Atom Araullo delivers as first time actor

Ms. Bibeth Orteza was named ToFarm Film Festival Director 2018. This was announced at the launch of the 3rd ToFarm Film Festival on Wednesday at the Rizal Ballroom of Shangri-La Manila.

Bibeth, who also writes and directs for television, said it is an honor for her to be chosen as Festival Director, to take over the work left behind by Maryo J. delos Reyes whom she worked with in the iconic movie “High School Circa ’65.”

She said that even before she came to the picture, the people behind ToFarm Film Festival headed by Dr. Milagros How, had already talked to several people.

“She chose me not only in terms if I had won awards, but my capacity to do the task that was left behind by Direk Maryo,” Bibeth explained.

Not even in her wildest dreams did she imagine that the work left behind by the veteran director would fall on her lap. She is also aware that some quarters might question her being chosen as festival director as there are more seasoned directors compared to her.

“When I was chosen, I asked why. I have directed a lot of stuff on television but I have yet to direct a movie. So when I asked why me, I was told I was chosen because I’m maternal. Direk Maryo, was in a way, maternal to the point that he would meet with the filmmakers to discuss what the problem with the script was. It was that quality they found in me,” she said.

Bibeth said she wants to continue what Direk Maryo started with ToFarm last year. Direk Maryo was on top of everything that is why they are looking back to the time when the departed director had a meeting with the selection committee that had Raquel Villavicencio as head.

She said Direk Maryo left verbal instructions to the committee which he didn’t jot down and they want to continue with that. As festival director, Bibeth doesn’t want to be accused of favoring her relatives so her husband Carlitos and her son Rafa are not allowed to do a film for ToFarm.

The Tofarm Film Festival is a brainchild of Dra. Milagros How, CEO of Universal Harvester, Inc. and ToFarm Chief Advocate. The festival aims to pay tribute to farmers, fisher folk and other workers involved in the agriculture industry.

The ToFarm Film Festival is now accepting entries, the deadline of which is April 30. The 3rd ToFarm Film Festival is slated from September 12 to 18.

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We had the chance to watch “Citizen Jake” last week during the invitational preview together with other friends from the press. After the screening, our friends commented that they find Atom Araullo’s acting as “wanting” and they said he is the weakest link as far as acting is concerned.

Compared to his co-stars namely Teroy Guzman, Gabby Eigenmann, Cherie Gil, Nonie Buencamino, Luis Alandy, Nanding Josef, Ruby Ruiz, Richard Quan, at Max Collins, our media friends said Atom failed to deliver in terms of acting.

For our part, we liked Atom’s performance. He may be a newbie in acting but as far as we are concerned he was able to deliver. We are giving him a passing grade for his work in this Mike de Leon film.

We presume Atom had to audition for the role in “Citizen Jake” and we believe that Direk Mike would not entrust him the lead role if he’s not capable to deliver. During the shoot, if Direk Mike didn’t like Atom’s acting, he probably would have been replaced.

If you are interested to watch, “Citizen Jake” is having another public screening at the UP Film Center on March 23. The film is a must-see. It’s also your chance to judge for yourself Atom’s performance.

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Wynwyn Marquez (Teresita Ssen) and Mark Herras are the special guests in tonight’s episode of the long-running and multi-awarded gag show “Bubble Gang.”

Among the featured segments are Iyak Graduation gags, Hapitot, Basa Basa Pik, Atlit, Boy Nego (a group of police officers negotiates with a hostage taker to release his victim), Istambay, Holdapan sa CR, Mukhang Mahirap and Relax.