Star City postpones reopening
STAR CITY has had to postpone its reopening amidst the current rise in COVID-19 cases. The amusement park in Pasay City was scheduled to reopen on Jan. 14, two years after a massive fire forced its closure in October 2019. “While the current Alert Level allows the operation of amusement parks or theme parks at reduced capacity level, we feel that given the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country, postponement is the more prudent thing to do,” park management said in a post on Star City’s official Facebook page on Jan. 9. It also stated that a firm reopening date will be announced “when conditions are more favorable for all.”
Sine Kabataan applications now accepted
THE FILM Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is now accepting applications for the 5th edition of the Sine Kabataan. It is open to Filipino filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 30 who have already produced at least one short film. Interested applicants may download the application form at https://bit.ly/SineKab5ApplicationForm. They should send their applications to filmlab.fdcp@gmail.com with the subject “Application for Sine Kabataan 2021” on or before Jan. 15. For the guidelines and full mechanics, visit www.fdcp.ph/sinekabataan5 .
Online screenings for slice-of-life films
TO WELCOME the new year with concern, coming-of-age films will be screened online on Wednesdays of January, hosted by The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. The line-up is headlined by Saint Oniisan (Saint Young Men) (2012), a Japanese comedy by animator and director Noriko Takao. An adaptation of the hit manga series written and illustrated by Hikaru Nakamura, it follows roommates Jesus Christ and Gautama Buddha as they explore and experience, appreciate and understand modern life while on vacation in Tokyo. It will be shown on Jan. 12. Hintayan ng Langit (Heaven’s Waiting) (2018) by Filipino cinematographer and film maker Dan Villegas introduces an overstaying soul in purgatory, who is set to cross over and give her space to her recently deceased ex-boyfriend. Starring veteran and award-winning actress Gina Pareño and the late Eddie Garcia, the film unravels the pains and regrets of two reunited ex-lovers. It is slated for Jan. 19. Ride Your Wave (2019), directed by Japanese screenwriter and animator Maasaki Yuasa, follows the heartfelt journey of the fearless surf-loving college student Hinako. The romantic drama delves on one’s inner purpose, justice, and joy as she navigates her life after tragically losing her boyfriend, the young firefighter Minato. It will be shown on Jan. 26. The free and public online screenings will be conducted via Zoom at noon on the scheduled dates. Interested participants may register through https://forms.gle/PWJF45YR6sBW7xra9. For more information, e-mail mcad@benilde.edu.ph.
Ding-Dong Dantes returns to GMA Telebabad
ACTOR Dingdong Dantes is back on GMA Telebabad as he portrays a dual role for the first time in the latest installment of the hit GMA drama anthology, I Can See You: AlterNate. Directed by Dominic Zapata, the episode narrates the story of a refined man whose marriage is tested when his wife unknowingly cheats with someone who looks just like him and is apparently his long-lost twin brother. Joining the cast are Beauty Gonzalez, Jackie Lou Blanco, Joyce Ching, and Ricky Davao. I Can See You: AlterNate premieres on GMA Telebabad beginning Jan. 10, 8:50 p.m.
