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| Inquirer Last updated 08:17pm (Mla time) 11/27/2007 |
| Batanes on the big screen ___________________ |
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| MANILA, Philippines - As proof of Batanes' beauty, Adolf Alix and Ignite Media Inc. CEO Dave Hukom recently shot a full-length feature film aptly called "Batanes" --- a first for the company, with the island as one of its "characters." "The location is not just for show but is a character in the story," said the co-directors in a statement. They both agreed that the place should be left unspoiled and serene as it is. Exclusive paradise Written by Arah Badayos, the film is a love story between a Filipina and a Taiwanese and revolves around how the waters of Batanes test their love and individualities. The "unpredictable weather or ocean is similar to a woman," said Alix, adding that people should watch the movie to see how this "man-versus-nature" relationship unravels. Hukom pointed out that the majestic beauty of Batanes lies in its green fields and the vast ocean that surrounds it. Seemingly nurtured and tended to by some divine force, the emerald island doesn't seem to have a bald patch. "Batanes" the film, which stars Ken Zhu of Taiwanese boy band F-4 fame and actress Iza Calzado, promises not only to highlight the island's beauty, but also share a tale about how love can overcome language barriers and cultural differences. Both Hukom and Alix praised the Ivatan people for their simplicity, kindness and honesty --- virtues that will be celebrated on the big screen soon. "Batanes" will be shown in SM, Ayala and Robinsons cinemas starting Dec. 5. ___________________________________ "Batanes" Film Stars Adopted as Ivatans Actress Iza Calzado (left) and Taiwanese boy band F4 star Ken Chu don the Ivatan headwear during the press preview for their film "Batanes," after they are adopted as the newest members of the Ivatans, a local group found mainly in the northern Philippine islands of Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat. Batanes is the story of a love that defies race and language as well as man's relationship with the ocean, and how the latter's unpredictability is similar to a woman's ever-changing mood. Opening nationwide tomorrow, December 5, the film took 18 days to shoot in Basco and Sabtang. Asian Spirit played an integral role in bringing the island into the film as it is the only airline that offers flights to Batanes. The film is directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr., and Dave Hukom. ___________________________________ Ken Zhu, Iza Calzado are now adopted children of Batanes 12/04/2007 | 03:17 PM Sa ginanap na press preview ng "Batanes" ng New Ignite Media, Inc. at GMA Films sa Cinema 1 ng Podium kahapon, December 3, ay personal naipinagkaloobang official testimonial and token bilang adopted sons and daughters ng lalawigang Batanes sa lead stars ng movie na sina Ken Zhu at Iza Calzado, sa mga direktor ng pelikula na sina Adolf Alix at Dave Hukom, at sa producer na si Arleen Cuevas. Ang mga token na ipinagkaloob sa kanila ---especially with Ken and Iza ---ay ang vacul, na headdress para sa babae na siyang sumasagisag or sumisimbolo sa mga kababaihanng Ivatan o ang mga sinaunang babae ng Batanes. Ipinakita rin na isinuot ni Iza ang vacul pagkaabot sa kanya. Ipinagkaloob naman sa Taiwanese superstar nasi Ken ang kanaye, isanguring vest na siyang isinusuot ng mga kalalakihan sa Batanes. Ang mga namumuno sa Batanes na sina Governor Telesforo Castillejos, Congressman Carlos Diasnes, at Mayor Demi Narag ang mga nagkaloob ng testimonial at token sa dalawang bida, mga direktor, at producer ng pelikulang "Batanes." Parehong masaya at flattered sina Ken at Iza sa pagkilala na natanggap nila. Bilang mga adopted children ng Batanes, malaya na silang bumili at magkaroon ng sarili nilang property sa malayong lugar na ito ng Pilipinas. Pero siyempre, iba naman sa kaso ni Ken dahil hindi naman siya Filipino citizen. Pero ayon nga sa kanya, ang Batanes ay isang "paradise." Bukas, December 5, na magbubukas sa mga sinehan ang "Batanes" na magpapakita ng kagandahan ng naturang lalawigan. - Philippine Entertainment Portal |