The Top 20 indie actors

A few weeks ago, I got hold of a list of Top 20 independent film actors gathered by a web based group that calls itself young independent filmmakers. The Top 20 on the list were (in the following order): Jason Abalos, Kalila Aguilos, Angel Aquino, Angeli Bayani, Iza Calzado, Roeder Camanag, Glaiza de Castro, Mylene Dizon, Eugene Domingo, Perry Escano, Alcris Galura, Baron Geisler, Sid Lucero, Diana Malahay, Coco Martin, Arnold Reyes, Neil Ryan Sese, Yul Servo, Meryll Soriano and Jodi Sta. Maria Lacson.

We spoke to some of these actors and asked them how their “thank-you speeches” would go. Read on. 

Angeli Bayani — Salamat sa tiwala. It’s a privilege.

Coco Martin — I would like to thank God for all the blessings I’m getting in my life. Secondly, I’d like to thank all my mentors, most especially direk Brillante Mendoza because he has always been a part of my successes in the indie world. I thank all the directors and artists whom I’ve worked with all these years. Thank you for the tireless guidance and pieces of advice they have given me that contributed to my continuous improvement and growth as an actor. Lastly, I would like to thank my family and the people who support me and who believe in me endlessly. Without all of them, I am sure I wouldn’t be where I am right now.

Arnold Reyes — It’s good that people have started to notice my dedication to my craft and to the independent film industry. I hope more people get to see and appreciate the beautiful films we’ve done. Being in the Top 20 means I have to work harder so I can be the best that I can be. Thank you for the good times.

Angel Aquino — Being in the indie circuit has its pressures and challenges, too. I wish I could say YES to every project that would require my presence and participation — and it’s always difficult to say NO because the reason why we are here is because we want to  support all these very talented, promising, idealistic filmmakers who have so much passion and belief in their projects. Part of me also hopes that this is the kind of passion and commitment that will bring change to this industry. So you try to do as much as you can and it feels good when this effort is recognized.  Believe me — it’s always refreshing, inspiring and a great honor to work side by side with dream-driven people.

Sid Lucero — Being recognized always gives a good feeling. And it doesn’t always have to come in the form of a trophy, although every little or big one that comes along is much appreciated.  I’d like to thank all the artists I have had the privilege to have worked with, who share the same passion as I do in the complicated process of filmmaking.  I’d like to thank the people I love — my family, my manager, the people I hold dear in my heart — who have given their unconditional support and love and understanding from the first day I faced the camera. I can never say enough of thank you very much.

Roeder Camanag — Every citation, award, recognition serves as an affirmation to an artist like me who believes that being part of the independent league of filmmaking is an ongoing commitment. Acting is more giving than taking, and working for the independent circuit has not only allowed me to spread my wings as an artist but also to grow as an individual. I’d like to thank all the filmmakers who continue to trust me in giving life to the characters they create and everyone who sincerely supports me in this wonderful journey.

Eugene Domingo — Thank you very much to all the filmmakers who continue to give me the chance to portray roles that give more excitement to my life as an actor. It’s always good to be free, to have options and to be always fearlessly independent.

LifePinoyStyle in Manila

My friend Filipino-American celebrity chef Ron Bilaro, is in town together with the production team of his television show, LifePinoy Style (LPS), for a series of tapings highlighting the cuisine and tourist attractions of his native country. The Back to the Homeland Tour will take Ron to Palawan, Bulacan, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos City.

One of the highlights of the trip is a VIP charity dinner Alay sa OFW, a pre-Valentine Dinner with Chef Ron Bilaro for the benefit of OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in need. It is organized in partnership with Enderun Colleges, a culinary, hotel and restaurant management school based in the Philippines.

“Sixty percent of the event’s proceeds will go to foundations helping overseas Filipinos who run into trouble and have no financial resources. This is our way of giving back to the community and to our kababayan living abroad who are loyal viewers of LifePinoyStyle,” said Ron.

LifePinoy Style also launched its first ever recipe book last Feb. 10. The LifePinoy Style Recipe Book is a compilation of more than 100 recipes shared by chef Bilaro and guests featured on the first year of the show, with vivid colorful food shots from Chicago-based photographer Glen Abog and other contributors.

“The recipe book has traditional as well as Americanized version of our native dishes. You can find recipes from entrees such as caldereta and pochero to delicacies such as bibingka and ube halaya that are tested and very easy to follow, all compiled in a handy book ideal for daily kitchen use,” LPS executive producer Rome Nichols said.

LifePinoy Style can be seen on Comcast 248 (FBT-TV) every Sunday at 6 p.m., and on The Filipino Channel (TFC) North America every Sunday at 12:55 p.m. CST with replays on Tuesdays at 6:40 a.m. CST and on Thursdays at 11:45 a.m. CST. Viewers are advised to check their program guide for airing schedules in Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. For free copies of recipes featured on the show and for details, log on to www.lifepinoystyle.com.