New MMDA head is a nature lover

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Oscar “Oca” Inocentes displayed his wit and humane side when he met recently with selected entertainment press.

The press was amazed upon learning that the MMDA chair is reaching the age of 80. They chorused that he is younger than his age and add to that, his flawless skin.

“By heart, I am nature lover. I love trees that is why I chose the color green in repainting the fences all over Metro Manila replacing pink! In fact, I have a small farm in the heart of Quezon City,” discloses chairman Inocentes.

Previous to his current government position, Inocentes has spent most of his entire life in the government as assistant fiscal, city judge of Quezon City, GSIS board trustee, undersecretary for Political Coalition Affairs and presidential assistant for Judicial Affairs. As a judge, he became famous when he convicted the suspects in the celebrated Maggie de la Riva case and the “Big Four Syndicate.” As a fiscal, he was able to cause the conviction of the suspects in the Jess Lapid and Dra. Calalang case.

The MMDA chairman had a taste of showbiz intrigues during the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival where he serves as the overall chairman of the executive committee where the criteria for choosing the Best Picture, won by Ang Panday, received criticisms in and out of the entertainment business. The 2010 festival, chair Inocentes promises several improvements in choosing the Best Picture award.

“We will be meeting with the producers and directors so they can give their suggestions in improving the criteria for the Gabi ng Parangal winners.  We are targeting the P500-M mark this year and hopefully, we can achieve it!” declares the government official.

The launching ceremony/appreciation dinner of the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival Philippines kicks off this week and next month, the executive committee will be meeting with the producers to discuss the festival rules and regulations.  May 28 is the target date of the announcement of the official entries.

Chairman Inocentes admits that he knows the challenges he is facing as the overall chairman of the MMFFP committee.

“It’s fun and I am very happy with the way things are going. I welcome the challenges and the intrigues that will come our way. With everybody’s help, I know that the 2010 festival will be a huge success!” says the chairman.

When asked about his favorite movie stars, chairman Inocentes replies, “I like Ara Mina and Sharon Cuneta and Bong Revilla.”