First, the six entries are an interesting mix of good intentions, passable story-telling, intelligent performances and a high degree of entertainment value. Offhand, we can say that two of the six looking promising: Gil Portes’ "Saranggola" and Jose Javier Reyes’ "Luksong Tinik," which incidentally both revolve around truth and the many complications that go with it.

The other entries may not be in the filmfest for the awards, but they sure are in the running for the top box-office plum. Crown Seven’s "Mister Mo, Lover Ko" capitalizes on sex, while FLT’s "Ako’y Ibigin Mo, Lalaking Matapang" is chopsuey in its most interesting form.

Star Cinema’s "Tigasin" upholds a tradition of fielding an Eddie Garcia movie because it’s festival season, but in fairness, it successfully combines hard-hitting action and comedy. And lastly, Viva Films is testing the waters if the Rosanna Roces-Vic Sotto tandem can spell magic at the tills.

Our fearless forecast: we feel that Ricky Davao will finally fulfill a longtime dream to bag a best actor plum, after mastering the art of always being a finalist. His performance in "Saranggola" certainly ranks among the best we have seen for the last 10 years. And Lorna Tolentino does a class act in "Luksong Tinik."

"Saranggola" could win best film but Portes will have to slug it out with Joey Reyes for the best director plum. "Luksong Tinik" boasts of a more original story, a crisper script, a heart-throbbing musical score, and excellent editing while "Saranggola" has high points for cinematography, ensemble acting, production design and cinematic execution.

We have learned from Manila Mayor Lito Atienza about the 100-percent amusement tax rebate he generously gave to all the entries, a move welcomed by the producers, but one which we believe is too pro-producer. Mayor Atienza reckons that there is education through film and losing the amusement tax is well justified because his constituents will benefit from the six films that are participating.

We understand City Hall’s grand intentions for the movie industry, but what guarantee can this give Manila’s taxpayers that all entries for this year’s filmfest can educate and are of world-class quality? Should the money be prioritized for more important undertakings than just make six producers happy?

After the press conference last Wednesday afternoon, some writers walked the hallways of City Hall to get some fresh air, but upon reaching the azotea on the second floor, we found ourselves greeted by a hug pile of garbage bags. We could only shake our heads.

Two Eddies brighten up the filmfest

The 1999 Manila filmfest has been enlivened by the participation of two of the industry’s most durable actors who incidentally carry the same name: Eddie.

Eddie Garcia plays a good-spirited cop in "Tigasin," where he shares the spotlight with Victor Neri. Garcia is celebrating his 50th year in show business, and feels that he is lucky to have played a whole range of roles aside from being given the chance to direct filmdom’s best actors in some unforgettable movies, like Nora Aunor in "Atsay" and Vilma Santos in "Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig?"

On the other hand, Eddie Gutierrez becomes more daring as he ages. In his new film "Mister Mo, Lover Ko," Gutierrez unabashedly romances sex siren Glydel Mercado onscreen.

Gutierrez recalls that his career was energized when he played Maricel Soriano’s strict father in "Ikaw Pa Lang ang Minahal," a role which gave him numerous acting trophies. "Suddenly, they took me seriously and it paved the way for more challenging roles," he says.

This Father’s Day, both Eddies will be in their homes with their children, celebrating the event without much fanfare, but with a lot of meaning, pride and love.

Janno waxes romantic

Janno Gibbs formally launched his new album ‘‘Sa ‘Yo’’ under Viva Records at the Hard Rock Cafe last June 14. As usual, he displayed his romantic side as he sang ‘‘Only Me and You,’’ ‘‘Sa ‘Yo’’ and ‘‘Almost Over You.’’

The women listened intently as his tone and delivery shifted from happiness to pain and hurt. His voice is powerful yet emotional.

But he got hoots and applause when he sang a duet, ‘‘Batang-Bata Ka Pa’’ with his daughter, Alyssa Gibbs. They had spontaneity and rapport--and Janno allowed Alyssa to shine. After Alyssa left the stage, Janno even quipped, ‘‘Sinong tatay n’on? Ang lupit, ‘no?’’

Then he showed the music video of his duet ‘‘Ikaw Lamang’’ with Jaya. It captured the lightness and pureness of love even if lovers are physically separated, and the bliss and joy when they finally reunite.

The crowd loved Janno when he gave in to their requests and hopped from one table to another. He sang a capella and did a duet with himself as he sang the first two stanzas of ‘‘Ikaw Lamang.’’ He did a pretty good imitation of Jaya’s low but husky voice.

Then Janno sang the refrain of ‘‘Lately,’’ ‘‘Binibini,’’ ‘‘Ipagpatawad Mo,’’ ‘‘Just Once,’’ ‘‘Pangarap,’’ ‘‘How Do You Keep the Music Playing’’ and ‘‘I Believe in Dreams.’’ And he brought the house with Tom Jones’ ‘‘Delilah’’ and the ‘‘Voltes V’’ theme.

Janno gave us an exhibition of his vocal range without being obnoxious. His approach is down-to-earth, even comic! This is probably the reason why some actresses still try to get linked to him even if he’s married to Bing Loyzaga.

He admitted that he was flattered that women admire him, but said he plans to remain faithful. Aside from that, how would he describe himself?

‘‘Vain! May effort lagi na ayusin ang sarili. Hindi ako basta lalabas sa TV o sa stage nang hindi ko pinag-iisipan kung ano ang ayos ng buhok, mukha o damit ko,’’ Janno grined.