FANEY: A Fitting Tribute for the Superstar and Adoring Fans of NORA AUNOR

 

Sitting with a throng of screaming Noranians inside a full cinema was certainly not what I expected to see in the screening of FANEY (The Fan) at the Gateway Cineplex just this evening. This is a film by Director Adolf Alix Jr., made as a tribute to the one and only superstar Ms. Nora Aunor who passed a few weeks ago.

This is the handy work of producers RS Francisco, Frontrow International, Intele Builders, Noble Wolf and AQ Films. It is written for cinema by the Director himself, and quite hard to do since it's election season and the energy is pretty down because of our loss, she's a national artist of course!

They coincided the screening with the superstars birthday, which is today May 21st. Editors surely had sleepless nights just to make sure it got shown on this date. Laurice Guillen is good at her craft, uttering iconic lines of Nora Aunor, she made it felt how it is to be a loyal fan. Doing it on screen was no easy job, but she took us along for the ride.

She was flanked by Direk Gina Alajar (who played her daughter) and Kapuso Actress Althea Ablan (as her grandchild) in the film. Direk Gina's character was more of a protective one, who didn't understand how becoming a fan of Nora Aunor meant you would need to have lots of sacrifices including your own family. 

If you are a fan of the Superstar, you'll really have to pay attention to the references of this film because a lot of it will be based on Nora Aunor's movies.  You'll get moments to ask yourself if what you are watching is real, or a line from another project of hers. It's like every scene would become a test if you know this movie they are referring to or not. Add to that their family dynamics, how they unleashed their anger because they couldn't believe her passion, her loyalty to her idol, and how it has affected their families too. It also showcases the bond, the reasons on how a Noranian is built different and why they remain and adore her to this day.

 This film also has gems, like Bembol Roco who brought Nora centric romance in the movie. There's also Roderick Paulate who did several scenes that would rival his fun movies in the 80's, Ms. Perla Bautista who at 85 still felt sharp with her character. You will also get to feel the rivalry between Ms. Nora and Vilma Santos, as there will be bouts of it in the movie. Althea Ablan on the other hand did good as she represents a generation who understands why Noranians are still Noranians. Bring lots of tissues if you are a fan, because this is all about Ms. Nora Aunor and YOU as a fan. The real stories they shared are all incredible, and told by the people themselves, front and center.

It's a well made piece, stay for the ending because you'll feel the nostalgia that her life brings. It is a proper tribute for the Superstar, the National Artist we all adore and love.

ALFRED VARGAS To Pay Tribute For Superstar NORA AUNOR

I distinctly remember watching the film "PIETA" during its advanced screening a couple years ago at Sine Pop in Quezon City. If memory serves me right, it's the last film released prior to a horror flick "Mananambal" which was also done by prolific director Adolf Aix Jr. last year. ALFRED VARGAS played her son Isaac who least wanted to be recognized but it was a bit too late because of her mental state and the mystery surrounding their affinity with another character played by Direk Gina Alajar. That was iconic compared to the same movie with the same title done in 1983.

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In recent events and her passing, Alfred says "My dear Ate Guy (Nora Aunor's moniker), working with you has been one of the greatest honors of my life. You have touched my heart in so many ways and have also given me so much without uttering a word. You have inspired and mentored me through our scenes and I won't forget about our time in PIETA, and I won't forget you. Her humility and generosity is only what true stars possess. I only felt this with you Ate Guy. Thank you for accepting me wholeheartedly, and to have the chance to work with you, to know you as the one and only SUPERSTAR, may you rest in peace and I love you!"

And as a tribute to the SUPERSTAR Nora Aunor, Alfred Vargas will be doing a screening of PIETA in SM.Cinemas nationwide later this year so that her adoring fans would be able to get a glimpse one of the last films of Ms. Nora.

A worthy tribute for a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts!

Ready to Make Miracles Happen: ISANG HIMALA Hits Theaters on December 25th for MMFF 2024

This film was on my list since I've heard of it. Surely, if you're a fan of the original film starring the one and only Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor in the 80's called HIMALA, this musical film called "ISANG HIMALA" would give you the same feels, but even more chills. This is the handy work of famed writer National Artist Ricky Lee and music by Vincent De Jesus. This is directed by Pepe Diokno and is officially an entry to the Metro Manila Film Fest 2024 who's also celebrating their 50th Anniversary. 

I've known Aicelle Santos for a few years now. It would be an understatement to call her A VERY TALENTED SINGER because I feel she's more than that. Her character Elsa who hails from a town called Cupang saw an apparition and began doing miracles with people. There's bound to be trouble with that because everyone would need to get healed and make things happen with that. Instead of getting better religious belief, they began fan service for the healer and Elsa wasn't going to take it. So in a nutshell it'll be the same story, but what will make this totally different is how they would tell it through music. For those who don't know, this has already been made into a musical (on stage), but there will be more things to offer now that they're doing the musical on the silver screen. Aicelle's voice will surely give you chills, but hold up, there's more to expect in this film!

Though there's Aicelle, she also has Bituin Escalante, Floyd Tena, David Ezra, Neomi Gonzales, Kakki Teodoro, Vic Robinson, Joann Co and an ensemble cast (hello Ivan Panganiban!) eager to tell this story. It's definitely not a one woman show, and with these powerful FILIPINO voices spun together, it's going to be a masterpiece waiting to happen.

Much of these folks may have not been seen on movies or TV, but they've got years of experience in theater which they'll be bringing to the table. They'll prove once again that pinoy singers reign supreme when it comes to singing, and this isn't even the karaoke type people fear in contests around the world. 

 

 

Ricky Lee says "I feel this is a tribute to the 1982 version we did in the past, when I met Vincent, I was glad it was being interpreted in different mediums. She (Nora Aunor) also will have participation in this film but you would need to watch it."

Pepe Diokno says "I fell in love when I watched the film, and the musical was the most powerful material on theater and I thought about it long after watching it. 42 years after watching it, I think it needs to be revisited, the difference is it's more emotional because of the songs."

Bituin Escalante adds "I never imagined I could be a mother, it's a family affair for me when my sister was cast in 2018, this is himaLOVE."

Aicelle adds "Back in 2018, Nora Aunor watched us on stage and I remember she told us how it was something that made her remember the shoot in 1982. She almost cried, and I've got proof of it. It was during the RAK of Aegis party when Sir Vincent approached me and told me I could do Elsa. I was taken aback because I saw the concert and how big the role is. I've had personal miracles, my brother myocardium issues, I prayed for him, and he opened his eyes. My Mom stopped crying, I really believe in miracles, this film just shows how we all have miracles of our own. There will be one on December 25. I think we have something to offer, it has historical and social content. We hope people get to watch it, especially since it is the only musical in the entries this year. I am more excited because it is hard to think of pressure, we enjoyed doing it so whatever it becomes, we welcome it."

Vince says "In 2003, Soxy Topacio asked me to work on a project with Ricky Lee, I wasn't crazy to say no. Things just come, the whole production is just a miracle for us including the MMFF 2024 nomination. The new music is originally piano but we made it into an orchestra, but it's now a little rock opera ish. The set actually fits the music, it is gritty and fierce."

Buckle up and go wear your Sunday outfits because "ISANG HIMALA" will hit theaters on December 25. Don't be afraid to sing a long with your friends and family, bring them along to the miracle that is "ISANG HIMALA", the official entry of Kapitol Films and UXS Inc. for the 50th Anniversary of the Metro Manila Film Festival.

It Deserves to Be Seen: PIETA with NORA AUNOR and ALFRED VARGAS

 

I distinctly remember watching re-runs of Pieta on television back in the day. It was made by Carlo J. Caparas, and stars Ace Vergel†, Charito Solis† and so many others. The other was for TV with Ryan Agoncillo and the iconic Ms. Cherie Gil†. I was looking forward to see this version of "PIETA" made by director Adolfo Alix Jr. which stars National Artist and Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor and former Congressman and now Councilor Alfred Vargas from Quezon City. During MMFF 2023, they didn't include this film in the lineup. It would have made history to see the legendary actresses battle it out in cinemas, but I guess fate had other plans.

Good news for those who wait as this film produced by Alternative Vision Cinema Inc. and Noble Wolf Films will be shown in January in cinemas nationwide. But before that happens, we got first dibs during the advanced screening last week at Sine Pop in Cubao, Quezon City.

First of all, the cast is a lethal combination. If you could measure acting prowess with a device, it would break if you put them together in one room. With the likes of Gina Alajar, Jaclyn Jose, Angeli Bayani, Bembol Roco, it would be a bit impossible not to see how rich their bench is. Also in the cast is Ina Raymundo, Allan Paule, Dan Alvaro, Elora Espano, and Tommy Alejandrino, who will all get themselves involved in the lives of Rebecca and Isaac (played by Nora and Alfred). 

This piece is totally different from the Caparas film, and is not in any way related to it. PIETA is written by heavily awarded Jerry Gracio known for his work in several movies, MMK on TV, screenplays and great literary work in Filipino. He's also a Palanca awardee, so you could sense there's great expectations in actually having this written for the silver screen.

 Here's some scenes before the advanced screening:

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Alfred Vargas' character Isaac lives in troubled times. Having spent years in incarceration, he was given a second chance to live a good life. He was in for murder, but remained oblivious about what happened. When he arrived home, his Mom had supposed Alzheimer's disease or some form of dementia. Nora's character Rebecca used to religiously visit him in jail but suddenly stopped, and they attributed it to the condition which he found out after arriving at the ancestral home/farm. He found her there almost completely blind, unaware of who he is, with Beth (played by Gina Alajar) providing care for her.

He was set on now dividing his time in finding out the truth, and see ways on how he could at least get to be recognized by his own Mom. He also knew how his own brother stood witness against him, but he couldn't figure out why. This and all the other complications in his new life happens, right when he thought he was doing good.    

The film discusses a lot of social issues, but its main essence lies on the relationship of the Mother and Son. This is their journey to discovering how even if the mind won't recognize who he is, her heart would eventually know. Their attempts to reconnect treads cute to dark poetry, dance and even folk songs. Her singing? Can't tell if she did (as it might spoil things), but it'll fit right with Rebecca's silent moments which you'll find essential. Director Adolf Alix Jr. knows how to set up things on the plot, a lot of which you'll find flipped and reversed.     

 

Putting Ms. Nora Aunor in a film is like an automatic masterclass of sorts. It felt like a treat to see her in PIETA. There's a Filipino term "mata-mata acting" which connotes acting with just the eyes... and how powerful she could encompass emotions with it (let alone do it while blind). She's literally known for that in the industry; and how even without words, she could do it with ease. That's one of the reasons she's adored, and highly regarded by peers. Direk Adolf also emphasized how Ms. Nora doesn't fear CHANGE, they've absolutely done remarkable work and let the eyes talk lengthily in this film. They did the same for Alfred Vargas' scenes and close up shots. Make sure you watch it in cinemas because it'll feel a lot different. They're planning to release this also in streaming platforms so it could get to Noranians around the world. 

 

Here's Director Adolfo Alix Jr. talking about his experience with the cast:

PIETA will be released during the 1st Quarter of 2024. I like what I saw. This acting piece didn't go to the wrong people. It's rare to see an ensemble cast of this caliber to happen in a film. 

It needs to be seen.

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!

The MMFF Family Film Called "Kabisera"

There's a system to the "dining table" that's quite unique in the Philippine setting. It's called the "Kabisera" which is a chair set at the center of the table usually given to the head of the family. It's like the King's throne to put it bluntly, but really an unspoken rule of respect given to them. At the halls of Salu (a restaurant at Scout Torillo in Quezon City), RJ Agustin welcomed us and promised we'll like what their film "Kabisera", this is Firestarters Productions official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2016. He adds "This film is very timely, it's full of social relevance and good family values. We tell a story that inspires movie goers and when they go out of the theater they'll have something to take home. Who am I in the family? Do I have a strong character? Am I the breadwinner and do I have the right to be there?! We made a point to get the best ones so it would balance out since we had Nora Aunor in it. The Filipino audience now has different taste, you will see a different set, quality is a standard and taste is subjective and there is a high demand for high quality films." 

Director Real Florido says "I told myself, lMaybe this time, we could make the cut". Our last shooting day was two days prior to submission and this is really important for the industry to promote films that tell authentic real stories. Everyone in the production feels we did our best and what the Jury saw this year just gave us hope that there's more to this movie. Don't say we don't have a big star because we have the one and only Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor and 9 former awardees. The importance of family, giving value to what our conscience says and continue to ask questions. It started with a concept of a family drama based on real life. It's a personal approach, talks about tragedies of families. We already have Nora Aunor in the cast and it just happened later on that we had awardee actors as well. I learned a lot too from Direk Boy who also is part of this film. It was a collaborative work and we need to make sure we get to do our jobs as actor and Director properly, I've never met them and this was a great experience. We're already preparing for international festivals and screenings so I see more in the horizon where this film will earn. We're excited like the other entries, we hope we all do well." 

Now's your chance to prove if the jurors of MMFF this year did the right thing in choosing these 8 films. They are all pushing for a PG rating and they want you to know that this deserves your attention, it's about a family and happened during 2007. The case is not even done yet but they can't divulge who it is. It's classic, it's powerful, worthy of your time and money for a strongly statemented (if there is such a word) film.

KUMAGCOW

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Chynna Ortaleza for Dementia

Just like you, I've been watching her on TV for the longest time. She's now doing serious acting both on TV and movies. Speaking of which, she's also starring on an independently produced film called DIMENSIA with no less than the one and only Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor. It's a tall order for everyone to say the least to be working with Nora, let alone be in scene with her. Chynna would have been very nervous, we got that vibe from her but she feels very blessed to have been able to do it.

Chynna tells us about the Director Perci Intalan's style and says "If we are on a take or if he's explaining something, it's like you were talking to your brother and he doesn't stop himself from telling you what needs to be done. He also tells it nicely and he never got angry on the set. He kept it happy so all of us felt that way all throughout the filming. We also felt like he was a friend and not just a Director. His system on how he get things done was unbelievable. We did if fast and I guess that's where his experience in production goes as we get the job done without getting tired at all. That's why Ms. Nora also loves him, you would not get the same intensity if he didn't care about his actors and he knows that. He didn't even show us the film and I was so surprised when I saw the final product because I couldn't even recognize myself. For a director who had just done his film debut, this is really excellent. It's even better than some of the films done by masters of Philippine cinema. He's also going to get better at this so just imagine. We also got this to be an entry in Portugal for this genre. I hope I find time to go there too and experience that to get feedback from other nationalities."

"Dimensia as accorded by Director Perci Intalan's vision is to really try to reshape horror in the Philippines. The progression for that genre in Japan and Thailand is really good and we're kinda stuck with our own monsters and there's really nothing new. It's not super original but it's well made. It's not a sell out horror flick and we want to show them the workings of the mind. Sometimes fear comes from you. That's why it's called Dimentia. At first you might get scared but there's drama, there's a story. That's going to be your takeaway, you think about what happens in your life after the movie. That's the great thing about Perci Intalan's film. The cinematography and sound is clean and I'm so proud of it. That's why I always ask people to watch it. Batanes is so amazing. It's so sad sometimes that we make really good movies but we don't see people watching it that much. Then people from other countries notice it faster than we do. So if you like the film, please see it and tell other people about it. I hope they get to make more films because they've done a great job, hopefully to revamp Philippine cinema."

"It is horror but it's not really to scare people, we don't want this to bother you but rather think. That's the intention. We want you to enjoy the film but take away what happens when a person has Dimensia. We want you to think about your own reality. I really like the first few reactions we got from the people watching the film. They have really mixed opinions. Working with Nora was in my bucketlist, I had this audition last February 14. Even if I didn't have a date, I was glad because the gift was mind boggling that it was Nora Aunor that I was going to work with. I couldn't really believe it. It took me two weeks to finally realize I was really going to work with her. Perci was always telling jokes about it. I hope every actor gets to work with her. They will really learn a lot. We were in Batanes for two weeks, I was still star struck. Even if she didn't treat me like I was, after a scene, she told her manager to pull me and said to me "You were great in that scene!"...after she said that, I just broke down. I just said, because that complement came from you. I was really overwhelmed. She was laughing at me, but I felt like I won an Oscar."

"Initially, they were having a hard time finding the young Olivia to play the younger me on the film because they couldn't find one that would be able to look like my eyes on the film. The stares I do, they had a hard time. Christine Joy arrived, and they casted her. She's believable like me so it was like perfect for the casting. Dimentia is a little chaotic for Mara Fabre. Things will unravel in the middle of the film, everything is inserted and you wouldn't be bored like putting the pieces of the puzzle they had to put together. Like the Monet painting she was trying to solve. The doll was Olivia's by the way, it's not Maria Leonora Teresa."

We then watched the film the day after. I must say they did do it differently. I don't want to spoil the story for you but in a nutshell, the performance highlights were when Chynna was in shackles. You should watch out also for Nora Aunor's tight facial shots because you will be moved by her eyes much like her other films have always shown. It's in the eyes.

The magnificent landscape views in Batanes is like a dream, you'll see it as a perfect backdraft for the story and make the people see a part of the Philippines that's less traveled. You'll really be creeped out on parts of the film wherein they did intend to scare you. I didn't find Jasmine Curtis' performance too good on some scenes but we can laud her on those where she got possessed which comes a little later on the film. Overall, it would come to a point where it'll make you think. This is exactly the reason why Perci Intalan made this film, he has achieved his story telling even on a very limited budget. That's massively important, to just get your point across. I can imagine this would have been better with more computer graphics especially on perceiving a more contemporary ghost like appearance on the ghost that's in the film. It's already being shown on theaters (since the 24th!) so I suggest you take the trip to the mall and watch it especially because these are probably one of the few films that Nora Aunor will make in this decade.

Good job Chynna! You did good.

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Dimentia

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