Dong Puno quits ABS-CBN

That's what Dong Puno should be doing anytime soon -- quit his job as head of the ABS-CBN's News and Public Affairs Department, that is. No, Dong isn't bumping heads with anybody, contrary to expected speculations, neither with Noli de Castro nor with management. His quitting has something to do with his pending appointment as Press Secretary, replacing Rod Reyes. Malacañang should be making the announcement of Dong's appointment any day now, maybe tomorrow!

I was with some friends yesterday afternoon at Annabel's Restaurant (Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City) and I saw Dong in a meeting with GMA 7 executive Tony Seva, just the two of them talking almost in hushed tone at an inconspicuous corner table, away from the rest of the Annabel's habitués.

From our table, we were speculating what the two could be talking about. Was Tony recruiting Dong back to GMA 7, Dong's home before he moved over to ABS-CBN? Was Dong trying to convince Tony to make a great leap ober da bakod to ABS-CBN? What could be the important matter that brought these two bigwigs from the two rival stations to a friendly huddle?

A little snooping and Funfare learned that, yes, because of his appointment as Press Secretary, Dong was, well, "making peace" with GMA 7 -- you know, let bygones be bygones. As Press Secretary, Dong can't afford to alienate any media organization; he has to make friends with everybody.

With Dong out of ABS-CBN, who would take over as host of his show Dong Puno Live? Or will ABS-CBN scrap the show altogether? Who will replace him as co-anchor (of Ces Oreña-Drilon) of Pulso where Dong has hardly warmed his seat as replacement of Ted Failon after Ted quit (followed by Korina Sanchez weeks later) more than a month ago?

For sure, Dong's resignation will trigger significant movements and changes in the ABS-CBN News and Public Affairs hierarchy.

The plot is thickening. Stay tuned.

Even if Funfare didn't include her as a "probable" Best Actress winner (for Bulaklak ng Maynila, the same movie that has already won for her two trophies, one from the Urian and the other from Star Awards) in yesterday's "fearful" forecast, I do hope that Elizabeth Oropesa again went home with a trophy from last night's Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) Awards.

And also, just like what she did when she won her first two Bulaklak awards, I hope Elizabeth didn't forget to thank, aside from her director and co-stars and members of her family, the Lord and Mama Mary in her acceptance speech, never mind if some of her colleagues have taken her to task for doing so -- yes, for mentioning Virgin Mary in her thank-you speeches.

Now, now, now, what's wrong with thanking Christ and the Blessed Mother in one's moment of victory?

An actress actually reprimanded Elizabeth for doing so, simply because that actress happened to belong to a fundamentalist movement which adores only Christ and disregards saints (to the point of burning or throwing away religious images other than those of Christ).

Religion of whatever form or whatever belief (be it Christian, Catholic, Islam, Buddhism, etc.) teaches goodness pure and simple, goodwill towards fellowmen regardless of religious preference; and not hostility against other people, against anybody.

I am puzzled no end why these fundamentalists are strongly against the Blessed Virgin. I can't figure out what their reasons and motives are.

Said Elizabeth, "If I have a friend, is it wrong for me to respect his mother? I believe in Christ and I adore His (Blessed) Mother, too. What's wrong with that?"

Go ahead, Elizabeth, follow what your heart and your conscience dictate and don't mind the "ire" of some of your colleagues. Forgive them for they might not know what they're doing.

Praise the Lord!

Century Productions Inc. has announced that it has formalized plans for a co-venture partnership with Royale Era Entertainment in the production of a feature film to be shot on location in the Philippines and the United States.

The film, whose title is still a work in progress, could require as many as 25 Filipino actors and actresses in various starring roles. The film will feature Century's newest star Ruffa Gutierrez who will play the lead female character. The film, tentatively entitled The Enchantment will begin principal photography later this summer in the US and sometime this fall in the Philippines. A visit to the Philippines by Kenneth Botelho, president of Century Productions, is scheduled sometime this May. Location scouting as well as an open call for auditions in the Philippines will also be in order.

Royale Era, as part of its role in this co-venture, will begin accepting resumes, headshots and videotapes at its office in Manila. After the resumes are screened, they will be forwarded to the Century offices in the US for a casting audition.

It is expected that auditions will begin in the Philippines sometime in May during Botelho's planned visit. It is anticipated that there will be several male and female starring roles in this film. Distribution is planned for early 2001, and will be released in both the US and the Philippines concurrently.

The main story is a blend of Notting Hill and Pretty Woman. The twist will, of course, be the demand that a career makes on two people fighting to make it in show business. This coupled with the differences in society and culture between the US and the Philippines will make for a very interesting storyline.

The Enchantment marks the return of Ruffa to a major role in film. While Ruffa has been captivating the US viewer with her charm and elegance, this will be her first entry into the US film market.