Rachel: Our job is far from done

It was supposed to be a casual “no interview” get-together hosted by Movie & Television Review & Classification Board (MTRCB) head Rachel Arenas but the invited movie writers couldn’t help but ask how the agency was so far.

“2019 was a good year,” said Rachel. “We have implemented various programs around the country but,” she added with emphasis, “our job is far from done.”

Somebody asked if Rachel was aware of the PDA (Publicity Display of Affection) brazenly done by Vice Ganda and his beloved Ion Perez day in and day out on It’s Showtime (heard that Vice has been summoned to the “principal’s office” a few times but he got away with barely a mild slap on the wrist), and Rachel admitted that she did watch the show every now and then.

“But we haven’t received any written complaint so far,” she explained. “It’s only when we get a written complaint can we act on it. And, yes, we do monitor regularly TV shows, maximizing all available human resources and facilities of MTRCB.”

Asked what’s the challenge confronting MTRCB so far, Rachel said, “MTRCB has always been faced with the issue of jurisdiction over online materials/video on demand. MTRCB has been actively campaigning for matalino at responsableng panonood in Filipino households by touring academic institutions and communities around the country. This is to raise awareness on the effectiveness and potency of online content, just like movies and television, to influence young minds, hence the importance of careful selection and regulated exposure to the young.”

Rachel disclosed that the MTRCB is formulating guidelines relating to online content which is not (yet) under the authority of MTRCB.

“The market is getting bigger and bigger. We have met with the various stakeholders and players like Netflix, Fox and Disney to discuss the planned guidelines. They have cornered a huge chunk of the local market and it’s imperative that we get to regular them somehow.”

But then, Rachel admitted that it would be physically impossible (an Herculean task) to review all the stuff coming in from the Internet. The guidelines will help in regulating Internet content.

The other challenge (“If you can call it that”) may be the exercise of processing and synthesizing its decision-making.

“As you know, the MTRCB is composed of a diverse group of 30 members who have differences in opinion but fortunately, we share the same vision and appreciation of Pres. Duterte’s leadership.”

The agency has ventured into social media with the MTRCB Uncut, an infotainment program launched in 2014 by MTRCB and the government TV station People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTV4). It features brief production takes meant to engage stakeholders through social media and to involve as many practitioners in the entertainment industry who uphold the values of MTRCB.

One of those featured in MTRCB Uncut is Judy Ann Santos.

“Judy Ann is one of the celebrities who we believe can impart a good example to the younger generation,” noted Rachel. “In the interview, we walked down memory lane and compared the industry she grew up in and how it is now. We talked about the importance of professionalism and of nurturing relationships with people we work with.”

Hotdog’s Dennis Garcia: PHLPost is grateful to him for supporting the successful launch of the Pinoy Music Icons commemorative stamps

PHLPost on Dennis Garcia

Here’s a statement from PHLPost on the death of Hotdog front man Dennis Garcia:

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) mourns the loss of Dennis Garcia, founding member of the legendary Filipino band Hotdog and older brother of Rene Garcia, the band’s lead singer who was recently honored by PHLPost along with Joey “Pepe” Smith and Rico J. Puno with their own commemorative postage stamps as part of its recently launched Pinoy Music Icons.

As a pioneer of the Manila Sound that began in the mid-1970s, Dennis wrote most of the band’s biggest hits in tandem with Rene. The legacy of Hotdog did not stop after Rene had passed away as Dennis remained active in advocating the promotion of Filipino culture through the postage stamps that he hopes will also honor other Pinoy Music Icons in the future.

Their musical genre mirrored not only the distinctive music of the era but also the sentiments of many Filipinos toward their culture and homeland.

 “The postage stamp is our way of honoring the band’s important role in linking the past and present generations through their own brand of music,” PHLPost said in a statement.

 PHLPost added that “it will forever be grateful to ‘Mr. D’ for his selfless attitude in supporting the successful launch of the Pinoy Music Icons commemorative stamps and icons memorabilia exhibit at PHLPost.

“Even as we mourn his loss, we will continue to celebrate his remarkable life and the musical legacy that the brothers Dennis and Rene have shared with the Filipino people.”

Rowena Coloma, general manager of Travel Specialist Ventures (TSV), with Rodjun Cruz during his pre-nup shoot with Dianne Medina in Turkey several weeks before he and Dianne got married on Dec. 21 last year

Book your dream vacation with Travel Specialist Ventures

If you’re still daydreaming about that long-postponed solo trip to an exotic destination, yearning to enjoy unique sightseeing spots and food finds while bonding with family or friends, or thinking of giving away holiday vacation packages as corporate incentives to best performing teams or employees in your own company, now is the perfect time to make those dreams a reality because it’s travel expo season.

Travel Specialist Ventures (TSV) is among the travel agencies participating in the 27th PTAA Travel Tour Expo slated for Feb. 7 to 9 at Hall 4 of SMX Convention Center, Mall Of Asia (MOA). TSV is at booths #482,483,484 and 485.

Remember the pre-nup pictorial of Rodjun Cruz and Dianne Medina in Turkey several weeks before they got married on Dec. 21 last year? It was a “labor of love” by Rowena Coloma, general manager of TSV who has 30 years of experience and an untainted reputation in the travel/tourism industry.

Rowena and her team (including Luchie Sta. Ana) got everything in order including visa assistance, airline reservations, extra baggage allowances, hotel reservations, local tour guides, location shoot ocular, meals, vehicles and other logistics in support of the whole photo shoot team (Nice Print Photography).

(For inquiries, call Rowena Coloma at 0917-8341822 or Luchie Sta. Ana at 0917-8361820.)

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)