Cinemalaya

The CINEMALAYA: Philippine Independent Film Festival 2006 is a project of the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI) and the Philippine Multi-Media Systems, Inc. and Dream Satellite TV. Slated for July 17 to 23, 2006, the festival features:

• a competition
• film exhibitions
• a film expo & market
• seminars, conferences and an indie congress
• other film-related fringe events.

In the spirit of independent expression, the Cinemalaya Awards seeks to discover, encourage and honor the cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.

The works will be:

• narrative features that articulate the Filipino identity and culture.
• in digital video format - to take advantage of this new, more accessible technology.
• open both filmmakers who have not yet directed a full-length commercial film, and filmmakers who have directed not more than three full-length commercial films.

There will be two categories:

• Short Feature – from 15 to 20 minutes.
• Full-Length Feature – from 90 to 120 minutes.

Ten finalists will be selected for each category. In the Full-length Feature Film category, each of the ten (10) selected finalists will receive a P500,000.00 seed grant from Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. as investment for the production.

Awards are:

• The Best Short Feature Film will receive a grant of P100,000.00 and the Balanghai Trophy.
• The Best Full-length Feature Film will receive a grant of
P200, 000.00 and the Balanghai Trophy.

Awards for both categories will be given on 23 July 2006 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

2006 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival and Competition
Full-Length Feature Category

FINALISTS:

1. Ang Huling Araw ng Linggo by Nick Joseph Olanka
2. Batad, Sa Paang Palay by Vic Acedillo, Jr. and Benji Garcia
3. Donsol by Adolfo Alix, Jr.
4. Larombata by Khavn Dela Cruz
5. Lima by Arah Jell G. Badayos
6. Mga Anino sa Apuhap by Domingo “Jon” Lazam III, Ronald Verzo and Sigrid Andrea Bernardo
7. Ngipin ni Doring by Dado C. Lumibao and Bong Ramos
8. Rotonda by Ron Bryant
9. Saan Nagtatago Si Happiness by Florida M. Bautista and Real Florido
10. Tulad ng Dati by Michael Sandejas

http://www.culturalcenter.gov.ph/film-cinemalaya.htm

Alvin and the Chipmunks

February 4 was declared as the University President's Day. And boy, I enjoyed the movie marathon at home. That day was such a relief from school, work, school, work and more of them.

My most favorite then was Alvin and the Chipmunks. There went Dave's career adventure with the three cute little "we're-not-squirrels" whose voices tickled me, my niece, nephew and little cousin to death. Miko was holding his tummy whenever he laughed. One-year old Chico was shouting everytime the trio sang their Christmas songs. Banana tried to hold her mouth to keep saliva from showering down.

My whole family enjoyed the film. I would watch it as often as I could. I always even ask Ryan to say my favorite lines from Theodore, "Dave, I had a nightmare. Can I sleep beside you?" Everytime I feel sad, I just ask him to throw those lines. The movie really washed away all my worries and weariness.