MANILA, Philippines — “I am looking forward to do a movie again!” Direk Guisepe Bede “GB” Sampedro told members of the entertainment media whom he met recently after arriving from Bangkok for a short vacation. The press conference was held at Sir Boy’s Food Republique along Panay St. near corner Roces Ave. in Quezon City.

GB longs to direct another movie project since his first indie movie, “Astig,” won a Special Mention Award at the Pusan International Film Festival in South Korea. He also won as Best Director in the 2009 Cinemalaya Film Festival for the same movie produced by Boy So, owner of Sir Boy’s Food Republique and La Carmela de Boracay.

He is currently directing TV5’s “Paparazzi” and “Gelicious.”

He also directed the first major concert of Sarah Geronimo, for which he was awarded Best Concert Stage Director. His other directorial credits include concerts of Toni Gonzaga, Rachelle Ann Go, Mark Bautista, Vice Ganda and Kyla.

EPFC celebrates Elvis’ 77th birthday

The Elvis Presley Friendship Club Phils. Int’l (EPFC) will commemorate the 77th birth anniversary of rock n’ roll legend Elvis Presley on Sunday, Jan. 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Quattro Music Bar and Rest. at 96 Timog Ave., Quezon City.

This was announced recently by Chito Bertol, founding chairman of the club, which is the only Filipino association accredited by Graceland USA, and a member of the Elvis Presley Alliance of Asia (EPAA) that includes Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand.

During the occasion, Tommy Ooi, chairman of the EPAA, will be the special guest together with Justin Lim, the Elvis Presley of Hong Kong. Tommy will raffle off many prizes for local Elvis Presley fans who’ll attend the event. Free entrance and EPFC t-shirts will also be given away to EPFC card-bearing members. Free lunch will be served courtesy of Ludy Guarin, a club member.

Elvis Presley Tribute Artists and the Pinoy Elvis Presley Band will be featured during the celebration.

Chito Bertol hosts “Elvis Presley Sunday Specials,” a two-hour radio program playing the rarest Elvis songs on DZSR 918 khtz. AM every Sunday from 8-10 a.m.

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Two tango experts in town

The Philippine tango community, through the Manila Tango Club, warmly welcomed (French) Rene Bui and (Argentinean) Florencia Garcia for a series of workshops, private lessons and a performance. Both are based in Paris.

A milonga (an Argentine tango party) cum performance was scheduled last Jan. 4 at Lolo Dads, in Makati, and the workshops are scheduled on Jan. 7 and 8, while the private lessons/coaching may be booked until Jan. 10.

Rene and Florencia organize one of the more famous milongas in Paris called “Tango Colectivo” where all the best dancers in the city and foreigners alike dance.

Tomorrow, Jan. 6, a special 1-1/2 hour DJ course will be taught by Rene and Florencia.

For those interested, check Manila Tango Club’s Facebook page.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 5, go to Sen. Joker Arroyo, Atty. Estelito Mendoza, Bella Dimayuga, Dante Cruz, Nonoy Manalo, Mila S. Bravo, Farish Benito, Elvie S. Matias, Louie Baluran, Bryan Valdecanas, Luis Angelo Chavez, Eduardo E. Cuello of Tagum City, and singer Kyla (Melanie Calumpad Alvarez in real life)... Happy wedding anniversary to Jun and Yolly Mendoza and Salvador and Cielo Rivera...