Noted actor Albert Martinez has turned film director and he makes his directorial debut via the period movie “Rosario,” Cinemabuhay International Inc.’s entry to the forthcoming 36th Metro Manila Film Festival. Talented and exotic-looking Jennylyn Mercado leads the cast as she plays the title role, a woman ahead of her time. With her are some of the finest actors in local cinema.

A very interesting film, “Rosario” is based on a true story and set in one of the most colorful periods in Philippine history. It is described to be a “monumental yet intimate portrait of a woman’s emancipation and the sometimes painful consequences of following one’s desires.” Already, people are predicting “Rosario” to win most of the awards in the December film festival.

With Jennylyn in the cast of “Rosario” are some of the finest actors in local cinema: Dennis Trillo, Yul Servo, Sid Lucero, Phillip Salvador, Eula Valdez, Isabel Oli, Ricky Davao and Dolphy in a special role as the son of Rosario and Alberto, the narrator of the story.

Also in the cast are Empress Schuck, Chanda Romero, Rita Avila, Liza Lorena, Ara Mina, Tonton Gutierrez, Robin Morales, Jaime Fabregas, Dino Imperial, Lloyd Samartino, Liezl Martinez, Jamie Rivera, Bing Loyzaga, Lito Pimentel, Bert Martinez and Ronaldo Valdez. They shared their talents and time to Direk Albert’s opus for almost “free” as they all agreed that indeed “Rosario” is a classic in the making.

Also making his “debut” via “Rosario” is Bong Sta. Maria who serves as executive producer. Bong belongs to the corporate world but he always found great fascination in the art and science of filmmaking. Although new to the business, Bong proved to be a quick study. Moreover, he applies his organizational skills to achieve a smoother, more efficient, and cost-effective film production. He shares Direk Albert’s dream and vision to improve the quality of Philippine filmmaking. He believes that by raising the bar, other filmmakers will be inspired to do the same. He is aware that “Rosario” is just the beginning of a long filmmaking journey.

Cinemabuhay was incorporated in 2007. Initially, it lent a hand to PLDT-SMART Foundation in its assistance program for new filmmakers.

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‘Love... No Boundaries’ set tonight at SMX

All’s set for “Love… No Boundaries,” a special fund-raising concert by the National Real Estate Association, Inc. (NREAI) in cooperation with “Up Close and Personal with Marissa del Mar.” The show is slated tonight at the SMX Convention Center at SM Mall of Asia.

NREAI Chairman Jose V. Manalad and Marissa, who is the national president, said it will feature performers like Regine Tolentino, Ernie Garcia, Arthur Manuntag, ballroom dancing champ Ednah Ledesma and the Skape Crew Dancers.

Proceeds will go to the projects of NREAI and Millicent Productions’ medical/dental missions and scholarship program.

Sponsors include San Miguel Corp., Pag-ibig Fund, Fucoidan, Home Guaranty Corp., Davies Paint, The Lakeshore, Poshome Global and Byrsa Virgin Oil.

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‘POONungPUNO’ at Zirkoh Morato

Two great performers with the same initials – Rico Puno and Richard Poon – will share centerstage tomorrow, Dec. 10, at Zirkoh Morato. Their back-to-back show is aptly billed as “POONungPUNO.”

Of course the show is expected to be a big hit, considering that the performers are dubbed Total Performer (Rico J.) and Big Band Crooner (Richard). Joining the two RPs are new singers like belter Billy, Kristel Herrera and John Quizon. Front acts will be done by Kriz Ramos, Texs, and saxophonist John Ray.

Produced by Neal Gonzales, Caloocan Rep. Mitch Cajayon and Jobert Sucaldito of Front Desk Entertainment Production, the show will benefit Mata ng Caloocan Foundation, Inc.

Major sponsors include MET Tathione, GRAIAM Construction Corp., Quardo Frames, and Sen. Bong Revilla. Presentors are People’s General Insurance Corp., Mang Inasal (West Ave. and Marketplace Kalentong branches), Mang Inasal Main, Figaro UN Ave., Hair Jobs Salon along Judge Jimenez St., Kamuning), Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito and Madam Vicky Cu of Viga, Ilocos Sur.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Dec. 9, go to Dr. James Dy, founder of Dyna Music, Mary Rosalind Revillame (a.k.a. Meryll Sorinao), Judith Banal, Octavio Victor “OV” Espiritu, Beverly Salviejo, Mrs. Lily Juico, Dandy Santos-Gomez, Jesus Que, Butch Francisco, Ernesto Pilapil, Millet Zamora, Lily delos Reyes, Hawaii-based Leticia Belen, Leonila Reyes, Nenette Buenaventura of Missionaries of Mary, Sonia Lim of Zuellig, Inc., and Ms. Eva Sharma of Le Charmant... Happy wedding anniversary to US-based couple Jessica and David Buenavacz...