PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL 2009 OPENING NIGHT PARTY

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO TODAY IS TO GIVE MONEY TO THE POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE WHO WILL BE HANGING OUT IN YOUR OFFICE TOWERS LOBBY TO RAISE MONEY TO HELP KIDS
Thursday night kicked off the 2009 Philadelphia Film Festival or Phila Cinefest at the Park Hyatt. The party took over the entire 19th Floor. I wish I could say I went to the party, but I ran into friends that I never take the time to hang out with and instead had dinner at 10 ARTS, but that's another night. TRY THE TROUT hmm hmmm good.
OK guys, the stylish and sophisticated trail blazing Joey Sweeney and his beautiful partner in life and work Ruth Carpenter of http://www.philebrity.com/. Check out her new 'do, I LOVE IT. Dare I say the hipsters are taking it to the next level.
Jimmy Contreras, Carol Tamburino, Matthew Vlahos, Matthew Vlahos Public Relations and Molly O'Shea, Hyatt Hotels
Carol was telling me how she just had dinner with Connie Stevens (Sabrina's Godmother) at Del Frisco's and then I was saying I don't want to see this picture why didn't you call me as I was across the street at 10 Arts having dinner and i would have popped over. I can't complain that people I don't know forget to tip me off when people I know and care about forget to tip me off to photo ops.
Erin Elmore and Jimmy Contreras Dancing With The Philadelphia Stars which is coming up Sunday April 19 to benefit Sickle Cell Anemia, it will be a blast.
Liam Dacey, WMGK, Hayes Jake, and Cyndi Drue (I love Cyndy Drue, she makes great cards too) Follow Cyndy as she follows the film festival here: http://www.wmgk.com/DJs/Weekends/CyndyDrue/tabid/155/Default.aspx
Congratulations to Michael Braunstein for his promotion, he's only been with WYSP for a short time and they already recognized talent when they see it.Patryk and Maria Gonzales
Andrew, Joe Hoffman, Jonathan Verdick and Amanda Congor (who was talking to a cutie all night. What's the story)
Steve Cisowski, Zack Nicla and Matt Manfodino (I know that's not right, but can't read that handwriting)I met these three two years ago at the Phila Film festival, so we've come full circle. It's just amazing where our lives have brought us to now. Noel Zayas, Megan Smith, Brownstone PR and Where Magazine Publisher Laura Burkhardt
Mary Patel and Elliot Curson
The new terraces at XIX. You can now eat dinner, have brunch or just coctails with a city view, very romantic indeed.

GERARD BUTLER - Your Daily Gerry FRIDAY 3/27/09

OK Today Gerry went to Parc and was reported to be in a very intense conversation with a women, maybe it was the women he was smooching with last Friday at Strongbox. Smooching you say, Hughe didn;t mention Smooching, well for the commentators that said I was holding back they were right, he was smooching the one girl and then gave the other girl a quick kiss, in succession just like that. Now girls you may be upset, and it might be appalling to you, but this is every guys fantasy. Also since my post on Friday I recieved an email from the women who was in the bar where Gerry joined in singing Happy Birthday to the patron a few weeks ago that I wrote about, remember. Well she sent me a photo of Gerry and his Philly "Girlfriend" lo and behold it is the exact same one that he gave the smooch to last Friday night. So maybe perceptions are off, who knows, or maybe his Philly "Girlfriend" brought her friend along for a night of fun, who knows. Now I did overhear another funny conversation, but that I will be keeping for my wrap up as it was funny. I was out tonight and talked to a few of Gerry's "Friends".

Curious: Do you guys go to town on Just Jared, TMZ Or Celebritybitchy where they all have articles on Gerard's randy behavior with women. I mean he's slept with Paris Hitlon, Cameron Diaz and Naomi Campbell he's not exactly a high brow man.

Just found out Gerry will be back next week maybe after going to Dressed to Kilt in NYC (I mean if he's not going I don't understand why all his fans are going). He is leaving Philly next Thursday. I thought filming was over, but it isn't I saw photos and they were out in the neighborhoods today.

Last night Gerry went to D'Angelo's for dinner, I was tipped off but skipped it as I had to wash my hair.

UPDATE:
Someone in the comments sent me a link of a girl Gerry was with in November:

Ding ding ding ding, we may have a winner, that may be the girl he was with at StrongBox...or someone that looked like her

http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/11/11/gerard-butler-arcade-date/

No more bashing me. I reported what I saw last week. I have friends that party with Gerard every single night. I always know what he is doing, and where he is. I have a life and I don't always have time to chase him down.

Philadelphia Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division Holding Essay and Poster Contests for Law Week

I don't usually post these things, but because of the economy and the cost of college these days, sounds like something that should be promoted to help the next generation. Ties in with today's other entry theme of next generation.

Philadelphia Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division Holding Essay and Poster Contests for Law Week

PHILADELPHIA – In honor of Law Week, April 27 – May 1, the Young Lawyers Division of the Philadelphia Bar Association is holding its annual Edward F. Chacker Essay Contest for area high school seniors and a Poster Contest for fourth, fifth and sixth graders.

The essay contest is open to all high school seniors who attend Philadelphia public, parochial, charter or private schools. Students are asked to write an essay of at least 1,000 words in response to: "If you were chosen to advise soon-to-be U.S. Citizens at their Naturalization Ceremony, what would you tell them their responsibilities are as a U.S. Citizen? Why are these responsibilities important?"

The winner will receive a $1,000 college scholarship courtesy of Edward F. Chacker, a long-time Philadelphia attorney and partner with the firm Gay, Chacker & Mitten.

The poster contest is open to all fourth, fifth and sixth grade students who attend Philadelphia public, parochial, charter or private schools. Students are asked to draw a picture that best illustrates their favorite freedom. Savings bonds will be awarded to the winners in the amounts of $250, $100 and $50.

The deadline for submissions to both contests is Friday, April 10 at 12 p.m. Submissions can be mailed to Michael Petitti at the Philadelphia Bar Association, 1101 Market Street, 10th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Submissions to the essay contest can also be emailed to chackeressay@philabar.org.

Any questions, contact the Philadelphia Bar Association at 215.238.6300 or visit the Young Lawyers Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s website at www.philabar.org.

Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds Brown Presents The Next Generation of Leadership: and Former Next Generation of Leaders Awardees VIP Reception

Yesterday a “Celebration of Women Events” kicked off with an invitation-only VIP reception honoring the “Next Generation of Leadership: Rising Stars” at City Hall with the Honorable Blondell Reynolds-Brown.

Bummer for me as I had already had plans for dinner with friends I couldn't even do a tasting of what looked like some fabulous delectable from Brown's Kitchen; I look for a future invitation to do so.

Enjoying the festivities were Evens Charles, Frontier Developmen, Felisha Harris, FRH Consulting, LLC and their attorney Rich Harris, Obermayer...LLP; It's always good to have an attorney close by these days. (men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.)Katherine J. Gilmore, Constituent Services Liaison - Office of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and Jamie Foxx fan. I remember a month ago chatting with Katherine and she was all excited as Jamie Foxx had just walked by her, stopped and gave her a graph in the halls of City Hall and Marshall Lane their Super Volunteer
Marcella Stokes, Della Clark and Angela Dowd Burton warned me that they do not want their heads showing up on some sexy chicks naked body.
Aditi Roy and outgoing Miss Philadelphia 2008 Brintha Vasgar, who's reign ends this Saturday at the contest at University of Pa. I really enjoyed seeing the medical student through out this year, and know she will be doing great things in the future. Our friend Susan Helfrich's daughter is in the running and I can vouch that she is about the sweetest girl you could know.
Punch Media's James Zeleniak and Where Publisher Laura Burkhardt
Farah Jimenez, Esq and WMAD Awardee 2004
Nicole Cashman, President of Cashman & Associates; 2007 NGL
When you see this guy in the blue shirt, you know this guy isn't too far behind
Mayor Nutter as introduced by City Rep Melanie Johnson, and a 2008 NGL awardee. I just spoke with Melanie yesterday regarding the upcoming July 4 Fireworks and festivities in Philadelphia (I know some of you have been asking) and she says it's in the works and there will be an announcement in the coming weeks. As you know it's just about my favorite holiday all year long, before I was a blogger I was a volunteer tour guide and I love the history and celebration of Philadelphia.
A gift for this years Awardee's - a framed Mural Arts picture
According to an article written in the Philadelphia Tribune:
For over a decade, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown’s adopted signature Women’s History Month event “Women Making a Difference,” has showcased women’s accomplishments while providing a platform for supporting issues and organizations those impact women, children and families.
Not surprisingly a packed house
Some of this years awardees
The criteria for the award is young women ages 25 - 39, who are living and/or working and/or doing significant community work in the City of Philadelphia. Throughout the year, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown constantly scours the papers, pays attention to the news media and takes recommendations on women who could potentially be rising stars. From there, she personally reviews every potential awardees bio/profile/resume and makes certain they are doing community service in our area.
and an appearance from last years awardee and birthday girl Nina Tinari. Currently is a special assistant to Gov Rendell, but has taken a new job: "S. R. Wojdak & Associates LP announced today that Nina Tinari, former Special Assistant for Gov. Edward G. Rendell, is joining the firm’s lobbying practice. Ms. Tinari joins the firm on April 13 as Director of Government Relations." Congratulations Nina!!

PHILLY CHIT CHATTER - PHILA FILM FEST and SHUT UP & DANCE COMING UP

Two important events coming up this week that PhillyChitChat will be participating in one kicks off on Thursday 3/26/09

PHILADELPHIA CineFest 09
Join us for 12 days of internationally acclaimed dramas, comedies, documentaries and shorts. We have everything you’ve come to know and love and some exciting new features too, such as the introduction of the sidebar Fade to Black: Perspectives in Black Cinema. Curated by a diverse group of local film professionals and enthusiasts, this series offers a needed spotlight on African-American cinema and is highlighted with the presentation of a Festival Award to trailblazer Alfre Woodard. Jeff Daniels and animators the Quay Brothers will also be honored at special ceremonies. For Francophiles, this is your year - ten of France’s most interesting releases of 2008 will be screened. Also many actors, directors and producers connected with the films will do Q&A's including CONNIE STEVENS this Saturday night!!


Then on Saturday March 28, 2009 - Shut Up & Dance started 17 years ago to pay homage to friends and loved ones lost to AIDS and to raise funds for those who support the community every day, such as MANNA. Year after year, Shut Up & Dance delights the audience with an original, spirited, funky performance and is almost always a sellout! Jonathan Stiles will once again serve as Producing Director and - with an exceptional line up of choreographers and dancers.
Check Out Info: SHUT UP & DANCE

Jill Scott in HBO's "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" screening in Philadelphia

Recently I read that HBO, which has said goodbye to several of its signature series in the past couple of years, has hired "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" to help find its next hit. So when I got the invite to cover the screening here in Philly I was really excited as I had never seen Jill Scott in person.

The cable channel is teaming up with The Weinstein Company and the BBC for a series based on Alexander McCall Smith's best-selling series of novels about the only female-owned detective agency in Botswana. The two-hour pilot recently wrapped production there, and HBO has picked up 13 more hour-long episodes that will begin filming this summer.
On June 20, 2008 Jill got engaged to her drummer, Lil' John Roberts. He asked for her hand on the stage of Carnegie Hall in NYC before she was to perform. I waited for her to arrive via the stage door that day, but when I arrived 2 hrs ahead they said she was inside already, bummer.

I thought tonight was going to be my lucky night, but it turns out she's expecting her first child with fiancé Lil' Jon Roberts on April 25, 2009.

She sent her mom instead, who is very excited for her only child to make her a grandmother. Jill Scott's mom on the left, Joyce Scott and writer Alexander McCall Smith

And I did run into a few friends from the GPFO Joan Bressler, Sharon Pinkenson and Peter Leokum. This Saturday is an all day long seminar about filming in Philadelphia, advice, networking, workshops "SIP" Day at The Philadelphia Film Festival/CineFest 2009 Catering was provided by Feast Your Eyes. Lots of souther food, BBQ sandwhiches, Yum (Not on Nutrisystem, but I did go to the gym when I got home)
Darlene R. Smith and Sherry Dorsey of SWAP Productions LLC (Sisters With A Purpose). An independent film production company with a vested interest in producing films for theatrical release. One of the primary goals of SWAP is to create films that raise the consciousness of the viewers by dealing with subject matters that will not only be profitable but also entertain and educate the audiences. Look for their new documentary "Justice For All" a documentary about the juvenile justice system.
Brille Kenner, Seana Ray, Denise Beck and Elise Persico
These two just got back from a romantic trip to the Bahama's Nicole Cashman & Justin Wineburgh
Anne-Marie Green and author Alexander McCall Smith posing in the lobby of the Prince Theater
Filmaker Makia Harper and DJ Joe Casey aka DJ Lito, who is working it at north by northwest 7165 germantown ave on Latin Night.
'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' is a poignant and passionate book series chronicling the adventures of Precious Ramotswe, the eminently sensible and wise proprietor of the only female-owned detective agency in Botswana. Aided by her highly-efficient yet rather peculiar secretary Mma Makutsi, Mma Ramotswe investigates cases, helps people solve problems in their lives, and begins a special friendship with the highly respectable owner of a local garage.

“Jill Scott in The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency — Premeires on HBO Sunday March 29, 8pm”

And don't forget this week

ARTHUR KADE 'S TV DEBUT GOSSIP GIRL 3/23/09

If you were paying attention last night then you caught ArthurKade's debut on the Gossip Girl at the 34 minute mark. Philadelphia's loss is NYC's gain.It's just a matter of time before he's making out with Blake Lively, Leighton Meester or my favorite Ed Westwick.

28TH ANNUAL MULDOON’S SALOON TO BENEFIT PROJECT H.O.M.E.

For the 28th year, Tom Muldoon, president, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB) and David Marshall, chairman, Amerimar Realty Company, will hosted Muldoon’s Saloon to benefit Project H.O.M.E. The event, which was held last Friday March 20, drew local celebrities and hundreds of members of the hospitality community together to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, feature Irish dancers and Irish food, and raise money for a great cause. The event featured celebrity bartenders, including NBC10's Terry Ruggles, Mayor Michael Nutter and Sister Mary Scullion of Project H.O.M.E., and brought hundreds of members from the hospitality community together to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The event benefited Project H.O.M.E., providing shelter, medical support, education and employment for the homeless.Guest Bartenders:
Tom Foley, American Red Cross
John B. Kelly, III, PNC Capital Markets
Father McNamee, St. Malachy Roman Catholic Church
Patrick Muldoon, Freeman Decorating Co.
Jim Murphy, Villanova University
Buck Riley, Riley Riper Hollin & Colagreco
Sister Mary Scullion, Project H.O.M.E.
David Benton, Rittenhouse Hotel
Terry Ruggles, Channel 10 – Celebrity host
Mayor Michael Nutter has been invited
Tom Muldoon and David Iam's who tickles the ivory, gets into the spirit
What's that line in Sweet Home Alabama that Reese Witherspoon says "Look at you, you have a baby... In a bar."
Barbara O'Neill, Carolyn Cura, Anna Marie Aufisiry, guest, Political columnist/Producer Mary Patel and Society writer David Iams.
David Marshall, Mayor Nutter and Buck Rogers (not that Buck Rogers)
Money raised from the event goes to programs that provide shelter, medical support, education and employment for the homeless. Since its inception, Muldoon’s Saloon has raised thousands of dollars for Project H.O.M.E.
Bruce Shannon, Tantiana & Ed Vasconcellos, Michelle Shannon, Bonnie Grant and Mark Beyerle
PhillyChitChat fan Crystal Hayes, Maritza Jimenex, Denise Paul and Kerri Sitrin