The GMA Artist Center (GMAAC), now known as the GMA Talent Development and Management Department under the able stewardship of Vice President Ida Ramos Henares is in full swing.

The stable of more than a hundred talents including Rhian Ramos, Iza Calzado, Isabel Oli, Iwa Moto, Mark Herras, Aljur Abrenica, Kris Bernal, Nonito Donaire, Jackie Rice, Yasmien Kurdi, Chynna Hortaleza, Nadine Samonte, Paulo Avelino, Felix and Dominic Roco, Prince Estefan, La Diva, Gretchen Espina, Kiko Rustia, Jace Flores, Rainier Castillo, Mike Tan, Dion Ignacio, Ayen Laurel, Ryza Cenon, Victor Aliwalas, Moymoy Palaboy, Chariz Solomon, Bryan Termulo, Rich Asuncion, among many others, has been hugging the headlines of late with the many activities being undertaken by the department and its stars.

To add to all of those, on Sept. 9, GMAAC’s Talent Development Unit under Lou Gopez will be holding its annual festival of independent films, which will also be an occasion to showcase the best talents to emerge from the center’s workshops held during summer. This year will be the third time that GMAAC is holding this prestigious event.

Billed “90909: Sindie III: Ang Pagsisimula sa Indie Festival,”  the week-long event is jointly presented by GMAAC and Robinsons MovieWorld and will be showcasing nine short films from the Cinemalaya library, from various independent producers, and from the Directors’ Guild of the Phils. Inc.’s Cinedirek, the latter having featured and casted artists from GMAAC.

The films that will be showcased during the week-long festival include: “Tribu” by Jim Libiran, “Jay” by Francis Pasion, “Musa” by Dexter Cayanes, “Manong” by Arnold Argaño,  “1017” by Zig Dulay, “Bente” by Mel Chionglo, “Ded Na Si Lolo” by Soxie Topacio, and the premiere screenings of “Engkwentro” by Pepe Diokno, and  “Kamada” by Raymond Red. Opening of the “Sindie” festival is on Sept. 9 at Robinsons MovieWorld.

On Sept. 13, graduating workshop participants take centerstage as five short films, products of their hard work, will be screened. The short films are “Carl,” “Limos,” “Katok,” “Lapis,” and “Windang.” A documentary-drama from independent producer called “Barometer” will also be screened on Sept. 13, 6:30-10 p.m. at the Cinema 2 of Robinsons MovieWorld. The awards night and the graduation ceremonies will also be held on the same night.

Run for the rehabilitation of Pasig River

We recently attended the press conference of a very worthwhile endeavor spearheaded by the ABS-CBN Foundation under Gina Lopez for the rehabilitation of the Pasig River. We’re very glad we did  because we found out that there were  indeed, so many things that we didn’t know about this age-old advocacy.

First off, Ms. Lopez made us realize that the business of rehabilitating the infamous Pasig River is no walk in the park and it actually means so much more than creating awareness for this need. We were blown away by the selflessness these people have shown towards the attainment of this goal. Suddenly, we felt we can do something to attain the seemingly impossible task at hand.

The job entails not just researching outstanding ways of sanitizing the river by means of eco-friendly measures. More than that, ABS-CBN Foundation has taken it upon themselves to help give shelter or home to the squatters residing under the bridge. You see, an informed Ms. Lopez said that an average family produces one ton of garbage and this garbage inevitably find its way to the Pasig River because they dump all of these there.

The relocation of these people didn’t start and end at the uprooting of the families from the areas. ABS-CBN Foundation has taken the higher road by giving them means of livelihood and training for their self-employment.  Beyond that, a viable community is being set up for them as well, with a school, hospital, etc. to answer to their basic needs. Indeed the task that they have taken on to clean up a river is much too humongous.

It is with this goal of generating support from all sectors that the Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig mounts this year’s “Philippine International Marathon,  A Run for the Pasig River” on Nov. 8 at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila.

Under the helm of race director Rudy Biscocho, the run, with categories in 3 km, 5 km, 10 km,  and the full 42 km marathon, aims to boost awareness about the project as well as raise funds to rehabilitate the Pasig River. A unique feature of the race is the 42 km full marathon which can also be run by a relay team of 20 people.

The route has been crafted to provide the public a glimpse of the state of the river as well as challenge marathoners with its non-traditional route crossing nine of the 13 bridges of the Pasig River and with portions to be run alongside the river. Gunstart for the full marathon is at 4:30 a.m.

Ms. Lopez said “the marathon is a step of faith. Together we can go the distance and clean the river.”

The run is open to the public with a participation fee of R250. Corporate groups may also register as a team. Free running clinics will be made available for first-time runners through the Pinoy Ultra Runners which is supporting the marathon. Pre-registration forms are available at the Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig office at the third floor of ELJ bldg. Interested parties may e-mail ilogpasig@abs-cbn.com