(Top frame, from left) Film Development Council of the Philippines chairman Rolando "Jacky" Atienza, Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Tessie Sy were among the guests of honor during the premiere night of Emir held last night, June 7, at SM Megamall.
Sid Lucero (bottom frame, left) joined director Chito Roño and lead star Frencheska Farr in this photo op after the screening.
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo graces premiere of musical film Emir
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
05:39 PM
Rating
Golden archways decorated with lamps were set up in the cinema lobby of SM Megamall last night, June 7, in line with the Middle Eastern theme of the movie Emir. They even had three guards dressed in flowing black robes and turbans to escort the guests who arrived at the red-carpet event.
The cast members of Emir were all present, except for Julia Clarete who is in the United States for Eat Bulaga!. Lead star Frencheska Farr graced the occasion wearing a stunning beige gown designed by Francis Libiran. Dulce, Jhong Hilario, Kalila Aguilos, Beverly Salviejo, Liesl Batucan, Melanie Dujungco, Valerie Bariou and Bodjie Pascua were among the cast members honored that night. This movie also serves as the big screen debut of MYX VJ Nel Gomez who plays a crucial role in the film.
Sid Lucero, who is cast as Frencheska's love interest in the movie, arrived at SM Megamall towards the end of the movie. He was accompanied by his girlfriend of six years, Rozie Laurel.
Former CCP President Nestor Jardin told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that they invited the Prince of Bahrain, the young man who is the inspiration for this movie musical. "Sinulatan namin siya pero hindi siya pinayagan ng hari kasi may school siya ngayon." According to Jardin, who is also one of the executive producers of Emir, the young monarch had a Filipina nanny in the past who taught him about Philippine culture and the Tagalog language.
Jardin stressed that the movie musical Emir is a fictionalized story of a Filipina yaya named Amelia (Frencheska Farr) who takes care of Ahmed, the eldest son of a Sheik. Shot mostly in Morocco, Emir also depicts the working conditions of OFWs who are employed in a fictional emirate in the Middle East.
GMA ATTENDS. At around 7:15 p.m., outgoing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo entered Cinema 9 of SM Megamall, accompanied by the Presidential Security Group.
It is interesting to note that people who have openly declared their disagreement with Pres. Arroyo in the past were also present at the same movie house.
National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera, National Artist for Film Eddie Romero, and National Artist for Theater Salvador Bernal were seated a few seats away from Pres. Arroyo. They were among the prominent personalities who protested the President's sudden inclusion of four individuals for the title of National Artist. (CLICK HERE to read related article.)
Winnie Monsod, an economist and newspaper columnist who has been critical of the Arroyo administration, was also spotted inside Cinema 9.
In his speech, Film Development Council of the Philippines chairman Rolando "Jacky" Atienza addressed Pres. Arroyo by saying, "It has taken us many, many months and finally we are here. It was your vision and your support, Madam President, that enabled us to make Emir and we thank you for your initiative and your encouragement."
Emir is produced by the FDCP in association with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and supported by the President's Social Fund. President Arroyo is donating the proceeds of the movie to a new film fund of the FDCP. The new film fund is expected to provide financial assistance to movie producers in the future.
When asked for her comment regarding the movie, Pres. Arroyo merely said, "Very good, very good."
"A GEM." Emir director Chito Roño told the audience, "I'm so honored to be here tonight para panoorin ang kauna-unahang pagtatanghal ng isang genre ng pelikula na napakatagal nang nawala sa ating kultura: ang pelikulang musical. Ating matatandaan na ang mga sinaunang musical ay pawang black-and-white pa. Naging challenge para sa akin para mag-offer ng bagong pelikula tungkol sa mga OFWs. Pero ang sabi ko sa kanila, gamitin natin ang yaman ng ating kultura."
After the screening, PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) had the chance to ask Direk Chito regarding Frencheska's performance and he declared, "Frencheska is a gem. Kahit na baguhan siyang artista, hindi siya umaarte na parang baguhan. Pinantayan niya ang kahusayan at galing ng iba."
According to Direk Chito, his next project is a movie with Vhong Navarro for Star Cinema.
For her part, Frencheska said that it would take some time before she could truly absorb everything that happened that night. "Sobrang overwhelmed po ako. Nakakalunod lang talaga kasi itong kalaking project na tulad nito, hindi talaga binibigay sa isang baguhan katulad ko. Nakakatuwa na nakaka-excite," she said.
Frencheska then quipped, "Hindi ako makapaniwala, baka bukas ko pa ma-absorb!"
PEP also spotted theater actress-singer Dulce wiping away her tears. She explained, "Siyempre, habang binabalikan mo yung mga eksena, naalala mo yung nadadama mo doon at binabalikan mo habang pinapanood mo."
OTHER GUESTS. Mother Lily Monteverde of Regal Films also made it a point to watch the premiere of Emir. Malou Santos, Star Cinema's managing director, was also at the screening with Olive Lamasan, Star Cinema's vice president for Creative. GMA-7's Senior Vice-President for Entertainment Wilma Galvante and Ida Henares of the GMA Artist Center were among the executives present that night.
The Final 5 of StarStruck V, namely Steven Silva, Sarah Lahbati, Enzo Pineda, Diva Montelaba and Rocco Nacino, were also present to show their support for Frencheska. The male winner of Are You the Next Big Star, Geoff Taylor, told PEP that he was very proud of Frencheska's achievement.
The FDCP has plans of holding international screenings for Emir this year but they have yet to finalize the schedule.
Emir has been unanimously graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board. This movie musical will be screened in cinemas starting Wednesday, June 9.
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