Dateline: Hollywood

Janet Susan R. Nepales

 

For the first time in the history of prestigious John Anson Ford Theatre, a Tagalog play was performed on its stage.

Hottest FilAm events of 2011

LOS ANGELES --- As we welcome the New Year and say goodbye to 2011, we want to share our hottest FilAm events for 2011.

“The Romance of Magno Rubio.”The first time we watched Lonnie Carter’s stage adaptation of Carlos Bulosan’s short story, “The Romance of Magno Rubio,” it was performed in English with a sprinkling of Tagalog words.

Thanks to the multitalented Bernardo Bernardo, the said play had a Tagalog version and for the first time in the history of the prestigious John Anson Ford Theatre, a Tagalog play was performed on its stage.

Written and directed by Bernardo, the story of the manongs (a term of respect for older Filipino immigrants), who were discriminated against in the 1930s California, was impressively told in a combination of balagtasan, rhythm, song and dance thanks to Bernardo’s clever and witty writing and direction.

Congratulations also to producer Ted Benito and the outstanding cast of “The Romance of Magno Rubio.”

“Ang Babae sa Septic Tank.”“The Woman in the Septic Tank” was screened to the members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and is also the official entry of the Philippines to the Oscars this year.

Actress Eugene Domingo and producer Josabeth “Joji” V. Alonso flew all the way from the Philippines to grace the said screening. Directed by Marlon Rivera and written by Chris Martinez, the critically-acclaimed hit in the Philippines is a comedy about misguided ambitions, the art of making art and the romanticization of poverty. Aside from Domingo, the film also stars JM De Guzman, Kean Cipriano, Cai Cortez, Mercedes Cabral and Cherry Pie Picache.

Ramona Diaz’s “The Learning.” Four Filipina teachers – Dorotea Godinez, Angel Alim, Grace Amper and Rhea Espedido – who are recruited to teach in Baltimore were the subjects of award-winning filmmaker Ramona Diaz in her latest documentary, “The Learning,” which premiered on Point of View (POV) on PBS.

Ramona, who gave us “Spirits Rising” which is about the women’s role in the 1986 People Power revolution in the Philippines and “Imelda” which is about the former first lady, revealed to us her inspiration for doing “The Learning.”

“When I first heard about the Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS) recruiting Filipino teachers, it sounded so weird and intriguing,” this Baltimore-based filmmaker said. “Intuitively, I knew there was a story in it somewhere. Then when I met the teachers, saw how dedicated, brave, and hopeful they were, I knew I had to tell their stories. Overseas Filipino Workers sacrifice more than anyone should and carry the burden of supporting a large part of the Philippine economy on their over-burdened shoulders. I wanted to pay homage to them with this film.”

“Amigo.” Award-winning filmmaker John Sayles directs “Amigo,” a movie about Philippine-American war and stars our very own Joel Torre, Rio Locsin, Bembol Roco, and Ronnie Lazaro, pitting talents with Oscar winner Chris Cooper and Tony nominee Yul Vasquez.

Written and directed by Sayles (“Matewan,” “Passion Fish,” “Lone Star,” “Eight Men Out”), the film tells the story of Rafael Dacanay (Torre), a village mayor caught in the murderous crossfire of the Philippine-American War in 1900. Torre even flew from the Philippines to promote the movie here in the US.

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