As in 2009, Optical Media Board (OMB) Chairman Ronnie Ricketts has assured that the entries of the ongoing Metro Manila Film Festival shall be free from piracy.

For the success of his anti-piracy campaign during the 2009 MMFF, Ricketts was lauded by the film industry, with Sen. Bong Revilla Jr. leading the recognition of the OMB’s accomplishment.

For the 2010 filmfest, Chairman Ricketts once more coordinated with our Muslim brothers to help him in this year’s anti-MMFF films piracy campaign. The persons concerned gladly cooperated because they believe in the Chair’s sincerity in the performance of his duties.

Under the helm of Chairman Ricketts, the OMB has indeed risen to fulfill its motto: “Sugpuin ang Pirata, Tulungan ang Ekonomiya!”

Aside from actively leading the raids being conducted by the OMB, the Chairman has become a model and inspiration to his staff because of his sincerity, dedication and hardworking attitude. He also sustains the basketball exhibition matches, and campus tours with movie stars in coordination with the barangay captains of different localities to help in the fight against film piracy. He also teaches the OMB staff and employees martial arts every Monday and leads the Running Club every Thursday.

For love of his work at OMB, Ronnie turned down three movie offers because he chooses to concentrate on doing his job, a dangerous one considering that he can’t help but step on the toes of some influential and rich “film pirates.” Foremost on his mind is to accomplish the mandate of his office which he believes will help revive the local movie industry.

The Film Academy for Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) has also recognized the dedication of Chairman Ronnie Ricketts by awarding him the FPJ Memorial Award. He has also been assigned a star in the Walk of Fame at Eastwood City.

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Joel Cruz opens 2011 with ‘1@11’

Set to open the New Year with a bang is the “Lord of Scents” and “Celebrity Duets 2” grand winner Joel Cruz. He is slated to present on Jan. 8 at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds “1@11,” a show which promises to be unforgettable since it will feature international singing sensation Charice and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano. The show will actually launch the two as the newest endorsers of Aficionado Germany Perfumes and Joel Cruz Signatures. Charice is endorser of the three variants of patented scents made especially for her: Charice Perfume for Women, Charice Unisex Perfume and a men’s cologne, while Gary has two variants called Gary Valenciano for Aficionado, both for men and women.

Also featured are other celebrity endorsers of Aficionado and Joel Cruz Signatures and an assembly of the country’s top male and female models who will walk the ramp showcasing Joel Cruz Signatures’ apparel collection.

Pop/rock band Kamikazee will provide the music. Overall director of the show is Ms. Roxanne Lapus, while Robby Carmona will direct the fashion show.

Special raffle prizes are also in store for lucky guests.

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Owie Boy Gapuz endorses Kids Castle

Child actor Owie Boy Gapuz is the endorser and model of the newest entertainment venue for kids, the Kids Castle. Kids Castle is a unique food and entertainment place for kids. It opened recently at the SM Southmall in Las Piñas.
While moms and dads do their shopping and strolling at the mall, their kids can play around at Kids Castle where they can also enjoy the delicious foods served at the restaurant. Owie Boy, by the way, is in the cast of two filmfest entries, “Tanging Ina (Last Na ‘To!)” and “Rosario.”

The owners of Kids Castle hope to have at least 10 branches in different malls this 2011. Since its opening last Dec. 19, Kids Castle as been a big hit in SM Southmall.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Jan. 4, go to former Justice Ricardo Puno, MB’s Executive Vice President-Advertising Dept. Paciencia M. Pineda, Barbara Perez, Marlene dela Pena, Ms. Offie Recto, Richard Teo, Ann Marielle Reyes, Ferdie Ramos, Celia Tiu, Christian Espiritu, Babette Aquino-Benoit, Ines D.C. Alegre, Lourdes Carino-Fabian, Jesselyn dela Cruz, James Ang, Gemma Garceniego, Rufo Angelo “Gio” M. Mauricio, Priscilla Reyes Pacheco, Chloe Nelsson, Carmen Mosica, Wendy Antoni, Louie Guarin, Cora Vizconde, Jose R. Zaldarriaga, Isaac Belmone, Col. Mateo Luga of PLDT, Rep. Mitos Habana Magsaysay and GMA-7 artist Katrina Halili...