Complete List of Winners from MMFF 2020

Today is the day! 

Globe Blue Carpet for MMFF 2020 

This evening's MMFF Gabi ng Parangal was a whole lotta fun as we saw celebrities come one by one. We saw at the Globe Blue Carpet Ritz Azul, Gerald Napoles, Maui Taylor, Michael De Mesa, EA Guzman, Zanjoe Marudo, Alfred Vargas, Harlene Bautista and John Arcilla.

Paulo Avelino was so dapper, he had silver hair, wore a tux, shared his music, told us about his fans and the hosts Giselle Sanchez and Bekz Battalions Chad Kinis just got so crazy wild because he looked so good. They also warned people about piracy which probably is a problem this year in MMFF.

They also announced the Best Float (virtual) this year which went to Magikland, while Isa Pang Bahaghari came second, while third went to Fan Girl.

Marco Gumabao and Kylie Verzosa hosted the formal awards show, MMDA chair reiterated these are done online for the safety of the general public. He also said awardees this evening well deserved the recognition as it was doubly harder to put together good movies while the country is on lockdown period. 

 
They also gave kudos to students who participated in shorts which were presented before actual participating movies

Best Student Short Film Paano Maging Babae from DLS St Benilde

Best Child Performer went to Seiyo Masunaga of The Missing

Best Editing Fan Girl's Benjamin Tolentino

Best Cinematography went to Fan Girl's Neil Daza

Special Citation for Direk Peque Gallaga+

MMFF Gender Sensitivity Award went to The Boy Foretold by the Stars  

Best Sound went to FanGirl's Vincent Villa

Best Musical Score goes to Magikland's Emerson Texon

Best Original Theme Song went to The Boy Foretold by the Stars Jhay Cura and Pao Protacio

Best Visual Effects goes to Magikland's Richard Francia and Ryan Grimarez of Central Lab

Best Production Design was won by Magikland Ericson Navarro

Best Editing Fan Girl's Benjamin Tolentino

Best Cinematography went to Fan Girl's Neil Daza

Manay Ichu Vera Perez Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ms. Gloria Romero

Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award went to the film Suarez the Healing Priest

Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award went to Magikland

Best Screenplay went to Fan Girl's Antoinette Jadaone for Fan Girl

Best Supporting Actor was won by Michael De Mesa for Isa Pang Bahaghari

Best Supporting Actress was won by Shaina Magdayao for Tagpuan

Best Director was won by Antoinette Jadaone for Fan Girl

MMFF 3rd Best Picture went to Tagpuan

MMFF 2nd Best Picture went to The Boy Foretold by The Stars

MMFF Best Picture Award went to Fan Girl by Epic Media Corporation

Best Actor is Paulo Avelino of Fan Girl

Best Actress is Charlie Dizon for Fan Girl

Congratulations to all the winners! This is brought to you by Globe, Upstream, MMDA and MMFF.

 

Start Streaming MMFF 2020 on UPSTREAM Today!

Answered prayers come in different forms and just a few months ago, preparations for this year's Metro Manila Film Festival 2020 commenced and that means there's no stopping them from featuring the best of the best Filipino films this Christmas day. Your usual cinema to cinema travel to watch different movies has just changed slightly because of the pandemic.This time, we're up to use technology and see these movies on UPSTREAM.PH. This event is possible courtesy of the good people of GMovies who partnered with Metro Manila Film Festival so they can take the best films into your home.

For those who don't know, UPSTREAM is a video-on-demand platform that's all home grown. What's good is that these MMFF entries can now be streamed worldwide and accessed online this Christmas day. Users abroad can simply buy tickets via upstream.ph/mmff. If you haven't decided what to watch yet, well here's some of the lovely films showcased starting this 25th.

MAGIKLAND by Brighlight Productions directed by Christian Acuña. Cast include Miggs Cuaderno, Elijah Alejo, Princess Aliya, Jun Urbano, Bibeth Orteza, Hailey Mendes.

Coming Home by Maverick Films directed by Adolfo Alix. The film stars Jinggoy Estrada, Sylvia Sanchez, Edgar Allan Guzman, Jake Ejercito and Julian Estrada.

The Missing by Regal Entertainment directed by Easy Ferrer. This horror film is flanked by Joseph Marco, Ritz Azu and Miles Ocampo.

Tagpuan by Alternative Vision Cinema directed by Mac Alejandre. This has Alfred Vargas, Iza Calzado, Shaina Magdayao, Mariella Laurel, Christopher Tan, Will Strong and Al Davis as cast.

Isa Pang Bahaghari by Heaven's Best Entertainment directed by Joel Lamangan. This has got the one and only superstar Nora Aunor as part of the cast, Phillip Salvador, Michael de Mesa, Zanjoe Marudo, Joseph Marco, Sanya Lopez, Maris Racal, Albie Casiño and Migs Almendras in this film.

Suarez the Healing Priest by Saranggola Media Productions directed by Joven Tan. This is top billed by prime actor John Arcilla. 

Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim by Cineko Productions directed by Topel Lee. This fun comedy and fantasy film stars Vhong Navarro, Barbie Imperial, Joross Gamboa, Ryan Bang, Jacklyn Jose, Benjie Paras, Ion Perez, Ritz Azul, Yamyam Gucong, Fumiya Sankai and Alora Sasam.

PAKBOYS Takusa by Viva directed by Al Tantay. This fun and naughty movie stars crazy guys Janno Gibbs, Dennis Padilla, Jerald Napoles, Andrew E, Ana Roces, Maui Taylor, Nathalie Hart, Leo Martinez and Marissa Sanchez.

The Boy Foretold by the Stars by Cleverminds Inc. directed by Dolly Dulu. This stars two up and coming actors Keann Johnson and Adrian Lindayag. This is a dark horse, remember that.

Fan Girl by Epic Media directed by Antonette Jadaone. This film has Charlie Dizon playing as a fan and Paulo Avelino as himself. Weird stuff as it feels like an alternate reality, but very interesting nonetheless.

If you haven't bought tickets yet, you can also try getting it from shopping apps like Shopee and Lazada.

SHOPEE

https://shopee.ph/MMFF-Online-Movie-Ticket-Single-Use-i.310933366.6268678451

LAZADA

https://www.lazada.com.ph/products/mmff-online-movie-ticket-single-use-i1538942804-s6519600541.html?spm=a2o4l.searchlist.list.1.5cc91c54UsRD0l&search=1

See you at the movies!

The Dark Horse of MMFF 2020: The Boy Foretold by the Stars

 

I will say this, for good reason, this film called A Boy Foretold by the Stars will be the dark horse of MMFF 2020. Tomorrow is judgement day as online streaming is going to be done via Upstream.ph wherein these entries will battle it out not by ordinary box office ticket sales in movie houses, but by online tickets on that platform. If this was poker, I'd put in most of my chips in this interesting movie which stars Adrianne Lindayag and Keann Johnson. We already have had the chance to talk to them earlier this month and this time, we got to talk to them with a little more enthusiasm as they got a glimpse of how people have been reacting to their recent trailers and pronouncement on media. I am pleased how positive it has been accepted so far and by the looks of it, this would really be an interesting movie to watch as it's not just designed to ruffle feathers because of its LGBT content, but a whole love story that happened in high school. Oh yes, young love, which is awesomely depicted on this film will bring back your days of innocence. That time when you realized you're capable of having that fleeting feeling, butterflies when you're with someone else you adore.

Direk Dolly Dulu says "I'm super excited to be in the MMFF and we didn't expect this to happen, but we will do our best and claim victory for the film. I guess it is the quality of the movie that can persuade people to watch it, it was meant for the big screen and the mindset is it is to be shown on cinema but not a series. The treatment and story and how we tell it technical wise is different. This is the first BL full length movie that focuses on the highschool life, the experience of how a young boy falls in love with a young boy, that's what it gives. I think there were lots of films that were sent for MMFF, but this is at par with the other entries. I hope it isn't just because it is a BL series, but it is a good movie. BL for me focuses on the "coming of age" part, this is innocent, sweet, cute, very light genre. It focuses more on love, not on other things. This is about their personal discovery. The Philippine story telling usually concentrates on family matters, sidekicks, a bit mainstream. I feel people are just waiting for it, our mindset doing this in CineFilipino was to have someone start it."

 

Keann says "One thing I discovered from this movie is that this tells a story about two boys having a special connection. Their story is finally being told on screen, to hopefully become more open about the LGBT community, if people should embrace the words LOVE has no gender. It's a very difficult life for a gay person to live in, and almost everyone goes through that.  I said yes to this because of the overall story, Direk Dolly did an amazing job as you can see from the trailer, just from the moment he gave me the intro, the story itself, I was already hooked. I really hoped to actually get this, I even asked my Mom about this and she wanted me to do this. We really made effort to make this worth it, let's all fall in love on Christmas day. Establishing chemistry with Adrianne came naturally, we really made an effort before shooting this film. Direk had specific scenes he wanted to have and showed us how he envisioned it. We always talked about small things, we kept in touch, we hang out, we became extremely close, we knew Luke and Dominic are best friends, all of what you see in the movie is natural."

Adrianne says "I want everyone to realize that everyone has a love story, that even an effeminate little boy deserve the kind of representation in the silver screen. We always see them as side characters, funny ones, but not their love story, now is the time to do that. It's fun, light hearted, it is also educational and inspiring. I had a friend, she told me to be specific about it and I wanted to have a goal and direction for my career and the first role that came to mind is a love story, I wanted to portray a person with a leading man, and the universe gave it to me. I auditioned for this film last year and it's not question, I immediately fell in love with it, like an answered prayer. If they wanted me to swallow fire, be hit by a truck I would do it. In the entertainment industry, there is a lack of opportunities already for the LGBT community. There is a lack of roles, and I think that's also taking away opportunities for actors like me. I came from a production background and these days, there are capable gay actors who are ready for it. Let's give them the jobs, they know the stories, so they could represent us and tell the story authentically. We used to work in separate projects and when he came in the audition, direk already saw we knew each other. This means so much to me as a queer actor, and this also means a lot to Keanne as well, we're doing this from a deep place in both of us, there is a sense of service. We were told that this wouldn't work if we didn't jive, we had to be partners (hence he calls him a partner) we had to have a special connection and you can see that in camera. I want to tell our story, I want to do queer roles as it is my advocacy. I hope there would be more material, continue telling the story of our community, there are a lot that needs to be heard. Expect kilig, expect light romance, see you on theaters!"

Iyah Minah says "I wanted to experience to be part of this movie, a story talks about those who are not open with the LGBTQ community, on how they have relationships and it's not because of gender and what not. I think it's better if queer people tell the story, and I hope it gets delivered right and I'm glad they are very open about it. I hope people remember that because we do have very talented people in the community. For me I think my previous role had opened up LGBTQ roles, that they can portray, to be known, I hope it's the start of something good."

Here's how the blog conference went a few days ago:

For those who would want to watch the movie and would like to see the first BL themed film in MMFF history, you've got to catch them at Upstream.ph and see for yourself if it is possible to love with no boundaries. Go watch it with your friends and family, after all, the movie can be watched on your laptop or mobile phone and you can just pay for it while the whole family sees it on screen. This film was made with love as intention, very light, and was crafted good I'd recommend it for Netflix or other streaming platforms too.

I'm definitely watching this, as it is worth the few pesos. Oh and congratulations on the recent nominations of A Boy Foretold by the Stars. I heard you got 12, including the Best Actor nomination for Adrianne Lindayag. I wouldn't be surprised if he wins. That's how awesome this is!

Update!

The Boy Foretold by the Stars has won three awards including Second Best Picture at the recent MMFF Gabi ng Parangal which happened last December 27.

Awards won:

MMFF Gender Sensitivity Award went to The Boy Foretold by the Stars  
Best Original Theme Song went to The Boy Foretold by the Stars Jhay Cura and Pao Protacio
MMFF 2nd Best Picture went to The Boy Foretold by The Stars

Martyrdom and Relationships: ISA PANG BAHAGHARI for MMFF 2020

Looks like the very interesting story by Heaven's Best Entertainment this MMFF 2020 is going to be an interesting one as it talks about family, friendship and relationships. It's called ISA PANG BAHAGHARI (Another Rainbow) and it's very timely now that LGBT issues are also being discussed in the country.

Producer Dennis Evangelista + Harlene Bautista says "We're very proud our film has got the best of both generations. They are really good actors. Sanya and Zanjoe, Maris, they are so good in this film and we know we weren't wrong in casting you. Your fans are eagerly awaiting your movie, congratulations!"

Zanjoe says "It was my first time to work with them all, especially Philip and Ms. Nora. I was really nervous and excited to be part of the film, Direk was really nice to really get me in the groove. I have made a film in MMFF and I miss how it was so busy with the parade and awards night. It's sad that everything changed but I am still happy that films are still being shown online so people can still watch it. Maybe everything is going digital, I am happy this is an advantage that it will be shown worldwide. Direk really had really good work out there, and he was strict according to other actors, but I didn't let that bother me, I really concentrated on how to work with my character, he really fixed me on how to be a little tough. I was wary if I was going to be scolded."

Maris "Zanjoe really said it right, it was tense to be in the scene and work with Joel Lamangan. Growing up my Mom always told me how good Ms. Nora is and I think it manifested how I'll be doing a young Nora Aunor. I always wanted to see them, I feel so blessed. Seeing Sir Joel was really a nervous experience, it was like a make or break sesssion with him but he was really nice, very caring, he asks if we ate, very strict but you know you will really be learning a lot. He makes you comfortable. I would really recommend knowing your character before working with him. It was fun to work with him because he has stories, he had so many anecdotes about Ms. Nora and he told us about it. I was a tamed version of her."

Sanya "Actually, it is also my first time to work with them. Working with legendary actors, it was a nervous experience because these actors are really good. We just needed to connect as a family, Ms. Nora's eyes feel like she'll actually eat you for dinner. Actually, I am a little too shy because I am the only one from GMA, but I got excited to be there because they were all so kind, hopefully soon I would be able to make more projects with them. I was really nervous with Direk, but I was happy because he was really into developing his actors. He was happy with our work, but he hugs people, he's a very nice man. "

Here's what I also got to ask the cast during the blogcon this evening.

Hope you could catch them on Christmas day! Get tickets from Upstream.ph today!

FUMIYA and YAMYAM Can't Live Without Each Other : Mang Kepweng on the 25th!

 

Just got off the Star Cinema blogcon with Fumiya and Yamyam as they were promoting their MMFF entry Mang Kepweng: Ang lihim ng bandanang itim this 2020. The movie is starred by Vhong Navarro and flanked by Jacklyn Jose, Joross Gamboa, Barbie Imperial, Vhong Navarro, Kiefer, Alora Sasam, Bayani Agbayani and Ion Perez.


Fumiya says "I am so excited today to see you. There are no Mang Kepwengs in Japan, but I want to believe in it because I like that.How I wish I could do it like that, a Mang Kepweng but a Japanes version. If I were to be paired with someone as a lead, I would like it to be Ylona Garcia. In this movie, it was so hard to actually do the lines because it's in tagalog. I was also in Home Sweetie Home before this film but it was okay because it was kinda Nihonggo mixed with Filipino, but the lines here are so long. Yamyam just helped me with the lines. I also did teleseryes before and the roles I did there are Japanese, but here I am a Duwende (Dwarf). Vhong and Ryan Bang was so nice to me while we were working, it was just a little hard shooting because I got sick, I was in the hospital and couldn't join the meeting. Barbie and I were not together and it was really sayang because it was so nice to work with them. In Japan, we do have goblins. I am so thankful to have been able to be in this movie and be included in the MMFF 2020. It's amazing, I am so thankful because Yamyam and me are lucky and the staff and artistas were supporting us. I appreciate it all. I am glad I have Team LAYF so I can tell them what I feel, they make things lighter. 

 

 

Yamyam "Hello po! Sorry my signal is kinda wonky today, but thank you for having me and Fumiya here today. We really had a hard time because it is our first time doing a movie, but the other artists really helped us during the process, translation and telling him things in Tagalog took several hours so the Directors had to adjust for that. For me, I am so thankful that they chose us as part of the cast and this is the first movie of me and Fumiya because it was just after PBB, I had to ask Vhong to be part of the show. I think I learned a lot about movies, the angles are different, the things we do are different, and it was done outside a set so it was different for us. After this pandemic I have so much things to do with Fumiya, I will target doing Japan and Bohol. Hopefully they can go here and I could go to Japan so I can see his family." 

 

You can buy tickets at upstream.ph just like the rest of the entries but they would appreciate if you watch their movie this Christmas.

A Look at Family Struggles: COMING HOME on Theaters This Christmas

Maverick Films is bringing a new movie called COMING HOME, an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2020. This is directed by Adolf Alix Jr. and judging from the looks of it, it's a family film. The premise is very interesting because the main conflict rides on an OFW that got a mistress, who eventually got sick, but accepted by the original wife. His family, their relatives, the society is quite unforgiving in situations like these, but is that justifiable? Where do you draw the line?

 

 

Ms Sylvia says "I see until now the effect of things like these in my own family. The scenario was pretty similar, where they shouldn't badmouth or disrespect the father no matter how painful it is. In my case, I stayed cool. But if I were asked if I forgave him, I did, he can come back anytime. I have been able to see him and his work, he is different now because he's not an action star this time. He can do drama." 

She adds "I am so privileged to have been able to be trusted by Senator Jinggoy, if ever I win, that's just a bonus. I don't really think of portrayals just to have an award, I just do my job. Thank you really Jinggoy, he really gives me lots of surprises like balloons, lechon on set so I'm really thankful. I am happy to have been able to work with him now and see him on a personal level."

Jake Ejercito says I'm one of the children of my Sen and Ms. Sylvia, but a little bit difficult because he is not in good terms with both his mom and dad. I have been able to undergo workshops and thought I would be so nervous having a scene with Ms. Sylvia, but it turned out I was more nervous with Sen instead. I hope people get to see this film and learn how unconditional love is between parents and their children."

Julian Estrada, Senator Jinggoy's son was also in the press conference and he said "It's been a while since I have been taping and my first scene is with my Dad. I felt comfortable right after he told me that I need to relax. I was nervous because apart from being my Dad, he's a great actor."

Jinggoy says "I never think of awards because I get really nervous doing my job, I don't expect anything but if given, it's just a bonus. You have to feel relaxed on set to make everyone comfortable. I had to distress and joke a lot so our scenes become genuine when drama starts, we had to be light so we don't get affected.

Here's the press conference on video, check this out!

 

 

Again this film stars Jinggoy Estrada, Sylvia Sanchez, Jake Ejercito, Julian Estrada, Edgar Allan Guzman, Shaira Diaz and Ara Arida. For those who would want to watch a family film, to learn how it is to love unconditionally, this will come out on Christmas day. You can get tickets via Upstream.PH and watch it at the comforts of your home.

Vhong Navarro Stars in Sequel MANG KEPWENG: Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim

 

This is produced by CINE KO Productions and Star Cinema. On Christmas day, we'll see a dose of comedy courtesy of this film derived from the 80's iconic film of the same name, Mang Kepweng. This generation has a different spin on it so they properly called it Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim.


Tickets are now on sale via upstream.ph. We talked to the stars this evening and they had a lot of stories. Here's some of their statements during the zoom conference.


Fumiya says "We are together here, my best friend is Yamyam and it's a complicated relationship. We are dwarfs but we don't get along that well."

Yamyam says "My role here is a dwarf that could give Mang Kepweng the direction so he can get the magic for his bandana. My grandpa was actually an albularyo, he cured me with a lot of rare leaves and roots, he used a few on me with smoke, he told me I was really punished by spirits hence a lot of bumps on my skin appeared. I got smoked, I got prayed upon and got cured by my grandfather, I believe 50%, I don't know for sure but I think it was true."

Ritz Azul was a bit perky during the call and says "I am the queen of Engkadya and I'll be helping Mang Kepweng fight Maximus on his journey to find magic on his own polkadot bandana. I did experience a lot of albularyos in our province, they did dishes, eggs, they pass on powers to people, there are lots of things that I can explain but they do get cured."

Joross Gamboa plays the villain of the film and he says "I am the enemy here, I have the black bandana and I will make Mang Kepweng's life miserable. This film is for the whole family so make sure you do this Christmas. There are a few comedians that can whip their faces like that, who can make funny faces and comedy out of it, Vhong is qualified to do it."

Ryan Bang joked around and said  "Of all the friends of Mang Kepweng, I am the most good looking... almost 70 percent I will be with him in his adventures. I read the script so many times but when I get to the set I just end up with people who will not go with the script. This is for kids, I hope people will see it because it's fun, it's just that so many things happening here but I don't know what it means. I hope you become happy watching this but if you don't we can't do anything really."

Ms. Jaclyn Jose says "I am the mother of Mang Kepweng here and I have been since the first one, so they have no choice but get me for this second installment. The albularyos of the first Mang Kepweng has been brought to this generation, I watched the original in the cinema, he can play Chiquito really.I love the cinema, I hope we could watch it there instead but I'm not worried, I'm sure it will be back. I want people to forget problems, this film is funny and if you could forget an hour and a half of those problems, I'd be really glad."

Barbie Imperial says "I have a lot of experience being cured by albularyos, in the province we really believe in them and I had to seek their help because I always get sick when I was a kid. I wasn't able to get help from doctors, but when I seeked their help, I got better. In Bicol, I got treatment from them and with that experience, I really did get healed."

Vhong Navarro was so proud of this film and he says "I play MK or Mang Kepweng, he will be continuing with his mission to cure everything. He will need his friends to fight aliens, monsters, without facial mask or shields because this was shot before the pandemic. I am sure though that you will enjoy this film, you just need to look for Mang Kepweng on upstream.ph and pay 250 only to watch it with your family.That's what new technology can do this MMFF 2020 and Christmas. I wanted to really look for the copy of the original Mang Kepweng but the quality of those on digital is just too poor, but I'm glad CineKO agreed to do a part 2 because this was their baby and together with Star Cinema there will be a good comeback. I'm also glad they chose me to play the lead role again, I was chosen because they see Chiquito in me so I reprised the role again. I don't think it's bad to believe in things that could better health with faith and albularyos. We even filmed everything on the actual home of Mang Kepweng during the 80's and that connects the generation. We're both happy and sad because we got in the MMFF 2020 but a little sad about how it's different on how we watch movies without movie houses. It's good though because a lot of people will learn on how to use technology. I haven't really researched about albularyos and just based what I am doing with the character of the late Chiquito, I am privileged to be able to do this as my first film that got a sequel. It's a good feeling because people loved it, the producers believed in me again and I got to work with brilliant writers that made this even better. I want to make sure it would be better than the first one because we'll put a lot of adventures in Mang Kepweng now."


Other stars are also in this film like Lou Veloso, Mariko   Ledesma, Kaladkaren, Patricia Roxas, Ritz Azul, Ion Perez and Benjie Paras. Watch it on Christmas day!

Fangirl : A Movie About Blinded Fan Love for MMFF 2020

Tickets are now being sold for this particular film called Fangirl. It is starred by Paolo Avelino and Charlie Dizon under BlackSheep Productions, Project 8 and Globe Studios directed by Antoinette Jadaone. Tokyo International Film Festival gave so much acclaim with this very interesting piece and has been sent as an entry in festivals in other countries. This is a coming of age film where an ultimate fan girl got to spend one night with Paulo Avelino.

Tickets are being sold now via bit.ly/WatchFanGirl


Antoinette Jadaone says "I was a super movie fan before, when I was a kid my aunts used to go to santacruzans in araneta center just to see them there. When I got into film I was more into people behind the camera. My family loves films, my grandpa made a cinema in Pasig so I got to watch films for free. We used to watch all Filipino movies. I did film in UP Diliman. Fangirl is relatable, we've both been through things like these in one form or another. We idolize, it's like a romcom that is anti romcom. You will get to see a fantasy wherein you could spend one night with your idol, and this might go differently. The first leg of auditions, we already had someone for the role of Charlie. Out of 600, we got 7 of them do workshops with Paulo, we got look tests, we got costumes, but at the last minute there were contract problems already. We got to call one more leg of auditions and got Charlie there. When she got in, in about 2 to 3 days we already went shooting. When you see her, you already know it's her. She had lots of make up, she had lashes and all, you could see it was like a commercial for her. I had to see her bare and she went in, her walk was like a street gang member, she talked like someone from the streets too and deliberated about it a bit. She was also okay with kissing scenes and matured ones, so that's how it happened. I think one of the things this came from is how I have worked in films, it is interesting to see the culture of fans when we watch our idols on screen where the line is so faded. People expect what they portray in the movie is actually what they also do, but there is a difference when you have a camera or not. There are two concepts that I combined here, as a fan and as an actor. I think it goes with it as a cautionary tale, it happens. I think as film makers, we must tackle not just things that are talked about, but those that are not talked about. So scenes mostly will be things that people are afraid to tackle, done in tasted, done with Charlie's comfort and understanding the vision of it. I wrote this in 2016, I was way different then as a writer and director. I developed it in 2019 and the material changed a lot. It helped with that I got the advise of European writers because I got a more worldly view of fan culture rather than just a Filipino fan view. Things are going with technology, so fan culture changes with that. Actually writing this was different because it changes in the point of view of the fan. As a writer I resorted into method writing, I didn't have to ask Paulo anymore and just got information from articles before. I asked Paulo what he needed to be removed or not but he just returned and understood it why I had him play himself. Since I did this in 2016, I had an actor in mind, but Paulo was the tough one, people would fear portraying themselves on film and it is what we had to play with. They would think he's like that but it's a role, but I understand their inhibitions. He just asked who the fangirl was and just told him then. "


Paolo Avelino shares "I didn't become a fan of sorts because it was not as usual for stars to go to Baguio when I was a kid. What's challenging here was the fact that I had to do it while I wasn't acting. (I asked about his tweets in the past months and asked if it was connected in some way with this). No John, those tweets came before making this film. These days I'm not so active on social media, my fans remain the same, mostly moms or grandmoms. Charlie and I might or might not have kissing scenes, you might need to interpret it and see if it is okay with what we see in this film. Maybe one thing that you'll see here is me being a father, another is being optimistic, how I finish things, and how simple I am as a person behind the camera. I like it quiet, I hope it transcends into the film. You wouldn't think Direk would do this, that is what peaked my interest when I did this film. I don't categorize dates, if we jive then we can date, she can go here in my house if she wants. Most of the people behind Paunatics are pros, they are tamed, they are normal people and I talk to them like that. Paulo Avelino in the script isn't too far from who I am, but wether it is fictional or not I'm okay with it. When I read it, I only processed it in a few days. It wasn't so hard, I just did it for Antonette (he kids) but it was really a good material honestly. I find Charlie cute, she was like high school, very innocent, when I talked to her, I saw why she was chosen to play this role."

 

Charlie Dizon says "Yes, just like anyone, I have been a fan of someone. I went to a mall show of Richard Gutierrez and I did kinda experience it too. I was in the crowd, screaming his name, I did that back in the days. Now my family is very happy, they always asked about the progress of filming this and I'm actually very nervous when  they see this film. I couldn't imagine kissing my idol in real life, it's out of my league. I would date a fan, if it were me I would want that. I also talk to my fans like that which is why I am also in a group chat with them. I am a KPOP fan, an FX fan because I wanted to become a rapper. I tried out doing that in Korea and I met them, I debuted there and got inspired training. My real name isn't Charlie Dizon, it's a screen name but I got Dizon from my Mom. I would want to be with Park Seo Joon, he's my ideal guy and if ever I got the chance to work with him I'd love that, together  with John Lloyd Cruz, I got to hug him in a movie project.

This is going to premiere on December 25. Go watch it for its merits and see why this is loved internationally too!

10 MMFF Entries Announced

MMFF for December is about to happen and they just announced the official 10 entries included in this season's festival. Noel Ferrer says "We're looking for more entries and it can be any genre, any format so we have more choices to be shown for the Filipino people." and that is exactly what they did as we saw the official entries announced.

MAGIKLAND by Brighlight Productions

Action packed fantasy adventure. They need to help each other and fix their complex lives. This is a phone based game wherein kids got to be top players and suddenly find themselves in the actual game. If you are fond of adventure, dragons, monsters, hack and slash, this is Magikland. This is partly produced by Direk Peque Gallaga(✝) and his team, and this is considered his last masterpiece. This directed by Christian Acuna. Miggs Cuaderno, Princess Aguilar, Elijah Alejo and Joshua Eugenio leads the cast. There are also big actors and actresses here including Cannes Best Actress Jaclyn Jose. This promotes empowerment for children, a good movie to show that they too can change destiny, the world around them. This is also a Christmas story.

 

Coming Home by Maverick Films

Included in the cast is Jinggoy Estrada, Sylvia Sanchez, Sylvia Sanchez, Martin Del Rosario, Vin Abrenica,  Jake Ejercito, Smokey Manaloto, Edgar Allan Guzman, Shaira Diaz, Julian Estrada, Jana Agoncillo,  Smokey Manaloto, Luis Hontiveros,  Almira Muhlach, Chanel Morales, Samantha Lopez, introducing Ariella Arida. This is directed by Adolf Alix Jr.. He quips "It's nice to have a mix of actors, they worked to be able to make their characters fit the film. They interpreted it in interesting ways. Jinggoy was challenged as this was more of a drama piece and Ms. Sylvia was there to make it easy for him. This is apt for the pandemic, we were locked down for a couple of months shooting this and this reflects the Filipino family during Christmas." Ea Guzman says "This made me go back to zero because I have worked with real veterans in this film. We initially didn't talk to each other, and later on we got to talk over lunch and dinner. It was a surreal experience."

 

 

The Missing by Regal Entertainment

Set in Japan, this is a horror flick based on Japanese lore. Cast include Joseph Marco, Miles Ocampo and Ritz Azul. This is Directed by Easy Ferrer. Easy says "The Missing was shot in Saga Japan, a very old concept and when we were invited to shoot there we have had to incorporate characters that can do physical and internal horrors when they restored houses in Japan. Regal has done iconic horror films, I made sure this is different from what they have done. It's a J-Horror which has history and culture, Philippine sensibilities that meet in the middle. It's not traditional Filipino horror. It's an old concept, but I was invested in the Ampatuan massacare, things like that when I was conceptualizing the film. We fused this in a beautiful country. I was able to work with them before and the combination was not stressful, plus I knew their caliber, they prepared and they did this without me worrying about how they did it. It's a new flavor that has not been done in the Philippines, you will get to still understand it because there is Filipino flavor with it. I think they did it with real prep work, Ritz has PTSD, she had to research for that. Joseph was an antagonist and protagonist, he had different motivations. There is a thin line between the other personality. 

Miles on the other hand has a different back story which you will see on the film." Ritz says "My character was pattered with my own mom who also has underwent deppression, and in this film this is not just horror for the actual location, but something internal. When we did the story conference of this, it had an element of sacrifice. This was shot November last year which is pre-pandemic, so glad to have had this be shown this December." Joseph says "I am so thankful to be part of this, my character was difficult because he had so many Japanese lines there and collaborating with the people plus the fight scenes made that experience unforgettable." Miles adds "Thank you for considering The Missing for MMFF!" and this was supposed to be a part of the Summer MMFF, but ended up in the December one because of the pandemic.

 

Tagpuan by Alternative Vision Cinema

This is shot in Hong Kong, three characters had their paths cross. Shaina Magdayao, Alfred Vargas, Iza Calzado. It's a very heavy drama. This is Directed by Mac Alejandre. Direk says "I am thankful that there are new platforms to release this other than theatrical ones because of the pandemic, this needs an audience. Tagpuan will now have that with the streaming audience, we are in the season where we need to say something and this calls for a love story that will traverse Binondo, Hong Kong and Chinatown. It's a very adult movie that tells a story of romance. The script gives a lot, denial of love, do you justify wrong things, second chances, true love, it is being tackled here. This also talks about immigrants, OFW's in Hong Kong, other forces that shape who you are and purposely shot in these places because these are melting pots like HK and New York, you cans still find silence in a place where they want to find happiness. This has emotional gravity, to make them feel more than what they feel. Binondo, New York and Hong Kong in a different light." Alfred Vargas who also produced this film says "We love films, we love the art, I love being an actor and a producer. We went through a lot to do this, and we are very happy and excited to be part of MMFF this December. This was written by Ricky Lee and I was able to work with two of the greatest actresses in the country." Iza adds "I'm very grateful to be part of this year's December MMFF, we were supposed to promote already but it sort of just happened that there was a pandemic. I realized that we have had so many projects together aside from impostora and engkantadya, all of those wherein we were in a generation 10 years ago. Now we have a more mature material, the skill of Direk Mac guiding us and this was made by sir Ricky Lee. This breathes life to the character of Agnes. This might not be experienced yet by young ones, but they will have a better understanding of it when they experience it later on with their lives." This will be streamed exclusively on Upstream.

Isa Pang Bahaghari by Heaven's Best Entertainment

Former seaman asks his gay best friend to help him reconnect with his past. Cast include Philip Salvador, Nora Aunor, Michael De Mesa, Joseph Marco, Zanjoe Marudo, Sanya Lopez, directed by Joel Lamangan. Superstar Nora Aunor plays a wife who didn't see his husband for 20 years, still loves him but finds it hard to forgive after almost not seeing him for 2 decades. Direk Joel says "This is not BL, but Tito Love. The process of finding love of one woman he loves, and the gay man he loved too. This is somewhat another line from Rainbow Sunset. Homosexuals can do true love." The movie has seasoned veteran artists and the formula is different. Direk added "This talks about family too, the Filipino family who experienced troubles of Mothers, Fathers, and they will identify with that. This also talks about importance of friendship, the importance of love so people will connect with the characters. The superstar Nora Aunor is not going to tarnish, she is like wine, she gets so good at her craft. Philip was under Lino Brocka and you will see how good they are as actors. They will also be showcasing a new generation of actors, an ensemble acting. This is interesting to have on the screen since this is a very powerful cast. I don't know if I'm going to be happy not seeing this in the usual theater, but I am looking forward to it. I hope we still go back to the dark corners of a movie house soon." Ms. Harlene Bautista says "We are so excited to see this be shown, we might have not been able to do it last year but now, you have the chance to see it on the December MMFF. This film is nicer to enjoy in a movie theater ambiance, but since this is digital, this would be good to be seen by the fans of the superstar globally without waiting for it on cable or other mediums. Everybody put in their best including writer Enrique Ramos." Sanya Lopez adds "We prepared for this because we got the chance to work with Ms. Nora and Direk Joel who are very serious about their craft. When I read the script, this really would break hearts. You will find how to forgive, how to love and how to accept."

 

Suarez the Healing Priest by Saranggola Media Productions

Fernando Suarez, true to live story of a Catholic Priest who did miracles. He had issues with the church, the religious, this is directed by Joven Tan. Main character is John Arcilla. Direk says "We shot this one healing session before he passed, and they claim they have been healed. In this pandemic, our faith will save us. There are 10 entries and we have choices. Even after all the other entries, we need something that holds our faith dearly. This might be a different experience, but we have to be really safe in order to watch these entries. This is a huge thing that Upstream and MMFF is doing. John Arcilla adds "Heneral Luna was heavily promoted online, and it became a box office success in 2015. We now have a global audience, he has a lot of followers and I hope they come with us to see this film. This validates faith, we have hope, I believe this has significance even at these times. As an actor, it was easy in a subjective way because he has a backbone of being a real person. You have something to base your character in, his faith, his social and psychological ways in seeing life. It is easy to justify a fictional character, but this one you just have to act and put his essence in my ways. I didn't completely copy him, just his demeanor. This is produced by Edith Feder.

Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim by Cineko Productions

This is a fantasy, horror-comedy-adventure flick starring Vhong Navarro. It introduces Filipino folklore in a different light of a character that is pretty familiar to us since Mang Kepweng has been in the movies since olden times. This is directed by Topel Lee. He says "This is my first time working with them and surprisingly I felt a little sad to see the filming end because we were a happy bunch. Vhong is a very talented actor and he interjects stuff with his character. We collaborated with the comedians and we included these fun elements in this film. FumiYam was able to finish their scenes even if one of them had some issues in Japan. Ion was okay and he had Vhong and Ryan to make him a guinea pig. I wasn't able to find the first one, but our line producer was part of that film. The difference was just the twists of the story, it now has a lot of locations, set design and computer graphics added to this." Ritz Azul says "I was shocked that I got to be in two entries this year. It was a riot to film this, I needed to be serious for most of this movie but I wanted to have fun with them when they were in character. I play the queen of Encantadia who had to fight for the black bandana."

PAKBOYS Takusa by Viva

4 guys, already married, but still fancies women. Will they get in trouble? Well, their adventure starts as they meet women, and yes, once a playboy, always a playboy. Unfortunately, they will undergo an intervention. This film is directed by Al Tantay. This stars Janno Gibbs, Andrew E, Dennis Padilla and Jerald Napoles. June Rufino says "We had to work in the new normal and we are so glad to be part of the MMFF." Dennis says "We are excited, we need to make the Filipino audience laugh and for sure they will see that because we have a very naughty Director. The film is fun because we are inspired to work with the ladies too. The people at home who don't have anything to do, you have 1 hour and a half of fun with us." Direk Al adds "Our set is fun, we have already worked together, a serious film, and our intention is to lighten the mood. I'm glad to see there are several comedy films this season and we have a lot of people to entertain during the pandemic. The film will help. If you watch the film, it isn't that sexy, we stimulate the brain to make it look sexy. The artists are all conservative (he kids)."

The Boy Foretold by the Stars by Cleverminds Inc.

This is the BL film that I was waiting for. It has something to do with ones fortune, homosexuality, and how they become soulmates. This is directed by Dolly Dulu and produced by Jodi Sta. Maria. This is the first BL film to be included in the MMFF. Producer Derick Cabrido says "The material has promise, and the message is different when we got this sent for MMFF. Jodi is so nice doing this, she is very supportive of the material and she really likes the product. It was a very personal connection for her and Dolly to do this." Dolly Dulu adds "Getting in MMFF was a hope and we are so thankful we got in. I don't think there is a competition with other gay films, this is younger, and people can appreciate both films. Both have quality. Adrian and Keann has awesome chemistry. One comes from theater and the other comes from Commercials. Our priority was about how they did the characters, Adrian plays an effeminate character. Keann was a confused straight guy, and if you watch this you will see their chemistry on screen. When we did the previous project on iWant, I told her about this film, she really did it with us. She was the angel for this project. The peg is romcom, you have to require that, and we can't spoil things but you will see elements of it there. You have to watch it. They did it so nicely." 

 

 

 

Adrian Lindayag says "Kian and I have worked together but when we were casted here, we had familiarity and comfortable even off screen." Kian adds "Yes it did affect our chemistry, Adrian was part of why I did my character efficiently. Throughout the story I will fall in love with him." They hope you see the film on December 25.

Fan Girl by Epic Media

Written and Directed by Direk Antonette Jadaone, she did this film and with Paolo Avelino. This tells a story of a fan girl, played by Charlie Dizon as she braves to meet her hero Paulo Avelino. This was done 4 years after being shown in Tokyo.

Paulo says "Actually I asked for the script, I think I was the last choice because this material was floating around. I fell in love with it, it talks about our current fandom culture, not just here but abroad. It is very Filipino, very crazy, like an obsession. I appreciate the reviews, the people behind the movie. It's a reason that affirms that my decision was the right one. For the first time, you will see a different Antonette Jadaone." Direk says "I needed an artist who understood the script. The actor needs to be a little smart because he needed to play his own character. His only question was who was the fan girl. Charlie was picked from among 180 girls. We needed to find a new face, one who didn't had a lead role yet. We had one person who played the role once but she backed out because of contracts. He wanted to tackle something that goes in fantasy and reality."

So make sure you get your apps downloaded as this will all be shown on the Upstream app on December 25 worldwide!

A Full Online December MMFF this 2020

MMFF is the annual festival that is held every year and this Christmas, MMDA and their partners would want to end it with a happy note. There are other opportunities and platforms so they partnered up with Globe and make it possible for them to pursue showcasing our movies to a worldiwde audience via Upstream and pay via GCash for the tickets in G Movies. 

Danilo Lim the MMDA Chairman says “The MMFF is part of Christmas, a tradition and in this pandemic we will never let it not happen. We got 5 outfits who sent their plans and Globe is the most attractive one. The plan is not just to make the Filipino homes happy, but bring this worldwide! What we have been doing will now be virtually done, from premieres, launches, with health protocols observed. We can watch these films at home, to present these movies online.”

Ernest Cu the Chairman of Globe says “We almost didn’t experience this year’s MMFF as audiences await their favorite artists to appear on screen. Movie houses may not be the best place to gather and in Globe we try our very best to provide solutions, to recreate the Christmas we love digitally with our partner Upstream so millions of Pinoys around the world can access it virtually, and access it on Video on Demand. We also are fighting online piracy, illegal streaming and copying of content, but on our campaign we try to educate more. To not affect the livelihood of content creators, film makers and their families, to lose that and not be able to put out good quality films today. We are one of the first companies to promote great Filipino films to the global audience through GMovies. We thank the MMDA and we hope to bring more cheers to Filipino homes and keep the spirit of the holidays alive. Globe has always been able to deliver like GCash in the market, it will also have gaming, goods through the app itself. Using our technology of Gcash, GMovies and Upstream, we can now watch in our homes bringing solution to Filipinos for their everyday needs. The MMFF is important to not deprive our industry of an outlet, a medium to also earn a living. We try to bring also our film makers to a global stage, to make them thrive and grow. We can bring the Filipino content to the likes of South Korea, it all starts with a dream!”

Quark Henares says “You will now be able to watch through Upstream all the content til the MMFF season. To signify the signing of these documents, we raise our mobile phones on screen to officially start it.”

“G Movies now has a new feature, the new platform initially just offer tickets. This pandemic, we offer new ways to access content by using a few taps starting November 14, we partner with Globe, Upstream and MMDA to make this possible. We spent with the Upstream team to discover content, make this seamless and easy to use. We will also be using Gcash for payments to make it more accessible to the public. Potentially to pay everything over the counter.”

Dondon Monteverde says “We are happy that amidst the uncertainty, we opened up this venture to connect with Globe’s infrastructure to now be able to stream it here in the Philippines and abroad! This is a big deal to entertain our audience, this platform was made for content producers. To bring it abroad. For those who are excited we are bringing this to you, we hope for your support in the continuance of MMFF 2020, right at your own homes. Right now we are attacking things differently, with the strong infrastructure of Globe our material is already going out to our audience. We are taking it a step at a time, to bring it all to Filipinos.” 

According to the MMDA “We have 4 official entries per script but deadline has been extended to finalize everything mid November. The price of tickets will be 250 pesos and the whole family can watch in one device without going out in the cinemas. Also, there will be a virtual parade of stars so you won’t miss anything at all. So guys, are you ready for the new December MMFF 2020? 

This will be good!