Monday, March 17, 2014

MMDA launches 2014 MMFFP

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino recently launched the 2014 Metropolitan Manila Film Festival Philippines (MMFFP), expressing much optimism that it will surpass last year’s more than P900-million gross income.

“I am inviting again all the local producers, directors and independent filmmakers to participate, with deeply entertaining and high quality movies we can all be proud of,” Tolentino announced. The deadline for submission of entries for the mainstream category is on June 14.

This year marks MMFFP’s 40th year, and Tolentino said it is his last participation as festival chairman.

“I am going back to my home city, Tagaytay, next year to reassume my position as mayor,” he also announced, with a touch of sadness. “And I thank you all for having worked with me in the MMFFP.”

He also called out those who have criticized him and said that there’s no rancor in his heart. “What is important is that we are all united in pushing through with the MMFFP, whoever will be the next MMDA chairman. Let’s make MMFFP even more glittering and more successful.”

Since he held the chairmanship of the MMFFP, the festival consistently achieved an increase in gross income. The MMFFP has several beneficiaries, like the Film Academy of the Philippines, the Mowelfund, the Optical Media Board, and the Film Development Council, among others.

Tolentino also announced that an archive and library building will be constructed within the compound of the MMDA office in Makati, to house all the films entered in the MMFF. It will include a mini-theater, a schoolroom for film students and more.



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Talent Search Continues In SM

“Dreams Get Real,” a talent search organized by McJim Classic Leather, continues its series of weekly eliminations this March in various SM Supermalls in Metro Manila, Southern Luzon, and Central Luzon.

After its media launch on March 2 at SM Las PiƱas, the weekly elimination was held last Sunday, March 16, at SM City Clark. The next eliminations will be held at SM City Calamba on March 23, and at SM Manila on March 30.

At the media launch, the crowd and media guests were entertained by rapper Geo Ong, the boy band 1:43 and Kimpoy. The last two also performed at SM City Clark on Sunday.

1:43, which counts as members Anjo Resurreccion, Argee Golding, Gold Aquino and Yuki Sakamoto, won the hearts of netizens when they released “Sa Isang Sulyap Mo.” The track won Song of the Year at the 5th PMPC Star Awards for Music.

The group’s new single, “Hayop Sa Ganda,” is now a certified radio hit. Composed by the group’s road manager Urie Tesorio, the song pays tribute to the “incomparable pulchritude of Filipino transgender women.”

Its music video features Vice Ganda’s prominent sidekick Negi and Miss Tourism Queen International 2012 Kevin Balot.

Just days after a teaser video showing images of some gorgeous Filipino transgender women was uploaded on YouTube, “Hayop Sa Ganda” garnered thousands of views and received positive feedback from the gay community.

“Hayop Sa Ganda” was recently named “Most Wanted Song of the Week” by 97.1 Barangay LS, as it landed on the station’s “The Big Ten.”

“I had a good feeling about 1:43’s latest single. I am confident that it’s going to be my boy band’s next big hit, probably even surpassing the success of ‘Sa Isang Sulyap Mo,’“ said manager Chris Cahilig, who is also project head of “Dreams Get Real.”

The grand champ of “Dreams Get Real” will receive a cash prize worth P50,000, a recording and management contract, and a grant to record a single and release a music video.



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GMANetwork.com Wins At Digital Filipino Web Awards 2014

GMANetwork.com was recently awarded best website in the Television category of the 6th Digital Filipino Web Awards.

Described as one of the most comprehensive local media portal, GMANetwork.com integrates the news, entertainment and other websites of GMA Network.

Last year, GMANetwork.com introduced new and enhanced features on the site, namely, infinite scrolling, responsive web design, and drag-to-share functionality. These allow users to access, view and share GMA content in an easier, faster and convenient manner.

The award was received by Butch San Agustin, AVP digital media and Leda Beltran, online content director.



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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 18, go to former President Fidel V. Ramos, Celeste Legaspi, Jeric Teng of Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, Christine Michelle C. Freeman, Lara Chica, Diana Go, US-based Baby K. Jimenez and Eden Yap Dandan, Jose Antonio Miguel B. Recio, Astara Aguilar of Canada, Jojo Lim, Fidela Gabayno, Edgar Cartera, Patricia del Rosario-Bata, Mrs. Erlinda A. Sabido, Wilfredo M. Gerilla, and Gian Sotto of Star Magic… Happy wedding anniversary to Kiel and Nini Enrique