The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) will produce the biggest movie ever - an epic - in the history of the local movie industry, which covers a century of struggles and then finally a glorious triumph.
The movie, "Ang Sugo (The Last Messenger)" features the life of one man's journey of faith that helped brought the INC from its humble beginnings to its present glory.
The man being referred to was the late Felix Y. Manalo who founded the INC from a humble house in Sta. Ana, Paco, Manila. Officially, INC was registered with the Philippine Government on July 27, 1914.
An INC executive said, during a luncheon press conference to launch the movie project, that "Ang Sugo" is not a religious film that preaches and converts or one that assails other religious beliefs.
"Ang Sugo (The Last Messenger)" will be shown in July 2014 to coincide with the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of INC.
INC Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo gave the go-signal for the production of the movie project. Insiders said that there were attempts in the past to produce a movie of that nature, but it was only recently that it was approved.
Multi-awarded director Tikoy Aguiluz has been chosen to direct the epic movie. "I am humbled and grateful for the honor and privilege bestowed upon me. I can truly say that this is the biggest challenge of my career as a filmmaker," Direk Tikoy said. He will be collaborating with an Oscar-winning director of photography.
The epic movie will star Richard Gomez, Albert Martinez and Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. to portray respectively Felix Y. Manalo, Erano G. Manalo, and Eduardo V. Manalo, the three executive ministers of INC.
"I can't believe it," Richard Gomez said when the role was offered to him. "I have high respects for the members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo," he stressed. "To be chosen as the actor to play the role of Felix Manalo is truly an honor," he added. "I will play for the role as I know millions look up to him!"
"The movie will certainly be monumental and it is a great privilege to be in it. I will give justice to my role," Albert Martinez stressed.
"The offer to essay the role of Ka Eduardo is humbling and it is my greatest honor to be chosen to play him in this movie," Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. said. He is playing the role for free!
Filming of "Ang Sugo (The Last Messenger)" will begin during the first quarter of 2013, and showing in cinemas will be in July 2014, the 100th Anniversary of INC.
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Michael Pangilinan
In First Major Concert
He is getting to be a concert heartthrob, this Michael Pangilinan who first took the spotlight when he was named one of the Top 20 of ABS-CBN's "X-Factor Philippines" contestants. He didn't win but instead of sulking in a corner, he took his defeat as a challenge.
Michael was taken in by German Moreno to be part of his "Walang Tulugan" on GMA-7. And for this stint, he got a nomination as Best New Male TV Personality from the recently held PMPC Star Awards for TV. Michael is also now a member of Project Four, a new boy band launched recently on "Party Pilipinas."
Tonight at 10, Michael takes the centerstage as he mounts his first major concert at Zirkoh Morato billed as "Michael Pangilinan - The Man Who Can Move."
Special guests are Ms. Pilita Corrales, Allan K, Aljur Abrenica, and Concert King Martin Nievera, with the special participation of Ms. Nora Aunor. Also featured are Prima Diva Billy, Joyce Yadao, Mary Joyce, Sexbomb Aira and Mia. Butch Miraflor is musical director.
Michael, who turned 17 last Nov. 26, admitted he's excited at the same time nervous. "So please pray for me," he said. "But I will just do my best para mapasaya ang audience." The young talented singer is managed by Jobert Sucaldito.
Presenters of the concert include Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile, Isabela Gov. Bojie Dy and Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito. Major sponsors include Tess Palado, Pheng Santiago, Emmie Valdez, Mary Tuazon, Shimmian SurgiCenter, Belo Medical group and Gov. Chavit Singson.
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MBC National Choral
Competition Today
Top recording artists will be guesting every night when Manila Broadcasting Company and Star City mount the 2012 MBC National Choral Competition at the Aliw Theater.
Nyoy Volante fired the opening salvo on Dec. 3, and today, Dingdong Avanzado takes to the stage, with Soul Siren Nina up next on Dec. 6. For the grand finals on Dec. 7, "Pinoy Pop Superstar" Year 3 runner-up Bryan Termulo and "Little Big Star" winner Anja Aguilar are set to wow audiences.
Fourty-four of the country's top chorales will be trading musical notes as they vie for the MBC National Choral Competition championships. P150,000 are at stake for the grand champion in the open category, and P100,000 are up for grabs in the children's division, thanks to generous support from Globe Telecom, Flanax, Coca-Cola, Alaska, Barako Bull, M Lhuillier, and Max's Restaurant.
This year's MBC National Choral Competition is a prelude to Sing n' Joy Manila - the international choral festival that MBC is mounting with Interkultur Germany and the Philippine Choral Directors Association in Dec. 2013.
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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 5, go to Rep. Amado Bagatsing, Mila A. Abad, Donita Rose Cavett, Anthony Pangilinan, Julie Ann Fortich, Rudy Diego, Chris Almeda, Luz Valderama, Joan T. Acot, Vice Mayor Roderick Tiongson of San Miguel, Bulacan, Ramon "Monchu" Siytangco IV, and MB's Raymond Sacay... Belated b-day greetings to my son Walden Sadiri M. Belen (Dec. 4)... Happy wedding anniversary to Enrique and Miles Yulo; Llewellyn and Carol Llanillo; and Drs. Rodolfo and Rosalina Ante...
