Twice in the recent past, Albert Martinez staged his own version of the famous traditional Oscar red carpet during two Film Academy Awards, laying the kilometric red carpet from street level to the entrance of the CCP where the ceremony was held, with stars being driven there by Cadillacs from the nearby Philippine Plaza (now Sofitel) Hotel.
“I wanted to bring glamour back to the industry para magkaroon ulit ng kulay at buhay,” said Albert, “and at the same time give it a much-needed shot-in-the-arm and thereby generate jobs.”
Things didn’t turn out the way Albert had expected.
Now as head of the production outfit Cinemabuhay (as in “film/life”), which started five years ago with the help of the PLDT Smart Foundation, Albert has found a better way to help the industry.
“Instead of mounting a grand awards night, dahil wala na rin namang masyadong mainstream films na naglalaban-laban, I decided to channel my energy to helping new filmmakers. Every year, Cinemabuhay is given a grant by PLDT Smart Foundation. We are starting with indie films.”
The first, Numbalikdiwa (2007, starring Albert himself and Maricel Soriano) was directed by Bobby Bonifacio; the second, Cul de Sac (2008, with Sam Milby and Jodi Sta. Maria), by Juan Miguel Sevilla; and the third, Slow Fade (2009, with Diether Ocampo and Precious Lara Quigaman), is by Rommel Sales.
“We chose the best scripts. The first time we announced it, 41 applicants submitted copies of synopsis and the casting. The second time, almost 40; and the third time, 35.”
“Rather than dwell on his sickness, Diether’s character turns it into a positive situation. That way, instead of going into depression, he’s able to inspire other people. That’s why the title is like that.”
With PLDT/Smart big boss MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan) at the helm of TV5, Albert hopes to expand Cinemabuhay by partnering with ABC Studio, the movie outfit TV5 is putting up in co-production ventures with Regal Films, Viva Films and Tony Gloria’s Unitel Pictures.
Keeping his fingers crossed, Albert said that Cinemabuhay is targetting an output of 48 films a year (four per month).
“Then, I take a step back by again mounting an awards night to recognize the work of the actors and technicians in the 48 films,” said Albert, “although it wouldn’t be as grandiose as the two Film Academy Awards that we mounted. We’d rather spend the money on the new filmmakers’ projects.”
From the red carpet to indie and soon, to the mainstream.
Albert is seeing his big dream coming true, at last!
The poet in Willie
“Our appointment was 9 a.m. for the taping and Willie arrived at around 8:45 a.m.,” said Romy. “He easily climbed the stairs to the fourth floor of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Building where all government radio stations are airing their broadcast. (Wala pa kasing elevator ang PIA.) Upon seeing our station ID (DWBR) Willie quipped, ‘Atty. Mac, I never thought my initials are carried by your station’.”
I learned there and then that his full name is Wilfredo Buendia Revillame (WRB).
“Kaya pala malapit ako sa inyo,” Willie told Romy.
Said Romy, “When Bong Revilla guested on my show, he also said that our station carries his initials, BR.” Willie read one Tagalog poem, Kundiman ng Puso, whose author is unknown; and two love poems by James J. Metcalfe, To Serve God and You, Only You, aired over the weekend (may be replayed upon request).
Other celebrities who have read love poems on Romy’s program include Tito, Vic & Joey; Pia Guanio; Manny Pacquiao; Edu Manzano; former DENR head Lito Atienza; Sen. Migs Zubiri; Anthony Taberna; Mike Enriquez; Veronica Baluyot-Jimenez; Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita; Bernadette Sembrano; Kim Atienza; the late Press Secretary Cerge Remonde; Rey Langit; PAO Chief Persida Acosta; BID Commissioner Nonoy Libanan; and Sen./Presidentiable Manny Villar.
(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph or at entphilstar@yahoo.com)