MANILA, Philippines -- If you have a story which you believe could be made into a compelling film, send it to the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) which recently launched its first National Film Competition.

FDCP, headed by Chairman Briccio Santos, is poised to award the best screenplays, documentary proposals, and animation storyboards with substantial seed money to translate the stories into quality films for local and even foreign exhibition.

The FDCP’s mandate is to promote the growth and development of the Philippine movie industry by creating new opportunities for aspiring filmmakers.

The nationwide scriptwriting and film competition seeks to highlight Pinoy outstanding film culture, while unifying the many diverse visions, views and voices of Filipino filmmakers across the country. The announcement of winners and awarding of prizes will be held either in Davao City or Cebu City in May 2012.

The competition is open to Filipinos who have not written or co-written, directed or co-directed more than three films, documentaries or animated features. Three competition categories are Feature Film, Full-Length Documentary, and Animated Short Film.

The deadline for submission of screenplay entries is midnight of Nov. 15, 2011. The finalists will be announced on Dec. 20, 2011. Filming starts in January 2012 and final submission of films is on April 30, 2012.

Detailed rules and guidelines as well as entry forms can be downloaded from www.fdcp.ph or natcom@fdcp.ph, and are also available at FDCP office: 26/F, Export Bank Plaza, Chino Roces corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City.

Legarda leads Visayas IP Assembly

After the assembly of Luzon Indigenous Peoples (IPs) held in Baguio City on Sept. 9-10 and the assembly of Mindanao IPs held in Davao del Norte last week (Sept. 16-17), Sen. Loren Legarda, the chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities and Committee on Climate Change now leads the assembly of the Visayas IPs at the Provincial Capitol of Iloilo on Sept. 23-24.

This IP Assembly of the Visayas, the third and last of a series before the culminating event – the National Indigenous Cultural Summit – will seek the perspectives of various IP leaders in the Visayas.

Among the Mindanao IP groups participating in the Iloilo City assembly are the Bukidnon, Akeanon-Bukidnon, Iraynon-Bukidnon, Panay-Bukidnon, Bukidnon-Karulano, Bukidnon-Magahat, Ata, Ati, Escaya and the Badjao.

During the Luzon IP assembly in Baguio, Sen. Legarda committed to strengthen the protection of the IP’s ancestral domain by assessing the implementation of existing laws that protect the environment.

Stars party with Tupperware 

The recent Tupperware Brands Link Up Party was as expected star-studded. During the event, the global direct selling company launched its newest brands and products, along with its latest endorsers.

“We are proud to introduce our new celebrity endorsers and latest range of innovative products. These developments are in accordance with our thrust to enlighten, educate and empower Filipinos to be confident and start positive changes in their lives,” said Perry Mogar, president of Tupperware Brands Philippines.

The star-studded event, hosted by TV host Bianca Valerio, was an extravaganza of entertainment, featuring a fashion show, cooking demo, musical performances, interactive games, raffles and prizes.

Adding excitement to affair were Aljur Abrenica and Toni Gonzaga who launched their signature scents.

Top character actress and mom Dimples Romana joined the party as the newest endorser for both Baby Care Plus+ and the latest Kids Plus+ line, which offers gentle care and protection for kids’ sensitive skin.

Actor, chef and restaurateur Marvin Agustin did a short cooking demo using Tupperware’s latest and innovative food solutions.

Finally, representing Colour Collection’s versatility is Bea Alonzo, who shared with the audience her beauty secrets.

The most important highlight of the night was the celebration of Tupperware Brands’ Chain of Confidence, a program that aims to recognize women’s abilities.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Saturday, Sept. 24, go to our beloved Chairman Dr. Emilio T. Yap, Sen. Edgardo Angara, Kokoy Romualdez, Gerry Katigbak, Emma Yuhico, Julia Clarete, Larry Silva, Susan Priscilla Reyes, Lydia Astudillo, Ronald Arguelles of Studio 23, Zia Quizon, Dr. Gem Reyes, Nena Rodriguez, Lorna Viernes, Malie Gatchalian, Merceditas Cruz, Baby Alfonso, Mi Enriquez, Jose Dizon, Jr., Noniette Diga, Noel Valenzuela, Bulgin Manapat, Ysabel Tapia Bernal of Makati City, Ivy Lo of PS Bank, Pearlie Arcache-Morale, Avon Dadang of Cagayan de Oro City, Karen Grace Incavo, and MB’s Edmon Caling… Happy wedding anniversary to Bong and Cecilia Aquino; and Tots and Babic Faustino…