LOOKING FORWARD – It’s the start of the New Year, Jan. 1, 2017, and Highspeed looks forward to some events in the days to come.
But before anything else, here’s wishing Tempo and Highspeed readers a better, happier year. More peaceful and prosperous.
And now back to business, showbiz really.
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‘BALIK-TAMBALAN’ – Yes, “balik-tambalan,” the reunion of Lea Salonga and Aga Muhlach, Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion.
But enough of the “kilig” factor. They’re too old for that. Instead mature and solid scripts, as befit the age and stature of Aga and Lea, Sharon and Gabby. And cast young stars to support their starrers.
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BOOKS – Expect more books to be published in 2017, just like 2016 when Ruffa Gutierrez and mother Annabelle Rama, Ricky Lo, Jadine, direk Wenn Deramas, Alden Richards, among others, authored their own books.
Hopefully, there will be one on Gloria Romero, written by Butch Francisco and published by Danny Dolor. The biographies of Charito Solis and Nida Blanca. How about books on directors Bert Avellana, Gerry de Leon, Ishmael Bernal, Eddie Romero? They are all National Artists.
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DIRECTORIAL COMEBACK – At long last, Mike de Leon is staging a directorial comeback via “Citizen Jake,” topbilled by ABS-CBN heartthrob Atom Araullo.
Will 2017 also mark the comeback of Laurice Guillen, Carlitos Siguion Reyna, Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara, Rory Quintos, Butch Perez, Christopher de Leon? Yes, Boyet used to direct. And even Vilma Santos.
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THEATER – The theater scene is very much alive in 2016. Expect it to be even more active this year. Think of Repertory, Trumpets, UP, CCP, Atlantis, Tanghalang Pilipino, Red Turnip, Ateneo, New Voice, Virgin Labfest, and all those theater groups.
Hopefully, more movie-TV star will try the theater.
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INDIES – The premier indie filmfest, Cinemalaya, starts August with “Larawan” as opening movie.
There are so many other indie groups: Cinema One Originals, Film Development Council of the Philippines, Sinag Maynila, QC Filmfest, and Farm. All of them give young filmmakers the much needed break. Cheers!
But the Metro Manila Film Festival may not be the best playdate for indies. Look at the so-so box-office results.
But expect more international awards… courtesy of indies, led by Brillante Mendoza and Lav Diaz. And include the tandem of Perci Intalan and Jun Lana.
