HOME ALONG DA RILES DA REUNION: Same Family Love But Different

Spent a few hours at the Makabagong San Juan Government Center, the huge new building of the city of San Juan. It was special because of the event we had to witness there, a Family Day for the folks from around the community. Kids, their parents and guardians spent the whole afternoon watching and participating in a Volleyball match, games prepared by the folks from Home Along Da Riles Da Reunion. They also gave them food and refreshments from the good people of Rebisco. Honestly, I saw genuine smiles from the kids and the parents, they really enjoyed seeing the stars of the film interacting with them through the program that afternoon.

Then we were able to interview the whole cast in the late afternoon. They had a whole marching band and the Mayor himself Francis Zamora who welcomed everyone before the Mediacon started. The theater was huge! And if I'm right, we're probably the first few ones who got to use it for a very special reason, because yes, the COSME's are back! The family that lived at the side of the train tracks. Though yes, this is going to be different because the legendary DOLPHY, BABALU won't be around. But they promised you'll feel them in every scene, and you'll be seeing their lives after Kevin Cosme's passing. You'll also see the dynamics of the family, of how things have changed, stayed or become even crazier! 

Here's the full press conference, you must listen to the small stories they shared:

Some interesting things in this reunion:

There were actually 15 SUNOG BAGA members but only 4 were found. One passed hence 3 were seen in this presscon. (May they rest in peace!)

Ms. Nova Villa prays a lot, and spends her life serving the church. She was always the one who prays for everyone during taping days of Home Along Da Riles, that never stopped!

Vandolph Quizon met his wife Jenny in the show, and he mentions that she is the love of his life, credits the show for it. 

Boy2 Quizon aka Dos was given the task of being the Director of this film, and everybody agreed how good he did it. Dolphy would be so proud!

They tried to put in everyone from the sitcom to the series so you'll be surprised when you watch the film. Wether you're an 80's, 90's or 00's fan of the show, or new to the classic show, you will LOVE the movie equally because it is about family, caring for each other and the Filipino way of life, good manners and some crazy fun. The movie will have a premiere night on June 15th but will have the movie out on June 17th. It's going to be fun! 

Filmmaker Rechie Del Carmen Builds Promising "BATANG PACO" Cast

Looks like there exists a movement to make an action comedy flick called "Batang Paco". Direk Rechie Del Carmen has confirmed they are already building an ensemble cast for it. Known for character driven films, she wants to make this intricately done by choosing apt ones for roles, because this isn't just going to be action and comedy, but will also contain family drama which Producer Ana Abiera Del Moral says Direk Rechie understands, and needs to have meaningful emotional core, so they could breathe new life to these characters once the film starts rolling. 

They also divulged the appearance of Chichi Rita, who's wit and charm will rival lead actors Empoy Marquez and Ms. Aiai Delas Alas comedic powers, it's going to be more fun than usual. The cast also includes Mon Confiado, Ynez Veneracion, Richard Quan, Alma Concepcion, Lara Morena, Natasha Ledesma, Gerard Acao, Kookoo Gonzales, Josh Ivan Morales, Kim Rodriguez, Jovi Vargas and Quentin Molo among others. It's going to be a crazy time and very Manila, written by one of the most successful writers in cinema, Ms. Gina Marissa Tagasa. This will be under MiVida Productions Inc., and "Batang Paco" will hit theaters on February 18th, stay tuned for that!

Abhorred, Avoided and Unpopular: Affordable Divorce in the Philippines by KATE COSETENG

Admitting the causes she's supporting as "Unpopular", Quezon City 3rd District Councilor Kate Coseteng is not about to let down what she sees as necessary for women in the Philippines. She is the first representative of Kababaihan PartyList which aims to be the voice of women in congress to enact laws that would benefit the public. Their Second Nominee Ria Romualdo is a registered nurse, and has sternly supported their causes in childrens health and welfare, based in Mindanao.

 Kate is no stranger in creating laws as she's been a Quezon City Councilor for 3 terms, has done the same in Valenzuela City. She pushed for the creation of Quezon City University, dialysis centers, PWD concerns, and benefits for solo parents (something she is pretty well known for). She uttered unpopular because these are certain things that people don't accept, especially matters that concern divorce. She lengthily discussed this with us because of the things that women go through. 

If set in an abusive marriage, it may also be physical, emotional and economical. She's optimistic it will get passed if it doesn't contain certain conditions such as "irreconcilable differences" as it is too broad to define and be accepted by lawmakers. I saw how practical she was and deal it without emotions, much like business and a numbers game rather than having just a feisty disposition. She focusing on going into it with pride, curiosity, knowledge that the causes are important. If you don't know, it is extremely expensive to get an annulment in the Philippines and it is extremely an anti poor legislation. The plan is, to have divorce be afforded by folks of any stature. She mentioned it being paid for as much as 5,000 pesos, all in. This could definitely be a game changer for a lot of women who couldn't afford the annulment process if they are abused. 

The KABABAIHAN PartyList is also very aware of current issues, and would want to address working conditions for women who work at odd hours. Call Center agents, BPO, Nurses, Bartenders, Security Guards, and the likes, they feel should have a place to safely leave their kids while they are working to make a living. They want a Night Care Center to do this to also be a place for refuge for women who are victims of abuse, to also have them train for livelihood and business, also get legal and psychological help if needed. They also want to help create laws that would provide micro finance so women could put up small businesses to provide for their families. This includes financial literacy, for obvious reasons. They also want to push for reforms regarding the LGBTQIA+ sector, to provide a more general view of the equality they've been longing for. Something that they want to do with reforms, even if it means they would have to start from scratch. 

Kate says "If you see the things we have on our platform are severely unpopular. It's a bit heavy to digest, but these are legitimate issues in our society. For example divorce, since we are a very Catholic nation, it's super difficult to pass laws like it. We already have passed a version in congress, but it met its demise in the senate. This goes the same with the SOGIE Bill that has already spent 24 years since its inception. Senator Miriam Santiago first did this in the early 2000's, and when asked what I could help with their cause, they answered just "respect", so we made efforts to make it less polarizing when it is sent to the Senate. This would be more like an anti discrimination act that would be applicable for all including the LGBTQIA+ community. Baby steps, we can't just promise platforms and not have progress." 

Here's her talk if you want a more detailed understanding of it:

Unpopular, yes, but it feels so necessary for a LOT of people. It was super nice to hear all these from her and how passionate she wants it all to happen. Women remains a sector that is heavily under represented to this day. I know so many folks who would greatly benefit from the laws she mentioned especially with divorce for abused women.

Do you agree with her?