MANILA, Philippines -- The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is now open to short films by students as well as independent filmmakers. This latest development in the annual film festival held every Christmas season was announced recently by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino.

This is the first time that the 37-year film festival is having a category for student filmmakers. The indie films category started last year.

Tolentino noted that indie films by Filipino filmmakers have been reaping recognition abroad and with indie films now part of in the MMFF, “we can give them the opportunity to be appreciated here also.”

A panel of jurors will select five indie films and 10 short films by students from the entries and these will be shown in theaters from Dec. 18-21. The student short film must not exceed 12 minutes while the indie film must be a minimum of 60 minutes and must not exceed 115 minutes.

All entries must have been produced between January 2010 and Oct. 31, 2011, submitted in DVD format with Filipino and English subtitles. Deadline for submission of entries to the MMFF office is on Oct. 30.

EK partners with SM Tickets

Enchanted Kingdom, the front-runner in the attractions and amusement industry in the country, announced recently (at the Astoria Plaza in Pasig City) a strategic partnership with the country’s leader in retail and cinema industry – SM Tickets.

A ticketing system under SM Prime Holdings Inc., SM Tickets’ diverse profile will enable Enchanted Kingdom to strengthen their exposure and presence to a wider audience scope through SM’s tapped market. Chairman and President of Enchanted Kingdom, Mario O. Mamon, said, “We fully acknowledge the relevance and importance of this partnership. We hope that with this tie-up, we may expand our working relationship and at the same time, market the world-class products that Enchanted Kingdom and SM Tickets and SM Cinema has.”

Forthcoming events at Enchanted Kingdom include its 16th anniversary “fairy-tale” media launch billed as “The Magic Lives On” on Oct. 2 at the Boardwalk Party Place. Also to be launched that day are the EK Storybook CB and the Enchanting Hearts Foundation which aims to help the less fortunate.

For more information, log on to www.enchantedkingdom.ph. 

Get on the ‘Juicy Express’

“Juicy Express,” the showbiz talk show hosted by Cristy Fermin, DJ Mo Twister, IC Mendoza, Alex Gonzaga and Shalala, marks its 3rd anniversary via a week-long celebration from Sept. 26-30 on its new timeslot 11-11:30 a.m. on TV5.

Highlight of the celebration is the giving out of awards to celebrities in different categories. There will be one award for each day of the week: For Juciest Male Celebrity, Juiciest Female Celebrity, Juiciest Couple, Mata ng Bagyo Award (for the most controversial showbiz personality of the year) and the “Ka-Freshness Choice” (the winner will be chosen via online voting from viewers).

“Juicy Express” is directed by Paolo Aquino with Omas Sortijas as executive producer and Jana Manalaysay as program manager.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Monday, Sept. 26, go to art patron Danny L. Dolor, Susan Castrence of DFA, Polie Aquino, Lizza G. Nakpil, Marieliese S. Evaristo, Cecille B. Salonga, Dolores Perez Quiambao, Ma. Pilar B. Aquino, Rudy Guevarra, Dr. Rainelda Jarin, Christine Villar-Pineda, Flordeliza Belen Benaquit, Toronto-based retired journalist Jojo T. Taduran, Dr. Socorro M. Bartolome, Angelica Tashiro, Marie Grace Chua, Brian Tenorio, Pilie Barrenechea, Armand Cruz and Pearl Villa-Real...