Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 5)— One of the country’s foremost entertainment journalists, Nestor Cuartero, is giving readers an in-depth look into the intriguing world of local tinseltown with the release of his book aptly titled PH Movie Confidential.
It will be launched on March 8 at the FDCP Cinematheque in Manila, in cooperation with the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd).
Cuartero, a long-time columnist at the Manila Bulletin and Tempo, said the book is a partial record of his years as an avid moviegoer and fan and entertainment journalist for the past 60 years.
“Let’s just say a good chunk of those years had been spent as a close, firsthand observer of the industry as a working journalist covering the entertainment beat,” said the award-winning veteran writer.
“I have always been struck by the beauty, power and tantalizing influence of movies, even as a child growing up in the 1960s in Rosario, Batangas,” he added.
The slim volume of 130 glossy pages is a collection of essays about trends, practices, beliefs, quirks and movements that helped shape the Philippine movie industry over the years. It is published by Ultimate Learning Series by Carl Balita Review Center, in cooperation with the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
It covers a wide range of topics that could fascinate every film buff and aspiring entertainment writers: What happens after actors have shot an intimate scene? Why are some actors afraid of playing gay roles? Why are certain actors typecast? Is fan mentality an illness?
“The chapters are written in a relaxed, conversational manner, spiced with tidbits of historical gossip and trivia,” said Cuartero. “Like it or not, gossip makes entertainment writing throb and thrive.”
“Yet, I dare say every entry is substantial, insightful and well-researched enough for the reader to understand the workings of the Philippine movie industry,” he added.
PH Movie Confidential is P400 pesos per copy (excluding shipping), and can be sourced at over 100 CBRC schools all over the Philippines. Orders are also welcome through nescuar@yahoo.com or via mobile phone 0917-800-5986.
