‘Journeyman’ film on soccer inspires, empowers

(FROM LEFT): Direk Maricel Cariaga, Simone Rota, Direk Albert Almendralejo

We had the chance recently to watch “Journeyman Finds Home: The Simone Rota Story” in one of its premiere screenings sponsored by the Davao Aguilas FC at the Uptown Mall Cinema in Bonifacio Global City. The award-winning documentary tells the story and struggles of an Italian-Filipino named Simone Rota. Left at an orphanage in Manila at an early age, he, together with a girl his age, were adopted by an Italian couple. They were raised in Italy.

Simone became a popular footballer in Italy and this talent of his brought him to Manila to be part of the Philippine Football League, while also trying to locate his biological mother. Simone is also now a defender of the Davao Aguilas FC.

The screening of the multi-awarded documentary directed by Albert Almendralejo and Maricel Cariaga was attended by the Davao Aguilas FC players. Their lineup to the second season of the Philippine Football League who took part in the historic AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Qualifiers Match between the Philippines and Tajikistan was also introduced. Six Azkals led by Phil and James Younghusband were also there, and, of course, Simone.

Said Director Albert: “We are grateful for the support of the Davao Aguilas FC for their all-out support for our film and for our advocacies. The club’s efforts will contribute to the growth of football in Mindanao and to the whole nation.”

“Journeyman…” which conveys a very inspirational message to the young, got an “A” grade from the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB). The film also won the Audience Prize at the 2018 European Philippine International Film Festival held in Florence, Italy (Director Albert was there to receive the award).

At the 2018 Sinag Maynila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal, the documentary was given a Special Jury prize for “its rare depiction of the innate goodness of people which comes less frequently at a time when the world is becoming more jaded and cynical.”

For updates especially future screenings, check out its Facebook page.

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Netizens approve of Marvin’s admiration

Marvin Agustin’s admiration for Bianca Umali, Kyline Alcantara and Pauline Mendoza, his young co-stars on the primetime series “Kambal, Karibal,” has been given the thumbs up by netizens.

“Ngayon alam na namin kung bakit mo sila kinabibiliban,” said one of Marvin’s followers upon seeing the photo of Bianca and Kyline. The actor uploaded it recently after their death-defying stunts in the middle of the sea.

Watch out for more intense and emotion-filled scenes on “Kambal, Karibal” aired weeknights after “Sherlock Jr.” on GMA Telebabad.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 7, go to Mayor Richard Gomez, Nadia Montenegro, Isah Red, Yolly dela Torre, Puring Asuncion, Zaida Rawarai, April Teosico, Evelyn de Boda, Ana Mary Landingin, Carmencita Genato, Joshua Paul Velasco Agliam, KC Concepcion, Rep. Satur Ocampo, Donnie Giron, Andrea Francheska Ybanez, Angel Dick Cortes, Atty. Hugo Kudera, Marilyn Mara, Oscar Sabodoro, Renante Labrica, and Christine Mary Mercado… April 8: Louie Mamengo, Dr. Stephanie Pili, Isabel Genato, Jenny Edlagan, Emma Guevara, Ma. Regeena Uba, Estrella Luz Cabebe, Ernie Reyes, Jesusa Calanog, Marjun Beni, Demy Tamaag Constantino, Ellen April Trillana, Joana Marie Aguirre Reyes, Ellen April Trillana  from Kagawad Alejandro Remollino, Andrew Vince Remollino, Diosdado Colanze, Jr., Rev. Fr. Dan delos Angeles, Rasheed Rick Amores, Rev. Fr. Benjie Herrera, and Kyle Balili of Star Magic… April 9: Josephine Estrada, Eric Cruz, Borgy Manotoc, Mayette Flores, Boy Saulog, Glo de Leon, Mario Tan, Au-Au Sevilla, Dinah Ventura, Rodante Cayas, Khayecee Aboloc, and Dino Imperial…