The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) represented the country at the recent 12th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) which gave focus to the French new wave cinema, Chinese classic films after liberation and honored the films of Alfred Hitchcock.

The delegation was led by FDCP chairman Rolando “Jacky” S. Atienza. With him were Lali F. Suzara, Wilma Isleta and Emmie Alquiza.

The Philippine delegation was met with enthusiasm by Chairman Tong Gang of the People’s Republic of China’s State Administration of Radio, Film and TV. It was the first time that the Philippines participated in the SIFF.

The FDCP officials also had meetings with Erica Nam of the Korean Film Council, Brian Yang of 408 Films, and Vivec Singhania of Picture Perfect India. Gabor Greiner of the Match Factory Germany, the distributor of Dante Mendoza’s “Kinatay,” made inquiries about watching Filipino films recently done. A meting with Bruce Lee of China TV International Media Ltd. Co. was fruitful in that it offered assistance in having Filipino films aired in China’s local TV.

An upcowwming film shoot can also be anticipated sometime in March of 2010 as mentioned by Enrico Porcaro of NouviEventi Italy, while Dean Hou of Beijing Shenshi Huarui Film Investment & Management Co. Lt. inquired about the possibility of filming in the Philippines. Allan Poh of White Lion China, on the other hand, showed interest in the distribution of “Serbis” and “Foster Child,” works of the recently acclaimed Cannes Best Director Brillante “Dante” Mendoza.

During the festival, a German reception was held to bring together SIFF delegates and Chairman Atienza and Ms. Suzara met with the officials of the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Shanghai, Consul General Dr. Albrecht von der Heyden and Vice Consul Henning Hansen.

The movie “The Prince of Cockfighting” was the Philippines’ official entry to the festival. It was directed by Yeng Grande and produced by Armie Fernandez of When Armie Met Monty Productions (WAMM). The movie won Gold Best Picture at the Worldfest in Houston, Texas and is currently for sale.

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John Ford Coley’s relaxing time at Face & Figure Center

Even for a seasoned international singer and performer like John Ford Coley, a concert tour could always be a very challenging experience, given the hectic schedules, strenuous trips, endless rehearsals and high audience expectations.

His recently-concluded concert series here was no exception. His performances took him from Heritage Hotel in Pasay City to Subic Convention Center in Olongapo City to Pagcor Casino in Tagaytay City to Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, where he wowed the crowds with his classic hits like “Just Tell Me You Love Me,” “Love Is The Answer,”  “Sad To Belong,” “We’ll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again,” and many more.

While the genuine acclamation of the sold-out crowds might seem rewarding to compensate for all the pressures, there is no substitute for actual rest and relaxation to ease the strain and tension and restore lost energies after a hard night’s performance.

Coley took time out to rest and relax and rejuvenate himself during a short break in his schedule by spending some quality time at the Face & Figure Center Manila, a fast-rising facial care and body slimming clinic at Ortigas Center in Pasig City.

On hand to welcome Coley during his visit to the clinic were Face & Figure Center Manila officials Dr. Moleen P. del Rosario, CEO; Dr. Charmaine Bills, COO; and Dr. Raquel Rodriguez, managing director.

Foley’s recent concert tour, dubbed “Love Is The Answer 09,” was the latest celebrity happening where Face & Figure Center Manila showcased its various beauty care and figure slimming services by setting up merchandising exhibits during the events.

During Coley’s shows, it put up booths at Heritage Hotel, Subic Convention Center and Ynares Sports Arena where its team of aestheticians distributed leaflets and product samples to concert goers and patrons.

Face & Figure Center Manila is located at Unit 1509 Medical Plaza Ortigas Bldg, San Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on July 10 go to Bacolod City Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia, Marco Sison, Geny Tan, Amaparito Lopez, Philip A. Nazareno, Princess Revilla, Alex Timbol, Julie Manahan, Rufina Mangabat, Armand Braun, Jr., Linda Dizon, Ed Pacheco, Sally Ancheta, and Millie Sta. Ana-Gurfinkel of California…Happy wedding anniversary to Juan and Maria Gomez…