Limelight

By Boy Villasanta She couldn’t believe what she heard among ahowbiz buddies that one of her best friends has just died. “Patay na si Freddie Aguilar (Freddie Aguilar is dead),” exclaimed sexy actress Vida Verde Tuesday morning. “Totoo ‘yon (That’s true),” added Vida, Catherine Mejia in real life. “I wish it’s not true but I asked around, totoo nga (it’s …

I am very happy and proud about my Facebook friend Bong Cabrera, the “small” actor who took a giant leap when he starred in internationally acclaimed director Lav Diaz’s “Magellan” which saw the light of day at the Cannes Premiere of the 78th Cannes International Film Festival in Cannes, France. I might have seen and met Bong personally in the …

Featuring 12 new scripts by 8 virgin male and female playwrights and 4 returning playwrights in its milestone year, VLFXX: HINOG blooms into a passionate community of unheard voices and untold stories, bringing people closer through truthful and compelling storytelling. This is Virgin Labfest, the most anticipated theater event of unstaged, untested, unproduced, and untried plays. A group of friends …

Short of three days before the traditional 40th day observance of the death of a person, ardent fans of Superstar and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor celebrated posthumously the birthday of the actress at the Walk of Fame marker at Eastwood City. The “bulilit (small)” NA was made bigger once more by her fans no matter …

How do you pay tribute to a national treasure, to a National Artist? One way is by presenting him or her to the massive public through the Renaissance Art Gallery curated by artist-critic Cid Reyes. “Streamlined II,” a showcase that focuses on National Artist for Visual Arts Arturo Luz that shows his rich and enduring legacy, highlighting his unwavering commitment …

by Boy Villasanta Following Filipino customs and traditions for the dead, Nora Aunor’s fans and family are observing today her 40 days, a religious activity after the daath of the actress last month. Noranians are expected to flock to the Libingan ng mga Bayani–a cemetery inside Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City intended for the burial of Filipino military officers during …

The people from various parts of the country, and the world, have spoken. Give these showbiz denizens chances once more to prove their mettle in public service for the next three years in the local/regional/district/sectoral posts or a six year-term in the Senate. Overseas voting for Filipinos to choose senatorial and party-list reps was held way ahead of the scheduled …

Compared to the star-studded funeral wakes of recently hailed deaths of Superstar Nora Aunor, Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales and the original Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala (college girls’ heartthrob) Hajji Alejandro, award-winning actor Ricky Davao, all held at the Heritage Park and Crematorium in Taguig City, the four-day and five-night wakes for comedian Amay Bisaya was less starry. The …

What makes a father? Is it blood, presence, choice—or circumstance? This June, “Fathers of Circumstances” brings together five deeply moving films from Japan and the Philippines that challenge conventional ideas of fatherhood. The screenings will take place on June 14–15, 2025 at Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri-La Plaza, curated by Eunice Helera, a film programmer and festival coordinator. The program is …

Known for his bold cinematic voice, Filipino filmmaker Gilb Baldoza is featured in the Japanese-organized film festival “Fathers of Circumstances” with this social absurdist film “Kinakausap ni Celso ang Diyos,” combining social realism with elements of magical realism in his storytelling. “Kinakausap ni Celso ang Diyos” won Best Film at the 2024 Quezon City International Film Festival. Glib is notably …