MANILA, Philippines – In his entire showbiz career, which has spanned six decades, this is the first time that the country’s Comedy King Dolphy is playing the role of a priest. And this is in “Father Jejemon,” his own outfit’s (RVQ Productions) entry to the forthcoming 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival.

In the movie, Dolphy plays the character Fr. Jeremiah Jerome Montes, in short Fr. Jejemon, who replaces Fr. Baby (Tony Mabesa) who is retiring because of failing health. Fr. Jejemon endears himself to the people of the fictitious town Parmbil through his offbeat ways. He plays tock music, he also organizes talent competitions a la-“Philippine Idol,” and spearheads other activities for the youth. He even dubs the women’s organization of the parish as the Lady Nga-Ngas, with obvious homage to international pop singing sensation Lady Gaga.

It won’t be easy for him however to win the hearts of the people as he will undergo a lot of trials and resentment even from Fr. Baby’s sister Violeta (played by Cherie Gil) who fears that she and her daughter Isabel (Maja Salvador) might be evicted from their abode; and especially with the villain Mr. P’s (played by Roy Alvarez) getting in the way to make things hard for the new parish priest. Because Mr. P fears that Fr. Jejemon might be nosy and would pose a threat to his interests. So on his way to Parmbil, instead of being accorded a warm welcome, Fr. Jejemon is ambushed and nearly killed by the men of Mr. P, who is a rich businessman considered as a man with a golden heart because of his generosity. But the truth is, Mr. P is a crime syndicate leader who wants to convert the church property into a golf course.

Also in the cast of “Father Jejemon” are Roadfill, and Moymoy Palaboy. The movie is directed by comebacking Frank Gray Jr. (he directed “Omeng Satanasa” for which Dolphy won Best Actor in l977) from a script written by Bibeth Orteza and Rhandy Reyes.

Incidentally, Dolphy marks another exciting and unforgettable milestone in his career with recent release of his first, full-length studio album under PolyEast Records entitled “Handog Ni Pidol: A Lifetime of Music and Laughter.”

It should be noted, however, that Dolphy released a novelty recording with fellow comedian, the late Panchito Alba sometime in the ’60s entitled “The Best of Panchito and Dolphy.” “Handog Ni Pidol: A Lifetime of Music and Laughter” is somewhat a comeback of sorts for Dolphy in recording.

The CD’s carrier track, a revival of Florante’s “Handog,” encapsulates Dolphy’s very essence and purpose as an artist. The said track is given a modern interpretation with the sincerity and rawness of Dolphy’s heart-wrenching vocals at its very core.

Other tracks featured in the CD are “The Way You Look Tonight,” “What A Wonderful World,” and “Tequila” (Sunrise) and “Tequila” (Sunset) which serves as intro and extro of the entire CD. The CD also features Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla with Dolphy in “You Make Me Feel So Young.” Zsa Zsa also recorded Bread’s classic love song “If” which she refers to as their (hers and Dolphy’s) theme song.

Dolphy goes whimsical and playful with Mar Lopez in the hilarious “May Sakit Ang Tao Sa Ilalim Ng Kubo” and with son Vandolph in “Sitsiritsit/Ang Pipit Medley.” Zia Quizon makes an impressive performance in her duet with father Dolphy entitled “You’re Just In Love (I Wonder Why).”

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Veterans Bank reaches out to Olongapo clients

Philippine Veterans Bank continues its commitment to serve its clients with the recent inauguration of its Olongapo branch located at Saver’s Digital Hub Bldg. along Rizal Ave. in West Tapinac. The PVB branch in Olongapo allows the bank to offer more convenience for its clients and stakeholders – the Filipino World War II veterans whose numbers remain significant in the province.

PVB Olongapo is one of the 10 branches opened simultaneously earlier this year under the “10 in 2010” branch expansion program. The bank has identified the city to be an attractive market and hopes to generate a significant amount of business.

PVB now has a total branch network of 60 nationwide and has enjoyed considerable growth and success in recent years.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Monday, Dec. 13, go to Senator Manny Villar, veteran PR man Charlie Agatep, Yamaha’s Robert Yupangco, award-winning actress Amy Austria, comedian Allan K., US-based entertainer Fe de los Reyes, Mario Katigbak, Robert Castañeda, Efren Ocampo, Luz Torres Capananga, Nicolo Emmanuel H. Pili, Mely Fernandez of London and Dr. Hermogenes D. Jarin... Happy wedding anniversary to Norcelito and Fely Flores... To promote “Super Inday,” the cast will be at Gov. Ferrer Memorial H.S. Main and Biclatan annex, Gen. Alona Elem. School and Dasmariñas High School Monday, Dec. 13....