From left: Nestor Jardin, Laurice Guillen and Dr. Raul Sunico

MANILA, Philippines -- Cinemalaya announced recently the finalists to the three categories in this year’s Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition. Dr. Raul Sunico of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), one of the organizers of the annual filmfest, said it will be bigger and better this year since there will be 31 digital films in competition and more than a hundred films in exhibition.

New sections and a second festival venue (at Greenbelt 3 in Makati City in cooperation with Ayala Theaters Management) will certainly make 2011 Cinemalaya Film Festival an anticipated event.

The finalists in the New Breed Full Length Category are: “Amok,” by Lawrence Fajardo; “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” by Marlon Rivera and Chris Martinez, “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa,” by Alemberg Ang and Alvin Yapan; “Bahay Bata” by Eduardo W. Roy Jr. and Jerome Zamora; “Cuchera” by Joseph Istael M. Laban; “I-Livings: Your Loss, Our Luck” by Rommel Andreo Sales; “LigoNa U, Lapit na Me” by Noel Ferrer, Jerry Gracio and Erick Salud; “Niño” by Loy Arcenas; and “Teoriya” by Alistaire Christian E. Chan. They will each receive a P500,000 seed grant from the Cinemalaya Foundation as investment for the production of the movies.

The Short Feature Category finalists are: “Debut” by Pamela Llanes Reyes; “Every Other Time” by Gino M. Santos; “Hanapbuhay” by Henry Frejas; “Hazard” by Mikhail Red; “Immanuel” by Gabriel “Gio” Puyat; “Nino Bonito” by Rommel “Milo” Tolentino; “Oliver’s Apartment” by Misha Balangue; “Samarito” by Rafael L. Santos; “Un Diutay Mundo” by Ana Carlyn V. Lim, and “Walang Katapusang Kwarto” by Ermerson Reyes. The winner will receive a cash prize of P100,000 and the Balanghai trophy.

In the Directors Showcase, the finalists are “Bisperas” by Jeffrey Jeturian; “Busong” by Auraeus Solito; “Isda” by Adolfo Alix Jr., and “Patikul” by Joel C. Lamangan. They will each receive a P500,000 seed grant from the Cinemalaya Foundation. The Best Film among them will receive a prize of P300,000 and the Balanghai Trophy.

New sections will spice up this year’s Cinemalaya menu. Focus Asia will feature eight independent works by Asian directors from Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Singapore and Japan. The Ronwaldo Reyes Retrospective, presented in cooperation with the Society of Filipino Archivists for Film, will highlight the directorial works of National Artist Fernando Poe Jr., better known to Filipinos as an action star. The Cinemalaya Documentary section, presented in cooperation with Calata Corporation, offers a hefty and more substantial helping of films on various aspects of Philippine life and society.

Two theaters at Greenbelt 3 will be dedicated to Cinemalaya on July 16-24, 2011. The films to be shown at Greenbelt are those in competition for the New Breed Full Length Feature category, the Short Feature Category, the Directors Showcase, and NETPAC Philippine Premieres. The films of the new Focus Asia section of Cinemalaya will also be shown at Greenbelt.

The Festival will be held in seven venues. The opening ceremony is slated on July 15, 6 p.m. followed by the festival opening film at the CCP Main Theater. The Cinemalaya Awards Night will be held on July 24, 7 p.m. at the same venue.

Internet sensation Choi visits Manila

Internet sensation David Choi, whose songs have been viewed by over 80 million users on YouTube and whose fan following covers the world, is coming to Manila.

David’s music is a blend of folk and pop known for simple but catchy melodies and emotional themes.

The Korean-American singer, songwriter and producer will have his first Manila gigs at the Music Museum in Greenhills on June 24 and 25. Joining him will be Filipino acts Extrapolation and Krissy & Ericka. Tickets are priced at P1,500; P1,000; and P850 and are now available at the Music Museum and at Ticketworld outlets.

David was discovered when he won the grand prize in a mash-up contest judged by David Bowie. This was followed by his winning the USA Weekend Magazine John Lennon Songwriting Contest for Teens. David has since then recorded two well-received albums of his original works, “Only You” and “By My Side.”

David’s Manila visit is part of his second Asian Tour. This covers Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Australia.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 20, go to Restie Umali, Jose Rodriguez of Agencia Elfie, Fannie Aguinaldo-Jacinto, Arsi Baltazar, Beny Baluyot, former movie producer Alicia Poltan, Elpidio Valentino, Florenda M. Briones, Linda O. Marquez, Jennifer Celeste Esclamado Morelos, Catrina Santos, Simone Louise Hubert and Dindo Balares of Balita…