Most of the mainstream movie producers lament the fact these past years, the award giving bodies favor to the fullest the indie films or low budgeted ones produced by independent producers. Much more so in the recent Urian Awards where all the major trophies went to the indie movies.
However, movie critics who founded the Urian decades ago have expounded that this year it was not slip-shod decision for them. An officer of the said body emphasized every merit of the movies screened was scrutinized lengthily.
As Butch Francisco succinctly stated, “Let’s face it. On the whole the indie films were done much better. Talagang kaiba ang mga plot and penetrating deep inside one’s mind.”
To sully the judgement of the people behind the Urian, the doubtful mainstream producers seem to have a smothering of what transpired in various world film festivals these couple of years. Be it in Europe (Cannes, Venice, Milan film fests), In US (New York, LA and Sundance film fests) and Asia (Japan, South Korea, Hongkong film fests) Phil movies won recognition, awards through the indie stuffs.
The efficacious showing of indie entries included the recent Thy Womb (Nora Aunor), Bwakaw (Eddie Garcia),Mater Dolorosa and Sta. Nina which handed Alessandra de Rossi an acting award. Even Jericho Rosales, a long time star of ABS-CBN, Star Cinema garnered accolades abroad via an indie pic Alagwa. So with co-Kapamilya actors Piolo Pascual and Gerald Anderson whose starrer On the Job was given a final berth for best picture and a standing ovation of the audience for Piolo and Gerald.
Thus, rather than a sodden reaction, mainstream movie producers should take their loss as a wakeup call to come up with better projects next time. Truthfully, acknowledging the triumphs of the indie films abroad clearly elucidates the right move for the movie critics.
Richard Still Undecided but…
At press time, Richard Gutierrez appears undecided if he will renew his contract on the Kapuso network. Yet admittedly bragged that his eleven years stay with GMA-7 propelled him a thoroughly sedulous as an actor and as a person.
“This time I’ve to assess myself, step back. Still, I don’t close my doors on anything. Now it’s perfect for me to take a long break from works. Possible na mag-aral ako ng film direction abroad to expand my skills,” A colleague quoted Richard’s words.
On the query he’ll choose to study in Switzerland to be near his girl friend Sarah Labhati who’s allegedly pregnant courtesy of Richard, the latter evaded the topic and turned tight-lipped.
Trivia:
Did you know that Christopher de Leon belongs to a rare breed of actors? A phenomenal of sorts, being an instant matinee idol and a best actor awardee in his initial film Tinimbang Ka Nguni’t Kulang. Subsequently Boyet (his nickname) became a box office drawer with his partnership with Vilma Santos in many romantic flicks.
Of course, another best actor trophy beckoned him in his starrer with Nora Aunor Banawe which eventually stirred their romance and marriage and more movies together prior to their break up. Boyet was accorded best actor trophies in solo starrers Alamat ni Julian Makabayan and Banal.
A cursory glance at his background would simply answer why Boyet has that tremendous acting acumen. His famous actress mother Lilia Dizon exemplified a totally ravishing beauty. The reason she tackled the role of legendary beauties Venus and Bathaluman.
Nonetheless, Lilia became versatile as an actress that she made a movie history. She happened to be the first Pinay actress to be adjudged best Asian actress in the Cambodia Film Festival via Kandelerong Pilak. From 50s to early ‘70s, Lilia remained active before her US trip to stay there for good.
Through not a star, Boyet’s father the late Gil de Leon held his own that time as one of the most-sought-after character actors. His first FAMAS best supporting actor was in the war saga Korea, top billed by the late Nida Blanca. Gil garnered other acting plum until his demise in the ‘60s.
Actually, Boyet’s equally talented sister Pinky de Leon was ahead of him in showbiz. Her prowess had been recognized too by award giving bodies topped by her acting honors in Daluyong at Habagat, helmed by the late Celso Ad Castillo.
A friend of this writer, it was Pinky who introduced me to Boyet at her digs. A teener and a UE student then, Boyet reported to me that direk Lino Brocka discovered him and would be launched to stardom by Brocka in Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang. This led me to interview Boyet for an article.
Years later, I chanced upon Boyet in a photo studio. A scribe queried him if he knew me which he surprisingly butted in, “syempre, I can’t forget this guy. He’s the first who wrote a write up on me.” A retentive memory indeed for Boyet would always tell that to others though we seldom bumped into each other.
Before Lilia left for US, another sibling of Boyet joined showbiz Lara Melissa de Leon who’s noted good performer too. Unlike Pinky who quit tinsel town, Lara still appears in TV as a character actress, the latest was the recent Kapuso TV series Love & Lies, spearheaded by Richard Gutierrez as his mom in law.
About Boyet, his son Ian de Leon also rose from a child star to a character actor. Ian was in the cast too of Love & Lies. Curiously, Boyet tried politics. Unluckily, he lost in the race for Batangas board member at the last election.
At any rate, Boyet maintains his good image as a top actor and responsible hubby of actress Sandy Andolong and loving dad to their children. A daughter emerged a finalist at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 search.
Sen. Bong ,LAKAS Party Presidential Bet 2016
Sen. Bong Revilla opened up to writer-pals that the LAKAS party offered him to be the presidential bet in the 2016 election, with Sen. Bongbong Marcos as his running mate. Yet Bong hasn’t decided to accept it as of press time.
“I still ponder if I deserve that position for I’ve many shortcomings to care about. Kailangan fully prepared ako to be the standard bearer. I’ve to weigh the pros and cons. If I’d realize I’m ready for it, I will reveal at the proper time.” Enthused Bong.
Meanwhile, a jubilant Bong has credited Jodi Sta. Maria for her assiduous support for his son Cavite vice governor Jolo Revilla. Jodi graced Jolo’s oath to office. To succor Jolo at his trying times has made Bong, his family to accept Jodi hands down.
“Both had a past mistake in love matter. Hopefully, the two are meant for each other for keeps this time.” Bong snorted.
Is Matteo Sarah’s New Lover?
Some movie scribes have penned that Sarah Geronimo has a new blooming romance. Reportedly, the lucky guy is co-Kapamilya star Matteo Guidicelli. However, when bombarded with this allegation Sarah replied with a big no.
“I’ve promised myself no romance this early. Concentrated muna ako sa singing-acting career ko. But I admit I’ve been closer to Matteo these days. He’s likeable, dependable friend. That’s it.” A colleague quoted Sarah’s words. So there…
Spicy Tidbits:
Ara Mina vehemently denied her secret wedding with Mayor Patrick Meneses who’s the ex of Aiko Melendez. She also laughed at the rumor she’s not in good terms anew with sis Cristine Reyes after their reconciliation. Both talks are preposterous, says Ara.
Once again, ex-actress Jackie Forster blames ex-husband Benjie Paras, other people for the recent words of her sons Andrei and Kobe that their door still not open to her with the trauma she had done to them then. Rather than blaming others, Jackie should make a move to win back Andrei, Kobe who are varsity basketeers, star materials.
Who says TV5 bosses already junked Derek Ramsay? After Kidlat series, Derek starts with another high-budgeted action genre Undercover. Obviously, among Kapatid stars, his show was the most successful. Or else he would be on hold like the other TV5 contract stars.****
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