Ricky Lo, Romm Burlat, Marc Anthony Nicolas chosen as judges of the Noble Queen of the Universe 2020

Three men who are successful in their fields have been chosen by the international organizers of the pageant for married women to be their judges on the coronation night of the "Noble Queen of the Universe" Beauty Pageant.

Ricky Lo is a popular entertainment writer, showbiz commentator and TV Host. His TV shows include Startalk, Showbiz Stripped and The Ricky Lo Exclusives which won for him a PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Male Showbiz Oriented Talk Show Host statute. He also has written books such as Conversations with Ricky Lo (also a column at Philippine Star) and Star Studded.

Romm Burlat is a multi-award winning director, actor, TV Host and talent manager. He recently has been dominating in international film festivals having won 13 international Best Director awards, 8 international Best Actor awards, 1 international Best Supporting Actor award and 1 international Best Producer award. In the local front, Burlat has won 8 Best Director awards. 

Marc Anthony Nicolas is an Emmy Award winning producer who just got inducted to the Asian Hall of Fame. This organization carefully chooses candidates who inspire and make a change in their community. Nicolas was also chosen as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipino Americans.

These are three of the judges of the aforementioned international pageant which will have its coronation night on December 20th.

Direk Romm Burlat wins his 13th International Best Director award from Hollywood

Multi-awarded director and actor, Romm Burlat, won his 13th international Best Director award (Honorable Mention) from the Hollywood International Golden Age Film Festival in California, USA. He won for his work in Homecoming (Mammangi).

Called the "Pandemic Director" because of the interminable awards he amassed from international film festivals during the pandemic, Direk Romm, has also won 8 international Best Actor awards for his performances in Covered Candor (Tutop), Attention Grabbing (Agaw Pansin) and Set Alight (Sindi).

Prior to this award, Burlat set a record as the only director who won 4 Best Director and 1 Best Actor awards all in one day from two festivals namely the Port Blair International Film Festival and the Tagore International Film Festival.

"I am really amazed by the turn of events. I won three times for Double Best Director awards in three festivals. Last week, it was even bigger since there was an additional Best Actor award and three Best Film awards for Cuckoo, The Love Child (Bata Bata Bakit Ka Ginawa) and Support (Akay)", Burlat said.

His 13th international Best Director award is his 2nd award from Hollywood. First was a Best Actor plum for his performance in "Covered Candor" at the Hollywood Blood Horror Festival. When asked if he still gets excited receiving more than he dreamt of, Direk Romm said, "Yes, I still get excited every time I received an award. But my long-time dream is for my work to recognized at the Cannes Film Festival in France."

Lately, Direk Romm is busy with his TV shows on Global TV, Starbuzz Television and soon, The Manila Times TV. He is also set to resume shooting of his suspense thriller, "Bakit Nasa Huli Ang Simula".

Direk Romm Burlat wins both Best Director and Best Actor at the Port Blair International Film Festival in Bollywood

It is a never-ending story for the awards being won by Direk Romm Burlat in the year 2020. Two days ago, Burlat reaped another recognition. This time, it is not just one, not two but three awards in the Port Blair International Film Festival in Bollywood.

Burlat won Best Actor for his performance in Covered Candor (Tutop), Best Director and Best Screenplay for his work in Homecoming (Mammangi). It is Burlat's 6th Best Actor award for Covered Candor and his 7th Best Director award. He was even much happier because Direk Romm won his first international award for Best Screenplay.

"I can't contained my happiness. I am just like a 3-in-1 coffee. I won three awards in one night. I couldn't asked for more. I am blessed", Burlat quipped.

Because of the string of awards in a difficult year due to Covid-19, Direk Romm has been called "The Pandemic Director"  which amused him no end. "It was Sir George Vail Kabrisante who coined that title for me. Despite absence of projects for six months now due to this current crisis, the good Lord blesses me with continuous awards in international film festivals.

To-date, Direk Romm has won 6 Best Actor Awards from international film festivals namely Actors Awards Los Angeles in the US; Kosice International Film Festival in Slovak Republic, Tagore International Film Festival in India; CKF International Film Festival in the United Kingdom, Hollywood Blood Horror Festival and Port Blair International Film Festival. As a director, he already amassed seven awards from 16th We Care International Film Festival in India; Sweden Film Awards in Stockholm, Sweden; Global India International Film Festival in India; Accord Cine Fest in India, Tagore International Film Festival in India, Nawada International Film Festival and Port Blair International Film Festival. Five of these awards came from Homecoming while his two other Best Director awards were given for his works in Father of Your Son (Ama Ka Ng Anak Mo) and Twist of Fate(Balikuko).

On top of these, Burlat also won Best Supporting Actor for Attention Grabbing (Agaw Pansin) from the Oniros Film Awards in Italy, Best Screenplay for Port Blair and Best Producer from Hollywood Blood Horror Film Festival.

The film, Covered Candor where he is lead and producer won Best Horror Film at the Istanbul Film Festival in Turkey, Best Horror Film at the Oniros Film Awards and Best Feature Film at the Tagore International Film Festival whereas Homecoming where he is director won Best Film at the Eurasia International Film Festival in Russia, Madras Independent Film Festival in India and Best Heritage Film at the Urduja Film Festival in the Philippines.

His two other films, Father of Your Son and Twist of Fate won Jury Choice award and Best Foreign Film respectively at the Nawada International Film Festival.

Being billed the Pandemic Director is an apt title for this multi-awarded actor and director.

 

Direk Romm Burlat wins his 5th international Best Actor award at the CKF International Film Festival in the United Kingdom

There's no stopping for this maverick director. Just two days after he won Best Director at the Sweden Film Awards, Direk Romm Burlat won another international Best Actor award. He was declared Best Foreign Actor at the CKF International Film Festival in the United Kingdom. Burlat won for his portrayal as the weird killing father in the horror drama suspense thriller movie, Covered Candor (Tutop).

This is Direk Romm's 5th Best Actor award from international film festivals. Locally, he won one Best Actor award for Set Alight (Sindi) in the Gawad Filipino awards. April this year, Burlat won his first international Best Actor award from the Actors Awards Los Angeles in California,USA. It was followed by Kosice International Film Festival in Slovak Republic. He was also declared Best Actor at the Hollywood Blood Horror Festival in California. His 4th Best Actor award came from the Tagore International Film Festival in India.

Some call him Pandemic director by virtue of the influx of international awards despite the Covid crisis. Burlat just laughed the label off.

To-date, Burlat has won 9 international awards: 5 for Best Actor, 2 for Best Director, 1 for Best Supporting Actor and 1 for Best Producer. His films, Homecoming (Mammangi) won Best Short Film at the Eurasia International Film Festival in Moscow, Russia while his Covered Candor (Tutop) won Best Horror Feature Film at the Hollywood Blood Horror Festival, Istanbul Film Awards and Tagore International Film Festival.

"This is more than what I asked for. I was overjoyed by the continuous wins from different film festivals in the world. I am a bit weary that the people will expect more from me after this .But I am ready to accept more challenging roles aside from directing some of them", Burlat said.

Direk Romm is still looking forward to other international film festivals where he also got nominations like the Kalakari International Film Festival, Roshani International Film Festival and the Nawada International Film Festival, all in India. 

All the best, Direk Romm and congratulations!

Philippine Entry to Sweden Film Awards win Best Director for Romm Burlat and Best Actor for Ron Macapagal

The Philippine entry, "Mammangi" with an international title, "Homecoming" won the Best Director award for Romm Burlat and Best Actor award for Ron Macapagal at the Sweden International Film Awards in Stockholm, Sweden. It was a hotly-contested festival with more than 3,000 entries worldwide.The award is the second international Best Director win for Burlat who won Best Director last year in the 16th We Care International Film Festival in India for another film, "Father of Your Son (Ama Ka Ng Anak Mo)". Likewise, it is the third international Best Actor award for Macapagal. Earlier this year, he won Best Actor Honorable Mention  for "Cuckoo" at the Oniros Film Festival in Italy. It was followed by another Best Actor award for "Covered Candor" at the Druk International Film Festival in Bhutan.2020 proves to be the year of the manager-talent tandem. Direk Romm ,as he is fondly called, is the manager of Ron for four years now. The former molded the latter to become a very good actor. In school in Saudi Arabia,  Macapagal already showed signs that he would become an actor someday since he won some accolades while acting in theatre in high school. It was further honed when he flew to the Philippines for his college degree. His first film, "Cuckoo" already gave him local and international awards. It was the Philippine entry last year to the Festival Internacional de Cinema da Figueria da Foz in Portugal.Burlat, on the other hand, already won 8 Best Director awards in local festivals, As an actor, Direk Romm ,so far, has won 1 Best Actor award from Gawad Filipino and 4 Best  Actor Awards in international film festivals like Actors Awards in Los Angeles, California; Kosice International Film Festival in Slovak Republic; Hollywood Blood Horror Film Festival in California and the Tagore International Film Festival in India. He also won Best Supporting Actor award at the Oniros Film Awards in Italy.Both Burlat and Macapagal are doing the movie, "Hesus", soon. Ron will play the title role of Hesus, a manic depressive man who fights no one but himself. Burlat will be directing the film with Direk Marvin Gabas and Direk Paola Villena who are both doing the script of the movie. The film, "Homecoming" is also Macapagal 's baptism of fire as Asst Director to Burlat. For this reason, Ron will direct an upcoming movie billed "Bata Pa Si Abel". On the other hand, both of them will be finishing the scenes of "Bakit Nasa Huli Ang Simula" and "And I Loved Her" with Burlat as the director and Macapagal as the actor.Congratulations Direk Romm and Ron!

 

Direk Romm Burlat wins a full PhD scholarship from Einstein Universite de London in the United Kingdom

 

Despite the pandemic, the career of Direk Romm Burlat is going great guns in 2020. After winning 4 international Best Actor awards, 1 international Best Supporting Actor award and an international Best Producer award plus two of his films namely "Homecoming (Mammangi)"and "Covered Candor (Tutop) "got 4 Best Film awards from international film festivals, Burlat was just awarded a full scholarship in Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the prestigious Einstein Universite de London in London, England. The 72,000-pound scholarship will start this week until he finishes his PhD degree. " I am still in Cloud 9 right now. This is another milestone in my career. Long have I planned to go back to school to upgrade my credentials but time won't warrant.  My work experiences plus my travel to several countries paved the way to this scholarship. I also underwent a series of interviews from the university professors. I am so honored upon hearing that out of every 1,000 applicants, the university will only grant one scholarship." Burlat quips.

Burlat finished his bachelor's degree from the first American university in the Philippines, Silliman University through the National State Scholarship program . He was one of the Five (5) Filipinos who was sent to Texas, USA for a Group Study Exchange sponsored by the Rotary International. Prior to that, Direk Romm was one of the 35 Filipinos who were picked by the Philippine government as Ambassador of Goodwill to Southeast Asia and Japan via the SSEAYP program of the Japanese government.  Burlat holds the record as the first Filipino Cruise Director. Due to his vast experiences, Direk Romm was granted a credit transfer of International MBA Degree from Einstein Business School of Management under Accreditation for Prior Experiential Learning in compliance with UK Law and that he can proceed to take the Doctorate of Philosophy program. 

At the start of 2020, Direk Romm won Best Director from the Christian Film Festival in February. This was followed by a Best Supporting Actor award from Oniros Film Awards in Italy. After which, awards came one after the other. He was named Best Actor in 4 award-giving bodies namely the Actors Awards in Los Angeles, California, Kosice International Film Festival in Slovak Republic, Hollywood Blood Horror Festival in California and the Tagore International Film Festival in India. He is still a nominee in a few more film festivals this month and September.

Burlat is scheduled to shoot the remaining scenes of his two full-length films, "And I Loved Her" and "Bakit Nasa Huli Ang Simula" and will hopefully start a movie with the Diamond Star Maricel Soriano. On TV, he now has two shows on GlobalTV namely "Direk To The Point" every Thursday and "Lies, Camera Action" every Friday. Burlat is getting ready for his two other shows at the Manila Times TV: the celebrity talk show, "Of Critics & Critiques" and the much-awaited "It's Entertainment".

Iyah Soriano: The Gorgeous Young Lass of Laguna

 

She's all of 13, one of the youngest finalists of "It's Entertainment". At her very young age, you can already sense the blooming beauty of this showbiz wannabe. Mariel Iyah Soriano, is one of the beautiful faces who have emerged in showbizlandia. She can dance and cook. It was her dream since she was a kid to be an actress that is why she is currently taking acting lessons from her manager/mentor Direk Romm Burlat.

Like young girls her age, she still giggles when you mention cute young boys her age. She adores the ROMMBoyz Zone, another talent of Direk Romm not just because of their looks but likewise of the group's dancing skills.

Iyah doesn't only have the makings of a star, she is also a beauty queen material. When she reaches the right age, she can always compete in national pageants when properly trained.

When asked what has she learned from the two months training of It's Entertainment, she quipped, "Marami akong natutunan katulad ng magandang pakikisama at pakikisalamuha sa ibang tao. It has developed my personality". She added, "Simula bata pa lamang ako ay pangarap ko na maging artista kaya gagawin ko lahat ng aking makakaya to make it via It's Entertainment". 

"My dream is really to reach the Top 15 on the Big Night. Kailangan ng hardwork and more prayers to make it"

Here's wishing the best of luck to this natural beauty of Laguna!

S

Direk Romm Burlat follows the footsteps of Kris Aquino

Despite the pandemic, Direk Romm Burlat turns the negative situation into positive results by winning awards one after the other in international festivals. Due to his sterling performance in "Covered Candor (Tutop)", he amassed four Best Actor awards in international film festivals. His portrayal of the weird embattled father of a carnivorous son won for him the awards from the Actors Awards in Los Angeles, California, Kosice International Film Festival in Slovak Republic, Hollywood Blood Horror Festival in California and Tagore International Film Festival in India. Apart from this, he also won Best Supporting Actor award from the Oniros Film Festival in Italy for his performance as a mentally-deranged man who raped the woman he loves in "Attention Grabbing (Agaw Pansin)" Locally, Burlat won 8 Best Director awards, 1 Best Actor award, 1 Best Supporting Actor award, 1 Best Talent Manager award and a Best TV Talk Show Host award.

Aside from being a multi-awarded actor and director, Direk Romm is also a talent manager, a TV Host, a film producer and a TV director.

Burlat has four upcoming TV Shows. Today is the maiden telecast of his talk show, "Direk To The Point" to be aired live at 8pm PHT on GlobalTV in New York, London and Asian countries. Tomorrow, he will kick off with another show, "Lies, Camera, Action!" still on GlobalTV. Because of this twin TV shows, international correspondent and CEO of GlobalTV. Mr. Chino Hansel Philyang wrote an article about Burlat describing him as a multi-media artist.  According to Philyang, "Direk Romm is the newest TV Host of Global TV London, New York, Asia with his newest shows dubbed "Direk To The Point" and "Lies, Camera, Action". He is here because of the people who  believes in him and gave an opportunity in proving what he is capable of  as multi-media artist in show business. He will continue to persevere and thrive through new challenges in becoming a future leader in his calling as an artist and internationally acclaimed director."

https://www.globaltvbroadcasting.co/2020/07/trending-now-international-acclaimed.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR1re_IjYEUD1cTWcYSplZF7pVYW746Rx7gwHphG5p6GLsxEG31JONGj6wQ

With that being said, Direk Romm is treading the same path as the Multi-media star Kris Aquino. Kris acts in the movies, produces showbiz projects and hosts TV shows. Both are also fluent in the English language. When compared to Aquino, Burlat said, "There's no comparison at all. Kris Aquino is Kris Aquino. She has proven herself so much in showbiz already. I am a newbie compared to her and I believe her credentials are very impressive. Kris is already an institution. It's just coincidence that I also want to act and direct in movies at the same time host and direct TV shows. What is common between us probably is the overflowing confidence, in other words, "kapal ng mukha". Like her, I never experienced being nervous in talking in the public or acting and directing movies. Bata pa lang ako, makapal ng pagmumukha ko. In school, I volunteered to dance, sing and delivered speeches and oratorical pieces. Mas husayan ko pa ang ginagawa ko pag maraming taong nakatingin.", Direk Romm turns into a guffaw. Ayoko ng maintriga pa. I was even bashed why I won quite a number of awards in international film festivals. But I never get hurt because I don't care. I believe in my capabilities so I don't worry about anything at all."

Aside from the two shows at GlobalTV, Direk Romm has also two upcoming shows at the Manila Times TV. They are "Of Critics and Critiques"and the much-awaited, "It's Entertainment". On top of these, Burlat has several movies to shoot in the following weeks.

We just wish 'All The Best' to this "Jack of All Trades"!

Carl Vincent Cruz: The Drama Prince of Caloocan

He is one of those teens who has the privilege of getting popular via TikTok. You can not miss his acting and dancing skills when you view his videos in this social media platform. Apart from the  instant popularity he gets from TikTok, Carl Vincent Cruz,  first and foremost, is a theater actor. He's been doing this for quite sometime which is why he is good at acting and reenacting roles and scenes from soaps on TV.

His ticket towards becoming a part of the It's Entertainment Finalists is his excellent acting skills which impressed his manager/mentor Direk Romm Burlat. Carl has been recognized a few times in acting. He won Best Actor in the PSF Theater Festival and Best Cameo role in 2017.

When asked what are his expectations with the upcoming TV show, It's Entertainment, Carl has this to say:  "Actually noong una nagulat ako dahil akala ko sing and dance tasks lang but Direk taught us about acting, hosting, leadership, personality development and proper protocol and behavior in live interviews. Nakaschedule na po kami ng interview sa shows sa Serbisu Channel, GlobalTV and yes, sa Manila Times TV where our show will soon be aired."

"Do you have a chance to land in the Top 15", we asked. " I really have to do my best to be in the Top 15. Sa first leaderboard kasama ako pero hindi na nasundan dahil I am also busy in school but this time, babawi ako to make sure I will be part of the Elite Circle.

Carl Vincent Cruz starred in musicals like Obra ni Juan, Supremo Redux, Sindak 1941, Santo, Troy Avenue among others. He is also set to shoot a movie with Direk Romm as his director.

We are wishing the Drama Prince of Caloocan to be in the Elite Circle of 15 of It's Entertainment!

Camille Villanueva: The Brilliant Damsel of Laguna

At first sight, she is a dead ringer of  Ella Cruz, petite, pretty and talented. This It's Entertainment finalist is a consistent honor student from elementary until senior high school yet she makes it a point to serve the church every Sunday.

Camille Villanueva is a perfect example of  "Good Quality Products coming in small sizes". Only 5'1" but this young lady is brilliant. Aside from being constant achiever in school, she consistently tops in pageants. She's currently Miss Liceo de Pakil and was Miss Intrams 2017 in her school. Nevertheless, apart from her being busy in school and community events, Camille never forgot her commitments to the Lord. She is a lector and commentator of St. Peter of Alacantara Parish and President of Campus Youth Ministry.

Camille is never afraid of not making it in competitions because her motto in life is "Don't worry about failures, worry about the chances when don't even try." She dreams of making it big in showbiz via her route in It's Entertainment. "I will do my very best to excel in the chance given to me by my mentor, Direk Romm Burlat. I will utilize all the chances that It's Entertainment will offer me ", Camille quipped. "I am already honored being a part of the Top 30 but I am hoping to make it in the Top 15 on the Big Night that is why I am working so hard in all the tasks given to me by Direk so I will hear my name being called in the Elite Circle".

"I believe my strength is my strong belief in the Lord. I can accept both success and failures but everybody still loves a winner. I hope I will be a winner at the end of the day", Camille said.

Dean Petran: The Boy Next Door of Olongapo

This Finalist of  "It's Entertainment" is worth a second look. He resembles one of those actors in  some Korean novelas or Thai movies which you used to watch on Netflix or in some series shown on television.

Dean Sangco Petran, all of 18 and standing 5'8" has been joining competitions in modelling. He won in a few of them including the  James O'Briant clothing. He also was chosen Junior Brand Ambassador of Adam Clothing, both products of Olongapo City. Apart from this, he was a hair model of Atrium Salon.

Dean is happy having been chosen as one of the 30 Finalists of the teen variety show, " It's Entertainment" which hopefully will be launched on the Manila Times TV come September.  "It's a nationwide search and to be selected among the finalists is already an honor", Dean said.

When asked about his chances in landing in the Top 15 of the competition which will be declared on the Big Night, Dean has this to say: "If I will do my tasks well coupled with the unending bolster from my supporters, I may end up in that elite circle of 15."

Since he was a kid, Dean has already dreamt of becoming an actor. He wants to be successful in it. Now, he is doing an acting workshop with his mentor, Direk Romm Burlat, to hone his acting skills. After his experience with the variety show, he hopes to get some good projects in films. "Someday, I want to hear my name called on stage....and the winner for Best Actor is Dean Petran. Parang masarap pakinggan at feel kong isa yon sa mga happiest moments of my life if that happens", he quips.

His motto in life is: Do the best you can until you know better. When you know what's better, then do your best.

This good-looking showbiz aspirant is a bit shy especially during your first meeting. But he develops friendships quickly with his inborn aura. He is a good son every mother would love to have and a good boyfriend material for every lady. With the qualities he has, he can easily be called the boy-next-door.

We wish Dean Petran of Olongapo the best of luck in the Big Night of  "It's Entertainment".

Direk Romm Burlat wins Best Actor in Hollywood

For his excellent portrayal as a weird,  mentally unstable father of a cannibalistic son in  "Covered Candor (Tutop)", Direk Romm Burlat won the nod of the international judges for the 3rd time as he was declared Best Actor in the Hollywood Blood Horror Film Festival which awards rite was held last night in Los Angeles, California, USA. Burlat beat other nominees for the category but tied with Nicolas Terbeek of the United States of America of the movie, "The Woman I Fell in Love With".

"Nobody expected it not even myself", Burlat said. As I was looking at the entries from all over the world, it seemed to me I have a little chance of winning. I was already happy when I was informed I am a finalist in the Best Actor category. But this morning, I was surprised why I woke up early at 8am when normally I wake up at noon. There must have been something good waiting for me. The first thing I did was check my email. I was doubly surprised to read an email that I won as Best Actor in this Hollywood festival. If a thing is unexpected, you don't know how to compose yourself brought about by the sudden ecstatic feeling."

It is Burlat's third Best Actor award in an international film festival. Last April, he won Best Actor at the Actors Awards in Los Angeles, California. It was followed last week with another Best Actor award from the Kosice International Film Festival in Slovak Republic. In total, he has 5 international awards from different film festivals. Last year, he amassed the Best Director award from the 16th We Care International Film Festival in India. Last May, he won Best Supporting Actor at the Oniros Film Awards in Italy for his sterling performance as the mentally-deranged man who raped the woman of his dreams.

"Are you expecting more awards this year Direk Romm?", we asked. He replied that he is not expecting but he is hoping for more awards not because he is too confident after bagging four international awards for his acting but because "Covered Candor" is still in competition in film festivals in several countries in the world. "Who knows the winning streak continues? Well, let us wait for God's decision.",  Burlat ended the interview.

Bidaman Ron Macapagal wins Best Actor at the Druk International Film Festival in Bhutan

For his exceptional performance as an eccentric adult in the suspense horror drama, "Covered Candor (Tutop)" Actor/Singer and Bidaman Ron Macapagal won the nod of the judges as he was named Best Actor in the Druk International Film Festival held last night in Bhutan.

It is Macapagal's 2nd international award after winning Best Actor Honorable Mention at the Oniros Film Awards in Italy last May. He won for his film, "Cuckoo", a suspense thriller.

The Bidaman is not only an actor, a commercial model and a performer. He is also a fledgling director. He was the Assistant Director of his manager, Romm Burlat in the movie, "Homecoming (Mammangi)" which won Best Short Film in the Eurasia International Film Festival in Moscow, Russia. In that film, he also won Best Actor (Lead Actor Performance Excellence) in the Urduja Film Festival.

To-date, Macapagal has 6 Best Actor awards from the local film festivals and 2 Best Actor awards from international film festivals. Locally, he won for his films, "Ama Ka Ng Anak Mo", "Beki't Ako" and "Cuckoo". Bidaman Ron is set to direct the movie, "Bata Pa Si Abel" who stars fellow ROMMantic, Rob Torres. He will also be busy with the remaining shooting days of his two full-length movies, "Bakit Nasa Huli Ang Simula" and "And I Loved Her" both directed by multi-awarded actor/director Romm Burlat.

Congratulations Ron!

Direk Romm Burlat wins 2nd international Best Actor award in Slovak Republic

Multi-awarded director, actor and socio-civic influencer, Romm Burlat wins Best Actor in a Feature Film in the recently-concluded Kosice International Film Festival in Slovak Republic. He bested 15 other Best Actor finalists from other countries in the world.

His excellent portrayal as a weird,  mentally unstable father of a cannibalistic son in  "Covered Candor (Tutop)" gave  Burlat his 2nd international Best Actor award and his third international acting award. Earlier, he won Best Actor in a Horror for the same movie in the Actors Awards in Los Angeles, California and Best Supporting Actor award in the Oniros Film Awards in Italy for his portrayal as the mentally-deranged rapist in "Attention Grabbing (Agaw Pansin)".

At the rate things are going, 2020 is Direk Romm's year in terms of awards in international film festivals. In March, his film, "Covered Candor" won Best Horror Film at the Oniros Film Awards where he was finalist as Best Producer. The movie also gave Faye Tangonan her first Best Supporting Actress award. In May, "Covered Candor" again won as Best Feature Horror Film at the Istanbul Film Awards in Turkey. Just last week, Burlat's film "Homecoming (Mammangi)" won Best Short Film in the Eurasia International Film Festival in Moscow, Russia.

Currently, his films are still competing in other film festivals in other countries. He may win another acting honor or award as Best Director or one of his films as Best Picture once the other award giving bodies will finish deliberating the entries. 

We wish Direk Romm Burlat more awards and more projects in the coming months.

Direk Romm Burlat's "Mammangi" wins Best Short Film in Moscow, Russia

The Philippine film entry about a corn farmer whose kids got separated when they were young by a huge flood that devastated the village won BEST SHORT FILM among several entries from all over the world in the Eurasia International Film Festival in Moscow, Russia.

Filmed entirely in the beautiful and progressive city of Ilagan in Isabela,  MAMMANGI (International Title: HOMECOMING) won the nod of the jurors of the festival. The movie tells about three brothers being separated by a calamity when they were young but was reunited through a necklace given by their mother when they were kids. Starred by Bidaman Ron Macapagal who is also the Assistant Director of the film and first councilor of Ilagan City, Jayve Diaz, the movie about corn farmers was first entered at the Urduja Film Festival where it won Best Actor (Lead Actor Performance award) for Macapagal and Best Heritage Film. It was followed as an Official Selection in the Sinelamdag Film Festival. Earlier this year, it was one of the featured films in the Cinema Rehiyon held in Naga City, Camarines Sur. 

In the international film festivals, "Homecoming" was a finalist in the Prague International Film Festival in Czech Republic. It is also set to compete at the Roshani International Film Festival in India where it has been chosen as an Official Entry.

This is Direk Romm's third win in his films for this year. Earlier, his Covered Candor (Tutop) won Best Horror Film at the Oniros Film Awards in Italy. It also won Best Feature Horror Film at the Istanbul Film Festival in Turkey.

Congratulations are in order for HOMECOMING (MAMMANGI) cast and crew and the City of Ilagan headed by the indefatigable Mayor Jay Diaz.

City of Ilagan First Councilor Jayve Diaz' first movie wins Best Short Film in Russia

It's not new that some actors turned into politicians. Notable of which are Mayor Isko Moreno, Congressman Vilma Santos, Vice Governor Jestoni Alarcon to name a few. But seldom can you find a politician moonlighting as a movie actor. There was Mikey Arroyo who had his first starring role with Judy Ann Santos which was not too successful. Last year, the first councilor of the progressive city of Ilagan in Isabela dipped his fingers in showbiz waters via "Mammangi" (Abot Kamay Ang Pangarap) with an international title of  "Homecoming". It was Diaz' first movie pitting acting talents with Bidaman Ron Macapagal. He did very well as a first timer. Diaz' first film "Mammangi" was immediately followed by "Kailan Sisimulan Ang Kailanman" also directed by the multi-awarded Romm Burlat.

Diaz played a long-lost doctor-brother of Macapagal where they were reunited at their father's death after being separated from flood that devastated their village. It can be recalled that "Mammangi" first gained recognition at the Urduja Film Festival giving the movie the Best Heritage Film award and a Best Actor award for Macapagal. This was followed by being chosen as an "Official Selection" in the Sinelamdag Film Festival in Mindanao. Last February, the movie was one of the chosen films during the Cinema Rehiyon in Naga City, Camarines Sur. The movie also became a finalist at the Prague International Film Festival  in Czech Republic and an official entry to the Roshani International Film Festival in India. 

The best news came in yesterday when the organizers of the Eurasia International Film Festival in Moscow, Russia announced that the movie, "Homecoming" won Best Short Film in the festival. It was the only Filipino winning entry and also the only winning film from Southeast Asia.

With the way things are going, First Councilor Diaz' successful stint as an actor may lead to him starring in another upcoming film. 

We wish Councilor Jayve the best of both worlds: politics and showbiz.

Bidaman Ron Macapagal's directorial movie debut wins Best Short Film in Russia

Bidaman Ron Macapagal is not only an actor but a director as well. After winning five (5) Best Actor awards from the movies "Ama Ka Ng Anak Mo", "Beki't Ako" and "Cuckoo"  his manager, Direk Romm Burlat offered him an assistant directorial job for the heritage drama film, "Mammangi (Abot Kamay Ang Pangarap)". Hesitant to do the job for fear that he may not be ready for it, Macapagal humbly turned the offer down. But Direk Romm's constant prodding led to Bidaman Ron's approval despite the feeling of first-time jitters. But his manager promised to guide him from pre-production until the post-production of the film shot entirely in the progressive City of Ilagan in Isabela. With the concerted efforts of the cast and the production team headed by the award-winning Cinematographer Jasper Ello and  cameraman extraordinaire, EJ Gallego, "Mammangi" turned out to be one of the best movies directed by the multi-awarded Burlat.

The movie was first fielded as an entry to the Urduja Film Festival and it earned two awards: Best Heritage Film and a Best Actor (Lead Actor Excellence Award) for Macapagal. To-date, he has a total of six(6) Best Actor awards. It was followed by its official selection at the Sinelamdag Film Festival in Mindanao. "Mammangi" was also one of the featured movies at the Cinema Rehiyon held in Naga City, Camarines Sur and an official selection in the Roshani International Film Festival in India. Last month, "Mammangi" was finalist as Best Film in the Prague International Film Festival in Czech Republic.

Just today, the movie which has an international title of "Homecoming" won Best Short Film in the Eurasia International Film Festival in Moscow, Russia beating several entries in the world. It is the only winning entry from Southeast Asia. Kudos to the producer of the film, Dr. Jay Diaz of the City of Ilagan, Isabela, its director, Romm Burlat, assistant director, Ron Macapagal, the lead stars of the film, Macapagal, first councilor of Ilagan Jayve Diaz and former Mocha girls, Jhane Santaguel and Seika Samonte.

Because of the success of Macapagal as assistant director of "Homecoming (Mammangi)", Direk Romm is giving him another project, "Bata Pa Si Abel" where he will be the man at the helm, the main director this time.

Good Luck and more blessings, Bidaman Ron Macapgal!

Direk Romm's movie, SUPPORT (AKAY) tops in the selection at Accra Indie Filmfest in Ghana

A depressed mother, a boy who doesn't know his identity and a blind man who sees the truth in everything warmed the hearts of the judges of the Accra Indie Filmfest in Ghana. Direk Romm's  "Support" (Akay) is one of the chosen films of the festival. According to the festival director, "Support is amazing. It was able to stand out among 4,000 entries from around the world". 

The film has already won several awards and citations when it was shown in the Philippines. It gave its lead star, Ailla Nolasco, two Best Actress awards from the 5th Inding Indie Film Festival and the 30th Dangal ng Bayan Entertainment awards. It also won Best New Actor award for Kimber Lee who got a nomination for Best Actor at the Christian Film Festival where Burlat also got a Best Director nomination. Moreover, it also honored Paolo Magsino the Best Cinematographer award at the 5th Inding Indie Film Festival. Last year, "Support" was one of the finalists at the 16th We Care International Film Festival in New Delhi, India.

Direk Romm just received an email today from the organizers that he will be interviewed for the festival during its formal opening. "It's an honor that even in Africa, our film is recognized through its merits. Crossing our fingers that it will reap some honors during the awards night next month.", Burlat quipped.

Lately, Burlat has been gaining recognition and awards in international film festivals proof positive that his films are of high quality. His films "Covered Candor" (Tutop), and Cuckoo have been gaining several accolades in foreign festivals.

Good luck at the Accra Indie Filmfest Awards Night in Ghana, Direk Romm!

15 New Faces will be introduced in Direk Romm's IT'S ENTERTAINMENT Variety show on television

The launching of a variety show on television has gained so much attention from teens all over the Philippine archipelago. A brainchild of the multi-awarded actor and director cum socio-civic  influencer Romm Burlat, "It's Entertainment" is a venue to discover raw talents to be introduced in this weekly program over at the Manila Times TV.

The 30 hopefuls will vie for the Top 15 slots to be announced on the Big Night in August. The finalists have already been  into several online tasks like dancing, hosting, acting, news casting and leadership skills training with Direk Romm in the past few weeks. These tasks will be included as criteria in the selection of Top 15 plus a one-on-one interview with some other judges. The fans and supporters of each finalist will also help them via online and text votes. The Top 30 is almost complete. So far, here are the finalists coming from all over the Philippines.