Gabi ng FAMAS

Himig Ariel Pictures...

Awarding...

After the Himig Ariel Concert...

One of the Major Project of Coun. Ariel Inton is the HIMIG ARIEL

Himig Ariel Scholarship Program: “If you build it, they will come.”


It is once again proven, that when you build it, they will come. The Himig Ariel Scholarship Program was built with an objective to get the youth of Quezon City, particularly those from the underprivileged sector, off the streets and away from the negative influence of drugs, teenage sex, and bad peers. And they came.

The Himig Ariel Scholarship program is a unique program which aims to provide professional trainings to talented youth of QC, particularly those from the poor communities.

The program started with about 50 scholars a year ago. The objective was to have a corporate social responsibility program focused on the well-being of the youth. The idea was for an activity that is fun and exciting to make the youth interested enough to devote their spare time to long hours of intense training in singing, dancing and acting.

The initial 50 ‘scholars’ and have since grew to its current number of 6000 members. The scholars also have developed to becoming stars in their own right. Performing with confidence and with such quality that will make the audience forget their humble beginnings and the many struggles they have to go through in life. Himig Ariel has given the youth of QC hope for a better life and a more stable future by holding on to their God-given talents and determination to realize their dreams.

Last Saturday, the scholars performed in Kalayaan B, Barangay Batasan Hills, from 8 PM to 12 midnight to an ecstatic crowd who didn’t want them to leave and who shouted during every production number. Most of the scholars have, obviously, already developed a following, like fan clubs. Fans who would shriek with delight every time their idols are on stage.

It is heart-warming to watch the Himig Ariel scholars perform, full of energy and vigor, on a shaking makeshift stage. They were singing and dancing for a crowd who are watching a free show with every performer giving his best as if it is the greatest performance of their lives.

The message is clear. The youth of today, especially the poor, are so vibrant, full of life, and are eager to make only the best in living. They only need to be given the stage where they can prove their worth, the space where they can spread their wings and the opportunity where they can come out and shine like true stars. Indeed, if you build it, they will come.

It is then the collective responsibility of the society to give these young people the venue and the support for them to realize their dreams. Let us join the Himig Ariel scholars for their determination to better their lives. And salute the people, like Councilor Ariel Inton, who are equally determined to give these young people what they need and deserve. You and I, people in the private sector and the government who are willing and ready to help build the field of dreams for the Filipino youth.

For the Himig Ariels scholars who have been performing in all sorts of stage around QC, today the city, tomorrow the world!

PROFILE: ARIEL ENRILE-INTON

When the Philippine Councilors League of the Philippines (PCL) officially endorsed Councilor Ariel Enrile-Inton as a senatoriable candidate that the 16-thousand-strong association of Councilors in the country will support in the 2010 elections, the earth shook – at least in the communities around Quezon City where ‘Konsi Ariel,’ as he is fondly called, is expected to vie for the mayoralty post. PCL’s endorsement came as a surprise to Inton but according to the hierarchy in the organization, it was a thoroughly thought out strategy to up the leverage of Councilors all over the country and to insist that what we need in government today are people who have the most qualified background preferably those who have the experience of walking in the grassroots, treading with the poor and the underprivileged, and who have the eyes and the ears to understand the realities of life in the grounds, which means understanding what the people really need to better their lives and what the government can do about it.

It was not the first time that Majority Floor Leader, Atty. Ariel Inton caused a stir in the local politics in QC. As the longest serving Majority Floor Leader of the QC Council, Inton is believed to be Mayor Sonny Belmonte’s strongest asset. Inton after all is the captain of a strong and solid Council that Mayor Belmonte depends on when it comes to getting things done on bills, ordinances and other important legislation. It is a proven fact that a well-built Council, which Inton heads in QC, is an advantage for the local leadership. When Inton made known to all and sundry that he will run for Mayor in the coming elections, possibly against who many believed will be Belmonte’s anointed one, temperatures and temper rose. Ariel Inton, an ally, a silent worker, low-profiled leader and motivator, and a friend to all, will face-off with the Mayor’s choice? Now in QC politics, that is earth-shaking.

Speculations continue to cause ripples. Inton is not among the monied lot. Where will he get the funds for the campaign when, unlike him, his rivals have obviously a lot to spend in advertising and promotions? On the other hand, he drives a worn and beaten Adventure, with seats beginning to fall off, generously provided for by the Council. He recently prominently added his middle name of Enrile to his calling card for a better name-recall, a fact that again raised some eyebrows. This guy, many now know, will be in the unbeaten path, shaking the status quo, putting everyone on the edge of their seats, and will surprise even the most jaded earth-shakers and game-changers in this game called politics.

Living among the stars

Quezon City is the city of stars. Atty. Ariel Enrile-Inton made sure that the signature name is official. He authored a bill that etched the moniker “City of Stars” in the history books of QC. Perhaps like many of us, Inton gets star-struck. He hangs around ‘stars’ and gets to listen to their stories too – of success, of struggles, and of dreams and aspirations. Inton then understands the business of show-business and entertainment. He knows that because of the deluge of foreign films and movies in DVDs, the local movie industry suffers.

On July 29, 2009, Councilor Inton filed an ordinance to extend for another 3 years the tax holiday for the showing of local films in QC. It was simply a salute to the movie industry for the tremendous support the City gets for having to claim the status of the City of Stars. But more importantly it is a clear manifestation that the QC Council, under the leadership of Inton, understands the many challenges that the movie industry is faced with at the moment, what with the global economic situation and a inundation of highly popular foreign films, it is the City’s simple way of helping out an industry that has built a home in QC and has helped and continues to help many of its residents.

His fascination about stars, most importantly, serves as an inspiration. While he gets to chat with many showbiz personalities and icons, he brings their lessons on success and glamour, on glitz and pomp, whenever he talks to street children, the child in jail, the out-of-school youth, and the vagrants and the mendicants. Oh how Ariel wishes, these children can live a slice of the stars’ lives too.

Born, the Himig Ariel Scholars!

Everybody can have a good life. Ariel Inton believes in this principle. He lives this and chants these words in his head over and over again. Born poor and under complicated personal circumstances, he tackled life with a bull’s conviction that he can be what he wants to be. And he wanted every child in QC, poor and otherwise, to be similarly motivated. So Ariel Inton put up what is now popularly known in QC as the Himig Ariel Scholarship.

Himig Ariel is a seriously fun group. In his vision, he sees all the youth in QC, involved in performing arts one way or another. The main goal was to get the youth, especially the poor, out of the streets and encourage them to strive and work hard to achieve their dreams and become successful individuals.

To get the youth involved, the strategy used was to invite them to something fun and entertaining, which is singing, dancing and acting. That was how “Himig Ariel” started a year ago, with only about 50 scholars that grew to its current number of about 6000.

Himig Ariel is now QC’s pride with the number of scholars continuing to grow. Interested applicants are pouring in, queuing up for registrations, showing up every time the group performs in malls and barangay plazas all over the city. No one is turned away so long as one is from Quezon City, from different barangays, from different age brackets and different gender.

Whether one can sing, act or dance, or cannot do any, everyone is encouraged to join because Himig Ariel is prepared not only to take in those who have talents and is committed to hone those talents but is also out to discover untapped talents. Most importantly, Himig Ariel simply goes out of its way to inspire everyone to express oneself through art.

Himig Ariel has become so popular and is slowly earning a reputation as a legitimate star maker. It has recently produced a contestant to the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA).

Besting 4000 applicants from the Philippines alone, Himig Ariel’s 16-year old Merry Mia Bernardo, from Commonwealth, is among the 5 who are chosen to represent the Philippines in the prestigious competition in next month. And as a result of an excellent performance in Fairview mall last month, famous producer and star manager German Moreno has invited the Himig Ariel scholars to perform in his TV program in GMA Network’s Channel 7.

The future looks bright for the Himig Ariel scholars.

But there is more to be done. The job has just started. Himig Ariel needs more expert trainers and talent teachers to help Kuya Al Tarca who has been single-handedly managing all the scholars since the inception of the Himig Ariel idea. And the group needs more exposure.

Although Councillor Inton has generously provided for everything including a place to practice, food during practice, equipment, transportation and other expenses during performances, and even allowances for the scholars, the group needs more support to be able to get to where their dreams lead them.

The Himig Ariel scholars are a bunch of dedicated, highly committed performers, addicted to art, and each with one burning goal in life – to succeed.

Most of them continue go to school and endeavour to get an education despite the rigorous training hammered on them by Kuya Al. Training sessions usually last until the wee hours of the morning especially immediately prior to concerts, performances and appearances. But you hear not a single complaint whatsoever. And when they perform, they ooze with confidence. They forget any challenges they have in their personal and private lives. They just turned into brilliant stars. They are true blue performers who are out to impress and entertain their audience. They are just up to the challenge because they all believe that Himig Ariel is the perfect vehicle for a bright and secured future.

Of Time Capsules and Postmen

The FAMAS and PMPC award giving bodies in show business honoured Ariel Inton for his contributions in the industry. He accepted and considered the award, just like the many awards of service he has received in the past, an opportunity to further promote the programs he initiates for the benefit of his constituencies and his beneficiaries.

The awards inspire him but humble him. The plaques, trophies, certificates, ribbons, medals and others he has received are neatly kept in a room in his home. But it is what they stand for that is most important – the successes of his programs and acknowledgement of his public service, as etched in those awards of which true values are more than gold and diamonds.

Ariel Inton has other interests as a public servant and they are as colourful as his personality, albeit more privately than ostentatiously. A couple of programs that can be share here are all about a time-capsule and love letters.

In 2003, he conducted an essay writing contest in all grade 6 students in QC. The topic was what the students want QC to be in the next 30 years or so when the City celebrates its 100th year Foundation Day. The winning piece was then placed in a time-capsule, securely kept in QC Municipal Hall, and will be read by the current mayor of QC in 2039. For Inton, that is the true test of success. If the Mayors of QC, from now until then, would have achieved the goals and objectives of the City culled from the dreams, hope and ambition of the youth of today. Based on this test, which he himself put forward, Ariel Enrile-Inton will be looking at becoming the next Mayor of QC.

The postmen of QC hold a warm spot in Inton’s heart.

In the days that followed the tragedies caused by Pepeng and Ondoy, a group of ‘karteros’ went to Konsi Ariel for financial help. As always the case, he takes the opportunity to listen to their story. The following piece by Ariel Enrile-Inton is the result of that heart-warming encounter.

Atty. Ariel Inton Pictures

Coun. Antonio Enrile-Inton Jr.

Antonio Enrile-Inton, Jr.
Majority Floor Leader, Q.C. Council
Councilor, Fourth District of Quezon City

Being a lawyer can be an advantage in government service. Atty. Ariel Enrile Inton became a lawyer in 1991 and has since become a public servant, putting in good use his knowledge in the laws and good governance.

Councilor Antonio “Ariel” Enrile-Inton is a human rights lawyer, elected three consecutive terms as captain of a very strong QC Council. His good performance endeared him to the constituents of QC that he consistently gets the number one spot every election even if he always runs with limited fund against moneyed opponents.

As a lawmaker, Councilor Ariel had introduced countless measures to the Council that were passed into laws. Among them: the banning of the buy-and-sell of second-hand cellular telephones to avert snatching; the no-smoking and no-cellular telephones in gasoline stations while refueling, the sustainable groundwater utilization ordinance, the anti-piracy reinforcement measures, which protects the Intellectual Property Rights of every individual, the withdrawal of the jeepney operator’s demand for a 9-peso minimum fare, the unauthorized cable connection law, the prevention of the sale of the Tatalon Estate that would have displaced hundreds of families; and the introduction of the Quezon City Sagip-Buhay Card for free medical services and use of facilities at the St. Luke’s Medical Center.

In the City Council, the indefatigable Councilor is captain of the QC Council as the Majority Floor Leader for 9 consecutive years. He was conferred the Hall of Fame Award by the Quezon City Press Corps as Outstanding Councilor of Quezon City for three years in a row.
He had achieved multiple awards, recognitions and appreciations from different civic and religious organizations because of his utmost dedication to public service.

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Post Graduate Master in Public Administration (MPA)
Ateneo De Manila, Rockwell, Makati City

Master in Business Administration (MBA)
PSBA Manila

Bachelor of Laws (LIB)
Lyceum of the Philippines
Admitted to the bar in 1991

College: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
(BSBA)
with the distinction of having completed
all units majoring in Accounting, Business Economics & Management
PSBA Quezon City

Secondary: Don Bosco Technical College
Mandaluyong City

Primary: Claret School
Quezon City

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

City Councilor
4th District, Quezon City
2001-to present

Majority Floor Leader
15th & 16th City Council
2003-Present

Senior Partner
Antonio E. Inton, Jr. Law Office
2000

Corporate Secretary
Security Pacific Assurance
Corporation
1998 – 2000

Radio Commentator
DZME (Barangay Kolumnista Program)
DWDD (Lantaran, Salamin ng Katotohanan)
1999 – 2000

Columnist
Commuters’ Express – 2009
Taliba – 2009
Lantaran Express 1999 – 2000
Metro Todo Balita – 2000

Legal Counsel
Security Pacific Assurance Corporation
1999 – 2000

Legal Counsel
Wheelers Club International
1999 – 2000

Managing Partner
Sarmiento, Inton, Cabaero, Tiu Law Firm
1996 – 1998

Associate Lawyer
Agustin Law Office
1994 – 1995

CPA Reviewer
Canlas Review Center
1993 – 1994

College Professor
NCBA QC, teaching Business Law &
Business Administration Subjects
1990 – 1993

Editor-In-Chief
Truth Magazine
1990

AWARDS / RECOGNITION

2008 ASIAN ACHIEVER AWARDEE FOR PUBLIC SERVICE – Certificate of Award given by the Asia Pacific Awards Council during the 16th Annual Asia Pacific Excellent Awards Night on March 30, 2008 at the SM Megatrade. Said award was given for his exemplary accomplishments as Public Servant.

CITATION – Given by the Britellites, Inc. and the Nagkakaisang Manggagawa ng Pelikulang Pilipino (NMPP) for exemplary stewardship of the Office of the Majority Floor Leader of the Quezon City Council. Given on May 3, 2008 at the Multipurpose Theater, Amoranto Sports Complex, Roces Avenue, Quezon City.

CITATION - Given by the Famas Awards for his continous support to the movie industry. Given on October 18, 2009 at the Casino Filipino, Parañaque City.

Hall of Fame Awardee – for being 4-time recipient of the Manuel L. Quezon Bantayog Award held on December 8, 2005 at the Carlos Albert Session Hall, City Hall, Quezon City.

PSBA AWARDEE - for his outstanding public service and legislative work that helped in the improvement of the Quezon City Government services. Given on February 2005.

Huwarang Pilipino Awardee for Public Service – given by the National Consumer Affairs Foundation during the 21st Annual Year Ender Excellence Awards on February 17, 2005 at the AFP Theater, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Most Outstanding City Councilor of the Year 2004 – Manuel Luis Quezon Bantayog Award 2004, given by the Quezon City Press Club on October 26, 2004 at Carlos Albert Session Hall, Quezon City.

Most Outstanding City Councilor of the Year 2003 – Manuel Luis Quezon Bantayog Award 2003, given by the Quezon City Press Club on November 25, 2003 at Carlos Albert Session Hall, Quezon City.

Most Outstanding City Councilor and Public Servant of the Philippines given by the Humanitarian International Record on August 31, 2003 at Sampaguita Hall, Manila Hotel Rizal Park, Metro Manila.

Most Outstanding Quezon City Councilor, Bantayog Award 2002 given by the Quezon City Press Club in recognition for his outstanding performance as legislator of QC Legislative Council and unselfish dedication and hard work as public servant.

Most Outstanding City Councilor BANTAYOG AWARD 2001 – given by the Exponent of People Achievement, Peoples Vision Magazine on November 30, 2001 at Camelot Hotel, Quezon City.

Outstanding City Councilor of the Philippines, Par Excellence, Exceptional Leadership for Outstanding Service and Exemplary Achievement Award, [In the observance of civil service month] given by the International Development for Excellence and Advancement in Leadership and Service Inc. (IDEALS, Inc.) at the Yakal Function Hall, Bayview Hotel, Ermita, Manila on September 1, 2002.

PLAQUE OF MERIT – Outstanding Councilor in Quezon City – given by the Phoenix Press Club, Inc., Quezon City, Philippines on November 2002 during its 12th Annual Anniversary Celebration.

Most Accomplished Man of Distinctions and Achievements, Hall of Fame Award of Excellence given by the ADE International Development Foundation, Incorporated.
May 12, 2002

Outstanding Public Trust & Civil Servant 2002, Leadership for Progress Award 2002 given by the Media Writers Research for Community Development & Progress, Inc. on March 16, 2002 at Roma Salon, Manila Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

17th Annual Parangal ng Bayan Award 2002, Young Professional Awardee given by the Parangal ng Bayan Awards Foundation. March 9, 2002

6TH Gawad Parangal Award 2001-2002, Plaque of Recognition given by the Kabalikat Newsline. February 5, 2002

Outstanding Councilor for the Year 2001, Plaque of Recognition given by the Quezon City Homeowners’ Associations, Inc. February 9, 2002

The 21st Century Highest National Award of excellence, OUTSTANDING, given by the Global Development of Filipino Writers, Inc. (GDFWI) at Edsa Shangrila Hotel, Mandalutong City. December 14, 2002

Gawad Lingkod Dangal Award for Government and Public Service, given by the Dwendita Balita (Kakampi ng Katotohanan) at the Bulwagang Plaridel National Press Club (Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila). December 14, 2002

TESTIMONIAL RECOGNITION – For his being consensus builder and team player, legal eagle of the City Council, Counsel, Columnist, Commentator & Councilor. A man who knows where his heart is – beating for those who thirst for law, justice and equity. His entry into the field of politics and the City Council is a foreboding of better days to come. Presented on December 13, 2003 during the 64th year Anniversary of Quezon City.

NATIONAL GOLDEN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – given by the Fil-Asia Research Society, Inc. on August 30, 2003 at Aloha Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

Outstanding Service Award - given by the Malaya Elementary School, Quezon City on 11th day of April 2003 at the Malaya Elementary School.

PARANGAL – sa ipinamalas na kagitingan at matuwid na paninindigan tungo sa isang maayos at maunlad na kalakaran sa Pamahalaan, Sangguniang Lungsod at mga mamamayan. Ipinagkaloob ng City Hall Association of Government Employees (CHANGE) noong ika-18 ng Disyembre, 2002 sa Quezon City Hall Freedom Park.

National Golden Record Award, given by the United Group of Charities and Human Development, Inc. at the Jade Vine Executive House, Ermita, Manila, Philippines on August 4, 2002.

District Governor Alejo “Alex” Dumrique Award District 301 D-2 LY 2001-2002, given during the Governor’s Visitation of the Mabuhay Lions Club. April 17, 2002

CONSUMERS SERVICE AWARD 2001 – given by the Federation of Filipino Consumers, Inc. on October 6, 2001 during the celebration of Consumer’s Week held at Hotel La Corona.

Outstanding City Councilor of the Year, Kapatiran Award 2001 given by the Asia Pacific Youth Outreach Development, Inc. September 29, 2001

City Legislator of the New Millenium, Grand Millenium Award of Excellence – 2001 given by the Exponent of People’s Achievements, Achievers Magazine. November 24, 2001

Most Promising Councilor, Feliciano Belmonte, Sr. Award given by the Quezon City Press Club. November 13, 2001

Serbisyo’t Pagmamahal, Achievers Golden Merit Award given by the Development of Filipino Youth Inc in cooperation with Philippine Outreach Youth Self-Help Project, Inc.
October 28, 2001

Outstanding Achiever, National Golden Service Award given by the Fil-Asia Research Society, Inc. October 7, 2001 at Jade Vine Executive House, Ermita, Metro Manila.

Outstanding City Councilor of the Year, Consumers Service Award 2001 given by the Federation of Filipino Consumers, Inc. October 6, 2001

Filipino Achiever of the New Millenium, Golden Professional Achievement Award given by the Media Writers Association of the Philippines, Inc. September 29, 2001

Outstanding City Councilor, Golden Leadership – National Award given by the Philippine Experimental and Educational Research Society, Inc. September 23, 2001

Top Achiever of the Year, Golden Harvest Achievement Award given by the Philippine Outreach Youth-Self Help Project, Inc. September 9, 2001

Outstanding Public Servant, Lingkod Bayan Award 2001 given by the National Biographic and Historical Research. August 26, 2001

Outstanding Lawyer, Gintong Sikap Award given by the Federation of Filipino Consumers, Inc. given on August 5, 2001

Award of Distinction given by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Quezon City Chapter for his Election as Councilor. July 27, 2001

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

- Legal Adviser, Reconciliation for Progress Movement (RPM)
- Legal Adviser, Federation of Residents Association, Inc. (FOR A)
- Legal Adviser, Citizen Crime Watch (Tatalon Chapter)
- Legal Adviser, Metro Todo Balita
- Legal Adviser, Tatalon Transport Cooperative
- Legal Adviser, Columnist Union of the Philippines (CUPS)
- Legal Adviser, Lantaran Express
- President, Kaibigan ‘98
- Organizer, KAMPI, District IV, Quezon City

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

- Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
- Charter Vice President, Rotary Club of Metro Diliman, Q.C.
- Member, Knights of Columbus (Quintin Paredes Council)
- Member, Columnist Union of the Philippines
- Former Director, Rotary Club of South Triangle
- Former President, Mabuhay Lions Club
- Former Vice President, Mabuhay Lions Club

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP IN THE QUEZON CITY COUNCIL

- City Councilor since the year 2001
- Majority Floor Leader since the year 2003
- Chairman, Committee on Laws, Rules & Internal Government

SPORTS ACTIVITIES

Team Manager/Coach
Inton Advocates Basketball Team
Competing in various commercial leagues