Migz spearheads mid-year filmfest

MANILA, Philippines - Senatoriable Migz Zubiri recently expressed to the press his love for movies, giving more logic to his idea of staging a mid-year filmfest patterned after December’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

“I’m fond of the movie industry that’s why I’d like to lead the steps para magkaroon ng film festival either every June or July. This means 10 days run of only local films para din ’di lang isa ang festival na susubaybayan ng moviegoers,” says Zubiri in an interview at Napa Restaurant in Quezon City, following the presentation of 15 graduating scholars who benefited from his educational grants care of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAP).

According to the former senator, the still-unnamed film festival hopes to bring more jobs to film workers without overshadowing the blockbuster-making MMFF that attracts local moviegoers during the holidays. He ensures, “Whatever happens we will probably do it next year since we’re currently busy with the elections.”

When asked about the passion level he has for movies, he paints in imagery, “I always have a weekend movie night with my wife. I’m into period, inspiring films, thus, local movies like Rizal and El Presidente are a couple of my favorites.”

Zubiri, in cooperation with the NGO NMPP (Nagkakaisang Manggagawa ng Pelikulang Pilipino), emphasizes the “need for an independent superbody to fund, develop, evaluate and promote local films.” He relates, “There is a need for a new law that will encourage the production of films not only for commercial or entertainment purposes but as viable tool for cultural development.”

The said scholars who are hoped to become “functioning members of society” are children of movie industry’s so called “small workers.” NMPP president Joel Lamangan stresses his appreciation for the politician who in 2008 donated P2.5M for the scholarship program and another P2.5M for the housing project the NGO created for workers not regularly paid.

Other industry figures sighted during the occasion were Tirso Cruz III, Rez Cortez, Soxie Topacio, Amay Bisaya, Baldo Maro, among others.

Some may find it amusing that Olongapo City has a professionally singing mayor who already released three albums of his own, with the latest having gone platinum just a few months after reaching the market. Well, looking back at the rich history of the City’s music scene will make one realize that the public servant himself, James Gordon Jr., is one of its success stories.

Also known in the entertainment scene by his stage name Bonggo, the talented brother of Richard Gordon recently reached another high note after his Viva Records-distributed album Let’s Celebrate turned platinum. A new single, the romantic easy-listening Always With You, which he co-wrote with topnotch music makers Edith Gallardo and Niño Regalado, is now circulating in various FM stations.

It is thought by people in Gapo that Bonggo’s efforts to penetrate the airwaves himself are part of his grander plan to “bring back the good old days of the Gapo music scene.”

The likes of Freddie Aguilar, Pepe Smith, Mike Hanopol and Arnel Pineda are said to have planted their seeds of success in the city.

He points out, “My real vision is to open the door of opportunities for other Olongapo talents. I’m confident that in due time Gapo will again be the center of great music.”

Let’s Celebrate, produced by Margot Gallardo, incidentally also features Bonggo’s wife Anne and daughter Jane. This two-CD package contains songs that lyrically capture various yearly occasions along with ditties honoring the people of Olongapo.

Meanwhile, the power of Willie Revillame’s charisma was once again proven during a recent press gathering to relaunch the fruit juice brand Chooga. There (at Cocoon Boutique Hotel in Quezon City) it was revealed that the TV host practically saved the masa brand from totally losing grip of its market after he endorsed the product on his show upon finding it appealing to his taste.

Willy Arcilla, marketing expert and spokesperson for Refreshment Republic, Inc., which created the product, frankly quips, “Willie saved Chooga. We can’t actually see how our sales got affected by him promoting it on national TV since all the juices were gone in no time!”

Early last month, Chooga-Chooga was relaunched on the popular TV5 noontime show, its name simplified to Chooga (from the phrase Chug-a meaning to enjoy and swallow without pausing) after some lower cost-repackaging dubbed as “wise pack.” Months further back, Willie got hold of the juice and excitedly said on camera, “Hindi ako ang endorser nito pero napakasarap at nakakatuwa ang pangalan.”

Chooga, which is fast-becoming a frozen delight for kids, comes in various flavors like mango, pomelo, orange, pineapple, and sweet tamarind. Its packaging is 100 percent recyclable as its material is turned into chairs by Envirotech.

Arcilla adds, “We owe so much to Willie for promoting the product.”

Once again, the magic wand of one of local showbiz’s most remarkable men worked, helping a start-up brand that began testing the market in just less than a year and a half get its footing.