JEORGE ‘ER’ EJERCITO (center) with, from left, Christopher de Leon, Nora Aunor, Cristine Reyes and Cesar Montano

“El Presidente,” Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito’s entry to the forthcoming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), is the most star-studded, with more than 50 actors in its cast.

In addition to ER, “El President” stars Ms. Nora Aunor, Christopher de Leon, Cesar Montano, Cristine Reyes, Ronnie Lazaro, Bayani Agbayani, Gerald Ejercito, Allan Paule, Emilio Garcia, Wendell Ramos, John Arcilla, Mike Lloren, Ian De Leon, Felix Roco, Alireza Libre, Richard Manabat, Jerico Estregan, Gary Estrada, Allen Dizon, Will Devaugn, Crispin Pineda, Hero Bautista, Andro Morgan, Yul Servo, William Martinez, Ronnie Quizon, Epy Quizon, Alvin Anson, Lou Veloso, Sid Lucero, Sunshine Cruz, Joko Diaz, Romel Montano, Archie Adamos, Soliman Cruz, Roi Vinzon, Dennis Padilla, John Regala, Baron Geisler, Ian Veneracion, Tony Mabesa, Troy Montero, James Paolleli, Recto Cantimbulan, Joonee Gamboa, Mark Meily (who is also the director), Mav Lozano, Roldan Aquino, Lariel Castro, Darry Dela Cruz, Elaine Lozano, Maita Sanchez, Jhulia Ejercito, Jenny Javier, Gloria Sevilla, Maylyn Enriquez, Melissa Yotoko, and Alicia Meyer.

Black Eyed Peas member and proud Filipino Apl.de.Ap showcases his nationalistic side anew by sharing his talent to be part of history. He lends his voice for the theme song of the Emilio Aguinaldo biopic.

The recently named peace ambassador composed the theme song for the Emilio Aguinaldo movie of the same title “El Presidente,” which also featured Slapshock’s Jamir Garcia.

The rock band’s vocalist, who was present during the official press conference of the film held at Annabel’s in Morato, last Dec. 1, expressed gratitude for being able to work with the international rapper-composer.

“Sobrang isang malaking karangalan po ang makatrabaho ko si Apl at mapabilang ang kanta namin sa isang napakalaking proyekto gaya ng ‘El Presidente,’" Garcia said.

Gov. ER, who is Emilio Aguinaldo in “El Presidente,” revealed that proceeds of the film’s soundtrack album will go to the singer’s Apl.de.Ap Foundation (AdAF). The foundation has been helping improve the quality of life for children in the Philippines through education, technology and music.

The team behind the film also added that Apl (real name: Allan Pineda Lindo) actually wrote “El Presidente’s” lyrics while talking to Gov. ER and eventually finished the entire song in four hours.

“He (Apl) is helping a lot of people through his songs. Kaya naman ako din mismo, bilang ganti, nag-donate din sa foundation niya,” shared Ejercito.

“El Presidente,” produced by Scenema Concept International, Inc., in cooperation with Viva Communications Inc. and CMB Films, revisits Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s story and the first Philippine Republic. The film is directed by award-winning director Mark Meily.

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Brillante Mendoza Filmfest At SM

The films of internationally acclaimed director Brillante Mendoza were screened recently during a film festival in his honor at SM malls and cinemas.

The festival showcased four Mendoza films – “Manoro,” “Kaleldo,” “Foster Child” and “Lola.” The filmfest unreeled at SM City Clark, a homecoming of sort for the acclaimed director who is a proud Kapampangan with students from Angeles U Foundation, Jacson College, and Sta. Maria Elementary School as viewers.

The filmfest proceeded to SM City Dasmariñas, then SM City San Lazaro, SM City Sta. Rosa, SM City Batangas, SM City Marilao, SM Lanang Premier in Davao and SM City Taytay.

At SM City Naga, the enthusiastic audience came from Ateneo de Naga, Universidad de Sta. Isabel, University of Nueva Caceres, Naga College Foundation, Bicol Science of Applied Technology, St. Joseph School, Naga City Science High School, Camaligan High School and Inuyunan High School.

The Brillante Mendoza Filmfest is just one of the many exciting projects of SM malls and cinemas.

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Former Beauty Queen Models For Plus Size Brand

Who would have thought that a former beauty queen, Miss Universe 1984 3rd Runner-Up Desiree Verdadero-Abesamis will model for plus size brand?

“I know I’ve gained a little weight but I still feel sexy and trendy,” Desiree said of Substance, a fashion brand which caters to plus size women.

Twenty-eight years after being crowned as one of the most beautiful women in the world, Desiree keeps her fashion sense in tune with the ever-changing trends in clothing for women. “Substance (designed by Boyet Fajardo) has successfully combined design and comfort with curve-flattering techniques that does not really hide anything that you’re ashamed of. And what’s more important is that it’s very affordable compared to other brands for full-figured women,” Desiree shared.

The holiday collection of Substance introduces formal and party dresses. The color palette fits the skin tone of the Asian market and also presents some Victorian Era-inspired pieces.

Substance is available at selected SM Department Stores nationwide.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 6, go to veteran comedienne Elizabeth Ramsey, Ms. Mila Alura, stage actress Madeline Nicolas, Bobby Duran, newshen Ching Alano, Alice E. Salariosa, Estela de Silva, Jovy Gonzaga, Conie Pastores, Felix Naguit, Expedito Vergara Jr., Rocelyn M. Hormigas, Nelmy Mabutas of PNB, Teodoro M. Luansing, Dionne Monsanto, Madonna “Happy” Ongpauco and Francis Laborra…