'Hot' scene in Dukot uncut but sans PGMA pic

Thanks to the magic of technology, the controversial scene in Dukot showing a military officer in a press conference with the picture of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo behind him was uncut but with the picture now “missing.” How did the people behind Dukot do it?

“The picture had to be erased digitally,” said Dennis Evangelista who’s one of those behind the project.

Directed by Joel Lamangan from a story by Palanca-awardee Bonifacio Ilagan, Dukot is the story of desaparecidos (missing activists). In that controversial scene, Paolo Montes as a military officer is denying that the military has anything to do with the desaparecidos even as parents in the same presscon are demanding that the military produce their missing sons. Presumably trying to “protect” PGMA, the MTRCB wanted the whole scene cut but, after a dialogue with the producers, a compromise was reached: Scene uncut but without PGMA’s picture.

But Dennis said that they (he and other Dukot producers) didn’t give in to the MTRCB “order” to cut another scene, also showing PGMA’s picture in the background, in which Mon Confiado as a former NPA-turned-military-informer confirms that Allen Dizon is indeed an activist.

“We explained to the MTRCB that the scene would lose its impact if it was cut,” said Dennis. “Mabait naman sila. They understood. Pumayag naman sila.”

Playing Junix Etrata, the tortured activist, is, according to Allen, a radical experience for him.

Said Allen, “I researched on the lives of student leaders and activists, what their motives were and what they were fighting for. I interviewed the families and relatives of desaparecidos, and even joined them in rallies and other activities.”

Produced by CDP Events and Entertainment Productions in cooperation with ATD Entertainment Productions, Dukot will be shown abroad before its local release. After its recent world premiere at the Montreal Film Festival, it will be shown in Australia, Japan and Hong Kong. It will open in the Philippines on Dec. 2 in time for the Human Rights month celebration.

“Bonifacio Ilagan wrote the story from experience,” said Dennis. “His brother is a desaparecido.”    

The movie also stars Iza Calzado, Gina Alajar, Robert Arevalo, Felix Roco, Jim Pebangco, Raquel Villavicencio, Rico Barrera, John Apacible, Menggie Cobarrubias, Tony Mabesa, Richard Arellano, Benjie Felipe, Armaine Pagcu and Snooky Serna (who bumped heads with direk Joel due to her tardiness on the set).

True Champions at Sky Dome soon

Watch out for the first team-up of Rachelle Ann Go and Jed Madela (photo) in True Champions, Best of the Best slated for Oct. 24 at the Sky Dome of SM North EDSA, also presented by Viva Concerts & Events like the continuing series of weekend shows in that venue.

Rachelle and Jed rose to prominence on the strength of their flawless vocals. Rachelle was first-prize winner in the Search For a Star singing contest. She later won a Silver in the Shanghai Asia Music Festival. She’s known for such “platinum” hits as Don’t Cry Out Loud; You And Me (We Wanted It All), her winning song in Shanghai; From The Start; Love Of My Life (which won her the MTV Favorite Female Artist Award); Bakit; I Care; Honestly; Alam Ng Ating Mga Puso; and The Search Is Over.

Jed won the grand prize at the World Championship of The Performing Arts in Los Angeles where he defeated 3,000 entries from 52 countries. Among his hits are How Can I Fall, The Past, Love Always Finds a Way, Let Me Love You and Narito (a duet with Rachelle).

(Note: Tickets to True Champions are priced at P1,500 for Gold and P1,200 for Silver. Call Ticketnet at 911-5555 or Viva Concerts & Events at 687-6181 locals 627 and 620.)

Reader’s reaction

Here’s a letter from reader Marissa B. Maniquis reacting to a recent Funfare blind item:

Dear Ricky,

Good day. I’m a regular reader of your very interesting column Funfare, but it’s only now that I have something to share. This is regarding your recent “curtain-raiser” on actors/actresses observing good manners. I have things to say about the incident on the plane, if it is the same incident. If not, then sadly there are a lot more actors needing refresher courses in GMRC (Good Manners and Right Conduct).

I was with officemates leaving Naga City in the morning of Sept. 20 (Sunday) and we checked in early for the flight back to Manila. Among the passengers in the waiting lounge was John “Sweet” Lapuz. He was just quiet, acknowledging greetings with a smile. I don’t know if he was with the group of Dingdong Dantes.

We finally boarded the plane, ready to take off. Just then, Dingdong’s group boarded the plane and took their seats in the rear portion. I was seated in the mid section. We spent the next 20 to 25 minutes sweating and fanning ourselves, seemingly waiting for some “VIP” to arrive. We could see the plane crew getting uncomfortable. Then Dingdong approached a steward, asking to wait for others in their group who were arriving late. Just as some passengers were about to shout/complain, Jean Garcia boarded with a group member who started clapping as soon as they stepped on the plane. “Para disimulado,” or so they thought. She kept turning left and right, saying “Sorry” and “Saan ang upuan ko?” When she got to her group at the rear, we heard some noise and laughter.

The actors’ group made a very bad impression on all of us other passengers. You were right in saying we were all “quietly fuming.” Talaga! At the airport comfort room in Manila, we heard some janitorial staff saying that Ms. Garcia was also the cause of the delay of the plane going to Naga. So when you described her as “a relatively new starlet,” she’s absolutely not new anymore.

I wrote this purposely to release our bad feelings and more importantly perhaps so that everybody can learn something. Next time, we’re not going to sweat and fume but insist that the plane’s doors be closed on time.

— Marissa B. Maniquis

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