From MTRCB with 'Lav'

A few issues ago, Funfare reported that the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) didn’t review Lav Diaz’s nine-hour epic drama Death in the Land of Encantos because it was “too long” and the group assigned to review it felt “lazy.”

Here’s the reaction of MTRCB chief Ma. Consoliza P. Laguardia:

Dear Sir,

Please allow us to comment on your “Funfare” column appearing in The Philippine STAR issue on Oct. 4, 2008 concerning the review by the MTRCB of Lav Diaz’s Death in the Land of Encantos.

On Sept. 18, 2008, the Philippine Independent Filmmakers Multipurpose Cooperative (PIFMC) submitted twenty-six (26) films for review by the MTRCB, among which is the nine-hour film Death in the Land of Encantos. The PIFMC wanted these twenty-six (26) films reviewed in time for their film festival scheduled Sept. 24 to Oct. 7, 2008.

Appropriate assignments to MTRCB review committees were immediately made of these films. Unfortunately, the review of one (Death in the Land of Encantos) out of the twenty-six (26) films was not completed in time for its intended screening date on Oct. 5. due to the short lead time given to us by the PIFMC. Proper notice was given to the representative of PIFMC who consented to the completion of the review of the film Death in the Land of Encantos on Oct. 6. More so, during the review period of these twenty-six (26) films are also other equally important films previously submitted to the MTRCB by the Instituto Cervantes and the Australian Embassy for their respective film festivals. The reviews of these films notwithstanding are also the regular workload of film reviews by the MTRCB of other commercial movies and television programs with desired screening dates.

Please be assured that MTRCB is responsive to the needs of the film industry. To help us perform better, we appeal to the film producers and distributors to strictly follow the standing MTRCB circular that films to be reviewed must be submitted to us at least ten (10) working days prior to the intended screening date. A much longer time is more highly appreciated.

Thank you for your due consideration on the matter.

Very truly yours,

MA. CONSOLIZA P. LAGUARDIA

MTRCB Chairperson

Lend an ear to Vince Camua

He sounds like Gary Valenciano but he’s not Gary Valenciano. He sounds like Martin Nievera but he’s not Martin Nievera. He sounds like Richard Poon but he’s not Richard Poon. In fact, he sounds like many other singers but he’s not any of them.

Upcoming singer Vince Camua (who is in advertising) is, yes, all of the above.

I’ve been playing his CD on my car-stereo player and everybody who listens to it invariably wonders, “Who is he? Ganda ng boses niya!”

In It Had to Be You, the first of the 13 selections on the CD, Vince sounds so much like Richard Poon that, if you listen to the song, you, too, will ask the same question and conclude with a smile, “He sings even better than Richard Poon.”

And, if I may add, he looks just as cute as Richard Poon.

I thanked my townmate (from Las Navas, Northern Samar), lawyer Aurelio Duritan, for giving me a copy of Vince’s CD. His songs are so soothing, his voice so cool, that you won’t mind getting stuck in a traffic jam while the CD is playing.

Other selections on the CD: Di Bale Na Lang, Yun Lang (Tagalog version of That’s All, also on the CD), Minsan (Lang Ako Umibig), Paano, Swinging on a Star, Kailan, Beyond the Sea, Rosalinda, I’ll Take Care of You, My One and Only Love and The Last Time.

I haven’t met Vince, so I don’t know if he’s connected with any recording company or his CD is on or for sale.

But I’m sure that if given the right exposure (paging Star Records, Viva Records. Sony BMG, etc.), Vince Camua could be the next “romantic balladeer.” Mark my word.

Meanwhile, excuse me while I replay his CD.

Jojo A. on Q-11 is worth watching

I used to watch Jojo Alejar’s show All The Way on RJTV and followed him when the shows moved to Q-11. The same show is now titled The Good Night Show with Jojo A., directed by his Kuya Toby Alejar. I liked the show so much that I was flattered — and honored — when Jojo invited me to guest on it last week. I enjoyed the taping as much as I enjoy watching the show.

Tune in to Q-11 weeknights at 11 (before The 700 Club) and be entertained by Jojo A. making like David Letterman and a few other hosts of US late-night shows. His being “talkative,” witty and humorous and a real livewire is effective in making you relax after a hard day’s grind.

Watch The Good Night Show with Jojo A. and you will see what I mean.

Reader’s reaction

From Ejercito “Hercy” Nieva of Sacramento, California:

I don’t know how to contact Madame Stella Marquez-Araneta, but please pass these little suggestions to her.

Suggestion No. 1: For the national costume parade, let 2008 Bb. Pilipinas-World Danielle Castaño wear the traditional butterfly sleeves and carry a bouquet of roses to be thrown to the audience while she’s walking on the ramp. She should stop in front of the judges and open a small cloth containing live white butterflies. Somebody can get fresh flowers in South Africa or buy live white butterflies, Beauty contests are part live entertainment, anyway.

Suggestion No. 2: To Charice’s mother, please enroll your daughter in a legitimate opera school, like UP, UST, CEU or PWU. Charice will have a longer career if she sings opera instead of just pop. Also, opera stars command a bigger salary and greater respect.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected] or at [email protected])