A harrowing experience revisited

In its commitment to serve the Filipino people, ABS-CBN presents a movie-documentary, Bihag: Into the Mountain on Nov. 3 at 9 p.m.. It recounts of the harrowing experiences of the 53 teachers and students abducted by the Abu Sayyaf.

Based on the book Into The Mountain by Jose Torres, Jr. Bihag chronicles the inhuman suffering of the victims of the terrorist group. It is a powerful movie that reveals stories of abuse and torture as well as explosive accounts of alleged collusion between the Abu Sayyaf and some members of the military. "It is an overwhelming movie. It is very disturbing," a member of the press observed.

Jose Torres, who also served as production consultant to the movie, reveals that he spent many months interviewing the actual kidnap victims. "It was hard for them to disclose their stories," he remembers. "I really had to befriend them and gain their trust for them to relive the horror they experienced."

Jose is an award-winning journalist who has been covering the Abu Sayyaf since the early ’90s, way before the group gained worldwide infamy. "They started out as a leftist ideologist group but in the end, it became all about the money."

As part of the airing of Bihag, ABS-CBN encourages its viewers to donate to the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Scholarship Foundation. Fr. Rhoel Gallardo was one of the victims of the Abu Sayyaf who was killed in an encounter. People can send their donations for the children-victims of the Abu Sayyaf to the Fr, Rhoel Gallardo CMF Scholarship Fund, BPI Kalayaan Branch with account number 1993-0727-76.

My friend Gin de Mesa, who served as Executive Producer and scriptwriter of Bihag says, "Ultimately, this is not just a story about the Abu Sayyaf. It is about keeping our faith and humanity in a world that has seen too many acts of terror and unspeakable atrocities. Finally, it is our tribute to the ordinary people who faced this unspeakable ordeal with extraordinary strength, faith and courage."

Robin and Judy Ann

In Viva Films’ latest offering Jeannie, Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang? Robin Padilla is paired with Judy Ann Santos for the second time. The movie is a fantasy-romance comedy directed by Ike Jarlego.

In the film, Robin plays Badong, a down-and-out man whose misfortune started when he was turned down by Emma, the "woman of his dreams," played by Tanya Garcia. She instead falls for a basketball star played by Asi Taulava.

Badong then bumps into Jeannie – played by Judy Ann Santos who grants him three wishes to catch Emma’s attention. From then on, the fun is non-stop as we see Badong challenging billiards king Django Bustamante and basketball big man Asi Taulava.

Jeannie, Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang is now showing in theaters nationwide.

Globe’s new cellsite in Pampanga

Globe Telecom’s prepaid GSM service Touch Mobile further strengthens its foothold in Northern Luzon with the recent launch of its newest cellsite in Sta. Ana Pampanga.

The new cellsite will enhance Touch Mobile’s network coverage and signal in Pampanga. "Based on our research, eight percent of Pampangue-ños use cellphones and the number is growing among Northern Luzon’s large population. These new cellsites will enable us to meet their communications needs," explained Ana Singson, Touch Mobile Vice-President during the groundbreaking ceremonies held in Sta. Ana, Pampanga.

Touch Mobile husband and wife celebrity endorsers Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales graced the occasion with San Fernando Mayor Rey Aquino, Vice-Mayor Tiger Lagman, Congressman Oca Rodriguez representatives from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)-Region III, Touch Mobile business partners and Globe Telecom Executives.

Touch Mobile is a prepaid GSM service from Globe Telecom which offers, aside from voice calling and text messaging, unique services such as voice messaging and voice info. Voice info allows subscribers to listen to updates in news, weather, traffic, showbiz gossip and horoscopes while voice messaging lets users send their voice as a message of creative sound incons (pre-recorded messages) to another Touch Mobile subscribers.

San Carlos Seminary celebrates

The San Carlos Seminary of the Archdiocese of Manila celebrates its tri-centennial foundation anniversary from Nov. 4 to 5. This year’s them is Yaman ng Kasaysayan – Laan sa Pagpapanibago ng Simbahan.

Several activities have been lined up for this event – the alumni homecoming, a book launching and a symposium. Another highlight is the bastketball friendship game between the Oasis of Love Community and the Karlista on Nov. 4 at the San Carlos Seminary Gym, Guadalupe, Makati City. Everyone is enjoined to watch the game which starts at 6 PM. For details, call Bro Hokan Samson of the San Carlos Seminary (895-8855).