MANILA, Philippines — Senator Loren Legarda encouraged Filipino movie producers to create more films that are sensitive to the needs of Mother Earth.

Legarda made the call as she presented the first Loren Legarda Environment Award for Film during the 59th Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences, Inc. (FAMAS) Awards Night.

“I would like to convey my appreciation to the FAMAS for being an instrument to promote worthwhile advocacies such as the conservation, protection and rehabilitation of the environment,” she said.

“Through the Loren Legarda Environment Award for Film, we hope to encourage movie producers to create films that will send a powerful message about the urgent need to save Mother Earth,” she added.

“Project Noel,” an environmental advocacy film produced by Marcus Phoenix Media Productions and directed by Jon Steffan Ballesteros, was honored during the event.

The movie is about a boy, Noel, whose journey to finish a school project about the threats to our natural wealth unraveled the worsening condition of the environment and exposed the exigent need to address the problem.

“I laud filmmakers who have exerted time and effort to create advocacy films, such as ‘Project Noel,’ because despite the fact that such movies do not get much of the limelight, they pushed through it to be able to contribute in raising public awareness on vital issues that we must focus on,” the Senator stressed.

“The movie industry is far from merely being a source of entertainment as it can actually touch peoples’ lives. A good movie leaves a strong impact on its viewers and as such is undoubtedly an effective channel to convey a critical message. A single film can become the impetus to influence citizens to act for a noble cause,” Legarda concluded.

Joey Reyes peaks in ‘Househusband’ 

Joey Reyes believes he has come out with his best via the franchise “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” which is OctoArts Films’ entry to the forthcoming 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival.

He said this for a number of reasons. For one, the movie offers a slice of true life. “Ngayong Pasko ay makikita ninyo ang sarili ninyo o isa man lang sa mga kakilala niyo sa pelikulang ito,” he said. “Each of the MMFF entries has its own slant and for us, we offer nothing fantastic, just reality – and that’s our edge.”

Another reason is the stars – real-life couple Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo. With them on board, Joey said, “It’s easy to follow a cardinal rule in making this film and that is ‘walang kapekean.’ They must be themselves because this film is about showing what’s happening now.”

Joey said the pressure is heavier on Ryan because he plays the title role. During filming however, Ryan exceeded expectations, “because he’s not playing a father or a husband this time – he is a father and husband!”

PAGCOR 5 continue concert tour

The winners of the first “OPM@PAGCOR” music competition dubbed as PAGCOR 5, continues to perform in various branches of PAGCOR casinos to entertain clients or players during the entire Christmas season.

PAGCOR 5 is composed of Joyce, Hadasa, Charles, Renz and Steve. Their latest performance was at the Airport Casino in Parañaque with special guest Ariel Rivera. Other performances were held at the Casino Filipino Tagaytay, Dec. 4; Casino Filipino Heritage, Dec. 8; Casino Filipino Cebu, Dec. 10; and Casino Filipino Bacolod, Dec. 11.

Forthcoming shows will be at Casino Filipino Angeles, Dec. 15; Casino Filipino Davao, Dec. 17, and Casino Filipino Pavilion, Dec. 18.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 15, go to former Sen. Nikki Coseteng, Mrs. Corazon M. Samaniego, Rosie Mata Castro, Cara Cristobal, Edming Coloso, Caroline Ortega, Minda Azarcon, Manny Y. Martinez, Josephine Manuel, Rosa Rosario, Teddy de Leon, Jay-O Bonachita, Everlyn J. Trinidad, Velma Valeriano, Letecia Belen, John Stevens of London, Nena Santiago, Madie Gallaga, Thelma A. Velasco of California, Jet Valle, Corazon Munsayac, Rustum M. Tabor, Lota Reyes, Dianne P. Landingin, Valeriana A. Silvania, Arriane Q. Urbano, and Joseph Paul Pacis Javier (a.k.a. DJ Mojo)... Happy wedding anniversary to Bobby and Ida Joseph; and Froilan and Cita Antonio...