BIG NIGHT: A Feisty, Funny Entry for the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival

It’s been a while since Direk Jun Lana came out with a film but this one produced by Cignal Entertainment, IdeaFirst Company, October Train Films and Quantum Films would certainly ruffle feathers as the topic delves on the governments drug war that cost so many lives. It would be interesting to see how they would be able to tell a story about it especially when this topic in particular is very pointed politically. Watched it a few days ago in Gateway Mall as part of the press screening, you could say it’s a dark dramedy. With award winning actor Christian Bables on the lead role, it made the gay spin effective; and put the point across without people realizing how serious this is. This is also their official entry for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

BIG NIGHT usually is coined from the events that gay bars in this part of the world do when they let it all out. It’s the evening where they make all the grand production numbers and let hell hath fury when it comes to adult entertainment/male pageants. This is where Christian’s character “Dharna” also works as his partner Zeus played by Nico Antonio joins these pageants as he dreams to win some day. Dharna also works in the beauty industry (owns a shack salon) but has unfortunately found himself reported in a "watch list". That entails being hunted down or killed, even if he isn’t involved in it. This starts the quest to clear his name, a chase that might prove lethal as he's seen a couple downed just because they're on it. He needed to hurry though because chances are, he could be next. Here, he hopes to live another day. The story also involves a lot of interesting characters, an ensemble of actors with the likes of Eugene Domingo, Gina Alajar, Ms. Janice de Belen, Ricky Davao, Ms. Gina Pareño, Nico Antonio, Allan Paule, Soliman Cruz, Martin del Rosario, Awra Briguela, my friend VJ Mendoza, Cedrick Juan, Ogie Diaz, Ms. Sue Prado. and best actor John Arcilla.

Christian says “When I watched this, I thought it wasn’t me. The work we do with the director and co actors are different, it changes you to become the other person, and I think that’s why this is good! I had a hard time doing the ambulance scene physically, I think I lost 5 pounds (he kids). If I win awards for this I’d gladly accept it, but whatever happens I’m already happy that you didn’t see me as Christian but just Dharna on screen.”

Direk Jun Lana took us on a ride, bringing real scenes of poverty, family, religion, community, corruption, society and heartbreak. This movie made me feel very sad, to see how things could be, to make something so evil become just a norm. He put it out there for us to discuss, the interpretation is left to the ones who watches it. The musical scoring in different scenes will haunt you a bit, effective and makes you feel like it was you involved in the scene. John Arcilla’s scenes is on another dimension, it was crazy and unusual, and Christian’s reaction to that was gold (you'll know more about it if you watch the movie!).

Miss Janice adds “People need to see other people go out in the streets, in malls and watch movies again. It’s okay but of course with proper protocols, we need to learn to live with this and try to live normally.”

Perci Intalan, Atty. Joji Alonzo, Isabelle Santillan was also in the screening. Miss Isabelle says “We’re very excited about the film because this is the first time Cignal is sending an entry for the MMFF.”

Atty Joji says “Jun and Perci asked me to co produce this and I hope you like this, if not please be kind.” she jokes.

Perci says “Thank you to everyone, to our partners, this was a passion project in 2019 and we were able to produce it during lockdown. Please, spread the word!”

Here are excerpts of the interview we had with them right after the screening, enjoy! 

 

BIG NIGHT is part of the Metro Manila Film Festival, and according to Direk Jun there will be a sequel. I’d love to see that, because this movie just begs for more. It’s organic, funny, and you get what they’re doing the scenes itself because it's so relatable, it talks about what is happening in current Philippine society. I remember Direk Jun mentioned that this may not be fully understood by foreign audiences because this was made for FILIPINOS. Also, there would be several scenes that would be Easter egg moments for you, and they left it to your interpretation. I'd love to see this again during MMFF and see how audiences would react to it. I sincerely loved how they presented the message, and I won't expect less because this is a Jun Lana film. It makes you want to talk about it, and it makes you think.

See you on theaters this MMFF 2021!

TV5 Partners With Cignal Entertainment for New Shows in the Kapatid Network

The landscape of broadcasting has changed and TV5 is ramping up their shows and reviving their entertainment arm earmarked with this new partnership with Cignal Entertainment. 

They did close down their home grown entertainment shows and talent pool a few years back and just concentrated on Sports and News programs as a business decision. However, they saw how there is a need for new and fresh content for Filipinos and that would need to come from somewhere. Broadcasting is having a major transformation and people are looking for options especially in free to air and pay tv. Number one pay tv provider Cignal TV knows this and the move to partner with TV5 is in some way came naturally, as Robert Galang the head honcho for TV5 says "We are now positioned better, as we enter a new phase to expand programming and promote new content in our assets.There will be in house production for TV5 but for news and sports. Most of our entertainment content now will be independently produced. TV5 and Cignal TV will be having the same head, having a common vision leading both companies to seamlessly work together. Separate orgs, but will have more collaboration using both our strengths."

Producer and Director Perci Intalan adds "TV5 has been a breath of fresh air in the industry. This is where a lot of programs have been born and now in the crucial time of TV history, they decided to invest in entertainment again. Now we are balancing entertainment content that the advertisers are looking for, starting APT entertainment who has 2 shows (Bawal Na Game Show and Fill in the Bank) , doing things they are really good at. Talentadong Pinoy is also back, with Ryan Agoncillo called “Bangon Talentadong Pinoy”, Usapang Real Life with Ms. Luchi Cruz Valdez, Chika BESH with Pokwang, Pauleen Luna Sotto and Ria Atayde, Fit For Life with Jessy Mendiola, In Action with Raffy Tulfo. We are planning a lot in 2021 and even 2022 as suddenly, things are possible.

These are the new shows!

New shows on TV5 coming very soon!

Bawal na Game Show with Paolo Ballesteros and Wally Bayola

Bangon Talentadong Pinoy with Ryan Agoncillo

Usapang Real Life with Ms. Luchi Cruz Valdez

Fit for Life with Jessy Mendiola

Pokwang, Pauleen Luna Sotto and Ria Atayde for Chika na BESH

Idol in Action with Raffy Tulfo

Fill In The Bank with Pokwang and Jose Manalo

About Branding One Sports, OnePH, OneTV

Ms. Triccie Tolentino the Vice President/Head of Marketing for Media5 says “TV5 is already a good brand and what will change is just programming. It’s just going to be bigger and better. All our shows will be in digital, our platforms will also bear that including Cignal TV and we will cross promote through these channels.”

On Maine Mendoza

Ms. Sienna Olaso the First Vice President and Head of Channels & Content for CignalTV says "A few months back we launched Buko channel, in there we have programs with Maine, hopefully Perci can also add more of that content into TV5. We continue to plan and do creative content in our channels. The pandemic is just pushing off some, a little of the shoots."

So stay tuned for that, you might see Maine and other Buko channel programs in TV5.

On Kris Aquino Being Part of TV5

Direk Perci days “Kris is very much welcome in TV5 but there are a few things they need to fix from their side and that production is external. It is their turf, but one thing for sure is that we are excited for her and we will wait for her."

About Ms. Sharon Cuneta and ABSCBN

Sir Robert Galang says "TV5 is open to everybody including talents of ABSCBN. We are working with independent producers working with us, in co productions or block timers, we can work with everybody."

We got the impression that they are even open to the idea of getting block timers which may be good news if ABSCBN would see that as an opportunity.

Direk Perci adds "Ms. Sharon Cuneta is also welcome if someone produces her show on TV5, issues in the past don’t matter. We don’t and never close doors."

On IdeaFirst Content

Direk Perci says “I am not pushing for anything from IdeaFirst as I am wearing two hats. I only approve shows as accorded to me by content and TV5 programming. Also, Gameboys is already good in Youtube, I don’t know yet for TV, but anything can happen.”

I hope they do consider this including Pearl Next Door because it's high time people see it on free to air and digital TV.

For those who want to pitch content in TV5, they are looking for quality, fresh content, gameshows, narratives, if it passes their taste, it can be presented in the channel. He says "We are talking to producers mostly, if they have stars from any channel it is their choice. We don’t talk to individual artists so it would be from them. There will be opportunities, to intentionally have our own stars. Someone can pitch, talent shows included, remember we discovered Morisette in a show before. A lot of stars have just not gotten big breaks, we will let it come naturally if it can happen with TV5. There are more ways to break the tradition of programming, the genre may always be the same but how you do it is the difference. We will be pushing the envelope."

Direk also added “We are targetting August 15, for the formal launch of this partnership. We are also in talks with other production companies but they are still in development. Big comeback? Of course it can’t be done in one day but our first shows will be launched in August 15. We are mindful people don’t want everything in one day, but rest assured there will be more shows on TV5."

Fill in the BANK and Bawal na Game Show will start on August 15, 6PM to 8PM

So for now, they've confirmed Fill in the Bank, Bawal na Gameshow and Chika Na BESH which is produced by APT Entertainment. We can't wait to see these new shows and a brand new TV5 lineup in the coming months.

Are you excited? :) I am!

10 Reasons To Watch BORN BEAUTIFUL

Okay, I think it’s about time you get ready for this wonderful film by Direk Jun Lana and Perci Intalan which had us all at the edge of our seats with the tons of trailers they came out with. I was hoping to see this last MMFF but as Direk Perci told me, they will have their time. I was one of the few people invited to see the film’s UNCUT version last week, so here’s 10 reasons why you should watch BORN BEAUTIFUL.

1. This is a SEQUEL. The highly successful DIE BEAUTIFUL needs to be continued and this did not disappoint.

2. Martin Del Rosario as Barbs is eye candy. He fits the role like a glove, because if it’s not him it wouldn’t be believable why Barbs always wins in beaucons. There I said it.

3. Lou Veloso is a very good actor then, he’s greater now. You will love his quirks, how motherly and forgiving he has been not just for Barbs, but for every gay person she’s welcomed to her home and business. You will love her even more in confrontations, she’ll blurt out expletives like breakfast, tons of it.

4. Paolo Ballesteros is also here. His character Trisha is no small role, in fact he feels like a highlight in this film even if it was a few cameos. He comes armed with the makeup transformations he’s known for. This time though, it will be iconic, it will be controversial, it will stir emotions of the conservative, religious, but he explained well why he did it (as part of the conversation).

5. Kiko Matos is ANIMALISTIC. He’s the rough and tough guy you always fantasized about. He did it and Barbs liked it. Maybe because there’s just too much tongue all round lol. Even if it was traumatic in the beginning and all the friends warned her about him, she chose to be with him still. Until when? That remains to be seen when you watch this film.

6. Akihiro Blanco is the ROMANTIC type. I must say, I didn’t expect him to do the things he did in this film because he’s always been the goody two shoes, the guy who wouldn’t dare do it with a guy, but he gave himself for the craft and I think I heard several shrieks in the front row (from his fans) who actually felt it was a romantic scene every time he appeared with Barbs on screen. That is a good measure of his capability as an actor, I personally also am rooting for Barbs and him to be paired in the movie given the circumstances (which you will see in the movie). This actually happens in real life and this was a tough way to bring it out in the open.

7. Jun Lana and Perci Intalan are geniuses. As Direk Jun puts it he says “We do not make films to be SAFE. If you make a film, you must step on something. If that’s what you want then let’s not make films anymore.” That for me is a tough and bold statement, I can’t wait to see what they have in the series through Cignal.

8. VJ Mendoza (albeit shortlived) have delivered strongly as Princess. The comedic punches in this movie was an opportunity to show how crafty people are and have that sense of TIMING. He did good, also the whole cast so prepare yourself laughing continuously on some instances.

9. This movie will educate you about OPEN relationships, how to LOVE as much as you can. It also discusses about false religious groups, abuses, mature stuff not normally discussed in classrooms. I hope this would be allowed to be viewed R-16 as they are appealing I think. The uncut version wasn’t as harsh or overly matured as I thought it would be. MTRCB should reconsider.

10. It is worth every penny you will spend for a movie ticket, I even can say they have given even MORE in this sequel. I would highly suggest you bring yourself, your straight friends, your LGBTQ+ people because this would be something people could LEARN from aside from getting the entertainment value it brings.

Born Beautiful is also being planned to be shown as a series in CIGNAL very soon. Before that, you should take the time to watch it this January 23, 2019. This again is written by Direk Jun Lana, done by Screenwriter Rody Vera, Elmer Gatchalian, Ivan Andrew Payawal and Fatrick Tabada. This is produced by CIGNAL Entertainment, Octobertrain Films and The IdeaFirst Company. Some scenes will be bleeped on the regular screening, but you will still have the story told.

Congratulations to the men, women, LGBTQ+ people who made this what it is. 9/10 for me.

BORN BEAUTIFUL: Martin Del Rosario on His Kissing Scenes

Good looks and puppy dog eyes won’t get you roles if you don’t really have the talent. This has been proven by Kapuso star Martin Del Rosario as he reprises the role of Barbs in the sequel Born Beautiful. 

Martin says “I really felt pressured but very honored to have been chosen by Direk Perci Intalan and Direk Jun Lana. Of course people are expecting a lot with the success of Die Beautiful, add to that I had to become the new Barbs in the film. I believe we have done our best to make this as good as the previous one. I had to trim down a lot and diet because I had to fit in female clothes. I also avoided working so I would look more feminine without the muscles. I also had to groom myself and undergo waxing, to get into character because Barbs is complicated so I had to study how she moves.”

He adds “I watched the first Die Beautiful movie and I was glad to accept the sequel, it is a challenge but I have worked with them in other projects before so I knew this was going to be good. Die Beautiful was simple, but this one is more matured in understanding Trans people, finding happiness, having an identity crisis after Trishia died. I will met Trishia’s ex, my ex and go on a journey finding that happiness I am looking for. It was offered to me after they had complexities with Barbs, but definitely I will have a different take on her. I don’t really get affected about what they say online, I read it but I don’t reply. Paulo gave me beauty tips, fixing nails, stuff, he was there in the first day and he made me comfortable. It won’t be so far if you compare the cut and uncut versions, just a few bleeps and scenes shortened but you will still understand the story. The uncut scenes will be on the Friday when you come and watch it on our premiere. My discoveries? It’s difficult to be trans, the physical and mental changes, the acceptance, the love, it’s different but at the end of the day we all have the capacity to love and be loved. Aki was more nervous than me, I already had a scene with Kiko before hand but Aki had to be the one to approach me since I have to be more feminine, Kiko was wild and had s3xual tension. For me, kissing guys and girls are the same. Maybe it just depends on how the kiss is executed.”

“I only had problems on the first day, I was perspiring, on the chair for two hours and was clean shaven everywhere. It did also hurt, I only got used to it on the few days after. When I got to be trans, I was surprised because I looked beautiful. I felt in character and do female things, but the reality of being taped and wax was a sacrifice. This has more drama elements I think, it’s a more matured way of telling a trans story. Christian and I haven’t met each other but we did talk on Twitter about it. More than the ones you see on trailer, you’ll see even more on Cignal.”

Born Beautiful will be premiering on January 23 in Cinemas nationwide! 

KUMAGCOW 

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Judy Ann Shines, Angelica Sparks in Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes

I've seen the film industry improve over the years and one glorious evidence of that is the film Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes (The Two Mrs. Reyes) which is produced by Star Cinema, Quantum Films and made by the Idea First Company under Perci Intalan and Directed by Jun Lana. I've honestly been bored of Filipino films lately that I haven't seen some of them in the recent MMFF, but this piece wasn't going to pass me since Judy Ann is doing it. Yes she's got hits and misses but I guess this material was just promising. It's got all the angles in it, romance, love, infidelity, s3x, foreplay, even food and the whole enchilada of LGBTQWTFOMGBBQ causes you can think of.

Judy Ann being the Queen has never lost her touch. She cries like a river, and can definitely touch you in so many ways that you'll find yourself crying in the dark corners of the cinema. Yes I admit that might have been me, not once, but twice because her monologues was just the highlight of the film, one that you should pay attention to when her character starts posting a Facebook status towards the end of the film. You would fall for her, feel her pain, her agony, her angst and you would feel good while she's letting it all out on social media, just like what your friends do on their timeline too.

Angelica Panganiban on the other hand had her own battles. Like a woman scorned, she wanted revenge, but later finds herself learning, enjoying, moving on from the whole ordeal. She also presents the punchlines so well you'll hear the gallery laugh quite hard during the whole movie. She's going to get mad and bonded with cats, travel the world to seek revenge, then perhaps fall in love with a stranger found in the most unconventional places. She's also going to cancel all holidays for you, that particular line will stick to you like glue so pay attention when she does her outbursts... oh she's got a ton of that. 

I haven't had so much fun in movies lately, this particular one made me cry twice, had me laugh and made me feel good about Filipino movies again. This film also stars JC De Vera and Joross Gamboa, you'll love how their pair would intertwine their story in different situations. As Direk Perci said "This is our opening day and I hope you see this film, if you like it please spread the word. I really hope you like the movie because as of now we are hearing it’s doing good in the box office. If you are posting anything on social media please use #AngDalawangMrsReyes so we can see it!”

Screenings started yesterday and if you haven't watched this movie yet, you better spend for it today because it's really good.

KUMAGCOW

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The IDEAFIRST Company Artist Management

It looks like a new wave of talents is coming your way via The IDEAFIRST Company. Now they won't be just producing shows for TV5 but putting up The IDEAFIRST Company Artist Management means they'll be handling in house artists, a range of Directors to be part of a whole plethora of talents made to cater and complement what the content creators from The IDEAFIRST Company is already doing. 

Perci Intalan says "We are excited, it's like coming of age, exciting times, and it's interesting. Storytellers are already getting fame, social media makes them celebrities just like in Hollywood. It's a sign that the formula is changing, the good story, the good cast is now appreciated. When we started the company, we wanted artistry to be the heart of the business. We expanded beyond production and now it goes in different ways, this is in the heart of IDEAFIRST Company."

7 of the brightest Directors have banded together and will be part of the Dominic Lim, Ivan Payawal, Mikp Livelo, Prime Cruz, Sigrid Bernardo, Perci Intalan and Jun Lana. This will mean they will line produce for the big studios and represent these celebrity Directors and manage them accordingly. We will support them, tell them the next step, Directors and writers don't know hownto represent themselves so we are empowering them even if they are not doing projects under us, but with other production companies. Though they have different styles, they will still tell the stories how they want it. Some will get to work together, and will make this grow. Be prepared to see even more great stories, as they will be mentored by the people from IDEAFIRST Company specifically Perci Intalan and Jun Lana. 

Direk Jun Lana says "Managing talents came in at the right time. It's like a natural extension of what we do and we have them all work with us in past projects, you'll know about them later. When we created IDEAFIRST, we knew we had our hopes on the creative side so we really invested with great writers and storytellers. We will continue to be a production company and we will be content creators for other companies."

As mentioned earlier, they will also be managing talents and we got to see three of them. Cedrick Juan, Adrianna So and Christian Bables.

Cedrick Juan introduced himself and said "I came from FEU and UP theater companies, worked hard and had to represent myself. I personally talk to producers and tell them what I do in theater in the hopes of getting roles in films or TV. I am so glad I'm going to be taken cared of by IDEAFIRST, with a clear career path and vision of who I want to be as an artist."

I have watched how Malak So now Adrianna So grow as an artist in TV5 but now that she's out of the contract, and now joining IDEAFIRST she says "When they asked me what I'd like to achieve, I wanted to be a good girl. It was my first time to also be in the lead. We discussed changing my name (which she had long been wanting to do) but didn't get it at the time. (Now they did it and she's glad to keep the surname as she keeps it for her mom). I trust these people, I believe IDEAFIRST has a lot of things in mind that they could do for me. I am so glad to be with them."

Christian Bables adds "I've been asked by so many people and management companies but I know how they are like family to me. IDEAFIRST made me and I am so excited to see what the future holds for us."

Stay tuned for more of IDEAFIRST Company's artists in various shows, in different movies and channels.

KUMAGCOW

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Carl Guevarra, Ella Cruz Stars In "Parang Normal Activity" On TV5

Now this ain't your run of the mill Wattpad Presents program, they're actually going to start a new show together with Carlo Guevarra and teen star Ella Cruz plus these good looking guys Ryle Paolo Santiago, Andre Garcia and Shaun Salvador. It's called "Parang Normal Activity", a horror comedy flick plus a little cutesy romance in the mix made by the production house of Perci Intalan and Jun Lana called The IdeaFirst Company in cooperation with the happy network TV5. 

Direk Perci and Jun Lana pitched this last year and got the nod just recently. They've already made a few days worth of the series and were quite happy about the fresh new take on the genre which they've been gunning for. This is a thrilling show with mystery solving adventures that will involve 3 geeky boys with a ghost that became their friend too. We saw the trailers and there were really some funny scenes we should all look forward to when it shows on July 11, 2015.

I was amazed at how Ella Cruz's Wattpad Series got really good ratings and this time, Star Magic was gracious enough to have her do a full show which I felt she was really happy to do when I talked to her. She said "We all know that right after doing a show, you kinda have to stay in the sidelines because we have tons of stars in ABSCBN's stable. Since I'm available and will do a show months from now, I got the chance to do this including the Wattpad thing I did a few weeks back. I'm happy that Direk Jun and Perci trusted me."

Direk Perci says "Thanks for coming! Our show is going to be very young, a little different in energy. This is one of the two projects we created for TV5 knowing what the people want for entertainment. In this case, we're doing horror and it has worked in the past on TV but we're making it a little shocking, with new fresh faces and I hope you'll love the premise of the characters. Ella Cruz plays Charlie the little pretty ghost from the 90's, while the three guys play Third, Red and Makoy (Ryle Paolo Santiago, Andre Garcia, Sean Salvador).who put up a Paranormal Club in school. They also have different stars as their parents and guardians, different sets where even the funny Mystica is going to be a part of. Sean Salvador auditioned for the case and we knew we needed new faces especially in the horror flick we're making. The first thing in mind we wanted to have is someone who could carry the group even without looking at her. Some of our production staff worked with Ella during the Wattpad Presents filming and we talked to Star Magic so we could work with her. Paolo and Andre also came in from Star Magic and they were casted."

Sean says "This is my first show but I did commercials in the past. This is my first acting job, my first show. I tried auditioning for Star Struck and failed but this is my biggest break. We feel like  brothers and sisters because we bonded through the workshop they had us do. With the three episodes we did, it felt like we're just having fun."

Talking to Andre he says "I'm Joseph Andre, 15 and I'm still studying in Kostka. I really liked Super Inggo and I always watch the show, we were having dinner and some production people who discovered me were there. I then did commercials, and do VTR's, they approached my Aunt so they could get me for Kungfu Kids which was on ABSCBN. I did commercials for Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs, Angel Evap and Vaseline so that added to the experience. Working for TV5 was really nice, when we asked Star Magic to do this we didn't have any problems since I didn't have a regular show yet. We already did 3 taping days, almost 4 episodes and we're doing that so we won't get backlogs. I worked with Ella in Going Bulilit in the past so it was comfortable to work with her in this show. I'm Red here, son of a single Mom played by Mystica. It's the first time I've worked with her and I was a little shy. She was so nice to me, I play a nerd here who is a part of a group that put up the organization for the paranormal. We did it because we liked to have adventures. Sometimes we shoot in the house here in Manila, then go as far as Laguna and far flung places there for other scenes. I'm really very thankful that this was given to me, it's a new genre to be seen on TV. I like challenges and having this opportunity is just a welcome thing. I hope I'd get to do more projects with them real soon because these guys and everyone at TV5 were so nice to me!"

There's more to the show than just frightening scenes in Parang Normal Activity and they say they're not really seeing how their characters will fare out yet because that will be divulged in the coming weeks too. Ella doesn't even know why she's a ghost here and that's something that would be exciting to know especially to those who follow her in social media, they might have their own stories to tell and theory on why she ended up that way. They also told me there would be some kilig scenes in between that would likely have you at the edge of your seats. You'll love to see them every weekend and see what mysteries unfold in each episode too. Make sure you watch them this July 11 on the happiest network in the country, TV5!

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