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Stars, filmmakers in LA for Manila International Film Festival launch
Enchong Dee, the star of Chris Martinez's comedy "Here Comes the Groom," was so excited to celebrate his 35th birthday in Los Angeles.
Bubbly and gregarious, the charming actor had a mini-impromptu celebration of his special day during the launch of the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) which had a press conference with the filmmakers and stars who flew in from the Philippines to attend the historic event.
Aside from Dee, the other Filipino actors and filmmakers from the Philippines present for the press con were from the movie "About Us But Not About Us" - Romnick Sarmenta, director Jun Robles Lana and executive producer Perci Intalan; from "Love You Long Time" – actress Eisel Serrano and director JP Habac; and from "Here Comes the Groom" actress Kaladkaren.
All graced the event for the launch of the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) which was held at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) last Thursday, November 2.
In a press conference held at the Andaz West Hollywood Hotel, MIFF Chairman Omen Ortiz announced that actress Hilda Koronel will be the first recipient of the Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement Award. Named after the late Manibog, the first Filipino American to become an elected official in Southern California and the first Fil-Am mayor in the continental United States, a humanitarian, lawyer and an Olympian, the award honors Koronel, one of the Philippines' finest actresses.
Ortiz said during the launch at the DGA, "On behalf of the Manila International Film Festival, we are awarding the first Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement award to an actress, who has captured our hearts not only because of her beauty but also because of her acting talent. She starred in Lino Brocka's classics 'Maynila: Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag' which won 6 FAMAS awards in 1976 and 'Insiang' which won both the FAMAS and Gawad Urian Awards in 1977. 'Insiang' was also the first Philippine film ever to be shown at the Cannes Film Festival."
Also present during the press con and the launch were Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) overall chairman, Atty. Romando Artes, and executive director, Atty. Rochelle Ona.
MIFF, the first overseas edition of the MMFF, screened the three films chosen from the eight entries in the inaugural summer edition of MMFF (Metro Manila Summer Film Festival – MMSFF) held last April in the Philippines.
These three films were Chris Martinez's "Here Comes the Groom," starring Enchong Dee, Kaladkaren, Miles Ocampo and Gladys Reyes, MMSFF special jury prize winner; JP Habac Jr.'s "Love You Long Time," starring Carlo Aquino, Eisel Serrano and Ana Abad Santos; Jun Robles Lana's "About Us But Not About Us," starring Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas, which won several MMSFF awards, including best picture, best director and best actor, including Q & A, moderated by journalist Ruben V. Nepales, with star Sarmenta and filmmakers Lana and Intalan.
On the morning of the launch, a power breakfast at the London Hotel was also hosted by the MIFF organizers with MIFF consultant Winston Emano leading the group of filmmakers. Directors Marie Jamora, David Maquiling, Francis dela Torre, and animator Anthony Francisco met and talked to Filipino filmmakers from the Philippines – Jun Robles Lana, Perci Intalan and JP Habac. Also present during the breakfast meeting were MMFF overall chairman Atty. Artes and executive director Atty. Ona. Producer Karishma Gidwani was also present.
The LA launch also featured a VIP reception and a meet and greet with the stars and filmmakers behind these three films.
The star-studded, glamorous and glitzy event was attended by Tia Carrere, Jon Jon Briones, Reggie Lee, Hollywood actor John Savage, Hilda Koronel, director Marie Jamora, director Bianca Catbagan, Inigo Pascual, Arianna Basco, Darion Basco, Mica Javier, Carlin James, Zedrick Restauro, JB Tadena, Jay R, Dhjoanna Garcia, among others.
The MIFF founders are Omen Ortiz, chairman; Ebradu Udarbe, president; Lisa Lew, executive producer; Ruben Nepales and this writer, media relations consultants; and Celia Abaya Dy, ticketing manager. Also on the MIFF team are Leo Dela Cruz, chief financial officer; Erickson Ilog, chief operations officer; Ron Ramores, chief marketing officer; Cindy Sison, consultant; and Meriden Angeles, producer.
Ten entries in the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival this December will be screened in Los Angeles on January 30 and 31 and February 1 and 2, 2024. With the lineup of star-studded MMFF entries, MIFF in LA promises to be an exciting one as well.
Details on the screening dates and times will be announced on the www.manilainternationalfilmfest.org.
—MGP, GMA Integrated News
