Restored and Remastered JOSE RIZAL Released by GMA Pictures

I've watched this film a couple of times and seeing the efforts of GMA Pictures, I'm impressed about what I saw during the screening at the Manila Metropolitan Theater. This is the newly restored and remastered JOSE RIZAL. 

 

This is a masterpiece by Director Marilou Diaz Abaya. Picking up a physical film reel and seeing it damaged through use, time and the elements must have GMA feel it needs to be taken cared of. This took them a total of 1600 hours to do to fix the missing frames, burn marks, take off the dirt and run a new audio (5.1 Stereo) so we could now have an immersive version of this heavily awarded film which was shown at MMFF in 2018. This stars Cesar Montano, Jhong Hilario, Joel Torre, Jaime Fabregas, Pen Medina, Gardo Versoza, Gloria Diaz, Mon Confiado, Chin Chin Gutierrez, Micky Ferriols, Ronnie Lazaro, Irma Adlawan, Tony Mabesa, Nanding Josef, Joel Lamangan, Ping Medina, and a stellar cast.

Restoring this film means a lot of things, it will be in digital form from hereon and would be possible to show to future generations who choose to see what it was like in previous generations. I was also touched at how National Artist Ricky Lee, Marc Abaya (son of Director Marilou Diaz Abaya) felt during their speech, and how much importance was given to the film and for the people behind it. The stars were also at the event during Cinemalaya, and they were all smiles after the screening. The kind of life we have would certainly be changed with even more films planned to be restored. Imagine the things people could learn by watching historical films, or even the film making process. Congratulations to GMA for doing this good deed. It's all worth it!

Michael V for Family History

One just not question Michael V’s genius. His humor and brand of comedy has spanned several years in different channels, different shows and just about every hilarious music video they’ve made since the 90’s. This year, we all got word that he’s working with GMA Pictures and his own outfit called Mic Test Entertainment Inc. as creator and lead actor in a movie called FAMILY HISTORY. In a story conference a few months back, we learned that other stars like Dawn Zulueta, Paulo Contis, Bianca Umali, Miguel Tanfelix, Nonie Buencamino, Kakai Bautista, Ina Feleo, Mikoy Morales, Vince Gamad, Jemwell Ventenilla and Nikki Co also joined in the cast.

The big ensemble seem to be essential to the story and with how has been able to do great work in the past few years, he’s bound to do something even greater this coming July so expect a masterpiece to appear this mid 2019. This is also the first time where Ms. Dawn Zulueta and Michael V will be teamed up on screen but I bid these seasoned actors won’t find anything hard to do especially because they’ve done comedy in past projects already.

I can’t wait to see more of this when they start showing the film in theaters nationwide and perhaps on digital streaming sites too. This isn’t the first time Michael V has directed something because most of the legwork and comedy in Bubble Gang is credited to him. I wouldn’t be surprised if people would want to watch something fun from Bitoy!

Stay tuned on GMA’s social media properties because it’s also going to be teased on these channels. This is going to be fun, we can’t wait!

Kris Bernal's Birthday and Charity Event

You guys probably know by now that I meet celebrities quite often. I am so lucky though that they have all been so nice to me especially this one who particularly has a spot in my heart. I met her way back 2010 when Coca Cola launched the giant Christmas Tree in Araneta and together with other Kapuso stars, she represented her channel well. Full of positive demeanor, she has always put a smile on her face ready to meet her fans and supporters even if she's tired already. She even performed later on in the evening but you wouldn't see her complain. She feels so blessed and lucky and so a few days ago I was invited to take part in her charity event. It was her birthday too so even if I had some things to do in the office, I still made it a point to come.

The last time I saw her again was in Philippine Fashion Week when they walked the ramp with other Bench endorsers. I can even remember what she wore that day. Though on this instance she isn't doing work, but she saw the "off time" as an opportunity to celebrate her birthday with causes she actually believes in. This charity event was held at the Manila Girls Town, a facility in Marikina. We celebrated mass first to thank God for everything first. Then a party ensued so she could entertain and give back to the needy female kids that are brought to this shelter. Kris Bernal's Mom was even at the event, not as a spectator but a really hands on volunteer. She made sure everything was in place so the kids and the guests didn't have anything to worry about. Bless her.

The kids danced, sang and played games to the delight of the other kids who also attended this charity event. I had to blur some photos for obvious reasons, these kids are minors. If you only knew their stories you wouldn't hesitate going there too and give them help. They are either abandoned, abused, or street kids that are from the slums of Manila; and they are brought to this shelter if City Hall or the courts feel they would be better off here. Thanks to the volunteers, Moms and other social workers who take their time attending to the needs of these kids. There were more on the other buildings but we only give what we can of course.

 

Thanks to Kris Bernal's sponsors, Krispers, Alab, Alkris, Aljur-Kris fans etc. because they didn't hesitate to lend a hand; they feel these kids deserve care just like the rest of us who still have our families. From food, cakes, drinks, clothes, personal care items, they chipped in on this charity event. Kris was so thankful for their generosity and hope this isn't the last.

It was hot and humid that day but she didn't even complain. She made us all feel why she's been doing this for years now. She always said that this was her way of giving back to people that have supported her through the years. She's also thankful that people have become so supportive of her cause that a repeat is inevitable. GMA Artist Center is really doing something good. They have been exposing their talents to things like these and Kris Bernal is one of the few who have been spearheading charities in their station. It's something close to her heart and she feels so good that people have been very receptive. Her shows in GMA are still coming but she wouldn't stop taking time out for these kids because she feels this is one of the few ways they could contribute to the community. She's really a good soul imho, I've seen that in her since the day I've gottten to meet her. I hope there would be more GMA stars who would follow suit. I'm sure there is, we just have to take that extra step to help.

Thanks to GMA Artist Center and Kris Bernal for letting us tag along. People should really learn from this experience. I'm sharing this story so you could start sharing too. Great things start from small beginnings as they say. :) Happy Birthday and Thank You Kris!

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