Lance Raymundo in the eye of a YouTube storm?

When singer-actor Lance Raymundo’s music video Fatanas (Fat Devil) premiered on YouTube, it instantly attracted 2,000 views. Some netizens thought that the portrayal of the devil by overweight and androgynous characters was politically incorrect. Some even demanded that Lance’s video be taken out from the site.

Lance explained that he used “androgynous” characters to portray the “evil spirits of greed” since the “fat devil” stereotype can dwell on anyone regardless of corporal or sexual types.

Last Saturday, Lance’s Fatanas single had its live television premiere in Kuya Germs Walang Tulugan where he performed with the “Fatanas Dancers.” The stage had a giant LED screen with footage of burning flames with his performance ending with two iconic religious tableaus: Lance posing like Jesus on the crucifix, and a La Pieta (with the aid of a back-up dancer). Lance said they were interpretations of the song and not intentional as the end part of the number was unrehearsed. Lance’s performance raised eyebrows, both bushy and trimmed.

Lance related that Fatanas is the first of a trilogy of music videos scheduled for release before the 2012 launch of his comeback album Wolf Sound. Some celebrities have positive opinions about the song — a very clever fusion of the iconic Manila Sound and electro-pop that may just set another trend in Pinoy music. According to Lance, the manager of apl.de.ap of Black Eyed Peas, Suzanne Toro, sent him an e-mail saying she will forward the video to apl, which she said he will surely like.

Controversies are not new to Lance since the time he entered show business. His first starring role, Fidel, directed by his present manager Mark Shandii Bacolod, dealt with male rape. A role so risky and difficult, which he ably portrayed while still protecting his image and the interest of the product he was endorsing at that time. On TV, his portrayal of Turko in Pieta was questioned when he was chosen for the role when another actor had already started taping. Then of course, there’s Mario O’Hara’s Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio, where Lance took the historical role of Emilio Aguinaldo. His selection only happened when Mario bumped into Lance in one occasion.

Lance is not the type of celebrity who courts controversies just to get noticed. He has maintained a low-profile while determined to build a name on his own. With the recent talks going on with his Fatanas music video (you can search the video on YouTube by typing Fatanas Lance Raymundo), Lance still keeps his head high and eyes glued on his main target which is to entertain.

Cinemalaya goes to Olongapo

The Olongapo City Fiesta 2011 Executive Committee in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. presents Cinemalaya sa Gapo now on going until Nov. 30 at the Olongapo City Convention Center.

 A selection of films from the 2011 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition are offered in Cinemalaya sa Gapo, including the Best Film awardees Ang Babae sa Septic Tank (New Breed Section); Bisperas by Jeffrey Jeturian (Directors Showcase); and Walang Katapusang Kwarto (Short Feature Section).

Other films to be screened are Niño by Loy Arcenas (Special Jury Prize, New Breed Section) which won the top prize in the 2011 Busan International Film Festival; Hanapbuhay by Henry Frejas (Special Jury Prize, Short Feature); Patikul by Joel Lamangan; Isda by Adolfo Alix Jr.; Nono by Milo Tolentino; Niño Bonito by Milo Tolentino; Busong by Auraeus Solito; Debut by Pam Reyes; Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa by Alvin Yapan; Every Other Time by Gino Santos; Boundary by Benito Bautista; Ligo na U, Lapit na Me by Erick Salud; Amok by Lawrence Fajardo; Hazard by Mikhail Red; and Immanuel by Gabriel Puyat.

Cinemalaya filmmakers and actors will be on hand to discuss their films with the audience.

“The CCP and Cinemalaya Foundation have always worked together in the past to bring Cinemalaya to the regions.  This is part of our outreach program aimed at promoting Philippine independent cinema to as many Filipinos as possible by showcasing films that speak of the unique Philippine culture, experience and values which one would not normally see in mainstream cinema.  We, therefore, look at this project as educational in thrust,” Cinemalaya Festival director Nestor Jardin said.

For details, call 832-1125 local 1704 to 1705 and visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and www.cinemalaya.org