Demi Moore Starrer "The SUBSTANCE" is Disturbingly Amazing!

Just got out of the Shang cinemas for the advanced screening of "THE SUBSTANCE", a movie starring the iconic Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid. It's a film by Coralie Fargeat and is released by CreaZion Studios in Southeast Asia. This will also be shown in Philippine theaters on September 25, 2024.

This already garnered an award from Cannes Film Festival for Best Screenplay and critics have already paid respects with this film that discusses looks, beauty standards and the miserable world of Hollywood.

This film for the lack of better description, is CRAZY. The shots alone for the scenes are non conventional. From far vantage points to super macro scenes, they apparently had a lot of fun doing that. Demi Moore is not playing games with this role, because it is her toughest, and bravest performance on the silver screen. This movie has a combination of sci-fi, drama, jump scares, shock and awe. This is still an acting piece, one that you wait for to happen every few minutes. You also need to be an adult to understand some of the concepts, and prepare a huge thinking cap from the moment they show Vlad and Gore (see what I did there!).

Margaret Qualley, albeit my first time seeing her, really left an impression. She's likeable, gorgeous, and fits the role. She's also flawless, I could liken her to a ultra fit femme fatale version of Billie Eilish.

Prosthetics are super cool, you would have never seen anything like it. The POV scenes made this a thrilling thing to watch, you'll feel weird, pity, mad and everything in between. I specifically would love to return to the movie house just for the thuds and running moments from the entertainment room to the bathroom. It's a Vlad fest. But it's made super good, especially for mature audiences. You will love how it ends, and its unconditional ways of making you feel different things.

I love weird movies, but this one was MAD GOOD. This made me want to bring back my personal weird emo days. So if you're looking for quality, and fond of horror flicks, or going to the dentist, watch it on theaters nationwide on the 25th! This gets 9/10 milk bottles for me.

Japanese Film MONSTER Showing on Theaters October 11th

 

While Ms. Sylvia Sanchez, her kids Arjo, Ria and Ms. Lorna Tolentino was in Cannes Film Festival last May, they were showcasing the various projects of Nathan Studios and figured, they would also look at different films from other outfits in the festival. They were a little intrigued about MONSTER because they literally couldn't get a seat for it during those days as people really flocked to the cinemas when this was shown. MONSTER's Director and Editor Hirokazu Kore-eda is regarded as Japan's Lino Brocka, so when a masterpiece like this comes out, the need for people to see it is automatic. So they did the next best thing instead, the got the rights to show this film in the Philippines so we all could get to watch it.

The critically acclaimed film already won Best Screenplay and the coveted Queer Palm for Palme d'Or in France. The story is about a kid who suddenly changed behavior, and the mother tried to find the truth what transpired at school. Although this looks like a horror film on face value, this is more of a drama piece with lead stars Sakura Ando, Eira Nagayama, and Soya Kurokawa. Several stars attended the advanced screening at SM Megamall where this will be shown. Here's Ms. Sylvia Sanchez and Ms. Lorna Tolentino who will tell you more about how they became producers for this particular release in the Philippines: 

The film will be shown in cinemas October 11th, so make  sure you head on to theaters to see this masterpiece. See why it's been seen by countless people in the international film festival, and why they loved it! Again, this is under Nathan Studios Inc. and Ms. Lorna Tolentino.

Ria Atayde Made Heads Turn at MIPCOM Cannes

When I first interviewed her a couple years back, I felt like I was just taking to a long lost friend/family. There are few instances when I genuinely feel that connection especially when talking to artists in this industry. She's very beautiful and you could see how much passion she pours in for her craft. She's the gorgeous Ria Atayde and I couldn't be more proud of her recent achievements.

She's made heads turn and taken the spotlight during the MIPCOM Cannes event they attended for Cattleya Killer, to showcase the film to decision makers and international distributors. She's done the legwork of doing several hit shows and done different characters, positioning herself as one of the most spirited actresses of this generation. She has also donned several magazines, a trusted woman for endorsements, also has become the exemplary face of body positivity while doing charity work closest to her heart.

This big project which Ria is a huge part of is Directed by famed film maker Dan Villegas. The story concentrates on a supposed copycat killer which happened in Manila during the 90's which spooked the nation of a serial killer. It's composed of a great cast and her brother Congressman Arjo Atayde portrayed the lead role. It'll be interesting to see how the international audience would react on how Filipino films are made. Ria is also involved and supporting Nathan Studios instrumental to create world class Filipino content for the world stage. Ria is definitely inspiring a lot of people with her line of work, brought upon by her innate hard work, dedication, tenacity to a craft she loves.

 

 

Ria is going to make waves internationally, I could feel it. A woman who has done remarkable work and continues to inspire others, she deserves all the accolades and achievements she's getting now. If you want to know more about her and Cattleya Killer, follow Ria Atayde on IG @ria and @nathan.studios. They'll be posting updates about the film in the next few months so stay tuned!

Ataydes in MIPCOM Cannes for Cattleya Killer

Shining brightly in the French Riviera are the Ataydes. Businessman Art Atayde, Award Winning Actress and iconic Sylvia Sanchez, the young and stunning actress Ria Atayde and Asian Academy Creative Awards Best Actor and Congressman Arjo Atayde took the trip to France for the international premiere of CATTLEYA KILLER slated today October 19 at 10:45AM in the Palais Auditorium. For those who don't know, Marché International des Programmes de Communication is known as the largest content market in the world wherein it would be screened by an international audience and decision makers to connect with partners for global distribution.   

The story delves on a slew of crimes committed in Manila in the late 90's dine by a copycat serial killer. The series is directed by Dan Villegas and produced by ABS-CBN International Productions in cooperation with the Atayde's Nathan Studios Inc. The latter also produced Ice Seguerra's recent concert "Becoming Ice" in celebration of her 35th anniversary. Cattleya Killer is just one of many that they plan to show in different territories by next year together with several projects they already have in the pipeline. The event was also graced by ABS-CBN International Productions and Co-Production head Ruel S. Bayani.

Gorgeous Ria Atayde

Aside from the Best Actor award Arjo won in 2020,  he's working very hard representing District 1 in Quezon City and is pushing for the approval of HB 457 to make QC the Film and TV Arts Capital of the country. He is also doing HB 459 which posts stricter occupational safety standards for movie and TV workers. I don't know how you would call this, I think this is clearly passion for the arts. I am extremely proud of what they have accomplished and seeing them in the international stage is what dreams are made of. I can't wait for what the future holds for the other series and films they plan to do. By the looks of it, the future looks bright!

Brillante Ma Mendoza Presents: PANATA

Have you ever gone to Marinduque? Have you guys ever heard of the Moriones Festival? That's where we'll actually be in this installment of Brillante Mendoza Presents: PANATA. 

The Festival's name is the namesake of Morion or the Roman Soldier's helmet which locals wear to scare kids and depict the life of Saint Longinus - a roman centurion. The festival also showcase real life people whipping themselves as a form of atonement for their sins held from Holy Monday to Easter Sunday every year. The festival is also a way of thanksgiving of fishermen in the province.

The lead male actor plays Mario, a mask maker for the festival. He believes in the cause of local rebels and believes in their cause, but his chhildhood friend talks to him... and perhaps changes his mind and goes through the different facets of his life. He questions his ideologies, and perhaps after that he can make decisions. This is directed by the brillant Brillante Mendoza. If you would want to watch it, tune in to TV5 this month of May and  June on all its Saturday weekends.

Always watch something different on the happiest network in the country, TV5!

KUMAGCOW

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Indie Film "NAKAW" Makes It To Cannes

We have seen NAKAW's premier last October as it was one of the few films showcased in the 15th Spanish Film Festival. It's the 7 minute short film created by Buzz Productions and Patsy Ferrer's Cut!Print Productions through the direction of Arvin Belarmino and Noel Escondo. They have been asked to represent the country for the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner, enabling them to be shown in Cannes, France from May 22-28, 2017. They will also be having a special screening at Salles Palais F on May 24, 2017 at 4PM. Aside from that, the team will also be participating at the Canne Film Festival Booth come May 17-28 and appear on the Philippine Pavillion on May 23, 2017. It's a remarkable honor bestowed on projects that passes criterion for short films and only a few were able to do this feat in the past. It will be shown together with 3 other short films: Ayo-Ayo by Reena Dunque, Blood and Ink by Jill Damatac and Love Remembers by Ralston Jover.

The film is about a boy who stole a purse and triggers a series of life changing events inside a community. The film stars Kristofer King, Frank Ferguson, Angelo Gammad, Duke San Juan and Sheika Aljunaibi. It's a treat because it's super cool to see how they actually have shot these series of events in just one continous take. The team is also in the works to meet with Producers and Distributors during the special Cloud 21 Panel event at the Eden Hotel on the 22nd of May, to hopefully get more people to watch this short films from the Philippines. 

They have been steadfastly trying to pool funding for their bid to win this for the Philippines and have asked several people and companies for support. Their call has not fallen on deaf ears as they have been supported by the Quezon City Local Government, the French Embassy to the Philippines, Instituto Cervantes Manila, Statement Productions, Got Heart Foundation, The Idea First Company, Rau Atelier De Manila, R2Buds Nail Spa, Chemworld Fragrance Factory, Getz Brothers Philippines, Ripple Events, Aqueous Entertainment and my favorite network Smart Communications all chipped in. They have also been helped by Cine Marcelline, Halikon Films, Mober and GFilmRental during the process of filming, which they are so thankful for!

The 7 minute film has already achieved a lot of impossible things, and now that they've got in the special short film corner, we hope they would make more waves elsewhere. Hopefully, this won't be the last project they'll do. We were just informed, they have a few up their sleeves so let's see how far they'll soar!

KUMAGCOW

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The Millionaires Wife: Cannes Best Actress Ms. Jacklyn Jose

I wouldn't want to pass the opportunity to interview Ms. Jacklyn Jose. Yes, the one and only Best Actress from Cannes is also a part of The Millionaires Wife. She plays the villain Stella Vergara Montecillo and she wreaked havoc on Louisa's life. Aside from the money, she's just aiming to see how miserable she can make Louisa as Alfred Vergara is already dead. She didn't mean to have her father killed but it was just the result of her brainwashing Jared Montecillo. Without him in the picture, she wouldn't be protected at all and perhaps Stella would make her life a living hell, she's that determined.

Here's our video interview in two parts. Enjoy!

I love the way she answered our questions, and how she was so enthusiastic to tell us about the process in molding her character. She mentions that there are tons of highlights in the show that is only going to happen today so you better catch the finale!

I was told by her co stars in this project that it is indeed an honor to have worked with Jacklyn Jose let alone the Cannes Best Actress. I was actually a little put off because she didn't want to put that out in the open but I think she's got her reasons. She didn't want the others to make that a big deal but says it is an opportunity to be proud of our country. I couldn't imagine how much stress and physical work they had to put in into each scene. She's more meticulous and doesn't even do it if she doesn't know where the character is coming from. This is much harder to shoot because they don't do it by following the story, they do it per scene so it kinda skips, pretty hard to remember. She does her homework and that's something that the other actors of this project actually learned from her. Maybe me too in the near future, I kid!

There will be someone dying, but I laughed so hard when she told us about the forest scenes (which was pretty much done in every teleserye). The Filipino audience actually sometimes wouldn't find the ending great if they didn't do that part. Playing a villain or the hero, it doesn't matter to her because both are fulfilling. She also mentions how much work they've put into this project and hopes people get to know how these all ends!

Thank you for the opportunity to talk to you Ms. Jacklyn Jose! Thank you also for being so candid while we were doing this interview. I hope to get to watch you do A1 Ko Sayo which is more of a comedy flick. I'm sure you'll continue to be loved with that too!

Thank you to the cast and crew of The Millionaires Wife who were all so accommodating during our set visit! Hope you all get to watch the show today as it ends Louisa's story.

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

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Plastic Bags Turned Into Artwork; Wins Awards for SM Eco Bag Campaign

Leigh Reyes of Lowe Philippines

 

SM Prime Holdings and Lowe Philippines just opened an ecologically apt exhibit at the ground floor of SM Aura Premier a few days ago. The SM Eco Bags campaign has won several accolades abroad, apart from that, they also launched this exhibit that makes plastic bags into publicly displayed art. 

The event was graced by Mr. Hans Sy of SM Prime Holdings

While SM is the biggest retail giant in the country, they also felt it was time to steadfastly campaign for this cause and sure enough, they made it quite interesting by lashing out 3 artworks that would represent the campaign starting with the plastic bags which mostly caused floods during Typhoon Yolanda. They made really good ones as seen below.

What they now plan to do is ask everyone to contribute more plastic bags for a 4th art piece so they placed a box right front and center of the exhibit in the hopes of getting them something even bigger as part of this project.

List of awards for the campaign

As mentioned earlier, they won awards for this campaign and they are crediting this to the stern support they are getting from everyone who helped buy the SM Eco Bags and also those who donated for the cause. Mind you, they won a Silver Lion and Bronze Lion from the Cannes Lions Awards which is like the Oscars for public relations held in France. The campaign bested thousands of entries from around the world.

To know more about the campaign, please visit their channels below. Or the Lowe Philippines Facebook page. It only takes a few minutes to understand what it's all about. Do your share in helping the Philippines become a little greener than when you found it.

For more information about their campaign:

Lowe Philippines

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http://www.lowephilippines.com