Gov. Chavit Singson, DENR Sec. Lito Atienza, Jinkee Pacquiao, Manny Pacquiao, and Mrs. Beng Atienza.

The winners of the 21st Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video were announced in awarding rites held recently at the CCP Tanghalang Manuel Conde.

First prize in the Experimental category went to “Ang Ebolusyon ni Kasalanan” by Emerson Reyes; 2nd prize went to “Ang Romansa ni Tinyente Gimo and Marya Labo” by Joenar Pueblo and 3rd prize went to “Ponkan” by John Japhet Tubeo and Jonathan Marasigan. Honorable Mention was given to “Biyahilo” by Revsson Antonio, Anthony Delima, Sheena Pearl Barandino, Joecel Bueno, Rochelle Relosa, Ronald Diata, Analyn Gamelo and Reggie Lapera.

In the Animation category, the 1st prize was awarded to “Maskara” by Alejandro Karlo Zapanta and 2nd prize to “Clownes” by Neil Paul Molina. Two entries, “Lukso” by John Kristoffer Sta. Clara and “Grandfather’s Clock” by Marcelo William W. Mua won 3rd prize. Honorable mentions were given to “Perang Kenkoy” by Christopher C. Asa, “Box” by John Kristoffer Sta. Clara and “Robotica” by Alan Ray Bumanglag.

In the Documentary category, the 1st prize was awarded to “Windmills: The Case Study of Bangui Windmills” by Ellaine R. Bensal, C. Castro, K. Colo and A. Cruz; 2nd prize to “Tawilis: Palaot sa Mailap na Huli” by Reymer Salvador and 3rd prize to “The Filipino Student’s Guide On How To Be Invincible In London” by Raz de la Torre. “Kuya” by Mary Angelica Eileen A. Cruz won Honorable Mention.

In the Short Feature category, the 1st prize was awarded to “April Fools” by Trinka Lat and 2nd prize to “Bat-Man” by Noriel Jarito. The 3rd prize was given to both “River of Dreams” by Michael Angelo Dagñalan and “Araw ng Pighati” by Ryanorlie Abeledo. Honorable Mention was awarded to “Batang Japan” by Al Eugenio, “Kinulayang Kiti” by Richard S. Legaspi, and “Babae Ako” by Jeyow Evangelista.

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A star-studded victory party for boxing champ

It was a star-studded victory party tendered recently by former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson for boxing champ Manny Pacquiao at his residence in Corinthian Gardens, Quezon City. Like in last year, it was attended by government officials, diplomats, society figures, and showbiz personalities.

Several entertainers (most of them invited by concert producer Ms. Daisy Romualdez) delighted the guests with their performances, among them Ms. Pilita Corrales, Bo Cerrudo, Christian Bautista, US-based belter Dessa, Danita Paner, the Foxy Ladies (who were truly impressive with their impersonations), young singing sensation Monica, and Nonoy Zuñiga.

It’s well known, Manny’s penchant for singing, and so that night he was also a performer, singing solo with passion and then with his composer Lito Camo, special guest Pops Fernandez (“Bakit Ngayong Ka Lang Dumating?”) and co-star (in the movie “Wapakman,” an entry to the ongoing 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival) Rufa Mae Quinto. They sang “Sometimes When We Touch.”

Ms. Annabelle Rama came with husband Eddie Gutierrez, daughter Ruffa and her talents, among them Carla Humphries, TJ Trinidad, Michelle and Ehra Madrigal. Also spotted were Ms. Gloria Romero, Celia Rodriguez, and Barbara Perez.

The musical program, during which three Nikon cameras were given away to lucky guests, was hosted by Gretchen Fullido and Jobert Sucaldito.

Seen entertaining the diplomats and dignitaries was Ms. Evelyn Alvaran-Cruz, a good friend of Gov. Singson. Among the specials guests who came were Senator Manny Villar, DENR Sec. and Mrs. Lito Atienza, Rep. Bingbong Crisologo, and many others.

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Beauty queens, celebs, politicians in b-day bash

The elegant Champagne Room of the Manila Hotel was filled with beautiful faces, celebrities, politicians, business and society figures for the special birthday bash of Boyet Fajardo, famous fashion designer known for his breakthrough RTW brands like Substance, Initials and Boyet Fajardo For Men.

Boyet was beaming as he thanked all his friends for coming to his party. “This is really one of my memorable birthdays. I’m so touched with the love and support shown by my old and new-found friends,” he said.

Guests included Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, MTRCB Chairman Consoliza Laguardia, QC Rep. Annie Susano, Gabriela’s Lisa Masa, Councilor Atoy Co, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez and economist-broadcaster Winnie Monsod.

Former beauty queens and runway models were also present: Evangeline Pascual, Maria Isabel Lopez, Aileen Damiles, Zorayda Andam, Sharon Hughes and Karilagan models led by Mara Spirig, Merlita Anotnio, Melba Arribas, Betchay Santos, Mennen Eddun Jacobs, Carol Villar and Jan Garcia.

Also spotted were Boyet’s friends from showbiz – Jestoni Alarcon, film directors Gil Portes and Neal Buboy Tan, news anchors Aljo Bendijo and Nikki Jimenez and former actresses Brenda del Rio, Azenith Briones and Liz Alindogan.

It was also a reunion of sorts for Boyet and his contemporaries in the fashion industry: Ramon Bilbao, Ching Santos, Rikko Escaro, Rudy Diego, Jun Pena and Leonard Co.

Other VIPs who graced the event were Asialink’s Ruby Lugtu, Malabon Zoo’s Manny Tangco, dermatologist Jesus Fajardo, Baby Licup, Dr. Ronald Licup, Ronnel Licup with grand daughters and sons Ronnie Margaret Licup, Roy Gabriel and Rohan Jessie Licup and Keannu Angelo Licup.

Special musical numbers were rendered by Dessa, Allona, John Arcilla and Don Paulo.

It was indeed a night to remember for Boyet Fajardo and his guests.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Dec. 29 go to former First Lady Amelita “Ming” Ramos, Gamaliel Viray, Calvin Millado, Marilyn Yambao, Vivian Hultmann, Jasmin P. Tuazon, Paul John Segovia, Maris Herminia, Ralph Niño S. Manuel, Albin Gabito,Trade Minister Jose Concepcion and twin brother Raul, Star Magic’s Bruce Quibral, Kristel Fulgar and Rico Barrera; and Mike Villa-Real of Philippine Veterans Bank. Happy wedding anniversary to Renato and Lily Javate; Rollie and Baby Concepcion and Chairman Bayani F. Fernando and Mayor Marides Fernando.