Senator Bong Revilla

It’s official, “Ang Panday,” a co-production of GMA Films and Imus Productions, is the topgrosser of the just-concluded 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival. Sen. Bong Revilla, the lead actor in the action-fantasy-adventure film, said “Panday” earned a gross income of P99.8 million during the filmfest.

“I’m sure madadagdagan pa ito,” he said during the thanksgiving and victory party for the movie at Annabel’s Morato, because showing for “Ang Panday” has been extended till Feb. 8. The actor-senator said he’s very happy that their film is the No. 1 in box-office earnings, but he added he’s also happy that all the other festival entries (except “Wapakman”) did very well at the tills.

“Masaya talaga ako for this performance of our movie at ang mga ibang entries (‘I Love You, Goodbye’ which is the No. 2 topgrosser, ‘Ang Darling Kong Aswang,’ which is No. 3; ‘Shake, Rattle & Roll XI,’ ‘Mano Po 6,’ and ‘Nobody, Nobody But Juan’). It’s a very good sign that our movie industry is on the upward swing. Buhay na naman ang pelikulang Pilipino.”

Equally proud and happy is Ms. Annette Gozon-Abrogar, president of GMA Films, who announced that their next offering for the 2010 MMFF is a sequel to “Ang Panday.” They are set to start pre-production work in February or March this year, according to Annette.

The making of “Ang Panday” entailed a big budget, and looking back it wasn’t easy deciding to spend close to P80 million, or even more, for just one movie. It was the senator who insisted that they spend that much, if they wanted a movie that will set a trend, if not a landmark, in the film festival.

“Besides,” Bong added, “I had a number of reasons why I desired to have this episode of ‘Ang Panday’ to be the best among the films produced on this komiks’ hero that Komiks King Carlo J. Caparas created and in which the late Movie King Fernando Poe, Jr. did three sequels, with him playing the title roles. All three ‘Ang Panday’ movies were shown in three consecutive MMFFs. All three emerged blockbusters, too.”

Senator Bong said he wanted to dedicate this particular episode to FPJ, whom he fondly refers to as “Ninong Ronnie,” as he was a sponsor at his and wife Lani Mercado’s wedding nearly 25 years ago.

“Kaya, dapat maging fitting tribute ito to a King, wika nga,” he specified. The success of “Ang Panday” at the 2009 MMFF is also a tribute to the creator, Carlo J. Caparas who has proven his mettle in komiks writing, TV and film making, in fact in everything he hits it big.

At the MMFF Awards ceremony where “Ang Panday” won seven major awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor (for Senator Bong), the movie was openly and specially cited for its breath-taking state-of-the-arts special effects, not to say its beautiful love story.

“It can be compared with a Hollywood film,” said Ichu Maceda, herself a former movie producer, who watched “Ang Panday” with younger sister Lilibeth.

Two top directors, Rico Gutierrez and Mac Alejandre, shared their expertise and talent to make “Ang Panday” the award-winning movie that it is.

Direk Rico took charge of the special effects, while direk Mac took responsibility in helping make “Ang Panday” the break-out hit that it has become.

Co-starring with Senator Bong in “Ang Panday” are Phillip Salvador, Iza Calzado, Benjie Paras, Buboy Villar, Rhian Ramos, King Gutierrez, and Geoff Eigenmann.

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Best-selling author comes to Manila to present book

Best-selling author Yehuda Berg is set to come to Manila to present his new book entitled “The Power to Change Everything.” The book presentation will be held at the Rockwell Tent on Jan. 18. The book is a guide on self-empowerment that will definitely make for a genuinely fulfilling life.

(There will also be a free lecture and seats will be limited, so those interested are requested to register through Philippines@kabbalah.com, or visit www.yehudaberg.com.)

“The Power to Change Everything,” which was first launched in the US last Nov. 9, 2009, comes on the heels of two other Yehuda Berg best-sellers, “The Power of Kabbalah” and “The 72 Names of God,” books that have made the author among the most sought-after inspirational speakers on the subject of spirituality.

The author specifically chose Manila to begin his Asian tour to spread his message of hope in the aftermath of the devastating typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng that hit Metro Manila and Northern Luzon.

A renowned authority on Kabbalah, called “the people’s kabbalist,” he teaches that by transforming our personal issues we can create positive change in the world. He has taught thousands of people including celebrities, dignitaries, and prison inmates, and was recently honored as an Agent of Change by GQ Magazine, in the category of Education, under the sponsorship of Gentleman’s Fund 2009 Ambassador Ashton Kutcher and UNICEF.

In his latest book, “The Power to Change Everything,” Yehuda examines the problematic areas of politics, religion, environment, and economy and points out our most common and collective blind spots. According to Yehuda, the world has reached a turning point in history and we can either choose to change, or remain the same and watch things get worse. Our short-term thinking and lack of awareness of personal power is wreaking havoc on the planet.

Yehuda is co-director of Kabbalah Centre International based in Los Angeles, California. The Kabbalah Centre itself has existed for more than 80 years, with its spiritual lineage extending back to the 16th century, and even further to the revelation of The Zohar, more than 2,000 years ago.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Jan. 14 go to New York-based Dr. Medy Lagman and Helen M. Sampilo, Ma. Erlinda R. Sibal, Mrs. Pacita L. Manglapus, Edgardo Silverio, Hermie Banga, Pauleen Gian de Luna Joveres, Shirley Ann Flores-Joseph, Alfina Bustamante, Joy Honrado, Isaiah Colleen C. Mendoza (a.k.a. IC Mendoza), Jason Abalos, and Mikee Lee of Star Magic. Happy wedding anniversary to Jonathan and Carolyn Adogencia, and Jun and Teresa G. Martinez.