Taylor Swift show in Feb.

Curtain-raisers:

• I like the way Tempo’s Ronald Constantino described the comedian whose head has obviously grown much too big for comfort — “all Vice, no Ganda” (photo) Perfect! In the history of Philippine entertainment, it was only “all Vice, no Ganda” who dared defy and disrespect authority by letting loose a mouthful against outgoing MTRCB chief Ma. Consoliza Laguardia: “Hindi ako natatakot sa kanya. Sa nanay ko lang at sa Diyos ako natatakot. Hindi siya nag-e-exist sa buhay ko. Wala akong pakialam kung chairman siya. Aminado ako, may masama akong ugali (Di ba obvious? — RFL). Sino ba ang wala?”…”Marumi ang utak niya. Alam ko, trabaho lang niya ‘yon (mag-monitor). Kung iimbitahin niya ako sa opisina niya para mag-usap kami, bakit hindi? Go! Pero kung ako ang pupunta sa kanya na walang imbitasyon, no way!” Isn’t it the height of arrogance? Sure, “all Vice, no Ganda” has apologized to Laguardia but the harm has been done. His manager, Ogie Diaz, should pull “all Vice, no Ganda” right back to earth with a loud thud para matauhan siya. I wonder, can “all Vice, no Ganda” say the same things against in-coming MTRCB chairman Grace Poe-Llamanzares? Tingnan natin!

• The Red Shoes, starring Nikki Gil (photo) and Marvin Agustin, won Best Picture in the just-concluded 27th Bogota International Film Festival. The Philippines was the only Southeast Asian country that competed. Unitel Productions, producer of Red Shoes (the plot of which revolves around former First Lady Imelda Marcos’ fabulous shoe collection), is extending its thanks to Ambassador Eva Betita and Consul Malou of the Philippine Embassy in Brasilia for the support. Ambassador Betita oversees Colombia and other South American countries. When Betita visited Colombia a few months ago, Bogota filmfest programmer Henry Laguado sought her help to coordinate with the filmmakers behind Red Shoes which Unitel submitted to the BFF earlier this year. From Bogota, Red Shoes will be featured in the 18th China Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film festival in Beijing Oct. 11 to 17.

• Meanwhile, the Philippines has submitted (“for consideration”) Noy as possible entry to the Best Foreign Language Film category in next year’s (83rd) Oscar Awards. The film stars Coco Martin as a reporter and is directed by Dondon S. Santos and Rodel Nacianceno. Sixty-five countries have submitted entries to the race. The finalists will be known on Jan. 25 next year. The Oscars will be held on Feb. 27, 2011, at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.

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SCOOP: There has been so much talk about exactly when Taylor Swift’s Manila concert will be, if at all. There have been many speculations and even misleading publicity that the concert will be this October, which was later moved to November.

According to Ovation Productions’ Renen de Guia, promoter of the hugely successful concerts in Manila (of, among others, Lady Gaga, Usher and Tears For Fears) and now the officially confirmed promoter of Taylor Swift in Manila, Taylor’s concert has been scheduled for Feb. 2011 and cannot be on an earlier date as the tour has been carefully planned to come after the release of her new album, Speak Now, which according to MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) marketing director, Wilson Cruz, is set to be released worldwide this Oct. 25 and in Asia the next day. This highly anticipated second international album of Swift’s includes the current hit single Mine.  

I checked with Wilson and he confirmed both Swift’s October album release date and her February concert per advice they received from Universal Music Group International head office. According to Renen, Ovation Productions will come out with a special announcement on Nov. 1 regarding Taylor Swift’s February concert.

“This is in synchronization with all countries in Southeast Asia participating in the tour,” said Renen.

In the meantime, Taylor Swift fans clubs in the Philippines are invited to contact Ovation Productions at special hotlines 0915-4744397 (Globe) and 0949-4944954 (Smart).

What’s up?

• Starting last Sunday, Atty. Aga’s radio program Ito ang Batas on RMN DZXL was moved from 5:30-to-7:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.-6 p.m. The program can be seen via live streaming at www.rmnnews.com/tv, simulcast with DWNX in Bicol over DYME in Masbate. Atty. Aga (the father of Drew Arellano) is on his 14th year of public service.

• La Hermandad Zamboangueña invites all Zamboangueños and friends to its 50th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Manila Polo Club. Mass is at 6 p.m., followed by dinner, a short program and all-night dancing. For inquiries, call Dr. Nenie Balcos at 714-6648 or Gloria “Lolly” Pichel Mara at 776-8647.

• German “Kuya Germs” Moreno’s Walang Tulugan (Saturdays midnight on GMA) pays tribute to the Sampaguita Starmaker Dr. Jose “Doc” Perez in its episode tonight. The late Doc Perez’s birthday yesterday was marked with a mass at Sampaguita Pictures Studio. Next Saturday, Kuya Germs will pay tribute to Doña Sisang of LVN Pictures. Stay tuned.

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