Lav Diaz, Brillante Mendoza now Oscar members

It was a proud moment for award-winning director Brillante Mendoza, together with Lav Diaz, to be among the new members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the prestigious organization that gives out the Oscar Awards.

The two award-winning Filipino filmmakers were among the new 700 members from 57 countries dubbed as The Academy’s Class of 2017. There were the first two Pinoys to garner such distinction.

Direk Brillante is proud of the distinction since the Philippines now has a representative in the Academy. But he said it should not come as a surprise since there was a time when the Philippines was very prolific in producing movies. There was a time the Philippines was producing 300 films a year, third to the United States and India.

Direk Brillante said it should not come as a surprise that the Philippines was considered as member of the AMPAS. “But it is rather late. It would have been better had the other Filipino filmmakers like Lino Brocka were also invited but it is a great honor for me and Lav,” said the director who garnered the Best Director plum at Cannes for his movie “Kinatay.”

He said he was surprised when he received an email inviting him to be a member of the Academy. At first, he thought it was spam mail. He only realized the email was true when it came out in social media that he and Lav were now members of the Academy.

Direk Brillante met the media at the special screening and press conference of his latest project titled “Kadaugan” for his “Brillante Mendoza Presents,” the monthly made-for-television movies being aired on TV5. The event was held on July 20 at the SM Megamall’s Director’s Club.

Direk Brillante is very thankful to TV5 and SM for the support they gave his projects via the monthly specials. He is very grateful to TV5 for the opportunity given him. In his belief, no network would dare give him full creative freedom.

“TV5 gave me full control in casting and in the stories that I made. I appreciate the trust they are giving me,” he added.

He also thanked SM which he said has been supporting his projects. This is not the first time that SM has been his partner.

Featured in the “Brillante Mendoza Presents: Kadaugan” is the colorful celebration of the Kadaugan sa Mactan celebration in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

This is the story of a woman who went through a lot of heartbreak and trials in life. In the cast are Dionne Monsanto, Daniel Marsh, Gloria Sevilla, Keanna Reeves, Albert Chan Paran, Suzette Ranillo and Matt Daclan.

“Brillante Mendoza Presents: Kadaugan” will be aired on July 30, 10:30 p.m. on TV5.

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Ogie Alcasid said he didn’t feel bad for not being chosen to be the host of “Little Big Shots Philippines.” Chosen as host instead was Billy Crawford.

Ogie said he is probably not meant to be the host of the show. He just consoled himself with the thought that there is probably a new show coming his way, not “Little Big Shots Philippines.”

The singer is currently promoting his latest album titled “Nakakalokal,” his first under Star Music. This is also his first collaboration with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Gerard Salonga.

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Christian Bables must be in cloud nine after winning the Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actor trophy for “Die Beautiful.”

This is the second best supporting actor trophy for Christian who also won the same award at the Metro Manila Film Festival last December.

Christian’s latest movie is “Finally Found Someone” where he plays the PR trainee of John Lloyd Cruz.

He considers himself lucky for having been given the chance to work with John Lloyd and Sarah. “Hindi ko akalain na mababait pala sila. Nawala ang takot ko kasi pwede naman pala silang lapitan at kausapin,” said Christian.

“Finally Found Someone” opens today in theaters nationwide under the direction of Theodore Boborol.