MANILA, Philippines — Cinemalaya Foundation recently announced the finalists for the New Breed Full Length Feature Category and Directors Showcase for the Cinemalaya 2011 Competition.

In the New Breed Full Length Feature Category, the 10 finalists are: “Amok” by Lawrence Fajardo; “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” by Chris Martinez; “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” by Alemberg Ang and Alvin Yapan; “Baby Factory” by Edwardo W. Roy, Jr. and Jerome Zamora; “Cuchera” by Joseph Israel M. Laban and Janice O’Hara; “E-Libings: Your Loss, Our Luck” by Rommel Andreo Sales; “Ligo na U, Lapit na Me” by Noel Ferrer, Jerry Gracio and Erick Salud; “Nino” by Loy Arcenas; “Teoriya” by Alistaire Christian E. Chan; and “The Dog Show” by Ralson G. Jover.

The finalists will each receive P500,000 seed grant from the Cinemalaya Foundation as investment for the production of the movies. The Best Full Length Feature Film will receive a prize of P200,000 and the Balanghai Trophy.

On the other hand, the five finalists in the Directors Showcase are: “Bisperas (Eve)” by Jeffrey Jeturian; “Busong (Fate)” by Auraeus Solito; “Henerala” by Mario O’Hara; “Isda (Fable of the Fish)” by Adolfo Alix, Jr.; and “Patikul” by Joel C. Lamangan. They will each receive a P500,000 seed grant from the Cinemalaya Foundation and the Balanghai Trophy.

The competition is held in three categories. The New Breed Full Length Feature, Short Feature and the Directors Showcase. The New Breed Full Length Feature is open to Filipino filmmakers who have not yet directed more than three full length commercial feature films while the Directors Showcase is open to full length feature works by Filipino directors who have directed at least three full length commercial feature films.

Cinemalaya 2011 will be held on July 15-24 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It is a project of the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. (headed by TonyBoy Cojuangco) in partnership with the CCP (led by Dr. Raul Sunico), the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), and the Econolink Investments, Inc. (EII).
Incidentally, entries to the Short Feature Category are now being accepted. Interested participants must submit the requirements on or before 6 p.m. on Feb. 25, 2011 to the Media Arts Division of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The requirements are: The final work in DVD format, labeled with the title, production company address and contact numbers, production date, director’s name, and running time; a duly completed application form; synopsis in Filipino or English; a brief resume/bio data and two recent 2x2 photos of the filmmaker(s).
The entries must be submitted in a long brown envelop properly labeled with the proponent’s name, title and contact details. Ten best short features will be announced on March 31, 2011. These will be screened during the Cinemalaya filmfest on July 15-24. The winner of the Short Feature Category will receive a prize of P100,000 and the Balanghai Trophy.

For more details, visit the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph or the Cinemalaya website at www.cinemalaya.org.
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Bong, Angel join Suzuki Phils. family
Sen. Bong Revilla and Angel Locsin, two of the country’s brightest names in show business, have joined the Suzuki Philippines family. Senator Bong, one of the stars of the Metro Manila Film Festival topgrosser “Ang Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote,” was launched recently as the new Suzuki Safety Ambassador, while Angel was introduced as the new face of the Suzuki Skydrive 125, during an event billed as the Suzuki Grand Invasion in SM Mall of Asia.

Both the senator and the actress are recognized for their talent in acting, as well as for being service-oriented. Bong is now a dedicated public servant, while Angel is an advocate for GABRIELA. They were chosen by Suzuki Philippines because of these qualities, and most especially because they love motorcycles.

Senator Bong is an avid motorcycle enthusiast, and so it became proper that he was the author of the Helmet Law. He values safety above all else, and rallies for support to change the negative impression on motorcycle riding caused by numerous accidents. During the Suzuki Grand Invasion, he encouraged the riders present to follow safety measures and discipline while riding.

Angel has been to play kick-ass women on the big screen and on TV. It is no surprise then that Suzuki Philippines chose her to be their “astig lady” endorsing the Skydrive 125. Angel embodies the brand with her powerful persona and her fashion-forward style. She endorsed the Skydrive 125 after trying it out herself, making sure that it really is a great motorcycle.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 16, go to Bishop Teodoro Bacani, Sandy Andolong, Mildred Ortega-Templo, Bootsie C. Violago, Tony Leviste, Remy de Vera, Karen Villar, Roland Arredondo, Josephine Marie T. Tolosa, Mark Fantilagan, Priscilla Arias, France Kevin Buenaseda, Edgardo Villa of NBI, Dr. Eric Mauricio, Susie Almario, Inday Sempio, Grace Adriano, Ellah Martinez-Galigaro and husband Johnny, Priscilla Villa of DSWD, and Drew Arellano of “GMA-7’s “Unang Hirit”… Happy wedding anniversary to Annie and Benny Salonga, and Mr. and Mrs. Isagani G. Antonio Sr.…