Directors Rica Arevalo, Ellen Ramos, and Sarah Roxas together with Cinematographers Gym Lumbera and Michael Manalastas are thrilled to receive the recognition. “I know that this does not come often as it is a very prestigious award. When the other directors and I started on this film, we did not expect to receive any recognition. To be granted this highest honor by the NCCA and by the Office of the President is extremely gratifying. I could not be prouder to be part of this film,” Roxas exclaims. Manalastas expresses upon hearing the news, “I felt happy and proud that our film that we worked so hard on is getting the appreciation it deserved. It was an honor to be given the chance to be a part of the film. The cold beer after the grueling 48-hour shoot I thought was my reward. This recognition definitely tops that.”

Directors Sarah Roxas, Rica Arevalo and Ellen Ramos

The movie spearheaded by HUBO Chief Executive Officer/Resident Director Will Fredo with Arevalo started out as a vision to bring more women directors to the forefront of Philippine cinema. Arevalo says, on receiving such an honor from the Office of the President, “It was a happy surprise! Making the movie was a blessing to everyone. The ANI NG DANGAL recognition simply is an affirmation that we have to keep on making meaningful and substantial films. We worked together with the best people with a very sincere vision. GANAP NA BABAE has gone places and God has been generous to us from opening the prestigious CINEMALAYA 2010 Festival, garnering a trophy at The SoHo International Film Festival 2011, being named as one of MEGA’S Filipino International Achievers, and now, the precious ANI NG DANGAL. We are truly grateful and humbled for all the recognition on the film. We are raring to do more films!” The movie stars Mercedes Cabral, Sue Prado, Jam Pérez, Rome Mallari, and the legendary Ms. Boots Anson-Roa in which she comments to her director, Arevalo upon hearing the news, “Proud to have been a part of the film.”

Award-winning director Ramos explains, “An acknowledgment of a personal work encourages an independent filmmaker to bravely pursue a soul-wrenching, financially-draining, and unpredictable craft.” One of her most memorable experiences in making the movie reiterates that encouragement, “During location-hunting, I met women whose circumstances parallel the characters in “Two Sisters”, my segment in the trilogy – women who till the land, bearing their sorrows with grace and resilience. One woman allowed us to use her home and another to cast her children in the film.” Such production headaches are always memorable to Ellen, “but being able to hurdle the challenges is a rewarding experience.”

Cinematographers Gym Lumbera and Michael Manalastas

Receiving this award means so much to Manalastas,  ”I hope that I will continue to grow as a Filipino filmmaker and that the Filipino film industry would also continue to grow.” Arevalo expounded on the message by saying, “Government support for artists is a good agenda for every administration. Creating art reflects the society’s ills and dreams. Taking care of artists means also protecting the voices of the people.”

As the mentorship program recipient new director for the project, Roxas shares, “This entire movie has been filled with nothing but good experiences and fond memories. Through this film, I was able to work with seasoned directors Rica Arevalo, Ellen Ramos, and Will Fredo as well as the very talented actress Mercedes Cabral.  I met a wonderful writer named, Mike Portes, who gave me inspiration about my segment of the movie. I was able to direct my first independent movie and gain new friends. The cast and crew now have a special place in my heart.”

HUBO Productions President Greg Macaraeg is delighted that the objective of the movie has been met through the directors, especially with the young Roxas. “For the film to achieve this recognition is definitely icing on the cake for all the people involved. We applaud the awardees and we wish them continued success in their respective careers.”

“Be true to your sensibility,” shares Ramos to all the young filmmakers. “Do not box yourself in perceived notions of womanhood and cinema, your point of view will emerge with experience and maturity. There are still many uncomfortable and daunting issues that women filmmakers must confront without blinking and articulate without flinching. Success may never come in the box-office or the awards, but the creative experience and the finished film in itself is the success.” Her thoughts, simply put, summarize the experience of finishing a film like GANAP NA BABAE.

“Philippines Arts Festival is a month-long and nationwide activity that aims to promote Philippine culture and the arts, highlighting the empowerment of the Filipino creativity and imagination. This 2012 celebration will be a call to hope, a challenge to act, an invitation to commit, a celebration of creativity and an affirmation of the Filipinos’ inner strength that can be a catalyst for social transformation,” NCCA/PAT Festival Manager, Vanessa Nicolas explains. The festival culminates on February 28, 2012 during the ‘Ani ng Sining Awards and Recognition Night’ at The Heroes Hall of the Malacañang Palace. Honorees also include highly celebrated Filipino artists such as Olivier and Tony Award Winner Lea Salonga, Director Jeffrey Jeturian, and the world renowned BAYANIHAN Philippines National Folk Dance Company.

Related Article: LIZA DIÑO IN 2012 ANI NG DANGAL ROSTER OF HONOREES
Related Link: GANAP NA BABAE

Ending the year with an acting award from her tour de force performance in HUBO Productions’ movie COMPOUND at the recently concluded International Film Festival Manhattan 2011, Liza Diño starts the year with yet another recognition. National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) just announced their list of ANI NG DANGAL (Harvest of Honors) 2012 awardees. Diño, one of the 32 awardees this year, has been cited in the field of cinema. Included in the list are highly celebrated Filipino artists such as Olivier and Tony Award Winner Lea Salonga, Director Jeffrey Jeturian, and the world renowned BAYANIHAN Philippines National Folk Dance Company.

According to NCCA, ANI NG DANGAL  is an annual affair celebrated to give recognition to artists who won top international honors from the previous year in the seven art disciplines of music, dance, cinema, literary arts, visual arts, dramatic arts, and architecture and allied arts with the inclusion of multi-disciplinary arts. The ‘Ani ng Sining Awards and Recognition Night‘ event serves as the highlight and concluding rite of the National Arts Month celebration.

Liza Diño in "COMPOUND"

NCCA/PATFestival Manager, Vanessa Nicolas explains,

“Philippines Arts Festival is a month-long and nationwide activity that aims to promote Philippine culture and the arts, highlighting the empowerment of the Filipino creativity and imagination. This 2012 celebration will be a call to hope, a challenge to act, an invitation to commit, a celebration of creativity and an affirmation of the Filipinos’ inner strength that can be a catalyst for social transformation.”

The celebrated actress, Diño, is scheduled to appear at this year’s Awards and Recognition Night which will be held on February 28, 2012 at The Heroes Hall of the Malacañang Palace. NCCA and the Office of the Philippine President will give recognition to individuals or groups who have given honor and pride to the Philippines.

Diño will next be seen in IN NOMINE MATRIS, a Filipiniana-Flamenco dance movie under the helm of his COMPOUND director Will Fredo. She leads a cast that includes dramatic actor Biboy Ramirez, Italy-trained opera singer Al Gatmaitan, Flamenco master Clara Ramona who also choreographed the dance sequences and Philippine theater thespian Tami Monsod.

COMPOUND, a critically acclaimed psychological thriller from writer/director Will Fredo, was received with enthusiasm making it the only Filipino film to have a repeat screening during the said festival.

Produced by HUBO Productions, COMPOUND also stars John Arcilla, Jake Macapagal, Janet Russ, Joan Palisoc, Perry Escaño, Lily Chu, Marq Dollentes. Award-winning world and jazz musician Bob Aves music scored the movie.

COMPOUND delves into the mind-bending descent of a once happily-married man. It explores the chilling effects of substance abuse as it destroys himself and his relationships and the terror it brings to people inside the compound.  Within the confines of the compound, a manipulative domestic helper played with subtleness by Diño got noticed by the festival jury and its organizers.  The audience at the festival took notice of the powerful performances of the entire cast.

Also an accomplished Flamenco dancer, Diño has done numerous independent films while she was living in Manila. In 2008, she moved to California and finished a course at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Los Angeles and is presently working at Spago in Beverly Hills with the famous Top Chef Wolfgang Puck. Whenever she travels to the Philippines she follows her passion and continues acting.

Her next big leading role is a Flamenco-inspired film, IN NOMINE MATRIS [In the Name of the Mother], also from director Will Fredo. Liza plays opposite Biboy Ramirez, Al Gatmaitan, Tami Monsod, and Spain’s top flamenco dancer, Ms. Clara Ramona. The movie, produced by HUBO Productions, is scheduled for release next year.

From the looks of it, we are just starting to see the talented Miss Liza Diño.

The former GMA network artist was overwhelmed when her name was announced. Looking back, she reiterates, “I was shocked, it took awhile for me to realize that I won an award. So they had to call me twice to come up on stage. But I think the beauty queen in me took over because I felt too composed during my speech. I can’t even remember what I said. It’s like that pala… It’s like you’re floating.”

We had the opportunity to speak to Liza Diño and here are some of her insights regarding her win, her role, and her future.

Actress Liza Diño with theater actress Tami Monsod

How does it feel to win the sole acting citation award from IFFM?

 It is overwhelming to say the least. There were a lot of film entries from different countries and to be given the recognition is a big honor. I am proud to represent the Philippines. It just shows as well that we have a lot of talent back home.

What does it mean to you, to have this recognition?

 It is such a great feeling to be validated as an actress, for something that you do out of passion and love for the art. I take acting as a craft and an extension of myself…so to be given this acclamation just drives me more to find avenues to share myself.

What’s your role in the movie COMPOUND?

I play ROMINA, the housemaid of the Delos Reyes family. Her character is very complex and that’s what challenged me to take on the role. She is basically the eyes and ears of the whole compound. She used her unassuming demeanor to manipulate the members of the household into exposing their vulnerability to her.

What is it like working as an actor with director Will Fredo?

Anybody who has worked with Director Will has said the exact same thing—he pulls out the rawness in you. That’s a gift that very few directors can draw from an actor. If there is such a thing as soul mates, I think that’s how we are with each other. He knows how to bring out the best and the worst in me and use it effectively to make my character come to life.

How did you start acting?

I was in college in University Philippines (UP) Diliman where I took BA speech communication. I had a theater elective class under Tony Mabesa, and during that time he was directing a play with DULAANG UP (Theater Company of the University). I was a perennial latecomer, so he said if I audition for the play, Mr. Mabesa would not fail me in my classes. The rest is history. I became a resident actress of DULAANG UP during my entire stay in Diliman.

After my reign as Mutya Tourism International, I did a National ad on Likas Papaya and GMA 7 offered me to be part of the artist pool of GMA TALENT CENTER. After that, I had the opportunity to act for both commercial and independent studios in Manila.

Flamenco Master Clara Ramona_Actress Liza Diño

Biggest influence in your acting career?

My mentors from Dulaang UP—Tony Mabesa, Direk Ogie Juliano, Anton Juan and Jose Estrella. If not for them I wouldn’t have found my voice on stage. Director Will gave me the opportunity to portray roles that allows me to explore my ability to get in touch with my vulnerability. Acting is an endless journey of discovery and I look forward to every chance to do that. It gives me high.

 What is next for Liza Diño?

 I have a film in 2012 entitled IN NOMINE MATRIS [In the Name of the Mother]. It is based on a true story of a young woman in the Philippines who is torn between love and her love for Flamenco. This is an opportunity for me to show my other passion, which is Flamenco. I’m so excited. The film is very personal to me and I’m playing the lead role in the film.

Official Trailer

BREAKING NEWS: New York City, 17 October 2011.

COMPOUND, the psychological thriller from writer and director Will Fredo, has just been announced as an official selection for this year’s International Film Festival Manhattan NYC (IFFMNYC).

The festival runs November 11-17 at the Quad Cinemas (34 West 13th St, New York, NY).

COMPOUND is scheduled on November 12 at 4pm.  A Q&A follows the screening with Fredo and select members of the production.

Produced by HUBO Productions, COMPOUND stars John Arcilla, Jake Macapagal, Janet Russ, Joan Palisoc, Perry Escaño, Lily Chu, Marq Dollentes and Liza Diño. Music score is by award-winning world and jazz musician Bob Aves.

SUMMARY: “Unable to cope with harsh reality and looming misfortune, Virgilio delos Reyes (Arcilla) keeps appearances to his family by resorting to the use of crystal methamphetamine. Taking in Jay Juanillo (Macapagal) as their tenant, Virgilio finds an easy target and scapegoat of his escalating paranoia as reality catches up with them inside the compound.”

GET TICKETS HERE: http://www.movietickets.com/pre_purchase.asp?house_id=216&movie_id=125159&showdate=17.
For more information email us @ hubo@hubo.asia.

Directors Ellen Ramos, Rica Arevalo and Sarah Roxas

The WOMEN are heading back to Manila!

FULLY BOOKED and IFC in cooperation with Hubo Productions present Garden of Eve (Ganap na Babae) by directors Rica Arevalo, Ellen Ramos, Sarah Roxas!

A must see film!

Date and Time: October 15, 2011 3:00PM and 6:00PM
Where: U-View, Basement Level, Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street
Ticket Price: PHP 150.00
Tickets are available at the Ground Floor Customer Service Desk of Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street

Sarah Roxas is a discovery, a fresh director with a strong sense of her feminine self & a visionary. Her perspective about the continuos struggle of women, prostituting themselves for their family is worth seeing… Her ending, a jaw dropper!

The very first Cinemalaya Best Director awardee, Rica Arevalo‘s timing and humor is apparent in her direction of the widow-gone-wild-story, a taboo issue about Ageism & Women. She is a storyteller with a gentle & caressing touch. You’ll hear the audience laugh & giggle at her scenes!

Director Ellen Ramos‘ poignant take on strong willed women following their dreams of a better life outside the Philippines and those who stays is both silently heartbreaking & poignant, even funny. Unforgettable cinematic scenes! Worth the discussion!

And this month, the directors are featured once again in their September 2011 Forward March 100 Pinoys.

With gratitude, thank you to Mega Magazine “PINOY PRIDE” for the recognition! Itaguyod ang Pelikulang Pilipino! Mabuhay ang mga ganap na babae!”

DAIPAN BUTOH is a perfomance collective formed to bring butoh to Seattle audiences. Our purpose is to devote our energy and talents to promote this deeply moving and evocative international performance movement that has been steadily growing in Seattle since the 1980s. Butoh is a creative force that arose out of the turmoil and confusion of Post World War II Japan.

I was officially “inducted” as a member of DAIPAN BUTOH COLLECTIVE here in Seattle this year, 2011. I’ve been dancing Butoh for more than 17 years now, and somehow the resurgence in my blood to continue dancing has been lit up for the past months now.

This art form is continually helping me discover a lot of things, physically and spiritually… and I think it is about time for me to share this enigmatic art with you guys. We all should be dancing, dancing with our lives! – Will Fredo

PERFORMANCE PHOTOS  © http://www.flickr.com/photos/drfardook/

Chagrin takes place outside of a small town hospital, where four estranged friends are unexpectedly reunited. Fifteen years ago, these child geniuses rose to mega-stardom on a popular TV game show. Now, brought together by a tragic accident, they must grapple with their collective past in the place where it all began – Chagrin Falls.

Chagrin performs at The First Floor Theater at the historic LaMaMa (74A East 4th Street between 2nd Avenue and Bowery). For performance schedule and to purchase tickets, visit www.nycfringe.org or call 866.468.7619.

Outside Inside presents Chagrin as its inaugural production. Founded in 2011 by graduates of the Actors Studio Drama School, Outside Inside’s mission is to produce new plays written, directed, and performed according to the tenets of the influential Stanislavsky “System,” and the philosophies of the world-renowned Actors Studio.

In the company’s first production, recent graduates of the Actors Studio Drama School’s MFA program come together to perform this humorous and heartbreaking story of failed friendship. The acting company is comprised of artists from Australia, Canada and the United States.

Michael Ross Albert is the author of several one-act plays, including For the Winter (35th Annual Samuel French OOB Short Play Contest), Starfishes (Theatre at Dance New Amsterdam), and Karenin’s Anna (Standard Deviation Theatre Company). His full-length plays include Tough Jews, and Pillars of Salt (In the Beginning Festival, HGJTC), and Chagrin (NY International Fringe Festival). Michael received his MFA in Playwriting at the Actors Studio Drama School. He is an associate member of the Dramatists Guild of America.
www.michaelrossalbert.com