Some Reasons to Watch BEAST at Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival

Just got out of Gateway Mall Cinema 18 after watching the film BEAST starring prime actor John Arcilla. It's a full length film dressed as a fable as much of the dialogue spin on farm animals that talk of love, relationships, and the struggles of raising a family in the countryside (at first). 

Agriculture might have been the industry that the Philippines is known for, but in reality, a lot of it has been delegated to real estate or urban development. They also talked about the struggle with the next generation who would rather have other money making jobs than tilling the soil and break their backs every planting/harvest season. People to crazy with these issues, which is discussed in the beginning of this film.

John plays a farmer called Omeng, one who spent years working in the fields. He gets news of it being sold, and deeply hurt in the process. The farm animals suddenly made him Dr. Doolittle-ish after being told to leave by his relatives. If it's AI or not (that Carabao), they did good technically in making it speak. I also loved how their conversations went, including the human-like words they used, sometimes funny and essential in bringing forth the emotions they wanted to give.

They discussed the importance of family ties, the beastly decisions they make in life. The film is also a lengthy journey (he did it from farm to the city), where he'll meet different people. It's also interesting because it'll show how their lives are intertwined (albeit being physically apart), fate always has a different way of doing things and yes, the adventures, the fun and drama included. 

This film feels good til the mid part, made me feel both happy and sad in the end. That's something you need to see and watch in cinemas since Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival is still on (schedule available on Puregold FB Page). 

Go to Gateway Cineplex and Ayala Mall Cinemas where short films and full length ones are being screened. I don't really need to sell something that John Arcilla does. Just him in the billing means you have to see it. 

The Importance of SHORT FILMS Showcased on Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival

While there was a GREAT choice of full films in the Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival this year, they got the short films into a package so you could watch several of it in one go. I got to see SHORTS A, and it was so good because the choices were awesome, from horror, sci Fi, documentary type, family, regional, they got the best ones in every story!

Here's a Quick Review:

Starfish - Man named Boyet does adult work in the city, but went home to the province after getting fired. His life is hard, even his sister, both brought up in an abusive home.It also talks about politics, boys love, gore, and pain. Much of it is symbolic, mirrors society.

Kung Hain Bisan Din - Main character is about to get married, story is about severed relationships with family. It is also deeply rooted in Waraynon dialect, She gets showcased in different camera angles, and wanting to become part of one of the most important events in her life. Felt bittersweet.

KANIBAL - This talks about politics, the family, set in a busy market. I like how they did it in Ilonggo/Hiligaynon. A bit weird. Character was for progress, until she personally gets affected. This is more on societal and political problems, and the hardships that most middle class go through.I liked the super unusual ending.

Sa mga Nagdaan at Lumipas - The film talks about LGBT struggles, the leftist groups, poor and underprivileged. It also talks about youth, music, and women. It has lengthy dialogue, needed to establish their view and a sense of being activists. It's also about Lesbians, and their colorful world. Sensible talk about love and relationships. Actress did so good on slow subtle scenes. 

LIMLIM - The movie talks about child abuse and early pregnancy. Scary to discuss something like it in cinema.so that alone is brave. It's a slow burn, and very quietly told. Actors were also good. Child should get recognition. My personal favorite. 

Shorts would be hard to reach especially because of their length and production value. Puregold took a RISK and chose a lot and have them be seen in a theater, it as worth it. Congratulations to Sir Chris Cahilig, the Festival Director who took these wonderfully made short films and have them connected to the audience. I hope this becomes a great start for these young creators, production, who wants to be seen. They did their job and I'm so happy to have seen all their work, I felt the future looks bright for Philippine cinema. 

They're still showing in theaters and they are being filled to the brim as we speak, make sure you do your part by seeing them in Gateway Mall or Ayala Malls, you would be impressed and I'm not joking. 

Atty. TONY LA VIÑA Sets Records Straight for Senator Loren Legarda and Representative Leandro Leviste

While information seem so murky and lacking these days, the heavy hitting Atty. Tony La Viña is setting the record straight for Senator Loren Legarda and Congressman Leandro Leviste. While the mother and son is abroad taking medical treatment, the lawyer, environmentalist, human rights advocate and academic lead wanted to set the record straight for them in the Philippines.

Atty. Tony La Vina says "This is a very important topic and it's good that we can tell the truth because there's a lot of misinformation and things that are being misunderstood about Senator Loren Legarda and Representative Leandro Leviste. I'll start with the headlines then you can ask about it, but first, there's been no government funds used in any of the projects that they say they benefited from. This should be clear for us. The Solar ng Bayan franchise that was given by congress that was non exclusive, so in other words it's not Leandro's franchise. It wasn't implemented because of the government office, the DOE didn't release a place where it will be implemented, nor rules and regulation for it. It was de facto revoked because it wasn't implemented."  

He also reiterated that claims of Ghost Electricity is unfounded because it was never implemented or generated. He also mentions that the renewable energy service contracts only involve private investments and no monopolies as Leviste only held a small percentage of the total contracts. The financial obligations (accusations of 24/10 billion) were issued to a different company and not to Leviste.

Here's his statement on video:

Atty. Tony La Vina also said that he accepted this case because of his opposition to political persecution and violations in due process, saying both the Senator and the representative didn't commit corrupt acts. He also says there's no outstanding financial obligations in the billions, and no involvement of the Senator but just a mother without any role in her sons business. 

He is here to ensure they get justice. Atty. La Vina also mentions that the Senator will issue a statement in the right time, and is convinced there should be no standing legal case against them.

(His statement is in Filipino, for direct translation, please refer to video. This was done with brevity. Thanks!)

NYX Opus Opens Doors Today

If you are obsessed with dining with friends and family, there's a new NYX branch that opened at Opus Mall in Quezon City. I've had the pleasure of experiencing NYX at their first one in One Ayala, but this one in Opus is something else.

Located at the mall's 3rd Floor, this intricately designed restaurant (thanks to Headroom for the concept) was something so impressive, I'd liken it to modern upscale spots in LA, Chicago or New York. What's different about this buffet place is that they also employ technology on every table, as you'd be able to order via QR several dishes a la carte without going around the restaurant. This appeals to a lot of folks who not only want to enjoy the ambiance, but the premium service that comes with it. My drinks and learning curve was answered by the eager server, which you'll find amazing as soon as you take your seat. 

On the menu, I ordered several servings of Wagyu steak slices, Truffle Cream Sauce, then walked for their Moroccan Salmon, Lamb Kofta, Chicken Turkish Kebab, Seaweed and Kimchi Butter and my personal favorite, the Slow Roasted Pork Belly. That last one was actually made of dreams, and I'm not even joking. Imagine soft meat chunks, layers of fat, and the skin CRUNCH that could reach and be heard by the next table. I'd go back just for that.

Here's a quick tour of NYX OPUS so you could see why it's all worth dining there:

 

 

 

They also have a separate Premium Menu which they have available on special occasions (today was one of them so I did! Priced separately.)

The Menu via QR was fast and convenient, I didn't need to stand up to get food, I just waited for the 10 dishes I ordered on my table. They were amazing especially the Wagyu Beef Plate.

 

Duck, Wagyu and Truffle Dumplings. Didn't I tell you? It was amazing! 

This is just the tip of the iceberg, because apart from the good food, they have wine, yogurt drinks, cocktails and just about anything you can imagine. Go visit them today at the 3F of OPUS MALL in Quezon City. It sits beside the Bridgetown property and a little drive exceeding Eastwood City. The mall is also so posh, I loved it there.  

 

 Would you take the drive to get to NYX Opus? I would!