From left seated: former Senate Pres. Ernesto Maceda, Pres. Joseph Estrada, and Ronald K. Constantino. Standing are Walden Sadiri Belen, Aster Amoyo, and Ricky Davao

In a rare get-together with the entertainment press, former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada recalled how the ongoing Metro Manila Film Festival originated. It was during the tenure of then Manila Mayor Antonio J. Villegas when the filmfest started. Then Mayor Joseph Estrada sought the help of the late respected journalist/columnist Doroy Valencia to have the project approved by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

Erap initially timed the filmfest on President Marcos’s birthday, Sept. 11, but when Marcos approved of the annual movie industry event, it was scheduled on Dec. 25 till the first week of the New Year, amid uproar from the major foreign studios, December being a strong month for movies.

The December schedule of the local film festival prevailed with the strong support from then First Lady and Metro Manila Governor Imelda Romualdez-Marcos.

Proceeds from the film festival went primarily to the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund) which Erap founded along with the late Fernando Poe Jr., his bosom buddy, and other industry stalwarts. Other beneficiaries included the Anti-Film Piracy Council, the Film Academy of the Philippines, and now part of it even goes to the Presidential Social Fund, Erap noted sadly, that is why Mowelfund and the rest of the original beneficiaries only get minimal shares.

If he wins the presidency once more, Erap said he would want the control and management of the Metro Manila Film Festival to be under the movie industry again.

Anyway, with Erap’s presence and generosity (he was also game enough to oblige a request to sing his favorite song “Kahit na Magtiis”), the post-Christmas party for the entertainment press which Sen. Jinggoy Estrada tendered at his headquarters in Lt. Artiaga St. in San Juan was made more memorable as it was unexpected. The former president was accompanied by former Senate President Ernesto Maceda who said he did not intend to be senatorial candidate anymore in order to concentrate on Erap’s presidential campaign. Manong Ernie said they are scheduled to go on provincial sorties starting this week.

Movie writers as singers

It amazed us to know there are many entertainment writers who also have the talent for singing. First to share his talent during the party which later turned into a get-together of Mother Lily and Malou Fagar’s Wednesday Club (ably hosted by Jun Nardo and Dondon Sermino who are indeed a great and entertaining tandem when it comes to emceeing shows) was Ervin Santiago, followed by Ronnie Carrasco, Ernie Pecho (who so coolly sang “Bewitched” and our favorite “Stardust”), Lhar Santiago of “Unang Hirit,” Veronica Samio, Senator Jinggoy, who like Erap has shed off several unwanted pounds, also rendered a song of course.

Actors Ricky Davao and Julia Clarete also performed some musical numbers.

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BMG welcomes Rhian Ramos

It didn’t take long for Welsh-Filipina teen Rhian Ramos to prove that she has what it takes to make a name for herself in the competitive Philippine show business industry. After just a few years into local showbiz, under the GMA Artist Center, she has become one of the country’s biggest and most bankable young stars.

Rhian has come a long way since being discovered in a fast-food commercial. Without warning, she shot to fame after she made her acting debut as matinee idol Richard Gutierrez’s leading lady in the action-fantasy series “Captain Barbell.” Rhian surpassed expectations and instantly gained the respect of both viewers and industry insiders.

Everything went smooth-sailing from then on. The young actress starred in one primetime show after another. She also has her fair share of big screen projects. Her biggest break to date was bagging the lead role in the local adaptation of the Argentine series “La Lola” alongside JC de Vera. She also played Jodi in the Philippine version of the Korenanovela “Stairway to Heaven,” with heartthrob Dingdong Dantes. Rhian is definitely taking biggest steps, taking on bigger challenges.

With her success came various opportunities, such as a place in the sexiest women in the world list of popular men’s magazine, a recording contract and a number of endorsement deals. Strikingly professional, Rhian believes in continuous improvement and constantly strives for perfection.

Now, Rhian has something else to be proud of – her smooth, hair-free skin, as she endorses Laser Hair Removal by the world-renowned Belo Medical Group. Rhian joins the ranks of the elite celebrities who are honored to represent the Belo brand. As a Belo regular, Rhian has personally experienced the wonderful effects of Belo’s unique laser hair removal system and is amazed at how a very simple producer has now made her life easier and less complicated, after trying Laser Hair Removal by Belo; Rhian has gained more confidence, radiating her natural beauty even more. Confident and candid, she makes the perfect endorser for the young and hip market.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on January 5 go to Sen. Joker Arroyo, Dante Cruz, Ms. Bella Dimayuga, former Solicitor General Estelito Mendoza, Mila S. Bravo, Nonoy Manalo, Farish “Fayee” Benito, Louie Baluran, Bryan Valdecañas, Luis Angelo M. Chavez, Jill Crisostomo, Eduardo E. Cuello of Tagum City and singer Kyla (Melanie Calumpad in real life). Happy wedding anniversary to Jun and Yolly Mendoza; and Salvador and Cielo Rivera.