TBP launches Cine Turismo

Cesar Montano with DOT Sec. Wanda Teo

Actor-producer Cesar Montano, now Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) an agency attached to the Department of Tourism, launched recently a new campaign called Cine Turismo. And serving as its launch activity is a recognition of eight Filipino-made films and two foreign films that showcased the beauty of the Philippines, thereby promoting Philippine tourism.

Said Cesar: “Film tourism is a steadily growing industry in the Philippines. This project was created to acknowledge the many films and filmmakers, that through their wonderful portrayals of the Philippines, have aroused interest and boosted tourism in local tourist spots.” The launch was held at Manila Diamond Hotel with DOT Sec. Wanda Tulfo-Teo as special guest.

The campaign is a timely move by the TPB in light of the pending Film Tourism Bill (SB 1330) sponsored by Sen. Grace Poe and introduced by Sen. Sonny Angara which recognizes the “potential of international and local motion picture production to create jobs, grow the economy and raise the nation’s international profile and seeks to offer incentives to production companies who choose to showcase Philippine destinations and the nation’s historical and cultural heritage, or champion Filipino film practitioners and artists in foreign productions.

The films honored were Ice Idanan’s “Sakaling Di Makarating;” Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil’s “Lakbay2Love;” Irene Villamor’s “Camp Sawi;” Victor Villanueva’s “Patay Na Si Hesus;” Mario Cornejo’s “Apocalypse Child;” Paul Soriano’s “Siargao;” “Nerissa Picadizo’s “Requited;” and Thop Nazareno’s “Kiko Boksingero.”

Special citations will also be given to South Korean films “Mango Tree,” shot in Cebu and directed by Lee Soo-Sung; and “Romantic Island,” directed by Cheol-Woo Kang and shot in Boracay.

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Andre gets full support from father

Andre Paras

In a recent interview, Andre Paras happily shared he and his brother Kobe get the full support of their father Benjie Paras in their respective careers – Andre in his showbiz endeavours, and Kobe in basketball.

Andre, who plays Pido, a cop on the GMA series “Sherlock Jr.” said if they encounter problems, Benjie is always there to guide and reminds them that “it’s just a bad day, not a bad career.” More, he always encourages them to focus their attention to more positive things.

“Sherlock Jr.” also stars Ruru Madrid, Ai Ai delas Alas, Roi Vinzon, Gabbi Garcia and Tonton Gutierrez among others. The series airs weeknights after “24 Oras” on GMA Telebabad.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 27, go to Cesar Zalamea, Amb. Ruperto Dizon, Geena Zablan, Lydia Castillo, Linda Bolido, Gerry Constantino, Baby Austria, CJ Sarino, Arlene dela Cruz, Jessica Balatucan, Boripat Phansaithong and Aurem Martinez of New York; Nitz Castillo, Edgardo Zaragoza, Maxie Paredes and Dr. Chris Smith of Texas…March 28: Consul Antonio Villamayor, Roselle Nava, Lita Esteban, Noel Le, Esperanza Cabunoc, Katrina Mercado, Polly Bautista, Victorino Ilagan, Joseph Bitangcol, Romeo San Miguel, Rev. Fr. Nono Alfonso, S.J., Geena Zablan, Brenz Erica Camagong-Lingat, Jeffrey Zaide, Vangie Guese, Dodong Verano, Esther Yuzon-Labang, Hannah Caratagena, Manuel Lazaga, Mark Genesis Cinco Durban, Rose Dinoy, Thorie Decano, Aileen Lagman, Thou Reyes, Luis Yabut, son of "TWBA" executive producer Nancy, Chiqui Roa-Puno and President Rodrigo Duterte…