Tuesday, May 22, 2018

‘Lakay’ Macalma appointed DZRH VP and station manager

Deo Macalma, the broadcaster popularly known for his “Espesyal na Balita” over DZRH, has been appointed vice president and station manager of the country’s oldest surviving AM radio station. Macalma, also known as “Lakay Mayor” to listeners, has been with DZRH since 1980, fresh from his journalism course at the Lyceum of the Philippines.

He made his mark as a field reporter during the 1986 EDSA Revolution, primarily chasing tanks as instructed by then news director Rey Langit. Through the years, he evolved into a radio commentator, tackling current issues with his inimitable comic flair. But it was with his light-hearted guessing game on “Espesyal na Balita” that Macalma and his bubuwits gained legendary status, with first-hand reports on clandestine activities of showbiz celebrities and political figures coming from roomboys, waiters, security guards, and hospital personnel, with his tipster crew later expanding to include senators, congressmen, generals, and cabinet members themselves. It was through the titillating satire, aired to a public with a penchant for gossip, that Macalma helped the general populace become mobilized and socially aware – a style now replicated by rival stations. Since the death of DZRH top honcho Joe Taruc, Macalma has steered the news and public affairs team amid the oft-turbulent seas of radio broadcasting.

A Gloria Diaz-starrer at Cannes Classics

The restored 1982 French-Filipino film “Cinq Et La Peau (Five And The Skin)” starring Gloria Diaz, Bembol Roco, Philip Salvador, and Joel Lamangan was screened at Cannes Classics in the just-concluded 71st Cannes Film Festival. The film was entirely shot in the Philippines and was featured in the Cannes’ Un Certain Regard 36 years ago.

FDCP’s Liza DiƱo Seguerra with Pierre Tissien

The director, Pierre Rissien, whom they call the “Man Of Cannes,” passed away last May 5, 2018 days before he was supposed to introduce the film during Cannes Directors’ Fortnight. He is a Cannes adviser, an influential cinephile and Cannes film scout before he died.

Rissien was also a known supporter of Philippine cinema and is responsible for a number of Filipino films making it to Festival de Cannes, including Lino Brocka’s “Insiang.” He also visited the Philippines to attend several of FDCP’s events, the last event being the World Premiere Film Festival in 2016.

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GMA execs join jurors in Global Excellence Awards

Two GMA Network officers were invited to judge in the prestigious 2018 PromaxBDA Global Excellence Promotion, Marketing, and Design Awards in New York this June 3.

GMA Network’s first VP for Corporate Strategic Planning and Concurrent Head for Program Support Regie C. Bautista and Asst. VP for Creative Services Eduardo B. Garcia are joining an exclusive group of most accomplished executives, creatives, and production professionals to decide and recognize the finest works in television and promotion marketing worldwide.

Bautista oversees GMA’s corporate strategic planning as well as the multi-platform marketing promotions, creative services, media and on-air continuity, and digital media divisions. Garcia, on the other hand, heads the Network’s division in charge of developing and executing branded and integrated promotional campaigns for GMA and its platforms, channels and programs.

Joining this year’s PromaxBDA Global Excellence Awards are television and streaming networks from all over the world including HBO, Fox, Netflix, AMC, Hulu, and CNN. Aside from the global level, PromaxBDA also has awarding events in Asia, North America, and Europe.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 22, go to Sam Milby, Tillie Moreno, Awee Abayari, Dr. Leticia de Guzman, Marijo Ferraren, Joe Santos, Mitchi de Castro, Romeo Pajarillo, Francis Sanchez, Col. Charlie Batayola, Sr. Capt. Reynaldo Velasco, Loreza YanezaVivian Grace Hubag, Nadine Urbano, Oliver Quinto, Ella Quintana, Echivas Cruz, Nancy Yabut, and Corazon Ugalde-Armenta…Happy 27th wedding anniversary to Bong and Mozzy Ravena…Belated happy birthday to ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer for Broadcast Cory Vidanes (May 15)… May 23: Elizabeth Chang, May Villarica, Nelia Lim, Vida Vanez, Pia Pascua, Bingle Limjuco, Rita Carlos, Butch Francisco, Maita Gomez, Joan Banaga, Genevieve Marcos, Blanche BalamidesMarlon Escalona and Rochelle Pangilinan…Congratulations to US-based Princess Dheimee Lagana for graduating Summa Cum Laude in their school in San Diego California USA…Condolences to Dolores Barcelona passed away last May 21. Her remains lie in state at St. Alphonsus Mary de Ligouri, Magallanes Village, Makati City. Interment will be at Loyola Memorial Park, Marikina City on May 31 after the 9 a.m. mass.