I remember the first love story books I have ever read were Precious Hearts Romances because my aunt is a teacher. Growing up, with "teacher titas", I found out that they read a whole lot of pocket books. I've read stories from other pocket books as well but I find that Precious Hearts Romances have far better writers (and editors!) seeing how the publication grew over the years, I know I am right. And now, they are a step further by turning stories from print to reel with Precious Pelikula.
In April 2016, Precious Pages Corp., the publisher of Precious Hearts Romances, called on amateur filmmakers nationwide to participate in this momentous project. A total of 40 applicants, from students to film enthusiasts, sent in their portfolio in the hopes of being able to enter the competition. Ten applicants were shortlisted. They chose from a selection of PHR titles on which they formulated a film concept as out-of-the-box as they could while still maintaining the romantic personality that Precious Hearts Romances has embodied.
SPECIAL SCREENING
Each applicant was given a grant to produce their respective films. A special screening was done last September 3, 2016, 2pm, at SM Manila Cinema 4 where viewers took part in a live voting for their film of choice. The event was graced by Mr. Segundo Matias himself, President of Precious Pages Corp., together with five of the six authors: Sofia, Rose Tan, Kensi, Angel Bautista and Heide Collete. The directors' respective production and artistic teams were also present.
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| Precious Pages Corp. President, Mr. Segundo Matias |
THE VISION
“Sa dami ng kuwento na ginawa namin sa loob ng 25 years, naisip namin na maiba naman at ma-interpret ang mga ito ng mga director at gawing pelikula. Gusto naming ma-extend [ang imahinasyon] hindi lamang sa pagbabasa kundi pati sa video. Gusto rin naming magbigay ng chance sa mga bagong filmmakers,” shares Mr. Matias.
The top three films will be announced and awarded at the Manila International Book Fair on September 18, 2016. Winners will also receive the following cash prizes:
- 1st place - P100,000.00
- 2nd place - P50,000.00
- 3rd place - P25,000.00
- People’s Choice – P10,000
Truly, love can transcend any medium, whether paper or reel and these filmmakers are determined to tug at your heartstrings with adaptations of the stories that made readers cry, laugh and fall in love. If you are a certified Precious Hearts Romances fan, it will be quite a treat to see your favorite stories come to life.
