MANILA, Philippines -- The drama, “Third World Happy” should have been entitled “Third World Sad” because it evolves from the tragic experience of a balikbayan who, after staying in the US to pursue the American Dream, comes home to the Philippines to attend a funeral.

The lead role of Wesley is played by Sam Milby, while Jodi Sta. Maria plays Aylyn, Wesley’s former girlfriend.

Sam’s notable performance in “Third World Happy” won for him the “Best Actor” nomination in the 34th Urian Awards of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino. For the movie, Jodi earlier won a Best Supporting Actress in the Cinema One Originals 2010 Awards.

The story tells the desire of Wesley to pursue a career in painting in the United States, but has to come back to the Philippines because of a tragedy – the death of his former girlfriend.

Director EJ Salcedo said he needed an actor who could speak with an American accent as Wesley stayed in the US for years.

“We shot [the film] eight days straight,” Direk EJ stressed. “I feel so honored working with well-known actors!”

The director, who also wrote the script, said that the movie is based on his experiences in the United States, until he came home to witness the funeral of a former girlfriend.

Salcedo writes, produces, and directs short films, TV commercials, music videos.

“This is a semi-autobiographical story. I combined homecoming and the stories of artists not being able to pursue their dreams to build the story of Third World Happy,” Salcedo said.

Asked what role Sam would prefer in forthcoming movie projects, “I would like to do something like being a vampire or something weird. It would challenge me,” he said.

Sam claimed he is “loveless” at the moment.

ZCME marks its 40th anniversary

Congratulations to the officers and members of Zonta Club of Makati & Environs (ZCME) on the recent celebration of their 40 years of community service. They marked the grand event at the ballroom of Dusit Thani Manila where Zontians from different chapters, foreign dignitaries and special guests attended.

At the event highlighted by the turnover of P208,000 worth of donation (from the Spouses of the Heads of Missions), 17 past presidents of ZCME were honored for their service: Isabel Caro Wilson, Erlinda T. Villanueva, Dr. Fe Canlas-Dizon, Olivia Ferry, Erlinda E. Panlilio, Olivia Villanueva, Editha Arambulo, Bellaflor Angara Castillo, Dr. Vermen Verallo-Rowell, Carina Castaneda-Lebron, Georgita “Beng” Puyat, Armita Rufino, Monica Aveo, Carmencita Esteban, Maritess Pineda, Angelina “Chona” Lopez, and Olga Severino Martel.

Those conferred Ruby Anniversary Presidential Awards were Victoria Wineke, Dr. Iva C. Anastacio, Armita B. Rufino, Amb. Leonida L. Vera, Erlinda E. Panlilio, AngelinaM. Lopez, Georgitta”Beng” Puyat, Erlinda T. Villanueva and Olivia A. Ferry.

Also recognized were the members who made the celebration memorable: ZCME Pres. Carol Llanillo and the committee members: Monica Aveo, Mita Rufino, Linda Panlilio, Ada Mabilangan, Jenny Leviste, Maritess Pineda, Cristina Belton, Shirley Bangayan, Alice Tesoro, Iva Anastacio, Lucy Florendo and Olga Martel.

Analin Bantug, who performed Mimi in the original UK production of “Miss Saigon” serenaded the attendees with a couple of Broadway songs. There was also a fashion show with the Zontians modeling Filipiniana creations of famed designer Patis Tesoro who received a special Bencab plate in appreciation of her support to the occasion. The event was hosted by JC Baron and Zontian Joanne Zapanta-Andrada.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 2, go to former Sen. Loi Pimentel-Ejercito, US-based Sylvia La Torre, Ms. Lorna V. Quisumbing, cousins Jeanne Anne M. Parlan (of New York, USA) and Freddie Y. Martinez, newshen Ching Utzurrum of Cebu, Jenny Hernandez, Mar Tolentino of San Francisco, CA; Evangeline Rabanzo-Teodoro, Jennifer Soliman and Wendy Valdez… Belated b-day greetings to Joey Verzo (April 27)… Happy wedding anniversary to Rene and Consul Fortune Ledesma, and Jude and Rowena Ejercito… We feel so bad for what happened to our friend, movie producer Violeta Sevilla. Her house at Don Jose Subd. in Quezon City was razed to the ground more than a week ago. Nothing was saved…