Valeen portrays real life story of inspiring doctor
The inspiring story of ophthalmologist-turned-health advocate, Dr. Ma. Dominga “Minguita” Padilla, is now a 45-minute short film entitled “Liwanag” starring GMA Network actress Valeen Montenegro.
Produced by Kapitana Media Entertainment – the company behind the comedy “The Women of TONTA Club” that is now streaming on KTX and Upstream PH – “Liwanag: The Life and Legacy of Dra. Minguita Padilla” shows the renowned eye doctor’s journey from an unassuming medical student to a public health crusader, who is now one of the country’s most active medical advocates in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Producer and writer Rossana Hwang says, “Together with friends of Dra. Minguita, like myself, and some of her family members, we decided to produce a medical drama, with touches of humor that will shed light on what she has done for our country. Long before the pandemic happened, Dra. Minguita has been helping the sick, especially those afflicted with eye ailments.”
As Founder and President of Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines, Inc., Dra. Padilla has been leading in efforts for the procurement, processing and distribution of corneas and eye tissues since 1994 – an endeavor that has helped restore sight to thousands of patients around the country, including indigent patients who would otherwise remain blind.
When Covid-19 hit the Philippines, Dra. Padilla, together with fellow doctors, raised funds for hospitals, and for PPEs, supplies, and even washing machines that were donated to the medical frontliners who were on perpetual hospital duty. Dra. Padilla, who is co-convenor of Doctors for Truth and Public Welfare, also served as resource person in several webinars and online forums in order to inform the public on the facts about Covid-19, the importance of vaccination, and how to avoid getting the virus.
She also helped MSMEs through her work with GoNegosyo. Her efforts at training barangay health workers and other doctors at COVID-19 antigen testing, making her own home a virtual testing area, and making herself available for those who needed help in connection with the pandemic, have been recognized by the City of Makati that awarded her with the Exemplary Makatizen Makahero Award last December.
Dra. Padilla is running for senator under the Partido Reporma party. In October 2021, after much soul-searching, she decided to heed the requests of various medical groups and seek an elected post.
Watch “Liwanag”, directed by Rember Gelera, on the following Facebook pages: @DraMinguita, and HeSaidSheSaidPH.
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Indie film “Broken Blooms” is the launching film of Kapuso hunk Jeric Gonzales and he was the only choice of Engr. Benjamin Austria, the man behind BenTria Productions, and award-winning director Louie Ignacio.
The newbie producer and Direk Louie believe Jeric fits the role perfectly, and this is the right time for him to be launched as a solo star.
Jeric admits he was nervous because he has two award-winning actresses as co-stars: Jaclyn Jose and Teri Malvar. But Direk Louie was very impressed with his lead actor, saying, “I loved how he attacked the role. He had a lot of excellent scenes and he will surely get noticed for his performance.”
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“The World Between Us,” the GMA series starring Alden Richards, Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Tom Rodriguez, ends tonight.
The show again showcased Alden’s acting prowess. His scenes opposite Sid Lucero were intense. We know how good an actor Sid is but Alden managed to hold his own and did not allow himself to be eclipsed. He matched Sid’s bravura performance.
We wonder what Alden’s next show will be. We hope it is better, if not at par with “The World Between Us.”
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