Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo

"Emir,” the biggest original Filipino movie musical ever produced, is President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s tribute to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The landmark film, directed by Chito S. Roño, will have its premier on June 7, 7 p.m. at SM Megamall Cinema 9.

A production of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in association with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), it is supported by the President’s Social Fund (PSF).

FDCP Chairman Rolando S. Atienza said at the media launch of the film at the CCP Lobby said, “‘Emir’ a film that no ordinary producer would do – one that will extend the frontiers of Philippine cinema.” He added, “this landmark Chito S. Roño movie, one that raises the bar for Philippine filmmaking, would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.”

Aside from spearheading this tribute to OFWs, President Arroyo is donating the proceeds of the movie to a new film fund of the FDCP that should fuel the production of more quality films. Chairman Atienza said that, hopefully, this move will encourage the production of better films and assure sustainable growth for the film industry for years to come.

A visionary tribute to OFWs “The idea for the film was entirely President Arroyo’s,” said Chairman Atienza. And when the project was broached to award-winning director Chito S. Roño, he decided to make it into a musical film, set on a scale, never before seen in Philippine History.

“Emir” was done for several reasons, Chairman Atienza added: “It is a salute to our overseas workers, especially the yayas. The OFWs are of course the lynchpins of our economic growth. ‘Emir’ aims to show the joys, the triumphs, the hardships of yayas, who in their own ways and through their words introduce the Philippines, its customs and values, to the world. It is also an unconventional film, an original musical made for the screen, the first ever in Philippine cinema…after you see this film, we hope that you will agree with us that it is an amazingly excellent Filipino film.”

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Twin art exhibit at Rave Gallery

Twin art exhibit opened recently at the Rave Art Gallery along Sct. Magbanua near Roces Ave. On exhibit now at the impressive Rave Art Gallery are the latest works of former actor Reb Belleza and Popo San Pascual. The guests of honor during the opening of the exhibit were Alessandra de Rossi and Polo Ravales.

Before this, a sketching session of noted character actress by some of the country’s most talented artists was done at Rave Art Gallery. The artists were Al Perez, Jun Martinez, Fernando Sena, Armida Francisco, Mike Austria and Remy Boquiren. Said Popo San Pascual: “I am very much honored to be invited by Manny Valera of Rave Art Gallery to have an exhibit with my friend Reb Belleza.”

Popo who is based in Tagaytay City, studied Fine Arts at UP Diliman. In l988, he received the CCP’s 13 Artists Award, given to young promising talents in the country.

Popo has exhibited in numerous museums and galleries like the Manila-Ayala Museum and the Metropolitan Museum among others. He has also exhibited in other Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

On the other hand, Reb Belleza’s paintings on exhibit now at the Rave Art Gallery are called the David and Goliath series. A true artist, Reb has been making waves here and abroad.

Those interested to see Popo and Reb’s paintings may email their inquiries to raveartgallery@yahoo.com.

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SM Little Stars shine in China

Three winners of last year’s SM Little Stars kiddie talent search brought their star quality to China as part of the Cultural Exchange Program between the SM Supermalls in the Philippines and in China. The visit also kicked off the 2010 SM Little Star Search in Manila last June 1.

Grand winner Queenie Charmay Sulit, 1st Runner Up Mikhaela Sophia Harder, and 4th Runner Up Gabrielle Louis Ramos visited Xiamen, China to grace the Grand Finals of the SM Little Stars China competition last May 29 at SM City Xiamen. They performed their winning song and dance numbers, showcasing Filipino talent in China.

They also took part in a fun-packed itinerary that included a tour of Gu Liang Island, a popular tourist destination where people can escape the bustle of city life just a ferry ride away. Famous for its car free streets, beaches, the Piano Museum, and its rich architectural heritage, Gu Liang Island is one of Xiamen’s most scenic tourist attractions. The Little Stars also visited the Bird Garden, Sunlight Mountain, Zheng Chenggong Memorial Hall, and the Su Zhang Garden in the island.

This cultural exchange program between SM malls in the Philippines and China aims to create a greater understanding between SM Little Stars winners from the two countries. SM has 27 supermalls around the Philippines, and three malls in China – SM City Xiamen, SM City Chengdu, and SM City Jinjiang, that have re-defined shopping, leisure, and entertainment standards in these areas.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on June 4 go to Maribel Dario, Asst. Secretary for Media Relations, Office of the Press Secretary; Sonia Pajaro, Vic Savellano, aille Arnault-Teotico, Francy Varilla, Angie Liao, Paquito Ignacio, Darlene V. Patanao, Nicholas Magnale, Lorna C. Quinones, Joshua Aquino, Harmony Cossette Tabora-Cabusao of New Jersey, USA, Angelo “Jigger” Armas, and Gretchen Fullido of ABS-CBN. Congratulations to Ang Kasangga Partylist led by its 1st nominee, Ted Haresco Jr., for officially winning a sectoral seat in Congress in the 2010 elections. Endorser was rapper-comedian Andrew E.