MANILA, Philippines — Senator Bong Revilla and National Artist Carlo J. Caparas cherish past and present collaboration because they have yet to fail when working together.

In this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, Bong plays once more the indestructible blacksmith Flavio, first brought to life on the big screen by the late action king Fernando Poe, Jr., and created by Carlo J. Caparas.

“Carlo J. Caparas’ Ang Panday 2” is co-produced by the Revilla family’s film company Imus Productions and GMA Films.

Panday’s heroism was introduced to the public by Caparas in the mid-’70s in graphic komiks details. From there, the hero moved to the big screen in 1980 top-billing FPJ and followed by six more: “Ang Pagbabalik ng Panday” (1981), “Ang Panday…Ikatlong Yugto” (1982), “Ang Panday 4” (1984), “Dugo ng Panday (The Blacksmith’s Legacy)” (1993), “Hiwaga ng Panday” (1998) and “Ang Panday” (2009).

The franchise was also serialized by ABS-CBN with Jericho Rosales in the title role.

In the latest “Panday” movie, Bong romances Marian Rivera and Iza Calzado while Lucy Torres, Lorna Tolentino and Alice Dixson play special roles. Again, as in the 2009 “Panday,” Phillip Salvador plays the major villain Lizardo.

• • •

Protégé names winner on Sunday night

Sunday’s the night when the winner of GMA Network’s hit reality singing search “Protégé” will be known. It is a fight among the Top 3 finalists, all female: Krizza Neri, Lirah Bermudez and Lovely Embuscado. A pair of mentor-protégé will be proclaimed winner.

Following the elimination of Jensen Teñoso and Nomer Limatog, Jr., the the Top 3 finalists will compete to clinch the coveted prizes in the finale set at Centerstage of SM Mall of Asia. Prizes of the grand winner include P1-million cash and two-bedroom unit at Suntrust Adriatico Gardens worth P3 million.

From the time “Protégé” started, Krizza, Lirah and Lovely consistently emerged string contenders.

To vote for your favorite “Protégé” just text PROTEGE (space) NAME OF PROTEGE and send to 2344 for Globe, TM and Sun subscribers, and 367 for Smart and Talk N’Text users.

• • •

Stars at the Red Ball

Stars overflowed at the recent launch of Remy Martin’s VSOP Red Holiday Bottle. The House of Rémy Martin represents almost 300 years of French wine growing and cognac making tradition.

Seen at the Red Ball were Ruffa Gutierrez, Liz Uy, Raymond Gutierrez, Tim Yap, Phoemela Baranda, Rick Davao, Rajo Laurel, Jean Saburit, Richard and Lucy Gomez among others.

Joey Pineda, Remy- Cointreau Phil. Commercial Manager, said that prestige and quality are the hallmarks that make up the quintessential elements of the world of Remy Martin.

The VSOP Red Holiday Bottle was launched at Red Ball, an annual fund raiser for the benefit of the Philippine Red Cross and spearheaded by Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Kaye Tinga.

One of the highlights of the evening was the successful auction of a bottle of the ultra-exclusive Louis XIII de Remy Martin Grande Champagne Cognac.

• • •

Sun Life scores 3 Quills

Pursuing 116 years tradition of communication excellence, Sun Life Financial – Philippines (SLFP) wins big in the 10th Quill Awards by the International Association of Business Communicators. Sun Life’s recruitment campaign “Shine Big!” and internal fund raiser “Jeans for Japan” were awarded with two Excellence nods while the “Experience Sun Life” branding initiative took home a Merit award.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy birthday greetings on Sunday, Dec. 18, go to Gen. Narciso M. Cabrera, Frank Evaristo, Cesar Buenaventura, Atty. Circilo T. Tolosa, Jojo dela Cruz and Luna Viernes of PCSO, Anita Carpo, Sheila Dizon, Gene Pamittan, Ditzler Jaotegan, Vivian Cajucom, Esperanca Latonio and Roberto A. Tabor… Belated b-day greetings to Jay Gonzales (Dec. 16)... Happy wedding anniversary to MB’s layout artist Robert II and Gliceria Tabor…