Stars pay tribute to Fritz

MANILA, Philippines - Popular talents who made it through valuable help from veteran director-actor Fritz Ynfante are gathering for a special tribute show tonight at 8 at the Music Museum. 

The celebrity-studded event will feature some of the notable showbiz talents linked to direk Fritz’s storied career in one way or another. 

Significant people who have been part of his journey in front and behind the camera are expected to appear in I’m Still Here Barbra and I: A Soiree for Direk Fritz Ynfante. Guests include Pops Fernandez, Edu Manzano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Arnel Ignacio, Ariel Rivera, Basil Valdez, Cocoy Laurel, Cesar Montano, Epi Quizon, Pilita Corrales,Richard Merck, Ryan Agoncillo, Geleen Eugenio, Powerdance Dancers, German Moreno, Dawn Zulueta, Nanette Inventor, whose Doña Buding character he created, and Martin Nievera, whom he practically discovered while working as director for Penthouse Live. Other surprise attendees are said to be coming.

Direk Fritz is known for his admiration for the iconic singer Barbra Streisand that the local public already attached his name to the international diva with a deep sense of honor. The title is adapted from a song famously performed by Streisand.

Big names in Philippine showbiz — in music, theater and movies — will share time to sing songs for direk Fritz and stories about their experiences with him.

Apart from his directorial stint in Penthouse Live, direk Fritz also handled other groundbreaking TV shows like Keep On Dancing and It’s a Date.

In a past interview, direk Fritz stated, “I’ll take my style, integrity and originality. That’s what I am proud of.”

As an actor he appeared in movies like José Rizal (1998), Gumising ka... Maruja (1978) and Mananayaw (1978). In recent years he also appeared in Vic Sotto movies, namely, Enteng Ng Ina Mo and Dobol Trobol where he played the role of Doc Fairy and Chef Paco, respectively.

Last year, after he got involved in training top beauty contestants in communication, he predicted the victory of Mutya Datul at the Miss Supranational held in Minsk, Belarus. He also helped train Janine Tugonon for the 2012 Miss Universe pageant where the latter placed second.

During 2013’s Holy Week observation, the public also made notice of his creation at an exhibit showing “a new wave stations of the cross,” adorned with Filipino culture touches and peopled by unusual models including a cancer survivor for a Virgin Mary.

I’m Still Here Barbra and I: A Soiree for Direk Fritz Ynfante is presented by Pink Productions.