Retro, premieres, and  indie movies.

There are at least 170 indie films being screened at the 2009 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition (now on its fifth year) which is ongoing at the CCP until July 26. In addition, there are 20 new films in the competition section.

The festival pays tribute to the late National Artist Lino Brocka with a retrospective of his films: “Wanted Perfect Mother,” “Santiago,” “Tubog sa Ginto,” “Cadena de Amor,” “Cherry Blossoms,” “Stardom,” “Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag,” “Ina Ka ng Anak Mo,” “Jaguar,” “Bona,” “Binata si Mister, Dalaga si Misis,” “White Slavery,” “Macho Dancer,” “Makiusap Sa Diyos,” and “Orapronobis.” Christian Blackwood’s “Signed Lino Brocka” will be featured in this special section. All of these films are part of the Lino Brocka’s Collection at the CCP.

Nine full-length digital films will compete for the 1st Cinemalaya Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) prize, a new section of the Cinemalaya. Vying for the special prize are “Aurora” by Adolfo Alix Jr., “Baseco Bakal Boys” by Ralston J., “Karera” by Adolfo Alix Jr., “Boy” by Auraeus Solito, “Walang Hanggang Paalam” by Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos, “Prince of Cockfighting” by Yeng Grande, “Bayaw” by Monti Parungao, “Latak” by Jowee Morel and “Handumanan” by Seymour Sanchez.

The Cinemalaya NETPAC Prize is given only to new full-length independent works that will premiere at the Cinemalaya Festival but not participating in the competition. NETPAC is a worldwide organization of 29 member countries and is composed of critics, filmmakers, festival organizers, curators, distributors and exhibitors and film educators.

Cinemalaya Cinco is presented by the Cinemalaya Foundation, Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Film Development Council of the Philippines and Econolink Investments Inc. Cinemalaya is an all-digital film competition aimed at discovering new Filipino filmmakers.

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Gov. Savellano launches book about Ilocos Sur

Ilocos Sur Gov. D.V. Savellano launched recently his book entitled “Ilocos Sur: An Illustrated History” at the Ayala Museum in Makati City. In attendance were members of the diplomatic corps, national and local officials, friends and family.

In her speech, Dr. Malou Cumagay said, “The book is both interesting to read and a visual delight as it shows, in very broad strokes, the history of an important province of the country.” The book, she added “peels back layers of the past of Ilocos Sur, tracing its geological origin, early relations with the Chinese and the Japanese, its Spanish past – from being a Spanish ciudad in the 16th century to its eventual separation from the Provincia de Ilocos to become Ilocos Sur in the 19th century. The latter development was proof that Ilocos Sur had the right to stand on its own.”

Dr. Camagay also said, “The book documents the colonial experience of the province under the US and much later, under the Japanese. It ends with the present and cites significant economic and progressive developments in the province. Most modern-day historians would like to chronicle history in an engaging manner, not in the heavy-handed style of old. The book’s colorful illustrations, which we owe to artists Rene Arandia and Bim Bacaltos, blend beautifully with the text…”

She congratulated Gov. Savellano for “this interesting addition to the growing literature on local history in the Philippines…We owe it to future generations to leave something of value behind. This book is an example of such a legacy.”

On his part, Gov. Savellano stressed that the book is a dream-come-true, something “not hatched overnight nor mulled over during idle moments but which started with a childhood dream as I wondered how things came about and how events and personalities conspired to shape a province and its destiny.”

The book offers glimpses into the province’s storied past, takes a peek into the lives of its illustrious sons and daughters while it highlights not only her rich cultural and religious heritage but also the people who have contributed to make what Ilocos Sur is today.

But if recent and current historical events were not included in the book, he said, “It is because I believe that history should be viewed very objectively from a distant perspective and avoid subjectivity being an issue. To do otherwise would only make it inaccurate, biased or self-serving.”

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Chito Bertol visits his idol’s Graceland home

Back from another memorable US tour is our good friend Chito Bertol, the Original Elvis Presley of the Philippines and chairman and president of the Manila Seedling Bank Foundation. It was memorable because he was able once more to visit the birthplace of his idol, the late “King of Rock N’ Roll,” Elvis Presley. Before going to Graceland, Memphis Chito also visited the Walk of Fame in Hollywood (at the Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, California) where he was able to locate Elvis Presley’s star.

While in Graceland, Chito was interviewed over radio Graceland about the Elvis Presley Friendship Club Philippines, Int’l of which he is the founding chairman. This is the only club accredited by Graceland and is a member of the Elvis Presley Alliance of Asia (EPAA) that includes Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and the Philippines of course.

He was also asked about his radio program “Elvis Presley Sunday Specials,” aired from 8-10 a.m. every Sunday over DZSR 918 AM which is now on its 10th year. During his visit, Chito was also given the official Elvis insider’s membership which allowed him to enjoy the various attractions in Graceland such as the beautiful mansion of Elvis Presley, his Trophy Room, his Golden Platinum Record Awards, his costumes and jumpsuits, his cars and motorcycles, his airplanes named Liza Marie and Hound Dog, his army uniforms and other memorabilia, the Meditation Garden where Elvis was buried together with his parents Vernon and Gladys.
In return, Chito honored Elvis with a copy of his CD “Remembering Elvis Presley Medley.”

Chito also enjoyed shopping for Elvis memorabilia at the various souvenir shops in front of Elvis’ Graceland mansion. He also visited the Sun Studios where Elvis first recorded his commercial hits “That’s All Right” and “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” Of course, Chito was overwhelmed with excitement as he stood where Elvis recorded his first hit song and was able to appreciate and hold the original recording microphone that the great King of Roll N’ Roll initially utilized.

To conclude his tour, Chito went to Beale St. where Elvis used to walk around listening to R&B music and where they now are proud to say “What happened in Las Vegas started from here in Memphis,” meaning Elvis Presley’s town.

By the way, the Elvis Presley Friendship Club Phils. Int’l is presenting a special show on Aug. 15 in commemoration of Elvis’ 32nd death anniversary. Featuring the best Elvises in the Philippines, the show will be held at the Merks Bar and Bistro in Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center in Makati City.

Performers are Jun Poncio, Pinoy Elvis of Australia; Eric Alvarez, grand champion of an Elvis contest in Enchanted Kingdom (2009), Nonie Yambao, the new Elvis Presley of the Philippines; Douglas Masuda, the Elvis Presley from Japan; Alex Torres, winner of the EPFC Elvis contest in 2007; and Romy Dancer, winner of an Elvis Presley contest in “Eat Bulaga.”

The show is for the benefit of the Manila Seedling Bank Foundation, Inc. Tickets at R800 (inclusive of dinner) are available at MSBF and at Merk’s Bar and Bistro.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on July 25 go to comedy king Dolphy, Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo, Margot Vargas-Osmena, psychic Jaime Limcauco, Mayeen Carmona, Meg Paris, Anna Eloisa C. Bulong, Nita Abaquin, Malynne Villangco, Sonny C. Salgado, Annie R. Convocar, Hazel Corpuz-Testa, Alexis John Dela Cruz, Bong Bolivar of Cosmopolitan Agency, and MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando.