BF serious as MMFF chief

Chairman Bayani “BF” Fernando wears many hats.

But whether it be as the hardworking chief and feisty disciplinarian behind the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and all its programs, or the amiable and talented grand champion of the just-concluded GMA 7’s Celebrity Duets or the solidifying head of the Metro Manila Film Festival committee for the ninth year now, BF manages to emerge at the top of the heap, establishing excellence in everything he does.

BF is responsible for many groundbreaking programs in the country under his tenure since 2002, foremost of which are the cleanliness and beautification campaign of the government achieved by instilling discipline and hope among the people. He has achieved this with flying colors during his tenure as Mayor of Marikina City, able to transform it from a fourth class municipality to what it is now: A model Philippine City even internationally. His wife, Mayor Marides Fernando is continuing the programs that had catapulted the city and his administration to international acclaim. Today, there is no one from Marikina who will tell you that they are not proud of what the Fernandos have achieved in their city.

The Celebrity Duets stint has endeared BF among the masses who, before joining the contest, know him only as the no-nonsense disciplinarian with a heart of stone against those who violate the law. “Dati kapag nakikita ako ng mga tao sa labas, nagdadalawang isip sila kung kakawayan nila ako o hindi. Pero nung nakikita na nila ako sa Celebrity Duets at minsan nagpapakuwela pa, sumasayaw, nauuna na silang kumaway sa akin ngayon. Lumalapit, kumakamay, at nagpapapirma pa ng autograph. Nakakatuwa naman,” he says.

BF has also been tackling the responsibilities of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) chief for six years now, a position mandated by the constitution to raise funds for the charitable projects of several foundations, more specifically the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund).

BF’s take on this role is simple. “The MMFF’s mandate is to raise funds for the beneficiaries of the foundation. The main objective is to give workers in the filmmaking industry the benefits due them. How can we achieve that if we don’t have the funds to make this work? I’d like to believe that is what we have been trying our best to achieve ever since I took over. And the records will show you that we have been successful so far in fulfilling this mandate,” he explains.

MMFF financial highlights record an all-time high in gross receipts under BF’s tenure since 2002, doubling even tripling the amount listed in the records even in the first year which amounted to P315,299,233.05 as against the previous year’s P147,731,964. In 2006, MMFF recorded the highest gross at P415,824,324.70 which has yet to be surpassed this year. Last year’s gross, was at P377,305,615.65.

BF takes his responsibility in MMFF seriously and says he hopes to be of great service to the local film industry while heading the prestigious festival year after year. “It is my prayer that we continue to enjoy the support of the great majority of industry people, specifically the key players, so we all can realize this vision of serving more,” he concludes.