Sinag Maynila film festival returns after 4-year hiatus

 

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Award-winning director Brillante Mendoza and Solar Entertainment Corporation President and CEO Wilson Tieng announced the return of the Sinag Maynila film festival after a four-year hiatus. 

The return is made more significant as the film festival is partnering with the Department of Tourism, Culture & Arts Office of Manila (DTCAM) to support Filipino filmmakers and invigorate the local movie industry.

Sinag Maynila, running from September 4 to 8 in what will be its 6th edition, will feature full-length films, short films, and documentaries in select cinemas.

The festival's run coincidentally falls under the City of Manila's Tourism month which looks to enhance the cultural landscape and tourism of the Philippine capital.

"After taking a pause due to the pandemic, we are very grateful and thrilled to bring back Sinag Maynila," Tieng said in a press conference announcing the film festival's return.

"Our mission — summed up in our slogan — 'Sine Lokal, Pang-International', is given a boost with this historic, first-time partnership with Manila's Tourism Culture & Arts Office," he added, thanking Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan for her support.

Since its inception Sinag Maynila has been giving opportunities for Filipino cinema artists to showcase their talents and provide an alternative space outside the industry's mainstream. 

Stars that found a home in the film festival include Alessandra de Rossi, Janine Gutierrez, Angel Aquino, Enchong Dee, Sylvia Sanchez, JC Santos, Aljur Abrenica, Joem Bascom, and Elizabeth Oropesa as well as directors like Zig Dulay, Adolf Alix Jr., Lawrence Fajardo, Jay Altarejos, Richard Somes, Paul Sta. Ana,and Ralston Jover.

"Sinag Maynila is here to give a voice to the Filipino filmmakers whose skill, creativity and ingenuity are definitely world-class," Mendoza said. 

"We are heartened to present this opportunity anew. So much is going on and so much has changed in the last four years. We are certain our filmmakers have stories they are raring to share to the rest of the country and the world," he added.  

Activities in this year's Sinag Maynila include a campus tour and a Gabi ng Parangal awards ceremony at the Metropolitan Theater. The deadline of entries for the film festival is on July 24.

Angeli Khang, Robb Guinto grateful to star in 1st Vivamax film in cinemas

 Vivamax stars Angeli Khang and Robb Guinto feel pressured, but at the same time, grateful to be entrusted by Viva Films to help entice people to go back to the cinemas through their R-16 film ‘Unang Tikim.’

Photo from Viva Artists Agency’s Facebook page

Charmie Joy Pagulong - The Philippine Star 

July 10, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Vivamax sexy actresses Angeli Khang and Robb Guinto feel pressured, but at the same time, grateful to be entrusted by Viva Films to help entice people to go back to cinemas through their R-16 film “Unang Tikim.”

“This is the first R-16 Viva film (to be screened) in cinemas and I was chosen (for the role.) I think the weight is on me. Haha! But (I’m) thankful and honored to be entrusted with the movie,” Angeli told The STAR in an exclusive interview.

Robb added that she is feeling jittery and having mixed emotions. “I’m glad that Viva put their trust in us. Like kami yung magiging way for people to go back to cinemas. Nakakakaba and (also) a good feeling because this is the first Vivamax film to be shown in theaters.”

“What Angeli said was right, there’s weight but of course, we will do everything (for this movie). All of us, as the characters, gave our best in (doing) whatever we needed to showcase in this film because we know that this will be shown in cinemas.”

“That’s why when there was a scene or an acting part where the director (Roman Perez Jr.) was not satisfied, it was OK for us to do that scene again, kahit ilang take yan.”

The upcoming erotic romance-drama tells the story of bisexual Yuna (Angeli) and lipstick lesbian Becca (Robb), who fall madly in love and share all their firsts with each other. Their love seems unbreakable until Becca is forced to migrate to the US to be with her family.

Then comes Nicco (Matt Francisco), Yuna’s boss, who has always been interested in her. They eventually get engaged.

Becca, now a professional photographer in the US, returns to the Philippines to complete her dream photo exhibit. She has a new lover named Trisha (Christy Imperial).

Yuna and Becca’s paths cross again and they’ve realized that they still have feelings for each other.

Angeli and Robb have been friends prior to filming “Unang Tikim” but it will be their first time to act in the movie as lead actors. The two didn’t have awkward moments while doing the intimate scenes since they are already comfortable with each other.

“Especially with the first few intimate scenes, we would just laugh around,” shared Robb. “For me, when I learned that I would be working with Angeli, there were really no adjustments for both of us because we are very comfortable working together aside from (the fact) that she is my friend.”

Angeli recalled, “I remember what we said when we were naked, facing each other (during the shoot), ‘Luckily, it’s the two of us working on this together.’”

“It was fun because it was like we were just playing while doing our parts,” continued Angeli.

The most challenging part for them was their steamy scene along the creek.

“It was raining (at that time). We were filming early morning. (The water) was ice cold. The challenge was while we were doing the sexy scene, tina-try kong hindi manginig yung bibig ko.”

“It was like an ice bucket challenge,” quipped Robb. “Of course, when we were doing the love scene, we had to look normal even if it was cold. After they said, ‘Cut!’ we were really shivering.”

When queried if there’s a difference in doing a kissing or steamy scene with a girl or a guy, Angeli said there’s none. “Because it’s (part of) work,” she replied.

Both agreed that they are more comfortable doing such scenes with a girl as co-actor.

Robb explained, “You know your limitations with each other. You know the things that are not allowed. Pakiramdaman, eh. If you feel that your female co-star is uncomfortable, when she’s struggling with the kissing scene, you have to adjust. Because you’ll feel that she’s not able to execute it.”

Asked about their reactions on bashers on social media, Angeli stressed with a laugh, “It’s not true na laspag kami. No penetration.”

The Queen of Vivamax noted that doing sexy roles is just work. “We are different in real life and we are only doing what we’re being told. Also, if you see that it’s a bad thing for you to watch and for your family to watch, next ka na lang.”

“They thought kasi na may mga ganun, eh (laughs),” chimed in Robb. “As long as we are happy doing our work, wala naman kaming gustong iparating sa iba sa ginagawa namin.”

Meanwhile, Angeli and Robb shared an encounter with a fan who has been “very generous and supportive” of them.

“Every day, he would go to the set and bring with him a box of McDo and Jollibee (food) for us. Tapos laging mag-me-message sa’yo,” disclosed Angeli.

“There was this one time nag-pa-paint siya ng picture naming dalawa (Robb) and he requested us to sign it. And every time he goes to the set, he would ask for a photo with us and then leave.”

“He even visited Angeli while filming ‘Black Rider,’” added Robb. “He would also visit me in my events in Cebu and Tarlac.”

(“Unang Tikim” will hit cinemas on Aug. 7).

Romancing the moon: A review of 'Fly Me to the Moon'

 

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Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum in 'Fly Me to the Moon'

In this climate of cinema 2024, original IP has been constantly challenged to find an audience, so I’m happy to come upon films that don’t rely on instant franchise recognition or long-established IP. This new rom-com from director Greg Berlanti (of Love, Simon fame) features Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum in a cast that is set in the era of the American-Soviet space race of the 1960s.

Berlanti readily admits that the first plan for this film was to go direct to streaming on Apple. Still, test audiences reacted favorably to the screenings, and a theatrical distribution deal with Columbia/Sony was worked out. The film hits Philippine cinemas this July 10. 

The film's premise is a fictitious retelling of the events leading up to the historic Apollo 11 moon mission, when Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins cemented how the US would come from behind, trump the space race, be the first to put someone on the moon and televise the historic moment. 

Cole Davis (Channing Tatum) is the launch commander at NASA and plays it by the book to the letter. Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) is a marketing whiz with a shady past who was hired by Moe (Woody Harrelson), who claims he works directly for the White House. The Kelly assignment is to generate popular interest in the space race and help create continued funding for NASA. With Kelly, the end always justifies the means, so there’s the built-in conflict between Cole and Kelly - in other words, its opposites attract rom-com time!

Playing strong support are Henry (Ray Romano), who works with Cole in the launch operations, and Lance (Jim Rash), an advertising director with an over-inflated ego and is consistently hilarious - go-to of Kelly when she needs a director. 

It’s the hush-hush Project Artemis (Artemis is explained as Apollo’s sister) that proverbially thickens the plot and heightens the stakes between Cole and Kelly. I’ll leave you to watch the film and discover what Artemis is about. 

There’s witty repartee and gentle but effective humor carrying the first half of the film. The chemistry between Johansson and Tatum works, but not in a Stop the World magnitude. Just right, and that’s fortunate, as some might have questioned if these two are still that popular - or if the pairing made more sense five to seven years ago. 

When the narrative shifts tone and goes serious, I wonder if the audience will still go along for the ride. It rights itself via suspense in the last twenty minutes, but by that time, some may be confused by the constant change of tonality. 

It’s far easier to see why this was initially created to go straight to streaming, but insofar as the dearth of rom-coms today is concerned, this film fits the bill and offers some viewing pleasure. 

Filipinos among most positive globally, but sadness takes a toll – Gallup

 

Philstar.com

July 9, 2024 | 12:28pm

Employees of a mall in Marikina City hold Philippine flaglets during a flag ceremony as they mark National Flag Day on May 28, 2024.

The STAR / Miguel De Guzman

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 12:35 p.m.) — The Philippines ranked among the 10 countries with the highest positive experiences in 2023, a worldwide poll showed.

In D.C.-based firm Gallup's 2024 Global Emotions Report, the country scored 82 of 100 on the Positive Experience Index. This means 82% of Filipinos reported more positive emotions the day before the survey was conducted.

The score puts the Philippines in the fifth place globally on par with Malaysia, Senegal and Thailand, indicating that pleasant feelings are more pervasive than negative ones.

The Philippines is among the 10 countries in the world with the highest positive experiences, according to Gallup's Global Emotions Report 2024.

Notably, 75% of Filipino adults reported learning or doing something interesting the day before the 2023 survey, ranking them third in the world. This is well above the global average of 54%.

While the Philippines' positive experience score of 82 is still among the highest in the world in 2023, it was lower than the 85 it garnered in the 2022 Gallup survey.

While the country scored highly on positive experiences, the Philippines did not rank exceptionally low on negative ones. The country reported a score of 35 of 100 on the Negative Experience Index.

Emotion Yes No

Anger 20% 70%

Loneliness 34% 65%

Stress 53% 47%

Worry 34% 65%

Pain 24% 75%

Enjoyment 80% 19%

Well-rested 74% 26%

Learned 75% 25%

Smiled or Laughed 85% 15%

Respect 95% 5%

The Philippines' negative experience score is higher than the global average of 31.

Filipinos also had the highest reported loneliness in Southeast Asia, a region that leads globally in positive experiences. With 34% reporting feeling sad the day prior, the Philippines' score is higher than the global average of 23%.

The report, released earlier this month, was based on nationally representative samples of at least 1,000 citizens aged 15 and older from each of the 142 countries surveyed face-to-face or over the telephone.

The margin of sampling error ranges between ±2.2 and ±5.5 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

ATTENTION STUDENTS: This financial literacy workshop is for free

Mark your calendars for this event

Jul 8, 2024 05:20 PM

  

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Aspiring entrepreneurs, students, MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) owners, and anyone who has a knack for business are in for an educational and exciting day on July 13, 2024, as Tala Philippines holds TALAkayan with Salve Duplito at the Trinoma Activity Center, Quezon City. 

Tala, a fintech company for the global majority, conducts financial education workshops called "TALAkayan" hosted by financial literacy advocate and money expert Salve Duplito. Here, participants learn money management skills and other tools to help them take control of their finances and achieve their financial goals. They can also join fun games to test what they learned and to win amazing prizes. 

For the 13th edition of Talakayan, Tala will mount an exhibit alongside the learning session in cooperation with Iskaparate, a platform that helps put micro-entrepreneurs in the digital space. This will feature 16 homegrown entrepreneurs who will showcase their products ranging from crocheted items and clay creations to baked boneless bangus and bagoong. The exhibit is open to all who are looking to support local brands and enterprises.

To date, a total of 1,105 participants have joined Talakayan workshops in various parts of the metro. 

“Access to financial education is very important for all Filipinos, and I’m glad that Tala is able to extend this opportunity to entrepreneurial mothers, housewives, and individuals through the workshop. We hope that through this, we can help them in improving their business and financial lives, in general,” said Duplito.

The event on July 13 will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., while the workshop will start at 2 p.m. Walk-in attendees are welcome to join and may register onsite before the workshop begins. 

Pagasa: Rainy Monday likely in parts of Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao

A rainy Monday is highly possible due to the easterlies in parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Read more: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1958927...

What makes a Binibini?

Binibining Pilipinas celebrates its 60th year of empowering and celebrating all kinds of Filipina beauty.

BY JOHN LEGASPI

  

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It is an understatement that Filipinos are big pageant fans, so much so that beauty contests have been a staple in many community celebrations. But when it comes to a grand display of Filipino beauty, it is hard not to think of Binibining Pilipinas.

Since 1964, Binibining Pilipinas has been one of the most anticipated beauty contests in the country. Every year, Filipinas from different parts of the archipelago brave the pageant's stage for a chance to win their dream crowns and compete abroad.

Style Weekend's July 5, 2024 digital cover celebrates the 60th anniversary of Binibining Pilipinas

Through the years, its platform has changed into something beyond just physical beauty. As a project under Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Incorporated (BPCI), the pageant also gives its contestants a platform to tell their stories, give light to their initiatives, and be part of various humanitarian missions. 

As it commemorates its 60th anniversary this year, Binibining Pilipinas is committed to continuing its mission of empowering and celebrating all kinds of Filipino beauty. To celebrate its legacy, Style Weekend sits down with some of the ladies from its latest roster of beauty contestants—Bb. 11 Kim de Luna (Caloocan), Bb, 29 Roselyn Evardo (Manila), Bb. 30 Trisha Martinez (Pila, Laguna), and Bb. 32 Carmella Cuaresma (Aurora Province)—as they talk about how pageantry continues to empower women, their lives before joining the beauty contest, and what makes a Binibini today.

 Kim de Luna, Roselyn Evardo, Trisha Martinez, and Carmella Cuaresma

What are the lessons you learned in the past that you are applying in your Binibini journey?

Roselyn: I started working when I was 16 years old. I was a working student. Eventually, I landed a job in a corporate setting. Now, as a flight attendant. It molded me to be more mature and responsible in my decision-making. I applied it here in the pageant.

Trisha: One core value that I practice every day as a licensed dentist is empathy. I always have to put myself in the position of my patients so that I can give the best care that they deserve. To me, that’s one of the qualities a Binibini should have, being empathetic toward others, because we work with a lot of people.

Kim: Discipline and time management. When you join Binibini, you’ll learn that time is very valuable to the organization, so you need to be present and professional. Those are some of the things I learned from my time at the Philippine Air Force.

Carmella: To be strong, that’s what I learned from studying criminology.

Binibining Pilipinas 2024 candidates at the Manila Bulletin office

What makes a Binibini?

Roselyn: A Binibini is someone who knows herself—her true self. Being a Binibini is not just about the glitz and glamor. We carry the responsibility of ensuring that we are updated about current events, that our advocacy is shared with other people, and that we stand and believe in what is better for the community.

Trisha: Having a mission to serve other people, to extend yourself to the community. Being a Binibini is not just about winning the crown. It is also about serving your purpose.

Kim: Someone who is empowered, who has a lot of experiences to share with others, and who is willing to be of service to the community.

Carmella: Hard work and dedication. Coming from the province, I put a lot of effort into pursuing this dream. Transitioning from province life to city life is hard but you need to believe in yourself, be brave, and persevere.

For many candidates, the highlight of their Binibining Pilipinas experience lies in the sisterhood they made throughout their journey

Do you think pageants continue to empower women?

Roselyn: Yes, I think beauty pageants still empower women. It is very relevant. It is a platform for women, and we use this stage to amplify our advocacies and purpose here in the community. 

Trisha: I think there is a misconception about us beauty queens that we only just have a pretty face, but we are more than that. Through this pageant, we are given a platform to talk about our causes. It uplifts women and I think all women should take up the spaces that allow us to be heard.

Kim: Pageantry has been transforming in a very positive way. I’m sure a lot of people are asking if pageants are still relevant. But for me, pageantry allows us to share our advocacies and do charity work.

Carmella: I do believe pageant helps empower women. Before I entered pageantry, I found myself feeling doubtful and worried. Now that I’m here, it helped boost my confidence. After being in a male-dominated field, it is nice to embrace my femininity.

The much-awaited grand coronation night of the 60th Binibining Pilipinas pageant will be held on July 7, 2024, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The new Bb. Pilipinas International and Bb. Pilipinas Globe titleholders will get P1 million each.

Hello, readers! Do you have a story you want us to feature? You can reach us via styleweekendph@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.

Zoomers' Season 2 brings more drama from Zoomkada

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• “Zoomers” Season2is directed by Kevin Alambra, with creative producer Theodore Boborol, and written by head writer Carmela Abaygar and episode writers Carol Navarro, and Airic Diestro.

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The cast of 'Zoomers' Season 2

A new season means a new story begins, as trending loveteam Harvey Bautista, Criza Taa, and their Gen Z barkada encounter more drama for "Zoomers" Season 2.

During their media conference held at 9501 Restaurant in ABS-CBN on July 1, Harvey mentioned his excitement to explore the upcoming season's new challenges.

"Very thankful kaming lahat na nandito na kami sa media conference ng season 2. It is very exciting that we can continue the stories of the Zoomers. I'm happy that I'm with Direk Kevin and the rest of the cast," Harvey said.

(We are all very thankful that we are here at the media conference of season 2. It is very exciting that we can continue the stories of the Zoomers. I'm happy that I'm with Director Kevin and the rest of the cast)

Harvey also added that the response from the audience online has helped improve more on playing the role of Jigs.

"Reading yung tweets nung audience from season 1 may mga insights sila na hindi ko naisip, bilang artista ni Jigs. So seeing the response online did impact my performance on being more careful sa approach ko kay Jigs," he shared.

(Reading the audience's tweets from season 1, they had insights that I didn't think of as an actor of Jigs. So, seeing the response online did impact my performance on being more careful in my approach to Jigs) 

The cast and directors of 'Zoomers' Season 2

As per Criza, she expressed her gratitude for the people who supported their first season.

"Sobrang nagulat din kami since first time namin ni Harvey bumida sa series. As much as nag-eexpect kami nandoon pa rin yung gulat na mamahalin pala ng tao yung ginawa namin together," she said

(We were also very surprised since Harvey and I starred in the series for the first time. As much as we expected, there was still the shock that people would love what we did together)

In the newest season, the Gen Z barkada spend their last summer together before they head to college. Jiggs joins his first directing competition in hopes of winning the cash prize for Hope, who continues to find ways for her to pursue college.

Meanwhile, both Tanya and Kokoy will encounter problems with love. Tanya must decide between entertaining her old fling, Faye (Kei), or her new best friend, Juniper (Hadiyah Santos).

Kokoy will also have to level up his moves to make Mika fall in love with him as her childhood friend, played by Argel Saycon, returns. Atom will also face a ghost from his past as he meets Dino (Luis) in the resort. At the same time, he also gets an opportunity to be closer to Beth (Zabel Lamberth).  

“Zoomers” Season 2 is directed by Kevin Alambra, with creative producer Theodore Boborol, and written by head writer Carmela Abaygar and episode writers Carol Navarro, and Airic Diestro. The series’ first season was directed by Chad Vidanes, who now serves as a line producer in the upcoming season.

AUDIOJUNKIE: The ladies bring it

BY PUNCH LIWANAG

Jul 8, 2024 07:49 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• A solo music act that we really want to hear more about is Shanne Dandan.

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FROM LEFT: mrld, Shane Dandan, Dyessa Garcia and Yennybooo (Facebook)

This week’s listing features some very talented ladies whose music style runs the gamut: from art-y alt-pop to glitzy R&B, vibing hiphop to power ballads.

A solo music act that we really want to hear more about is Shanne Dandan. A solid songwriter as she is a powerhouse vocalist, her music stands out for its artistic leanings. Her recently released tune, the ethereal sounding “Iyakin,” sees Shane Dandan dabbling in alt-pop-tinged drama with traces of prog fusion thrown in the mix. Ditto, Shane likes her song, which is heavy on imagery. 

I wouldn’t even attempt to interpret exactly what the song is about except that it's about the passage of the day measured by the light that escapes and eventually turns to dusk, which all seems like a dream. Talk about mood and vibe. This is Shane Dandan’s default and should be required listening for alt-rock aficionados and listeners of pop to get a measure of depth in their listening diet. 

In case you missed it, “An Art Gallery Could Never Be As Unique As You” & “Ligaya” singer mrld returned with the new single “Sandali.” Whereas her previous singles were modern-sounding soft ballads that resounded with Gen Z’ers, her latest makes a 180-degree turn to Hip-hop and R&B-inflected sounds. The singer shares that her new song is inspired by the BTS song “Lowkey,” sure enough, this mid-tempo bop feels like mold is going to bust a dance move anytime within its pop-and-lockin’ 3-minute plus runtime. I guess this is mrld (real name Meriel de Jesus) showing there is more to her than just her ode ballads.  

Newly-minted R&B and Hip-hop solo act Yennyboo, a.k.a. Yen Durano, drops a tuneful R&B-inflected ditty in “Sayo.” Chilling is the order of the day for Yennybooo, who finds time to drop some cool tunes in-between roles in her Vivamax movies. Listen to Yennyboo’s previous tracks, such as the moody and vibing “Sativa” and the sexy R&B grind of “On the Low,” to know that she’s not just playing music on the side when she’s not acting. If anything, it’s the other way around.  

Speaking of Vivamax actresses, Dyessa Garcia also makes a decent try for pop music on her Vicor debut titled “Tanggap Ko Na.” Dyessa goes for a piano-decked ballad that rises and climaxes in all the right places. And wouldn’t you know, Dyessa Garcia can render this power ballad with all the apropos heart-rending emotion that make “Tanggap Ko Na” the hugot song we didn’t think we needed.

And on the side of Pinoy rap, Juan Caoile and Kyleswish are at it again, keeping the momentum going with their new single, "SA’YO LANG.” The ‘Marikit Sa Dilim’ architects have a new sonic vehicle to cruise on in this bouncy banger about a beautiful distraction they can’t get their minds out of. Featured here is rapper Jawz, who provides the motor mouth rap break that runs counter to Kyleswish's own breaks and Juan Caoile’s melodies. 

ALLMO$T members are all in for brand-new track titled “boyfriend.” This is the latest upbeat banger from hook singers Clien and Jom and main rappers Crakky and Russell, a fast-paced affair that just screams for its own dance challenge on TikTok.

Catchy melodies are Ace Cirera’s main weapon of choice in his song titled “Takip Silim.” Ace has always distinguished himself as a rap artist who goes for catchy tunes with throwback themes to easier days and is so good at crafting little bubblegum pop with a hint of rap flair like this one.

Why there’s a sudden interest in Henry Mancini ?

 

Italian/American composer Henry Mancini would have been a hundred years old last April 16. He was born in Ohio to a family of Italian immigrants on April 16, 1924. He died on June 14, 1994 from pancreatic cancer. Mancini grew up to become a conductor, arranger, flutist, pianist, concert performer and one of the greatest composers in the history of film music. Moon River, Days of Wine and Roses, Music from Peter Gunn, theme from ‘The Pink Panther,’ Once is Not Enough, Charade and so many others. No wonder a lot of people want to celebrate him. I do, too. STAR / File

SOUNDS FAMILIAR - Baby A. Gil - The Philippine Star 

July 6, 2024 | 12:00am

I initially found it strange that items about the Italian/American composer Henry Mancini were suddenly popping up online these past weeks when I thought there was no reason for them to do so. I love Mr. Mancini’s music very much but he had already passed away so what could be newsworthy about him?

It turned out that I was so wrong. The reason why media had developed a sudden interest in Mr. Mancini was because he would have been a hundred years old last April 16. He was born in Ohio to a family of Italian immigrants on April 16, 1924. He died on June 14, 1994 from pancreatic cancer. So that was why there was this concert at the Hollywood Bowl, a new tribute album and Michael Bublé is singing Moon River.

Mancini grew up to become a conductor, arranger, flutist, pianist, concert performer and one of the greatest composers in the history of film music. Moon River, Days of Wine and Roses, Music from Peter Gunn, theme from “The Pink Panther,” Once is Not Enough, Charade and so many others. No wonder a lot of people want to celebrate him. I do, too.

Mancini created pretty melodies. His works were nothing earthshaking but they were classy and made being lazy and listless, not only acceptable but utterly chic. What sort of image do you get when you hear Charade? Dinner on a boat sailing the River Seine. What about Speak Softly Love? I say fields and fields of sunflowers. What tune would you like playing in your head while walking the sidewalks of Manhattan? Once is Not Enough. And when you get to your destination at Tiffany’s? Of course, Moon River plays in your soundtrack.

There are more as I rediscovered while going over his bio for this piece. No wonder there was this pretty little tune The Sweetheart Tree at the end of “The Great Race.” It was by Mancini. Is there anything cuter than the Baby Elephant Walk from “Hatari.” He did the music for the most binged series of the ‘70s era “The Thornbirds.”  He worked on the music of “Me Natalie” with Rod McKuen, plus Moment to Moment, Dear Heart and who can dismiss one of my all-time favorites, the music of “Two for the Road” and its meaningful theme song.

Mancini also excelled as an arranger. His work on A Time for Us, the Nino Rota tune from “Romeo and Juliet” and Love Story by Francis Lai made the hit charts. He is credited with the clever use of Ravel’s Bolero in “10.” Remember Bo Derek and her corn rows rising out of the sea? And many more. Suffice to say, back in those days, the ‘70s and ‘80s eras, Mancini was the go-to guy if you wanted a movie score that was sentimental, sexy, trendy and which would become a hit.

Mancini recorded 90 albums during his lifetime. He was nominated 72 times at the Grammy Awards. He won 20 of them including Album of the Year for “The Music from Peter Gunn” in 1958, Best Instrumental Arrangement for A Time for Us, the love theme from “Romeo and Juliet” in 1969, then Record of the Year and Song of the Year for Moon River from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” in 1961. He was nominated 18 times at the Academy Awards and won four times including Best Original Song for Moon River in 1961 and another Best Original Song again a year later for “Days of Wine and Roses.”

An interesting tribute album titled Henry Mancini, the 100th Sessions is set to drop soon. It is made up of new recordings of Mancini’s songs including Peter Gunn by Quincy Jones, John Williams, Herbie Hancock and Arturo Sandoval, the Moon River by Bublé and the theme from “The Pink Panther” by Lizzo and flutist James Galway, plus others.