Bibeth Orteza
actress-writer Bibeth Orteza obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English (Imaginative Writing) from the University of the Philippines in 1975. She is married to film director Carlos-Siguion-Reyna. They have two children, Sara and Rafael. Orteza enjoyed success as a comedienne, hosting her own variety shows and several morning shows on television. She wrote top-rated television programs such as Iskul Bukol, Hapi House, and Okay Ka, Fairy Ko. Starting as a writer of Aawitan Kita in 1975, she is now one of the directors of the monthly musical.
Her first screenplay, the critically acclaimed Palipat-lipat, Papalit-palit, was directed by Lino Brocka in 1979. Inagaw Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin (Harvest Home), 1995, was chosen best story by the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) in 1996 and in the same year adjudged Best Picture at the Nortel Palm Springs International Film Festival. In 1998, Ang Lalaki Sa Buhay Ni Selya (The Man In Her Life) won a Special Jury Prize from the Teddy Awards, the official Gay and Lesbian Award body of the Berlin International Film Festival, a Special Jury Prize from the Turin International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and the Best Asian Film Award from the Newport International Film Festival. In 1999, Kahapon May Dalawang Bata (Yesterday Children) was second-runner up in the Toronto International Film Festival's Air Canada People's Choice Awards. Her other film writing credits are Abot-Kamay Ang Pangarap (Elena's Redemption), 1996; Ligaya ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin (They Call Me Joy), 1997; and Tatlo... Magkasalo (Three), 1998. Orteza continues to write for television, and has started to direct television movies as well. Her Aangkinin Ko Ang Bukas (Tomorrow Will be Mine) was chosen Best Movie for Television at the 1996 Singapore International Film Festival and Senyorita, Best Teleplay, in the 1997 GMA Bahaghari Awards for Television.
An active advocate of pro-industry bills in Congress, Orteza is a member of the Film Ratings' Board. She has represented the Philippines in various international film festivals.
(11th International Women's Film Festival, March 2000)
