Dolphy

When it comes to comedy, nobody indeed does it better than Dolphy. So expect him to make you roll down the aisle so to speak when his latest movie “Nobody… Nobody but Juan!” is shown in December. The comedy is one of the official entries to the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival which opens on Dec. 25.

This is Dolphy’s first movie in more than a year. His last was shown in 2008, “Dobol Trobol,” which paired him with another ace comedian, Vic Sotto. “Nobody… Nobody but Juan!” is also Dolphy’s biggest project yet after the release of his best-selling autobiography “Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-isa” and the phenomenal worldwide concert tour held in connection with the bio.

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has been home to many Dolphy hits, among them the acclaimed comedy-drama “Markova Comfort Gay” (for which he won a Best Actor award at the 2001 Brussels International Film Festival), the environmental comedy “Home Along da Riber,” the family picture “Wanted Perfect Father,” the magical fantasy “Espadang Patpat”(for which Dolphy received an MMFF Best Actor trophy), the epic “Once Upon A Time,” and other wonderful films.

“Noboby… Noboby but Juan!” is directed by Dolphy’s son Eric Quizon who was also behind his autobiography project. Written by Bibeth Orteza, the movie tells the story of US-based Juan (Dolphy) who lives in a senior home run by his son (played by Eric) and daughter-in-law (played by G Toengi). Juan’s favorite pastime is watching “Wowowee” on The Filipino Channel. However, he does not watch the show just for entertainment’s sake. Aside from wanting to connect with the Philippines that he dearly misses, Juan is lonesome for his first love Aida whom he lost touch with during the Japanese Occupation of Manila. “Wowowee” is Juan’s way of coping with homesickness and reliving the past.

This grand love story/comedy/heartwarming family story encompasses the 1940s to the present. It takes place in the US and the Philippines. “Juan” is undoubtedly Dolphy’s biggest and most star-studded filmfest offering since it was able to assemble the most outstanding actors and comedians in the country today: Eugene Domingo, Pokwang and even Willie Revillame. Also in the cast are veteran actors Ms. Gloria Romero and Eddie Garcia; Epy Quizon, Vandolph and Heart Evangelista among others.

“Noboby… Nobody but Juan” is produced jointly by Kaizzz Ventures and RVQ Productions. It is supported by Samsung, Bench, Mang Inasal and Komey 3Q Bihon & Sotanghon.

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Binay couple’s joint b-day bash

Makati Mayor Jejomar “Jojo” Binay and better-half Dr. Elenita “Ellen” Binay celebrated their natal anniversaries together at the spanking A Venue Hall in downtown Makati recently.

The dinner affair started with a Holy Mass. Kith and kin, together with well-wishers and friends from all over, were one with the couple in celebrating their birthdays in the same day.

“Of all the birthdays I’ve celebrated, this is the first time for me to see my friends from around the country huddled in together in one place. Even my classmates from high school and those from my childhood are here,” declared Makati’s chief executive while being serenaded by councilman Rico J. Puno with his hit song “May Bukas Pa,” now made more famous by a TV series bearing the same title. Mayor Jojo even gamely sang the song with him.

Chanteuse Jenine Desiderio, on the other hand, belted a sultry rendition of “Sway” before singing Dr. Ellen’s favorite song “I Still Believe,” one of the arias from “Miss Saigon”  that the stage actress played in London’s West End with Lea Salonga and Monique Wilson.

Balladeer Nonoy Zuñiga did a duet with Jenine after crooning the immortal ditty “Never Ever Say Goodbye.”

A few Latin numbers from dancesport champ Belinda Alora and partner preceded a VTR of the Binays showing the “times of their lives,” creating a mood for nostalgia.

Twenty years ago, Makati was not the premier city that it is today. But thanks to the man behind its success, the city is now recognized the world over not only as the country's financial center but as the leader in innovative governance.

After the 1986 EDSA Revolution, then President Corazon C. Aquino appointed Jojo acting mayor of Makati. He was the late president’s first appointed local official. Jojo, later won, on his own merit, the mayorship of Makati in 1988 and was re-elected in 1992 and 1995.

After a three-year hiatus from local politics, Jojo was overwhelmingly elected as Makati City mayor once again. He was re-elected in 2004 and 2007, winning the elections with huge mandates from his constituents. Not only does the world recognize this, but his constituents have, time and time again, affirmed the great leadership he has shown in Makati.

The Binay union has spawned a brood of five: Maria Lourdes Nancy, Marlen Abigail, Jejomar Erwin, Marita Angeline and Joanna Marie Blanca. Dr. Ellen was elected as Makati mayor for the term vacated by her husband while daughter Abigail served as congresswoman.

As the world starts a new millennium, Jojo and Ellen sees Makati not only as the national capital of trade and commerce, but also as center for information technology, a hub for Asian tourism,  a beacon for culture and the arts as well as a leader in public services especially to retirees and senior citizens.

Among the political bigwigs gracing the affair were running mate Erap Estrada and Dra. Loi with Sen. Jinggoy, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, Rep. Bongbong Marcos, Batangas vice-governor Mark Leviste, San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito, Mayor Toby Tiangco, and Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado together with the city council and officials.

The entry of a few well-wishing friends from the entertainment industry caused a stir with the attendees: Robin Padilla, Armida Seguion-Reyna and Kris Aquino-Yap, who came with sisters Ballsy Aquino- Cruz and Pinky Aquino-Abellada.

Mayor Jojo is gearing up to be the country’s next vice president when he runs for said national post alongside former president Joseph Estrada in the 2010 elections. This early, political observers tag the two as “the team to beat.”

Ranking 4th in the Top 10 World Mayors Award in 2006, and 1st in Asia, Mayor Jejomar “Jojo” Binay is one Filipino leader that the country can truly boast of.

For more insights into the man and the city he made stronger, simply log on to www.makati.gov.ph or get in touch with the Information & Community Relations Department or simply e-mail icrd@makati.gov.ph.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Nov. 24 go to Joey Antonio, Joynne, Marites Uy, Manolita Morales, Cecille Fields-Pili, Gerard Reyes, US-based Abel Molina, Eleanor Macapagal, Alice Sandejas, Christopher Arredondo, Consolacion Escalona Castro, Heherson B. Bala, Rowena Mendoza, Mrs. Janet Garcia, Baby Tan, Mayor Damian G. Mercado of Maasin City, and talent manager Becky Aguila… Happy wedding anniversary to Orly and Cel Alinas.