MANILA, Philippines - While independent films dominate the nominations for the Urian (critics) Awards, mainstream movies lead the race for the 26th Luna Awards handed out by the Film Academy of the Philippines.
The nominations were announced by FAP director-general Leo Martinez and member-actors Candy Pangilinan and Jason Abalos Friday night in SM Megamall.
Three Star Cinema (SC) productions topped the bids in 12 categories: Maryo J. de los Reyes’ “A Love Story” with nine; Jose Javier Reyes’ “Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo” with eight; and Cathy Garcia-Molina’s “One More Chance” with five.
The SC projects, among the top box-office earners last year, all received nods for Best Picture.
Among the independent projects that cinched nominations in different categories are Cesar Apolinario’s “Banal,” Eddie Romero’s “Faces of Love,” Neal “Buboy” Tan’s “Ataul for Rent,” Benji Garcia’s “Batad: Sa Paang Palay” and Bong Ramos and Sigrid Andrea Bernardo’s “Haw-Ang.”
“Banal” is in the running for Best Picture, Director, Actor (Paolo Contis) and Supporting Actor (Pen Medina).
“Ataul” received nods for Actor (Joel Torre), Supporting Actress (Irma Adlawan), Supporting Actor (Ronnie Lazaro), Cinematography (Renato de Vera); “Faces” for Picture, Director (Eddie Romero), Screenplay (Romero and Rica Arevalo), Musical Score (Jobin Ballesteros); “Batad” for Supporting Actor (Galura) and Screenplay (Vic Acedillo Jr.); “Haw-Ang” for Screenplay (Murphy Redd and Bong Ramos) and Production Design (Bianca Dadivas and Felisberto Besina).
Two actresses got double nods in a single category: Maricel Soriano for Actress (“A Love Story” and “Bahay Kubo”) and Eugene Domingo for Supporting Actress (“Bahay Kubo” and “Paano Kita Iibigin”).
Veterans and newcomers are in the acting honor roll this year.
Other nominees for Best Actress are Bea Alonzo (“One More”), Regine Velasquez (“Paano Kita”) and Judy Ann Santos (“Sakal”).
For Actor, other nominees are Aga Muhlach (“A Love”), John Lloyd Cruz (“One More”) and Piolo Pascual (“Paano Kita”).
For Supporting Actor, other nominees are Dante Rivero (“A Love”) and Wendell Ramos (“Happy Hearts”).
For Supporting Actress, other nominees are Angelica Panganiban (“A Love”) and Gina Pareño (“Sakal”).
For Best Director, other nominees are Maryo J. de los Reyes (“A Love”), Jose Javier Reyes (“Sakal”) and Joel Lamangan (“Silip”).
Four special awards will be given this year: Golden Reel Award to former President Joseph Estrada; FPJ Lifetime Achievement Award to Mowelfund executive director Boots Anson-Roa; Manuel de Leon Award to director Cirio Santiago; Lamberto Avellana Memorial (Posthumous) Award to sound engineer Juanito Clemente.
Touted as the local Oscars, the 26th edition of the Luna Awards will be mounted by the Manio Events Management at the SMX Convention Center (set tentatively next month), with the ceremonies to be aired on Studio 23.
Mainstream strikes back
AKo si Kim Sam SoOn
As part of the network’s 58th anniversary celebration, GMA proudly presents the network’s first-ever Pinoy adaptation of a Koreanovela with Ako si Kim Samsoon. The show that is set to tickle the hearts of the Kapuso viewers everywhere.
Ako si Kim Samsoon is the adaptation of the award-winning Koreanovela My Name is Kim Sam Soon, a show that became a hit here and around the world in 2006, though it was originally produced by MBC and Telesuccess Productions, Inc. in 2005.
Ako si Kim Samsoon will make the viewers roll with laughter as it shows an unusual way of telling a story about love, family and the importance of beauty, spiced up with a star-studded cast that certainly fits the taste of Filipinos.
Playing the title role is no less than the Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez. She has proven, through her numerous blockbuster romantic-comedy films, that she is perfect to play the coveted role of the huggable and lovable Kim Samsoon Buot, the baker-turned-pastry chef in her late 30’s who is about to discover that loves knows no age, shape nor size.
Joining Regine in this hilarious primetime series are Mark Anthony Fernandez as Cyrus, the handsome but snooty owner of the five-star restaurant; and Wendell Ramos as Harvey, the weak-willed ex-fiancé of Samsoon.
Also in the cast are Nadine Samonte as Hannah, the beautiful ex-fiancée and first love of Cyrus; Eugene Domingo as Chef Dina, the restaurant’s head chef; Carmi Martin as Mrs. Ruiz, the haughty mother of Cyrus; John Lapus as Marcus, the secretary of Mrs. Ruiz; and Ms. Tessie Tomas as Sonia, Samsoon’s volatile but loving mother.
Completing the bitter-sweet and sometimes spicy life of Samsoon are Jennica Garcia, Mart Escudero, Pauleen Luna, Maureen Larrazabal, Sheena Halili, Doc Hayden Kho, Mel Kimura, Marcus Madrigal, Dido dela Paz, Marky Lopez, Arthur Solinap, Stef Prescott and Cheska Eugenio with directors Dominic Zapata and Khryss Adalla at the helm.
The story begins with Samsoon dealing with two devastating news— her fiancé stood her up at their wedding, and their family’s bakery was gutted by a fire. Samsoon then decides to apply as a pastry chef in a five-star restaurant where she crosses paths with the rich and arrogant Cyrus in a very unusual spot—the male comfort room where he gives her a piece of advice about love and men. Not long after, Cyrus will discover Samsoon’s outstanding talent in baking and hires her to work in his restaurant.
Cyrus has his share of problems too. His domineering mother insists that he marries soon. To be free of his mother’s consistent prodding, Cyrus offers Samsoon a love contract—in which she must act as his girlfriend in exchange for a huge amount of money. He offers Samsoon the contract because he knows he will never fall for a girl like her. Although hesitant and furious about Cyrus’s overconfidence, Samsoon takes the opportunity to pay her family’s debts.
Are they both brave enough to face the consequences of the love contract? Will their plan still work even if their former paramours—Hannah and Harvey—re-enters the picture? Can a gorgeous guy like Cyrus fall for a plump, boisterous girl like Samsoon?
The plot is made more memorable with Regine’s version of ‘Maybe It’s You’, the same song used as the theme of My Name is Kim Sam Soon that became a hit in 2006.
Catch primetime’s most gigantic romantic-comedy series every weeknight after Mars Ravelo’s Dyesebel only on GMA Telebabad.
Guess who's singing on TV Saturday nights
Bus drivers, sidewalk vendors, informal settlers along the Pasig River and the bridges spanning it, as well as along the numerous creeks in the metro are definitely not glad to hear his voice doing a less-than-spirited version of the Rico Puno ditty “Macho Guwapito” on television.
Yet, the chairman of Metro Manila Development Authority, or more popularly known for its abbreviation MMDA, Bayani Fernando, is determined to stay longer than most of the other seven contestants (referred to by the GMA-7 production hands as “contenders,” as if they are in a boxing bout) that include President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s fashion designer, a former politician now full-time comedian and his half-sis ex-beauty queen and quondam runway model and occasional actress, a chef sans restaurant, a soccer player in England now on an indefinite leave, an ex-beauty queen without an international title, and a talk-show host-turned-wellness guru.
Fernando capped last Saturday’s premier episode, but definitely gave the show that much-needed boost for its ratings (it got a whopping 26.7 percentage points against the Kapamilya’s much touted top-rating Komiks (Varga) that mustered an admirable 21.7.
Celebrity Duets, folks, is back on GMA-7.
Regine Velasquez, still reeling with the success of Ako si Kim Samsoon on primetime weeknights, is back as host of the musical program with her beau (rather fiancé) singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid.
Last Saturday’s introductory episode of Celebrity Duets gave the audience a preview of what to expect in the next 12 Saturdays beginning tomorrow.
No, there was no voting yet that happened last Saturday. The text votes will be accepted only after the show tomorrow night. So, if you have decided which among these eight you’d like to be the second Celebrity Duets grand winner (after Tessa Prieto-Valdes, last year’s winner), do start hoarding those pre-paid phone cards. But if you discover that outlets have run out of supplies, you’d know who to blame.
The eight “contenders” who each would have the chance to sing with a famous singer on the show are MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, fashion designer JC Buendia, actor-politician Joey Marquez, supermodel-turned-actress Melanie Marquez, chef JL Cang, professional soccer player Phil Younghusband, beauty queen Carlene Aguilar, and lifestyle guru Cory Quirino.
This season’s panel of judges includes veteran concert and theater director Freddie Santos, renowned composer and arranger Danny Tan, and all-around social butterfly and Celebrity Duets’ first grand winner, Tessa Prieto-Valdes.
The opinion of these judges, each of whom are trying to pull the rug under the contenders by clowning around, won’t have any bearing at all on the potential of any of the contender to win. Remember that the winner will be determined by the number of text votes he or she accumulates after every show. The contender with the lowest vote will have no choice but to go home.
This is a contest that doesn’t focus on talent… Tessa Prieto-Valdes is the role model, if you’re not aware of it yet… but on audience impact. And if the performer can muster some gimmick or two during the performance, then that’s a plus.
Yet, it is more important that the contender is a member of a huge clan, or has a wide following… the more the better as the text votes are sure to come in.
The last one standing will not only be proclaimed as the grand winner but he or she will also have the chance to donate in whole or in part the one-million-peso grand prize to his or her designated charity.
Celebrity Duets promises to be even bigger and brighter with an added twist of originality to Fremantle’s version of the show. Catch it every Saturday after Pinoy Records only on GMA!
Regine Velasquez
Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez (born April 22, 1970) is a Filipino singer, actress, record producer, and TV host.
Velasquez was the first Filipino to stage a solo concert at the Main Hall of Carnegie Hall, part of Carnegie Hall's centennial-year concert series.[1] Her album Listen Without Prejudice achieved platinum certification in several countries. In 2000, she performed the country's millennial theme[2], televised in 55 broadcast networks throughout the world to coincide with midnight in Manila. She has sold more than 5 million albums making her the best selling Filipino Artist in the Philippines and one of the best in Asia proving her title as the "Asia's Songbird".
"In Love With You," a duet with Jacky Cheung, reached MTV Asia and Channel V music charts. She has collaborated with artists such as Paul Anka[3], David Hasselhoff, 98 Degrees, Brian McKnight[4], Mandy Moore, Ronan Keating, Stephen Bishop, Jim Brickman, Peabo Bryson[5], Jeffrey Osborne[6], Dave Koz , Lea Salonga, Grasshopper, Coco Lee, Michel Legrand, David Pomeranz, Eduardo Capetillo and Billy Crawford.
She embarked on several television and film projects, receiving a Best Actress Award for her portrayal of a mentally challenged woman in Maalaala Mo Kaya. Velasquez also formed IndiMusic (iMusic), a record label partnered with the late Bella Tan's Universal Records. She is currently managed by Aria Productions. Today, Velasquez is already announced as "The Most Successful Diva Of All Time" in The Philippines because of her countless achivements and dedications on her work.
1970–1986: Early life and discovery
Velasquez is the first child of Teresita and Gerardo Velasquez, born in Tondo, Metro Manila, Philippines on April 22, 1970. Her family moved to Hinundayan, Southern Leyte, where Velasquez studied at the Hinundayan Central School[7].
The Early Years
Music figured largely in her early development; her father sang to the children Frank Sinatra songs and her mother accompanied family sing-alongs on guitar. Her father trained her voice by having her sing while submerged neck-deep in the ocean; her mother taught her how to move on stage and interpret songs. Before she could read, her father taught her song lyrics. At six, Velasquez participated in a nationally-televised amateur singing competition, The Tita Betty's Children's Show. Her piece, "Buhat Nang Kita'y Makilala" ("Since I Met You"), won third place and "youngest contender." Velasquez joined more singing competitions in small towns around the country. By nine, Velasquez and her family had moved to Balagtas, Bulacan, where she studied at Balagtas Central School. She later studied at St. Lawrence Academy, where she won Vocal Solo and Vocal Duet for her school at the annual BULPRISA (Bulacan Private School Association) competition. Her parents saved money on competitions by designing and sewing her gowns using materials at hand and fabric from old gowns. Velasquez won the top prize in 67 of approximately 300 competitions [8]
At fourteen, Velasquez entered the senior division of Ang Bagong Kampeon, a nationally-televised singing competition, hosted by Bert "Tawa" Marcelo and Asia's "Queen of Songs", Pilita Corrales. Her father suggested that she audition with "Saan Ako Nagkamali" ("Where Did I Go Wrong"). She won for eight straight weeks and became the first grand champion of the show. The show's musical director, Dominic Salustiano, suggested her winning piece, George Benson's "In Your Eyes." She won a contract with Octoarts, recording the single "Love Me Again" as "Chona Velasquez," her nickname. She then joined the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), an organization of Filipino singers, performing in music lounges all over Metro Manila. Members of OPM helped her out by giving her industry advice and by lending their gowns for her performances.[9]
1986–1987: Debuts
At the behest of friend and fellow Octoarts recording artist, Pops Fernandez, Velasquez guested on the now defunct GMA 7 Variety TV show, 'Penthouse Live', on February 16, 1986. This is considered the biggest turning point of her career as this is where Ronnie Henares, the show's producer, noticed her potential and offered to become her manager. Martin Nievera, Pops' husband and co-host of the show, suggested to Velasquez that she drop the name Chona and use Regine as her screen name. That year, her father resigned from his job as a construction estimator to fully attend to his daughter's blossoming career.
Viva Records signed Velasquez to a contract in 1987, releasing her self-titled debut album. The album contained the hits "Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang," "Isang Lahi," and "Urong Sulong."
Her first regularly televised performances were musical variety shows with ensemble casts, such as ABS-CBN's Triple Treat and the Sunday variety show Teen Pan Alley. Velasquez and Alley's Janno Gibbs continued to collaborate throughout the years, creating the musical Kenkoy at Rosing, recording the hit cover song "Magkasuyo Buong Gabi," and performing duets in concert.
1988–1991: International exposure
Velasquez won the grand championship of the Asia-Pacific Singing Contest, an international competition held in Hong Kong, with "You'll Never Walk Alone" from Carousel and "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls. Her win garnered her celebrity status.
Carnegie Hall, New York at the age of 21
In 1989, Velasquez recorded two duets that boosted her career. One of the veteran singer-composers in the Philippines, Jose Mari Chan, hand-picked Velasquez to be his duet partner for his album entitled Constant Change. The song "Please Be Careful with My Heart" became one of the most requested songs at that time. The album went on to become the Philippine's biggest selling record of all time and was awarded a Certified Diamond Record Award by the PRIMA (equivalent to ten platinum awards). Another hit-maker, Gary Valenciano, one of the country's biggest singer-songwriters, penned the song 'Each Passing Night' for his album 'Faces of Love'.
Velasquez signed with Vicor records and released several albums, starting with Nineteen 90. The album included her Tagalog hit single "Narito Ako" ("Here I Am"), her first Ogie Alcasid-penned song, "I Have To Say Goodbye," and her pop hit "Promdi". Her first major solo concert, Narito Ako, was standing-room only at the Folk Arts Theater, with Gary Valenciano as a guest performer.
Velasquez's debut United States solo concert, Narito Ako sa New York (Here I Am in New York), was held at the Main Hall of Carnegie Hall on October 11, 1991, part of one hundred events of its centennial celebration. Velasquez is the first Filipino to stage a solo concert in the revered venue. (The first Filipino group act to perform is the Apo Hiking Society)[11]
The album Tagala Talaga ("A Genuine Tagalog Lady") comprised of her renditions of classic Filipino compositions by Nonong Pedero, Willy Cruz, George Canseco, Louie Ocampo, Freddie Aguilar, and National Artists for Music Awardees Ryan Cayabyab, Lucio D. San Pedro, and Levi Celerio.
1993–1998: Asian Music Scene
Her fourth album, Reason Enough, was released in 1993 and achieved platinum album status. It featured "Sana Maulit Muli," "Babalikang Muli," and her duet with Gary Valenciano, "Slip Away." It also included a duet with Paul Anka, "It's Hard to Say Goodbye," a cover of a 1986 single.
PolyGram Records released Velasquez's first pan-Asian studio album, Listen Without Prejudice in 1994. The album featured "In Love with You" with Jacky Cheung, "Follow the Sun," "What Kind of Fool Am I?," and "Reason Enough." Two more releases were My Love Emotion, featuring the cult favorite "You've Made Me Stronger," composed by Trina Belamide. Her next album, Retro, contained covers of hits from the 1970s, and an acoustic version of "Dance With Me," a duet with her mother, Teresita Velasquez.
Velasquez joined Ryan Cayabyab's musical adaptation of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere at the CCP in 1995. She played the tragic role of Maria Clara opposite Audie Gemora's Crisostomo Ibarra, directed by Nonong Padilla. Vic Del Rosario of Viva saw her performance and offered her the lead in Wanted: Perfect Mother, a movie adaptation of the Mars Ravelo comic book series, loosely based on The Sound of Music. Martin Nievera wrote the theme song, "You Are My Song," one of Velasquez's original hit singles. The movie was her first starring role and first pairing with Christopher De Leon.
In 1996, she staged Isang Pasasalamat, a free tenth anniversary concert at the UP Sunken Garden. Janno Gibbs, Bernardo Bernardo, The Tux, Nanette Inventor, Ivy Violan, and Martin Nievera were among her special guests. In the same year, Velasquez recorded a Christmas album, Love Was Born on Christmas Day, her final album under Polycosmic Records. She also ended her contract with Primeline, Inc., opting to manage her own career.
Viva Records released her multi-platinum R&B and hip hop-album Drawn, produced by Mark J. Feist, featuring a portrait made by Velasquez herself on the cover demonstrating her background in fine arts. Songs like "How Could You Leave," "I'll Never Say Goodbye," and more upbeat songs like "Once in a Lifetime" and "Messin' With My Head" demonstrated her versatility. The Filipino track "Ikaw" ("You"), was the theme song of her movie with Aga Muhlach. During this period, Velasquez moved from her demure image to a more sexy appearance.
