MANILA's FINEST: A Period Film That Discusses Current Issues

Just watched Manila's Finest last night and from a viewers standpoint, it was a cinematographic masterpiece. It's a period film, set in the late 60's, that tells the story of what transpired during those years with the Manila Police District. While life was simple, it wasn't any less complicated as the atrocities of love, family, relationships and politics become real and present danger. 

Piolo Pascual plays Homer Magtibay, a very optimistic cop who's got his own demons to vanquish. He's got his own crew that includes Enrique Gil who plays Billy Ojeda, Romnick Sarmienta who plays Severino Meneses, Joey Marquez as Rogelio Liwanag, and Dylan Menor as newbie cop Efren Taguyonon. He will begin most of his challenging life when Cedrick Juan who plays PC Metrocom Danilo Abad comes into the picture, and makes his once tranquil life into something a lot problematic. 

They made us see the causes of Martial Law lengthy, of what intricate things were done to make it happen. Fact or fiction, this makes them question loyalties, principles, betrayal, how corruption blur the lines of what's right and wrong. While it is set in the 60's, it still discusses something that is sadly happening til now. Piolo Pascual has always been an excellent actor, and a nomination for Best Actor award would not be surprising. Another notable performance would be for the role of his daughter in the film played by Ashtine Olviga. Her role might not have appeared much in the movie, but it is pivotal for the rift between characters, and her endearing ways of communicating emotions is unquestionably brilliant. Enrique too is another, but I think he would've needed more dialogue and grit, but that's just me.

What I'm loving is that they're absolutely BRAVE in doing this film during this regime. That alone deserves something, including the quality of work in post production which might get them a nod. They deserve 4 cows 🐮🐮🐮🐮/5. I'm a little sad that though realizing how the problems in the 60's are still present, like corruption to it's core.

If you want to see the film this coming Christmas, be ready for something a little cerebral. This obviously has been made with higher production value, and that's because of MQuest and the MVP group. Hopefully they'd be able to create more of this even after MMFF 2026!

Time to Watch Liza Soberano Shine in "Lisa Frankenstein"

Lisa Frankenstein is going to have a February 9 release in the US via Universal Pictures International and they held an advanced screening in Hollywood and a celebrity screening in the Philippines which we got to attend a few days ago. 

I'm sure a lot of Filipinos have been waiting for this as this counts as Liza's first Hollywood film, and the interesting back stories through interviews even made it even extra fascinating. During the celebrity screening, James Reid was very happy about how things turned out and how Liza Soberano is reaping the benefits of her hard work in this movie. He wasn't willing to give some details of what other plans they have for her or what Liza is actually doing after Lisa Frankenstein. He just gave us the sweet look LOL. Aside from that, he wasn't aware that Enrique Gil was attending the celebrity premiere, but when the press told him about it, he was surprised and happy too. Here's the interview we had with him before the movie:

James also went to the event with supportive girlfriend Yssa Pressman who also obliged the press with an interview about her man James.

Meanwhile, Liza Soberano attended the Hollywood premiere together with the film's stars Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse. To tell you honestly, Liza looks different in the film. Lisa Frankenstein felt well made. It reminds me of those films that La Lohan used to make, and it begs another installment because of the various twists it introduced (which may grow a following since Cole Sprouse aka Frankenstein is adorable). Liza asked Cole about the feeling she had in making this film because it was pleasant, she didn't get to be a nervous wreck working with the actors and production (some of which have been doing this for years). Cole told her it was what he felt too, and that says a lot about the people she's with in the movie.

This project had so many femme energy. Diablo Cody wrote and produced this, and even if this is Zelda Williams' directorial debut (she's Robin Williams' daughter), she got lauded by the crew and cast with her work. This also stars Carla Gugino, Joe Chrest and Henry Eikenberry (whom you might like too, I've seen him model). Liza Soberano's role was not in any way a bit role, but I don't want to spoil it. You've got to take the patience with how the story is developed because this is a slow burn, but I assure you, YOU WILL LOVE IT. It talks about family, love, romance, the 80's, great music, Moms, best friends, and fun. I felt Kahtryn Newton's role especially when she's a bit crazy (just like me). This film is out NOW in theaters nationwide, so go catch it and get tickets early.

For the naysayers that said it wouldn't happen, this proves you wrong... and I hope you watch LIZA SOBERANO shine and make her dreams come true, one film at a time!

LG Celebrates 10 Years of OLED

LG is celebrating their milestones especially the LG OLED TV. It's been a standard, and with good reason because they're the best in this technology. Back then, it wasn't common to see Organic Light Emitting Diode on TV screens but today, the same tech has changed the landscape of not just theirs, but every company that comes out with their own TV screen, all because they have pushed for its innovation.

Today, they've got LG OLED evo that has got a Brightness Booster, an a9 Gen5 AI Processor so you see those pixels with unbeatable clarity. Thing turns off on screen so those blacks are now deeper, but colors still remain rich and vibrant, something that you probably have never seen before on TV.

A history lesson ensued, they displayed generations of their OLED TV's from the beginning HD to now their OLED evo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gaming on it even has it's own setting, to enhance not just experience, but latency and better framerates

Some sets even had close to no gaps at the back, so you're basically looking at something that could depict artwork to change the feel of a space. That was nice!

They used a PS5 without a speaker attached, but it sounded quite nice. It's also Dolby Atmos ready, so for acoustic freaks, this would be satisfying.

They utilize their own LG WebOS 23 that's got apps, quick cards, easily accessible through the clicker that comes with the OLED TV from LG.

 

It's also got HDR like quality visuals, those textures would come quite handy in some games you need to play.

In a studio setting, you can teach KPOP moves with ease. It's also got multi screens if you need to look at materials and see yourself at the same time.

Shortcuts to use if your favorite team has a game, or use it to follow them if you miss one.

The brightest because the pixels light up independently.

LG Executives, several celebrities like Enrique Gil, Michelle Dee and Dominic Roque were in attendance, no interviews but just seeing them was precious!

It was certainly a good thing that they also did this in the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines where some got to dress up in cultural garbs like Hanboks and Jeogori. Thank you for the fun event LG! Congratulations and I fervently hope you'll continue to innovate, perhaps introduce new ones in the coming years. Real progress! Cheers!