By Mell T. Navarro

Photos by Donjun Somodio

During the press conference for And I Love You So, the movie of Sam Milby together with Bea Alonzo and Derek Ramsay, Sam serenaded the press with his own rendition of Don McLean’s  And I Love You So.

Marami ang nagulat sa announcement na ginawa ng Star Cinema bago simulan ang pagpapalabas ng pelikulang And I Love You So sa premiere night nito last August 11, sa Cinema 5 ng Trinoma Mall, Quezon City.  Ang movie ay hindi muna mapapanood ang kanilang mga pelikula sa alinmang SM Cinemas nationwide. Pero, mapapanood pa rin ito sa 100 theaters sa buong bansa sa ibang theater circuits, like Robinsons Malls, Ayala Malls, at Power Plant sa Rockwell, Makati City.

Ilang araw bago ang premiere night ng And I Love You So, na-announce na ng Star Cinema na magaganap dapat ang big event na ito sa SM Megamall sa Mandaluyong City. Pero kahapon, ilang oras bago ang premiere showing, ay naglabas ng anunsiyo ang Star Cinema na hindi nila ipalalabas sa lahat ng SM Cinemas ang And I Love You So.

Ayon sa isang insider ng ABS-CBN, may pagkukulang diumano ang SM Cinemas sa Star Cinema pagdating sa pag-report ng totoong kinita ng mga pelikula nila. Nadiskubre raw ng film arm ng Kapamilya network ang maling computation ng SM Cinemas sa mga kinita ng mga pelikulang ipinalabas nila simula pa noong 2003.

Nang madiskubre ng Star Cinema ang diumano’y maling computation ng kinita ng mga pelikula nilang ipinalabas sa SM Cinemas six years ago, taun-taon daw silang nagpa-follow up at nagre-remind sa management ng SM Cinemas. Pero ang lagi raw isinasagot sa kanila ng SM Cinemas ay aayusin nila ang problema, hanggang sa umabot na raw ito ng anim na taon.

But this time, umaksiyon na ang Star Cinema laban sa SM Cinemas. Kailangang maibigay raw muna ng SM Cinemas ang report ng tamang computation ng kinita ng mga pelikula ng Star Cinema sa kanilang mga sinehan. Umabot na raw sa ilang milyong piso ang perang nawala sa Star Cinema dahil sa diumano’y maling computation ng SM Cinemas sa kinita ng mga pelikula nila.

At press time, nakapag-decide na ang Star Cinema na hindi muna nila ilalabas sa SM Cinemas ang mga upcoming movies nila, gaya ng Kimmy Dora ni Eugene Domingo at In My Life ni Vilma Santos, hangga’t hindi naaayos ang problema.

Paliwanag ng insider ng ABS-CBN, mas maraming milyones pa raw ang mawawala sa mga pelikulang ipalalabas nila kung patuloy na hindi maayos ang maling computation ng SM Cinemas sa mga kikitain ng upcoming and potential box-office hits ng film arm ng ABS-CBN.

Naniniwala ang Star Cinema na hindi maaapektuhan ang kikitain ng And I Love You So dahil mapapanood pa rin ito sa may 100 sinehan nationwide, sa pakikipagtulungan ng ibang theater circuits gaya ng Robinsons Malls, Ayala Malls, at Power Plant sa Rockwell. Tulad ng SM Malls, nagkalat na rin ang mga nabanggit na malls sa Metro Manila at iba’t ibang key cities sa buong Pilipinas.

The film, directed by Laurenti Dyogi, celebrates the 16th year of Star Cinema films. The film describes the feeling of forbidden love for another person when that love may not be forbidden at all.

Also in the cast are Coney Reyes, Nikki Gil, Candy Pangilinan, Maricar Reyes, Janna Dominguez as Esha

* Cacai Bautista

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In Thelma, Maja plays a runner and so, she had to undergo rigid training from the Olympian Elma Muros who also plays a cameo role in the movie.  Shot in Ilocos Norte and Manila, the film also stars Tetchie Agbayani, John Arcilla, and Eliza Pineda.  Thelma is set to have an early 2011 playdate.

Photos courtesy of Paul Soriano

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Playing the role of a young happy-go-lucky guy “cursed” to be a gay (with encounters with the “zombadings” — or gay zombies), Mart  is supported by a powerhouse cast in Zombadings:  Patayin Sa Shokot Si Remington namely:  Janice de Belen, John Regala, Roderick Paulate, Lauren Young, Kerbie Zamora, and Eugene Domingo.

This launching film of one of the winners of StarSturck 4 is produced, for the first time, by Origin8 Media Productions composed of Castro, Raymond Lee (co-wrote Vilma Santos’ films like Anak, In My Life, etc), Emmanuel dela Cruz (writer-director of Sarungbanggi starring Jaclyn Jose and Angelo Ilagan), Michiko Yamamoto (wrote Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, etc), Katski Flores (writer-director of Still Life starring Glaiza de Castro), Cholo Laurel (director of Nasaan Ka Man of Claudine Barretto and Diether Ocampo).

Coming soon in 2011.

Photos courtesy of Origin8 Media

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By  Mell T. Navarro

Photos by Donjun Somodio

JUNE of 2009 when Villa Estrella, a horror flick from Star Cinema, was shown commercially in theaters. Its cast are popular ABS-CBN young stars Jake Cuenca, Shaina Magdayao,  and Maja Salvador.  It was during the press conference when we were able to get our exclusive video interviews from Shaina and Jake, who at that time, were being linked together by common fans and supporters.

Villa Estrella presscon photos:

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By  Mell T. Navarro

Photos by  Donjun Somodio

Trailer:

Here are the photos during the premiere night at UP Cine Adarna:

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Photos by:  DONJUN SOMODIO

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By Mell T. Navarro

EVERY year for more than two decades, the PMPC Star Awards for Movies recognizes new movie actors and actresses in their very FIRST films done — regardless if that star has been in the industry for some time.

Sherwin Ordonez

It’s called the New Movie Actor and Actress of the Year awards.  Previous winners in these categories were Marvin Agustin, Sam Milby, Dennis Trillo, Ariel Rivera, Maja Salvador, Bea Alonzo, Heart Evangelista, Donita Rose, and Kris Aquino in their debut films.

This year, the New Movie Actor of the Year award went to GMA-7 homegrown actor Sherwin Ordonez (for the indie film Kurap) who was thrilled in his acceptance speech.  “Ten years na po ako sa showbiz (doing TV shows), pero first movie ko pa lang po ang Kurap last year,” a thankful Sherwin said on stage.  Directed by Ronaldo Bertubin, the film was also shown in international film festivals like in India, Poland, etc.

Sherwin bested stiff competitor Kenjie Garcia (Ang Lihim Ni Antonio) who attended the affair.  Other contenders were Carlo Guevarra (Desperadas 2), Julian Duque (Boses), Prince Stefan (Class Picture episode of Shake, Rattle And Roll X), and Bojong Fernandez (Ploning).

Niña Jose

KC Concepcion, who was also with mom Sharon Cuneta abroad, didn’t make it to receive her New Movie Actress of the Year award for her debut film For The First Time.   KC won over Niña Jose (for Class Picture episode of SRR X), Ynna Asistio (Concerto), Chariz Solomon (My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend), and Precious Adona (Torotot).  Niña was hot that night in her cleavage-revealing black and gray gown.

Herbert Bautista

Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista grabbed the Darling of the Press special award.  The Vice Mayor, such a debonair in his suit, almost missed accepting his trophy on stage as he rushed coming from the comfort room.  Other nominees in this category were Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, Dingdong Dantes, Luis Manzano, Edu Manzano, Angel Locsin, and GMA news anchor Vicky Morales who was lovely in her sexy silver gown that evening.

Manny Pacquiao won the Newsmaker of the Year special award by a landslide vote, over Charice Pempengco, Gabby Concepecion, and the loveteams of Marian Rivera-Dingdong Dantes and John Lloyd Cruz-Sarah Geronimo.  It was a no-show for the boxing champ that night but friend Jake Joson, together with Alvin Anson, received the trophy in his behalf.

John Lloyd Cruz won the Male Star of the Night special award, his second,  after winning the same category last year.  “Nagpasalamat po ako sa parents ko na binigyan ako ng ganitong mukha. ‘Di naman po ako guwapo, cute lang,” John Lloyd said to the thrilled audience.

It was also the night for two legendary and award-winning Filipino actresses — Star for All Seasons Ms. Vilma Santos-Recto and Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor.

Gov. Vilma Santos

Gov. Vilma was unanimously chosen by the PMPC to be this year’s recipient of the prestigious Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award.  This is based on her outstanding body of work, remarkable achievements in Philippine cinema, unquestionable credibility, impeccable reputation, integrity, and simply because she has touched the lives of the Filipino people.

In the 25 years existence of the PMPC Star Awards for Movies, the previous honorees of this esteemed accolade include:  Anita Linda, Mona Lisa, Rosa Rosal, Alicia Vergel, Leopoldo Salcedo, Gil De Leon, Chichay, Dolphy, Gloria Romero, Eddie Garcia, Charito Solis, Eddie Rodriguez, Caridad Sanchez, Perla Bautista, Boots Anson Roa, Armando Goyena, Ramon Revilla, Sr., Susan Roces, President Joseph Estrada, Armida Siguion-Reyna, German Moreno, and the late Rudy Fernandez.

“I hope giving Lifetime Achievement Awards is not based on age,” Gov. Vilma, in her white formal outfit, wittingly said in her speech.  She sincerely thanked all her past directors, leading men, production people whom she has worked with, and her ever loyal fans, for her successful, long-running career in Philippine show business, and now in politics.

Christopher de Leon

It was Gov. Vilma’s “favorite leading man”, Christopher de Leon (four-time Star Awards best actor) who did a special tribute to the Ulirang Artista awardee via a medley of songs, with Vilma’s award-winning film performances as backdrop on the video screen.  John Lloyd, co-star of Gov. Vilma in her new Star Cinema film,  presented the prestigious honor.  Of course, the solid and diehard Vilmanians of the Star for All Seasons were there to support and celebrate their idol’s latest achievement.

On the other hand, the Noranians — the loyal followers of Ms. Nora Aunor — were also seen at the audience.  As in the past Star Awards nights of the previous years, the two groups of solid fans cheered their hearts out, for their respective movie idols.

The Superstar’s film Himala was awarded a proud singular accolade given to a Filipino classic film.  The global achievement in cinematic excellence and international recognition was given to the said 1982 masterpiece of Ishmael Bernal, for winning the Best Film of All Time in the CNN’s Asia-Pacific Screen Awards in 2008.

Ricky Lee

Ricky Lee, the film’s screenwriter and Nora’s long-time friend German Moreno, accepted the award in the absence of the Superstar who’s still in the US.  The said honor for Himala was presented by Ms. Helen Gamboa, who, like Ms. Aunor, portrayed Flor Contemplacion in the past.

Meanwhile, other awards reaped by Baler (in the Mainstream Films Category) were: Original Theme Song the Year for Ngayon, Bukas, at Kailanman composed by Louie Ocampo and lyrics by Edith Gallardo;  Sound Engineer of the Year for Ditoy Aguila;  Cinematographer of the Year for Lee MeiIy;  Original Screenplay of the Year for Roy Iglesias;  Production Designer of the Year for Aped Santos;  and Editor of the Year for Danny Ańonuevo.

Jessie Lasaten of Ploning won as Musical Scorer of the Year, while brilliant child actor Julian Duque personally received his Movie Child Performer of the Year award for Boses.  Likewise, the Awards for Cinematic Excellence in Filipino Animation were also given to Dayo and Urduja, Pinoy animation films both shown in 2008.

Winners in the Digital Films Category:
Digital Movie of the Year:  Yanggaw (Creative Programs Inc./ Strawdogs Studio Productions)
Digital Movie Director of the Year:  Richard Somes (Yanggaw)
Digital Movie Cinematographer of the Year:  Hermann Claravall and Lyle Sacris (Yanggaw)
Digital Movie Editor of the Year:  Francis Xavier Pasion, Kats Serraon, and Chuck Gutierrez (Jay)
Digital Movie Production Designer of the Year:  Michael Espanol, Donald Camon, and Rashel Gumacal (Yanggaw)
Digital Movie Screenplay of the Year:  Dennis Evangelista (Paupahan)
Digital Movie Musical Scorer of the Year:  Jourdann Petalver (Boses)
Digital Movie Sound Engineer of the Year:  Jethro Joaquin and Ronald de Asis (Concerto)
Digital Movie Theme Song of the Year: “Sangandaan” from the movie Paupahan (ATD Productions, Inc.)

Congratulations to all winners and Mabuhay ang Pelikulang Pilipino!

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By Mell T. Navarro

IT was a glittery and memorable Silver Anniversary for the Star Awards for Movies 2009, organized annually by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC), Inc. held last May 28, 2009 at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater of Ateneo De Manila University in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

Maricel Soriano and Cesar Montano

Hosted by Diamond Star Maricel Soriano (in her lovely blue gown by designer Pepito Albert), action superstar Cesar Montano (suit by Paul Cabral), and Comedy Concert Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas (gown by Maxi Cinco), the awards night’s telecast will be on June 21, 2009 (Sunday),  10:00 PM on Sunday’s Best of ABS-CBN, directed by GB Sampedro, produced by FLT Films, Inc. of Ms. Rose Flaminiano and Ms. Christina Kitts.

The 25th PMPC Star Awards for Movies was like a reunion of sorts for seldom hosts Maricel and Cesar.  The two starred in popular TV sitcoms Kaya Ni Mister, Kaya Ni Misis and Bida Si Mister, Bida Si Misis, which lasted for some time on the boob tube.   Providing the awards rites’ comic relief was the ever-wacky Ai-Ai who also did the opening number, with equally wacky dance liftings.

From the hot Hayden Kho-Katrina Halili video sex scandal, the crowd laughed when Ai-Ai said in her spiels:  “Sa panahong ito hindi na kailangang gumastos nang malaki para kumita ang isang pelikula. Blockbuster ang Video Scandal ngayon sa murang halaga…

AiAi delas Alas

Kuwarto lang ang katapat at dalawang tao lang, puwede na. Tipid pa sa damit dahil hindi na kailangan ng costume. Ang kailangan lang ay music, sabay sayaw ng Careless Whisper,” or words to that effect.  After which, a topless guy wearing boxer shorts with hanky on the head (ala-Hayden Kho) and a guy with a laptop appeared on stage!

Trivia hosts were KC Concepcion at Piolo Pascual, giving the TV and live audience unforgettable moments of the past 25 years of PMPC Star Awards for Movies.   Popular TV host-singer Toni Gonzaga (gown by Edwin Tan) did a special song number medley with Ronnie Liang and Jay-R Siaboc, while the much-awaited finale production number came from popstar Sarah Geronimo, who also won the Female Star of the Night special award.

Adjudged Movie Actress of the Year was megastar Sharon Cuneta for her performance in Star Cinema’s Caregiver.  Sharon’s name was

Jericho Rosales

announced by award presenter Richard Gomez who was simply dashing that night in his suit.  It was in 1997 when Sharon won her first Movie Actress of the Year from the PMPC — for her movie Madrasta (1996) — although she also got nominated in her previous films like Crying Ladies, among others.

The Megastar bested her co-nominees Mylene Dizon (for 100), Jodi Sta. Maria (Sisa), Anne Curtis (Baler), Judy Ann Santos (Kulam), Irma Adlawan (Hubad), and Ms. Gloria Romero (Fuschia) who was present that night.  Since Sharon was abroad, her aunt Ms. Helen Gamboa received the trophy in her behalf.

Jericho Rosales won as Movie Actor of the Year for his fine acting in Viva Films and Bida Foundation’s Baler.  In his acceptance speech, Jericho almost cried, and admitted he was hesitant go that night for fear of being lost again — just like two previous awards nights were he was also nominated for the same film, but lost.

“May pag-asa pa po ang local movie industry… We can show the world na puwede pa rin tayong gumawa ng award-winning films like this, and at the same time ay big-budgeted… Nu’ng Metro Manila Film Festival (December 2008), inaamin ko po, iniyakan ko nu’ng matalo ako, dahil lahat halos ng awards nakuha ng Baler, pero natalo ako sa Best Actor,” recalled Echo who came that night from taping of his newest teleserye on his home studio.

Echo won his first Star Awards Movie Actor of the Year trophy in 2007 for the Manny Pacquiao filmbio entitled Pacquiao (The Movie) shown in 2006. But it was a tie win for Echo and Piolo Pascual who won for Don’t Give Up On Us.  This year, it’s a “solo victory” for one of the best actors of his generation.  Jericho bested co-nominees and early favorites Baron Geisler (Jay) and  Ronnie Lazaro (Yanggaw).   Baron and Ronnie were there as presenters and were such good sport.  Completing the line up of nominees were  Aga Muhlach (When Love Begins), Allen Dizon (Paupahan), Carlo Aquino (Carnivore), and John Lloyd Cruz (A Very Special Love).

Director Mark Meily

Viva Films’ Baler was a run-away winner with nine trophies, including Movie of the Year and Movie Director of the Year for Director Mark Meiley who went up on stage a number of times. “Ang maganda sa pabalik-balik sa stage ay napapasalamatan mo ‘yung mga nakalimutan mo sa ibang awards na nauna mong tinanggap,” says Direk Mark who was extremely proud of his production staff’s victory.

The Movie Supporting Actress of the Year award went to Snooky Serna, who was in her elegant black gown by Nono Palmos that night, for the indie film Paupahan.  It was a tough fight between Snooky and Shamaine Buencamino (for Ang Lihim Ni Antonio).  Other nominees were Ms. Gloria Romero (Paupahan), Techie Agbayani (Yanggaw), and Tessie Tomas (100).

Mariel Soriano and Snooky Serna

Backstage, our in-house photographer and my co-administrator Donjun Somodio had a “super exclusive” shot of Snooky and Maricel –  movie queens of the ’80s and two original Regal Babies.   These days, Cookie and Marya seldom see each other in one showbiz event, and their picture together on this article is simply a super rare shot!

Aside from Richard Gomez (who also had a pleasant conversation with Snooky backstage), other presenters were Ms. Boots Anson-Roa, Director Maryo delos Reyes, Yul Servo, JC Tisueco, Allen Dizon, Noni Buencamino, Lance Raymundo, etc.

This year’s PMPC President and Over-all Chairman is Roldan Castro, Executive Committee Chairman is Melba Llanera, Co-Chairman is Aaron Domingo, and Supervising Producer is Rodel Fernando.  Yours truly is the Club’s Secretary.

(See next album for the Part 2.)

25th PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2009  Photos — Part 1:

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