Welcome the CEB chair!

Her love for watching Filipino films is infectious. Ever since a child, she has developed a long-standing relationship with Tagalog movies. She was so enamored of the silver screen that she took up her masteral degree in Film Production at the Boston University. When she came back to the Philippines in 1992, she put up her own film outfit and produced award-winning films and telesines like Andres Manambit and Walang Katapusang Wakas. Never did she realize, however, that her passion for Filipino movies would one day lead her to a bigger responsibility. This time, Christine S. Dayrit, 39, a self-confessed lover of movies, is the chairperson of the Cinema Evaluation Board.

When she was sworn in early this week by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacanang, Christine whispered to me that she was "humbled by the appointment," especially when she heard straight from the President’s mouth that she is now a "government official." The CEB is the body mandated by the government to give tax rebates to quality Filipino films. It works directly with the Film Development Council of the Philippines which is chaired by Rolando "Jackie" Atienza.

"I will do my best to collectively work with private and government agencies to help the (Filipino movie) industry that I have loved since I was a child," said Christine, a travel writer for STAR and vice president for public affairs of her family-owned Miladay Jewels.

If it was any indication, the party thrown for Christine by her family and friends was an attestation that she would make her promise happen. That night, film executives among other key people in the industry came to congratulate her and displayed a show of force to help the industry.

Christine’s colleagues at the CEB like Roy Iglesias, Pete Lacaba, Bb. Joyce Bernal, Bernadette Paterno, Digna Santiago, June Keithley, Tommy Abuel and Lali Suzara joined in the merrymaking. Movie producers like Robbie Tan, Wilson Tieng, Cirio Santiago and Roselle Monteverde-Teo also made their presence felt at the party.

The lady producer understands well the plight of the film industry. At her party, she was discussing with Senator Ed Angara, Press Assistant Secretary Martin Crisostomo and lawyer Jojo Perez and Jorge del Rosario (both from the office of Senator Bong Revilla) how sincerely she wants to help the entertainment business. "I want to be able to help by giving tax breaks for equipment importation and materials used in film production," she said adding that she also intends to build audience development by spearheading film appreciation classes among the youth across the country.

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Miss Joanne Rae Ramirez’s column will resume on Tuesday.