MANILA, Philippines — Considering their achievements and passion for the arts, Boy Abunda and Dingdong Dantes are indeed deserving to be appointed as National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Art Ambassadors. As such they are expected to advocate and stir everyone’s interest in our culture and the arts scene with many fun-filled, exciting, and educational activities.

Boy, noted talent manager and TV host, was named ambassador of the 2011Philippine International Arts Festival (PIAF). Known for his advocacy in promoting Philippine arts and culture, Boy will definitely add color to next year’s month-long celebration.

Dubbed as local show business’ “King of Talk,” his ability to clearly communicate ideas makes him the perfect spokesperson to promote Philippine arts and culture to Filipinos around the world. Boy of course is host of “Showbiz News Ngayon (SNN)” and “The Buzz” aired on ABS-CBN, as well as “Bottomline” and “Inside the Cinema” on Cinema One.

“Art, for me, is a way of life; it is our story; it is that something that defines us, and we should cherish and celebrate it,” he shared during a press conference held at the NCCA building.

Recently he received his 15th trophy for “Best Host” from the PMPC Star Awards. He is the first individual to garner 15 awards for one category consecutively, elevating his status as a Hall of Famer.

He is currently a thesis away for his Masteral Degree at the Philippine Women’s University where he also teaches Mass Communications.

On the other hand, Dingdong Dantes, one of today’s most bankable actors, was handpicked as the youth ambassador of the NCCA. The charismatic actor was chosen for his invaluable support to the arts and culture sector, as well as his positive and wholesome image. He will be representing the youth sector for the celebration of the Philippine International Arts Festival 2011, one of the flagship projects of the NCCA.

PIAF 2011 Celebration
The Philippine International Arts Festival (PIAF) is set to wow the country yet again as it unveils “Ani ng Sining” on Feb. 2011 in celebration of the National Arts Month. Now on its 20th year, the country’s biggest arts festival will gather thousands of artists all over the country to further promote the Filipino culture in the seven arts.

Preparations are already under way for the country’s biggest art festival with four grand openings slated to take place in the National Capital Region on Jan. 30 to be held at the Concert at the Park, Mindanaoon; Feb. 6 at People’s Park Davao, Visayas, Feb. 13 at Bacolod Provincial Capitol and in Luzon on Feb. 20, at Burnham Park, Baguio. Elaborate performances and exhibitions will be staged for the said openings in celebration of the Filipino arts.

2 FAMAS awards for Carlo J. Caparas
Multi-awarded Carlo J. Caparas adds another feather to his colorful cap with the two awards he received from the FAMAS last Dec. 13. He won the Best Story and Best Screenplay (with RJ Nuevas) awards for “Ang Panday.”

Other awards by “Ang Panday” were Best Child Actor for Robert “Buboy” Villar; Best Theme Song, “Panday” by Ely Buendia; Best Special Effects for Noel Abella, and Best Visual Effects for Jay Santiago and Rico Gutierrez.

Carlo’s supportive wife, Donna Villa, is of course very proud of these new awards of her husband. “As always we’re all so proud of his achievements. He deserves it, not only for his talent, but for his dedication to his work. It’s rare that a talent from komiks could cross over successfully to movies and television…”

Carlo’s daughter Peach said “For us my father is a saint. From the time I was small up to now I always see him working non-stop. When I sleep, he’s writing. When I wake up, he’s directing…”

From his son CJ: “My dad is one of a kind person. He’s not only talented but he’s a person with a heart of gold. Kahit huling perang panggasolina niya binibigay pa sa mga nangangailangan.’’

This is Carlo’s fourth Best Story award from FAMAS after “Totoy Bato” (1979), “Somewhere” (1983), “Sandakot na Bala” (1989). Carlo also won Best Story for “Angela Markado” at the Nantes Grand Prix Festival in France in the late ’70s.

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 19, go to Mrs. Erlinda “Liding” Oledan, Abraham S. Divina Jr., Lyanne Gonzalez, Geronimo Tabios, Junie Siytangco, and Efren Reyes… Happy wedding anniversary to Juan and Annaliza Papera…