MANILA, Philippines - Friends, colleagues, supporters, and famed talents who made it through the valuable help of veteran director-actor Fritz Ynfante are gathering for a special tribute for the multi-faceted showbiz figure this coming November 28, 8 pm at the Music Museum.
The celebrity-studded event will feature some of the notable showbiz talents linked to Direk Fritz’s storied career in one way or another.
Significant people who have been part of his journey in front and behind the camera are expected to camp around him in a tribute show billed “I'm Still Here Barbra and I: A Soiree for Direk Fritz Ynfante."
Direk Fritz is known for his admiration for the iconic singer Barbra Streisand that the local public already attached his name to the international diva with a deep sense of honor. The title is adapted from a song famously performed by Streisand.
Around 20 big names in Philippine showbiz -- in music, theater, and movies -- are likely to share their time to sing songs, mostly Streisand hits, for Direk Fritz and share stories about their experiences with him. Those among who already expressed their intention to voluntary join are Martin Nievera, whom he practically discovered while working as director for "Penthouse Live", Pops Fernandez, and Edu Manzano.
Apart from his directorial stint with "Penthouse Live," Direk Fritz also handled other groundbreaking TV shows like "Keep On Dancing," and "It's a Date." He is also acknowledged for creating the character 'Donya Buding,' played effectively by stand-up comedienne Nanette Inventor, and for discovering the now famous-son of Bert Nievera "because he had the talent."
In a past interview, Direk Fritz stated, "I'll take my style, integrity, and originality. That's what I am proud of."
As an actor he appeared in movies like "José Rizal" (1998), "Gumising ka... Maruja" (1978), and "Mananayaw" (1978). In recent years he acted in Vic Sotto movies, namely, "Enteng Ng Ina Mo" and "Dobol Trobol "where he played the role of Doc Fairy and Chef Paco, respectively.
Last year, after he got involved in training top beauty contestants in communication, he predicted the victory of Mutya Datul at the Miss Supranational held in Minsk, Belarus. He also helped train Janine Tugonon for the Miss Universe 2012 pageant where the latter ended up placing second.
During 2013's holy week observation, the public also made notice of his creation at a exhibit showing "a new wave stations of the cross," adorned with Filipino culture touches and peopled by unusual models including a cancer survivor for a Virgin Mary.
“I'm Still Here Barbra and I: A Soiree for Direk Fritz Ynfante" is presented by Pink Productions.