All is set for the spectacular (I mean it!) staging of the 23rd Film Academy Awards – or, as its new name goes, Luna Awards – this Saturday, May 14, at the Westin Philippine Plaza Harbour Garden Tent.
"It will be bigger and better than last year’s event," assured Albert Martinez, whose APM Events Specialist is presenting the Oscar-style affair with Big Mango Productions. "It will start with the much-awaited Red Carpet Walk of Fame and end with a spectacular fireworks display at the Manila Bay, courtesy of Dragon Fireworks."
Will the Oscars, uh, pale in comparison? Stand by.
The only one among the local awards-giving bodies which has started giving the stars the importance and the glamour/glitter and the "royal treatment" that they deserve, the 23rd FAP/Luna Awards promises to be, well, mesmerizing (no exaggerating!), what with the dozens of stars ready, willing and able to dazzle their fans (those in the vicinity of the awards grounds and those at home watching TV) on this one moment in time, a day declared "no-work day" by TV stations to enable the stars to be there and, ehem, be seen.
If you’re not there, it simply means that, sigh, you don’t count.
This year’s Red Carpet measures 48 meters long and eight meters wide, starting from the sidewalk and making an "L" turn toward the venue. Twenty BMWs will ferry the stars from the Philippine Plaza grand ballroom (green room) where cocktails and sandwiches will be served while the stars wait for their turn to be made up and dressed up before they slip into those sleek cars.
Like in the Oscars, Loot Bags (coveted even by Hollywood A-listers) will be given away to presenters, nominees, hosts and performers, containing precious items from sponsors like Prada, Kenneth Cole, Armani, Gucci, Nine West, YSL, Bottega, Lacoste, Philippe Charriol, Tutto Moda, Marlboro, Spring Field, Jessica, Bally, Coach (Bags) and Jack Spade (Bags).
"Para na rin sila nag-shopping," is how Albert puts it.
Aside from the Loot Bags, the Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Director winners will receive Bulgari Watches.
"The Best Actor and the Best Actress will have the chance to use a 2006 Model BMW 316 I for one month," said Albert. "Pahiram lang sa kanila," he clarified.
Call time for the stars is 1 p.m. The BMWs will start rolling for the Red Carpet at 2:30. At the end of the 48-meter-long Red Carpet, as soon as they are disgorged by the BMWs, the stars will be welcomed with champagne by Moet Chandon. The ceremony will start promptly at 6 p.m. (late-comers might have to wait for the intermission before they are let in), for delayed telecast at 9 o’clock on RPN 9.
After the awarding, star-guests will repair to the Plaza grand ballrom for the sitdown gala P2,000-per-plate dinner, with Mega Magazine and Smart Infinity as co-sponsors, where they will partake of Cornets of Salmon, Gravalax, and Smoked and Wasabi Tartar; Asian Flavored Lobster and Scallop Chowder Truffle Scallion Oil; a Smoldering Pandan and Mint Sorbet; Medallion of US Beef Tenderloin and Salmon Steak, Sun Dried Tomato and Mushroom Compote, Sweet Berry Jus; Chocolate Galore (Chili Flavored Chocolate Brulee, Sugar-Free Clusters, Pistachio Opera or Bitter Sweet Chocolate Truffle; and Gourmet Coffee or Tea. (Burp, burp, burp!)
"There will be name plates," said Albert. "It’s strictly invitational."
During the dinner, the stars will ramp-model for the selection (by top designers) of the Male/Female Star(s) of the Nights.
Ready to call it a night?
Not yet.
After the dinner (from 9 p.m. to 12 midnight), party after party will be held, until morning if need be, sponsored by Addict Mobile and Samsung.
No, the fans won’t be left behind. According to Albert, 200 tickets (to a roped-off area beside the Red Carpet) are up for grabs through a Smart promo. Two fans will be named Star(s) for a Day, to be dressed up by Mix and made up by Salon de Manila, and transported by a limo to the Philippine Plaza for a complimentary stay.
"It will be a day to remember," added Albert.
Over-all designer of the event is Robert Blancaflor of 1815 Florist.
Here is the list of the participating designers and their star-models:
• Ito Curata for Maricel Soriano and Lani Mercado
• Eric Pineda for Sunshine Cruz
• Patrice Diaz for Iya Villania and Iza Calzado
• Jonti Martinez for Aleck Bovick
• Randy Ortiz for Claudine Barretto, Raymart Santiago and Paolo Paraiso
• Cesar Gaupo for Cherie Gil
• Ariel Agasang for Jeni Hernandez and Mark Anthony Fernandez
• Barge Ramos for Francine Prieto, Gary Estrada, Luis Alandy and Yul Servo
• Danilo Franco for Gardo Versoza, Allan Paule and Nanette Inventor
• Edgar San Diego for Pinky Amador, Janine Desiderio, Geneva Cruz, Monsour del Rosario, Camille Prats, Danica Sotto and Christopher de Leon
• JC Buendia for Martin Nievera, Amanda Griffin, Jay-R, Mark Herras, Yasmien Kurdi and Gloria Romero
• Ole Morabe for Meryll Soriano, Marco Alcaraz, Cogie Domingo, Maritoni Fernandez, Pia Guanio, John Prats and Jodi Santamaria
• Marden Iglesias for Dina Bonnevie
• Ivarluski Aseron for Boy Abunda
• Avel Bacudio for Jean Garcia, Angelu de Leon and Cheska Garcia
• Leonardo "Boyet" Dadivas for Albert Martinez, Celia Rodriguez and Marjorie Barretto
• Frederick Peralta for Jay Manalo and Piolo Pascual
• Fanny Serrano for Sandy Andolong, Amy Austria and Melanie Marquez
• Marko Javier for Cherry Pie Picache
• Nikki Martinez for Arnie Hidalgo
• Larry Espinosa for Maricel Laxa
• Rhett Eala for Phoemela Barranda
.• Joel Bautista for Aubrey Miles and Bianca King
• Greg Centeno for Bong Revilla, and
• Paul Cabral for Lorna Tolentino
Don’t go away. They’ll be back!
(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph)s