SOME TWO years ago, Bibsy Carballo confided to us that she was planning to write a book on Filipino movie directors. We encouraged her to actualize her project, pointing out that there was a felt need for analytical publications which go beyond the usual ?fan mag? mentality.

The movies and TV are too seminally influential and potent to be given merely lip or gossip service for the momentary titillation of the members of show biz?s peanut gallery.

Late last month, two full years later, Bibsy finally unveiled the fruits of her long and involved labors at the CCP, by way of the ?SRO? launch of her completed book, ?Filipino Directors Up Close,? published by Anvil.

Publications

It was one of the best-attended book launches we?ve had the pleasure of attending, proof positive that the viewing?and reading?public wants to read more, many more, publications that take local movies seriously.

Of late, we?ve also had the great pleasure of reading theater-film icon and National Artist Daisy Hontiveros-Avellana?s beautiful and insightful ?The Drama of It,? recollections of her lifelong artistic collaboration with husband Bert, a National Artist in his own right.

And, we?re looking forward to finally reading Jorge Arago?s long-awaited book on Ishmael Bernal. ?Keep ?em coming, folks!

Bibsy?s book launch was attended by some of the best and the brightest?Eggie Apostol, National Artist Eddie Romero, plus a veritable Who?s Who of other top screen personalities and personages?including Jun Urbano, aka Mr. Shooli from Mongolia, in vivid ?ambassadorial? garb.

Comedy persona

Incidentally, aside from his tongue-in-cheek comedy persona, Jun represented his late, great dad, National Artist Manuel Conde, at the glittering event.

What?s up next for Bibsy after the triumph that her first book has turned out to be? In our view, her next book should be about the stars she?s gotten to know better than most, as their defender, mentor and manager?

Dawn Zulueta, Gretchen Barretto, Ricky Davao, plus a host of other genuine talents she boosted when they needed it most.

As a discoverer and booster of ?alternative? talents, Bibsy has helped keep many artists? careers afloat. They would have gone under without her selfless help and encouragement (they know who they are?and they are legion).

Unique restaurant

Another special event we attended last month was the ?soft? launch of Le Mitre, the new and unique restaurant put up by Elvira Go in front of San Agustin Church in Intramuros. The restaurant is open to everyone, but has specifically been put up to nourish the stomachs and please the palates of the members of the clergy who feed our souls, especially bishops, archbishops and cardinals!

Church circle insiders know that Elvira has spent her life generously supporting spiritual causes and missions, like encouraging Bible-reading by way of the National Bible Quiz competition, as well as producing and hosting the ?Power to Unite with Elvira? shows on TV and radio, in addition to her ?AnakTV? and other advocacies.

But, Elvira as a restaurateur? That is new?but, the stretch is explained by her love for the clergy, which is amply vivified by her restaurant?s menu and many of its strikingly ?personal? dishes:

Bishop Eyong?s Breakfast, Bishop Tony?s Spanish Omelet with Tomato, Bishop Trance?s Asparagus Soup, Bishop Bancud?s Dinengdeng, Lolo Dency?s Pasta, Archbishop Adams? Spaghetti, Nuncio Baldos? Tinolang Manok, Bishop Iñiguez?s Sansrival?etc.!