MANILA, Philippines -- In conjunction with the concluded week-long Kadayawan Festival, GMA News and Public Affairs presented “Serbisyong Totoo Docu-Fest.” Showcased in the docu-fest were some of the organization’s eye-opening documentaries like “Isyu Karon Southern Mindanao” and “Reporter’s Notebook.”

GMA Channel 5 Davao’s “Isyu Karon Southern Mindanao” which premiered in October 2010, is a weekly magazine program hosted by GMA Senior Correspondent and award-winning indie film director John Paul Seniel, whose credits include the film “Latus,” the recent Best Short Film for at the New York Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIFVF).

“Latus” (meaning beating) is a 2009 Cinemalaya winner that bested 60 entries in the NYIFVF. The story is about two best friends who both experienced corporal punishment in their homes.

“Reporter’s Notebook” on the other hand, delivers in-depth stories of national significance.

Hosted by Maki Pulido and Jiggy Manicad, “Reporter’s Notebook” is one of the most internationally awarded programs on Philippine television today. Two of its awards are Gold World Medal at the 2008 New York Festivals and Best Current Affairs Program at the 2007 Asian Television Awards.

Shown during the docu-fest was “Backdoor,” which won the Silver Screen Award at the 2005 US International Film and Video Festival.

“Reporter’s Notebook” airs every Tuesday night after “Saksi.”

Martin’s ‘Tribute’ staged once more

“Concert King” Martin Nievera returns to the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila on Sept. 2 for repeat of his show “Tribute.” The show is a production of Viva Concerts and Showtime Productions.

In the show, Martin has apt songs for people and places he loves like “Wildflower,” which he dedicates to his ex-wife Pops Fernandez and “I’ll Be There” for his three sons. For the sometimes cruel press, he sings “Love Me For What I Am” while for Las Vegas, he dedicates “Sway.”

“Tribute” has Marvin Querido as musical director and Robin Nievera as guest.

“Tribute” is sponsored by ABS-CBN, Mang Inasal, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, Business World, 105.1 Crossover, 94.7 Mellow, 96.3 Easy Rock, PBO and Civa Cinema.

Tickets to “Tribute” are available at Ticketworld and Viva Concerts.

Beauty queen off to compete

Former beauty queen Morena Carla Cabrera-Quimpo, currently Mrs. Philippines 2011, left recently for Rancho Mirage, California to represent the country in the Mrs. Globe International competition to be held on Aug. 27. She will be wearing gowns by Ronald Enrico.

Among Carla’s titles are 1991 Ms. Teen Philippines 1st Runner-Up, 1994 Miss Photogenic in the Bb. Pilipinas Pageant, and Queen of the Year in the Mutya ng Pilipinas 1995.

Carla is a daughter of distinguished painter Salvador Cabrera and a niece of National Artist Ben Cabrera.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Tuesday, Aug. 23, go to Mrs. Marietta Goco, Toni Galang, Jules Ozamis, Racquel de Jesus-Torres, Louie Boy Alberto of New York, Merci Bermundo, Judith Pajaro, Ludy Yu, Ingrid Colangelo, Joanne Dizon, Sophia Mari Ayson, Lorenzo Samuel I. de Boda, Nellie C. Delgado, Jenny Zamora, Stephanie Gamboa, Boy Gabriel, Necy Marco, Manuel B. Marinay, AJ Singson and Nikki Gil…