Shared Experiences, Love, and Hurt in MMFF 2025 Entry UNMARRY

This 2025 MMFF, an entry by CINEKO Productions and Quantum Films will touch on the topic of relationships, love, and walking away. Angelica Panganiban and Tom Rodriguez will play the role of Angelica and Tom, a married couple who's life is about to collapse, breaking their hearts, and their two daughters. The other couple played by Zanjoe Marudo and Solenn Heussaff, want to fight their annulment procedure, and being with his son Elio played by Zac. Then found themselves inside the office of a lawyer, Atty. Lombridas played by the iconic Eugene Domingo. 

Finding themselves in the same boat, they got to stand on trial, telling some of the hardest things they've ever experienced while in the circumstances of their respective partners, and end up connecting, because they've been through the same things too. They began rebuilding themselves, helping each other overcome their trauma, but does this mean they're meant for each other?

Eugene Domingo "This film is sincere, no hysterics, just telling a story. It's an honor for me to do a film like this, we have a relationship because I am the real Ninang of Angge. She gives a little, it doesn't have to be overdone, a little talk, you'll feel it because she has been through a lot."

Chris "It's the way they throw lines, when I wrote this, I couldn't imagine how it would feel like in real life. It's been 3 years since we conceptualized this, about annulment, and the issues of legalities, no resolve of suggesting, but fair depiction of it, and balanced."

Angelica says "If you watched it, you'll like how characters tell their story. When I read this, I needed to be the voice of those who are seeking freedom, and we deserve that. I prepared for this because you really have to get to know the character first, it's easy because I'm working amongst friends too. I often suggest things, and they were receptive. Z and I have worked together so many times so it's comfortable to work with him. She didn't have to fight an annulment, but it's how she tries to find herself.When I was being given roles, I just couldn't feel things. Of course I want the life I have right now but I needed something that could make me come back with a project, something that could fire passion. I got text messages from both Atty Joji and Direk Chris. When I found out the cast, it was just the schedules that we talked about. This was really worth it. I started slow, they guided us in the first 3 days, but I wanted to do best because I miss this craft a lot. I wanted to prove so many things because I have experience. I needed to attack differently. My husband was happy and supportive, had to take breaks because I live in Zambales. This made me go out to Manila for a couple of days. Being with Uge was also warm, I feel good being with her on set "

Zanjoe says "When I read this, I knew how we were not husband and wife, but we were going through the same thing. Being a Father, and Husband, it's going to be more natural to connect with my character. It doesn't undermine marriage. I focused on emotions, because most of it is Ivan's family and how they are leaving you. I had to attack it on the day of the shoot, because it needs to build up naturally. I love how you know something will happen on scenes even after rehearsing it, it's a surprise every day."

Tom says "Celine and Ivan is relatable, but I tried to approach it as a human being even if I don't understand why. Even if love was depicted wrong, it's not a gimmick, it is a story that happens a lot in the Philippines. I feel fortunate because I got through a divorce which is relatively quicker. I was eager to accept this role. Atty. Joji is my Mom, this material was good but when I read it, it's something you wouldn't just leave on the table. I had to find the character."

Nico says "Being a child in an annulment, I went through it personally. This encourages you that in every ending, it gives someone else a fresh start."

Here's the video of the Mediacom this afternoon:

This comes out on Christmas day together with other entries of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025. Make sure you catch it with the other films because this looks like an Angelica Panganiban masterpiece, she could get a Best Actress award for it. It doesn't matter if you're single, married or not. The film encourages you to think, start a better life with someone else or your own.

VICE GANDA Does OFW Family Drama in MMFF 2024 Film "AND THE BREADWINNER IS"

Just got out of the cinemas after watching "And the Breadwinner Is...", the MMFF 2024 entry of Star Cinema and IdeaFirst Company. This stars the one and only Unkabogable Vice Ganda and an ensemble cast that includes Eugene Domingo, Joel Torre, Malou De Guzman, Maris Racal, Anthony Jennings, Kokoy de Santos, Jhong Hilario, Gladys Reyes, and more. 

While this movie is expected to be funny (it is in the first half mostly), it has concentrated a lot on family and its intricacies. It would make folks learn more about how flawed we all are, how we need to spend MORE time with each other, and how we need LOVE.

Vice in this movie, in a way, is not just a source of laughter, but one who'd initiate real talk in the film. As the namesake means, Vice plays the breadwinner, one who's trying to manage and survive the challenges it entails. The hardships, like any person, would practically reach its boiling point and you'll see where Vice's character is coming from especially if she's done a LOT to make sure her family lives comfortably, and survive life in general. It's one of the most touching films I've seen this MMFF, I think it's why people have been crying the cinemas because it pulls heartstrings with the most important people in your life.

 

Kudos to Vice's great performance, that remarkable monologue with the other characters about their struggles really hit home. I felt several lines would hit you especially if you have OFW experiences. I almost lost it when she asked where a breadwinner would get rest because she felt, almost all the time, she had no right to.

Her scenes with her Mom Malou de Guzman also showed how one needed love (despite conditions), you should definitely see that.

Don't be swayed by opinions of non MMFF 2024 movie watchers because at the end of the day, this movie made sense for me. Congratulations Vice, Direk Jun and everyone who made the film. I'd give this a strong 4 out of 5 cows 🐮🐮🐮🐮.

Fear Something New With This Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino and Chanda Romero Starrer ESPANTAHO

When we heard Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo was participating in this year's Metro Manila Film Festival, we were really excited about particular film she's doing; they call it "ESPANTAHO". The term actually means a "scarecrow", a thing that's pretty common in farmlands, especially in agricultural countries like ours.

It's been a while since she's done something like this, but it was promised to her by Director Chito Roño who called her for the project. Judy Ann says "It's been a while since I've worked with Direk Chito Roño. Before I was a young lady, but now I already have a daughter. I'm happy because when he called me for a horror film, I didn't say anything, just "let's do it!". This is a dream, I wanted to experience it, he's calmer now, but still has a mic when he does sarcastic lines. I'm not the one he's getting mad at these days, but when you do it with him, it is fulfilling!"

This film was prepped for a year before they got to make the script. When the writer Christ Martinez presented it, he got "good" feedback from Direk Chito, and things started rolling from that. Atty Joji remarks how this has been a collaborative experience for them, and since Direk Chito is a master Director, they wanted to make a great film with them during their 20th Anniversary. The only issues they encountered were mostly because of the weather, but they adjusted with the season to fit the story. 

JC Santos likened Direk Chito to his former theater mentors, because once he asks for one more shot, it means you would need to do better on the scene. If he says "next scene", that means you're good. Most of them nodded in agreement, and Direk Chito felt he was getting roasted during the press conference (they had a laugh about it). 

Here's the press conference on video, of course! I got you!

They let us in on a secret, that painting on the left side of the stage will play a significant part in the film so if you see this in any theaters they'll be showing ESPANTAHO, go take a photo with it!

Ms. Lorna Tolentino took time to talk about love, family and a few more things about the movie after the press conference, listen in to the conversation:

In a nutshell, you would need to watch this film because of the caliber of actors that are in it. Not to mention how big of a horror director Chito Roño is, and how he's come to embrace new technology, special effects, and face a new crowd of movie goers eager to see something new, as you introduce a brand new entity to fear because they don't know what lurks behind that painting that you base the story on.

Hope this forms a cult following, perhaps a sequel too! The film will show on December 25 together with other MMFF 2024 entries, but consider watching this first especially if you're a Judy Ann Santos Agoncillo fan. This is produced by Cineko Productions, Purple Bunny Productions and Quantum Films. They promise that this will be the scariest film you're about to see on MMFF 2024.

Jollibee Happy Calendar Boys

I saw one of them a few months back, the main branch might win!

We've been working so hard and haven't had a break, it's always petsa de peligro so your hard earned money couldn't buy things these days, you get worried if you coukd stretch your budget I'll next payday.

To explain things, our good friends from Jollibee are doing a search for the next Happy Calendar Boys and I think you can now check out WHO WON in this video https://www.facebook.com/JollibeePhilippines/videos/1129867290504122/.

Today is petsa de peligro

The sweet Jolly Spaghetti

The most filling Jollibee Burger Steak

The Yummy Yummy Burger

Now for even better news, these days would be so easy to get through if you go to your nearest Jollibee branch and get your JOLLISAVERS meals. The Yumburgers, Jolly Spaghetti, the Burger Steak are all part of the solution. Now go and check out UGE's video, and see if your boy wins the search.

In the meantime, I'll munch on my Yumburgers :)

KUMAGCOW

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Eugene Domingo is Back for Celebrity Bluff

Ms. Eugene Domingo is extremely happy about how things are going in her life and her career right now. After going on a semi hiatus, here she is being given another season of top rating show Celebrity Bluff. She's going to be with a VERY SPECIAL BLUFFER this time and if you want to find out, you've got to see the very first show and see how her lovelife in the program might take turns. 

During the presscon, she was seen flanked here by popular boyband One Up and perhaps one of them will become her lover, well maybe not, that remains to be seen.

The press had a wonderful time playing with Ms. Eugene and she quirps "This time, the show will be featuring really big stars, and our guests will make you ask yourselves about the real truth in the questions and statements they have in Philippine and World trivias. It has been very educational and fun at the same time but the personalites you'll see in this season will definitely shock you."

I can't wait to see the first episode, you'll also see the behind the scene photos on KUMAGCOW.COM so stay tuned!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Eugene Domingo and Jericho Rosales for "Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2"

Eugene Domingo is going to make you fall in love, like romantically in love and still make you laugh. Jericho Rosales gives more of his leading man material, but transforms into a monster for comedy, that's what the Director promises in this Graded A film called "Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2". This is their official entry to the Metro Manila Film Fest 2016.

Eugene says "Chris Martinez knows me very well and it wasn't hard. My character had little bits of my life on it. After you watch this, you'll get a sense why she had to be difficult in this film. It was easy to shoot and we even had time to drink after the first few days. We have a different material now and we're making a sweet romantic comedy film. This is the perfect cast, perfect script, a perfect family movie for Christmas!"

Jericho Rosales says "I think it's the script that mostly builds the comedy here. We have food actors but if you really listen to the words we utter on the film, you get it why we did it. I even did a VERY passionate kissing scene and I can imagine it close to a spanish telenovela. It's so good! This came at a time when I had time to explore, be a crazy guy but I was so happy to be with game changers. They have intellect, best 9 days in this project."

Kean Cipriano says "This was my first film and doing this again was so much fun. I've had issues in the first installment but this time, we had super nice shoots that's just happy. Even if we did it for 9 days, super fun!"

Just imagine Joel Torre and Jericho Rosales in one film, add great actors with Eugene Domingo, it's bound to be the top grosser this December 25. Visualize their punchlines, this is timely, it's very light, Eugene is here, it's funny, it's going to make you stay in a happy mood, it's also going to make you cry laughing, it's a good sequel, it's relateable, it's quality, it's been two years since she's gone, she's also in love now (with an Italian guy), relax and make sure it's on top of your list this Christmas!

KUMAGCOW

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"TUHOG" NOW SHOWING IN CINEMAS NATIONWIDE!

Some of the best people I know in the showbiz industry just decided to make a masterpiece one afternoon and wanted to come at you with everything they have. Something about life without even taking away from it. It makes sense, it talks about real life and the wonders of asking one question... what if you get to see them die? Who deserves to suddenly lose their life?

It was more fun because I got to ask questions about their characters. See? hehe

Who in the right mind wouldn't love someone as good as Ms. Eugene Domingo? She plays a character called Fiesta. Just the name along would probably give you the notion that she's fun. But in this one, she's dead serious. She also presents something so typical of a Filipino trait. It's how we care for our elders. Unlike what is practiced in western culture, we don't usually put our parents up in homes. She feels like her own Father is a burden but she does the right thing and takes good care of him. Even call him her own version of "hell" on some instances. But really, it shows how much she has made life at least a good thing as payback to the one that took care of her all these years. She might have forgotten herself in the process... and when the time arrived for her to have a glimpse to fall in love... will it be the perfect time for her to die while being loved by someone with the likes of Jake Cuenca? oh no...

Good looking Enchong Dee on the other hand plays a virgin. Big issue. Men in their teens or late teens would probably connect with machismo and losing it in one night. Who doesn't even want that? He plays Caloy in this film. Being a guy in a long distance relationship must have its frustrations. You can't touch, have it with your girl. You wait for years and it doesn't happen. And then there's this opportunity for you to do it with others, you just grab it as it comes. I don't even know why I kinda relate with him LOL maybe it sounds like some people I know. When the one you love suddenly appears and catch you doing it with someone else, who wouldn't get mad right? Well it's one thing that he gets caught, but what if he hasn't said sorry to the love of his life then gets to meet an accident and die? 

Leo Martinez plays Tonio, a retired old man living his dreams at the expense of his family. Making decisions here and there that are outright crazy. He wants to do so many things before he gets too old for it. But while everything was already going right for him, he gets into the same accident. Does he deserve to die too? Oh my...

A masterpiece that was just made in a workshop then turned into a full film, who wouldn't want to watch this! Who makes it into this whole TUHOG incident and doesn't appreciate something so dark, yet so fun in between stories. It's making raves right now on cinemas and it's not too late to go ahead and watch it... who dies in the end? It's an offering from Star Cinema in celebration of their 20th year in the film industry plus they get to work with one of the best indie film outfits Skylight Films. You just have to find out! Watch TUHOG on cinemas nationwide!

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TUHOG

My House Husband: Ikaw Na! : OctoArts Films Official Entry to The Metro Manila Film Festival 2011!

To tell you honestly my friends don't watch Filipino movies anymore because of foreign films pouring in. They say the quality isn't just the same. The only time we do is when Ms. Judy Ann Santos or Ms. Eugene Domingo appears on screen. So this Metro Manila Film Festival we would probably only watch those which have them on the cast... The thing is there's one sure film that we'll watch and we already have our schedules fixed for "My House Husband: Ikaw Na!" which is Octoarts films entry this year. I was blessed to see them a few days ago via a bloggers conference. I was so glad to see them in the flesh!

Hosting the event was Melai Entuna from http://styleandsoul.blogspot.com and the fab SHALALA of Walang Tulugan and Juicy fame. He was hilarious! While Melai brought entertainment to the stars, she's Ms. Eugene Domingo's favorite subject hehe.

Oh guys, please tame your horses and hold on to something while I introduce a sexy vixen and bombshell. Ladies and gentlemen, she is the one and only Ellen Adarna!

Ellen played a cameo role as a bank teller in this movie. Though it was short; she really wanted to be with the stars... and wish to probably have a full length film next time starring her. Why not? I'm sure you guys won't mind! :)

I was so happy to see my friend Rocco Nacino. The young hunk never forgot me from the crowd. He is playing Juday's brother in this film. I didn't know he was a registered nurse in real life... He's playing the same in this movie. Being the confidant of Juday in the film he had to dish out sound advices so she wouldn't go ballistic on Ryan's character. Yes, she got jealous with Uge's role in the film. I guess to keep her sane Rocco's role was quite important otherwise their relationship would end in shambles.

I secretly asked myself why Rocco's so good looking? Let's get a little in depth; What keeps his mind and body that gorgeous? He mentioned on Twitter that he's got it maintained by his business venture called "Elorde Boxing Gym" Ortigas and that's whats keeping him busy. It's located at the Home Depot on top of JayJ's Inasal (yes I've been there to look around). He's got real deal athletes as trainers; hence his sculptured physique. I guess i should visit his boxing gym more often so I can get rid of this tummy. No thanks to beer eh?! LOL!

Rocco also said that he's admittedly a Mama's boy, much like me hehe. I actually asked them a hypothetical question at the end of the blogcon... Since the three were single (Rocco, Ellen and Ms. Eugene) I asked them if the only way to achieve happiness is by becoming the "third party", would they do it without repercussions of karma and ethics? Rocco said if I am going to love somebody, I wanna love the right way. (Naks! Natunaw na ba kayo girls?) =)

Ellen Adarna said to that same question that she knows what she's worth and it wouldn't be just for seconds. She says she deserves to be the first. Ms. Eugene surprised us with her answer! "Sa tinagal tagal ko ba namang nagintay sa third party lang ako tutuloy?! Wag naman!" while we burst into laughter! =)

Who in the world and the right mind wouldn't laugh at Ms. Eugene Domingo's antics. The mood at the event was so light because of her. I guess she knows her craft well and she didn't bat an eyelash in telling us she wants to learn more about it still. She also said that she will always have theater as her first love and will pretty soon come out with a full musical movie, it's still in the works... imagine that! You probably know I love her right? I assume you do too?! She's more than enough reason to watch this movie I tell you!

Eugene Domingo plays the role of Ryan's best friend who in a nutshell becomes Juday's source of insecurity and jealousy. House husband Ryan on the other hand played possum and told Juday to calm down and say everything's platonic. You should watch the funny sequences and the slapping of Ms. Eugene! It's hilarious yet very real!

The Agoncillo's were a sight to behold! Starstruck is an understatement. From the intimate dinner we had a few weeks back, I had a chance to prepare great question just for them as they were talking about relationships and family that time. I asked "Would you stay together as a couple for the sake of the kids? If you knew that they would be happier with you together, would you do it for them?"... Ryan thought about it for a second and uttered no, he says he'll be more happier without the complexities of just staying together for the kids. They can take care of them even if they are separated and the last thing they'd want to do is involve the kids in the trouble. They haven't really encountered anything drastic to be in that situation and are very happy they won't. They really look good together no?! =)

So for anyone looking for a feel good, "tons of laughter but still keeping it real" family movie, don't fail to watch "My House Husband: Ikaw Na!" on December 25 available in theaters nationwide! This is Octoarts Films official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2011!

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"My Househusband, Ikaw Na"