DENNIS TRILLO and Heart Evangelista

MANILA, Philippines – Award-winning actress Heart Evangelista starts the year on a bright, cheery note, via “Dwarfina,” GMA-7’s first telefantasya offering this 2011. Heart plays a small, big role in the series which premieres Monday, Jan. 10, after “Jillian: Namamasko Po” on GMA Telebabad.

Via “Dwarfina,” the world is seen from the perspective of a little heroine whose deficiency in height she makes up in character, courage and immeasurable kindness. “Dwarfina” follows the magical adventures of a girl barely the size of a finger who finds her place in both the moral and supernatural realms.

Playing opposite Heart is multi-awarded actor Dennis Trillo, whose character Lyndon is Dwarfina’s beloved friend. After their successful team-up in an episode for “Dear Friend” and in the movie “Mano Po,” Heart and Dennis are all set to re-ignite their tandem and deliver fresh and remarkable performances on Philippine TV primetime.

Dennis once said that Heart was his big crush, but he said during the recent press conference for “Dwarfina,” “Yes, but hindi na ngayon,” it’s because both of them are already romantically attached to their own respective loved ones: Daniel Matsunaga for Heart and Jennylyn Mercado for Dennis.

Dennis came to the press conference looking and feeling refreshed and happy after spending a holiday in Hong Kong together with Jennylyn and their respective children. “Masaya ang holiday namin dun,” he said, but it was marred a little, he lamented, when his son got sick and they had to rush him to the hospital. “Mabuti na lang nawala din ang fever niya after two hours. Ang lamig-lamig kasi sa Hong Kong Disneyland.” He also said “magkasundo sina Carlix and Jazz,” and that they really had a great bonding time in Hong Kong.

Asked if we would be hearing wedding bells soon, Dennis said “hindi pa namin napapag-usapan yan ni Jennylyn. Malayo pa, we’re focused on our careers at the moment.” This 2011, Dennis is set to do two movies under Regal Films, one of which is a horror flick entitled “Aswang.”

In the cast of “Dwarfina’s” earthly world are Janice de Belen as Marissa, Dwarfina’s mother who was cursed by a black “duwende;” Chanda Romero, as Selya, Dwarfina’s cruel grandmother; Cris Villanueva as Kardo, Dwarfina’s affectionate father; Mark Bautista as Estong, Lyndon’s friend who works at the pier; Iwa Moto as Lucille, Dwarfina’s jealous sister; Yogo Singh as Buddy, a batang kalye adopted by Lyndon; and up-and-coming Kapuso teen stars Derrick Monasterio as Darius, and Kylie Padilla as Chloe.

Others in the cast are Jackielou Blanco as Dita Abiana, Queen of the Duwendes; Jestoni Alarcon, as Ditu Calixto, King of the Duwendes; Angelika dela Cruz as Romera, the evil dwarf; Emilio Garcia as Hulyano, the rich and ambitious husband of Romero; Pauleen Luna as Gwendina, daughter of Romera and Hulyano; and Tony Mabesa as Nuno Umberto.

Completing the cast are Will Devaughn as Elvin, Dwarfina’s best friend in the supernatural world; Vaness del Moral as Camila, Dwarfina’s loyal servant; and Mico Aytona as Duwentukin, a dwarf tasked to look after Dwarfina. Also featured in a special participation is Ms. Lani Mercado as Andrea, Lyndon’s doting mother.

Directed by Mike Tuviera, “Dwarfina” can also be seen by viewers in the US, Middle East and Asia-Pacific beginning Jan. 12 on GMA Pinoy TV.

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FDCP launches Sineng Pambansa

MANILA, Philippines – The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is set to launch Sineng Pambansa on Jan. 19-21 at SM City Cinema in Iloilo City. Sineng Pambansa aims to help revitalize the still ailing Philippine film industry by showing Filipino films in different cities all over the country. The project also aims to awaken the interest of local audiences by making films accessible to the community.

The project is a partnership between FDCP and the City Government of Iloilo through the mayor’s office and the tourism office. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and unveiling of the Iloilo Film Festival logo was signed last Nov. 30, 2010 by FDCP officials and Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.

The Iloilo Film Festival, also made possible by SM Cinema, is being held in conjunction with the city’s famous Dinagyang Festival. The Dinagyang is a thanksgiving and celebration in honor of Sr. Santo Niño. Showcased are the dances, costumes and folk choreography of Ilonggo heritage and culture.

To be shown are 12 films by Filipino filmmakers. These are “Bakal Boys” (by Ralston Jover, 2009), “Yanggaw” (Richard Sommes, 2008), “Sigwa” (Joel Lamangan, 2010), “Rd Shoes” (Raul Joralan, 2010), “Emir” (Chito Roño, 2009), “Himpapawid” (Raymond Red, 2010), “Lola” (Brillante Mendoza, 2009), “Happyland” (Jim Libiran, 2010), “Halaw” (Sheron Dayoc, 2010) “Sampaguita” (Francis Xavier Passion, 2010), and “Kano” (Monster Jimenez, 2010).

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Monday, Jan. 10, go to actor-politician Jestoni Alarcon who is in the cast of “Dwarfina,” Jesse Ejercito, Jackie Lopez-Lim, Nora Quiaoit, Tena Cobarrubias, Melvin Soriano, Rene Alvis, Christine J. Buenaobra, UK-based Loth Babaan, Dra. Inez Saile, and Celine Lim, Star Circle Kid Quest finalist…