Fanny Serrano

Everything is set for the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival which promises to be bigger and more spectacular than the previous years. This time, the much-awaited December film festival is under the leadership of Judge Oscar Inocentes, who is chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) taking over Bayani Fernando who has resigned to run for vice president of the country.

Executive Director Rollie Josef has announced that the Board of Jurors will start screening the seven official entries (“Ang Darling Kong Aswang,” “I Love You Goodbye,” “Nobody Nobody But Juan,” “Mano Po 6,” “Panday,” “Shake, Rattle and Roll XI” and “Wapakman”) on Dec. 17.

The traditional Parade of Stars will be on Dec. 24, wherein all the official entries will try to outdo each other in making their festival floats as elaborate as possible.

The 2009 MMFF Executive Committee is composed of Judge Oscar Inocentes (overall chairman), Ms. Maricor Imperial (Executive Chairman), Rolando Josef (Executive Director), AGM Edenison Fainsan (Chairman, Finance Committee), Angelito Vergel de Dios (Executive Director, TOC), Robert Nacenciano (member), Ric Camaligan (SM Cinemas), Manuel Nuqui (PMPPA), Wilson Tieng (MPDAP), Dominic Du (GMTA), Marcus Ng (MMTA), Boots Anson-Roa (Mowelfund), and Leo Martinez (FAP).

Showing of the official entries will start on Dec. 25. The festival ends on Jan. 7, 2010.

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The things that keep Fanny Serrano busy

He has not been visible in showbiz and business functions and social gatherings, but Fanny Serrano is busy nonetheless focusing on other aspects of his life: In his salon business, being a make-up guru, as fashion designer, actor, an endorser, as PICA president and an active member of his church.

As an endorser

Having spent most of his life in the beauty industry and aging gracefully at 61, he never realizes he still has the charm to draw trust from many reputable companies. Just a few months back, he signed a contract as endorser of Natasha, one of the leading direct selling companies. He joins Judy Ann Santos, Ms. Lorna Tolentino, Claudine Barretto, Ms. Anne Curtis, Jericho Rosales and John Lloyd Cruz among many. He is now one of the consultants of the Natasha Beauty Council joining Renee Salud and Bobbie Pinera. “I am very honored and was very impressed with the kind of welcome Natasha gave me,” Fanny said.

The Fanny Serrano Cosmetics line is now included among the products available through Natasha. It is also now distributed abroad.

Recently, after visiting some Natasha branches, Fanny was overwhelmed by the success stories of many dealers and members of Natasha. “I am really touched with their testimonies and I became more inspired to continue my advocacy in promoting Philippine-made products.”

As showbiz personality

What also keeps Fanny busy is his occasional acting career. In the indie movie “Tulak,” he plays an inspiring role as an aging gay mother of three kids. “After doing ‘Maalala Mo Kaya,’ I got tired of doing mostly gay roles and decided to lie low in the field of acting. I really wanted to portray roles where I can give justice to it and that it can promote social values and moral lessons to the moviegoers. When a role was offered to me in the film ‘Tulak,’ directed by Neil ‘Buboy’ Tan for international release, I accepted the offer because I can’t just let a good role slip through my hands.”

Fanny is overwhelmed with many text messages congratulating him for an award-winning performance in the film.

As make-up artist and designer

Despite the busy schedule of Fanny, he still manages to stay in his salon in Tomas Morato for make-up appointments and boutique’s requirement for designing. He personally attends to inquiries on gown design as he adds up his unique, classic touch for every creation he does.

Trusted in his field, Fanny remains one of the favorites of society figures, models and celebrities like Sharon Cuneta, KC Concepcion, Ms. Lorna Tolentino, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pops Fernandez, Sandy Andolong, Amy Austria, Diane Castillejo, Joanne Zapanta, Cherie Gil, Gina Alajar, Charlene Gonzales and Mr. Aga Muhlach among many, to be their make-up artist for print pictorials and TV commercials as well.

Currently, Fanny is doing the make-up of Sharon Cuneta who plays the role of a Fil-Chinese mother in the movie “Mano Po 6.” “We’re very excited in every shoot because it’s a big challenge for me to create the character of Sharon in the movie. By doing her make-up, we have to make her eyes appear smaller without the aid of lift-up plaster. We’re happy with the results and we’re successful with the creation that I did to give life to Sharon’s character that also impressed our director, Joel Lamangan, Mother Lily and her daughter, Roselle Monteverde-Teo.

“It was also an exciting and successful thanksgiving concert we had at the Vegas strip and at Palm Spring with Sharon, KC, Zsa Zsa and Billy Crawford last week of November. Another bonding moment that I will really treasure.”

As PICA president

Fanny is the president of the Philippine International Cosmetologists Association (PICA).

“We are now going through hectic meeting schedules in preparation for Cosmetologie 2010. We plan to put up Regional Chapters of PICA in Davao, Cebu, Cagayan De Oro, Bacolod, Iloilo, Laoag and Baguio as requested by make-up artists and salon owners all over the Philippines. We just finished organizing the Pampanga, Nueva Ecija and Bicol chapters and we’re looking forward to covering more key cities in the future.”

As active church member

One of Fanny Serrano’s priorities is to give in to invitations to speak in churches. He gives testimonies that inspire Christians in different communities. “In every project that I engage in, I see to it that I always ask for God’s guidance. If it’s His will, I know that project will materialize.”

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Korina, Joel Cruz lead opening of CD new office

Awarded broadcaster Korina Sanchez-Roxas, successful entrepreneur Joel Cruz who emerged grand champion of the third edition of GMA-7’s “Celebrity Duets,” and Drs. Roe and Susan dela Fuente led the guests during the recent formal inauguration and blessing of Cristina Decena’s new executive offices at the Belveder Bldg. along San Miguel Ave., Ortigas. The offices of Cristina’s various business concerns, like her Real Estate Company and Rural Bank of Norzagaray, have been consolidated under one roof.

Known to be hardworking, dedicated and determined in the pursuit of her dreams and goals Cristina has been featured a few times in Korina’s Sunday show “Rated K” on ABS-CBN. When asked to say a few words about Cristina, Korina couldn’t say enough of her was all in praise of her especially with her generosity. She has always been there to support Korina’s projects.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Dec. 15 go to former Sen. Nikki Coseteng, Mrs. Corazon M. Samaniego, Rosie Mata Castro, Caroline Ortega, Minda Azarcon, Cara Cristobal, Edming Coloso, Josephine Manuel, Rosa Rosario, Manny Y. Martinez, Teddy de Leon, Dubai-based Jay-O Bonachita, Evelyn J. Trinidad, Velma Valeriano, Rustum M. Tabor, Letecia Bella, John Stevens of UK, Nena Santiago, Madie Gallaga, LA-based Thelma A. Velasco, Jet Valle, Corazon P. Munsayac, Lota Reyes, Dianne P. Landingin and Mrs. Valeriana A. Silvania of Asingan, Pangasinan; Arriane Q. Urbano, Shielah A. Martinez, and Joseph Paul Pacis Javier (a.k.a. DJ Mojo). Happy wedding anniversary to Bobby and Ida Joseph; Walden and Cathy Belen, and Froilan and Cita Antonio.