Veteran Filipina Theatre/Movie/TV actress multi-awardee Ching Valdes-Aran receives the 2011 prestigious Red Socks Award from (from left) John Fitzgibbons, Jorge Ortoll and Tisa Chang

MANILA, Philippines — The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) announced recently the 23 finalists in the three categories of the 1st Sineng Pambansa National Film Competition: Full-length Feature (13), Documentary (7), and Animation (3).

Except for Animation, the winners were chosen according to geographical area (Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao).

“I am happy to note that some of these finalists come as far north as Kalinga and Benguet, and as far south as Davao, Marawi and Jolo, which means that the region-based filmmakers are now contributing their outstanding talent and creativity to the making of a true Sineng Pambansa or National Cinema,” said FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos.

The finalists shall be awarded seed money to finish their films, which will then compete in the Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival to be held in Davao City in June 2012.

Finalists for the full-length feature category are: (Luzon): “Ang Mga Kidnapper ni Ronnie Lazaro” by Sigfried Barros-Sanchez, from Metro Manila; “Pauwi Na,” Jose Paulo Villaluna, from Manila and Bicol; “Qwerty,” Eduardo Lejano Jr., from Manila; “Anac Ti Pating,” Martin Masadao, from Kalinga; “Kanana Kanu,” Jocelyn Banasan-Kapuno, from Benguet.

Visayas: “Ang Mga Aswang,” John Raymund Macahilas, from Iloilo; “Beadworks,” Ronny N. Poblacion, from Iloilo; “Gugma Sang Panahon Sang Bakunawa,” Peter Solis Nery, from Iloilo.

Mindanao: “Tambara,” Orvil C. Bantayan, from Davao; “Duwaya (Polygamy),” Najib Alyhar Benito-Zacaria, from Marawi; “Malan,” Agustin Pagusara Jr., from Davao; “In Banka Halit Sin Duwa Sapah,” Fyred Alsad Alfad III, from Jolo, Sulu; “Qiyamah,” Gutierrez Mangansakan II from Maguindanao.

For documentary:

Luzon: “Jingle Lang ang Pahinga,” Dominador Escasa Jr., from Tagaytay; “Illustrated,” Levi “Pepper” Marcelo, from Manila; “Martial Law Stories,” Jose Lorenzo Diokno, from Manila.

Visayas: “Walay Tumo’y ng Punterya (No End in Sight),” Cierlito Espejo Tabay, from Cebu; “Ginabuhi It Bulig (Binubuhay ng Pagtulong),” Lester G. Babiera, from Aklan.

Mindanao: “Tagurih: The Kites of Sulu,” Dempster P. Samarista, from Sulu; “Married to Danger,” Sheron Dayoc, from Zamboanga.

Animation: “Katalina,” Jose Ramon S. del Prado, from Taguig; “Kalon,” Blecyrezza E. Piluden, from Baguio; and “Ceiling,” Danilo Montano of Holy Cow Animation Inc. from Manila.

Three entries have been initially selected for the Ikalawang Yugto or second phase of the Sineng Pambansa: “Sheikh Makduhm” by Abraham I. Dalagan from Tawi-Tawi (feature film); “Ang Pagbabalik ng Bituin” by Sheryl Manalastas from Manila (documentary); and “Si Matsing at si Pagong” by Analyne Pineda (animation).

Fil-Am gets Red Socks award

Congratulations to Ms. Ching Valdes-Aran for being the awardee of the 6th Lilah Kan Annual “Red Socks” Award. In addition to a $1,000 cash prize, she also received an elegant plaque designed by noted artist Carol Sun. The awards ceremony was held recently at the Pan Asian Repertory Theater in New York City.

The annual Lilah Kan “Red Socks” Award has been presented for the past five years to deserving theater artists nominated alternately by Pan Asian Repertory Theatre, Ma-Yi Theater Company and NAATCO. Former recipients include: Asian Rosanne Ma, Lloyd Suh, and Fil-Am awardees Nicky Paraiso, Ernest Abuba, and Orville Mendoza.

The “Red Socks” Award reflects the personal journey of Lilah Kan – who amidst pursuing her own career in theater – always found time to open her home to scores of artists (David Henry Hwang, John Lone, Maxine Hong Kingston, Mako, Frank Chin, to name a few) who were making their way in the NY theater world. Lilah’s trademark gift of presenting a pair of “Red Sock” to an artist on opening night is well-known and remembered by many.

Ching Valdes-Aran was born in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, and moved to New York in the mid-’60s. Her acting credits include Medea, Philoktetes, Athena, Klytemenestra, Jocasta, Agave, Titania, Lady Macbeth, Empress of China, Bernarda Alba, Mother Courage, Olan, Imelda Marcos, among many others. She has also appeared in many mainstream movies and numerous indie films, including “Sex and the City 1” and “Across the Universe.” She has guest starred in the TV shows “Ugly Betty,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Rescue Me,” “Equalizer and “Law and Order CI.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 18, go to popular designer Renee Salud, Jon Santos, Doris Nuyda, US-based former actress Anna Gonzales, Fred Pizarro Jr., Mrs. Milagros Santos, Cornelia Lee (a.k.a. Angge), Mark Anthony Fernandez, Mrs. Joy Virata, Lulu Coching Rodriguez, Bernadette dela Cruz, Jo Ramos, Lynne Calinawan, Jenny Zagala, Eleanor Esteban, Rene Mayo, Lulu Gonzales, Melvin Bello, Janet Domingo, Rachel Tubig, Arvin William Dauz, Marco Ballesteros, Earl Dante Carandang, Dr. Concordia Medalla, Faye Rivera-Mauricio, Atty. Antonio Rebosa, Ava Johnson, Wilma Tipusan Magnano, and my granddaughter Agatha Beatrice A. Belen… Happy wedding anniversary to Yugel and Kaye Losorata…