VICE GANDA Hosts LAST ONE LAUGHING Season 2

Took a whole lot of time to get to Makati last night because we were in another event prior to this, but that's just me LOL. Anyway, the one and only Unkabogable Star Meme Vice Ganda is hosting the second season of LAST ONE LAUGHING. It's the only franchise who got extended in Asia because of the traction it got on the maiden season (imagine that!). This will be shown exclusively on PRIME VIDEO so you would need a subscription to watch it. 

Why would you watch it? Well, let's just say the best of the best comedic geniuses of our time, the past and the future will be on this second season. Imagine Veteran old old old school comedian Long Mejia who's the only surviving funny man of his generation (they kid), son of the King of Comedy Dolphy, Epy Quizon who's known for his anti hero roles and dramatic prowess, the smart actress and theater person Candy Pangilinan, vixen Ethel Booba who's quite raw, the funny Manny Pacquiao impersonator Pooh, the champ comedienne Donna Cariaga, the funny podcast and Balitang Ina regular Chariz Solomon, Gen Z representative Esnyr, the practical joker and podcast star James Caraan, and TikTok star Charuth, all in one place, the banters were amazing! The premise of the game is to NOT LAUGH at all, otherwise, you'll never get the 1 Million cash prize that comes with winning the show.  

Here's what happened on video last night, please forgive us for the muted parts because they used audio for the event that need to be taken down:

So, do you really need convincing to watch the show? NO. Go subscribe and watch it on your smart TV's, tablets, phones, because PRIME VIDEO really did good with this ensemble. Plus points for Meme Vice Ganda's hosting. Thank you too for the lovely fun stuff we did during the event, posted on IG and FB so follow @kumagcow there too!

Best Actress Marian Rivera-Dantes' "BALOTA" Hits Theaters October 16th

It's been a while since I've last seen Ms. Marian Rivera-Dantes. I also missed the opportunity to watch her latest movie "BALOTA" which was showcased at Cinemalaya XX which won her the Best Actress trophy for obvious reasons. The film mirrors real life (although satire), of an educator who goes over and beyond her duty in the classroom. Teacher Emmy not only thinks about her future, but spins in the optimism of electing leaders, and finding out the grim reality of the human psyche.

In a mayoralty race of their quaint town, they had the choice between a land grabbing power hungry woman, or a former s3xy actor. Since she also administers a precinct during the elections, she gets caught in the action when the result meant people seizing the ballot box she carries in order to win. The woman with integrity didn't budge with any force, and baddies even became more eager to find or eliminate her, no matter what it takes.

Marian by any means still looked every bit beautiful even if she was de-glamorized. The chase brought her to vehicles, the forest, the querida's house, the s3xy actor's house, the boondocks, something you wouldn't think she'd have to do as a premiere actress yet here we are. Marian says "I couldn't explain how I felt after shooting "Balota". I even mentioned to Dong how fulfilled I felt doing it despite me being in the industry for a while now. It fed my hunger to do worthwhile projects like these. I felt inspired after that win given to me by the Cinemalaya community."

The exciting thing is, they will be having this released for public viewing this coming October 16. This is produced by GMA Pictures, written and directed by Kip Oebanda. The film also includes actors Will Ashley, Raheel Bhyria, Royce Cabrera, Sassa Gurl, Esnyr, Donna Cariaga, Gardo Versoza, Mae Paner, Sue Prado, Joel Saracho, Donna Cariaga and Nico Antonio. Apt for the times, great story line that is cohesive. It's genius. Having Marian Rivera-Dantes is a great reason to also watch this. It's our story.

A LAB STORY: Love Stricken and Socially Aware at Puregold Cinepanalo Festival

Took the afternoon screenings at Gateway Mall for the Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival. The entry "A Lab Story" is about two students who find themselves in interesting situations because they had to pair up for an agricultural quiz bee. It definitely felt like a coming of age film. 

The teens might have been in different spectrums, one smart, the other not quite, and all they wanted to become was not to end up at last place.

It's fun, very endearing, and you will root for the two lead stars. You're going to also like Donna Cariaga in her element, the funny and quirky moments with her and Kurt screams part 2, we wouldn't be surprised if it had one.

They also had several issues addressed such as the plight of indigenous people, their home, their land and how some of them get abused. It's also about skills, knowing themselves and reaching for their dreams. So really, there's a lot to devour on such a simple looking plot.

This is just one of the entries in the Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival, there will be several more of these full length films and short film entries that will be shown at Gateway Mall cinemas this weekend. Because as far as quality goes, this looks promising.