MANILA, Philippines — Phillip Salvador described Cesar Montano as a passionate artist particularly because of his dedication to the action movie “Hitman,” which opens on Feb. 22.

“Hitman” is a film Cesar produced, wrote, directed, and starred in. Co-produced with Viva Films, “Hitman” is also a movie he consciously helmed to stray away from the formulaic Pinoy action flicks we were used to watching in the past years.

Cesar has been hands-on with the “Hitman” project since inception. It was a movie he believed that could help bring back the popularity of the action genre in Philippine Cinema.

Inspired by the Hollywood movie “Collateral” which starred Tom Cruise, Cesar said of the film, “Hard action na hard action pero yung story hindi pa napapanuod sa Philippine cinema. Ang mga Filipino audience hindi na basta-basta nanunuod ng puro action. Importante yung story.”

Cesar in the past has also produced, directed and acted in the movies “Panaghoy sa Suba” and “Ligalig.”

Says Cesar: “Working with my ‘Hitman’ cast especially Kuya Ipe was quite an experience. Kuya Ipe made life easier for me sa set.’’

Aside from Phillip Salvador, with him in “Hitman” are Sam Pinto as his leading lady, Ricky Davao, Mark Herras, his son Diego Loyzaga Montano, Joko Diaz, Rommel Montano, Jeffrey Tam, Sunshine Garcia, Onchie dela Cruz and Alexis Navarro.

It won’t just be action films that Cesar has his eyes set on producing in the near future. Co-writing a script with Hollywood writer Donald Martin, he is scheduled to shoot his next movie early March or late February. Entitled “Getting to America,” it’s a dramedy that tackles the life of a Filipino wanting to get a US visa in the ’90s.

Rockin’ the Roots at Music Museum

Dodo Dayao, co-editor and one of the writers of Philippine New Wave: Not a Film Movement, claim Pinoy Rock is very much alive as a rare gathering of the movers on Pinoy Rock gather for a concert, Jan. 26.

The concert dubbed “Rockin’ The Roots At Music Museum” features Joey “Pepe” Smith, Rene Garcia of Hotdog, Jett Pangan of The Dawn, Lolita Carbon of Asin, Resty Fabunan of Maria Cafra, Gary Perez of Sampaguita and Eggpie De Castro, the bass man of the Pinoy Rock Icons.

Tickets are available at Music Museum Ticketron and Ticketworld.

Mowelfund presents 2012 opening salvo

After 37 years of providing continuous health and welfare benefits to some 4,500 members, Mowelfund has enhanced its cost-cutting and fundraising programs in order to sustain said benefits. For this year of the Water Dragon, Mowelfund's opening salvo is a Celebrity Poker Tournament, according to Ms. Boots Anson-Roa, executive director of the foundation.

The fundraising event with guaranteed prize money of P2 million is being held in cooperation with the Midas Touch Poker Sports Club, represented by its president, Atty. Emmanuel Aladin D. Tumanda. The proceeds will go to the Mowelfund beneficiaries and the Mowelfund Film Institute (MFI) Educational Program.

The fundraiser is being held at The Midas Touch Poker Sports Club, located at No. 7 Capt. Henry Javier St., Barangay Oranbo, Pasig City, from Jan. 24-29.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 26, go to international recording artist Imelda Papin, National Artist Napoleon Abueva, actor Johnny Revilla, singer-actress Timmy Cruz, Carol Sy, Dr. Pons Doloroso, Mini Koa, Vilma Umengan, Milagros dela Cruz, Teresita Goquingco, Gloria D. Rivera, Lulu “Mommy” Cambay, Reina A. Garcia, Margaret Go, Joset Endozo, Raya Mananquil, Peep-Peep Villa, Leandro Manuel “LM” Contreras Talampas, emergency nurse at the US-Airbase, Doha, Quatar; ex-housemate Kian Kazemi, Mary Grace Maluya-Frones of Tagum City, Gorgy Rula of StarTalk and talent manager Alfie Lorenzo… Happy wedding anniversary to Paul and Ising Naidas… In Chinese astrology, the Dragon is the symbol of power and good fortune. The Year of the Dragon brings opportunities for this year, and one such opportunity is that WALKER is giving away a special promotion for all its loyal patrons. From Jan. 1 to 31, you can go to leading department stores and supermarkets such as SM, Robinsons, Landmark, Isetann and avail of these dragon promos from 10 percent on all items up to 50 percent on selected markdown items. Take advantage of these wonderful promotions for the Year of the Dragon and Walker is wishing everyone, Kung Hei Fat Choi…