NOT BITING – Some movie people, obviously envious, are trying to pit Brillante Mendoza against Lav Diaz, pretending to take sides. Shallow, they call direk Brillante; and boring, they describe Lav.
Sorry guys but the internationally recognized directors aren’t biting. In fact, they shared the stage at the Sinag Maynila awards night, Brillante as festival director and Lav as juror.
As you very well know, Cannes is Brillante’s “territory” (best director for “Kinatay”) and Berlin is Lav’s turf (Silver Bear for “Hele”).
Brillante has an entry in this year’s Cannes film fest, “Ma Rosa,” main competition.
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FRIENDLY RIVALRY – While at it, Highspeed enumerates more friendly rivalry among filmmakers.
Joel Lamangan and Chito Roño.
Joey Reyes and Maryo J. de los Reyes.
Gil Portes and Mel Chionglo.
Jeff Jeturian and Jun Lana.
Olive Lamasan and Rory Quintos.
Joyce Bernal and Cathy Garcia.
Romy Suzara and Joe Molina Carrion.
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FROM WAY BACK – The friendly rivalry, or healthy competition, started from way back. Think of the following names:
Bert Avellana and Gerry de Leon.
Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal.
(All four are National Artists.)
Maning Borlaza and Danny Zialcita.
Peque Gallaga and Celso Ad. Castillo.
Marilou Diaz Abaya and Laurice Guillen.
Elwood Perez and Joey Gosiengfiao.
Rosa Mia and Susana de Guzman.
Eddie Romero and Ramon Estella.
(Romero’s National Artist.)
Manuel Conde (another National Artist) and Manuel Silos.
So there. But again, remember, the rivalry is friendly.