Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence Finds Perfect Platform and Teases Episode 3

I distinctly remember seeing the first two episodes back in May when we got to talk with Ian Veneracion, a couple of the cast members and the director (who was still finding a platform at that time). To this day, they already know their goal was to spark conversations. It wasn't to tell what was right or wrong, or manufacture truth, or sway a political stand. They are now on the Rein Entertainment YouTube channel (found on https://www.youtube.com/@reinentertainment) which means folks can comment, talk, share their thoughts on the topic the limited series discussed. This time, we had the pleasure of watching episode 3, and it was amazing to say the least.  

Direk Shugo Praico says "We want to start conversations, understanding and healing when they watch this film. We are not in the business of changing minds, it's complex and could be just anyone in your own community. Our guiding truth is still there." 

Writer Jonathan Guillermo says "We used research and it started with stories that we can create characters that are fully alive. We throw them into situations and they in turn give human reactions, no villains, no heroes, fully immersed in the story. We pivot on a few plots, to make coherent and enjoyable stories, we had to tone down on some instances. Like Reb, the real story is a bit outlandish, but we made it easier to swallow. That one weird thing doesn't take away from the larger story." 

Here's the talk back session after the screening:

 

 

Harvey says "I was watching episode 2 last night, reading questions about it, I feel his perspective was his emotions of having no choice, he death with his cards, he did not have support, went to hiding and even the system designed to protect him is not there. It is happening to people, you could picture how much we would pity him. The only thing in my head was finding out the truth from my father. I witnessed it, the aftermath. Before I got the episode script, you have to believe that he still had hope, even if it may not happen, you will see it in future episodes." 

"Lydia is a role, no matter how small, people will see themselves in you. She represents mothers, people who care for their children, and in episode 3 you can see how characters still fought for their lives. Some of them know they are wrong, but they still did it. Ian's role also stood for truth, and not when it is too late for them to speak." 

Miggy Jimenez says "I couldn't just sit here and say I like peanut butter, but after that, umay na! The final output portrayed a kid who didn't have anybody with him, no comfort, who just asked friends for help. I didn't have a background for Reb, but we had to study withdrawals, it's tiring, dirty and fun. I like the process and I wanted to fight for it too, but I'm scared too."

You need to watch Episode 3, and make sure to form your own opinion after seeing the scenes based on true stories, actual people who lived to tell the tale. It's on YouTube and comes out on Thursdays. This is produced by Rein Entertainment. 

 

MIDNIGHT GIRLS: Excellent Depiction of Social Issues and Family Relationships

Just by face value, this new film called "Midnight Girls" felt like a dream come true. Imagine putting together some of the country's best actresses who's work speaks largely on their previous projects like Jodi Sta. Maria, Jane Oineza, Sanya Lopez and Loisa Andalio - and then have blockbuster Director Irene Villamor do it at the the beautiful Nagoya, Japan. 

For those who don't know, a lot of entertainers (mostly singers, performers and dancers) went to Japan for work since the 80's, 90's... and it still is happening today. The film gives a glimpse of not just working conditions, but the actual dynamics of family life, of how little appreciation they get from working there, and how their relationships happen in dire conditions because they still want to survive... and take care of the folks back home.

Here's the Mediacon which happened at Gateway Cinemas:

Jodi Sta. Maria is her old self, doing easy work on dramatic moments especially the scenes with Zaijan Jaranilla (where you'll probably cry). I like the character of Sanya Lopez because she's so extra as Trix. Loud but quirky, she absolutely loves to fall in love and wish for the prince charming she deserves. The person playing the Japanese partner of Sanya in the movie is super attractive, but in real life changed the whole conversation they made for the film. Since he's doing theater, he was alarmed that the script contained non conversational Japanese, so they had to do everything from scratch in just 3 days. The whole cast also needed to learn Japanese (hence the long production), but it was essential to understand how they got to talk with their patrons. Jane Oineza's character is interesting, and you'll need to figure out why she's doing a lot of the unnecessary stuff while she's figuring out who she is in the movie. Loisa on the other hand also did good as Bea, and the manner she treated her boyfriend (Miggy Jimenez) made me realize how corny people get at times when we fall in love. Her story was also intense, when people realize the need to work to put food on the table, but this doesn't equate to who you are as a person. A lot of this will be seen on the film when it comes out May 13 nationwide.

This is produced by TJAV Films (who's got a very young producer behind it) and is released in the Philippines by Warner Brothers. This will also be part of the Far East Festival in Italy, so your support is needed for that too. I'd gladly put this at 4/5, for it's excellence in discussing social issues. I'm sure you've got OFW's who've gone through the same and would easily connect with them individually.

GMA Thanksgiving Night with Gabbi, Ruru, Miggy and Bianca

We went to GMA a few days ago through the invitation of GMA Artist Center for what seems to be a thanksgiving dinner. Seems - because instead of the usual "just eating dinner" part, we had the chance to talk to some of GMA's brightest stars. Mind you, these guys and gals are very busy but they went out of their way to talk to us even just for a few hours.

I got excited when I saw one of my favorite love teams in GMA, it's Gabbi Garcia and Ruru Madrid. Also, we had the privilege of seeing Miggy Jimenez and Bianca Umali who hails from the popular show "Once Upon a Kiss". I watched these guys on their previous shows and they have indeed improve a lot in the acting department. They're still doing this program with a multitude of veteran stars on the list. I personally watch it and the pairing of Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali has taken a life on its own. They were even blessed with endorsements because aside from the  fact that they look good together, they're wearing the BUM clothes quite comfortably and they add it matches their personality. I'll give you the shots from that perhaps next month.

Ruru Madrid and Gabbi Garcia look so good together. I would even mistake they've been a real life couple for some time now. Their closeness is evident and we can even see their chemistry on screen, it's really effective and the clamor for another project has always been there. They just finished a short run over "Seasons of Love" and that was really successful. They know you guys want something of the same tone the next time they come out on TV and from what I heard, GMA and GMA Artist Center has tons of plans for them. They couldn't confirm yet though but I believe they'll be given a soap pretty soon. Aside from that, Ruru told us how comfortable they are already and when he works with Gabbi, he doesn't stress as much because every time they're in a scene, it's like they know when to attack the characters like they've done it for a hundred times. Even if Ruru adlibs on some occasion, Gabbi can insert her ideas in the scene without hesitation. That happens even if they didn't rehearse before a shot.

As for their love life, they made the impression that they're not really in a hurry. They're still young and they've got tons of projects in the pipeline. It's that work that they're more worried about rather than the relationship that could blossom with their pairing. They know where they stand and they have seriously talked about it. They have decided to concentrate on their careers first, and as they have noted, their families are very close already that small things like that are not to be worried about. If they arrive at an opportune time to be with each other, they'll get there and there's no need to rush things they said. I've never seen Ruru so serious answering a question like that haha!

Bianca by the way goes to home school and she's almost going to finish it soon. She also passed the acceleration exams and plans to take up a course in the arts. She's not expecting to stay in show business her whole life. She's so involved in it and is sketching quite a lot already. She did show us her latest ones and it is impressive. She also dreams to do nude paintings, which she plans to do in the future. She's inspired with family, the feeling of being alone, and she says she overthinks a lot. She also says she's kind of in love with the darkness, much like Chynna Ortaleza, similar, a little she adds. They got to spend some time too during workshops and she also enjoys her company. I find her really good in photos and really good in editorials because I've seen her during BUM shoots. She worked with Miggy for a few years but Bianca was too young to remember that. He even showed Bianca their photos and they were beside each other but didn't know about it til the time they worked together. It was like 2004 so it's pretty understandable. Bianca also adds Miguel couldn't come that time because he got sick during the taping of Ismol Family. It's kinda very cold in their location and they were a little tired since they almost shoot everyday. They are in hacienda like locations because the script calls for it.

Miggy by the way celebrated his birthday earlier and said the kids they went to in the shelter (Child Haus) were so sweet because they received lots of cards and gifts from them. He said he'll be using that experience too as an actor. He says he got too emotional during the Artist Center event earlier. He dances and plans to improve on it still. He does look a little bit like Enrique Gil according to some bloggers we were with earlier. He's a bit young and wants to still improve so many things so he's taking time to do workshops which will improve his work. He said he couldn't watch the show anymore but wanted to do so, but his schedules for the shoot coincide with the time they show it. He only learns about the episodes on Twitter and they're blessed that they trend everyday since they started, and with that, he's very thankful for.

Thank you so much to GMA Artist Center and everyone who made this event possible! Thank you also to Gab, Ruru, Miggy and Bianca for being so nice during the interviews. I hope we get to visit you on the set soon, and your future projects too!

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