NEITHER NOR – There’s a new chair of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) and showbiz is wondering what direction she’s taking. The new chair is former Pangasinan Rep. Rachel Jimenez-Arenas, who’s educated here and abroad.
At an informal chat with members of the entertainment media, Ms. Arenas says she’s not conservative, more of liberal…but then not too liberal. She hopes to find a happy balance, interpreting laws governing MTRCB, but at the same time not stifling the artistic freedom of filmmakers.
For one, MTRCB isn’t censoring films and even TV shows but only classifying them according to age and audience suitability.
Also, Ms. Arenas loves local movies and supports their goals to win a bigger audience…and even get international exposure.
At the media chat, Ms. Arenas came with her mother, incumbent Pangasinan Rep. Rosemarie “Baby” Jimenez-Arenas, noted social worker and philanthropists. Mother and daughter charmed the press with their friendly “touch.” They even gifted the press with towels decorated with hearts. It was Valentine’s Day.
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LADY CHAIRS – Before Rachel, there were other ladies who chaired MTRCB.
As they come to mind: Rocio de Vega (widow of Presidential Assistant Gimo de Vega), Maria Kalaw-Katigbak (senator and Carnival Queen-Miss Philippines), Etta Silos-Mendez (Miss Caltex finalist), Armida Siguion Reyna, Marilen Ismael-Dinglasan, Marissa La Guardia (back as board member), Grace Poe (senator, well loved chair).
Rachel speaks well of her immediate predecessor, Atty. Toto Villareal, and vows to continue many of his policies, including the “Matalinong Manonood” outreach programs in the provinces.
She also hopes to get to know better the members of the board, including the controversial Mocha Uson.
By the way, Rachel was urged to restore the Spanish channel on cable, earlier banned because of its sexual content.
She’ll study the matter.
Well, the French and German channels still air on cable.
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HEART FOR – Of course, Rachel’s charitable endeavors have noting to do with showbiz. Still, she’ll continue helping the poor and the disadvantaged, including wounded soldiers.
Her heart for the poor she inherited form her mother Baby, tireless social worker.
Rachel used to be with Red Cross and she saw for herself the plight of the poor, especially during disasters, both man-made and natural.
At the media chat, brothers Jeric and Jeron Teng of basketball fame dropped by and vowed to support Rachel’s pro-poor advocacy.
So there. The new MTRCB chair loves movies…and the poor.