The campaign against film piracy has never been as successful as it is now under the watch of Ronnie Ricketts as chairman and CEO of the Optical Movie Board (OMB).
“Of course film piracy is not completely eliminated yet,” the OMB chief said. “But it can be done and we have gained much ground.”
The 2013 Special 301 Report on Copyright Protection and Enforcement issued by the International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA) gave the Philippines a “Special Mention” rating, lauding the “leadership of the Philippine government, Ricardo Blancaflor, Director General of the IP Office of the Philippines (IPO), and Optical Media Board (OMB) Chairman Ronnie Ricketts, for taking novel and effective approaches to dealing with piracy in the Philippines and further modernizing protection.”
The IIPA commendation cited the laudable performance of OMB which it achieved in close coordination with local government units, the Philippine National Police, the army and other agencies including schools.
The IIPA especially noted “the removal of piracy from Quiapo and markets located in areas like St. Francis Square (Mandaluyong) and Makati Cinema Square (Makati), the passage of the anti-camcording law, the issuance of Supreme Court Rules of Procedure for Intellectual Property Cases, the establishment of administrative enforcement functions of the IP Office, and an MOU between Philippine National Police and OMB.”
Ricketts said: “When I took over the OMB, and started the anti-film piracy campaign, I found the truth of what Mahatma Gandhi said that first, people ignore and even laugh at you. And when they feel that you are succeeding, they join you and they give you their support.”
Ricketts said he never felt discouraged even when he started receiving death threats. “I was given a mission, so I must do it,” he stressed.
He recognized, however, that the mission was not a do-it-alone thing, or playing hero. “So I began an extensive consultation, getting the cooperation of so many individuals, like mayors and various organizations. The campaign was not limited to the usual raids, but more so on information: That film piracy is anathema to legitimate business, and as such pirated CDs must not be patronized.”
He added that he also appealed to the progenitors of film piracy, that they must stop their illegal business. Thus he came up with the campaign “Bawal Kumopya!”
“We have a long way to go yet,” he added. “But suffice it to say that what we have accomplished is being recognized worldwide, and that we have become the model of other countries!”
Incidentally, Ricketts’ comeback movie, “The Fighting Chefs,” produced by Viva Films, opens today in theaters nationwide. In the movie which he himself wrote and directed, Ricketts plays Master Chef. With him in the cast are Celebrity Chef Boy Logro, Vandolph, Hero Angeles, Jeffrey Santos, Joross Gamboa, Jon Hall, Arci Muñoz, Onyok Velasco and with the special participation of Mark Gil, Roi Vinzon, Marella Ricketts and Roldan Aquino.
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‘Cirque Du Soleil’ Opens Today
“Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away,” the much-awaited 3D adventure movie of the year, will open today, exclusively at Eastwood City, Lucky Chinatown and Newport Mall cinemas through Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.
The highly anticipated film adaptation of the world-famous show from Canada, known for showcasing a dramatic mix of circus artistry and breathtaking acrobatics and stunts, will be offered exclusively to local moviegoers in 3D at the said cinemas.
Written and directed by Andrew Adamson (“Shrek,” “The Chronicles of Narnia”) and produced by acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron (“Avatar,” “Titanic”), “Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away” brings together the unforgettable scenes and characters from the show’s successful run in Las Vegas last year including the well-loved shows “O,” “Mystère,” “Kà,” “Love,” “Zumanity,” “Viva Elvis” and “Criss Angel Believe.”
Acclaimed by film critics worldwide due to its immersive 3D technology, the film takes the audience deep into the entrancing journey of Mia (Erica Linz) in search of her new love, the Aerialist (Igor Zaripov). Separated by an unfortunate accident during a carnival circus, the young couple find themselves looking for each other amidst the fascinating and surreal worlds of Cirque du Soleil. In the show’s grand finale, the lovers finally reunite highlighted by an aerial courtship performance.
And with the state-of-the-art 3D cinemas at Eastwood City, Lucky Chinatown and Newport Mall at Resorts World Manila, movie fans can look forward to an even more fantastic movie experience.
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‘Summer Swerte Madness’ At CF
Starting today, Casino Filipino will launch in its branches, satellites and arcades nationwide an exciting series of events called “Summer Swerte Madness.” Pagcor’s Asst. VP for Entertainment Bong Quintana said this is Casino Filipino’s way of welcoming the sizzling summer season.
“We will hold simultaneous nationwide launch of this event through a summer-inspired concert tour featuring celebrity performers donning beach outfits. All shows will start at 9 p.m.”
Performers at the grand launch tonight are Markki Stroem (CF Angeles), Ronnie Liang (CF Bacolod), Luke Mejares (CF Mactan. Carlos Agassi (CF Davao), Lloyd Zaragoza (Ronquillo Arcade), Troy Montero (CF Tagaytay) and Masculados (CF Airport).
Hot and sexy female personalities will also perform in other CF branches: Aubrey Miles (CF Hyatt), Jennifer Lee (CF Pavilion), Rachel Lobangco (CF Heritage), Geneva Cruz (CF Cebu) and Pretty Young Thing (CF Olongapo).
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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 6, Gretchen Barretto, Rudy Tee, Mark R. Ablaza, Vicky Amalingan, Roberto Reyes, Meden Espino, Norma Williams, Felicidad Tabios, Robald Castillon, Randy Garcia of PNB PCSO Branch, Anacleta Rubang-Velasco, Zerline Go Trinidad-Balleque and Archie Alemania… Happy wedding anniversary to Alex and Ana Cayabyab…