Metro Manila Film Festival- The most-awaited Philippine film festival

Ex-President Joseph Estrada is a staunch supporter of Manila Film Festival now known as Metro Manila Film Festival

Metro Manila Film stared as Manila Film Festival during the early 70's under  Manila's Mayor Antonio Villegas stewardship. The primary aim is to attract local and international tourist in the city and promote Philippine-made movies. Since Manila was then the seat of first class theaters, the festival gathered much support and patronage only with Manila residents but also nearby cities, municipalities and provinces.

The first Manila Film Festival was a huge success and gained support from local movie producers. The initial schedule was during the second week of June as Manila City celebrates its founding day on the said month.. The succeeding years of the festival prove to be the most awaited film festival as fans of reining Philippine movie queens and Kings fought to support their idols movie entry.

Prestigious acting  awards plus assured box-office hits make movie producers eager to have an entry or two in the festivals. Movie entries prove to be not so so or low quality as classic movies were past entries. One great example is "Patria Adora" which stars ex-President Joseph Estrada (He proves to be not only an action king but as good actor as well), Celso Castillo's Burlesk Queen, Araw-Araw-Gabi-Gabi starring Charito Solis, and movies of the famed love triangle of Eddie Rodriquez, Marleen Dauden and Lolita Rodriquez such as "IKaw ang Maysala". Dolphy's movie is the perennial topgrosser with movies "Facifica Falayfay", "Omeng" and "Bugoy".

When other nearby cities and municipalities started to build and have their own movie theater, Manila Film Festival become Metro Manila Film Festival under the supervision of Metro Manila Commission and patronage of the first Lady Imelda Marcos and First Daughter Imee Marcos. The festival became more significant as it broader its horizon.

Metro Manila Film festival award-giving body is the most recognized and acclaimed aside from FAMAS. Movie entries do not only vie for box-office hit but also for the prestigious awards. Jurors in the selections of awards include famous and respected people in the fields of arts, entertainment, politics and business in the country. Nick Joaquin, Joe Qurino, Lucuesta Katigbak, Gerry de leon are only some of the respected past jurors of the festival. But because scandals and intrigues play important rle in the movie and entertainment industry, The Metro Manila Festival has its own intrigues and scandals. There was an occasion when the Jurors decide to give one acting award for all entries. The Philippine Superstar Nora Aunor won the most coveted Best Performace in her film :"Atsay" while Vilma Santos, her arch rival was asked to return her acting trophy for Burlesk Queen after a scandal of award- buying. The date of the festival was also removed from June to December, timing for the  Chistmas celebration. Number of entries also increased from 5 to 8 movie entries.

Metro Manila Film Festival saw the reign of Fernando Poe Jr as the King of Action movie with his "Ang Panday Series" which always top the box-office.

Today, Metro Manila Film Festival still enjoy the support of all Philippine movie fans and supporters. Every year, another colorful  pages adds to its book and still the most awaited film festival in the country.

Metro Manila Film Festival 2011 entries are:

1, Enteng Ng INa Mo- Star Cinema/ APT Entertainment? M-Zet Films (Vic Sotto, Ai-Ai de las Alas)
2. My Househusband-Octo Arts (Judy Ann Santos, Ryan Agoncillo)
3.Segunda Mano- MJM productions (Kris Aquino, Dingdong Dantes)
4.Panday 2-Ikalawang Aklat -GMA Films and Imus Produtions (Bong Revilla, PhilipSalvador)
5.Mr. Wong-RP Productions (Robin Padilla, Amgelica Panganiban)
6. Shake, Rottle and Roll XIII- Regal Films (All-star cast)
7.Hototay-Regal Entertainment/ SMDC
8.Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow-Studio 5 (Heart Evanglista, Dennis Trillo)

Ronaldo Valdez- Good looks and good acting combined

Ronaldo Valdez, a good example of a glamour boy of the Philippine movies

He got his biggest break when he was paired with Susan Rocess who was then the queen of Philippine movies. in Sampaguita Pictures' "Swannie at ang Pitong Tsikiting". Ronaldo Valdez, handsome as he is was chosen to be the new leading man for Susan when  Sampaguita Pictures (Susan was a contract star) wanted a new love interest for their top earner star. Ronaldo Valdez proved to be the good choice as he was not only comparative handsome but could act as well.. Swannie at Ang Pitong Tsikiting broke boxoffice and established Susan as  solo star and  boxoffice drawer minus her perenial love team, Eddie Guitierez..On his part, Ronaldo Valdez begun his acting career with other movie productions he made after his debut film.

Little did the public know that Ronaldo Valdez could sing, in fact could sing well. This is the reason why his son Janno Gibbs is considered one of the finest singers  in the Philippine music industry. But he is well -known as the actor.  He has paired with many dramatic actresses in Philippine movies the likes of Elizabeth Oropesa, Chanda Romero, Hilda Koronel, Gloria Diaz,etc. He even made movie with the Superstar Nora Aunor, playing an Ifugao lover in the classic "Banaue" which is directed by  his father-in-law Gerry de Leon. (Ronaldo Valdez is married to a sister of Liberty Ilagan, daughter of Gerry de Leon).

Versatile actor was Ronaldo Valdez another tag as he played many challenging roles which he had given justice. He was memorable in the movie "Si Malakas At Si Maganda" stealing scenes with Dindo Fernando and Elizabeth Oropeza. He and Dindo Fernando made a sequel of the said movie in "Si Maganda, Malakas at  ako:" again playing  a faggot.

Ronald  Valdez continues to act and TV5  :Glamorosa:" has him as one of its main characters. Ronaldo Valdez is sure to give justice to his role as the father-in-law caught between loyalty and morality. Tele novela fans will not be shiortchanged by his acting as he is the good actor that he is ever since he started his movie career. He still has the looks and the charisma women would die for. He can still capture the hearts of his women fans as he graciously grow old. Ronaldo Valdez, a true glamour boy and still gorgeously looking.will make your television watching a different experience.with TV 5 "Glamorosa"

Guy and Pip Loveteam-Most loved Philippine ciinema loveteam

Play the song"together Again" and the most often people will remember the love team of Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III or simply called Guy and Pip by their legions of  fans across and all over the country. The scene is one of the most remembered scene in Philippine movies where Nora Aunor runs to meet Tirso Cruz III and ends up in the arm of Tirso as they say around under the blue sky and a midst the sunflowers in Baguio City.

Nora Aunor then was a lanky teenager singer who was fresh from winning the singing championship in Tawag ng Tanghalan. She was paired with Edgar Mortiz first and opposite Eddie Peregrina but it was with a handsome and member of the Cruz singing clan that she found a steady partner. Their tandem caught attention. Girl is short and dark , the boy tall and mestizo type. What a pair! But fans love them. Fans get hysterical with their singing together as they sweetly glanced at each other.

What makes the love team stick to fans is the fact  that both are in love with each other. The young love aspect of the team brought down the house. Movies made with them as main stars broke box-office. But the love team is made even popular with their on and off relationship, Fans cry whenever the couple is at odds. Fans smirks and giggle when the couple is back in each other arms again and again. The popular is also proven by the doll  love gift named Maria Leonora Theresa, perhaps the most known and popular doll in the history of Philippine showbiz.

Guy and Pip the movie, directed by German Moreno broke box-office at the Manila Film Festival. Fans literally stay and camped at the movie houses where it  is shown.  It was the first reunion after their split up as love team and real-life lovers. The events did not turn out well and the couple again separated and made movies with different partners. Nora Aurnor saw the height of her career while Tirso lost his career and turned into singing but also failed. Fans clamor for their team so another reunion movie was made and as expected made money. The movie was "Together Again " under Regal and directed by Elwood Parez. But the sad thing is the couple did not end the way fans want it. Nora Aunor married another actor and Tirso Cruz another woman. But the love team is still loved by their loyal fans and  another reunion in "Bilangin Natin Ang Mga Bituin"" proved once again, it is the most loved love team of all time in Philippine movie history.

 When one mention Guy, of course Pip is not far behind. Although both are now seasoned and matured actors, fans are still hoping that one miracle day, they will be together again! Now that Aunor is back in the country, it will not be  impossible. A tele novela is most fitting one to reunite the LOVETEAM.

University of The Philippines (UP)-The university With Culture

The proud symbol of UP's culture

UP is not your ordinary university . It is only for the chosen one. You can not just enter or enroll at UP unless you are an UPCAT passer. which is the most coveted  university/college entrance examination. As early as July, senior or graduating class of private and public schools nationwide prepare for  the UPCAT. The test determines who's chosen to be the real "Scholar ng Bayan:. And every first Saturday and Sunday of August is the scheduled day of the most prestigious university/college entrance examination.

Why is UP that special? UP is the only university that the Americans builds in the country. Most of the building in the spacious campus were built with American Money and by American government until it was turned over to the Republic O f the Philippines. UP is based on the concept of an American University like Harvard and has American education system. Only the most eligible high school graduates are permitted to enroll here and enjoy the privilege of a premiere university setting.

But UP did not turn out to be All-American but in opposite denounced American rule in the university. It has since the beginning the training ground for Filipino excellence in fields that includes government, finance, medicine and health, education, Engineering, Arts and humanities, Architecture, Science and Agriculture. UP students are trained to be independent thinkers. They share common dreams of excellence and recognition. It is also the training ground for democracy and freedom-loving spirit.

University Of the Philippines is the icon for the love of freedom of expressions and thoughts. Its Oblation statue is the symbol of its culture and pride. No other university in the Philippines could best describe what's freedom other than UP.

The spacious campus houses the many artifacts that describe the distinctive UP culture. The sunken garden, The Palma Hall, The Vinson Hall and the cafeterias where students hang out and mingle during brraks from the tedious school tasks and  readings. Here you can see students wearing long hair, strumming guitar, reading, and doing his or her own unique thing. UP campus life is diverse and unique but with one common  scent, the scent of being liberated and free.

Name one well-respected person in one field and most probably that person is a graduate of UP. The prestige is undying and still continuing up to the present generation. This is the reason every high school graduate will die for a slot in any of its 8 campuses.

University O f he Philippines, a Filipino University with Filipino culture and values. A university that is always proud to be of Philippines' heritage!

Celeste Legaspi- The actress behind the singer

Every body knows her as the singer. who popularized classic  song s such "Saranggola ni Pepe and "Mamang Sorbetero"  that was made into a movie where she also starred opposite ex-President Joseph Estrada.. The good singer is no less than Miss Celeste Legaspi. But little the public know, Miss Celeste is a good thespian herself as she started off as a Bayanihan Dancer and later venture into small theater productions. The singer can act. and acts well in fact. 

Miss Celeste Legaspi has  acting stints in productions like Sa Bulaklak ng City Jail and in some musical-comedy flicks opposites the superstar Nora Aunor. She was Erap's  leading lady in Mamang Sorbeto where Vic Sottio acts without her co-trio Tito and Joey as the erstwhile lover of  Miss Celeste.

But Miss Celeste is best remembered and acclaimed as the singer. Her revival of the Kundiman songs popularized by Atang de la Rama gave her a special seat in music industry. No other Filipino singer  has duplicated this feat that crowned her as "The Singer".

Miss celeste is now back with an acting prowess to show off  in  TV5's newest drama offering "GLAMOROSA". She is one of the glamorous faces in the story with Lorna Tolentino, Alice Dixon, Gloria Diaz . Prime time viewing will be an exciting event as TV5 brings  glamorous and beautiful ladies on your TV screen. Miss Celeste Legaspi  will once again prove that she's not only a singer but also an actress. The actress behind the singer will give Lorna and Alice a run for their acting trophy as she plays the villain in Alice Dixon's life.

Glamorosa premiers November 5 . Watch the show and let the most beautiful faces in Philippines' television steal your hearts away.

credits to Toto Labrador, the owner of the photo

Eat Bulaga-Another Decades of Entertainment

Eat Bulaga started as a small - budgeted  noontime show on  Channel 9 during the early 80's. The producers took a gamble in getting the comedy trio of Tito,Vic and Joey who were then starting a name on local television. The trio was a hit then as Bobby Ledesma's co-host in the defunct show Disco-rama at Channel 7. Eat Bulacan then faced a stiif competition for the All time favorite Student Cantten hosted by Eddie Ilarde , Bobby Ledesma and Pepe Pimentel with female co-host Conney Reyes and the late Helen Vela. Although beginners in hosting a noontime show, Tito,Vic and Joey  had proven that they can really give their competitors a run for their money. Soon, Eat Bulaga's  Pera sa Kaldero where each kaldero contain the letters of "Bulaga: became household favorites. Another blockbuster  segment of the show was "little Miss Philippines" where Aiza Sequerra was discover. Eat Bulaga's "Bulagan" also keeps the noontime TV viewers glued to their seats.

Eat Bulaga also have its own controversy. Fenale host like Chiqui Brosas was linked to Vic Sotto and hugged the headlines in showbiz news. The much-talked about transfer of Conney Reyes to the show from the rival Student Canteen gave Eat Bulaga a sturdy hold on the rating. Conney Reyes proves to be Eat Bulaga's jewel making the noontime show the number one in the country.  Eat Bulaga's tranfer to channel 2 made headlines as well as their trnafer to the rival network channel 7.Eat Bulaga did not rest on their laurels but continued to give audience fresh show ideas. Jericho Rosales was Eat Bulaga's first Mr. Pogi. Gay impersonators also have their chance to be seen on television and showcased their talents. Young actors and actress like Ruby Rodriques, Francis Magalona and Janno Gibbs add youth and freshness touch to the show.Even beauty queens and actresses such as Alice Dickson, Chat Silayan, Lara Qiugama and Rossana Roces. became Eat Bulaga's babies. Indeed Eat Bulaga became the steppingstone of many  showbiz hopefuls.Today, Eat Bulaga's  cast includes fresh faces and talents.

Eat Bulaga has recently celebrated its 25 years and to commemorate it, a coffee book book was launched depicting  its journey through the 25 years of its existence on Philippines' Television . Today, Eat Bulaga is writing its another pages in television history  and adding another decades to its wonderful journey of entertaining Philippines. Television fanatics.

Vilma Santos-The star for All Seasons

Vilma Santos as a sweet teenage star of the '70's

Vilma Rosa Santos  is a former child star before she became the actress that she is today. She played the title role in Trudis Liit which gave her a stellar performance with Boy Alano and Bella Flores. Vilma also played the title role in Ging opposite Danny Taguim who later became her co star in some of her teen movies. Vilma Santos like other former child star find herself jobless when she reached the awkward age but Sampaguita Pictures gave her a chance to be in the limelight again when she played the young Imee Marcos in the unforgettable movie "Iginuhit ng Tadhana". This also gave way  for Vilma landing roles in drama movie starring Eddie Rodriguez opposites Marlen Dauden and Lolita Rodrigues. But it was the late Tony Santos Sr who gave Vilma the big break as a young rival of the then upcoming star Nora Aunor. Vilma gave Nora a run for her money as she became her arch rival in  movies and Television shows during the early part of the "70's.

The birth of love team  capitulated Vilma Santos stardom as she was paired with Edgar Mortiz. to give stiff competition to the popular love team Guy and Pip. Vi and Bot, as fans called their love team made several blockbuster movies making them one of the hottest love team in Philippines Movies.Although not a singer, Vilma Santos proved that she can make a hit song. Her Sweet Sixteen single was the biggest selling single during the '70/s .

Vilma graduated from her sweet roles and undertook a career shift to being a dramatic actress. She made several semi bold movies which reaffirms her hold to the stardom. Her movie "Burlesk Queen" was the top grosser and number one money makers during the Metro Manila Festival  held during the Christmas season. Vilma has won nanny acting awards and had a grand slam acting award for the movie "Relasyo" playing mistress to Christopher de Leon.

Although noit so active in Philippine movies, her time is now spend with her constituents in Batangas acting as the elected governor of the province. The woman is as gracious as she was during her teenage life as today as a political figure and a happy and contented wife to a Senator. (Raph Recto)

Vilma Santos
From being a star  to a political figure as Batangas Governor