Former Senate president Manuel Villar, who’s also Nacionalista Party (NP) president and most probably the party’s presidential contender, has expressed confidence that lower amusement taxes would certainly invigorate the local film industry.

NP spokesperson and former Cavite Rep. Gilbert Remulla said that “with the tax reduced by two-thirds, we are absolutely hopeful that industry players will find it even more rewarding to produce top quality films that enrich the Filipino culture and reinforce the national identity.”

He also said that his party considers the local film industry “a potent driver of economic and employment growth. We are definitely counting on an explosion of local films and a consumption surge by moviegoers to stimulate domestic economic activity and jobs creation, besides enlivening free artistic and intellectual expression.” Remulla was former chairman of the House Committee on Public Information.

Under Republic Act 9640, which has lapsed into law without Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s signature, the maximum amusement tax that may be collected by provinces has been lowered from 30% to only 10%. The new law takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two national newspapers.

Sen. Villar is one of the principal authors of the new law. The Senate approved its version of what is now RA 9640 when Villar was Senate president.

Under the Local Government Code, provinces are empowered to levy an amusement tax on the admission fee gross receipts generated by proprietors, lessees or operators of theaters, cinemas, concert halls, circuses, boxing arenas and other places of recreation.

Under the new law, the following are exempt from paying tax: The conduct of operas, concerts, dramas, recitals, painting and art exhibits, flower shows, musical programs, literary and oratorical presentations, except pop, rock or similar concerts.

The country has a colorful filmmaking history. At the height of the Golden Age of Philippine Cinema in the 1950s, four big studios – Sampaguita Pictures, LVN Pictures, Premiere Productions and Lebran International – produced over 350 films every year.

Congress instituted the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in 2002 to advance the art and craft of filmmaking, and push productions that “enhance the quality of life, examine human and social conditions and contribute to the dignity and nobility of the human spirit.”

By the way, Sen. Villar together with daughter Camille recently met with some members of the entertainment press at the Laurel Mansion along Shaw Blvd. in Mandaluyong City to introduce the cute Camella Homes’ endorser Tricia “Chacha” Luis Canete “Bulilit,” who you must have seen in the TV ad, directed by Eric Matti who also discovered the “bulilit” superstar.

Chacha is now an ABS-CBN talent and is regularly seen on the network’s popular Sunday kiddie show “Goin’ Bulilit.” She will also appear in the movie “And I Love You So,” with Bea Alonzo among others.

* * *

ABS-CBN’s Gabby and Gina Lopez named 2009 Outstanding Manilans

ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III and ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Regina “Gina” Paz-Lopez were proclaimed Outstanding Manilans in an awarding ceremony held at The Manila Hotel last June 24.

Mr. Lopez was named Outstanding Manilan for Telecommunications and Broadcasting for dynamic leadership of ABS-CBN, the country’s largest multimedia conglomerate. Through ABS-CBN, he was cited for having provided Filipino professionals and workers meaningful livelihood and promoted public welfare through imparting objective news and information.

Ms. Lopez, on the other hand, was recognized as Outstanding Manilan for Environmental Advocacy for her creative and indefatigable efforts to better the environment such as the Pasig River clean-up campaign “Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig” and her initiatives for waste management and environment conservation which all “redound to the benefit of Manila.”

She was also noted for “her sincere love and concern for underprivileged Filipino youth” with the establishment of the “Children’s Village” and her active participation in ABS-CBN Foundation’s life-changing projects like Bantay Kalikasan, Bantay Bata 163, and the Bayan Foundation.

Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim personally awarded the Lopezes during the ceremony also attended by other honorees from other fields.

The Lopez siblings’ twin recognitions only prove how ABS-CBN is committed to public service and nation-building as much as it is dedicated to broadcasting excellence.

The awards are part of the celebration of the 438th anniversary of the City of Manila and given annually to recognize and award men and women who have contributed extraordinary and invaluably to the benefit and development of the City of Manila and its people and whose achievements have substantially contributed to the honor and prestige of Manila as the country’s capital.

* * *

Pole Dancing Championship

The search for Pole Dancing Queen is now ongoing at the Crobar Malate, the newest nightlife origin at the corner of Julio Nakpil and Maria Orosa Sts.

It started last July 8 and will be staged every Wednesday evening at Crobar Malate. Cash prizes and other goodies will be given to weekly, monthly and the final winners.

Sexy ladies from 18 to 25 years old are qualified to join the pole dancing tilt. Auditions are held every Sunday, 5-7 p.m., at Crobar Malate.

Pole dancing is a sensual performing art form that combines dance and gymnastics. It is a show of strength, endurance, flexibility translated into movements of sheer grace, elegance and refinement. Pole dancing is visually enticing and awe-inspiring.

Popular movie and TV personalities will grace every pole dancing night and they will also be members of the board of judges.

Here is a chance to enter showbiz with a big bang – via the Pole Dancing Queen search at Crobar Malate.

* * *

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on July 11 go to cooking expert Sylvia Reynoso-Gala, jeweler Jul Dizon, LA-based Jerry Hunter, Baby Monroy, Meynard Penalosa, Eliseo Aurelio, Jr., Beer Flores, Powell Renosa, Erik De Venecia, Charmaine Gail A. Pagente, Johnna Mae S. Magbanua, Oliver Teves, Bex Vinaviles, and entertainment columnist Merci Lejarde.