POSTSCRIPT TO 2017 MISS UNIVERSE

The 2017 Miss Universe pageant is over, but it seems Filipinos still can’t get over with the non inclusion of Rachel Peters in the top 5.  Expectations were high before the finals and the whole nation participated in the online voting including high profile celebrities who openly endorsed their support for Rachel, but alas the country’s bet managed to reach the top 10 only.  As usual people are saying “oh she was robbed, she should have been in the top 5 instead of Miss _ _ _  bla bla” and so on and so forth.  When I asked a friend what's her opinion of the results of  Miss Universe pageant last Monday, she said “Ay, ano ba yan, di man lang naka top 5” (“what the heck, she did not even make it to the top 5”).   I asked another girl and I got the same response.  Should we curse our girl for failing to make it to the top?  She did her best to represent the country and certainly a top 10 finish isn’t bad at all considering that there were over 90 beauties from all over the world competed for the title.

Before the finals, I’ve read a lot of commentaries from pageant enthusiasts.  I also watched several  video profiles of  a number of candidates and scrolled hundreds of pictures online. I thought Rachel did well but I felt that her performance during the finals was not what many expected.  Her performance was somewhat calculated with forced smile plastered on her face showing less of her personality. I am not sure if this was part of her training or she was just under pressure.  Other semi-finalists were kinda casual and hyper on stage while Rachel lacked energy and looked a bit timid on stage. Her video profile wasn’t impressive though compared to other girls; there was no mention of any advocacy on her part other than being a beach bum, in other words it lacked depth and drama so to speak.  Philippines was leading the online votes but nonetheless it didn't help her advance to the top 5.

The funny thing is that Pia Wurtzbach (who was one of the telecast judges) is being dragged into this mess citing camp rivalry between Kagandahang Flores and Aces & Queens.  As we all know Pia was trained and managed by Aces & Queens while Rachel was trained by Kagandahang Flores camp.  Pia issued a statement defending herself stating that she just did her job as a judge and that she was impartial to all the girls including Miss Philippines.  She added that she was proud of Rachel who received the loudest cheers from the audience during the announcement of the top 16.

Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of  South Africa was one of the heavy favorites for the crown even before she set foot in Las Vegas, thanks to the power of internet and the influence of social media.  Demi may not be as tall or as statuesque like other favorites but obviously her strength is her warm and wholesome personality.  She is the second South African to win the title after Margaret Gardiner won the title in Acapulco, Mexico in 1978. Second to her was Colombia's Laura Gonzales and Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett placed third.  Miss Thailand (Maria Poonlertlarp Ehren) and Miss Venezuela (Keysi Sayago) rounded up the top 5.

Miss Jamaica charmed everyone wearing her natural hair standing apart from a sea of blowdries.  Jamaica is fast becoming a powerhouse in Miss Universe having placed three times during the past seven years (1st runner up in 2010 and 4th runner up in 2014).  Colombia continued their impressive top 3 finish in the last four consecutive years (2014-winner, 1st runner-up in 2015, 2nd runner-up in 2016 and this year 1st runner up).

What's Next for Philippines?

Miss Universe is a big event for pageant crazy country like the Philippines and people would literally stop and skip work just to watch the live telecast.  During the past 8 years, the Philippines’ representatives to Miss Universe haven’t missed a semi-final slot.  It all started in 2010, when Venus Raj placed 5^th and the winning streak continued year after year and in 2015 the Philippines finally bagged its third Miss Universe crown.  

This early pageant watchers are trying to convince Catriona Gray to join the 2018 Bb. Pilipinas.  Catriona finished 4^th in 2016 Miss World and many people believe that she should have placed higher.  On the other hand,  a Thai modelling agency is reportedly on the lookout for their possible bet next year and is grooming an Indian-Thai girl to join Miss Thailand Universe and also don't undermine the new emerging pageant crazy countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and Myanmar who are all willing to spend money to train their representatives abroad.   It is interesting to note that rich countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Japan don’t seem to care much even if they lose and  they just kinda enjoy themselves taking part in the activities.  Ditto with Miss Australia who said (in a tv interview) that she and other girls just laugh it off and they just ate a lot while others were crying backstage. 

There’s brewing rumor (again) that Miss Universe will be held back in the Philippines for the fourth time. Another story has it  that the Miss Universe Org., in conjunction with the Department of Tourism, has agreed to have all the 15 semi-finalists visit the Philippines this month to participate in various activities to promote local tourism.  What can I say? Welcome back to the craziest pageant country in the Universe.

Rachel Peters with her boyfriend Camarinez Sur Governor Migs Villafuerte

PIA WURTZBACH'S FIRST FULL LENGTH MOVIE

Pia Wurtzbach's first movie after she won the Miss Universe title will be released on December 25, 2015 in time for the Metro Manila Filmfest.  She will star in the comedy fantasy movie titled "Gandarrapido: The Revenger Squad," which also stars the Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda and Teen King Heartthrob Daniel Padilla.  Pls click this link to watch the trailer

WHO WILL SUCCEED FRANCE'S IRIS MITTENAIRE TO WEAR THE BLUE DIAMOND STUDDED CROWN?

There are unconfirmed reports flying around that there will be major changes in the format for the selection of the semi-finalists for Miss Universe 2017. Apparently, only 4 will be chosen from each 3 merged continents as follows:

          4 from the Americas (North and South America)

          4 from Europe
          4 from Africa, Asia and Oceania          
          4 wildcards (probably the referring to the online voting)

However these are just plain rumors and Miss Universe has yet to announce the new format. If this is true, it will somehow affect Asian countries in particular, as many believe that Asian delegates are strong this year. They will have to compete for the 4 slots with other favorites notably Miss South Africa and Miss Australia (representing Africa and Oceania, respectively) but as the case may be, only 4 slots are up for grabs.

Latin Americans are apprehensive of the alleged format as they are represented by 33 delegates including countries from the Caribbean region.  Europe has 26 countries and Asia, Africa and Oceania has also 33 countries (if to include Turkey).

Popular Filipino Columnist Ricky Lo, published on his column today that Rachel Louis Peters is currently leading on the pageant's Facebook poll with over 209,000 votes, followed by Miss Thailand with over 155,000 likes; Brazil with 28,000; Colombia with 37,000; Indonesia with 24,000; Nicaragua with 18,000; and Germany with 14,000.

Among the frontrunners are Miss Thailand Maria Poonlertlarp, Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, Miss Indonesia Bunga Jelitha Ibrani, Miss USA Cara McCullough, Mis Venezuela Keysi Sayago, Miss Philippines Rachel Louis Peters and Miss Russia Kseniya Alexandovova.

2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach will be one of the telecast judges.  She will join  Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam, makeup artist and TV host Jay Manuel, Venezuelan-American YouTube star Lele Pons, TV personality Ross Mathews, and host and presenter Megan Olivi as part of the panel of judges.


Eight-time Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum artists Fergie and pop star Rachel Platten are set to perform at the coronation night.  

Hosted by Steve Harvey, the three-hour special airs live from the Axis at Planet Holywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas Sunday 26 November on Fox (27 November Monday morning in Manila).  Model, enterpreneur and body activist Ashley Graham returns as backstage host and to provide analysis and commentary throughout the telecast are TV personality and fashion expert Carson Kressley and Supermodel and pageant expert Lu Sierra.

There are 92 contestants contestants vying for the blue diamond studded crown.  According to Miss Universe Org. the crown has an estimated value of $300,000 or roughly P14.32 million. It is encrusted with 311 small polished diamonds, weighing a total of 10.37 karats. The crown also contains five large blue topaz stones, weighing 18.6 karats each. These symbolize strength and loyalty. The 198 dark blue sapphire stones that weigh 18.6 karats each represent faith and wisdom. Who will be the lucky girl to win the crown?

FOR ARTS SAKE

ART, SEX AND MALE NUDITY

I was invited yesterday by my two friends to watch the 2014 indie film “Esprit de Corps” at 'Cinema 76, a movie theatre located in a quiet residential area in San Juan suburb. The micro-theatre with a capacity of about 60 seats, is a haven for film buffs and Indie film lovers, so just in case you might have missed the limited theatre run of popular indie films, just check out the line-up of movies up for showing at 'Cinema 76 website. Regular ticket price is set at P150 only.

“Esprit de Corps” is an adaptation of Auraeus Solito's play of the same title in the 1980's about the game of seduction and ranks in the ROTC. It’s an unusual story of two cadets and their pursuit to outsmart a corrupt Major Marcus for his position. The movie is set at a Catholic school for boys a few years before the Marcos dictatorship fell from power. The long and grueling interrogation scenes and male nudity may be a bit shocking to some but I tell you this is a good watch film. I’ve heard people before who walked out from cinema feeling that they’ve watched a movie that’s isn't worth their money but “Esprit de Corps” is a good deal of entertainment; it’s the kind of movie that stickily secure the audience to their seats from start to finish and mind you, all the seats inside the theater were all filled up (mainly millenials.)).

Hats off to the impressive performances of the three lead stars JC Santos, Sandino Martin Jr and VJ Mendoza. I wished that they be given more breaks in showbiz because they really deserved it and of course congratulations to the director of the movie Auraeus Solito AKA Kanakan Baligtagos for coming up with an engaging film. He’s also the director of another gay themed and acclaimed movie “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros.”

After watching the movie we walked around the area looking for a place to eat. We then went inside a new mall. There were a variety of choices: from gourmet to "tapsilog" but we ended up having our late dinner at sidestreet fastfood restaurant and then we headed back to our friend's place for late night converstation until it was time to go home at 1:00 a.m.

IT'S CONFIRMED! PIA WURTZBACH WILL SIT AS ONE OF THE 6 TELECAST JUDGES FOR MISS UNIVERSE 2017

The Miss Universe Organization has confirmed through its website that 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach will be one of the six telecast judges in the upcoming Miss Universe 2017 to be held on November 26, 2017 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. Other judges include Ross Mathews, Lele Pons, Jay Manuel, Megan Olivi and 1998 Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam.

Now that Pia will be one of the celebrity judges, some people are saying that it may boost Rachel's chances of clinching into the top 10 and even the top 5.  In this context, I feel that it’s not fair to put Pia on the spot and I'm sure she will not use her position and ruin her reputation just like that.  At the end of the day it all depends on Rachel's performance.

In addition to Pia, another Filipino will be among the preliminary judges and he is no other than

Cecillo Asuncion, a Fil-Am modelling director and founder of Slay Models, a modelling agency for transgender talents.   

Another interesting topic is that Miss Indonesia Bunga Jelitha Ibrani trained under Aces and Queens, the same group who trained Megan Young and Kyle Versoza. Rachel on the other hand, is the protégé of Kagandahang Flores camp which is Aces and Queen's rival. There are also unconfirmed reports that even Miss Thailand Maria Poonlertlarp Ehren  trained under Aces and Queens, not in Manila but in Bangkok.  Who will make it among the three ladies? I bet, all the three will be in the top 15 at least or even top 10, why not?  

Everybody knows that Pia's manager is Jonas Gafud who's the CEO and founder of Aces and Queens and again the intriguing question...will she help Aces and Queens beauties over rival Kagandahang Flores' protégé Rachel Peters?  I know this is a silly question but...just asking LOL.

  

TWO AND ONE

Last Monday I attended the movie premiere of horror flick titled “Nay,” an entry in the ongoing 2017 Cinema One Originals Festival and the following day I watched the gala night screening of two digitally remastered movie classics namely “Tag-ulan sa Tag-Araw” (1975) and “Langis at Tubig” (1980).  I was amazed with the enthusiasm and response of the moviegoers on both events. "Nay" was screened to a sold-out seats at Trinoma Cinema 2 and likewise large crowd showed up for the screening of two Vilma Santos movie classics.  The event was well organized, with people behind the restoration program in attendance headed by Leo Katigbak of ABS-CBN Film Archives.  Cocktails were served at Glorietta's Cinema lobby before screening time.

Now on its 12th year, the Cinema One Originals Festival is an independent film festival held annually during the month of November and is produced by Cinema One, a cable television channel owned by ABS-CBN.  Its goal is to showcase diverse talents of young filmmakers who received financial assistance in producing their entries.  On the other hand, the film restoration project of ABS-CBN is dedicated to restore and remaster select Filipino films through the use of modern digital technology and preserve them for future generation.  In this respect, ABS-CBN's generosity and effort in discovering new talents is indeed highly commendable and a significant milestone in the local movie industry.

FRIENDS OR FOES?

There are unconfirmed reports (or maybe just plain rumors) that Miss Indonesia Universe Bunga Jelitha Ibrani  and Miss Thailand Universe Maria Poonlertlarp Ehren were trained under Jonas Gafud's Aces & Queens, the same group who trained Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, 2013 Miss World Megan Young and the current Miss International Kyle Versoza.

Whether the rumors are true or not, the two ladies are often mentioned as front-runners in the ongoing Miss Universe in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.  They will compete with the Philippines' very own Rachel Louis Peters, who incidentally is the protege of Rodin Gilbert Flores of "Kagandahang Flores" camp.  For those who are not familiar with the local pageant world, the two groups are supposedly rivals in their field as talent scouts. Kagandahang Flores camp beauties includes the current and controversial Miss Earth Karen Ibasco, 2013 Miss International Bea Rose Santiago and Miss Philippines Universe 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa.

Pageant fans are already hyping their respective bets but I am sure Miss Indonesia and Miss Philippines will be friends since they are reportedly roommates.  Rachel Peters mentioned in her previous interviews that she actually lived in Thailand for a while so I am sure she will bond well with Miss Thailand Maria Poonlertlarp Ehren.

Good luck ladies.  GO ASEAN GIRLS!

GOSSIPS, SASH AND CROWN

There have been a lot of allegations flying around saying that the results of the just concluded Miss Earth pageant were biased and partial to other delegates in favor of the hometown girl.   Karen Ibasco bagged the 4th crown for the Philippines and though she made her countrymen proud, not everybody was happy including local fans.  Her pictures have been the subject of  ridicule by angry fans around the world specifically from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Thailand, Indonesia and sadly including the Philippines. Unconfirmed reports had it that even the national director of Miss Earth Venezuela called Karen "ugly"on national television.  Poor Karen, it’s not her fault if the judges chose her.  To watch the pageant, please click this link

The Philippines has won 3 Miss Earth crowns over the past 4 years including a back to back win in 2014 and 2015, not to mention the numerous top 4 placements almost year after year.  However some are quick to defend saying that this is not a surprise at all since the Philippines has been consistently winning in major international pageants specially during the last 8 years and has now joined the ranks of the elite group of pageant powerhouse countries like Venezuela, USA, Puerto Rico, Colombia and India.

I want to be fair and honest as much as I can, the truth was that during the pageant, I was thinking if Karen clinch into the top 4 she would surely nail the Q&A and she could easily win the crown and this is exactly what happened.  I felt that if  Philippines win this year, it may not do any good to Miss Earth and the organizers would be flooded with complaints; this early there are reports that several countries intend to boycott the pageant next year. 

Yes, Karen is bright no doubt, she's articulate, graduated cum laude, teaches physics at a reputable school and all that stuffs, but Miss Earth is still a beauty pageant. While other major international pageants like Miss Universe and Miss World chooses their winners based on beauty, poise and personality, Miss Earth chose to be different.  They are looking for a girl who could best fit the role of an ambassadress to promote environmental awareness.  Yes Karen possesses the qualities and the passion however it does not make enough sense if the Philippines win most of the time in her home country as the other girls have also prepared hard for the pageant so why not give others a chance? What's the use of holding pageants and invite the world to join if the host's representative gets special treatment? Remember the winner of Miss Earth Air this year is also half-Filipina.  And how many half-Filipinas placed in the past? I feel that Miss Earth should limit the number of  Filipino judges to two only to eliminate favoritism. Karen was also voted “Darling of the Press” at the press presentation held a few days prior the coronation night. When she was announced the winner I overheard a certain TV entertainment commentator say “ano ba yan?” (which literally means “What is that” or  it could also mean “what the hell” if meant negatively).  The local press tend to favor the local girl and this is where lies the problem.

On a positive note, this year's edition has leveled up in terms of production values, stage and format.  The opening number was upbeat and unique so let's give credit to Carousel Productions, they hit it right this time.  I wished they give more air time for the swimsuit segment as it was rather too short.  The choice of guest performers and emcee were great.   

Miss Earth is a valuable pageant and I’ve seen several videos showing  environmental advocacies of individual candidates and I must say I am really impressed. There were numerous pre-pageant activities promoting environmental causes.  It would be a good idea if they trim down the number of competitions a bit. The girls are divided into 3 groups and consider this - each group will go through various competitions such as swimsuit, evening gown, resorts wear, national costume and talent competition and each competition are held separately in different venues.  In addition there are 3 other main competitions - the body and form category, intelligence and beauty of face competition (whatever they call it where girls did not wear make-up at all).  The pre-pageant activities were enormous and the candidates visited various in the country places like Ilocos, Zamboanga and Batangas to name a few. 

To sum it up, the judges have spoken and their decision is final. Let's give Karen a chance and prove her worth and I am sure she can do it.  I hope the organizers review the whole process and come up with ways in order to avoid further negative discernment from national directors of participating countries and of course the fans. 

POSTSCRIPT TO 2017 MISS EARTH

I will post my views of the just concluded Miss Earth 2017 soon based on my personal observations on the two events that I have attended related to the pageant i.e. press presentation and the coronation night.

I'm elated that my blog has been visited by people from different countries like the U.S., Thailand and the Middle East.  I'm just a newbie in blogging and even though I am busy with my work, I will always find time to update this blog whenever I can.  Big "Thank you" to everyone and please feel free to give your comments and suggestions that you may want to address.  

MISS EARTH 2017

The 17^th edition of Miss Earth concluded last night in glittering rites at the Mall of Asia Arena with representative of the host country The Philippines winning the title for the 4^th time.  26 year old Physicist Karen Ibasco bested out 87 delegates.  Her victory is met by angry protests from pageant fans online stating that the contest is allegedly rigged favoring the homegrown delegate, however many agree also that Miss Philippines delivered her answer well enough and got the judges’ nods (more than half of the judges were foreigners).  But if you read comments in forums and facebook pages, all we read are harsh comments against the results of the pageant.

Miss Earth 2016 Katherin Espin of Ecuador crowns her successor Karen Ibasco of the Philippines

The 3 Elemental Queens are : Miss Air 2017 - Australia (Nina Robertson), Miss Water 2017 - Colombia (Juliana Franco) and Miss Fire 2017 - Russia (Lada Akimova)

Other Finalists :

Top 8 : Czech Republic (Iva Uchytilová),Thailand (Paweensuda Drouin), Netherlands (Faith Landman),Venezuela (Ninoska Vasquez)

Top 16: Angola (Ermelinda De Matos), Bosnia & Herzegovina (Lela Karagić), Cameroon (Angele Kossinda), Guatemala (Maria José Castañeda), Switzerland (Saraha Laura Peyrel), Tonga (Diamond Langi), USA (Andreia Gibau) andVietnam (Le Thi Ha Thu).

Crowd Favorites

During the parade of nations, Misses Philippines, Thailand, Colombia, Indonesia, USA, Venezuela and Netherlands received the loudest cheers from the crowd.   The delegates dazzled the audience as they introduced themselves in the parade of nations in their spectacular earth warrior costumes.  I love the opening number, it was unique and very modern; Carousel Productions hit it right this year.

James Deakin of CNN Philippines hosted the pageant. I hope they will hire him again next year as he did a great job (except that he tends to exaggerate a bit when he announces the name of countries), but all in all he did a good job. International R&B Shontelle (from Barbados) and Indonesian Violinist Iskander Widjaja were guest performers.

Semi-finalists shows their best form wearing Ricky Abad swimwear.

MISS EARTH 2017 PRESS PRESENTATION

The 2017 Miss Earth Delegates were presented to the Press last Monday 30-Oct-2017 at the poolside of Diamond Hotel in Manila.  The 87 delegates sashayed down the catwalk in their Ricky Abad swimwear wearing high heels stilettos.  Here's the video link: Miss Earth 2017 Press Presentation Video and on our youtube channel

The homegrown girl Karen Ibasco of the Philippines was voted "Darling of the Press" by the members of the press and Misses Thailand and Zambia placed 2nd and 3rd, respectively.  Considered front runners for the crown are Paweensuda Drouin (Thailand), Sarah Laura Peyre (Switzerland), Andreia Gibau (USA), Ninoska Vásquez (Venezuela) and Faith Landman (Netherlands)

The event was attended by reigning Miss Earth 2016 Katherin Espin of Ecuador, Miss Earth Air 2016 Michelle Gomez of Colombia and 2014 Miss Earth winner Jamie Herrell of the Philippines.

Finals will be held on November 4, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena.  German-Indonesian violinist Iskandar Widjaja and International R&B singer Shontelle (from Barbados) are set to perform at the coronation night which will be telecast live on FOXlife, Rappler, Globovisión,Fox and delayed telecast on ABS-CBN and the Filipino Channel. There are reports that James Deakin of CNN Philippines will host the pageant.

GALA SCREENING OF DIGITALLY REMASTERED COPY OF DANNY ZIALCITA'S "KARMA"

The gala screening of Danny Zialcita’s 1981 film “Karma” took place last night at Trinoma Cinema 2.  Among the lead stars, only Ronaldo Valdez attended the event; Chanda Romero didn’t show up and the main lead star Vilma Santos left for Hongkong on the same day to spend her birthday with her family but nevertheless the event was a success, attended by film enthusiasts, bloggers and notably Vilma Santos’ loyal fans from VSSI (Vilma Santos Solid Internationals Fans Club).  The organizers provided cocktails for the guests before screening time and pictorials and interviews followed with Ronaldo Valdez enjoying the spotlight and gamely posed with selfie seekers.

“Karma” is about the reincarnation of two main characters Guada  (Leila Hermosa) and Limbo (Ruel Vernal) who had an illicit affair in the past (many years ago).  Sarah (played by Vilma Santos) is forced to postpone her wedding when her scheduled flight is delayed.  At a hotel  where she is billeted, she encounters Eric (played by Ronaldo Valdez), a regular hotel guest who forces himself on her. Erik wasn't aware that the room was already taken by Sarah. The incident leaves a stigma not just on Sarah but more so on her fiancé Alfredo (played by Tommy Abuel) whose dream of marrying a “virgin” is ruined.  Sarah and Eric crossed path again at a time when their respective marriages were in shambles and both tried to rekindle their aborted affair leaving their respective spouses devastated which eventually led to a series of tragedies as both committed violent suicides.  Eric was killed by his wife Christy (played by Chanda Romero) but hold your breath Eric's character does not end there, as his spirit was presumably reincarnated in the person of Christopher de Leon who survived from similar tragedy.  The movie ends in a scene showing Christopher de Leon playing harmonica while walking at the beach and approached Sarah who was sitting on a rock.  Christopher asked Sarah what's her favorite color (the same question that Limbo and Eric asked Guada and Sarah in their past lives).  The final scene provided "kilig" to the audience but leaves the audience with the question whether Sarah lived happily ever after with the reincarnated soul of Limbo and Eric or was Sarah rewarded with good karma?

It's been sometime that Vilma and Christopher haven't made a movie together and if I am not mistaken the last movie they did was "Mano Po (My Love)" in 2004.  The two movie icons starred in more than 20 successful films making them the most formidable tandem in local cinema.   

The event was organized by Quezon City Film Development Commission in partnership with ABS-CBN Film Restoration Program.  The goal of the ABS-CBN's project is to digitally restore and remaster select Filipino Films from the archives of ABS-CBN and a list of notable films have been digitally restored including Ismael Bernal's "Himala," Mike de Leon's "Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising," Laurice Guilen's "Kapag Langit ang Humatol" and Peque Gallaga's "Oro, Plata, Mata" to mention a few.

ON THE SET OF "MAGANDANG BUHAY" - ADVANCED TAPING FOR VILMA SANTOS' BIRTHDAY PRESENTATION

I was invited last week by VSSI Prexy Mr. Jojo Lim to be part of the studio audience for Ate Vi's birthday presentation of ABS-CBN's morning show "Magandang Buhay." My answer was a big yes of course.  VSSI is an acronym for Vilma Santos Solid International which is the most prominent fans club of Vilma Santos.  Ate Vi was scheduled to leave for HK in a week's time so they had to tape the show in advance.  This will be aired on November 2 & 3 i.e. a two day birthday presentation, just in time for Vilma's actual birthday on Nov. 3.

I arrived at the audience entrance at exactly 12:15 (meeting time was 12:00).  We were told that the taping would start at 2:00 pm but as usual, it didn't start on time.  Vilmanians occupied half of the audience lounge (the other half were occupied by "Tawag ng Tanghalan" auditionees and a few seats by Miss Q&A aspirants).  It was interesting to watch the ongoing audition; aspiring singers, young and old, were asked to sing at least 3 songs before a screening judge without music accompaniment at all.

Security at ABS-CBN was tight, but no complaints here, they're just doing their job. I saw some prominent Vilmanians at the lounge including VSSI VP Ed Santiago, Trivia King Alfonso Valencia, Miss Earth swimsuit designer Ricky Abad and Olongapo's City Councilor Edic Piano.  There was also a mini awarding rites organised by millennial Vilmanians headed by Anj Chua (a budding filmmaker) and Kathleen Ocampo Puno.   The poll was conducted online and among the awards given were Selfie King and Queen (Doods and Hilda), Ms. Congeniality (Ricky Abad), "Hahamakin Ang Lahat" (Willie Fernandez) the fan who traveled the longest mile, rain or shine, just to attend a Vilma Santos event.  It was of course just for fun.

After waiting at the audience lounge for an hour or so, we were then escorted by Marshalls to the studio of "Magandang Buhay." The main hosts Karla Estrada, Jolina Magdangal and Melay Cantiveros were already in the studio.  A very familiar face was very visible in the studio, yes... it's Darla, of course everyone knows who Darla is.  He used to be the creative writer of the defunct "Kris TV" before he handled "Magandang Buhay." There were about 4 big cameras positioned in the studio and the head writer's staff stood beside the cameramen near the stage, each of them holding scripts  serving as an idiot board for the hosts to read from time to time. Another one was assigned for audience control;  he would tell the audience when to clap or applause to make the show look livelier on TV.  So this is how things goes behind the camera.  

A few celebrities came to greet Vilma, among them were Charo Santos, Xian Lim and Roderick Paulate.  There were also video clip greetings from Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador, photographer Raymund Isaac (who is one of Vilma's closest friends) and from Vilma's 2 sons (Luis and Ryan).  Charo Santos was actually taping for MMK but when she learned that Vilma was taping at Magandang Buhay studio, she dropped by just to greet her. 

One of the highlights of the show was the surprise Zumba dance number of Ate Vi with the Zamora brothers (Joshua and Jason of The Maneuvers).  Vilma slayed the zumba dance to the tune of "Wonderful World."  Jason told us they had no rehearsal at all but no surprise there since Vilma is a great dancer (remember during her Vilma and VIP days where she would open the show with grand production numbers?).  I have the full video of the dance number but we were told not to post it online before the actual telecast, so be it, we don't want preempt the show.

Please view on this link to watch the dance number

The hosts interviewed Vilma about her humble beginnings and her rise to fame.  She also talked about her family, friends and politics.  After the taping, Vilma left with her sister Emelyn and niece Karla but before this, she instructed Jojo Lim to treat all the Vilmanians for dinner.  The choice was "Gilligans," a popular restaurant nearby.  You may think it is expensive... well not quite, nearly half of the Vilmanians in attendance are in their 60's so we took advantage of the 10% senior citizen discount scheme so it makes a lot of sense.

To sum it up, thank you to VSSI and to "Magandang Buhay" staff for having us and of course big Thank You to Ate Vi.   Once again Happy Birthday to Ate Vi and we wish you good health and more blessings to come.

Film Review: "Respeto"

"RESPETO"

2017 Cinemalaya Film Festival Entry

Starring:  Abra, Dido de la Paz, Nor Domingo

Screenplay: Treb Monteras II, Njel de Mesa

Directed by: Treb Monteras II

Produced by : Arkeo Films

As I was scrolling online the schedule of movies showing about two weeks ago, I figured that "Respeto" was still showing in a few Metro Manila theaters so instead of doing nothing at home one lazy Sunday afternoon, I went to Market Market to catch up with the 4:50 pm scheduled screening.  Another Filipino film, Star Cinema's "Last Night" (starring Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga) was still showing but I opted to watch "Respeto" instead.

"Respeto" won the Best Picture award in the recent Cinemalaya Film Festival.  I actually watched 2 festival entries, these were "Nabubulok" and "Bagahe." I missed to watch "Respeto" or let's just put it this way, I actually overlooked it and one thing, I could only watch 2 films that day.

"Ano ang mas mahalaga sa iyo?  Pera o panalo? panalo o respeto? This is just one of the catchy lines from the movie. You can watch the trailer on this link

Initially, I was given the impression that "Respeto" was all about hard core fliptop battles and hip-hop culture but it's more than just that.  It also tackled real life issues that is prevalent in our present society vis-à-vis drug trafficking, poverty, police brutality, demolitions and political inclinations (depending on which side of the fence you are). 

Abra plays the role of Hendrix, an aspiring young rapper and an orphan entangled by poverty, forced by circumstances to work as drug courier.  He engaged himself on the side, participating in underworld fliptop battles but always end up heckled and loses in the process.  Frustrated to impress and gain respect, he tried to steal ideas of an old man (played by Dido de la Paz), a reclusive poet and owner of a run-down second hand book store.  At one point, the old man confronted him for stealing his ideas but one thing lead to another, he eventually became Hendrix's mentor.  The old man is suffering from mild schizophrenia and had unsettled issues with his son who is a corrupt policeman moonlighting as a drug trafficker.   Hendix's sister and her boyfriend work for the old man's son as drug pushers; the couple stays at home most the time  and uses Hendrix as their errand boy selling prohibited drugs to their customers.  As the drug business slowed down due to looming threat from the authorities, the cop found himself under pressure; he eventually killed the couple in order to silence them from exposing his involvement in drug trafficking.  His next target was Hendrix who hid in the house of the cop's father. The movie ends in a violent but well executed scene with the furious Hendrix killing the corrupt policeman as the latter tried to leave the scene after his father stopped him for attempting to kill Hendrix.  

It is interesting to note that this is Treb Montera's debut film and given the limited budget provided by Cinemalaya, he came up with a realistic and engaging film that's all worth your money and time. A high level of acting ensemble (including participation of real life rappers) contributed to the success of the film.  The role of Hendrix fits Abra perfectly and in many instances, he was just like acting himself throughout the film being a rapper who grew up in the streets.  The movie is not perfect but it certainly gave the audience a breather amidst the series of romcom movies that is dominating the local cinema scene.

Besides the special jury award for best film, "Respeto" also yielded additional awards including best supporting actor for Dido de la Paz and technical awards (best editing, Best Cinematography and best sound).