MANILA, Philippines — Last week, before the well-attended premiere of GMA Films’ “Just One Summer” at SM Megamall, the movie’s director, Mac C. Alejandre, enumerated several reasons why Elmo Magalona and Julie Ann San Jose can make it big in their showbiz careers, be superstars even in the near future.

Direk Mac referred to Julie Anne as the “YouTube Queen” and Elmo, as the son of the late master rapper Francis M. and with their respective inherent talents, why couldn’t they be successful in their careers?

“They are today the hottest and most popular young loveteam. Pareho silang magaling kumanta. They really have the potential to become superstars. Naniniwala ako sa kakayahan nila, and I believe this is their time to shine,” Direk Mac said. In addition to Elmo and Julie Anne’s magical onscreen presence, their music also makes the movie different. “Alam naman nating ang musika ay malaking bagay sa pagiging successful ng isang pelikula. You’ll be surprised, gugulatin kayo ng pelikulang ito.”

“Just One Summer” is now on its second week and the production people who made the rounds of the theaters said the movie is a success box-office wise. By the way, the movie also stars Alice Dixson, Cherry Pie Picache, Joel Torre, Boboy Garovillo, and Ms. Gloria Romero. Completing the cast are Sheena Halili, Lexi Fernandez, Arkin Magalona, Sef Cadayona, Steven Silva, Diva Montelaba, Ana Feleo, Mon Confiado and Bentong Sumaya among others.

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Smart Supports 1st Cine-Phone FilmFest

Can mobile phones make films?

Yes, this can be done and high school and college students all over the country are given the opportunity to develop their filmmaking talent via the 1st Cine-Phone Film Festival, organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) as a category under the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), and supported by wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

The Cine-Phone festival is a competition among students who can make three-minute long movies that are completely shot using cellphones. These movies must adhere to the theme of “Restoring Road Courtesy Among Motorists and Pedestrians” and should depict values such as courtesy, discipline, and respect.

Open to all Filipino high school and college students nationwide, Cine-Phone participants simply need to submit a one-page synopsis of their story by Aug. 20, 2012. The download link for all required forms as well as the complete mechanics are posted on www.facebook.com/metromanilafilmfest.

These 60 finalists will be mentored by director Paul Soriano prior to the shooting of the videos, and compete for the top six winning slots. These six winners will each receive P25,000, Smart broadband kits, Smart cellphones, a host of other gadgets, and will be awarded during the 38th MMFF Awards Night on Dec. 27, 2012.

Smart mobile subscribers will also have a say in selecting the next “rockstar” of the independent movie scene, because part of the Cine-Phone competition is the People’s Choice Award to be determined via web and text message polling.

For more information on the 1st Cine-Phone Film Festival, please visit www.facebook.com/metromanilafilmfest. 

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 20, go to Chief Justice Emilio Gancayco, Consul Fortune Ledesma, Bro. Mike Velarde, Phillip Salvador, Manuel Collantes, Noel Trinidad, Tanya Montenegro, Christine Gatchalian, Cheloy Ignacio, Helen A. dela Virgen, Trinidad Gomez, Jaime Piconell, Pocholo Capule, Claire Miranda, Rudy Fontanilla, Vincent del Rosario, Atty. Jose Villanueva, Milagros A. Binalla, Bob Jess B. Castillo Jr. of UST High School, and entertainment columnist Alex Datu…