A formal dinner reception was hosted by Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim on Wednesday night to honor Filipino artists who made the country proud at the recently concluded 35th Brussels International Independent Film Festival 2008. At the dinner reception held at the Bulwagang Antonio Villegas of Manila City Hall, Mayor Lim also presented the ceremonial Key to the City of Manila to H.E. Gregoire Vardakis, Ambassador of Belgium to the Philippines.

The honorees were Councilor John Marvin Nieto (a.k.a. Yul Servo) and director Tara Illenberger. Yul was named Best Actor for his dramatic portrayal in the indie movie “Torotot,” directed by Maryo J. delos Reyes. Tara, on the other hand, was the director of the movie “Brutus,” which won the Best Asian Movie award. The movie also starred Yul Servo. Tara said she never expected her film to win such honor. “I was amazed at how the foreigners reacted to ‘Brutus,’ which is just a small independent film which hasn’t even enjoyed commercial theatrical release. I was really overwhelmed.” Tara was the editor of the movie “A Love Story,” Best Picture winner in the FAP Luna Awards 2008.

In his short speech (he said he forgot his prepared speech so he has to improvised) Ambassador Vardakis acknowledged the great contribution of Robert Malengrau, director general of the festival in promoting film exchange to the world, noting that film is a popular medium to express goodwill and promote culture among people. In recognizing the dedication of Malengrau to the annual festival, he also described him as the best ambassador of Belgium to the world.

Malengrau, who gave a backgrounder to the 35th Brussels filmfest, has been a friend of the Philippines (in particular the Filipino filmmakers, both mainstream and independent) for more than 20 years, during which he has stayed here most of the time, and has most importantly helped promote the Filipino film to the world via the Brussels film festival. Film mirrors a country and it gives us a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, he said. Malengrau thanked Mayor Lim for presenting him the symbolic Key to the City of Manila.

Since 1987 when Nick Deocampo won the Grand Award for his entire work in the trilogy “Oliver, Children of the Regime and Revolutions Happen Refrains in a Song,” the Filipino film has been receiving accolades from the prestigious film festival. In l991, Philippines got the Special Jury Award for “ES,” directed by Juan Pula, and the Best Tomorrow’s Cinema Award (Emile Cantillon Award) went to “And Rain Fall in July,” directed by Yam Laranas; in l995, the Best Committed Picture Championing a Cause (Sylvie Auzas Award) went to “The Sex Warrior and the Samurai” directed by Nick Deocampo; in l998, the Grand Award and Grand Jury Award went to “Minsan Lang Sila Bata” directed by Ditsi Carolino and Sadhana Buxani.

Also in l998, the Best Actress Award went to Nora Aunor for “Naglalayag (Silent Passage)” directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes, Sharon Cuneta for “Crying Ladies” directed by Mark Meily, and the Best Actor Award went to Yul Servo, also for “Naglalayag.” In 2005, the Special Award of the Jury went to “Panaghoy sa Suba (The Call of the River)” directed and starred in by Cesar Montano.

In 2006, the Best Actress Award was won by Gina Pareno for “Kubrador (The Bet Collector)” directed by Jeffrey Jeturian; and in 2007, the Best Documentary Award went to “Neo Lounge,” directed by Joanne Vasquez Arong.

Yul Servo now has seven Best Actor trophies

Interestingly, Yul Servo, who was an underrated actor when he embarked on his acting career several years ago via the five-hour movie “Batang Westside,” has so far won seven Best Actor trophies. His Brussels win is his seventh Best Actor award.

It is recalled that Yul won two Best Actor awards for “Batang Westside,” three for “Naglalayag” where she co-starred with superstar Nora Aunor (she was also Best Actress for her role as an ageing woman in love with a much young man in this movie), one for Regal Films’ “Laman,” one for “Torotot.” At the recent Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, Yul won the Best Supporting Actor award for “Brutus.”

“For the movie ‘Ilusyon,’ nag-grand slam ako pero sa nomination lang as Best Actor,” Yul reminded us. He has made a total of 11 films, one of them “Dose” which was the topgrosser at the Cinema One Originals Independent Film Festival.

Although he has won many awards, Yul said he is not choosy. As long as it is a good project, like the one he is supposed to do very soon, “Kamoteng Kahoy,” to be directed by his manager, Maryo J. delos Reyes, and which will be filmed in Bohol. Yul dreams of working with Vilma Santos, Sharon Cuneta and Marical Soriano someday.

In his acceptance speech, Yul noted that the Brussels filmfest, which started in l974, has continued to showcase independent films and talents from around the world and has really grown. In 2008, 27 countries participated in the festival. Yul recalled that in 2002, “Batang Westside,” directed by Lav Diaz and produced by Antonio Veloria, was shown in the festival and he won the Best Actor Award together with Joel Torre, also for “Batang Westside.”

And in the just concluded 35th Brussels filmfest, Yul expressed joy and pride for winning once more the Best Actor trophy for “Torotot,” produced by Viva Digital. He described the film as “a thought-provoking film” with a mature theme that, coupled with passion and vision, has the power to educate. Indeed, it’s fascinating that Brussels recognizes a work that dramatically illustrates provocative social and legal issues.

“So you see, Filipino filmmakers and artists continue to create and demonstrate such breakthrough performances. Parang mala-Manny Pacquiao, the greatest Filipino boxer of all time, di ba? Manny creates such astounding success and he continuously makes our country proud. Let us be proud as well for what the Filipino film has to offer the world.”

He enjoined everyone to “consistently cultivate and nurture, not only support and promote out culture “that is definitely unique and vibrant. Let us applaud the works of our independent studios and filmmakers who manage to deliver films that are aesthetic and intellectual. As Chairman of the Committee on Arts and Culture for the City of Manila, and being a member of the City Council, I am not promising anything, but surely we are committed in out thrust in encouraging cultural diversity and understanding between nations and we are dedicated to educating the Manilenos about such cultural diversity through films…”

While reminding everyone that in filmmaking, the skills and talent of many different people are involved (the stars and the actors are only part of the story, he stressed), Yul said “allow me to take my hat off to all people that comprise the movie production – from the producers, screenwriters, directors, cinematographers, unit production managers, designers, editors and cameramen – I share with all of you this special recognition!”

It was only at the dinner reception that Yul and Tara received their awards from the 35th Brussels filmfest, although their winning such awards was already announced at the culmination of the festival last year.

By the way, for the entertainment of the guests at the dinner reception, the M-GAGE Band and Orlando Sol gave a special rendition of the theme song of the film “Torotot,” and the French version of the song “Impossible Dream.” Jennylyn Gonzales of the Pili and Pino Singing Manilenyo performed “Lingapin Mo, Maynila Ko.” The program was hosted by Ms. Ma. Monina Katherina B. Santiago.

Angelika Jones
in pre-birthday concert

Today (Jan. 17), sexy actress-singer Angelika Jones is set to do a pre-birthday concert billed as “Music & Memories & Miss Flawless” at the Rizal Elementary School Gym in Rizal, Laguna. Supposed to be held in Nagcarlan, Laguna, the show had to be moved to another venue in Rizal (upon the invitation of Mayor Rolen Orriquia, according to Angie’s mom Beth Jones) when they were told the original venue wasn’t available for them anymore.

“Napaiyak nga si Angie, but what can we do? We had to announce over the radio na ang pre-birthday concert ng anak ko ay sa Rizal na gagawin. Imbitado ang buong 52 barangays ng Rizal, pero imbitado pa rin ang mga taga-Nagcarlan,” Beth said.

Major sponsor of the concert is Bio-FiTEA. Also supporting the show are Tala Resort, Mayor Rolen Urriquia, Mayor Berris of Calauan, Zeny Sumbilla Catering, Rep. Ronald Singson, NHA chief Rico Laxa, Interactive Lights & Sounds and Xander Foundation of Alex and Aida Cruz.

For the concert, Angie invited some prominent personalities like Sen. Bong Revilla. Also performing are Jeffrey Hidalgo, a band and surprise guests.

Be with Kapamilyas
at Sinulog Festival!

This year, the Kapamilya network promises to give everyone a special Sinulog treat. There will be exclusive coverages from live points in Cebu aired over at ABS-CBN Cebu and ABS-CBN Channel 2. The City of Smiles comes alive through colorful events lined up especially for Kapamilyas.

Kapamilyas from Cebu will have the time of their lives with the coming of the “Kapamilya Karavan: Sinulog Festival 2009” and other equally entertaining treats!

Have fun with your loved ones and friends at the “Mor Disco Ta Lupig Sila sa E-Mall” on Jan. 17-18, 7 p.m. at the E-mall Sanciangko Parking Area. For music-lovers, the “Kapamilya Fiesta with Pinoy Dream Academy” is cut out for you. The highlight of the “Kapamilya Karavan: Sinulog Festival 2009” will be the presence of matinee idol John Lloyd Cruz and “The Banana Split” Girls Angelica Panganiban, Cristine Reyes and Roxanne Guinoo at the Ayala South Surface Parking Area today at 4 p.m. In the evening, “Mor Sinulog Concert 2009 Lupig Sila” will have Parokya Ni Edgar and local bands Phylum, Aggressive Audio, Agadiers and Pasakanin at the CSCST Main Campus, MJ Cuenco Ave. at 7 p.m. The day after, catch the “Kapamilya Sinulog Grand Mardi Gras” Live over ABS-CBN TV-3 Cebu and DYAB 1512 at 6:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., respectively. Wrapping up the week-long festival is the “Kapamilya Fiesta With Vhong Navarro” on Jan. 18, 4 p.m. at the SM Entertainment Center, Cebu City. The “Kapamilya Karavan: Sinulog Festival 2009” continues to spread cheer as Vhong Navarro proceeds to the Mango Ave. at 6:30 p.m. the same day. Watch out for the “Ms. Cebu 2009” happening this week at the Waterfront Lahug Hotel & Casino, which airs on Jan. 25 on MAG-TV at 10:45 a.m.

Pit Senyor, Kapamilya!

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 17, go to Rep. John Henry Sonny Osmena, Hilda Koronel, Tony Galvez, Minnie Osmena-Stuart, Lilet, Lito Relos, Mrs. Letty Jorman, Nick Diaz, and Hannah Trinity J. Dumaual of GMA Corporate Communications…Happy anniversary to Bobbit and Bing Bautista…Belated b-day greetings to dance personality Odon Sabarre of Tacloban City (Dec. 13)…