Our friend Martin Macalintal, Audiovisual Attaché of the Embassy of France in the Philippines, informed us that ABS-CBN’s Francesca Litton and Jillmer Dy will be part of the international crew of Canal France International (CFI) to cover the event.

Canal France International (CFI) has acted for the past 20 years as the French operator in media cooperation for Africa, the Mediterranean region, the Balkans, Caucasus and Asia.

The Philippine presence in Cannes was very well noted last year with Raya Martin’s “Independencia” in Un Certain Regard, Adolfo Alix’s “Manila” in the Special Screenings, and Brillante Mendoza’s “Kinatay” in the Official Competition, winning the Best Director Award.

Yvan Avril, editor-in-chief of France Télévision and journalism professor at the Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Grenoble, conducted a one-week workshop in the Alliance Française of Manila to prepare the journalists for the Cannes coverage. Francesca Litton and Jillmer Dy will fly to Paris to join international reporters at the CFI Headquarters before traveling to Cannes on May 11. The Festival opens on May 12 with Ridley Scott’s “Robin Hood” and the International Jury will be presided by Tim Burton.

Through this first Filipino coverage of the festival, Cannes will be seen by more Filipinos, to witness the event where Philippine cinema has been raised to international recognition, since the selection of “Insiang” by Lino Brocka in 1978, or “Jaguar” in 1980.

As of today, however, there is no Filipino film yet in the selections.

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Karylle wins 2nd place in Earth Day Run

Singer-actress Karylle won 2nd place in a 3-km race (women division) in the recent three-leg marathon dubbed as “Earth Day Run” organized by the National Geographic and co-sponsored by the Climate Change Commission (CCC), with Secretary Heherson Alvarez as vice chairman. It was participated in by around 6,000 youth, professionals and celebrities.

Secretary Alvarez said the incredible participation in the competition was proof of the nation’s solid commitment in addressing the impact of the changing climate.

Karylle, who charmed the participants who patiently waited for their turn to have their photo taken with the popular daughter of the Divine Diva Ms. Zsa Zsa Padilla, won P1,000 as well as other gift bags from co-sponsors of the event, whose proceeds will go to the Design Against the Elements of Global Challenge. DAtE was launched last March by the CCC and MyShelter Foundation, led by model Illac Diaz.

Incidentally, Karylle along with Brazilian-Japanese model Akihiro Sato, TV and commercial model Boom Labrusca were the special guests during the opening recently of Blue Water Spa at the ground floor of One Orchard Road, Eastwood City. The three celebrity endorsers of Blue Water Day Spa joined Kevin Tan of Megaworld, fashion designer JC Buendia, Mike Turville, president of Spa Essentials, and Francis Simisim, vice president of Blue Water Day Spa.

Blue Water Day Spa at Eastwood City presents the most ideal location because people live in its newly build residential spaces and work in the area's corporate centers.

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Rock for Change

For those who are suffering from election campaign overload, here’s something to look forward to: “Rock for Change.” The concert, spearheaded by Roam Philippines with Crush Communications, will be staged on May 1, Labor Day, at the SM Mall of Asia Penthouse. Featured performers are Rico Blanco, Sandwich, Urbandub, The Dawn, Imago, Markus Highway, Paraluman, Line Divide and others.

“Rock the Change” is a concert for the young and young-at-heart who believe that the coming election is not so much about who we vote for, but rather, how committed we are in ensuring that everyone gets involved.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on April 29 go to former Tarlac Gov. Tingting Cojuangco, Isagani Cruz, Charito Ampil, Erick Abella San Juan, Evelyn Salvador, Angeles Rubio Santocildes, Geralyn J. Baluyut, Ma. Delicia Bacani, Tata Acosta, and Joel Armas. Happy wedding anniversary to Ira and Jackie Maniquis, and Tip and Mita Torres. Jericho Rosales, endorser of Walker Underwear, one of the country’s pioneers in quality underwear is having its “Buy 3 Take 1” promo from April 1 to 30. Simply go to your nearest SM Dept. Store, Hypermarket, Landmark, Robinsons Dept. Store and get this hot summer promo from Walker Underwear.