It was a really different celebration that happened at this year's Cinemalaya. It was light, quite unserious, but the merits were still given to those that deserve it. For those who don't know, it's an annual independent film festival made to empower those who make films, those who write, people in front and behind the cameras.
Leading electronics brand LG knows how important this is for Philippine cinema, and they've become a major sponsor for this event as they do their 21st installment. Their theme this year is "Layag sa Alon, Hangin at Unos" which means to journey through waves, the wind and the storm.
They also want to give importance to those who make these inspiring stories. They've always been part of efforts in making sure technology supports those who are in the creative industry and arts. Which is why they are doing the legwork, and will give some of them LG OLED Evo AI C5 television sets as this year's winners!
Here's some on the list:
The LG OLED evo AI TV's use "Perfect Black" technology which means you get the black that you want for the feel you intended to have on scenes. The sets also utilize A11 AI processor 4K Gen 2 so you get the depth and drama as the filmmaker intends to show. There's a lot to love on these really good TV's.
If it's good for Cinemalaya, you should think about what you want to have on your own home.
It's been a while since I've last seen Ms. Marian Rivera-Dantes. I also missed the opportunity to watch her latest movie "BALOTA" which was showcased at Cinemalaya XX which won her the Best Actress trophy for obvious reasons. The film mirrors real life (although satire), of an educator who goes over and beyond her duty in the classroom. Teacher Emmy not only thinks about her future, but spins in the optimism of electing leaders, and finding out the grim reality of the human psyche.
In a mayoralty race of their quaint town, they had the choice between a land grabbing power hungry woman, or a former s3xy actor. Since she also administers a precinct during the elections, she gets caught in the action when the result meant people seizing the ballot box she carries in order to win. The woman with integrity didn't budge with any force, and baddies even became more eager to find or eliminate her, no matter what it takes.
Marian by any means still looked every bit beautiful even if she was de-glamorized. The chase brought her to vehicles, the forest, the querida's house, the s3xy actor's house, the boondocks, something you wouldn't think she'd have to do as a premiere actress yet here we are. Marian says "I couldn't explain how I felt after shooting "Balota". I even mentioned to Dong how fulfilled I felt doing it despite me being in the industry for a while now. It fed my hunger to do worthwhile projects like these. I felt inspired after that win given to me by the Cinemalaya community."
The exciting thing is, they will be having this released for public viewing this coming October 16. This is produced by GMA Pictures, written and directed by Kip Oebanda. The film also includes actors Will Ashley, Raheel Bhyria, Royce Cabrera, Sassa Gurl, Esnyr, Donna Cariaga, Gardo Versoza, Mae Paner, Sue Prado, Joel Saracho, Donna Cariaga and Nico Antonio. Apt for the times, great story line that is cohesive. It's genius. Having Marian Rivera-Dantes is a great reason to also watch this. It's our story.
When I first looked at the entries for Cinemalaya this year, I took interest in this one. It was just fate when we had to take the trip down south to watch KONO BASHO, produced by Project8 and Mentorque Productions, written and Directed by Jaime Pacena II. One that talks about grief, acceptance, building or re-building relationships.
Kono Basho literally means "This Place". The story is about two sisters who met during their biological father's funeral in Rikuzentakata, a city in Northern Japan. For those who don't know, this city has been ravaged by the huge earthquake and tsunami that hit the Iwate prefecture in 2011. In a sense, they really haven't fully built things like how they were, but are now experiencing something even more tragic... plus the feeling of awkwardness because the sisters really didn't know much about each other.
Ella is Filipino via her Mom with her Japanese Father, whilst Reina is born to a Japanese mother (one that was kind and understanding). Friction between them was quite a lot, young women that were both damaged by their past, circumstances and distance. Rikuzentakata might have symbolized what they went through in the story, they both lost their Dad, with unequal memories of him because Ella never experienced life with him.
This starts their journey together, in a partly civil, kind, but definitely torn in a lot of ways. It's great how the director never forced the conversation in Filipino or Japanese. It felt natural, and fitting. You could feel their pain, their longing for love, and how much they wanted to find it from other people, and hopefully, with each other.
This has depression and all the things related to it. They also gave a glimpse of kintsugi, an art form of pottery where they use gold to put broken pieces together. It symbolized how fragile they were. They will take you in on that story, where you continue to hope if they'd be able to fix it. It shows their spirit, their community, and how you could move on from heartbreaking parts of your life.
Gabby Padilla isn't new to the business, and she showed how one could carry intellectual and emotional conversations like a light switch. You could say much of the conversation revolved and evolved around her, but it was done with intricacy, understandable diction, as she played an educator in the film. We asked her about her experience shooting the film especially since there's a language difference the actors had to endure. Her previous films actually helped!
As for the level of distraught you'll get from the film, Director Jaime Pacena said that they actually had a different treatment. You'll learn more about it as you watch the film. Even if the topic was so serious, it still felt quite refreshing to the eyes because the views there, were all just amazing! This is also the comeback film of Dan Villegas, one of the finest cinematographers in the country.
While the Japanese cast (especially the Mother and Reina) performed quite remarkably in this film (I've seen their previous projects and even shows on NHK), Gabby was up there with them. If you've got the opportunity to catch this film while Cinemalaya is still there, you should. I think they're planning to have this released internationally, and by the looks of it... they're certainly qualified. Those wide indoor and outdoor shots, photography alone, is crazy good.
Congratulations to the men and women who made this film, you should definitely have this be exhibited in festivals elsewhere!
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.
It's been a while since we talked to Khalil Ramos and Ashley Ortega. I interviewed them in different projects and yes, it's high time they get together in a project, and in this instance, it's Cinemalaya. Their entry this year is called "As If It's True", directed by John Rogers under the great folks of The IdeaFirst Company.
It's much of a Gen Z story where social media, content creation, influencer marketing is the name of the game. A relationship brews between Gemma Watson and James (a struggling musician). As Khalil mentions, it discusses relationships and those that can be shown as real, or happening just for clout and exploitation.
This is certainly exciting for Ashley Ortega's career as she just came off the highly successful series "Hearts on Ice" which she did with Xian Lim. Though she feels a lot of pressure to do better, she's optimistic to do a project with Khalil since Gabbi and Ashley pretty much started in showbiz at the same time. They've been friends for a while which she feels would be advantageous for the things they would need to do in the film. There will be some sort of a romantic flick ingredient here ala "American Pie" but it'll be different, a little depressing at situations; quite different and will be in a Filipino setting. Here's our mediacon earlier on video, please, enjoy!
Khalil will also be starring in "Tick Tick Boom" under 9 Works Theatrical Production. This is his debut in theatre, and has been a learning experience for him because things are being done differently. He was matched with the role of Jon because of his very artistic vibe. Show happens August 5-27 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium - RCBC Theater.
These are just some of the awesome achievements of Sparkle artists Khalil and Ashley, but I'm sure there will be more. If you already enjoyed their previous shows, movies and projects, it'll be a good thing to consume this new movie and theatre project from the two. I'm quite optimistic about what's happening with Ashley since this is pretty much, her second serving of a lead role. Khalil on the other hand has also been very busy with projects (and really thankful for it). When I asked about getting some negative opinions online, he also hopes his situation with Gabbi would be a good measure of what should happen when an actor has a real relationship while being paired with other actors on screen. Strictly professional.
I too was a little dumbfounded about the word MALAMAYA. I didn’t know it wast the tagalog term for the color Ash, all along I thought it was just “abo” but that’s just me lol. Anyway, we sat down with the cast and people behind the movie Malamaya earlier at Annabels Restaurant in Morato so we could get some gist about this Cinemalaya entry.
(L-R): Co-producer/Spears Films President Albert Almendralejo, Director Leilani Chavez, Raymond Bagatsing, Sunshine Cruz, Enzo Pineda, Director Danica Sta. Lucia and producer/ALV Films President Arnold Vegafria (photo courtesy of Rain "The Ranter" de Ocampo)
The film stars Sunshine Cruz, Enzo Pineda, Raymond Bagatsing, Bernadette Allyson and Ms. Gloria Sevilla. This is directed by two women Danica Sta. Lucia and Leilani Chavez. It’s about the gray areas of a relationship, talks about commitment, artistry, dominance, and just about all those small things conservative people don’t want to talk about. A tough stance yeah, but Sunshine trusts the directors much she gave them lee way to do things and execute this, including love scenes which she tells she knows she’s being taken cared of.
Raymond Bagatsing accepted this role as it is different, a potter which he likens to Patrick Swayze and he’s excited about the treatment. He says ”He is my inspiration, and I can’t wait for people to see how much time we’ve painstakingly given its treatment, you’ll see that all here.“
This film is produced by Spears Films, ALV Films and Cine Likha. Malamaya is an entry for the 15th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival slated August 2 to 13 in CCP Theater and selected movie houses nationwide. They will also have a theatrical run on August 14 so watch out for that!
We had a short luncheon with Comedy Queen Aiai Delas Alas about the new branding they did with Chang Ai Express “I felt Ai Sarap Express was a little too old so we changed the menu and now we call it Chang Ai Express. Some people have been complaining also that they go to another place in ABSCBN. It’s now going to be known as this so they will find it in Esguerra easily. In 2005, I had a Chinese partner with Ai Charap and I find Chinese food really apt for my taste. I will also put up a restaurant soon in Ayala Malls, I am thinking of an Asian fusion themed restaurant and perhaps I’ll do it with other Asian flavors in other restaurants that I plan to do soon. I may do another branch of Chang Ai Express. I need to do a lot in one day, I don’t stand around even when I am home so I have been doing this for Sancho. I also enjoy seeing people, entertaining them sometimes when I am here. I will put up more restaurants soon, so that is exciting.”
About the recent noise in The Clash “I know it’s a hard job to judge but for my bashers, do know that song choice is a thing that they should consider when joining the show. They also need to know rap still has to be clear and be understood by people. I have been a judge in so many shows, but do know how hard it is to make a decision, we need to do that even if it is hard. I have heard a lot of things, seen angry people but I acknowledge what they feel for their bets and relatives, I am the judge though so we all have to make that decision.”
Chefs Sancho Vito Delas Alas and Ren Tuito
Ms Ai also said her piece about the Best Actress award for Cinemalaya and says “I always make sure the roles I choose are good especially in Indie films. I choose also what I do because if it’s too physically challenging I have to think twice. I wasn’t really expecting the award, Sancho asked me while I was in the Clash judges table, I cried when I heard about it. I don’t know what made me win but I think the character is profound, and I thank the jury of Cinemalaya for taking notice. I praise God for that. I wasn’t able to attend the awards ceremony because I had taping for Sunday Pinasaya, I was okay with whatever he could give me even if I was against Glaiza who did so well in Liway and I knew she was the favorite, I am thankful for the award.”
Cauliflower with Green Beans
Fish and Tofu
1 pc Chang Ai Fried Chicken with Siomai
Mango Sago Medley
Chang Ai Express proudly introduces mainstays and new items on the menu. For appetizers, they have Lumpiang Chang Ai, Chicken Feet, Meat Ball, Siomai and Siopao. They also have viands and mains like Sweet and Sour Pork, Fish and Tofu, Honey Soy Glazed Chicken, Beef and Broccoli, Orange Chicken, Mandarin Chicken, Chow Mien, Mushroom Chicken and their Chang Ai Fried Chicken. Pair it up with the special Chang Ai Fried Rice and a serving of Bokchoy with Oyster Sauce, Kangkong with Garlic, Cauliflower and Green Beans, their sizzlers Sizzling Pork Sisig, Sizzling Chicken Sisig and Pork Liempo. Save room for desserts like the Mango Sago Medley, Creamy Almond Lychee and Coffee Jelly. If you want to save they have combo meals served in the afternoon (11am-3pm) like the 1pc Chang Ai Fried Chicken meal with 3 pc siomai, 1pc Chicken or Sisig with 5pc Siomai both with steamed rice/noodles and iced tea.
So what do you do now that it’s raining? Order Chang Ai Express via Food Panda or just go visit the branch at the corner of Mother Ignacia and Sgt. Esguerra.
He's been honing his craft for a couple of years now. Been in and out of the country to take upon himself schooling and all the hodge podge of acting; which he deems important from day 1. This time though he takes the role and movie production of a Cinemalaya entry called "Requited" together with indie veteran Anna Luna. Directed by Nerissa Picadizo, this romantic drama film tackles the relationship of ex's Matt and Sandy in their journey to bike from the city of Manila to the province of Pampanga to the hills of killer volcano Mount Pinatubo. Matt suffers from Parkinson's disease, and you'll see how this journey would spell how they rekindle their romance or end in his tragic death. It was his dying wish to accomplish this with her, which she unselfishly obliged.
Jake Cuenca says "I guess if there is a lot common between me and the character it would be the moving on process. I get into the role early on but I laugh because she's (Anna Luna) so funny in person. I guess it was a challenge to do this as I got into an accident and broke my hand, we waited for 75% to heal and removed the cast. It was hard and we had torrential rain in between takes but the place is just majestically beautiful so we had to shoot there. It's the love for being out there, the speed, human power, nature and the appreciation of the scenery that you will see in the film. It was fulfilling, I'm not thinking about returns but how it would be seen in the film. I want to do it this way and I'm attached to it. I can't even be a diva because if it's dark we have to pack up, it is gratifying to see the process of editing and color grading. I am not even looking at the numbers, but I see this commercially released. It is so easy to understand but the ending is unpredictable. We can think about the numbers later. The grant is only 750,000 so just imagine how crunched we were on post production. If not for Direk I don't know how this would happen. I hope I could become a Director soon, I'll have to study for that too."
Jake and Anna has been together in Ivanna Chubbuck classes and she really auditioned for this role (one among thousands). She's lauded by Jake because they only required themselves to act as natural as possible, and accomplished it easy. Aside from this project, Jake Cuenca will also be part of Ang Panday which will be sent as an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2017 and directed by Coco Martin. The Gala Night will happen on August 8 9PM at the CCP Main Theater and will be shown from August 4-13 in various Ayala Cinemas nationwide.
Director Mike Tuviera (center), Dennis Trillo and LJ Reyes for The Janitor
It's now out on theaters and this might be a little late already to post but here's a rundown of what happened during the blog conference of The Janitor. This is the same film that was shown in Cinemalaya's Director's showcase which stars hunky Dennis Trillo, LJ Reyes and a couple more people from ABSCBN and different networks. It's not usual that you see them in Star Cinema but since the film outfit is the one releasing it in cinemas, we got the chance to talk to them last week. I missed this during that festival so it's a good thing they're releasing it on regular theaters. It's more of a thriller, the plot is also rich with conflicts betweem Dennis and the other characters like Richard Gomez, Derek Ramsey and how the love of LJ Reyes makes it all worthwhile. LJ by the way was also lauded because it made them a bit more human according to foreign critics who watched the film. They also got to be invited in international festivals but they're still finalizing everything so watch out for that.
Dennis said he didn't have any hesitations accepting this film. He says he knows how the indie film industry works and it was more fulfilling for him because he's being praised doing his craft. He's been longing for projects like this and this was some sort of a jackpot for him seeing the roster of artists involved in it. Director Mike says he's flattered that the people have said it looks mainstream but he says he used the same equipment as those used in Hari ng Tondo because they helped each other doing that. LJ wanted to work with Dennis as a leading lady because she has worked with him in the past in supporting roles too. LJ was the perfect pick of Direk Mike, and so was the other characters... like a dream cast. They thought they would not be able to get them but suddenly, they all became available so that was a great thing. Two days before shooting, those impossible ones on Direk's list suddenly all came together, and they haven't even talked about payment yet.
We saw a very happy Barbie Forteza a few days ago when we visited the Philippine Childrens Medical Center in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. Together with GMA Arist Center, they put up a small program in order to provide entertainment to patients who have been staying in the hospital for quite a while now. I've seen some Cancer patients together with their parents and guardians sitting in front and Barbie giving back to them as this is her 4th year in doing this since she's very fond of the kids and this cause is very close to hear heart.
I always watch her show Half Sisters together with everyone at home. It's very stressful though especially when you see the cast always giving Barbie's character a hard time at work, school and at home. Sometimes, you just sit and wonder if it's even inhuman already. I still remember the things her half sister did throwing her into a ditch and when her Dad slapped her silly when she got home late. Fact is, it was always like that and Jean Garcia would just sit there to console her... since she is blind.
She's also very happy that she got to join Cinemalaya and you know what, she doesn't think much about getting an award for her performance there. She's already overjoyed just by being there in the film Mariquina (Marikina). It's a new world for her, it's not mainstream and it's really a different craft. It's fresh ideas and fresh concepts but very deep, and it's very fulfilling says Barbie. She doesn't want to be typecasted as the good girl, but in the film she's going to be very reasonable and fights when she needs to. She's also happy to hear about the news that Half Sisters will be extended because of its high ratings, rightfully so because the story is becoming really exciting. It was hard making it and this just feels completely rewarding.
Her visit her inspires her too because even if life is hard for the kids, they still manage to get a smile. For some who don't, she'll try to entertain them that afternoon by having a party with them complete with clowns, cakes and giveaways. She wishes them good health in spite of being in the hospital and hopes they can get well and out of it soon. She would like to thank her sponsors Unisilver Time, Tous Le Jours, Posh Nails, BNY for providing goodies for the patients of PCMC.
Do you still remember the first time you loved someone? I do. Mine was requited, I was young, she was famous, I was crazy about her, but she didn't even know I loved her. Well, I was reminded of that a few days ago when I met the people behind the film "1st ko si 3rd" (My 1st is 3rd) - an official entry to the 2014 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. It's a movie that I'd surely like to watch.
1st ko si 3rd. Artwork as done by renowned artist Tokwa Peñaflorida
This is the first title role of Ms. Nova Villa, and it's about time I say! She plays the role of Cory, a married woman who just retired from work. Like I mentioned, she is happily married, spent years working and attending to her family, but she always had one thing at the back of her mind... her first love. His name is Third, played by former Senator Freddie Webb. There were times that I remember their old shows, back when Ms. Nova and Sir Freddie were paired in different programs in the 80's... though in this project, the young Director Real Florido wanted to present something like an "interrupted love" and hope he gets to show what a woman in that age would do if she gets to meet him again. Would it be complicated to do that if they had no closure and married to different partners? Would you do the same if you were in their shoes? Trust me, some of you would probably deny it but in the back of your mind, you would love to do it in a heartbeat.
Director Real Florido tells us about 1st ko si 3rd in the exact same coffee shop where the characters first met.
"This is the point where there are lots of uncertainties in life, after all these years of working she wonders what she wants to do in life... what's waiting for her? It just so happens that it was the same time that she met Third again. It brings another life crisis, of finding self worth, of finding her identity again. All the memories came crashing back to her. She sees and in some way scrutinized herself. She then took time to make herself beautiful, because they wanted to see each other again... to seize the opportunity to have that first date that never happened." says the film's Director Real Florido.
"It's a common story, just like us. It's not a usual love story though. This one's not so dark. It's the first time Ms. Nova Villa is on a leading role. After almost two decades this is the first time that she and Freddie Webb is back on screen, but it's a first together in a movie." says Ms. Katrina Golfo who hosted us that afternoon.
Vian Seranilla, one of the film's producers.
Jon Versoza, the Production Manager also told us about how their chemistry worked. Ms. Nova and Sir Freddie actually talked about it on the first day to make their roles believable, they needed to play as real husband and wife even off cam. That formula worked for them during the 80's and you'll see more of this on this film.
RJ Agustin isn't just one of the actors on this film, he's also one of the Producers of 1st ko si 3rd (My 1st is 3rd).
RJ Agustin says it was a little hard to actually play one of the characters and produce the film. You kinda go into a trance thinking of how you'll give superior performance up to the standards of the director and think of how much a day of production costs (we laughed a little about that). He says though that in these kind of films, you don't really think much of the ROI... you kinda think about the love for the art... the love for the craft too. "It was hard to actually make this because it was doubly hard to keep their cool while filming" says RJ. They've had no small arguments doing it hence that statement. He's glad that this is a well thought out film.
Ken Chan plays the young Freddie Webb/Third in this film.
Cinemalaya first timer Ken Chan plays the young Freddie Webb/Third on this film. He says he used to watch Cinemalaya in high school and back then it was all about gays, violence and darkness. He feels so blessed that he's now in the production where he's proud of the story, production and cast. He deemed this as an honor to work with veteran actors like Ms. Nova Villa, Mr. Freddie Webb and Mr. Dante Rivero (who plays Cory's husband). In a nutshell, he says it's a wonderful experience for him.
Denice Barbacena of Protege fame is also part of this film. She couldn't believe the time she heard that she's actually going to be a part of this project. She only used to watch entries in Cinemalaya and never thought to see the lead stars with her during the press conference. She really wanted to be a part of it and glad to also see her GMA compatriots in the cast. She even marveled looking at Mr. Freddie Web who freakingly looked good at his age.
1st ko si 3rd (My 1st is 3rd) stars Ms. Nova Villa, Dante Rivero, Freddie Webb, Ruby Ruiz, Lara Morena, RJ Agustin, Denise Barbacena, Coleen Borgonia and Ken Chan. I wish I could get to talk to Ms. Nova Villa and Freddie Webb next time. They all believe in this film and the production could only say good things with the artists. The dedication they put in this just speaks a lot. I'll see them on the gala night. You can quote me on that. You should too as they'll be showing from August 1-10 in CCP and selected Ayala Malls.
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