Two film producers groups recently wrote a letter President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to congratulate her and wish her well in her fresh mandate to rule the country. Part of their letter dated July 22, 2004 also said “We look forward with optimism that the next six years under your very able leadership will bear significant changes that will ultimately redound to the betterment of the lives of each and every Filipino...”
The producers’ groups are the Philippine Motion Picture Production Association (PMPPA) and the Movie Producers Distributors Association of the Philippines (MPDAP). Signing under PMPPA were Atty. Espiridion Laxa as chairman; Manny Nuqui as president, Orlando Ilacad as VP for internal affairs; and Ma. Lourdes Santos, VP for external affairs. MPDAP has the following signatories: Leonardo Monteverde, chairman; Wilson Tieng, president; William Lao, VP for internal affairs; and John Suarez, VP for External Affairs.
The letter also said “We would also like to extend out profound gratitude for your continued personal support for the local film industry which has helped bring about renewed vigor and passion among its members to create better quality films.”
The producers also took special note of the appointments of competent officials in the Arroyo administration but “most notably, we would like to single out the present chair of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Ms. Ma. Consoliza P. Laguardia, who has instituted meaningful reforms within the said agency since her appointment last March 2003.
“In behalf of all the member producers and film distributors of the country, we would like to commend Ms. Laguardia for her distinguished leadership of the MTRCB and to acknowledge with gratitude her sincere desire to help restore the viability of the local film industry. She has instilled discipline and a sense of responsibility among filmmakers without necessarily curtailing their artistic freedom fo expression.”
In conclusion, the producers appealed to President Arroyo for the reappointment of Ms. Laguardia as chair of MTRCB. “At this crucial time when the local film industry is beseiged by numerous problems that threaten its very survival, the reappointment of Ms. Laguardia as chair of the MTRCB will be of utmost help,” the producers said.
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Raymond Stevens with Jimmy Bondoc on AMTV
AMTV (Asian Music TV) host’s name Raymond Stevens spells like any success story. His show has indeed transformed the taste of music aficionados the world over transcending borders, races, and nationalities in that it succeeded in capturing a strong following based on its highly successful rating at IBC 13 on the conclusion of its 1st Season where the program is telecast every Sunday, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Among other hot local artists, his guests in the 1st Season included international celebrities like Thailand’s superstar Tata Young and Taiwan’s rave the F4.
So no, hot on the heels of Raymond Steven’s highly–rated 1st Season, the professional singer and La Salle graduate AMTV host is well on the way to carry on the way to carry on the success to his 2nd Season which promises to be just as musically exciting, if not more, than his 1st. His guest list for the 2nd Season will be opened by Jimmy who just had his successful concert at Boysie’s Entertainment Bar.
AMTV has other top artists in line led by Gary Valenciano with DJs from 89.9 Magic DWFM, 90.7 Mellow Touch, 103.5 K–Lite, 88.3 Jam, and 99.5 RT with Claudine Najern from 88.3 as co-host. Some new segments and prizes are added like spaces for newbies and upcoming artists, tie-up with concerts and events, and give aways like free loads from Globe and Smart subscribers.
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Viva Records releases Rachelle Ann’s debut CD
Viva Records released recently the debut CD of Rachelle Ann Go,whose performance in the recent “Night of the Champions” concert at the Araneta Coliseum was truly impressive. Those who went to see the show didn’t expect the “Search for a Star” grand champion’s voice to be so powerful.
achelle shared centerstage with Sarah Geronimo and Erik Santos, who like Rachelle are products of talent searches on TV.
“Ipinagdasal ko po yun, na sana maibibigay ko my best sa concert namin sa nagawa ko naman. I’m very thankful sa Viva Concert na nagtiwala sa akin, at sa opportunity. Hindi ko po ini-expect na makakasama agad ako sa ganoon kalaking concert,” Rachelle said.
The fast rising singer’s career is on the right path. After finishing grand prize winner in “Search for a Star,” she became highly visible in various shows on ABS-CBN2.
She’s also waxed a single with popular rap group Salbakuta, a remake of “Gloria,” which became a big hit in no time. Shortly after the single’s release came “Night of the Champions.” Up next is the launching of her debut solo album under Viva Records.
“Hindi ko nga po alam kung paano pasasalamatan ang manager kong si Veronique del Rosario-Corpus sa mga opportunity na dumarating sa akin,” Rachelle said.
Her unique style and outstanding vocal prowess, meanwhile, didn’t go unnoticed during her solo spot in “Night of the Champions.”
“Idol ko talaga si Rachelle. Ibang klase ang boses niya,” 15-year-old fan, Rosabel, who saw her idol’s search concert with her mother, remarked. “Sana nga magkaroon na siya ng sariling concert niya. Ang galing-galing kasi ni Rachelle, eh,” Rosabel’s cousin, Ingrid.
Majority of those who watched the concert predict Rachelle could go a long way in show business.
ctually, music critics say Rachelle can very well manage staging a solo concert.
“Pero feeling ko po hindi pa ako ready. Kung magsu-solo man ako, sa maliit na venue lang muna.
arang kinakabahan pa po ako,” she said.
Her management outfit, Viva Artists Center, has bigger plans in store for Rachelle. Veronique and her staff are preparing their ward for an enduring stay in the entertainment scene.
Aside from singing, Rachelle might just try acting as well.
“Pag may magandang offer po, why not? Masarap din naman sigurong umarte,” the upcoming talent said.
Rachelle’s CD compilation boasts of carefully chosen cuts by noted songwriters and composers.
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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, July 31, go to former QC Mayor Brigido Simon, Jr., Usec Romulo M. del Rosario, Mario Dumaual of ABS-CBN, businesswoman Aying de Leon, Tummi Candelaria, Nenita Nathan of London, Las Vegas-based Letty A. del Rosario, Jemelene Go Que, Marietta G. Holmsgren, Candy Dizon-Morales, Jennifer H. Añonuevo, Florencio C. David of San Nicolas, Angeles City; Janet Pasco-Esta, Esperanza Dela Cruz of Marilao Bulacan, Luzviminda M. Matias and Sham Mirchandani, president of Marisco Sardines & Sharmila Inc....A new chinovela and three anime treats rev up Saturdays mornings on ABS-CBN starting today, July 31. The chinovela craze continues with “Love in the City” airing at 11:30 am to 12 noon right before “MTB.” The anime treats, on the other hand, air at 7:30 a.m. (“Rave”), 8 a.m. (“Inu Yasha”) and 8:30 a.m. (“Power Rangers: Wild Force”)...Chivas Regal ties up with Hard Rock Café every Saturday as it presents “Chivas Life Night.” Ladies are given free entrance and complimentary Chivas Regal drinks. Games will be hosted by disc jockeys of top radio stations such as Mellow Touch 94.7 and Magic 89.9.
