JERRY OLEA
Mabilis na naka-adjust si Lala Sotto bilang chairperson ng Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
“Praise God!” bulalas ni Chair Lala noong Nobyembre 9, 2022, Miyerkules, sa kanyang tanggapan sa Timog Avenue, Quezon City.
“I think it helped a lot that I grew up with my mom being in the industry, and my dad being there of course.
“Di ba, binata at dalaga pa lang yung mga magulang ko, nasa television at movie industry na sila pareho?”
Nai-stress pa rin ba siya sa demands and challenges ng pagiging MTRCB chair?
“Actually, hindi. Kasi, galing ako sa local government. So I think God prepared me for this,” mabining tugon ni Chair Lala, na 18 taong nanilbihan bilang konsehal sa Quezon City.
“I’m not saying it’s easy. It’s definitely still challenging but by God’s grace, kaya naman. So far, so good.
“So, di ba, parang bata ka pa, medyo sanay ka na. Plus I have a very dynamic and hardworking board.
“We have 30 board members, ang vice chairman. And they’re all very, very helpful.”
Kabilang sa mga taga-showbiz na MTRCB board members sina Val Sotto, Luke Mejares, Paolo Santos, Federico Moreno, Moymoy Macasero, at Johnny Revilla na inakala ng marami na siyang bagong MTRCB chair.
Read: Appointment ni Johnny Revilla bilang MTRCB chair, binawi? Lala Sotto, itinalaga sa parehong posisyon
Papuri ni Chair Lala kay Johnny Revilla, “Isa sa super-sipag, super-asset!”
Tungkol sa kalituhin noong Hulyo kung sino ang uupong bagong MTRCB head, ang sabi ni Chair Lala, “I’m not privy to what had happened then but we’re very close.
“We have a great working relationship and he’s such an asset to the board. I love BM Johnny so much!”
Inasam o tinarget ba niya na maging MTRCB chairperson?
“No, this is a pleasant surprise.”
Read: MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto hopeful about the return of local movies in cinemas
GORGY RULA
Natuwa sina former Senator Tito Sotto at Helen Gamboa sa pagkaka-appoint sa daughter nilang si Lala bilang chairperson ng MTRCB.
“Mahal na mahal ng parents ko ang industry. Ang sabi nila, super-happy and super-proud,” pagngiti ni Chair Lala.
“Of course, marami silang advice sa akin. Araw-araw, may advice. Lalo na si Daddy. Paulit-ulit! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
“But basically it’s just always to follow your heart and never allow others to sway your values, more on ganyan. Especially your spiritual convictions.
“My parents would always ask me to be respectful and always be very fair. To always be very fair.”
Ano ang pinaka-concern o pinaka-priority niya ngayon sa mga proyekto ng MTRCB?
“In general, it’s to empower our local producers, and encourage them to come up with films that are globally competitive,” pahayag ni Chair Lala.
“And films that will focus more on the Filipino core family values. And of course maiangat natin, di ba, sa ibang bansa?
“Makilala rin yung ating mga super-talented artists. We have great artists, di ba?”
Dumadalo rin ba siya sa mga international filmfest?
“Actually, I haven’t been able to because napakadaming work dito. So lately kapag may kinakailangang puntahan outside the country, I request for our vice chairman to represent me,” pagtatapat ni Chair Lala.
“I believe I’m needed here more. But in the coming months, maybe in the future, I will have to attend at one time or another.”
Busy ang MTRCB nowadays dahil sa nalalapit na Metro Manila Film Festival 2022.
“We don’t only review motion pictures. We also review television programs and publicity materials as well, including the movie trailers,” saad ni Chair Lala.
By the way, bakit hindi siya nag-artista?
Napangiti muli si Chair Lala, “Ayoko talaga… Well, when I was little… ang hypocrite naman not to admit, noong bata ako, gusto kong mag-artista.
“But noong paglaki ko, ayoko na talaga. I don’t know why.”
Singer?
“I sing in the shower. Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Saka sa KTV. My heart is really in public service. I really enjoy public service. I enjoy politics,” pag-amin ni Chair Lala.
May offers dati na subukan niyang mag-artista?
“Yes, dati. Noong buhay pa si Kuya Germs.”
NOEL FERRER
Maganda naman ang track record ni Lala sa Konseho ng Lungsod Quezon at iyan ang dinala niyang disiplina at husay sa MTRCB.
Mabuti iyong kumpleto na ang 30 board members. Mahirap yung bungi-bungi pa. And as a leader, you are only as good as your weakest member.
The thing here is, wala sa kamay ni Lala ang iba pang appointees. Sana nga, katulad niya ang lahat na competent and committed talaga sa serbisyo publiko!