Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza

The weekly TV drama, “Maynila,” will soon be seen on the big screen as “Maynila, the Movie.” It will feature, among the major cast, former Manila mayor Lito Atienza!

“Maynila” is aired every Saturday at 10:30 a. m. on GMA-7, the Kapuso Network. It is now on its 12th year. It began airing when Atienza was still a vice mayor of Manila.

In its recent episodes, “Maynila” featured the former mayor of Manila. He played his roles like a veteran actor that someone said Atienza must have already changed his public service career to acting.

“No, I will continue my public service career,” he said.

For those who do not know the earlier stages of the life of Lito Atienza, he was a stage actor and dancer. For several years, he was a member of the famous Bayanihan Dance Troupe which performed in several cities of the world. It was also in the Bayanihan where he met his wife.

His passion for the art is always visible in Lito’s daily public life. He wears flower-printed polo shirts unless the occasion demands a formal dinner attire.

Lito said he would like to see the production of a movie based on the life of Lapu-Lapu, the killer of Magellan. “That would be one great production,” he said.

He also lamented the current situation of the film industry – the victim of film piracy. Indeed, the government should do more to protect it, and even give it more incentives!

Manila is always in the core of his heart. He also lamented the forced disappearance of the “Baywalk” along Roxas Boulevard. “People used to go there to enjoy the famous Manila Sunset. There were facilities like benches, kiosks and music stands. These were all gone, and Baywalk is now almost empty.”

With the forthcoming production of the movie “Maynila,” the former mayor of Manila will perhaps express more of his lamentations about Manila.

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‘Soul In Motion’ at Music Museum

Hot on the heels of the successful “As 1” concert series with Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano opens the final quarter of the year in a series of special concerts at the Music Museum. Entitled “Gary V: Soul In Motion,” the concert series is slated on Sept. 16, 17, 22, 23, 29, and 30.

This is Gary V’s first series of solo, full-length concerts since “Live At 25” several years ago. Through his production outfit, GV Production and his management company, Manila Genesis Entertainment & Management, Inc., Gary will be working with writer, actor and director Freddie Santos for the concert series’ script and direction.

Gary and Freddie have collaborated together on the song “Could You Be Messiah” (lyrics by Freddie Santos, and music by Gary himself) as well as several other concerts that Gary has done in the past and “Soul In Motion” is a reunion of sorts for them.

The beneficiaries of the concert series are Compassion 2 One, an international advocacy group dedicated to creating heightened awareness for the plight of the victims of human trafficking both here and abroad; the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), of which Gary has been a long time Ambassador of Goodwill and the Shining Light Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to poor but deserving children as well as medical aid to indigent families.

Because the groups involved in the concert series all champion the rights of children and also help focus attention on the suffering of victims of human trafficking, “Soul In Motion” is Gary’s battle cry for everyone to stand up and fight for all children and all those who victims of hideous acts.

“Gary V: Soul In Motion” is a pop fun concert with an inspirational twist. And joining Gary is former musical wonder kid and now R&B performer extraordinaire Duncan Ramos together with some surprise guests.

“Gary V: Soul In Motion” is supported by ABS-CBN, Philippine Star, Lee, Glucontrol, Gold’s Gym, Astoria Plaza, McDonald’s, Videosonic, ASAP XV, Twist & Shout, Myx, Universal Records, Business World, Essensuals, Studio V., Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, WOW 103.5, RX 93.1, Crossover 105.1, U92 and Moose Gear.

Tickets are available at TicketWorld and Music Museum or visit www.musicmuseum.com.ph.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Sept. 12 go to Rep. Conrado Estrella III, George Yang, director Celso Ad Castillo, Ms. Remy Jose of Casino Filipino, Sophia Romero, Cora Vicente, Maya Santiano, Dulce Fernandez, Albert David, Tata Balane, Elvira Perez, Joey Abacan of GMA Films, and MB’s sports editor Ding Marcelo… Happy wedding anniversary to Jack and Bing Teotico, and Engr. Marcelino and Corazon Samaniego…