrinth Mountain. This movie became the highest grossing Chinese Animated film of all time and received the Best Animated Film of the 13th Huabiao Awards.

Movie Schedule:

January 20, 2012 (Friday)
Country Wedding 1:00PM
Lost on Journey 3:00PM

January 21, 2012 (Saturday)
Lost on Journey 1:30PM
Confucius 3:30PM
Bodyguards & Assassins 6:00PM
Ocean Heaven 9:00PM

January 22, 2012 (Sunday)
Ocean Heaven 1:30PM
The King of Milu Deer 3:30PM
Confucius 5:30PM
Bodyguards & Assassins 8:00PM

January 23, 2012 (Monday)
Country Wedding 1:30PM
Bodyguards & Assassins 3:30PM
Ocean Heaven 6:30PM
Lost on Journey 8:30PM

January 24, 2012 (Tuesday)
Bodyguards & Assassins 1:30PM
Lost on Journey 4:30PM
Confucius 6:30PM
The King of Milu Deer 9:00PM

January 25, 2012 (Wednesday)
The King of Milu Deer 1:30PM
Confucius 3:30PM
Country Wedding 6:00PM
Ocean Heaven 8:00PM

January 26, 2012 (Thursday)
Lost on Journey 1:30PM
Country Wedding 3:30PM
The King of Milu Deer 5:30PM
Confucius 7:30PM

January 27, 2012 (Friday)
Ocean Heaven 1:30PM
Confucius 3:30PM
Lost on Journey 5:30PM
Bodyguards & Assassins 8:00PM

January 28, 2012 (Saturday)
The King of Milu Deer 1:30PM
Ocean Heaven 3:30PM
Lost on Journey 5:30PM
Bodyguards & Assassins 7:30PM

January 29, 2012 (Sunday)
Lost on Journey 1:30PM
Country Wedding 3:30PM
Bodyguards & Assassins 5:30PM
Ocean Heaven 8:30PM

OTHER ACTIVITIES (2nd Floor, Grand Atrium)

January 20-29
Chinese Painting Exhibit by the Confucius Institute Chinese Painting Students

January 22
Chinese Painting Workshops by Mr. Caesar Cheng and the Confucius Institute Chinese Painting Students

This year’s festival was made possible in partnership with Celadon and Shangri-La Plaza, and is sponsored by Credit Suisse, Ateneo de Davao University, Sacred Heart School, University of Cebu, Richwell Trading, Autism Society Philippines, FortMED Medical Clinics, Jesuit Communications, Monster Radio RX93.1, Flexo Manufacturing Corporation, 1st Estan Trading Co., Philippine Pudhai Fraternity, Long Hiat Hometown Association, Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran Inc., Asian Dragon Magazine, China Business Magazine, Chinoy TV, Samsung, Serenitea, International Studies for Chinese Art Incorporated, and Derwent.

For more information please call Ateneo Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies at 426-6001 local 5208-5209; 5280. For tickets, please call Shang Cineplex at 633-2227.

6th Spring Film Festival of Chinese Films Kicks Off originally appeared on Starmometer on January 10, 2012.

Cinema One requires: 1) A full narrative feature screenplay and sequence outline. 2) Filmmaker’s updated curriculum vitae or bio data and importantly, his or her filmography. 3) Description of the production team. 4) Signed entry forms. The entry form could be downloaded or printed from its Facebook account. 5) Portfolio of previous works (DVD format). Participants may also call landline 415222 extension 3166.

The deadline of submission of entries will be on January 15, 2012, with cut-off time at 11:59 pm. Any filmmaker or group of filmmakers could submit more than one entry. However, no emailed entries will be accepted, therefore they must be personally submitted to Cinema One office, 8th floor, ELJ Communications Center Building, ABS-CBN Compound, Mother Ignacia Street, Quezon City, 1100.

Cinema One Originals is the highly anticipated annual film festival of Cinema One. Since its inception in 2005, Cinema One Originals instantly rose to popularity being a venue that introduces not only new but world class talents in Philippine Cinema. Relatively unknown actors, writers and directors rose to prominence and over the years brought in a new breed of talents whose ideas, specifically storylines are brave, out-of-the-box and diverse.

Films like Yanggaw, Rome and Juliet, Dose, Imburnal, Huling Balyang ng Buhi, Damgo ni Eleuteria Kirschbaum, Ka Oryang, Six Degress of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay won acclaims and awards. They were also exhibited or competed in various film festivals abroad.

This encourages even more Filipinos to tell their stories via the silver screen for the world to watch. Seven (7) winning entries this year will be given a budget of P1-million pesos to produce the film. And the three (3) most commercial and distributable film concepts and screenplays will be given P2 million each for their movie productions.

The Cinema One Originals, now on its 8th year is an annual project of the Cinema One movie channel. Cinema One is under the Creative Programs Incorporated (CPI). For more information, log on to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cinema-One-Originals/193194883486

Cinema One Originals is Now On Its 8th Year originally appeared on Starmometer on January 4, 2012.

The marriage of interior design, fashion, the arts and Christmas spirit will once again enliven this season, as “Metro Home & Entertaining,” the Philippines’ most prestigious home design magazine, proudly presents Tree of Life, An exhibition of Yuletide Art on November 24, Thursday, 6 p.m., at Greenbelt 3 Lobby.

The biggest Christmas tree display of the year will feature the designs of some renowned lifestyle icons such as furniture designer Milo Naval, paper artist/designer Tony Gonzales, artist Leeroy New, interior designer Eric Paras, fashion designer Avel Bacudio, artist Nikki Luna, contemporary installation artist Ling Quisimbing, jewelry designer Nicole Wisehunt and designer sculptor Michelline Syjuco, fashion designer Jujiin Samonte and furniture designer Vito Selma.

This year’s beneficiary is the Save Palawan Movement of the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.’s Bantay Kalikasan (AFI). Its cause centralizes on the protection of biodiversity sites, especially island ecosystems such as farmlands, coral reefs, mangroves and endemic species of animals and plants.

The participants practiced their resourcefulness by using eco-friendly materials in designing and creating their trees, such as carton, Manila paper, wall paper, wire, reused mahogany wood, traditional cane, recycled packaging, metal and newspaper in their Christmas tree designs.

All trees will be open for bidding with proceeds going to AFI’s Save Palawan efforts. Bidding begins at the opening of the exhibit at the Greenbelt 3 lobby on November 24 and will continue throughout the time of the exhibition, up to December 4. Bids will be accepted online starting December 5, 2011 through facebook.com/metrohome.magazine.

Bids begin at P15,000, a remarkably low price by artists of this caliber. This is just the second Tree of Life. The first one was very successful and included works by Daphne Oseña-Paez, Bea Valdes, Tes Pasola, Rita & Anthony Nazareno, Al Caronan, Mel LaO & Gabby Lichauco, and Miguel Rosales.

Spread the holiday cheer and visit the Tree of Life, An exhibition of Yuletide. For more information, logon to http://www.facebook.com/metrohome.magazine, or call 0917-889-7881.

‘Tree of Life’ Exhibit at Greenbelt 3 originally appeared on Starmometer on November 24, 2011.

“Ka Oryang” was declared Best Picture during the Cinema One Originals 2011 Awards Night on Sunday, November 13, at the RCBC Theater in RCBC Plaza Building, Makati.

“Ka Oryang” starring Alessandra de Rossi and Joem Bascom is a glimpse of female political detainees who struggled during the Martial Law by Sari Dalena, a short film director and documentarian whose memorable work is the feature Rigodon in 2005.

Here is the list of winners for the 2011 Cinema One Originals Film Festival:

Best Picture:
“Ka Oryang”

Best Director:
Sari Dalena (Ka Oryang)

Best Actor:
Bong Cabrera (Sa Ilalim ng Tulay)

Best Supporting Actor:
Michael Bonapos and Jojit Lorenzo (Anatomiya ng Korupsiyon)

Best Actress:
Lilia Cuntapay (Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay)
Maricar Reyes (Anatomiya ng Korupsyon)

Best Supporting Actress:
Geraldine Villamil (Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay)

Best Screenplay:
Antoinette Jadaone (Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay)

Best Cinematography:
Neil Daza and Kiri Dalena (Ka Oryang)

Best Musical Score:
Teresa Barrozo (Ka Oryang)
Ronald de Asis (Sa Ilalim ng Tulay)

Best Production Design:
Kaloy Uypuanco (My Paranormal Romance)

Best Editing:
Ruben Aquino (My Paranormal Romance)
Leo Valencia (Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay)

Best Sound:
None

Audience Choice:
“Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay”

Special Jury Prize:
“Mga Anino sa Tanghaling Tapat”
“Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay”

Special Mention:
“My Paranormal Romance”
“Sa Kanto ng Ulap at Lupa”

Honorary Awardee:
Nora Aunor

The event was hosted by Venus Raj of Umagang Kay Ganda, Alex Gonzaga of Juicy! and John “Sweet” Lapus of Showbiz Central.

‘Ka Oryang’ Wins Best Picture at the Cinema One Originals 2011 Awards Night originally appeared on Starmometer on November 14, 2011.

The ideas are brave. The stories are bold. The movies are original. The talents are a mix of flag bearers and an emerging new breed. These are what make the 7th Cinema One Originals Festival a highly anticipated event when it opens at the Shangri-La Plaza Cineplex on November 9 running until November 15. Its equally awaited awards night will be held on November 13 at the Grand Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza.

Chosen through careful deliberation from hundreds of entries, this year’s ten finalists possess liberatingly out-of-the-box storytelling. They have potentials to make names for its filmmakers, directors, writers and actors through the local and even international arena.

These big ten films to watch out for are :

1) Big Boy by director and production designer Shireen Seno is an experimental coming-of-age melodrama about a boy subjected by his parents to peculiar routines to grow into their desired poster boy for their cod live oil business in Mindoro. Big Boy is Seno’s first film to make it to this festival.

2) Mga Anino sa Tanghaling Tapat written and directed by Ivy Universe Baldoza is a visually atmospheric story of woman’s mystical journey back to her hometown to discover herself and her mother’s sensuous past. A former student of the Mowelfund Institute, Baldoza was selected in the 2008 Berlinale Talent Campus’ Script Station and whose short films were exhibited in film fests abroad.

3) Sa Ilalim ng Tulay, a unique drama infused with comedy about an Aeta family whose decision to move into the city for greener pastures was met by a string of trials and tribulations is by writer-director Earl Bontuyan. A visual artist and director for TV shows and music videos, Bontuyan mastered his cinematography training at the Mowelfund.

4) My Paranormal Romance by Victor Villanueva is a teenage horror-comedy movie that revolves around student Merry Pascual who, after she has been hurt by past love affairs, gets into a phase of her life where she’s ready to move on and forget everything by enrolling into Cebu’s prestigious university. Everything goes as planned until she receives a mysterious item that makes a magnet to things paranormal.

5) Sa Kanto ng Ulap at Lupa by award-winning writer-producer-director Mes de Guzman, revolves around a multi-ethnic group of kids who engages the urban environment by looting rugby in a nearby hardware. An independent film director and scriptwriter, de Guzman has won four Palanca Awards for his films Ang Daan Patungong Kalimugtong and Chiffons.

6) Anatomiya ng Korupsyon starring Maricar Reyes and Sid Lucero is a social satire set in the 80s written for the stage by Malou Jacob and adapted for the screen by scriptwriter and filmmaker Dennis Marasigan. This is Marasigan’s 2nd movie for Cinema One Originals following his triumphant Sa North Diversion Road in 2005.

7) Cartas de la Soledad (Letters of Solitude) is a film by writer-producer-director and cultural heritage conservationist in Maguindanao Gutierrez ‘Teng’ Mangansakan II. The story revolves around a reclusive man who spent over 25 years in Barcelona, Spain studying and working, and then returns to Mindanao with his idealism and dream of improving the lives of his people by using what he has learned in Europe.

8 ) Six Degrees of Separation From Lilia is a day-in-a-life of ‘dakilang extra’ Lilia Cuntapay by writer-director Antoinette Jadaone. What she has done in her directing style is “to show what does Nanay (as she calls Cuntapay) thinks and dreams that are now coming true,” which will surely amuse, delight and capture the hearts of moviegoers. Jadaone is a cum laude of Film and Audio Visual Communication from the UP Film Institute and has directed short film Tumbang Preso, the Best Short Film in Cinemanila 2008, and Saling Pusa the 3rd Prize Gawad CCP Para Alternatibong Pelikula 2007.

9) Ka Oryang starring Alessandra de Rossi and Joem Bascom is a glimpse of female political detainees who struggled during the Martial Law by Sari Dalena a short film director and documentarian whose memorable work is the feature Rigodon in 2005.

10 ) Di Ingon Nato (Not Like Us) is a horror that deals with how people in a far-flung barangay deals with zombie infestation by religion, superstition and science by writer-director team Brandon Relucio and Ivan Zaldarriaga.

There are a lot of firsts this year – there are seven debut films by the following filmmakers – Sari Dalena’s solo directorial effort in Ka Oryang, Ivy Universe Baldoza in Mga Anino sa Tanghaling Tapat, Victor Villanueva in My Paranormal Romance, Earl Bontuyan in Sa Ilalim ng Tulay, Antoinette Jadaone in Six Degrees of Separation From Lilia and Shireen Seno in Big Boy. Di Ingon ‘Nato (Not Like Us) is also the first work of tandem fimmakers Ivan Zaldarriaga & Brandon Relucio.

Interestingly, the woman’s touch shall be felt in almost half of the number of films as there are 4 female directors in the line up – Shireen Seno, Ivy Universe Baldoza, Antoinette Jadaone and Sari Dalena.

Five of the ten films are regional, originals from the provinces – Big Boy from Mindoro, My Paranormal Romance from Cebu, Sa Kanto ng Ulap at Langit from Nueva Vizcaya, Cartas de la Soledad from Maguindanao and Di Ingon ‘Nato (Not Like Us) from Cebu. Sa Ilalim ng Tulay is partly a regional movie since it shows the journey of an aeta family from the Pinatubo explosion to being displaced and lost in Manila.

One of the films, Anatomiya actually came from a stageplay and was written for the widescreen by Malou Jacob.

The formidable Cebu production group staff members doing Di Ingon ‘Nato (Not Like Us) and My Paranormal Romance also did Cinema One Originals award winning films Ang Damgo Ni Eleuteria and Confessional (for Ruel Antipuesto and Publio Briones) in the past.

What also makes this festival unique is having two Cinema One Originals Honorary awardees – actor-director Mario O’Hara and the one and only Superstar, Ms Nora Aunor. Both are being honored for pioneering efforts in independent cinema. O’Hara has directed classic gems like Babae sa Breakwater and Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio, Condemned, Bulaklak sa City Jail, Babae sa Bubungang Lata. Nora Aunor has acted and produced among others Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Banaue, Bona, Condemned. The two cinema giants will both receive the “ORIGINALS in Philippine Cinema” award in the November 13 awards ceremonies of the 2011 Cinema One Originals Festival at the Grand Ballroom of Crowne Plaza.

This year, Cinema One Originals festival also takes much pride in its highly esteemed jury members, well known and distinguished in the film industry: directors Chito Rono and Chris Martinez, Manunuri members Nicanor Tiongson and Dr. Benilda Santos and Cannes Film Festival’s Director of the Film Department and Deputy to the General Delegate Christian Jeune.

Catch all of the film entries in the 2011 Cinema One Originals. These movies are produced and owned by Cinema One cable channel and the Creative Programs, Inc.

Cinema One Originals Takes Pride in Its Big 10 originally appeared on Starmometer on October 24, 2011.

The CCP management has issued a statement saying the reason for the shut down was because of the “threats” that they have received from the protesters, NGO’s and religious sectors alike.

The artwork by Mideo Cruz called “Poleteismo” was criticized earlier this week for being “blasphemous” and “sacrilegous.” The exhibit featured several versions of Jesus Christ and other religious objects decorated with a red penis or other odd objects.

“Due to numerous emails, text messages and other letters sent to various officers of the CCP, and to the artists themselves, with an increasing number of threats to persons and property, the members of the Board of the Cultural Center of the Philippines have decided to close down the Main Gallery where the Kulo Exhibit is on display,” the CCP said in an official statement.

However, CCP claims that it was not the first time that “Poleteismo” has been exhibited as it had been featured in Ateneo de Manila, UP Vargas Musueum and Kulay Diwa since 2002.

“The CCP shall continue to act as catalyst for free expression of Filipino artists. It thanks all those who have, in one way or another, contributed to the dialogue about art, and the different ways it affects society today,” it said.

Kulo Exhibit Closed by CCP originally appeared on Starmometer on August 11, 2011.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) finally decided to shut down the controversial art exhibit of artist Mideo Cruz.

The gallery, called “Politeismo,” received criticisms from religious and NGO units for featuring artworks of several versions of Jesus Christ and other religious objects decorated with a red penis or other odd objects. The Catholic Church described the gallery as “blasphemous” and “sacrilegious.”

“Due to numerous emails, text messages and other letters sent to various officers of the CCP, and to the artists themselves, with an increasing number of threats to persons and property, the members of the Board of the Cultural Center of the Philippines have decided to close down the Main Gallery where the Kulo Exhibit is on display,” the CCP said in an official statement.

However, CCP claims that it was not the first time that “Politeismo” has been exhibited as it had been featured in Ateneo de Manila, UP Vargas Musueum and Kulay Diwa since 2002.

Despite the closure of the said exhibit, Lawyer Jo Imbong of the St. Thomas More Society of Lawyers said they will file criminal charges against the CCP and artist Mideo Cruz for offending Christians.

Cultural Center of the Philippines and Mideo Cruz to Face Criminal Charges for Blasphemous Art originally appeared on Starmometer on August 9, 2011.

The awards night for the 2011 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival was held Sunday night, July 24, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It was hosted by Paolo Bediones and Angel Aquino.

The Eugene Domingo-starrer “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” is the big winner in the New Breed Full Length Category by bagging Best Film, Audience Choice, Best Director for Marlon Rivera, Best Actress for Domingo and Best Screenplay for Chris Martinez.

Jeffrey Jeturian‘s “Bisperas,” on the other hand, topped the Director’s Showcase category for winning Best Film, Best Actress for Raquel Villavicencio, Best Supporting Actress for Julia Clarete, Best Cinematography for Roberto Yniguez and Best Production Design for Rodrigo Riccio.

Meanwhile, the Best Short Film for 2011 is “Walang Katapusang Kuwarto” (An Endless Room) by Emerson Reyes.

Here is the complete list of winners for the 7th Cinemalaya:

NEW BREED FULL LENGTH CATEGORY

Best Film:
Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank

Special Jury Prize:
Nino

Audience Choice:
Ang Babae sa Septic Tank

Best Director:
Marlon Rivera (Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank)

Best Actress:
Eugene Domingo (Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank)

Best Actor:
Edgar Allan Guzman (Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me)

Best Supporting Actress:
Shamaine Buencamino (Nino)

Best Supporting Actor:
Art Acuna (Nino)

Best Screenplay:
Chris Martinez (Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank)

Best Cinematography:
Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa

Best Production Design:
Laida Lim (Nino)

Best Editing:
Lawrence Fajardo (Amok)

Best Original Music Score:
Christine Muyco and Gemma Pamintuan (Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa)

Best Sound Recording:
Mike Idioma (Amok)

DIRECTORS SHOWCASE CATEGORY:

Best Film:
Bisperas

Audience Choice:
Patikul

Best Director:
Aureaus Solito (Busong)

Best Actress:
Raquel Villavicencio (Bisperas)

Best Actor:
Bembol Roco (Isda)

Best Supporting Actress:
Julia Clarete (Bisperas)

Best Supporting Actor:
Jaime Pebangco (Patikul)

Best Screenplay:
No winner

Best Cinematography:
Roberto Yniguez (Bisperas)

Best Production Design:
Rodrigo Riccio (Bisperas)

Best Editing:
Benjamin Tolentino (Isda)

Best Original Musical Score:
Diwa de Leon (Busong)

Best Sound:
Diwa de Leon (Busong)

Kids Treat Best Film for Children:
Patikul

SHORT FEATURE CATEGORY

Best Short Film:
Walang Katapusang Kuwarto

Special Jury Prize:
Hanap Buhay

Audience Choice:
Walang Katapusang Kwarto

Best Director:
Rommel Tolentino (Nino Bonito)

7th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival – 2011 Winners Announced originally appeared on Starmometer on July 25, 2011.

Aside from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, it is now also being held at Greenbelt 3 Cinemas in Makati.

As Nestor Jardin, Cinemalaya Festival Director, had put it – finally their dream of coming to Makati is now a reality. Having Greenbelt 3 Cinemas as a second major venue for the festival is part of the vision of Cinemalaya organizers to make the Festival more accessible to the growing number of audiences that attend Cinemalaya. Ayala Malls Cinemas on the other hand is more than honored to host the prestigious Cinemalaya Festival as it brings the best cinematic works from various talented Filipino filmmakers.

Greenbelt 3 Cinemas will show an all-digital film featuring nine (9) New Breed Full Length films, ten (10) Short Feature Films, eight (8) NETPAC premieres, four (4) Focus Asia (featuring films from Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan) and four (4) Directors Showcase. “Bisperas” by Jeffrey Jeturian, “Busong” by Auraeus Solito, “Isda” by Adolfo Alix Jr. and “Patikul” by Joel Lamangan.

Cinemalaya officially opened in Greenbelt 3 Cinemas last July 16 with the film, MASKARRA by the acclaimed director – Laurice Guillen who also is the Festival Chairman of Competition. The film is a tribute to the late Johnny Delgado which stars Shamaine Buencamino, Tirso Cruz III and daughter Ina Feleo who also wrote the screenplay.

Visit www.sureseats.com for more information on the 7th Cinemalaya schedule at Greenbelt 3 Cinemas. You may also reserve and purchase tickets in advance through the website. Cinemalaya will run at Greenbelt 3 Cinemas from July 16 to July 24.

Ayala Malls Cinemas Welcomes Cinemalaya at Greenbelt 3 originally appeared on Starmometer on July 21, 2011.

The much-anticipated movie is Henares and co-writer Diego Castillo’s (guitarist of Sandwich and music video director) ode to the Philippine rock music scene, which both consider their home. In the film, Irene played by Glaiza de Castro (Grazilda, Amaya) and Odie played by Jason Abalos (Endo, Mara Clara) are outsiders who become best friends because of their common love for Rock n’ Roll. Odie eventually falls in love with Irene, and helps fulfill her dreams of forming a band. They eventually recruit an ex-punk-turned-barista named Mo (Ketchup Eusebio) and the school bully Junfour (Alwyn Uytingco), eventually deciding to call their band “Hapipaks.” In the process, Irene is wooed by her “all-time supercrush”, the famous rockstar Jacci Rocha (Diether Ocampo), and the one thing that brought her and Odie together might end up destroying them. The supporting characters add color and humor to the cast, with Ramon Bautista as the music video director Flame Tigerblüden, Ricardo Cepeda as a samurai marketing guru, Jun Sabayton as Mo’s artist roommate, Hiyasmin Neri as Junfour’s pregnant girlfriend, and Matet de Leon as… Matet de Leon.

RAKENROL is Henares’s fifth film, the director having done everything from internationally-acclaimed cult films (Keka) to big-budgeted Metro Manila Filmfest movies (Super Noypi). This, however, is his most personal film, and he’s glad to collaborate with one of his closest friends on the project.

“Diego and I have probably done everything music-wise together,” the young fimmaker says, “we’ve hosted radio shows, co-directed videos, we’ve written articles about music. We were even in a band together once!” Castillo reveals that the film is very autobiographical. “We’re both from and into the local music industry and I guess a lot of our mutual friends started off in the scene and we both thought it would be a good idea to chronicle the things that we’ve seen over the years,” he says.

RAKENROL will come out in theaters on August 10, but even now it’s had its fair share of international critical acclaim. The film has already screened in Italy (Udine Far East Film Festival), Los Angeles (Asia Pacific Film Festival) and San Francisco, and has been invited to international film festivals in Hawaii, Göteborg, San Diego and New York. In LA it won the Audience Choice award, and the top Asian film site Film Business Asia called the film “a lightly comic charmer that’s sustained by its likeable leads and easygoing, big-hearted style.” (Derek Elley)

RAKENROL will be making its premiere as the closing film of Cinemalaya, on July 23, 2011 at 9pm. There will also be a concert at Harbour Square at the CCP Complex, featuring Itchyworms, Ciudad, Taken by Cars, Pedicab, Techy Romantics, Halik ni Gringo and Arigato Hato. Tickets are available through Ticketnet, just call 911-5555 for inquiries.

Watch the trailer of “Raenrol” here:

‘Rakenrol’ by Quark Henares is Cinemalaya’s Closing Film originally appeared on Starmometer on July 10, 2011.