IF the judges for last night's Manila Film Festival awards ceremonies belong to the non-taditionalist group, there's no question that they would have voted for "Luksong Tinik" over the other five entries. Whatever the outcome, Regal Entertainment has a winner with this brilliant piece of a suspense thriller.

Main credit should go to writer-director Joey Reyes who did a magnificent job of interweaving substance, logic and excitement in the film's major and minor plots. There is no minute of boredom and puzzlement as all characters are clearly developed and presented, and each scene escalates to the next.

What a joy to find women who are presented in their most realistic and natural personas, devoid of any pretense. The characters played by Lorna Tolentino, Giselle Toengi and Lara Fabregas all have statements to make and these are clearly transmitted to the moviegoer.

Tolentino delivers a tour-de-force performance, so real that we open our hearts to her, especially in the scene where she fearfully pleads for her life. Consistency and depth in her attack can be seen throughout the film, and this should win her the best actress plum, hands down.

Wonderful lighting and cinematography, an astounding yet unobtrusive musical score, and almost flawless editing make the fast-paced thriller more enticing. Supporting actors Madeleine Nicholas and John Apacible deserve citations for their performances, and even the usually "tight" Monsour del Rosario did wonders in this film.

The weather cooperated and people flocked to the posh open spaces of Fort Bonifacio to watch their favorite stars go rock-climbing in the First Smart Gold Celebrity Climbing Challenge.

It was a delight to see Jake Roxas, Chin Chin Gutierrez, the husband and wife team of Jimwell Stevens and Rochelle Barrameda, Giselle Toengi, Sharmaine Suarez and the gorgeous Montero hunks, KC and Troy, shed all fears and climb up the 40-foot rock faces and artifical climbing walls. Even if Richard Gomez failed to join the group because of business in Hong Kong, the event still offered a lot of fun and excitement.

Chin Chin Gutierrez proved to everyone that focus and pacing are important factors to win over the competition. She looked so relax and she was like Spiderwoman when she climbed the wall. Giselle Toengi, who had very little sleep after her big Malate birthday party, gave Chin Chin some stiff competition.

In the men's division, top favorite Troy Montero lost despite the wild cheers he got from the crowd. But brother KC made the right moves and went on to win the challenge. Rochelle Barrameda was almost frozen at mid-climb when fear took its toll, but with the appreciative crowd lending her support, she was able to reach the top in record time--well, the timers stopped their clocks.

Smart Communications has been an advocate of sports. And after the highly successful Goma Cup and this rock climbing challenge, more activities are in store this year.

During the shooting of her launching movie "Ikaw Lamang" with Dino Guevarra, Kim delos Santos looks giddy and frivolous. Blame it on her empty stomach.

Kim notes and pats her stomach, "9:15 na, pero hindi pa ako nagdi-dinner. Last sequence na namin ito ni Dino kaya mamaya na lang ako kakain. Nagda-diet ako para sa debut ko, payat na ako."

Kim's birthday is on July 27 but she is celebrating her debut on July 23 at Shangri-la Hotel. Is she expecting a change in her lifestyle after her debut?

Kim grins, "Ngayon lang ako magse-celebrate ulit ng birthday ko na kasama ko ang Mommy at Daddy ko. My mom is arriving from Chicago and my dad is arriving from New Jersey on July 23. Aside from that, wala munang malaking pagbabago. Sabi ng daddy ko, pag 21 years old na ako puwedeng magka-boyfriend. Daddy's little girl kasi ako. Pero gusto kong imbitahin si Dino (Guevarra) at ang daddy niya sa debut ko."

Kim teams up with Dino in "TGIS," "Anna Karenina," "Text" and the new soap "May Bukas Pa," and she has discovered that Dino shares her fondness for Tazmanian devils. What is Dino's most endearing trait?

"Kahit bagong gising siya at puyat siya sa taping namin, ang linis-linis at ang bango-bango niya-At makulit siya," Kim giggles.

What makes her uncomfortable about their love team? Kim frowns, "Naiilang ako kapag may eksena kami sa swimming pool at walang shirt si Dino. Nagugulat ako sa buhok niya sa dibdib. Mas gusto ko 'yung naka-shirt siya palagi."

Once again, another compilation album, City Lite 88.3's "Smooth Escape" (under MCA Universal Records), hits the record stores. Great Divide gave us a sample of the tracks, "You're the Best Thing," "What's Going On," "Anytime" and "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" last June 17 at the Watering Hole Brewery in Shangri-la Plaza.

From the sound of it, the "Smooth Escape" CD is a winner. It balances the present state of music, which is oftentimes chaotic, loud and disturbing. With the surge of electronic sound, it is comforting to know that contemporary jazz and R & B still have a niche. Though we would rather hear Julia Fordham's "Invisible War" and Breathe's "How Can I Fall," then listen to Level 42's "Two Solitudes" and The Brand New Heavies' "Midnight at the Oasis." But hey, 15 soothing tracks out of 17 isn't a bad deal!

Gaining entry into the entertainment industry through commercial modeling seems to be a safe route. Jesse James Gonzales, a newcomer on GMA's "Best Frends," considers himself lucky.

After being a member of the Young Victoria Fashion Council and acting as the local ambassador of goodwill for the Department of Tourism in Davao City, Jesse James has enough self-confidence to try bigger things.

"I'm just 16 but I want a challenging role on TV or in the movies, something really out-of-character. At the same time, I want to do more ramp modeling, plus sing, dance, play the guitar and play basketball," he shares.

Appearing on "Best Frends" is fun but promoting budget-awareness among the youth is meaningful for Jesse James. "Looking good is a priority for young people like me. That's why I love modeling for Great Outdoors. The clothes are cheap but cool. Right now, I'm helping them promote their discount club. To be a member, you just spend P99.95 and you wait for seven days before you get your card," he relates.