Green Bones Tops MMFF 2024 Awardees: Now Shows in Over 180 Cinemas

Green Bones unfurled a few surprise wins in the recent Metro Manila Film Festival 2024 Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night) which happened last December 27th hosted by the folks from the Metro Manila Development Authority. They won the festival's coveted BEST PICTURE Award amongst 10 entries including the Best Actor award for Dennis Trillo, Best Supporting Actor for Ruru Madrid, Best Child Performer for Sienna Stevens, Best Screenplay for National Artist Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza, Best Cinematography by Neil Daza and the nod of critics. The night's award ceremony was witnessed by GMA Network's Senior Vice President and GMA Films President Ms. Anette Gozon-Valdes. She describes the win as a great show of their efforts, risks, to ultimately tell the story in hopes of people loving the story, in its wonderful and outstanding depiction. 

This is the vision of GMA Picture's Executive Vice President Nessa Valdellon. They wanted to make sure that the movie would become a vessel to showcase the amount of talent their artists have, and no doubt Dennis Trillo, Ruru Madrid gave their all.  Critics likewise saw how production took risks, and lauded how Director Zig Dulay made sure it be at par or even better than last year's successful entry "Firefly" which got rave reviews and top awards  too. Dennis' portrayal of Dom Zamora had complexity, Ruru on the other hand did Xavier Gonzaga - who's a very colorful character, who wouldn't want to fall or have a change of heart with criminals like Dom in the film. MMFF also took notice of Sienna Stevens, got her the Best Child Performer trophy, and nominations for talented actors Royce Cabrera and our guy Mikoy Morales who had their moments in the film. If you haven't watched it yet, just be warned I've seen fully grown men who had a bout of crying in the cinema, a handy work of Ricky Lee and his excellent screenwriting no doubt. Go watch this touching, but now, well decorated film that's been lauded by movie goers during the festival. You'll be surprised how emotional it will get in the end, and see why Green Bones took accolades this year.

Potential Runaway Winner "GREEN BONES" is GMA's Entry for MMFF 2024

"Green Bones" stars during the premiere night (photos by Kapuso PR Girl on FB) 

While I was not able to watch the screening or participate in Green Bones press conference a couple days ago, I'm quite sure they're bringing their guns out for GMA's entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2024. Why? The cast includes Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid, not to mention an ensemble cast of award winning actors like Alessandra de Rossi, Michael de Mesa, Iza Calzado, Nonie Buencamino plus the same people who worked on hit film "Firefly" that won Best Picture and Best Screenplay last year. Top caliber actors like them would just have this for a snack because no doubt, Dennis Trillo will surely perform above and beyond expectations. He plays the role of Domingo Zamora, a man who got jailed because of the murder of his own sister. Ruru on the other hand will be depicting Xavier Gonzaga who's a committed prison guard who ultimately wants Zamora to remain locked up, no matter what it takes. 

While the story would have begged for action sequences, it delves more into drama surrounding the myth behind green bones, where their remains become the measure of their goodness/virtue. Ruru's character won't be believing Zamora's change, because he's got history with matters of senseless crimes, as his own sister was a victim of it. 

This will be quite interesting to see because from the looks of those who have watched it in advanced screenings, people were trying their best not to cry, but failed miserably. This is the handy work of the same "Firefly" director Zig Dulay who's undoubtedly done remarkable pieces on TV with the likes of "Maria Clara at Ibarra" and "Sahaya" amongst his stellar work that won awards in different festivals here and abroad. Not to mention the work poured in by GMA Public Affairs' JC Rubio, legendary writer and National Artist Ricky Lee and last year's Best Screenplay victor Anj Atienza. They are also with some of my favorite actors Mikoy Morales, Royce Cabrera, Kylie Padilla, Victor Neri, Ruby Ruiz, Sofia Pablo, Sienna Stevens and Enzo Osorio plus more on their ensemble cast. I wouldn't be surprised why this was already tapped by Columbia Pictures which is the flagship distribution unit of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group. They'll be handling international release for it which just tells how qualified this Filipino film is in winning even more categories this year!

This is in celebration of the 50th year Anniversary of the MMFF, congratulations GMA and to all the artists! You've got something special coming out this Christmas and the whole family can watch it as it is rated G!

MIKOY MORALES Lands 2 Movies in Cinemalaya

It's been a while since we've had the chance to talk to Mikoy Morales. The accomplished actor, singer and comedian has gone leaps and bounds since he started his career in Protege. There has been a huge change in his persona, as he admits it has kept him a bit angry over the years. Now he's initiated to take a look at things with a perspective, to rather take a pause when talking, think over what he should say instead of the usual defensive reply and even gaslighting. He admits to being conscious about it, and the changes he's done made this year a fruitful one. In Cinemalaya alone, he's got 2 movie entries namely "Tether" and "Rookie". 

"Rookie" is about women's sports. Mikoy joins actors Pat Tingjuy, Aya Fernandez and Ms. Agot Isidro in this Volleyball-GL (Girl's Love Story) film. "Tether" on the other hand is a lot troubling, a sci-fi film where love, relationships and pain take wild turns, all with them in it. It's a bit of a stretch compared to his previous work that they had to undergo sensuality workshops to accomplish several scenes in the movie. Aside from that, Mikoy has been doing several shows on GMA including a new series (to be announced soon). His music career also has been good, as he's making scores, tracks and music for several films (some to be sent abroad for film festivals). He also has a few singles coming out soon so stay tuned for that as well.

Here's the mediacon for Mikoy yesterday, please watch and listen in about his new films!

Here's a few more about his relationships, and his realizations too.

 

Mikoy thanks his friends, family, his girlfriend about the blessings he's receiving these past few months. He attributes the nice things he has accomplished because of their trust in him. He also thanks his directors, which he feels was much serendipitous, being at the right place and right time, that in this world of second options, they chose him for the specific roles he's doing in the two projects. His artistry has no more angst and bitterness, no more they/them in the industry, and has proved effective in making him that viable actor he deserves to be. He now knows his priorities, setting it straight, and I hope more people love him for his craft. 

He's a good chap, so cheers to that!

Hear, See and Feel The Male Perspective on D**kTalk

There are surely a lot of talk about this particular original theater piece by Edwin Vinarao and Christian Clemente called D***kTalk. You can say it's a little more like V****a Monologues but for the male form. This is written by Benj Cruz, Ara Vicencio and is still in the script development stages but they gave us early access, not to tease, but just to get a little taste of it.

Edgardo Boy Vinerao says "It's something I was excited about, this is our dream project. This is out of the box, and we meant it because this is talking about it, d***s. It's pretty taboo here, but there are so many good things to talk about, and understand. You'll be hearing voices of it, just like each and the rest of us. Parts of the line they do mirror real life. They are just one powerful cast. Hope to see you at the RCBC theater when shows start in April.

Direk Phil Noble adds "This is our first time to showcase the elements and text of our actors, and how their characters evolve. The questions of manhood, machismo, how big the body is, or how huge their d*** is. This play wants to spark talk on perspective of one's manhood, on what he goes through just like women. The thing is like the heart, we need to take care of it. It will be heard repeatedly until it becomes organic."

Yes, the talk delves more into measuring one's manhood. Filipino terms for it actually sound more vulgar but they went ahead and introduced it to the audience, to later, have it feel more normal and start a little discourse about it especially amongst adults which the performance wants to reach.  There will be no mansplaining,or maybe a little, and a few instances of talking about IT and how it differs in every generation. 

Jake Cuenca plays Peter, Mikoy Morales is Cecile, Nil Nodalo plays Rob, Gold Aceron is Junjun and Archi Adamos plays Doodz. They're in different stages in their lives, one is using his for work, the other for proof of sexuality, the other is wondering why it's shaped oddly. Then another one gets depressed if it doesn't work as efficiently, then another proves you don't need one at all. It was just the tip of the... iceberg and they didn't even touch on some personal issues, in jest, in angst, or just plain letting it all out on stage. In a Philippine setting, talk about this would really be unsettling for some but somehow, it needs to be said, it needs to be done so they're just doing it. 

This would be really tough to pull for actors since it involves a lot of TALK. It's going to be doubly harder to also keep YOU interested in what they're saying, and make you feel uncomfortable at times, but still listen to their message (like putting their d*** on your ear) for entertainment, education or your own realization.

 

The 10 shows will be mounted at the huge RCBC Theater from April 15-23, 2023. This excerpt of D**kTalk already have had the press, showbuyers and theatre folks lead to the conversation, and there's even more they plan to do on the actual show. If you're a bit artsy and don't mind a little discomfort on the tête a tête you'll have with the cast, get your tickets via ticketworld.com.ph and see what nice things you should hear, see and feel at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium starting on April 15th.

Whether you are a man, woman, LGBTQIA++, as long as you are 18 and above, you be sure to connect with one or more of the characters and make the premise of talking about the d***s (or maybe show it if they feel like it) as casually as they can on the day of the show. This is produced by V-Roll Media Ventures.

The Male Form Issues on Stage This April

Gold Aceron, Nil Nodalo, Jake Cuenca, and Mikoy Morales comprise the cast of D***Talk

Looks like the men will take the stage this coming April as V-Roll Media Ventures and its sister company Trifecta Band Lab does a theatrical production does a run of DIC*TALK. Directed by Phil Noble (who's done several movies and TV shows) this show will tackle mostly the male form, masculinity, manhood, and the male organ. Tickets are out now on TICKETWORLD for shows from April 15, 16, 18-21, and the 23rd.

Performers include multi awarded actor Jake Cuenca, esteemed indie actor Gold Aceron, singer and actor Mikoy Morales, theater actor Archi Adamos plus trans man Nil Nodalo who will be doing the LGBTQIA+ role on the show. Surely this will be something that will be a little uncomfortable for some to tackle, but they will anyway. The show was created by Edwin Vinarao and writers Ara Vicencio, Benj Cruz Garcia. Much of the talk will be relatable, current, funny and less preachy, this will be intereseting to see on stage.

You can liken this to the previous hit show Vag*** Monologues but of course will be talking about the opposite one. Much of which will be no holds barred, very revealing way. Make sure you get tickets at premier.ticketworld.com.ph and seats range from Php 2000-Php 3650, this will be at the RCBC Theater in Makati. Go do it!

MIKOY MORALES Renews Ties with GMA, Gets Milestones in Career and Lovelife

Looks like good man Mikoy Morales is getting a lot of good things in his life as her renews ties with GMA Artist Center just this week. For starters, he's got several shows which he appears in regularly and during the presscon, he divulged that he's in a relationship with a non showbiz person. He's also got several things in the pipeline which has something to do with music, I've been watching him stream quite often and I'm equally excited for him.

He was asked what else would he want to do now that he's stayed with the Kapuso network and says
"I wanna do a historical film, someone interesting. That's on top of mind. I am happily in a relationship now. I was clearing up a lot of deadlines and other work, going home and resting. Sometimes I am amazed at how GMA actually likes me, I'm not a conventional artist and I used to only just get an email when I renew but now have to do these interviews, so I'm really happy. Being in Bubble Gang is really a great experience, I'm kinda an insecure guy, but I feel I could power through things because of humor. At this point I don't know if my fans don't know me anymore, because I've been pretty open and also I want to do a lot of things that are outside of my comfort zone. Right now, I want to work with my personal friends Juancho, Mikee, and those that I've been able to have workshops with. Also Rocco, Mike Tan, I wish to do things because we have different projects and I hope we get to see each other on set. It's really a different kind of fun when we're together. Not just classmates, but really serious actors that I adore."

You can continue to see him in Pepito Manaloto, Bubble Gang, Lolong and other productions. He will also make music, mostly for films that will be using it for their soundtrack. That's just the tip of the iceberg, and we can't wait for more things to happy to one of our favorite boys in showbiz!

Alden Richards for The Gift

This will show on September 16, a few of you have it already tweeted I’m sure.

Alden says “This is the first time I am portraying a blind character. Jo Berry will play my Mom and the fear here is not doing other characters you could explore with. My grandparents are my inspiration especially in my life. This story affected me so much because the story is hopeful, regardless of circumstances.”

We saw the first few episodes, much like a long trailer. They took time establishing the characters back story, why he ended up with his Mom and the whole tragedy that happened with his life. Add to that the fun things he’ll do with his love life, oh yeah he’s going to have that happen a few days. Until something abrupt happens. It will change his life... and destiny.

The cast includes Jo Berry, Elizabeth Oropesa, Jean Garcia, TJ Trinidad, Mikee Quintos, Mikoy Morales, Martin Del Rosario, Christian Vasquez, Betong Sumaya, Rochelle Pangilinan, Tetay, Luz Valdez, Victor Anastacio, Isabelle Ortega, and Thia Thomalia.

Check out our coverage here from the September reveal last night!

Make sure you stay tuned on GMA this September 16, you wouldn’t want to miss Alden of course!

Bubble Gang Stages Musical On Their 22nd Anniversary

Has it really been that long? Yeah, I feel old all of a sudden. It's our favorite Gag show's 22nd anniversary, if you count that alone it's like an adult already but they're still dishing out jokes, skits, entertaining numbers every Friday on GMA. They must have felt it's time to actually do something different, something that they all have never done before, and this Friday they'll tell you a LAUGH story with the use of the songs of Parokya Ni Edgar who has encompassed and been loved by generations of Baby Boomers, Generation X, Y, Xennials, Millenials and just about anyone in the Philippines. We were there when they taped this two part episode a few days ago. 

Let me just tell you first, this was absolutely an awesome show! I saw Michael V, Kim Domingo, Paolo Contis, Mikael Daez, Betong Sumaya, Diego and the rest of the cast sing and dance all throughout the performance treating it like they've been doing theater already. If you see this all later, you would probably be one of the many people who would want to see this staged.

I also saw that Michael V was a big part of the production, he even made changes to the script and seeked the help of real theater directors in order to put this out there. We were not really allowed to take videos inside the studio but trust me, all these photos don't do justice with the show they're about to broadcast later at 10PM. Parokya Bentedos is also about a love story, but I don't want to spoil things so make sure you watch the first part later!

I extremely like Betong's character here as Michael V's Mom, his antics portraying that just had us laughing everytime she sings. The kind that would almost make you pee in your pants lol!

Juancho Trivino, Antonio Aquitana, Mikoy Morales are also in this musical. You might hate or love them in the end.

Please make sure you watch their show later this evening as Bubble Gang presents Parokya Bentedos: A Laugh Story on the heart of Asia, GMA!

KUMAGCOW

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Indie Film "4 DAYS" Now Shown In Greenbelt and Trinoma Cinemas

I had the chance to watch 4 Days last week through a private screening arranged by the film's Director Adolf Alix Jr. and the cast of this movie. Yes, it's being shown right now on theaters through a commercial run at Greenbelt 1 and Trinoma this week, perhaps even an extended run if it actually does good in the box office. The trailer alone had people raving about it, enough to get it viral and gain countless views. For starters, I'd laud it for it's truthful depiction of an LGBT relationship in a setting that is very relateable to this generation. 

The premise started innocent, some supposed young straight men going through colorful strides in their college life. Struggling in keeping relationships, or playing along to score, misogynistic at times, then completely become a one sided battle when one gets distraught by the rules of falling in love. Then Derek gets depression (Seb Castro's character), no, melancholy in fact. This spurred Mark's eagerness to care for a friend (played by Mikoy Morales), to see his imperfections and struggles as opportunities to connect, reverse with a little comedy until he refuses to let him off that easy. Then they found themselves looking at each other, eye to eye, with an uncanny thirst for uncontrolled lust, passion... even love. This is all happening while they're supposed to be straight one day, then question themselves the next. Yet at the back of their minds, it was unmistakeable... they liked it.

In dire situations, I had a hard time believing how they were cool about it the day after but the bond they may have made years before that might have gotten their feelings for each other in a very complacent position. Now they're closeted, never felt to even ask this position to be wrong, or right. I wouldn't want to spoil things for you, but in a nutshell you should put an end to this feeling of wanting to watch this film. This definitely deserves your attention, and you'll never look at showers or ketchup the same way again. Seb Castro and Mikoy Morales took two interesting characters to heart and made it believable, intense at times... but fairly romantic. 

We had a short chat with Seb Castro during the intimate press preview of their film. Director Adolf Alix was there too during that afternoon and showed us his short film called KINABUKASAN which stars Alden Richards and Nora Aunor, a bonus if you watch the movie on theaters.

I fervently hope you get to watch it this week as they go on a commercial run in Greenbelt 1 and Trinoma Cinemas, they hopefully would get extend and have it shown for an even wider audience. Something I'd love to see.

Wish you all the luck buddy!