Daboy nagliliwaliw sa Macau

Kung tutuusin, wala namang nabago sa mga sentimyento ng mga major industry players as far as the conduct of the yearly Metro Manila Filmfest with the MMDA at its helm, is concerned – save for the January 5 awards night that seemed like a Lani Misalucha show transported all the way from Las Vegas.

I not-so-distant memory, matagal na nating naririnig ang mga reklamo ng mga producer, whining about new, instant guidelines being implemented that in the words of Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla, “Happen in the middle of the ball game.”

Nariyan din ang pagbibigay-timbang sa commer­cial viability from 40% to 50% for an entry to make it to the Best Picture regardless kung ito’y basura, sadly giving a lean weight of 10% in terms of Filipino cultural and historical value.

Then so be it. Eh, sa ganito ang itinalaga ng MMDA. But if there’s one really disturbing fact – kung dismayado pala kayo sa mga ganitong alituntunin, bakit sali pa kayo nang sali? If massive, concerted boycott among the film producers is not a cure-all to this recurring problem, I don’t know what is.

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Very much aware, si Judy Ann Santos that with getting pregnant comes the responsibility that the parents should be the first to know. But at the rate things are shaping up for her and boyfriend Ryan Agoncillo, news about her being heavy with a child is least likely to be heard.

Nasakyan kasi agad ng magsyota ’yung tanong ko before they left for the US preem showing of Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo as to what possible shocking revelation the public could expect upon their return. With due respect to an unfamiliar territory, hindi ko tinukoy sina Patrick Garcia at Jennylyn Mercado, both Kapuso stars.

Straight from Juday and Ryan, bilib nga raw sila kina Pat at Jen for taking pride in their forthcoming baby. Both agree to the universal truth that having a baby is a blessing. Pero sa kaso raw nila, it won’t be until they’re married na magkaroon ng sariling anak.

Next item puhleeeezzzz.

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Courtesy of his well-meaning business friends, Rudy Fernandez enjoyed a two-day treat in Macau. Bale ngayong Lunes ang balik ng kabiyak ni Lorna Tolentino.

“Wala lang, gusto lang siyang libangin ng mga friends namin from the business,” say ni LT in her black kimono-inspired top. Tanda ko, mismong si Joey de Leon ang nagsabi that Macau is experiencing tourism boom because of its casino thrice the size of a football field.

Naitanong ko tuloy ang Startalk host na siyempre, hindi maiiwasang ang lugar o ’di ni Kuya Rudy ang casino although he only sits at the poker table with friends Philip Salvador, Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla. “Siguro,” Lorna curtly replied, “Pero call naman ’yon ng mga friends ni Babe.”

Meanwhile, Kuya Rudy has finished the repeated cycle of his chemo sensions. Sa February 11 na ang kanyang scheduled PET CT scan, the expected result of which seems to be a far bigger, fatter jackpot prize that at any casino that Kuya Rudy may try his luck.