Battling Hollywood Giants: GLADYS REYES in "The Heart of Music"

Got to watch the movie and musical entitled "The Heart of Music" starring prime actress Gladys Reyes, together with the very talented singer-actors Robert Sena, Isay Alvarez, Angel Guardian, 80's heart throb Rey PJ Abellana, Ms. Marissa Sanchez, dance couple Jopay Paguia, Joshua Zamora, and a throng of new child actors in the mix..

It's a very light-hearted story of a woman who happened to change the lives of a family using the power of love, singing and music.There are also several scenes where they teach life lessons about family, relationships, building dreams, aspirations, and the harsh realities of raising children. 

It had the right touch of Filipino humor, culture, and as Ms. Gladys put it, it was a dream role for her. She's been doing dramas for most of her acting life and one of her bucketlist items was to do a musical. She prepared for this by old school Karaoke style, but also involved a voice coach since it would really need execution that wasn't so familiar to her as a primetime drama actress.

 

Despite its shortcomings (albeit a few), it gave most of its spirit to how people could learn a thing or two about family, of having good manners, things that would fit be watched by children. I heard a lot of feedback from those who got to watch the screening that this would be perfect to show this to kids who are under the Department of Education (Elementary Schools), and I totally agree. It does make sense since it has little elements that they could learn from, and it'll be quite entertaining as a medium because it is after all filled with music and singing, done by some of the most talented folks in theater, and PH entertainment. 

Here's the fun mediacon on video, please enjoy! 

This shows on December 10 in cinemas nationwide! And as Ms. Gladys said, this could beat those big Hollywood movies, see if it does on theaters! This is Directed by Paolo Bertola and written by Mario Gatdula Alaman (who also did the music).

VICE GANDA Does OFW Family Drama in MMFF 2024 Film "AND THE BREADWINNER IS"

Just got out of the cinemas after watching "And the Breadwinner Is...", the MMFF 2024 entry of Star Cinema and IdeaFirst Company. This stars the one and only Unkabogable Vice Ganda and an ensemble cast that includes Eugene Domingo, Joel Torre, Malou De Guzman, Maris Racal, Anthony Jennings, Kokoy de Santos, Jhong Hilario, Gladys Reyes, and more. 

While this movie is expected to be funny (it is in the first half mostly), it has concentrated a lot on family and its intricacies. It would make folks learn more about how flawed we all are, how we need to spend MORE time with each other, and how we need LOVE.

Vice in this movie, in a way, is not just a source of laughter, but one who'd initiate real talk in the film. As the namesake means, Vice plays the breadwinner, one who's trying to manage and survive the challenges it entails. The hardships, like any person, would practically reach its boiling point and you'll see where Vice's character is coming from especially if she's done a LOT to make sure her family lives comfortably, and survive life in general. It's one of the most touching films I've seen this MMFF, I think it's why people have been crying the cinemas because it pulls heartstrings with the most important people in your life.

 

Kudos to Vice's great performance, that remarkable monologue with the other characters about their struggles really hit home. I felt several lines would hit you especially if you have OFW experiences. I almost lost it when she asked where a breadwinner would get rest because she felt, almost all the time, she had no right to.

Her scenes with her Mom Malou de Guzman also showed how one needed love (despite conditions), you should definitely see that.

Don't be swayed by opinions of non MMFF 2024 movie watchers because at the end of the day, this movie made sense for me. Congratulations Vice, Direk Jun and everyone who made the film. I'd give this a strong 4 out of 5 cows 🐮🐮🐮🐮.

There's A "Little Nanay" in All of Us: A "Little Nanay" Set Visit

I saw this written in a coloring book which was used to promote the GMA show "Little Nanay" while I was writing this story. We just got back from a long day of interviews with the cast in their Sta. Ana location shoot and we had fun talking to the cast of the show. I didn't quite get it why they would insinuate that we all had that "Little Nanay" in ourselves though because I know quite a few people who probably don't. I mean there are bad people living in the Philippines and I got confused with that statement.

I guess what they were trying to prove is, no matter what condition, mental capacity or psychological grade a person has, they'd probably have a little part of themselves to still care for someone else. That's the vibe that I got from Kris Bernal when we talked to her that afternoon. The show is about to end and I guess in some way, that's what she wanted to impart to the people who have steadfastly supported the show since it's inception. The task of making the character of Tinay alive was much of a challenge to the Kapuso actress but she feels it was all well worth it. They did make us think a lot about what a person who's matured but with a mind of an 8 year old could actually do to take care of their own daughter, their own family too. As with any other differently abled individual, they should always be treated as humans no matter how much we have to learn living with them would actually take. Here are some of our interviews with the cast done a few days ago.