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!

Scenes from the MEDIA DAY with TVJ and LEGIT DABARKADS

While I was asking around the TV5's Reliance Studios of what's about to happen, I kind of forgot how huge and controversial this issue is in the Philippine entertainment scene. It's a mix between the matters of business, the personalities, ethics, loyalty, and heartbreak. To say the least, it was hard to digest and formulate apt questions to be streamed live on TV5 and different social channels, scary lol.

Though in hindsight, it just boils down to this... TVJ and all of the Dabarkads are just looking for a new home... TV5 chose them, and so did TVJ Productions Inc. (a company owned by Tito, Vic Sotto and Joey De Leon). For starters, the MVP Group has approached Eat Bulaga a long time ago (according to MVP) and it just happened that the whole talk between them happened after all that issue happened at the other corp. What's happening now is that Mediaquest and TVJ Productions Inc. are now entering an investment deal. They got 51% of the media production company, so they're not blocktimers, they are part owners of the actual company. Ms. Jane Basas the President and CEO of MQuest Ventures was also there to welcome them on board. Senator Tito Sotto was thankful about their welcome!

The first topic was about WHAT IS THE NEW NAME OF THE SHOW? WILL THERE BE A NEW NAME?

This was answered by TVJ during the first part of the mediacon:

Then during the mediacon, it was certainly a time for them to get their statements out especially with Bossing Vic, Joey De Leon, Ryan Agoncillo and Allan K who really went balling when several questions were asked about the kind people who supported them plus the time when they were told about their apparent separation from the production.

Senator Tito Sotto also talked about the circumstances around the copyright case they're undergoing, and asserts ownership of Joey de Leon of it. This is really a huge debacle they're being involved in and here's hoping everything will get settled, amicably while both sides get justice they seek. 

About the show, they said it'll be called (XXXXXXX) well, they didn't really confirm the title. So sit back, relax and make sure you see the show on July 1st as they surprise you with what's going to happen with the show they plan to put out lunchtime with the Legit Dabarkads and your well loved TVJ. For now, congratulations to MQuest Ventures and TVJ Productions Inc. for formally signing your partnership. Go get Filipinos entertained!

Cignal TV, TV5 and MVP Group of Companies Launch Movement This Christmas

 

Christmas is just around the corner and yes, not everyone is celebrating the actual day because of the pandemic. To spread cheer and positivity, the movers and shakers of Cignal TV, TV5 and the MVP Group is coming together for a cause they call Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko Movement. It's an open call for generosity, charity, so other people in the community could also feel the spirit of Christmas.

The movement is part of their CSR efforts in order to give special noche buena treats, they have screened and identified beneficiaries who have been heavily affected by recent typhoons, calamities and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko Movement is open to everyone and people from Cignal TV, TV5 and the MVP Group has set up channels where you can also send donations and affect more in this particular cause. This means, you too can make Christmas happen for someone undergoing hardships these days.

To make it even more special, they also created the TULOY PA RIN ANG PASKO song. This was specifically created for this movement. It is written by Louie Ocampo and the lyrics was done by Noel Ferrer. Add to that, the music video featuring various artists who believe, support the cause. Now all you need to do is go and deposit on the accounts indicated on the photo above or use the paymaya QR code and contribute whatever amount you can, big or small, so they too get to feel the Christmas cheers this movement is trying to convey.

Learn to share, it would make you feel good.