You'll Need Towels for Tears: FAMILY MATTERS this MMFF 2022

If you've been seeing trailers left and right for Metro Manila Film Festival 2022 happening this month, you probably remember this one by Cineko Productions (under Mayor Enrico Roque). It was able to touch the hearts of so many Filipinos in the trailer alone as it delved into the story of a FAMILY. 

Francisco and Eleanor are in the geriatric age, and got sick, requiring much care and attention from their family, but the eldest had to go find love elsewhere. This forced the other siblings to step up the plate, but the couple chose to do things their way, butting heads as the patriarch still wants to be taken cared of by his wife Eleanor which she thankfully obliges to do so later on the film. It's played by Noel Trinidad and Ms. Liza Lorena, plus an ensemble cast which includes Nonie Buencamino, Agot Isidro, Mylene Dizon, James Blanco, Nikki Valdez, JC Santos, Ina Feleo, Ketchup Eusebio and a throng of other actors that put their trust on this MMFF 2022 entry.

Here's what happened during the press conference on video, please, enjoy!

I asked a few unconventional questions during the press conference specifically on some parents making an investment out of their children. Also, I tried to see what they think of how Filipinos make it an obligation for family to take care of them in their older years. I was impressed how Mylene Dizon answered it after stating the differences, saying the care Filipinos do come from a place of LOVE rather than it being embedded in culture overall.

It is no surprise that those who have seen the trailer already shed a tear or two as this film comes from the same people behind "Miracle at Cell #7" that won awards and box office success in previous MMFF years. Will this prove to be a sure fire formula to success this coming December 25th? You're going to see a lot of actors vying for the Best Actress role and might need to compete with Ms. Liza Lorena. The ensemble cast is also a tough act to follow since they formed a real family doing this movie.

It's going to be a very interesting awards night and you might be looking at another successful entry when you watch "Family Matters" during the MMFF 2022 days. This is Directed by Nuel Naval and written by the prolific Mel Mendoza-del Rosario. They warned us and said this time, tissues won't be enough for your tears, bring towels!

The Hard Case of Alzheimers Tonight at MMK

I was fortunate to see Ms. Sylvia Sanchez over the weekend and got to talk to her personally. She’s one of the country’s best dramatic actress and it is evident in her past projects, notable series which we have seen over the years. Of course, her caliber is unquestionable. I have watched her son and daughter’s MMK episode last week and I must say, it is in the genes. This evening, it will be her turn, an emotional episode discussing Alzheimers disease, of dimentia and the effects of it in the family.

Aside from the queen of realistic dramas, she will also be with high caliber actor Nonie Buencamino, and the legendary actress Ms. Boots Anson Roa. Nothing much was discussed in the trailer being shown these past few days, but I bet it will be very heavy. This has family conflict, after years of not being with her family, she goes back with an ailing mother who suddenly could not remember her, or anybody for that matter. How would she be able to make amends with the issues they had in the past? How would she be able to go and get back the lost years and fix the broken relationships? How would she be able to get her to understand her feelings, or communicate if they don’t see eye to eye? When you want to make a connection but lost her in the end, not knowing if you would still find her, how would things end?

Watch the show at 8:30PM today and see the story of the Panganiban family and their struggles to live with someone who has Alzheimers. Will they find her and bring her back home?

I hope so too. This is under the direction of Nuel Naval and written by Benson Logronio and Arah Badayos.

KUMAGCOW

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Behind The Scenes: My Teacher Who Doesn't Know How To Read

I've been keeping this article on draft for the longest time as this will be a part of Cinemalaya 2017, a local film festival held annually specifically for non commercially released independent films set at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The festival encourages the creation of new films, made by Filipino film makers and hasten new breed of Directors, writers and people in the industry. The release of this film will be on August and is hosted by the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. 

When I heard the title of this film written and directed by Perry Escano, I was a little dumbfounded about how a Teacher would be able to teach kids when he wasn't able to read. This is actually a very interesting premise. I mean there could be ways to do it, it's probably how they adapt to their condition, their economic status and life. Though I think this is exactly why they did made it with this title, so people would ask why, make it controversial, an interesting point of conversation right from the moment you see it in a movie poster. That's pretty smart.

The film is starred by Alfred Vargas,  a great actor who by the way is also a Congressman for the 2nd District of Quezon City. I was a little excited to talk to him since he's been in several projects included in Cinemalaya (Colorum in 2009) and a bunch of independent films in his belt. He's still got that charm, a smooth talker, quite pleasing to be with even if it's the first time I've seen him. During this visit, they were shooting several scenes in a forest in Quezon City (location will not be disclosed) and will contain several action sequences as this is partly a story that's got half of its foot inside Philippine rebel forces. Here's a short talk with the good looking man from Quezon City:

As you may have heard, the film is set in a war torn place in Mindanao. Some of these kids are child warriors, employed by rebellious movements which I know happens in real life. At a very young age, how do they learn to read and write? The answer is they don't. These are Filipinos who neither read or write and they grow up with that, incapacitated, not able to proceed and attain educational levels like what normal people do in the city. I bet this is where Alfred's character Aquil will come in, no matter how that sounds so Encantadia, they didn't know nor did they have that name all figured out before filming. It was just as the Director had written it.

We also talked to Perry Escano after the scenes were shot, one interesting thing he told me about was the group that is supposedly involved in this film. It's not mentioned if it's NPA, or MILF, MNLF, or Abu Sayyaf, but he says you'll learn about the group by listening in to their lines. As you may understand there are one or more of these groups present down south and they do exist until now. In a nutshell, there are still some socio-political discussions included in it. These deem important points to discuss for the film to remain relevant, I totally understood that part. Listen in:

Director Perry Escano also mentioned how he chose these kids Miggs Cuaderno, Marc Justin Alvarez and Micko Laurente. Mind you, these kids are no strangers to film projects and already have awards to prove it. When they were already in the cast, and working, they only had very few takes. He felt it was even daunting to choose who to concentrate the most in each scene as they were all good. The Director also touched on how it is difficult to send educators, professors, teachers to war torn provinces, a case that is still existent now. How do you teach these children the basics? When you fear for your life, when you don't even know if you could fall victims to these groups, get kidnapped and be at the pages of newspapers the next day? Would you want your kids to even live in the midst of these people? How important is education to have been even put in a situation that it might even cost your life? Would this film warrant attention? I guess it should, as the writer wanted it to be.

Alvin Barcelona is also part of this film, he confirms these incidents happen as he hails from the area where this occurs. It's not some horror story, or a figment of imagination, he confirms this is real life and worked in the region for years. He knows how education, livelihood and means to live a normal life would end years of armed struggle, because people have no means to live or put food on their table. Here's our interview:

Handpicked for the role months back is Kiko Matos. I talked to him while it was raining hard that evening, but I was glad he wasn't as what media depicted him in his fights with Baron Geisler. He was cool, calm, reflective of the man he wanted to depict, an officer of the Philippine Army. He did shy away from his character and says it was a film about the plight of the kids and how they lived in conflict torn areas. He also tells the story on how he ended up getting the role, and how this film bested about 200 entries for Cinemalaya. He quirps this should be a subject that media hopefully wil discuss lengthily after watching the film.

Here's our interview with Kiko:

 

This would definitely be a promising thing to watch during Cinemalaya 2017 in August. I just also learned they finished filming yesterday (photo below by Erickson Dela Cruz) and I'm sure I'm not the only one excited to see the final product. I hope it does wonders when it shows in CCP and at least stir some interest about the problems they presented in the movie. Aside from Alfred Vargas, the film also includes James Blanco, Mon Confiado, Lou Veloso, a stellar cast and production.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to talk to you, the people behind ANG GURO KONG DI MARUNONG MAGBASA. Honestly, it was my first time to see a Cinemalaya film being worked on and it was not just a set, I saw passion run through the veins of the actors, the Director and writer, the staff and crew that put these things together. It was an honor to be in the midst of hard working people, I really appreciate how you took care of us from the moment we arrived to the hard rain when we bid goodbye.

I hope this film does what it's supposed to do, to move minds and make the viewers know how important education is to everybody. I also fervently hope someone acts on it, because more than the cause and the issue at hand, there are people who continue to live like this until now. 

This is fascinating, and I wish "Ang Guro Kong Di Marunong Magbasa" all the best! Cinemalaya will start around August, make sure you watch this entry along with the final 10 who got in!

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The Millionaires Wife: James Blanco

I have known James Blanco for quite a while now. The first time I've seen him in person was during the Star Olympics in... well let's not mention the year LOL. He was one of the neophyte basketball jocks while I was doing referee work in Volleyball. It was awesome to also get to know him on a personal level on interviews like these, his birthdays, and a couple more events in GMA. The man now is part of The Millionaires Wife, a show that's about to end today. To pay homage to the show, I am making these posts for the individual artists so you wouldn't miss their characters that much. James plays Mark Crisostomo, the professor of Louisa, but soon to be the love interest of Ms. Ina Raymundo's character Allison Montecillo. Unfortunately his mother got sick, and he had to stay away.

Here's our interview with the James, he talks about how he worked with Andrea Torres. He also talks about how he feels since the show is ending today.

James is a very deep person. He's also very passionate about his craft. He does the job, does even more of what he's asked for. He's the shoulder to cry on, and will be one of the causes of the rift between Ms. Ina Raymundo's character and Andrea Torres.

Make sure you watch the finale today on GMA Network's Afternoon Prime. He promises this to be worth your while, and he thanks everyone who has been so nice, supporting the show during it's run. Thank you James for the opportunity to talk to you!

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Behind The Scenes on GMA's Yagit

We probably didn't know much of these kids a few months ago but look at them now. We've followed them since the auditions and the final screening, but it seems that they've all got the hang of it. They're real deal Kapuso stars now and with the success of GMA's Yagit, their stars are even shining brighter than ever. Stars Jemuell Ventinilla, Judie Dela Cruz, Zymic Jaranilla and Chlaui Malayao was a joy to be with during our visit. They were a little tired of course and we woke them up from a short nap before this interview. They gladly answered some of our questions.

Jemuell wants his character to improve more and he'll have more scenes in the next few months. He wishes to see more of Tomtom's helpfulness and being a good boy. He's not really looking for more because he's got a lot of scenes. He wants people to share more with the less fortunate, more so with people who have all the luxuries in life. If possible he wants to join Bubble Gang or an action film in the future.  Jemuell is also going to regular school so he needs all the help he can get, he knows how hard it is so he's trying his best.

Zymic had his Mom in the series die during a fire, and that meant him being with the other kids more. He also wants more exposure like the other kids, actually, he wants to find another mother for him in the coming days, maybe he'll get Ding to be more interesting. He wants to also get to work with his brother in the future if he's permitted to do so (he's the brother of Zaijan). He also wants kids to pray more and learn from the kids in the show. Zymic also wants to have more time for school because he's a little late when it comes to that, he also has a few special tests because of the nature of his work. 

Chlaui takes it easy, she only wants to have the people in the life of Elisa become good. She doesn't fear them in real life but in the story she's always kidnapped or threatened and she hopes everything becomes better with her Mom and Dad. She wants kids to emulate how to respect elders and be god fearing. Judie's character Jocelyn is still a little bossy but she always is the one who corrects most of them when it comes to good manners, a thing she wants all kids should learn even in a very young age. She would also want to play a superhero if she had the chance to have another project. This is her dream she says and if she's having a hard time, it's the lack of sleep that she's more worried about. 

Yasmien was a delight to talk to. She says that the series have been running for 7 months already. She's extremely happy that they've been requested to last that long, possibly extended. She says "Whatever the success of our show is, it's made me extremely happy, it's the success of all. It would reflect on me, the cast, the network and the people behind it who have been working really hard to make this series. Our efforts, it's all made us realize that we're doing something good especially when we hear that the people like our show, and they appreciate it. That part is priceless. You know, the good thing with kids on a show is that they lighten the mood of the set. We all laugh, we tease each other, we joke around a lot like what you've seen earlier. It's not like when there are only adults on set that we always takes things very seriously. In these instances, I feel like we're the ones that turn into kids for most of it and they don't mature, we're the ones who get to become kids with them. That's what is important, we feel all the people we work with, our set is very light. Rating the kids, I'd give the a 10, although they have a lot of things to learn about showbusiness, they're really doing their best and they come prepared when they go to the set. 

I'd rather not have my kid in show business, because I might want to expose her with the lack of sleep. Maybe commercials would do, where she can take a break when she wants to and less hours. Endorsements have contracts so it's easier. It's the first time she's met my Dad, my husband too. It was a nice experience to be there, to meet my cousins who are in the same age as her. They even taught her a little arabic and it was a totally different experience to be with my family. It's a very happy feeling for them to meet, I couldn't put it into words, I'd cry even just thinking about me, my husband and Ayesha there."

This guy is Kevin Santos. He plays the husband of LJ Reyes' character in the show. He's also the father of the kids who live in the shanties. He's also gotten in and out of prison, he's even got realistic wounds when we visited the set. He says "I'm really super happy because we're going to have a lot of kids to enjoy this. Working with the kids was very fun and you couldn't even consider them newbies now because they work like veterans when they're in the set. They're all my favorites but I do see Chlaui really doing good because of the small things she does, and she's extremely cute at her age. You always say "awwww" so many times even if the scene was simple. I've got a lot of favorite scenes here also, especially when I had to choke a lady, punch a hole in the wall, also the ones with Dolores because I feel she's really like a sister in the series. LJ on the other hand is Super OK! She delivers all the lines well and even our Director is impressed. Direk Gina knows what and how we feel so she does let us do a lot of things when we suggest how to attack the role. It's so light to work in this set because our director makes it a point to be that way." 

I've never interviewed this guy before, because the last time I saw him in person I think was ages ago. He was a kid back then in the other channel and he's done countless movies and shows since then. He's matured really nicely, landing very nice antagonist characters which he does enjoy too. During out interview he says "I play the role of Rex and I've worked with Director Gina Alajar a long time ago in Villa Quintana. She's the type that will get your acting skills sharpened because she'll never stop teaching. Rex is very evil, he'll probably die soon. Right now he's still in the process of kidnapping Elisa again. The kids are fun, I've been there, I worked really young and experienced that. Oldies like us sometimes bully the kids, but these kids are playing and still so good. Elisa should have been a little afraid of me but I still felt very caring with her in real life. I bet my character is going to die someday because he's not a good one. I'm probably going to start soon with another soap and I might go back here if this gets extended. I've already died here but was still able to go back alive. Yasmien is really good here, and I've seen her before during Starstruck and she matured right before my eyes. My other show might start today and show perhaps May with Marian, Glaiza, Luis, Al Tantay, and me. Most probably I'll be evil again but it's not an action flick. I'm going to be Marian's suitor. I enjoy doing it, I don't believe in typecasting, I believe I'm doing justice. I do Bubble Gang every Friday and Magpakailanman sometimes so that makes it a little bearable. I hope I could do something good after that series, I'm really looking forward to it!"

James Blanco plays the role of Victor Guison. He's the biological father of Elisa and the old boyfriend of Dolores. He's a bit of a Mama's boy and couldn't really decide for himself. James was happy to hear Yagit is very successful. It's like he's not really working, but there are a lot of twists not just on the story of Victor and Elisa, or the relationship of Victor and Dolores. Sometimes he feels his character is so weak, he doesn't have power to love or decide on his own. It's always the rich kid which he plays. This is the second time she has worked with Bettina and he sees she has really matured. It's easy to work with her, and they don't have any qualms. They feel like they're husband and wife without hesitation when its needed in the scene. She'll give you what you need in every scene. Among the kids, he says Chlauie also improved a lot than when they started and he mentions there's a lot of things that she has polished even at a young age. She's also very professional because she comes to the set ready just like the rest of them.

James says "Direk Gina is very cool and makes the set very happy. It's her motto. She keeps it that way even if she's so upset, it only happens on that instant and when we have another thing to do it ends there. The kids also can absorb, they have coaches and can do scenes quite easy because they practice a lot. I hope my character becomes firm soon, I hope he gets some more depth. I hope to have more projects soon, I want it one at a time so I can focus. I don't want to leave characters behind so I want it that way. I'll miss this show if it ends because our bonds are tight, we're like long time friends because we eat and celebrate things even if there's no occasion. If you get problems here, you'll only have that with yourself because you won't see any set like this I can say. I hope my character matures, I hope he can decide for himself and with the few months we're doing this I hope he can make all the right decisions as he's not really getting any younger. He's also got a child to take care of and that should at least count, to have some place to start."

Yagit still shows on the same time slot, that's on GMA Afternoon Primetime.

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Yasmien Kurdi, Rich Asuncion for GMA's "Yagit"

We had a treat a few days ago with GMA Artist Center ladies Yasmien Kurdi and Rich Asuncion at the Nail Cocktails nail salon in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. It's part of the Ultimate Bloggers Experience they promised us that day and it was awesome to have been able to talk to these two ladies from the Kapuso network. They've been very busy these past few months and I remember my last interviews with them quite vividly. 

Yasmien Kurdi and Richelle Asuncion is set to bring you "Yagit", based from one of the 80's most iconic series called "Mga Batang Yagit". They won't be using the same script but would make an updated version of it wherein everyone would be able to relate to. I used to watch this show when I was a kid and I knew most of the main villains because I got slightly afraid and scarred with Bella Flores when she was often hitting them with whatever she can grab at home, whilst sometimes she doesn't grab and throw anything but the kids themselves. It's drama, it's comedy, it's life all rolled into one. It did really good in the ratings before I'm sure because you won't probably see anyone not talking about it. It became part of the culture, part of every afternoon, and that's one of the reasons why this should be staged in this generation. They'll be heavily concentrating on the strengths of the show back then discussing family values, good manners, love and life.

When we asked Yasmien about how she got the role, she says "We were handpicked, we didn't have to really audition for the role. We have already taped for quite a while now, several months for Yagit. It's a different role for me, it's something new and something interesting. We're excited and interested about what will happen with the character in the script. I have already done so may scenes with the kids. In the beginning they were trying to learn the terminologies, the cameras they needed to look at, they are learning how it is on the set. They are all very promising, they have their own ways in acting and ways to attack a scene. I don't have favorites because they all do good." When asked about her kid Yasmien says "She's turning two in November, it's going so fast because I'm already having a two year old. My parents and I do enjoy my kid a lot. I can chase her around, watch cartoons with her and I'm very happy I get to spend time. I have a very supportive and loving husband, a very loving father to my daughter. I will rate him excellent or even more if that's allowed." and thanked her for the time we spent with her that afternoon.

Yasmien also shared what she has on her makeup kit, some beauty bloggers also did her make up that afternoon.

Looking gorgeous when she walked inside the nail spa is Rich Asuncion. I find her very beautiful and stunning in that pink number she pulled out from her closet. I sat beside her when she was getting her nails done whilst I was getting a foot scrub. It was relaxing and I got to talk to her more about her studies. She's doing good and she's almost going to get that elusive diploma pretty soon. It's so nice to see someone of her stature still eager to finish her studies even if she's already successful in show business. She also takes time to take care of herself and fancy natural products. She goes to spa's like once a month and usually just asks for home service. Her idea of relaxing is just staying at home, she goes out not that often. In Yagit, she's playing the role of Odette. She's the Executive Secretary of Donya Claudia who is the Mom of James Blanco's character. She's not naturally bad but since she likes James' character, she will be a little evil if the kids would be in the way. She says "The kids are remarkable, I find acting wise "Jocelyn" that she really studies the characters a lot and she really jumps into the character, "Ding" on the other hand is so natural that it's innate to act. "Tomtom" is hilarious and he's really a character, he always plays around with me while on set. Clauie is a little silent but looks so cute. Generally it's so fun to be with kids in the set. For me, it's a regular thing to be with new actors and young stars. It's a very light environment because they are kids. The downside would be that they'd forget that it is work. They are given only a few hours to do it. I see how people adjust to them and prepare everything. Director Gina Alajar is like a kid when they are shooting and I really find that fun as well." Here they are inviting you to watch it.

Yagit will start on October 13th, that's on Monday and you'll see Chlaui Malayao play Elisa, Zymic Jaranilla as Ding, Judie dela Cruz play Jocelyn, Jemwell Ventinilla as Tom-tom and Steph Yamut as Tiffany. This will be replacing hit show "Dading", you guys better watch it!

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GMA Casts Remake of Drama Series YAGIT

It wasn't easy to choose the next big child star says GMA Executives and Director Gina Alajar.

I remember watching this when I was a kid and it involved a lot of drama about violence about children, adoption, relationships and the normal good versus bad point of view. During a very young age you get to kind of feel what it is like to be in their condition. The street kids, they all have stories. It's one of the reasons why another installment of the soap YAGIT is going to be done by GMA this year. We were in the final auditions a week ago, they didn't know that they were up for a surprise. 

Judie Dela Cruz auditioning for the role of Josie/Josielyn

Judie Dela Cruz did her monologue and we've all seen how good she was in convincing us how poor and needy she was in a few minutes. She had a mature vibe with her and I bet she's turning into an "Ate" or older sister here without any effort. Among the thousands who joined the auditions she's one of the few who had been called back for the final screen test. There's good reason too because she registers great in the camera especially in close up. Here eyes speak, so you can feel how she delivers Josie's lines at an entire other level. 

Cute boy no?? He's JM Andres. I think he's appeared on TV and some commercials already. He's auditioning for the role of Ding Reyes. As one of the kids, I find his enthusiasm and character really effective. I bet even small girls might go gaga over him. He also is a mean dancer. I can already see him apt for Sunday All Stars or something similar to that.

She's Chlaui Malayao. She's the little girl from the noodle commercial where she said "I love my hair, my Mommy, my kuya my lolo etc.". Her innocence just put us into a trance and she even cried on the spot without any help. She's auditioning for the role of Elisa. As one of the kids, she'll definitely going to play it cute. You'll love her once you see her, I know I did. She's also very charming and can sing a tune or two. For her age, she's a prodigy. I bet she's going to be a big star soon.

One of my favorite characters back then was Tomtom. This is the same role that Jemwell Ventinilla was actually auditioning for. This kid has natural comedic timing. He made us laugh profusely a couple of times and most of them are situational. That's a hard thing to do. Even if Director Gina Alajar was trying to be serious during the screen tests, she couldn't help but laugh when this kid cracks one or two jokes in between. He also did good but needs work on some of the angles, positioning and works with the camera but that can be easily managed. I bet if he gets casted in Bubble Gang, he'll prolly pass that!

Later on, they were called into the meeting room so they would know if they passed or not. Then Director Gina Alajar asked to have their parents and guardians to go with them too. When she broke the news, the kids just broke to tears... some just was so excited!

Their parents were also overjoyed! Honestly, GMA is gambling a lot here. They are literally going to cast some lesser known kids instead of the ones that are already on their stable. Yes ladies and gentlemen, these are the kids that are going to be the next stars of YAGIT.

The next time you'll see them, they're going to be in the remake of the 1984 classic. Jocelyn, Tomtom, Elisa and Ding will be a hit and they will be a regular name in your household pretty soon. They also mentioned that GMA stars Yasmien Kurdi, LJ Reyes, Rich Asuncion, James Blanco, Frank Magalona, Renz Fernandez, Maricris Garcia, Kevin Santos, Joana Marie Tan and Wowie de Guzman will be in it too. Looks promising? Of course it is! Let's see how Director Gina Alajar and their production executes this when it starts shooting hopefully next quarter. I'll watch!

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