MANILA, Philippines — The feedback I’ve been getting for “I Do Bidoo Bidoo,” the much-anticipated collaboration between Unitel Pictures and Studio 5 which opens tomorrow, Aug. 29, in theaters nationwide, was very positive.

And this is why I made time to watch the movie last Friday (Aug. 3) at Gateway Cinema 3.

It was a special screening for the Shining Light Foundation to raise funds for the victims of “habagat.” It was a very successful charity event, because as Gary Valenciano announced before the screening, they already received donations amounting to more than P600,000 in cash and in kind. His wife Angeli said they are giving it all to the intended flood victims.

“I Do Bidoo Bidoo” is a very beautiful movie and for this I’d like to congratulate Tony Gloria for envisioning a movie such as this with the immortal songs of the Apo Hiking Society as musical backdrop. Of course the director and scriptwriter, Chris Martinez (“100” and “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank”), also deserves more than a hearty pat on his back for coming out with a movie whose every scene is a treasure to cherish. This is Chris’ first time to direct a full-length movie project.

I’ve never enjoyed a Filipino movie as much as I enjoyed “I Do Bidoo Bidoo” which is being dubbed “the grand movie-oke of the year.”

The movie is very Filipino in soul and essence. And the performance of the stars – Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ogie Alcasid, Eugene Domingo, Sam Concepcion, Tippy Dos Santos, Sweet Plantado, Frenchie Dy, Neil Coleta, Jaime Fabregas, Kiray Celis and Gerard Pesigan – is impeccably admirable and superb.

But as requested, I won’t say anything more so as not to spoil the fun for those who are going to watch the movie starting tomorrow.

Actually, the movie is a tribute to the Apo Hiking Society whose songs “have embodied the struggles and triumphs of the Filipino in various stages of his life. Their songs also reflect the country’s collective aspirations and pining for a brighter future.”

Tony Gloria, in expressing great pride for “I Do Bidoo Bidoo” said “this movie is by the Filipino and for the Filipino.”

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‘Del Monte Kitchenomics’ With Jolina, Luigi

Beginning tomorrow, Aug. 29, the two-decade-old “Del Monte Kitchenomics” is making a comeback on television, this time on GMA-7. It will be hosted by Jolina Magdangal-Escueta and Chef Luigi Muhlach, who is now minus 70-lbs. his old 300-plus weight.

If he sheds off another 70 lbs., maybe he could start pursuing a showbiz career, like his famous parents, Aga Muhlach and Janice de Belen. Chef Luigi agreed with a big smile.

But why did he become fat? “Ewan ko ba, payat naman ako when I was young,” Luigi said.

Interestingly, when Luigi became a chef after taking up culinary arts (he now has his own restaurant along Aguirre St. in BF Homes Parañaque), he started losing weight.

“Del Monte Kitchenomics” is a five-minute cooking show that will be aired every Wednesday at 11:25 a.m. and Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

“The highlight of the show and its main strength is of course its recipes, which comes from Del Monte Kitchenomics, has been proven to be the Filipinos’ trusted culinary partner throughout the years,” said Ian Roxas, program manager of “Del Monte Kitchenomics.”

On her part, Susi Aquino, senior brand manager of “Del Monte Kitchenomics,” said: “‘Del Monte Kitchenomics’ has been providing wonderful mean solutions for almost three decades now. I’m proud to say that through the years, the program has evolved along with our Filipino moms.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 28, go to Cesar Evangelista, Ofie Parungao Jacomina, Mary Grace Santos, Miles Legaspi Yulo, Dr. Cora Jose, Rita Dy of Singapore Airlines, Arnel Anasco, Aurora “Baby” Dee, Mona Gonzalez, Patricia Keller Culala, Remedios Almeniana, columnist Domini T. Suarez, Gus Albor, Luna Inocian, Ms. Catherine Ong of Metrobank, Frederick Miguel M. Lopez, Karleen Mikaela M. Cabanes, and PPL talent Max Collins… “Pistahang Cebuana,” a thanksgiving concert, will be held today at Smart-Araneta Coliseum to celebrate Cebuana Lhullier’s 25th anniversary. Performers are Sarah Geronimo, Gerald Anderson, Mark Bautista, Erik Santos, Rachelle Ann Go, Anja Aguilar and the G-Force Dancers...