MANILA, Philippines—Actress-producer Judy Ann Santos happily announces that many Filipinos are supporting “Ploning’s” bid to land the Top 5 in the Oscars’ Best Foreign Language race. (The Top 9 will be announced early January; Top 5 on Jan. 22.)

Even rivals have found common ground in ‘Ploning,’ producer Guia Gonzales points out. “ABS-CBN is helping in the promotion; GMA Records is releasing the video.”

The national government has earmarked P2.5 million for a marketing campaign in Hollywood. Says Rolando S. Atienza, chair of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). “The goal is to make the American audience more aware of the film. It’s an initiative of President Macapagal-Arroyo,” he says.

Gonzales adds that the team hired a US publicity firm, Murray Weismann and Associates, to “create buzz.” Last year, she says, the 20-year-old PR company handled Oscar winner “There Will Be Blood.”

Santos and her show biz friends held a celebrity auction at the Plaza Ibarra restaurant on Nov. 28 and, on Dec. 3, an auction of art works at the Rockwell Tent on Dec. 3. For the latter, Santos, a culinary student, and her teacher, chef Gene Gonzalez, will whip up an eight-course meal at P10,000 and P30,000 a plate.

Bayani San Diego Jr.