Aljur Abrenica

The case of acts of lasciviousness filed against young actor Aljur Abrenica by a 15-year-old promo girl resurfaced once again last week and many falsely thought that it was because the case had already been elevated in court.

But the truth is, the old news became new when it was forwarded by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to the Department of Justice (DoJ), which unknown to many, is how a case filed in NBI is treated.

Atty. June Ambrosio, counsel for Aljur Abrenica, told us that they are not at all surprised to hear that the case had been forwarded to the DoJ because it is there where the “probable cause” will be determined on the case.

Following is the complete text of her statement:

“The NBI was just following standard operational legal procedure when it forwarded the case of Aljur Abrenica to the DoJ. NBI receives the complaint, investigates and forwards it to the DoJ or to the concerned prosecutor’s office, which is the proper office to determine “probable cause.”

It is therefore erroneous to report that the NBI has found probable cause in the case and to insinuate that there is a strong case against Aljur. The DoJ, after preliminary hearing, will determine if there is enough basis to charge the respondent or dismiss the case altogether.

In the wake of this development, let it be put on record that Aljur is ready to face his accuser and answer the charges against him in the DoJ as soon as we receive a copy of the subpoena, along with the affidavits of the complainant and her witnesses. I am confident that my client will be able to clear his name on this matter.”

Aljur, for his part, although saddened by the new slate of bad publicities about him, stands his ground and maintains his innocence on the charges filed against him. “I’ll just wait for the court’s vindication since I know they will be able to clear my name. Wala po talaga akong ginawa sa kanya (referring to the complainant),” he said.

Aljur is not letting this negative issue affect his zest for work and improving himself in his craft. “I just focus on the job at hand. It is better that way,” he said.

Right now, Aljur is still busy with his top-rating soap opera “All My Life” opposite Kris Bernal. His stint in “SOP” as one of the handsome guys of Broband is still very much welcome to all his fans and followers. His movie under Regal Entertainment, “I’ll Be Waiting For You” (also with his leading lady Kris Bernal) will be showing in September.

A casting coup, yet again for 2009 Cinemanila

The 11th Cinemanila International Film Festival has found a new home in Taguig City.

To be held on Oct. 15-25 in Bonifacio Global City, the festival prime mover Amable “Tikoy” Aguiluz, puts together yet again, another casting coup this year by announcing that their guests of honor are Mexican actor Diego Luna of “Y Tu Mama Tambien,” and “Milk” fame, as well as American film director and writer Paul Schrader.

It will be remembered that last year’s celebration of Cinemanila became a huge hit when they brought in celebrated Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino.

An added attraction for the 11th Cinemanila will be Dante Mendoza’s participation as the head of the festival grand jury. Dante “Brillante” Mendoza was the most recent Philippine pride in Cannes. He won Best Director for his feature film “Kinatay,” which incidentally will be the opening feature for the Cinemanila festival.

During the press con held recently at Fully Booked in Bonifacio High Street, Kaye Tinga, wife of Taguig Mayor Freddie Tinga and co-chair of 11th Cinemanila executive committee, assured Cinemanila that Taguig will be there for them for as long as they want them. “We are here for a long-term commitment,” she said.

The awards night for the festival will be held at the NBC Tent, The Fort on Oct. 23 and is expected to be graced, not only by the high profile Hollywood guests but by a slew of our best local actors, some of whom were present during the press conference held at Bonifacio High-Street. Those who attended the media briefing were Anita Linda, Ana Capri, Luis Alandy, Lance Raymundo, and Joseph Bitangcol.

More than 100 films from here and abroad will be screened in this festival, even the winners from festivals in Cannes, Berlin, Rotterdam, Sundance and Pusan. Cinemanila is currently accepting applications. Interested parties may submit their entries to any of the following categories: Main Competition (international features), Southeast Competition (features and shorts), Digital Lokal (Philippine full-length digital films), Young Cinema (Philippine short films), Documentary (international) and its newest section, Machinima (international). All other films not selected for competition are still eligible for exhibition.

For inquiries, e-mail cinemanila.entries@gmail.com and cinemanila@gmail.com or go to www.cinemanila.org.ph.