Titled "Un Te Con Mussolini", the movie directed by Oscar winning director Franco Zeffirelli kicked off the Italian Film Festival 2005 at the CCP Little Theater, a joint project of the Italian Embassy, the Philippine Italian Association (PIA) and Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Interesting to know is that the young boy in the movie, supposed to be the illegitimate son of a fabric merchant is believed to be the alter ego of Zeffirelli himself. Or perhaps his true story? ... before the movie is said to be based on a real incident.
Guests of honor at the filmfest opening were Italian Ambassador Umberto Colesanti and PIA president Nedy Tantoco.
The guests were first treated to a cocktail reception with a buffet of Italian delights like pasta, gelato (ice cream) and Italian espresso coffee.
The festival is ongoing from March till December and will exhibit 10 more films representing a spectrum of Italian film directors and film stars. The screenings are open to the public, free of charge, at the CCP Dream Theater on designated Tuesdays (meaning, not every Tuesday) with a matinee at 4 p.m. and evening show at 7 p.m. with tickets available on first come first served basis. Call the PIA Secretariat at 815–1310.
This is made possible through the festival sponsors — Rustan Supermarket Inc., CIBO, San Miguel Corp, CKAG, Coca Cola, Segafredo Expresso and Galleria Duemila.
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V8 is not your favorite breakfast tonic but rather, the "Victory Eight" celebration of JVC, leading innovator of music technology. V8 (or short), held at the Makati Shangri–La Hotel, was duo event which celebrated the company’s eight years in the Philippines and to bid farewell to its JVC’s outgoing president and CEO Toshinori Yokokawa, the man credited for leading JVC Philippines to the top of its game.
In his opening remarks, JVC Chairman Atty. Faustino "Pong" Salud paid homage, saying:
"With his eight years of dedicated leadership, he leaves JVC Philippines Inc. with an imprint of stability. His respectable track record has certainly placed the Philippines in the JVC world map."
In response, Mr. Yokokawa (who plans to retire) paid tribute to JVC’s faithful clientele: "I strongly believe this is due to the tremendous support we received from our valued customers, dealers and consumers"
Taking over as incoming chief of JVC is Hideyuki Takato who had began work with the company as marketing manager in Thailand. He became a director of JVC Philippines in October last year and now is its president.
To his former boss, Takato said that he will "always try to stick to your original intention of self-discipline and self-sufficiency."
The new president then gave the guests an overview of the many projects he had in line for the company including product movement and development, expansion of the showroom and stronger support for Philippine sports.
It was a night to remember, specially for Mr. Yokokawa. After the dinner, TV celeb Korina Sanchez hosted a musical show dubbed "The Best of Broadway" featuring the Philippine Opera Company and songs from favorite musicales such as "West Side Story", "Camelot", "My Fair Lady", "Chorus Line", "Phantom of the Opera", "Cats" and "Les Miserables". In full JVC power, of course!
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BY THE WAY... Birthday greetings this week go to — Tatler’s Irene Martel Francisco, writer Leah Puyat, Gerard Ramirez, Bledes Fores, today, April 4; President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Philippines’ first Miss Universe, actress Gloria Diaz, actor Richard Gomez, SOM founder Charlie Barretto, publicist Tessa Jazminez, my STC classmate Elenita Onrubia Nolasco, April 5; Tami Harel, my brother Willie Soliven, April 6; Donnie Ramirez, writer Isah Red, April 7; PR man Mario Tan, culinary expert Sandy Daza, April 8 .. belated birthday greetings to former Miss Caltex (and still pretty) Amy Gustillo Lopez... our condolences to the Kierulf family — Jojo Zabarte, Louie and Joey Kierulf and Sharon Fletcher Azanza on the death of their beloved sister and mom Carmen Kierulf Fletcher on March 28 in Savannah, Georgia, after an amazing long battle with cancer. Carmen was so full of life, loved life and emanated joy and love. We shall miss her! ... have a good life and SMILE!
