Judy Ann Santos

Multi-awardee Judy Ann Santos, representing today’s superstars, and Butch Francisco, film critic and co-host of “Star Talk,” will lead the presentation of the prestigious Gawad Parangal, honoring senior female luminaries in Philippine cinema which will be held on March 5 at the La Consolacion College Manila.

The Gawad Parangal sa mga Ginintuang Bituin ng Pelikulang Pilipino is a special feature of the International Women’s Month celebration this month.

Butch Francisco will emcee the awards presentation honoring Mila del Sol, Anita Linda, Lilia Dizon, Mona Lisa, Virginia Montes, Fely Vallejo, Delia Razon, Rosa Rosal, Noram Vales, Linda Estrella, Tessie Agana, Lolita Rodriguez, Gloria Romero, Sylvia la Torre, Rosita Noble, Marlene Dauden, Perla Bautista, Gloria Sevilla, Letty Alonzo, Emma Alegre, and Caridad Sanchez.

Signifying her acknowledgement of the enduring legacy the older luminaries are bequeathing, Judy Ann Santos will be personally handing the Gawad trophies to each of the honorees. The awardees, living legends of Philippine cinema “contributed greatly to the golden age of Philippine cinema and they also epitomize values such as dedication, discipline, excellence, and professional integrity.” They are being extolled for being models and exemplars for the new generation to emulate.

National Artist for Cinema and Broadcast Arts Eddie Romero, Marichu Maceda whose family owned Sampaguita Pictures and NCCA Executive Director Cecille Guidote-Alvarez, also a National Artist, have been invited to give messages as special guests of honor.

The Gawad Parangal sa mga Ginintuang Bituin ng Pelikulang Pilipino is spearheaded by LCCM president Sr. Imelda Mora, O.S.A., and LCCM Family Council head Atty. Lynn Moreno with the support of the college’s Mass Communication Department and the Centre for Theatre Education and Training to likewise serve as the school year’s culminating event.

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Kapamilya stars party at Pharex Grand Interns Night

Some of the hottest stars from the Kapamilya network kicked off Pharex HealthCorp’s Grand Interns Night held recently at the Le Pavillon.

The “New Moon”-inspired gathering hosted by Studio 23’s “Y Speak” mainstays Bianca Gonzalez, TJ Manotoc, Atom Araullo, Mo Twister, and Xian Lim, brought together medical interns from various universities and hospitals for a night of fun, treats and exciting performances.

“This annual celebration is not only to give young interns a night of fun and entertainment, but more importantly to help them decide which area of specialization they want to pursue, through the video presentations and booths by the different local medical societies,” said Pharex HealthCorp president and chief executive officer Tomas Marcelo Agana III.

Also on hand to welcome guests were Pascuallab executives: Design Services and Corporate Communications Director, Anna Maria Lourdes Pascual-Cenzon; Vice President for Administration and Assistance Treasurer of Pascuallab, Jose Augusto Pascual; Pharex HealthCorp Chairman of the Board, Manuel Salazar; and Pharex HealthCorp President and CEO, Tomas Marcelo G. Agana III.

Officially setting the night to party mode was an explosive Michael Jackson dance medley by “ASAP’s” Gab Valenciano and a scorching dance performance by “Pinoy Big Brother” ex-housemates Cass Ponti and Wendy Valdez plus Cool Chick Niña Dolino. Female guests went wild as they were serenaded by Coverboy Jon Avila and ASAP Sessionista Duncan Ramos. Rock band Sandwich capped off the night with their hit songs that got the guests partying until the wee hours.

The event also gave interns the chance to dress up in their most fashionable vampire costumes and show off their song and dance performances for a chance to be named Alternative Pinoy Stars. “Y Speak” hosts also engaged them in wacky mini-debates that revealed the fun and crazy sides of these future physicians.

The annual gathering is Pharex HealthCorp’s way of acknowledging the efforts of future physicians and empowering them to become better and reliable partners in the healthcare industry.

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Six amateur directors win film grants from ANC

From the pigeonhole:

The ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC SKYCABLE ch. 27) recently awarded film grants to six promising filmmakers who will show their vision of the country alongside 14 established directors in the project “AmBisyon2010.”

“AmBisyon2010,” conceptualized by directors Emman Dela Cruz and Paolo Villaluna and produced by ANC executive producer Patricia Evangelista, aims to show the state of the nation from the eyes of 20 bright Filipino filmmakers.

Each film will tackle issues that will decide the 2010 elections such as corruption, democracy, population, health, education, and human rights.

Accomplished indie filmmakers Ditsi Carolino, Emmanuel Dela Cruz, Kiri Dalena, Henry Frejas, Jade Castro, Ellen Ramos, Jon Red, Jerrold Tarog, John Torres, Villaluna, TV and movie directors Jeffrey Jeturian and Erik Matti, and Cannes Film Festival winners Brillante Mendoza and Raymond Red are participating in the project.

The remaining six slots were given to amateur directors Anna Matutina, Pam Miras, Aissa Penafiel, Emerson Reyes, Gym Lumbera and McRobert Nacario, who were chosen from a field of over 80 entries by the panel of ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs head Maria Ressa, Philippine Independent Filmmakers Cooperative chairman Dr. Clodualdo Del Mundo, and publisher and critic Erwin Romulo.

“AmBisyon2010” will culminate in a series of grand theater and television premieres before the Philippines national elections.

Visit www.abs-cbnnews/ambisyon2010 for the latest on “AmBisyon2010.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on March 4 go to Dawn Zulueta, Carol Banawa, Ella Reyes-Choy, Wilma Redler, Joanne Ramirez, Krystle Yambot, David S. Flores, Joan Camille Tisoy, Hattie H. Pili, Ruby Co, Chicago-based Gerry Crisostomo, Judith A. Los Baños, Alex Ancelmuccio of Star Magic, Auraeous Solito, Syato lead vocalist Mark D. Villagomez, MB’s Sharon Zse and congressional spouse Sandra Estrella.