Indie rules Gawad Urian

If you haven’t noticed, indies have become the favorites of the Gawad Urian. Year in and year out, it’s indie that dominates the winning circle such as this year’s 37th awards (with replays set for tomorrow, June 21, and June 26 (at 7 p.m.), and on June 29 (2 p.m.) on Cinema One.

Joel Torre (On The Job) and Angeli Bayani (Norte, Boundaries of History) led the winners for Best Actor and Best Actress. Norte won Best Movie, Best Screenplay for Lav Diaz (also the director) and Rody Vera, and Best Cinematography for Lauro Rene Manda.

Other winners:

• Best Supporting Actor: Junjun Quintana (A Philippine Story)

• Best Supporting Actress: Angel Aquino (Ang Huling Chacha ni Anita)

• Best Direction: Hannah Espia (Transit)

• Best Production Design: Adolfo Alix Jr. (Pornography)

• Best Music: Emerson Texon (Sonata)

• Best Editing: Chuck Gutierrez (Riddles of My Homecoming)

• Best Sound: Corrine de San Jose (OTJ)

• Best Documentary: Mom Mameng

• Best Short Film: Missing

The Gawad Urian paid a special tribute to Gerardo “Manong Gerry” de Leon.

Miss Global Phl launched

Formally launched on June 18 at the Seaport Hall of H20 Hotel in Manila Ocean Park, the Miss Global Philippines will search for an outstanding Filipina who embodies the ideals of a tourism ambassadress. It was organized by the Miss Global Philippines Foundation, Inc. under the leadership of businesswoman Pauline Sofia Laping and 2012 Miss Philippines Earth/Miss Earth Air Stephany Stefanowitz, national director/CEO and Chief Operating Officer, respectively.

What sets Miss Global Philippines apart from other beauty pageants is that it welcomes both single and single moms. According to Stephany, this move is in line with the regulation of the US-based Miss Global Organization, the group that stages the international Miss Global pageant.

Miss Global Philippines is open to Filipino single women and “single moms who have never been married,” 18 to 27 years old and at least 5’6” tall. She should also have collegiate level of education,  possess exceptional beauty, wit and charm, and is willing to travel.

 The inaugural pageant of Miss Global Philippines is slated on Aug. 24, Sunday, 7:30 p.m. at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City. It will be aired nationwide on Aug. 31, Sunday, 10 p.m. on GMA News TV.  The winner will be the country’s official representative to the Miss Global pageant on Dec. 19, while cruising on board the Crown Princess which will sail from Los Angeles to Mexico.

Those interested may proceed to the Miss Global Philippines Secretariat office at Unit 4E Symphony Tower, Sgt. Esguerra St. corner Timog Avenue, Quezon City.— Celso de Guzman Caparas

Want to see New Zealand?

Experience New Zealand Fair goes on from today, June 20, to June 22 at the Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City. The fair offers mallgoers a taste of the finest New Zealand food and beverages as well as the best travel deals to New Zealand. Check out booth #3 for discounted air tickets and tour packages to New Zealand.

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