2011 MMFF - List of Awardees

Manila Kingpin bags Best Picture; Maricel and Dingdong snag top acting feats. 

The Metro Manila Film Festival Awards night took place Dec. 28 at the Resorts World Performing Arts Theater. Here is the complete list of winners.

Best Picture:
Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story

2nd Best Picture:
Enteng ng Ina Mo

3rd Best Picture:
Shake, Rattle and Roll 13

Best Director:
Gary dela Cruz (Asiong Salonga)

Best Actress:
Maricel Soriano (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow)

Best Actor:
Dingdong Dantes (Segunda Mano)

Best Supporting Actor:
John Regala (Asiong Salonga)

Best Supporting Actress:
Eugene Domingo (My Househusband)

Best Child Performer:
Bugoy Cariño (Shake, Rattle & Roll 13)

Best Original Story:
Shake, Rattle & Roll 13: Lunod

Best Screenplay:
Roi Iglesias and Rey Ventura (Asiong Salonga)

Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award:
Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story

Best Production Design:
Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story

Best Editing:
Jason Cahapay and Ryan Orduna (Asiong Salonga)

Best Musical Score:
Nonong Buencamino (Asiong Salonga)

Best Sound Recording:
Mike Idioma (Asiong Salonga)

Best Visual Effects:
Riot, Inc. (Ang Panday 2)

Best Make-Up:
Enteng ng Ina Mo

Best Original Theme Song:
“La Paloma” by Ely Buendia (Asiong Salonga)

Best Cinematography:
Carlo Mendoza (Asiong Salonga)

Gender Sensitivity Award:
My Househusband, Ikaw Na!

Best Float:
Panday 2

NEW WAVE – INDEPENDENT SECTION
(Date of Screening: December 17 to 21, 2011 at the Robinson’s Galleria)

Special Jury Prize:
Biyahe Ni Barbie (Kookai Labayen, De La Salle College of St. Benilde)

Best New Wave Student Film:
Payaso

Gender Sensitivity Award (Student Category):
Speechless by Miriam College

Gender Sensitivity Award (Full-Length Category):
HIV by Neil Tan

Best New Wave Actor:
JM de Guzman (Pintakasi)

Best New Wave Actress:
Iza Calzado (HIV)

Best New Wave Full-Length Indie Film:
Pintakasi

Best New Wave Student Short Film:
Mate

SPECIAL AWARDS

Lifetime Achievement Award:
Eddie Garcia

Posthumous Award:
Lito Calzado

SPONSOR AWARDS

Male Kutis Ganda Celebrity Award:
Ryan Agoncillo

Female Kutis Ganda Celebrity Award:
Ai Ai de las Alas

Male Celebrity Sexiest Appeal of the Night:
ER Ejercito

Female Celebrity Sexiest Appeal of the Night:
Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo

Male Face of the Night:
Richard Gomez

Female Face of the Night:
Iza Calzado

SMDC Most Glamorous Stars:
Ryan Agoncillo and Iza Calzado

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Segunda Mano - Movie Review

More surprises, thicker plots, stellar cast- These await viewers in Segunda Mano. 

I have nothing but pure praises for Segunda Mano. From start until the end, I fell in love with it. This is the only horror film that made me laugh, teary-eyed, shocked, stunned, and horrified, so I bet it's worth watching for all! Star Cinema, Agostodos Pictures, and MJM Productions grabbed stars that excelled in their respective genres. The result? A collage of cast that brought out the best in their talents. No one outshone the other, but each gave a tour de force performance that made Segunda Mano perhaps one of the most intriguing movies. Intriguing not because of sensual scenes or anything we used to tagged the word along. Intriguing in the sense that you'll be intrigued to know who's the good and who's the bad, who's the guardian that looks after the protagonist and her loved ones, and who's the killer, the culprit that does the killing.

Two thumbs up for Kris Aquino's role as Mabel, the long-suffering daughter who lives with her mom (Helen Gamboa) and is haunted by a heart breaking past that she hasn't let go for 20 years. Single and simple, she runs an antique shop and finds a comic friend in Anna (Bangs Garcia).

One rainy evening, as the evenings in the movie were set in downpour scenes, he meets Ivan (Dingdong Dantes), an architect and a single father, whom he falls in love with. Then the haunting comes when Ivan's wife, Mariela (Angelica Panganiban), begins to show up. Mariela's possessions begin to make their way to Mabel's hands. First the red bag, then her red dress, and later her black car. Then came of the death of Mariela's best friend who flirts with Ivan, and of Dindo (Jhong Hilario), Anna's boyfriend. Anna believes it was Mariela who did it, so she brings up the case to Ivan but he shrugs off the claim. She seeks help of a psychic but it was to no avail. Then in a sweep of events, everything is revealed about the ghost and the killings. This is where the twist of the film takes place.

Kris Aquino shines once more in the horror-suspense flicks. The facial expression, the scream, they are all superb. If you fell in love with Feng Shui, Sukob, and Dalaw, bet your money with Segunda Mano and you'll have one great time! The film is no second banana. The plot isn't predictable as some would say upon seeing the teasers. The scripts are excellently written, and the characters did justice to their role.

Dingdong Dantes' performance is superb. As Ivan the father, he is loving and caring, as Ivan the lover, he is sincere and romantic. But there's more to find out! His is complex, unpredictable. If you watch him portray his role in this film, you're like watching a calm lake on a sunny day and a restless sea on a stormy night at the same time.

Helen Gamboa also lent her acting prowess. I made the wrong impression that she's just another vase at the unnoticed, corner table. She she's not. There were scenes when she shone and in it she glittered in her dramatic best. The breakdown scene when she made Mabel felt loved and her near-death moment when someone unexpected came to save her. These are her moments in the film that made her stand out.

Bangs Garcia is not to be left out. As Kris Aquino's best friend Anna, she is talkative, tactless, kikay, frank, stylish, and of course, concerned. She steals the scene and stops the show. I rolled out laughing when she ran across the other side of the highway to throw the bag and the dress all while screaming to her lungs in a hilarious manner.

Mosang also lent her comic timing in the film. As the psychic, Kris and Helen frequents her in the hopes of communicating with a dead loved one. Later, Kris sought her help to rid off the ghost.

And there's Angelica Panganiban who plays Dingdong's wife. The restless ghost, the victim denied from justice. Dingdong thinks she ran away and went with his lover, but her hauntings proved she is dead. She is a surprise, a twist, and the key to solving the mystery of why the film is titled Segunda Mano!


I think Segunda Mano fared well and better ahead a pack of mediocre movies had  they made the film either 100 percent horror, or 100 percent comedy. I bet it'll break records in the festival had this been made a comedy. Or so I think. Anyway, I had a great time watching. Yes, it's a cross between horror, comedy, drama, and thriller, but if you stand in between  that cross, you will come to appreciate that in some ways, Segunda Mano is worth buying a ticket to the movie house. 

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MMFF Showdown - Yesterday Today Tomorrow

Diamond Star Maricel Soriano comes back in Yesterday Today Tomorrow.

Yesterday Today Tomorrow tells the interconnected saga of love, loss and deception.

It’s about what happens to a family when faced with a tragedy and how it changes each and every member and how they deal with that tragedy that befalls them,” explains the film's director Jun Lana in his first foray to directing an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival.

“I never think of it as a Metro Manila Film Festival movie kasi it’s still the same effort. Kahit naman pang-regular playdate, sineseryoso naman namin at binibigay namin lahat.

“Even if they pressure me, I won’t allow them to pressure me. I’ll just do my best.”

Aside from being the only heavy drama entry to the festival, there is more with Yesterday Today Tomorrow that the audience will fall in love with.

“For one, ‘yong casting alone makes it a movie event,” boasts Direk Jun.

“And then we made sure that the story is very entertaining. I mean it’s for the film fest. Christmas siya lalabas, so dapat entertaining talaga siya.”

The film stars Diamond Star Maricel Soriano in her comeback roll since 2009, together with Gabby Concepcion, Jericho Rosales, Dennis Trillo, Paulo Avelino, Lovi Poe, Carla Abellana, Solenn Heussaff, Ronaldo Valdez, Agot Isidro and introducing Eula Caballero

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MMFF Showdown - Shake Rattle & Roll 13

Shake, Rattle, & Roll 13 is touted as the final installment of the long-running horror franchise.

Rain, Rain Go Away episode

Director Chris Martinez describes the first episode as being “the fear ng bawat Filipino. ‘Di ba takot na takot tayo sa baha, sa sakuna, sa disaster? Parang everytime na uulan, o may malakas na bagyo, lahat tayo napapraning kasi baka mamatay ang mga tao, malunod.

“It’s a revenge story; it’s about guilt. Hindi mo matatakasan ang kasalanan mo.”

This is Direk Chris’s first foray into directing a horror film and he is very happy to have this experience. “E, siyempre, Diyos ko ‘no, I grew up watching Shake, Rattle & Roll. Dream ko na makagawa ng isang Shake, Rattle & Roll episode kahit man lang isang beses.”

Tamawo episode

The Tamawo episode is the come backing film of Richard Somes who returns to SRR after six years of absence.

"Actually, ang tamawo is very much close din sa maligno,” he explains. “Tamawo is an Ilonggo word."

The episode is all about a man named Alan who brings his wife and stepson to a provincial ranch. The ranch was previously looked after by his uncle whose death remained mysterious. It’s there where the family experiences various encounters with supernatural creatures.

Direk Richard also injects a serious message in his film: “Actually ‘yong theme ko ng Tamawo is ‘yong tayo as human beings, kaya nating mang-invade ng territory na kung minsan, e, hindi na sa atin.

“Hindi natin nirerespeto ang boundaries. Napaka-greedy talaga ng tao. So, ang ganda ng lesson.”

Parola episode

The Parola episode is Director Jerrold Tarog second directorial stint with the SRR franchise. The filmmaker admits that this film came all along after making Aswang, starring Lovi Poe and Paulo Avelino.

“It’s pretty tiring,” Direk Jerrold bluntly admits. “But the good thing is that Parola is a totally different concept from Aswang, which makes visualizing the project easy.”

The director is very happy to be included in this year’s entry to the film festival. “The other episodes are going to be helmed by two directors whom I have great respect for. I’m not so much pressured as I am in awe.

“With [Chris] Martinez and [Richard] Somes in the line-up, I’m prepared to lie low in this installment. Those two are awesome. I look forward to seeing their episodes.”

Written by Gerry Ignacio, the film stars Eugene Domingo, in her first attempt to do a horror flick, Jay Manalo, Edgar Allan Guzman, Boots Anson Roa, Zanjoe Marudo, Maricar Reyes, Bugoy Cariño, Celia Rodriguez and introducing Ervic Vijandre, Kathryn Bernardo, Louise de los Reyes, Sam Concepcion, Hiro Magalona, Dimples Romana, Ina Raymundo, and Ara Mina.

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MMFF Showdown - My Househusband

Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo team up for the third time in My Househusband.

Real and reel life couple, Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo, comes back to MMFF with this year's entry My House Husband, this time forming a love triangle with versatile actress Eugene Domingo, is a hilarious and wacky family comedy that is set to leave audience laughing and rolling.

The film tells the story of a man “who is forced by circumstances to take care of his family and do house chores while his wife “has to be the one to take on a job,” describes the film's writer and director Jose Javier Reyes. The move is produced by OctoArts Films.

“This is a phenomenon na very current right now,” he adds. The plot follows the househusband’s journey toward enlightenment.

“In the end,” Direk Joey says, “he learns that it is hard to be a housewife and more important, he learns to respect his wife not only as a mother, somebody to take care of the house, but as an individual who is capable of being a professional.”

This is the third collaboration of Direk Joey Reyes with real-life married couple Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos. Their earlier made MMFF box-office front runners, Kasal Kasali, Kasalo in 2007 and Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo in 2008.

Joining Judai and Ryan are Mirriam Quiambao and Agot Isidro.

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MMFF Showdown - Segunda Mano

Starring Queen of All Media Kris Aquino and Heartthrob Dingdong Dantes, Segunda Mano promises a worthy scream that's worth watching again and again. 

Segunda Mano offers moviegoers a double treat, as they get to see two of the country's biggest stars from two of opposing TV stations join forces for one film that is set to terrify and leave audience screaming from start to finish. For the first time, ABS-CBN's Kris Aquino and GMA's Dingdong Dantes team up for Segunda Mano.


This is also the first time that Bb. Joyce Bernal will direct a horror film. Of Segunda Mano  (which means second hand or pre-owned), she said in an interview with PEP that, "May istorya bawat bagay, lalo na ‘pag pre-owned, ‘di ba?


“Sometimes may mga naiiwang energy, kahit na bagay ‘yan. May unfinished business. So, kapag sobrang tindi no’ng mga pangyayaring ‘yon, you get the feeling, the vibes, kung anuman ‘yong naiwan doon na napakalakas. Kung sensitive ka or kung ikaw mismo mayroong unfinished business, makukuha mo ang vibes.”


Joining Aquino and Dantes is a powerhouse cast that includes versatile actress Angelica Panganiban, Jong Hilario, Bangs Garcia, and veteran actress Helen Gamboa.

The film is written by Joel Mercado. 

Watch the trailer here.

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MMFF Showdown – Manila Kingpin

Manila Kingpin: The Untold Story of Asiong Salonga is the only action movie in this year's MMFF. 

Manila Kingpin: The Untold Story of Asiong Salonga sets itself apart from other MMFF entries for two reasons. First, it is the only action movie to join this year's film festival. Second, it is the only entry to be in black and white. 


Storyline


The film biopic is based on the life of Nicasio Rodriguez Salonga, a heinous public enemy who was better known as Asiong Salonga. The film stars Laguna governor ER Ejercito, who uses his screen name Jeorge Estregan in the movie. The celebrity-politician said in an interview with PEP that the film was set in black and white to make it resemble the gangster films shown during Asiong's heydays than span after World War II and the early years of the 1950s.


Joining Estregan are Carla Abellana, Valerie Concepcion, Baron Geisler, Ping Medina, Dennis Padilla, and Philip Salvador. 


The film is directed by Tikoy Cruz and written by Roy Iglesias and Roy Ventura. 

Enjoy the full trailer here:

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Ten Best Female Screen Legends Who Never Won the Oscar

Who said an actress’ greatness is measured by the number of Oscar trophies she brings home? Minus the infamous curse, winning an Oscar really doesn’t matter nor it help boost a star’s wattage. As a matter of fact, some of the greatest actresses in history are not Oscar winners, as proven by these 10 screen thespians who ruled Hollywood’s Golden Years.



1. Deborrah Kerr

Best Film: From Here to Eternity(1953)

Perhaps Hollywood’s greatest actress never to scoop an Oscar, Kerr’s genteel, ladylike performances were notable in From Here to Eternity (1953), The King and I (1956), Heaven Knows Mrs. Allison (1957), Separate Tables (1958), and The Sundowners (1960). To this day, she holds the record of being the actress with the most Best Actress nominations, at six– with no wins. However she was given an honorary Academy Award in 1994 for her “impeccable grace and beauty,” and for being “a dedicated actress whose motion picture career has always stood for perfection, discipline and elegance.”

2. Greta Garbo

Best Film: Camille (1932)

The Guinness Word Record named the Swedish legend as the most beautiful woman in the world. Her sphinx-like allure, inscrutable dramatic performances in Anna Christie (1930), Grand Hotel (1932), Camille (1936), and Ninotchka (1939), and hatred for publicity solidified her goddess-like persona that went on to this day. She scooped four Oscar nominations and received an honorary award in 1954 for “her unforgettable screen performances.” In 1999, the American Film Institute placed Garbo fifth on its list of the greatest female screen legends of all time.

3. Barbara Stanwyck

Best Film: Double Indemnity (1941)

Well-loved by directors and crews for her professionalism at work, “Director’s Actress” Barbara Stanwyck was equally popular among audiences for her versatility on screen, as shown in her memorable roles as a longsuffering mother (Stella Dallas, 1937), burlesque queen (Ball of Fire, 1941), femme fatale (Double Indemnity, 1944), and screaming invalid (Sorry, Wrong Number, 1947). She won four Oscar nominations and was given an honorary award by the Academy for her “superlative creativity and unique contribution to the art of screen acting.”

4. Irene Dunne

Best Film: Love Affair (1939)

From musicals to heavy dramas, Irenne Dunne was a star. She began her career on stage and parlayed her acting prowess in such heavy-weight, Oscar nominated roles in Cimarron (1931), Theodora Goes Wild (1936), The Awful Truth (1937), Love Affair (1939), and I Remember Mama (1948), all unforgotten to this day by movie buffs and critics alike. She was inducted to the Kennedy Center Honors in 1985.

5. Rosalind Russell

Best Film: Auntie Mamie (1958)

Rosalind RUssell was perhaps one of a handful of actresses who can give justice to dramas, thrillers, and comedies. She won Golden Globes (and Oscar nominations) for her performances in My Sister Eileen (1942), Sister Kenny (1946), Mourning Becomes Electra (1947), and Auntie Mame (1958). After her film career began to wane, she shifted focus on charity and humanitarian causes. Her efforts proved fruitful; in 1972, the Academy honored her with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

6. Lillian Gish

Oscar-worthy performance: Night of the Hunter (1955)

Considered as the greatest actress of the silent screen, Lillian Gish did not have to speak to convey her message– her eyes, face, and movement spoke for her. When talkies came, she was relegated to character roles, but lead or not, she was an acting powerhouse. She was most memorable for her roles in the seminal Birth of a Nation (1915), controversial western Duel in the Sun (1946), terrifying thriller Night of the Hunter (1955), and as an elderly sister in The Whales of August (1987. She received an Honorary Academy Award in 1971 “For superlative artistry and for distinguished contribution to the progress of motion pictures.”

7. Thelma Ritter

Best Film: All About Eve (1950)

Considered as the most critically acclaimed character actresses of her time, she appeared as support to some of Hollywood’s most revered leading ladies, including Bette Davis and Doris Day. She earned six Oscar nominations for best supporting actress for All About Eve (1950), The Mating Season (1951), With a Song in My Heart (1952),Pickup on South Street (1953), Pillow Talk (1959), and Birdman of Alcatraz (1962).

8. Eleanor Parker

Best Film: Interrupted Melody (1955)

Dubbed as the “Woman with a Thousand Faces” for her versatility, Eleanor Parker came in and out of various film genres with ease and confidence. She played a prison inmate in Caged (1950), a detective’s wife in Detective Story (1951), and Marjorie Lawrence in the biopic Interrupted Melody (1955), although she is best remembered today as the baroness in the Sound of Music (1965). For her compelling role in Caged, she won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress in the Venice Film Festival.

9. Marlene Dietrich

Best Film: Morocco (1930)

Marlene Dietrich was the quintessential embodiment of cool, elegant, ambiguously erotic glamour. She constantly reinvented herself through time, although she was at her best in her roles in Blue Angel, Morocco (both 1930), Shanghai Express (1932), and Destry Rides Again (1939). “Dietrich was not just one of the most extraordinary women the movies created; she was also a personality who has exercised her spell as powerfully off screen as on.”

10. Judy Garland

Best Film: A Star is Born (1956)

Judy Garland was one of a handful of child actresses who succeeded as mature stars. She was a singer, dancer, actress, and performer rolled into one, although her personal struggles for most of her career eclipsed her popularity as an actress. Nevertheless, Garland was at her best in The Wizard of Oz (1939) and Judgment at Nuremberg (1961), while her compelling performance in A Star in Born (1956) nearly earned her an Oscar. Earlier in 1940, she was awarded the Juvenile Performer Academy Award.

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MMFF Showdown – Enteng ng Ina Mo

This year, two of MMFF's biggest moneymaker, Comedy Prince Vic Sotto and Comedy Queen Ai-ai delas Alas join forces in Enteng ng Ina Mo. 

Vic topbilled the long-running Enteng Kabisote film franchise while Ai-Ai leads the cast of the box-office heavyweight Ang Tanging Ina Mo series. 


Storyline


This year, Enteng Kabisote meets Ina Monticello. Enteng grows tired of his action packed “fairy” tale life, so he yearns to live as a normal person. Meanwhile, Ina begins to feel the empty-nest syndrome when her kids decide to live lives of their own, so she goes for a quest to look for her fifth husband. 


The film's director, Tony Y. Reyes, reveals in an interview with PEP how Enteng and Ina meet up. “Nagkataong masama ang loob ni Enteng at naglalasing. Nilagyan siya ngayong ng spell ni Santana para masira nang tuluyan ‘yong pamilya niya. Ang spell ay kung sino’ng unang papasok sa pinto na babae, ‘yon ang liligawan at makaka-love-team ni Enteng. Nagkataon, si Ina ang unang pumasok sa bar na ‘yon,” he said. 


The film was written by Kriz G. Gazmen, Bibeth Orteza, Tony Reyes, Dano Mariquit. The cast also includes Eugene Domingo, Bing Loyzaga, Aiza Seguerra, Amy Perez, Oyo Sotto, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Marvin Agustin, Nikki Valdez, Xiriel manabat, Carlo Aquino, Alwyn Uytingco, Yuuki Kadooka, and Ruby Rodriguez. 

Enjoy watching Enteng ng Ina Mo's trailer.

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MMFF Showdown – Ang Panday 2

Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. topbills this year's entry of Imus Productions and GMA films to the Metro Manila Film Festival. 

Ang Panday 2 promises more action, thicker plot, internationally competitive animation, and lavish costumes crowned by a stellar cast that will surely give viewers a worthwhile experience.

Storyline

Ang Panday 2 continues the story of the legendary blacksmith Flavio, who returns to save the love of his life, Maria, from the hands of his perennial nemesis, evil Lizardo. Revilla admits that the second installment aims to top the first Panday movie in terms of special and visual effects.

“It was meant to be bigger and better than the first one,” admits the film's director Mac Alejandre when interviewed by PEP. “It was meant to be a visual spectacle and ‘yon ang direksiyon na pinupuntahan niya. Grabe ang CGI [computer-generated imagery]! More than half of the film mat CGI.”

“Hindi kami gumagawa ng pelikula for the awards. mali namang objective ‘yon. We want to enetertain. We are hoping it will be a bigger hit; ‘yon malinaw sa ‘min ‘yon. That’s why we’re working so hard. Gusto naming ma-maintain ang integrity ng Panday as a franchise.”

Ang Panday, the first installment, was the biggest winner during the 2009 MMFF, including Best Picture and Best Actor of Bong Revilla.

The film written by RJ Nuevas and includes a stellar cast headed by Ramon “Bong” Revilla, with GMA's prime time queen Marian Rivera, Iza Calzado, Alix Dixson, Rhian Ramos, Eddie Garcia, and Philip Salvador as Lizardo.

Ang Panday 2 Trailer

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Metro Manila Film Festival Heats Up!

Six days before the Metro Manila Film Festival opens, the competition among the entries heats up, with side by side publicities dotting the internet, newspapers, and magazines, while at the same time dotting airtime slots in TV commercial breaks.

Who will will big time this year? That is yet to be known. But if you are still thinking which film to watch, check out this year's official entries to the most glittering moment of filmdom.

Ang Panday 2

Enteng ng Ina Mo

Manila Kingpin: The Untold Story of Asiong Salonga

My House Husband

Segunda Mano

Shake, Rattle, & Roll XIII

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

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Eugene Domingo, MMFF Queen of Philippine Cinema

Eugene stars in three MMFF entries this year. 

Nothing does like it than Comedy Diva Eugene Domingo. The past Metro Manila Film Festivals, she appeared in a number of films, and she did it again this year, as she lends her presence and talent to three entries: Enteng ng Ina Mo, My Houseband, and Shake, Rattle and Role XIII.

Indeed, it has been a long ride for Eugene Domingo, from her humble beginnings as a bit player in the 1990s, she has emerged as one of the country's most versatile actresses both on screen and on television.

However, she got frustrated within initial foray in showbusiness that she stopped acting and went back to school and attended college. “When I started as a bit player, talagang maghihintay ka kung kelan ka kukunan,  unlike in theater where there is a schedule to follow, and walang pa-star,” she said in an interview with Philippine Daily Inquirer.

But, there was a time, when, out of sheer frustration, she stopped acting for the TV-film cameras. “When I started as a bit player, talagang maghihintay ka kung kelan ka kukunan,  unlike in theater where there is a schedule to follow, and walang pa-star.”

After college, Eugene decided to act exclusively on stage, until lured by friend, TV director Andoy Ranay, give acting a second chance. She was cast by Wenn Derramas to appear as Claudine Barretto's protective friend Simang in the primetime series, Hanggang sa Dulo ng Wala Hanggan, which ran from 2001 until 2003.

“Acting for TV was really sweeter the second time around, kasi natagpuan ko ang  grupo na may respeto sa craft, kasi they also came from theater,” she recalled. While still on her role as Simang, she was cast in Ai-Ai delas Alas breakthrough movie, Ang Tanging Ina, in 2003, where she appeared as Rowena, Ai-Ai's best friend. More film and TV appearances followed. She played as the eccentric mermaid Lorelie in Marina (2004), hosted a cooking Show, Makuha Ka sa Tikim (2005-2006), starred as a witch on the guise of a nun in Kampanerang Kuba (2006), a nanny in Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang (2008), the main host in the comedy show Comedy Bar, and as the younger sister in the Nora Aunor comeback starrer Sa Ngalan ng Ina (2011).

In films, she continued appearing as Ai-Ai delas Alas' best friend in hit comedy blockbusters, including Volta (2004), Ang Cute ng Ina Mo (2007), and Ang Tanging Ina Niyong Lahat (2008).

Her biggest break came when she was cast as the two opposing twins in the Kimi Dora (2009), directed by Joyce Bernal. The movie was critically acclaimed box office success that earned Eugene Best Actress Awards from the PMPC and Golden Screen Awards.

Her success with the box office continued in 2010 with Here Comes the Bride, Petrang Kabayo, and Ang Tanging Ina Mo. She also starred in Mamarrazi, Working Girls (both 2010), Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi, and Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank, the country's official entry to the 2011 Academy Awards.

Way back 50s and 60s, when the Philippine Cinema was at its brightest, it is normal for the likes of Gloria Romero, Nida Blanca, and Susan Roces to appear in 5, 6 or 7 films in a year. Nora and Vilma did the same at the peak of their careers, but no star dared to repeat the same in the succeeding decades. Except for Eugene Domingo. From her stint in Tanging Ina, Uge has appeared in no less then three films a year, and her screen appearance reached its peak in 2011, when she appeared in six films; not to mention 3 more films set for this years Metro Manila Film Festival.

Of her success, Boots Anson-Roa, her co-star in Shake, Rattle and Roll said: “I’m happy for you. You’re no Anne Curtis, but you made it!”

Eugene is happy and thankful for the success that she enjoys, ”Natuwa ako kasi tama ‘yung timing. Handa na yung utak at katawan ko. Mature na ako nung na-launch ako. Hindi ako nasisilaw sa kasikatan.”

But she also keeps in mind that everything is temporarily and ends in time. “After doing your job, you have to save, you have to invest, because yung mga  award, wala nang makakaalala niyan. Naalala mo ba kung sinong nanalo last year? Baka ako na lang nakaalala na nanalo ako. And, when that happens, sana ‘di ka mapi-feature sa “Wish Ko Lang,” kasi wala ka nang pera! ”

Domingo's acting efforts both in comedy and in drama proved worthy of emulation. Among the awards she received include: best supporting actress at the MMFF for Bahay Kubo; Gawad Tanglaw Award for best supporting actress, Foster Child (2008); Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival best supporting actress, 100 (2008); best actress at the Golden Screen Awards for Kimmy Dora; Famas Award for best supporting actress, Here Comes the Bride; MMFF and Star awards for best supporting actress, Ang Tanging Ina Mo; and best actress for Ang Babae sa Septic Tank. 

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18th Screen Actors Guild Award Nominees Unveiled

Holywood's Screen Actors Guild unveiled Wednesday its list of nominees for the 18th SAG Awards. Here is a complete list of nominees. 



The Screen Actors Guild on Wednesday picked nominees for best performances of 2011 in movies and television. While the group that represents actors honors TV performances, the SAG Awards are more closely watched for their impact in the race for Oscars.
Mary Tyler Moore will be given a lifetime achievement honor, and below is a full list of nominees in both film and TV categories, respectively:


FILM 


Best Ensemble Cast
"The Artist"
"Bridesmaids"
"The Descendants"
"The Help"
"Midnight in Paris"


Actor
Demian Bichir, "A Better Life"
George Clooney, "The Descendants"
Leonardo DiCaprio, "J. Edgar Hoover"
Jean Dujardin, "The Artist"
Brad Pitt, "Moneyball"

Actress
Glenn Close, "Albert Nobbs"
Viola Davis, "The Help"
Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady"
Tilda Swinton, "We Need To Talk About Kevin"
Michelle Williams, "My Week With Marilyn"


Supporting Actor
Kenneth Branagh, "My Week With Marilyn"
Armie Hammer, "J. Edgar"
Jonah Hill, "Moneyball"
Nick Nolte, "Warrior"
Christopher Plummer, "Beginners"


Supporting Actress
Berenice Bejo, "The Artist"
Jessica Chastain, "The Help"
Melissa McCarthy, "Bridesmaids"
Janet McTeer, "Albert Nobbs"
Octavia Spencer, "The Help"


Stunt Performances in a Film
"The Adjustment Bureau"
"Cowboys & Aliens"
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"
"Transformers: Dark Of The Moon
"X-Men: First Class"


TELEVISION 


Best Ensemble Cast - Drama
"Boardwalk Empire"
"Breaking Bad"
"Dexter"
"Game of Thrones"
"The Good Wife"


Actor - Drama
Patrick J. Adams, "Suits"
Steve Buscemi, "Boardwalk Empire"
Kyle Chandler, "Friday Night Lights"
Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"
Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"


Actress - Drama
Kathy Bates, "Harry's Law"
Glenn Close, "Damages"
Jessica Lange, "American Horror Story"
Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife"
Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer"


Best Ensemble Cast - Comedy
"30 Rock"
"The Big Bang Theory"
"Glee"
"Modern Family"
"The Office"


Actor - Comedy
Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"
Ty Burrell, "Modern Family"
Steve Carell, "The Office"
Jon Cryer, "Two And A Half Men"
Eric Stonestreet, "Modern Family"


Actress - Comedy
Julie Bowen, "Modern Family"
Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie"
Tina Fey, "30 Rock"
Sofia Vergara, "Modern Family"
Betty White, "Hot In Cleveland"


Actor - TV Movie or Miniseries
Laurence Fishburne, "Thurgood"
Paul Giamatti, "Too Big To Fail"
Greg Kinnear, "The Kennedys"
Guy Pearce, "Mildred Pierce"
James Woods, "Too Big To Fail"


Actress - TV Movie or Miniseries
Diane Lane, "Cinema Verite"
Maggie Smith, "Downton Abbey"
Emily Watson, "Appropriate Adult"
Betty White, "Hallmark Hall Of Fame: The Lost Valentine"
Kate Winslet, "Mildred Pierce"


Stunt Performances in a TV Series
"Dexter"
"Game of Thrones"
"Southland"
"Spartacus: Gods of the Arena"
"True Blood"

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69th Golden Globe Award Nominees Announced

The Hollywood Foreign Press Club announced Thursday morning the finalist for the 69th Golden Globe Awards. Here is a complete list of nominees. 

Picture, Drama: “The Descendants,” “The Help,” “Hugo,” “The Ides of March,” “Moneyball,” “War Horse.”


Picture, Musical or Comedy: “50/50,” “The Artist,” “Bridesmaids,” “Midnight in Paris,” “My Week with Marilyn.”


Actor, Drama: George Clooney, “The Descendants”; Leonardo DiCaprio, “J. Edgar”; Michael Fassbender, “Shame”; Ryan Gosling, “The Ides of March”; Brad Pitt, “Moneyball.”


Actress, Drama: Glenn Close, “Albert Nobbs”; Viola Davis, “The Help”; Rooney Mara, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”; Meryl Streep, “The Iron Lady”; Tilda Swinton, “We Need to Talk About Kevin.”


Director: Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris”; George Clooney, “The Ides of March”; Michel Hazanavicius, “The Artist”; Alexander Payne, “The Descendants”; Martin Scorsese, “Hugo.”


Actor, Musical or Comedy: Jean Dujardin, “The Artist”; Brendan Gleeson, “The Guard”; Joseph Gordon-Levitt, “50/50”; Ryan Gosling, “Crazy, Stupid, Love”; Owen Wilson, “Midnight in Paris.”


Actress, Musical or Comedy: Jodie Foster, “Carnage”; Charlize Theron, “Young Adult”; Kristen Wiig, “Bridesmaids”; Michelle Williams, “My Week with Marilyn”; Kate Winslet, “Carnage.”


Supporting Actor: Kenneth Branagh, “My Week with Marilyn”; Albert Brooks, “Drive”; Jonah Hill, “Moneyball”; Viggo Mortensen, “A Dangerous Method”; Christopher Plummer, “Beginners.”


Supporting Actress: Berenice Bejo, “The Artist”; Jessica Chastain, “The Help”; Janet McTeer, “Albert Nobbs”; Octavia Spencer, “The Help”; Shailene Woodley, “The Descendants.”


Foreign Language: “The Flowers of War,” “In the Land of Blood and Honey,” “The Kid with a Bike,” “A Separation,” “The Skin I Live In.”


Animated Film: “The Adventures of Tintin,” “Arthur Christmas,” “Cars 2,” “Puss in Boots,” “Rango.”


Screenplay: Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris”; George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Beau Willimon, “The Ides of March”; Michel Hazanavicius, “The Artist”; Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash, “The Descendants”; Steven Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin, “Moneyball.”


Original Score: Ludovic Bource, “The Artist”; Abel Korzeniowski, “W.E.”; Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”; Howard Shore, “Hugo”; John Williams, “War Horse.”


Original Song: “Hello Hello” (music by Elton John, lyrics by Bernie Taupin), “Gnomeo & Juliet”; “The Keeper” (music and lyrics by Chris Cornell), “Machine Gun Preacher”; “Lay Your Head Down” (music by Brian Byrne, lyrics by Glenn Close), “Albert Nobbs”; “The Living Proof” (music by Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman, Harvey Mason Jr., lyrics by Mary J. Blige, Harvey Mason Jr., Damon Thomas), “The Help”; “Masterpiece” (music and lyrics by Madonna, Julie Frost, Jimmy Harry), “W.E.”


TELEVISION


Series, Drama: “American Horror Story,” FX; “Boardwalk Empire,” HBO; “Boss,” Starz; “Game of Thrones,” HBO; “Homeland,” Showtime.


Actor, Drama: Steve Buscemi, “Boardwalk Empire”; Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad”; Kelsey Grammer, “Boss”; Jeremy Irons, “The Borgias”; Damian Lewis, “Homeland.”


Actress, Drama: Claire Danes, “Homeland”; Mireille Enos, “The Killing”; Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife”; Madeleine Stowe, “Revenge”; Callie Thorne, “Necessary Roughness.”


Series, Musical or Comedy: “Enlightened,” HBO; “Episodes,” Showtime; “Glee,” Fox; “Modern Family,” ABC; “New Girl,” Fox.


Actress, Musical or Comedy: Laura Dern, “Enlightened”; Zooey Deschanel, “New Girl”; Tina Fey, “30 Rock”; Laura Linney, “The Big C”; Amy Poehler, “Parks and Recreation.”


Actor, Musical or Comedy: Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”; David Duchovny, “Californication”; Johnny Galecki, “The Big Bang Theory”; Thomas Jane, “Hung”; Matt LeBlanc, “Episodes.”


 Miniseries or Movie: “Cinema Verite,” HBO; “Downton Abbey (Masterpiece),” PBS; “The Hour,” BBC America; “Mildred Pierce,” HBO; “Too Big to Fail,” HBO.


Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Romola Garai, “The Hour”; Diane Lane, “Cinema Verite”; Elizabeth McGovern, “Downton Abbey (Masterpiece),” Emily Watson, “Appropriate Adult”; Kate Winslet, “Mildred Pierce.”


Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Hugh Bonneville, “Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)”; Idris Elba, “Luther”; William Hurt, “Too Big to Fail”; Bill Nighy, “Page Eight (Masterpiece)”; Dominic West, “The Hour.”


Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Jessica Lange, “American Horror Story”; Kelly Macdonald, “Boardwalk Empire; Maggie Smith, “Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)”; Sofia Vergara, “Modern Family”; Evan Rachel Wood, “Mildred Pierce.”


Supporting Actor, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Peter Dinklage, “Game of Thrones”; Paul Giamatti, “Too Big to Fail”; Guy Pierce, “Mildred Pierce”; Tim Robbins, “Cinema Verite”; Eric Stonestreet, “Modern Family.

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