And the winners might be... - FUNFARE by Ricardo F. Lo

The Gabi ng Parangal of the ongoing Metro Filmfest 2000 (until Jan. 3, 2001) will be held tonight at the PICC Reception Hall (to be covered live by RPN 9). As usual, Funfare is making its traditional "fearful" forecast on the winners in the major categories.

Here they are:

• Best Actress – Gloria Romero for Tanging Yaman (Star Cinema)

• Best Actor – A toss-up between Dolphy (Markova: Comfort Gay by RVQ Productions) and Eddie Garcia (Deathrow by GMA Films)

• Best Supporting Actress – Dina Bonnevie (Tanging Yaman)

• Best Supporting Actor – Johnny Delgado (Tanging Yaman) will get stiff competition from three young actors, namely Patrick Garcia and Carlo Aquino (for Sugatang Puso by Regal Films), and Cogie Domingo (for Deathrow)

• Best Director – Laurice Guillen (Tanging Yaman)

• Best Picture – Tanging Yaman

Hosting the affair are Lorna Tolentino, Ara Mina and Phillip Salvador. The biggest and brightest stars have been invited to perform and act as presenters of the event which is giving posthumous awards to Lea producer Mrs. Emilia S. Blas and Pasay City Mayor Pablo Cuneta.

Zsa Zsa Padilla will open the night with an original composition by Mon del Rosario, using a poem written by Manila Mayor Antonio J. Villegas who started a citywide festival of Pilipino movies in the ’60s. Speed and SOP Dancers are backing up Zsa Zsa’s number.

The other production numbers:

• Nostalgia, billed Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon, a Love Joust participated in by Sampaguita, Mike Hanopol, April Boy Regino and Mae Rivera.

• Sexy belles with Glydel Mercado, Priscilla Almeda, Janna Victoria and Mylene Dizon.

• Tribute to heroes performed by Jenine Desiderio, Roselle Nava and Geneva Cruz.

• Bagets forever – Carol Banawa, Antoniette Taus and Cris Villonco.

• Super Pinoy – Jolina Magdangal.

• Manila Sound – Janet Basco, Hajji Aledjandro and Nonoy Zuniga.

• Finale – Lani Misalucha.

Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Jejomar Binay is the overall chairman of the 26th Metro Filmfest, with Pateros Mayor Jose Capco as chairman of the screening committee which selected the six official entries, the best line-up in the history of MMFF.

Twenty one trophies with corresponding cash prizes will be given away:

• Best Picture (P750,000 cash prize), Gatpuno Villegas Cultural Award (P500,000), Second Best Picture, (P500,000) and Third Best Picture (P250,000).

• Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay (P50,000 each).

• Best Supporting Actor and Actress; Best Child Performer; Best Cinematography, Musical Score, Original Theme Song, Editor, Sound, Story, Production Design, Visual Effects, and Make-up Artist (P25,000 each).

• Best float P75,000).

• The six official entries will receive P250,000 each.

Best Christmas cards

Meanwhile, Funfare has chosen the three best Christmas cards from the dozens received this year.

They are:

1. Sent by Parañaque Major Joey Marquez showing his wife Alma Moreno and their three children (Yeoj, Winwyn and VJ) on bikes – "family togetherness," you know

2. Sent by Butch Jimenez of GMA Films, featuring a "Babe in a Manger" painting by Fernando Amorsolo (1959), and

3. Sent by Danny Dolor, showing the Holy Family on a journey.