After turning 15 classic movies into top-rating TV shows, GMA Network has launched back-to-back two more afternoon programs for its 2009 last quarter shows.

The two Sine Novela’s two shows are “Kaya Kong Abutin Ang Langit” and “Tinik Sa Dibdib.”

Multi-awarded actress Sunshine Dizon and multi-faceted actress Iza Calzado play the lead roles which feature the struggles of two women to escape poverty and family and to fulfill their dreams.

In “Kaya Kong Abutin Ang Langit,” Iza Calzado plays Clarissa Rosales, an impoverished social climber determined to be well-heeled at whatever cost.

The opportunity comes when the employer of her deceased father, the Gardamonte couple, decide to help them, thus benefitting Clarrisas’ mother Naty (Lani Mercado) and sister Nancy (Angelika dela Cruz).

Clarissa, using her charms, wins the hearts of Ralph (Ricardo Cepeda) and Monina (Pinky Amador) who now treat her as member of the family. However, Therese (Isabel Oli), the only daughter of the Gardamonte couple, does not like being eclipsed by Clarissa and she begins to make Clarissa’s life more difficult.

Also in “Kaya Kong Abutin Ang Langit” are Wendell Ramos, Bobby Andrews, Paolo Paraiso, Ryan Yllana, Victor Aliwalas and Peter Serrano.

In “Tinik Sa Dibdib,” Sunshine Dizon plays the ill-fated Lorna who has been longing for freedom, happiness and a normal life. She escapes from her dysfunctional family by getting married but situations for her life become more complicated instead.

Lorna’s father, Tiburcio (Bembol Roco) is a drunkard and a womanizer, while her mother, Candida (Daria Ramirez) is ill and weak-willed.

Lorna works as helper in a beauty parlor and later marries the guard, Lando (Marvin Agustin) and moves in to his family.

Her life becomes even more complicated as Lando’s step-mother, Trixie (Ara Mina) and Trixie’s sister, Moret, tell Lorna to move out.

Other members of the cast are Deborah Sun, Maybelyn dela Cruz, Jen Rosendahl, Rico Barrera and Miguel Tanfelix.

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Fashionistas and celebrities to gather for Dennis Lustico’s first solo show

From the pigeonhole:

Top fashion personalities and celebrities will celebrate the fashion artistry of designer Dennis Lustico as he holds his first solo show entitled “Lustico: A Fashion Presentation” tomorrow, Oct. 1, 7 p.m., at the NBC Tent at The Fort in Taguig City.

The show, to be presented by two of Lustico’s loyal clients, TV personality and society columnist Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Taguig First Lady Kaye Tinga, will be held for the benefit of the Philippine National Red Cross, the Assumption High School Class 1981 Foundation, and the Tanging Yaman Foundation.

“Lustico: A Fashion Presentation” marks the designer’s foray into the circle of the country’s most sought-after fashion designers and set to establish Lustico as the next young designer to watch.

For his first solo show, Lustico will unveil “The Legionnaire,” a 40-piece ensemble inspired by early Anglo-Gallic-Roman culture with influences from the Legion d’honneur, a French chivalry order established by Napoleon Bonaparte in the 1800s. For this new endeavor, Lustico meshed his inspirations with contemporary and luxe interpretations and presents an interesting palette of strong hues with soft tone accents, and contrasting silhouettes and fabric textures.

Lustico has been noted for his classic silhouettes and luxurious detailing that celebrate feminine form and sophistication. Through the years, he has grown his clientele to include some of society’s most noted personalities. He has also bagged some of the world’s most prestigious awards such as the Prix’ d Incitation at the Concours International des Jeunes Createurs de Mode in Paris in 1999 and 2000, as well as top local fashion awards such as the Katha Award for Jewelry in 2003 and Mega Magazine’s Top Bridal Wear Designer of 2007.

With a vision to take Filipino fashion to the next level, Lustico also served as president of the Young Designers Guild and former member of the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines.

With his first solo show, Lustico showcases his impeccable craftsmanship, witty treatments, and chic statements in a versatile collection that women can mix and match.

“Lustico: A Fashion Presentation” is directed by Ariel Lozada, fashion styling by Noel Manapat and hair and make-up by Patrick Rosas. The show is presented by Rustan’s the Beauty Source, in cooperation with Santa Maria Novella, Murad, and Manuel Canovas Parfums. It is also co-sponsored by Audi, HSBC, DMCI Homes, Megaworld, PLDT, Ethan Allen, Sony Ericsson, Cibo, Fiori di M, Janylin Shoes, Jul Dizon, NBC Tent, and Smart Infinity.

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Cong. Irwin gives fair chance to blind persons

With the immense success of indie films that tackle the plight of people with disabilities like Mike Sandejas’ “Dinig Sana Kita,” which describes the undeniable bond between a young lady and a deaf man, and Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil’s “Boses,” which shows how a mute child was given the chance to express via a musician’s guidance, it is evident that special attention is being given by people from different sectors to these persons with “special needs.”

Cong. Irwin Tieng of Buhay Partylist is one with these people, who, in their own way, try to provide these “special” people with a fair chance.

Cong. Irwin, in fact, has proposed to the 14th Congress the passing of House Bill 4217, an act granting exemptions from securing permission from the publisher or copyright owner of printed materials to reproduce the same in a specialized format for the exclusive use of the blind.

This Bill will amend Section 185 of Republic Act 8293, known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

“We have to acknowledge the need for the blind to have the same opportunities normal people have,” says Cong. Irwin. “With the passing of this bill, blind people will have access to pieces of information available to others.”

HB 4217 will permit production and distribution of special format books and magazines for the visually impaired without first obtaining a copyright clearance from the appropriate bureau. This expedites the early circulation of the materials necessary for the use of visually-impaired persons.

“As legislators, we have to acknowledge the fact that blind people are very much a part of society and that they should have access to education,” concludes Cong. Irwin. “This will provide them with the tools to be of service to the country and to be sources of inspiration to other Filipinos.”

HB 4217 is being proposed in conjunction with Article XIV, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution that states, “The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make them accessible to all.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Sept. 30 go to Leticia Ramos Shahani, Gemma Cruz, Thelma San Juan Sioson, Virgilio Gonzales, Gerry Contreras, Arthur R. Lingad, Baby Santamaria, Leonida Andrade, Dr. Adora P. Veal of ECS Dental Clinic, Aida Arceo, Teresita Brazil of PCSO, Baby Vidal Lavarro, Ruben Silvestre, MB’s Ma. Cristina Maralit, Saripaz Villar-Tan, Edwin Trampeta of DoT Reg. VI and Denise Laurel of Star Magic.