Emir: Groundbreaking and heartwarming

Because it was meant to be a tribute to OFWs, the Cultural Center of the Philippines pulled out all stops in producing the movie musical Emir. The project had a budget of P70 million, far beyond the reach of any single movie outfit. Filming took all of 16 months, with many of the scenes shot in Morocco. The movie was shot in high-definition, and the audio was in Dolby Surround Sound.

CCP hired the eminent director Chito Roño for Emir. It had wanted Lea Salonga to play the lead role of Amelia, but she could not fit the long shoot into her schedule. So an audition was held and they came up with Frencheska Farr. Gary Granada collaborated with Vin and Ebe Dancel and Diwa de Leon in composing the songs.

It was all worth it. Emir not only is a groundbreaking movie; it is also a beautiful and heartwarming film.

Amelia is an Ilocana forced by poverty to work in the palace of a potentate in an unnamed emirate in the Middle East. She becomes a nanny to Ahmed, the potentate’s only son who is being reared to be a prince. Amelia becomes practically a surrogate mom to Ahmed, teaching him the aspects of Philippine culture.

War comes to the emirate, and the palace comes under attack from the invaders. While trying to escape, the nanny and her ward are separated from the rest of Ahmed’s family. The two run away to the desert and almost die of thirst. A villager finds them and brings them home.

Amelia and Ahmed settle in the village believing they are safe. But one day horsemen arrived and took Ahmed away.

Somehow Amelia finds her way back to the Philippines. She starts anew in Ilocos, wondering what happened to Ahmed.

After seven years, they see each other again.

Despite being a newcomer in the movies, Farr turns in a strong, confident performance. The rest of the cast, including Dulce as the majordoma in the palace, and Sid Lucero, as Amelia’s sweetheart, deliver as well.

Emir is a must-see film.

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The showbiz community was well represented at the proclamation of President-elect Noynoy Aquino last Wednesday. Most prominent of course was his sister actress and TV host Kris. Also spotted in the gallery were Boy Abunda, Regal matriarch Lily Monteverde, Ogie Alcasid and Dingdong Dantes.

Noynoy’s girlfriend Shalani Soledad was seated beside Ogie, but again she preferred to be low-key and didn’t join the Aquinos on the podium.

Kris revealed later that she had wanted to apply powder on Noynoy’s face for a final touch-up just before the proclamation, but he firmly said no. “He’s the President so I didn’t argue anymore,” she said.

Boy said he came to the proclamation to “congratulate Noy and be part of the celebration.”

Dingdong said he was “very, very happy” that the time and effort he put in to Noynoy’s campaign had paid off.

Ogie was equally ecstatic. “We are behind you all the way. Congratulations and God bless you,” he said.

Like Boy, Ogie and Dingdong were rumored to be contenders for a post in the new Aquino government. Noynoy had told reporters he was toying with the idea of appointing Dingdong to an agency concerned with youth affairs, which is close to the actor’s advocacy.

Ogie, on the other hand, has been batting for a better deal for Filipino musicians.

Kris, meanwhile, defended her brother’s prerogative to recruit entertainment celebs.

“Ultimately, it’s Noynoy’s decision who to choose. My wish is that the people who are sincere in serving the country be given a chance.”

“He will always be grateful to those who were there right from the start. But it’s really up to Noy. We all know that when someone becomes president, no one can dictate to him. No one can order him around.”