Photo shows from left Francheska Farr as Amelia with best pal Kalila Aguilos as Teresa, Vin Dancel, Chito Roño, Dulce, and Ebe Dancel.

"Emir,” a collaboration between the Film Development Council of the Philippines and Cultural Center of the Philippines with financial support from the Office of the President, proved to be a successful new genre of a film, and kudos to the director Chito S. Roño and the talented cast led by newcomer Frencheska Farr.

To say “Emir” is a beautiful film is an understatement. At the movie’s premiere held at the SM Megamall Cinema 10, which was attended by no less than the President, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, everyone went home inspired, awed and happy, and not one negative word was heard from the audience that filled the theater to the rafters.

Chito was overjoyed and beaming of course at the congratulatory remarks he got. “At least, iba namang genre ito,” he said. “And I’m happy that the people liked it. I’m so proud of my cast, as you see they’re so good, they really delivered what’s expected of them and more.” Chito thanked them all, especially FDCP Chairman Rolando S. Atienza, and former CCP Pres. Nestor Jardin, for their faith in him. Aside from the cast and creative team, Chito also thanked Ms. Digna H. Santiago, the producer, for her patience, “although kamuntik na siya nahimatay sa pressure and tension,” he laughed.

Chito was all praise for Frencheska, saying “magaling siya. Perfect sa kanya ang role kahit baguhan siya. Pinay na Pinay ang dating niya, may boses at marunong umarte.” “Emir” is said to be Chito’s most ambitious project to date. And for someone who has had several critically and commercially successful films under his belt (“Private Show,” “Sukob,” “The Great American Dream,” among others) such praise, especially for a newbie, is indeed something to treasure.

Frencheska, 17, winner of GMA-7’s “Are You the Next Star?,” is one of the most promising talents inside the GMA Artist Center (GMAAC) stable. She said she felt so proud that the role was given to her. “Nakakalaki ng puso, talagang proud na proud at happy ako sa opportunity na ibinigay sa akin.”

In “Emir,” Frencheska plays Amelia, the yaya of the oldest son of a Sheik (Ahmed). Amelia saw Ahmed grew up, rearing him and endearing herself to her, and introducing to him the culture, values and language of the Philippines.

FDCP Chairman Atienza also has equally good words for Frenscheska’s performance in “Emir.” He said “she is a very intelligent girl. She will be a big star.” “Emir” executive producer Nestor Jardin said Frencheska “was a joy to work with. She is very professional and cooperative, and she finds pleasure in her work. She possesses a natural acting talent that makes her quite believable as Amelia. She also has a pure and powerful singing voice.”

Even the legendary singer Dulce, who is the head of the household staff of the Sheik and his family, lauded the young singer-actress. Dulce said “napakabait na bata, very patient at walang ere. She’s a sensitive artist, teachable and willing to learn more, and a serious one at that. With what I’ve witnessed in her as we worked together in ‘Emir,’ I can say that she truly is our next big star.

We found the opening scenes of “Emir” so picturesque and effective in establishing the culture, tradition and means of livelihood of Filipinos, especially the Ilocanos in the mountains. But most especially, we commend the performance of the whole cast.

Aside from Frencheska and Dulce, also in the cast of “Emir” are Sid Lucero, Jhong Hilario, Kaila Aguilos, Beverly Salviego, Julia Clarete, Liesl Batucan, Melanie Dujunco, Gigi Escalante, Bayang Barrios, Bodjie Pascua, Emil Sandoval, Ned Hourani, Valerie Bariou, Ali Rasheki, Joshua Elias Price Hourani and Mahdi Yadzian Varjani who plays Ahmed.

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Former matinee idol in casino concert series

Lloyd Samartino is doing a Gabby Concepcion via doing a concert series.

Known for being one of the true matinee idols of the ’80s, Lloyd joins the concert scene via PAGCOR’s casino music series. When asked how he thinks people will react to this news, he responded, “ If people are surprised, I am even shocked to be offered to do a series of shows for them.”

But this actor certainly can carry a tune quite well. We of course are not surprised since his mother is after all is none other than Carmen Soriano. “I thought about it (singing) and said to myself, ‘Why not?’ Let’s show people my other talents and singing is one of them.”

Asked if this might be due to the interest in actors singing lately like Gabby Conception who also happens to be another ’80s matinee idol. “I don’t really know if he started this trend or someone else but the bottom line is if you can’t really sing, then offers will dry up. I’d really like to have a chance to show people that I am my mother’s son. I’m just so grateful that maybe this is my chance and the wonderful entertainment agents at PAGCOR are giving me this opportunity. I’ll be doing a little bit of everything: Some Bublé, some ’80s and some Basil Valdez classics.”

His shows will be at the PAGCOR Olongapo in Magsaysay Ave. on Friday, June 11 and at the Casablanca Casino at the Stotsenberg Hotel in Clark on June 12.

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Limelight Bar opens in Antipolo

An upscale live band and club music bar will have its grand opening night this Friday, June 11. Located along Sumulong Highway in Antipolo where the famous overlooking view of Metro Manila can be seen, the bar is aptly called “Limelight.”

Special guests are Journey’s lead singer Arnel Pineda, Ammo Band and a lot of musical artists who will jam the night away. Top acoustic and band acts are lined-up such as Nyoy Volante, Paolo Santos, Juris, Ammo Band, Fat Session, Rina Forbes, Jeff’s Crib and Side A.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on June 11 go to Rodrigo delos Reyes, US-based singer Norma Javier, Norman Mitchell, Manny Doria, Tin Tin Zhienhus, Juancho Pakumbo, Atty. Reynold Q. Yaneza, Michael Jarin, Moira Luga, Laarni Jordan, Ricardo “Bong” Espiritu, and Pinky Webb of “Umagang Kay Ganda.”