Big Screen Dreams: Coco Martin, Matti, and Monteverde Team Up

When I got invited to this event, we weren't told about who's coming on stage but pretty much got clues with the shirts of the people filming it, they all had CCM printed which makes us believe it's a Coco Martin event. There were 3 chairs in front though so just seeing that made me realize it was something big, and true enough they came out with guns blazing.

One is an iconic director, of OTJ fame, Erik Matti, the other is a big producer from the Monteverde clan, Mr. Dondon Monteverde and of course, the biggest action star of this generation, producer and director Coco Martin. They plan to do 2 huge film projects for Coco particularly "MayPagasa The Battles of Andres Bonifacio" and "OTJ: Maghari" which will be under Reality Studios and CCM Productions.

Sir Dondon told us that this was sealed on the sidelines after some talks happened at the death anniversary of Mother Lily Monteverde a few months ago. He says "The death anniversary of my Mom started all of this. Losing my Mom was a huge blow to the industry. We always wanted to work with Coco and we've met in events with it behind our minds. It was just an opportune time to start talking, showing him other projects. He didn't like what we presented him at first, but when he knew about these two films (not included in the discussion, he just wanted it to happen!"

Direk Erik Matti had huge success with the OTJ franchise and Coco always wanted to be part of it. Direk Erik shares "Maghari is the story of Joel, the Tatang of OTJ. It's a 90's themed movie of him protecting his family. MayPagasa The Battles of Andres Bonifacio is a historical bio, and it is scary to do because it is based on that. Ours is different, we're bringing it to the future and shooting it in a modern way. It's all about what is happening now in the country." 

Coco was smitten with the thought of doing an OTJ installment and told us "When I watched OTJ, I honestly was waiting, waiting to be cast in a film like it. I required my staff to watch it (before doing Batang Quiapo) and I hoped they notice me. I asked myself and said maybe I wasn't enough, because they weren't calling me. I was silent, and thinking they were not considering me because I didn't have potential, so I tried to do one myself (his shows) but got so busy with my series. One day, they informed me that they wanted to talk about it, I told them I was waiting for this to happen. I know how folks have been appreciating Filipino films that they made, they pitched a few projects with me but I told them I was a fan of OTJ and Buybust. After that, I talked about a historical film, then they talked to me about a project they wanted to do about Bonifacio. They thought I was a fit in these two projects they didn't talk about initially."

He added "Now that we're together, we just needed to make it bigger for a global audience. This will make a mark in the Filipino film industry. I'm also working with the best, and this IS an answered prayer! We can't wait to release this in 2027!"

Here's the whole press conference on video:

Giants Coco Martin, Direk Erik Matti and Dondon Monteverde actually has plans to do more, so this is just for starters. When I asked about challenges, Coco was severely optimistic that all these projects are possible, he's always had that positivity in all his projects since he's successfully done it. He attributes most of it because of this optimism, and since they plan to release this internationally, they need your support once it comes out locally. With an internationally acclaimed actor (tons of indie films on his belt), Director (familiar with Filipino film projects released worldwide) and the best production outfits this country, these projects are pretty much a done deal. 

I just can't wait to see it! 

RHIAN RAMOS, JC SANTOS Take On Complex Characters in PM Productions "MEG & RYAN"

A word was uttered around the venue when we were interviewing the cast of "Meg & Ryan", it was UNDERRATED, which we felt was certainly an apt one after meeting the stars of the movie under Pocket Media Films. 

Lead stars Rhian Ramos and JC Santos will be doing this romantic comedy film together with the cast award winning actor Cedrick Juan, Ces Quesada, Cris Villanueva, Jef Gaitan, JMee Katanyag, and social media stars Steven Bansil and Poca Osinaga, plus beauty queen Alison Black.   

While isn't first film to be directed by Direk Catherine O. Camarillo, this is somehow her first foray in the love story-romcom genre. "This is another masterpiece that I want to share with you, which I hope you would be able to give awareness to the audience, give them a fair chance to watch this in cinemas this coming August 5, 2025. (watched trailer, she became very emotional and said)  I am just overwhelmed seeing them on screen because they really look good together. Doing this was quite easy because I had some of the best actors to work with. It was quite to put them in what I envisioned in the film. I've done so many projects in the past that made me do compromises, I didn't have to do that here. I gave it my all, and got the ones I wanted to have in this project. I'm so happy I was able to do that in Meg & Ryan. I also felt the support of my cast, they respected the material, they loved this film as much as I did."

Rhian says "I haven't had drunk episodes where I wasn't aware of what I was doing. Either that, or may I just couldn't remember it. I really enjoyed the whole experience because JC is such a generous actor. If there's something he could do to help in the execution of a scene, he will. He will go farther than what is expected of him. It's not just the acting part that he's going to do, he contributes in the lines, change it to what feels more natural in the scenes. He really envibes what would Ryan do or say. It really helped me and made my job super easy! I really love complex characters, those with flaws, to make sense of people. Meg is an @lcoh0lic, opposites attract, I've seen Direk Catherine's previous films and wanted to work with JC which is why I wanted to do this. This is how I view love also, we have our own journey, when you find someone who understand that about you, it needs to be watched and told." 

JC Santos added "Actually everybody here was easy to work with. This is what's great about a collaboration because you can feel if you match. We enjoyed the process even the challenges, Rhian Ramos is a part of my bucket list and I'm seeing it now. I see how she gives the truth in her scenes. Even Tita Ces, Direk Catherine gives us freedom so we get our personalities in the mix. I also really wanted to work with Direk Catherine, and seeing the script, it's a different kind of love. It's something new, puberty at 35, he is complex, a bit difficult to do but I think we succeeded in creating this character."

Here's the press conference in full:

Aside from being shown in the Philippines, this will also have a theater run in Australia and New Zealand on August 14th. Please support Filipino films as these don't come cheap in production. They're taking a huge risk because they want to help the industry. The love story between Meg & Ryan was created by prolific writer Gina Marissa Tagasa. The soundtrack is also a fun version of Torete, which will make you feel a bit of nostalgia. This took a while before it was released, but from the looks of it, it has all the ingredients to make you connect with the story of Meg and Ryan. Go watch it on theaters, and see the trailers on their social channels because they already have 2 out!

BENHUR ABALOS Gets Nod of REGAL ENTERTAINMENT Execs and Showbiz Heads

Talk of the town is Benhur Abalos, and today he's gotten the nod of the executives of Regal Entertainment and several entertainment industry heads at Valencia in Quezon City.

The event was hosted by Roselle Monteverde, Keith Monteverde, Dondon Monteverde and was witnessed by Boots Anson Roa Rodrigo, Direk Perci Intalan, actors Phoebe Walker, and Nico Antonio. 

Ms. Roselle Monteverde says "More than the industry, the help we need is for the country. He is tested, done a lot, I believe we need a person like him. I hope people think hard of who could help us in our need."

Benhur Abalos says "I started at #35 in surveys and slowly went up, I was a bit disheartened, but I believed in myself. Now is the crucial week, and in the last few days I got endorsements from Senator Drilon, VP Leni Robredo, Vice Ganda, several organizations and entities. SWS reported yesterday I got 6 percent increase and within striking distance. Seeing friends in the film industry, even during MMFF and during COVID, we were doing hard work in producing movies. What we've done before, we will make it a reality. I am very methodical, but we got our city to become a Tiger City and have had several awards not just here but internationally. Dear friends, whatever happens, I will do my best and leave it up to the Lord!"

He adds "I was surprised because Vice doesn't endorse easy, but at this point, I'd like to thank her and the many celebrities who helped make that. It caught a lot of attention, and it really means a lot. I'm a bit emotional, my journey has been challenging and in the last 2 days, they willingly helped and endorsed me. It's like my birthday happening again, thank you really. Our electricity didn't have tax in the past, now our other utilities prices have increased, and on record I will try to remove this. We are the second highest rate in Asia. I also plan to help in agriculture, it's a long process, I am saying this because I don't want to see fertile land become subdivisions. I'm saying this in front of cameras now. The rate of electricity is certainly high, and also we can help with the local government code. The barangay roads, their funding can only afford pay for their personnel. It is my track record that is different, I see people say it's the educational system. When I was Mayor, we saw malnourished kids in our city. If you have the best teachers, it doesn't address hunger. We started working from taking care of women while they are pregnant, supported food programs later on, and it now resulted with us getting the highest marks compared to other cities. It stopped growth stunting. Countrymen, a Senator makes laws, not just in one or more industries but for the whole country. We need a lot of policies to be fixed."

Here's more from the press conference this morning:

Would you consider him?

Celebrate Mothers Day with NOVA VILLA, CES QUESADA, FYANG and JM: "PICNIC" A Tagalized Korean Film Released by Nathan Studios

While the rest of the world is happening, there's this Korean film called PICNIC that's taking the theaters by storm. This is a film directed by Kim Yong-gyun and will be showing today (May 7th) in theaters nationwide.

We were at Gateway Mall last night to cover the premiere night, and the lobbies were filled with JMFyang fans and movie goers who were screaming on top of their lungs when they saw stars on the red carpet. We were able to record the media conference before the screening, so please enjoy!

The film is certainly a tear jerker. It revolves around the characters Eun-Sim played by Na Moon-hee (voice dubbed by Ms. Ces Quesada) and Jun Geum-soon played by Kim Young-ok (voice dubbed by Ms. Nova Villa) and their friend Tae-Ho played by Park Geun-hyung (voice by Kuya Bodjie Pascua). The younger version of Eun-Sim and Tae-Ho was dubbed by Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra.

 

 

 

They are a rowdy bunch despite the number of octogenarians included in the cast, and there's certainly no shortchanging of "landi" if you could say that out loud. Super happy about scenes where they were able to throw shade at each other. It didn't matter if their backs would hurt at each turn, they will tell you a spade is a spade even if it hurts your feelings, even if it means bringing back the past. The conversations were so amusing that when you're about to cry, they'll insert humor in between so you would giggle about the situation. I think this was clearly done that way to make sure it wouldn't be heavy and cerebral.

 

I super love the banter between Ms. Nova Villa and Ms. Ces Quesada. It was a good decision to provide Filipino dubbing for it as it felt a lot like home. No need to rush reading subtitles to understand the story because it could easily be understood in cinema audio. Should you watch it? DEFINITELY. I bet you'll find the story more apt for the children rather than for the Grandmas or Mothers involved in it. They'll learn a lot about how to go through the intricacies of love for family. It's a gem, and if you find KDramas so good for watching in the corners of your room, go do this in the cinemas because the experience hits certainly different.

 

Congratulations to CEO Ria Atayde and COO Ms. Sylvia Sanchez who knew right from the start that this would be a good thing to bring in Philippine shores.

Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival 2025 Awards Night: Winners Bared

Puregold's Cinepanalo Film Festival is certainly getting bigger by the year. This 2025, they've got a lot of full length and short film entries that have been watched at Gateway Mall 2's cinemas this past week. They've been extended a week after the star ridden awards night which has gotten some of my personal bets win major awards. 

Though I didn't get to list some of the winners, I've taken note of those that I've heard from the back of the room because yes, they were all cheering quite loud at the Elements tent in Centris, Quezon City.

Here are the winners:

Panalo sa Film Poster
Student Short Film Category
Checkmate
Full Length
Journeyman

Panalo sa Brand Inclusion
Student Short Film Category
Champ Green
G!
Full Length
Journeyman

Pinakapanalong Promosyon Ng Pelikula
Student Short Film Category
Checkmate tied with Taympers

Pinakapanalong Awitin
Student Short Film Category
Sine Sine (Suga, Camera, Saad by Jonathan Rey Sartorio and Lloyd Martin Villacortes Arce, Performed by Jonathan Rey ROTT Sartorio)
Full Length
Diko Pinili Co-Love

Pinakapanalong Sound Design
Student Short Film Category
Champ Green (Elan Idioma)
Full Length
Salum

Panalo sa Editing
Student Short Film Category
Jose Andy Sales of G!
Full Length
Vanessa Ubas de Leon of Co-love

Panalo Musical Scoring
Student Short Film Category
Uwian (Len Calvo)
Full Length
Salum

Panalong Ensemble
Student Short Film Category
Sine Sine
Full Length
Tigkiliwi

Panalo Sa Production Design
Student Short Film Category
Uwian (Andrea Jane Perang)
Full Length
Salum

Panalong Cinematography
Student Short Film Category
Dan En Pointe
Full Length
Olsen's Day tied with Journeyman

Responsableng Paglikha
Student Short Film Category
3rd Place 123 Strike
2nd Place Sine Sine
1st Place Dan En Pointe
Full Length
Journeyman

Special Citation from Mowelfund
Student Short Film Category
Champ Green
Full Length
Olsen's Day

Pinakapanalong Kwento
Student Short Film Category
Champ Green Clyde Cuizon Gamale
Full Length
Tara Illenberger of Tigkiwili

Panalong Pangalawang Aktor
Student Short Film Category
Sol Eugenio of Champ Green
Full Length
Jeffrey Jinuma for Tigkiwili

Panalong Pangalawang Aktres
Student Short Film Category
Uzziel Delamide of Uwian
Full Length
Gabby Padilla of Tigkiliwi

Panalo sa Manonood
Student Short Film Category
Sisenta
Full Length
Co-Love

Pinaka Panalong Aktor
Student Short Film Category
Lucas Martin of Sam Pie and Jasper John of Juan Dela Cruz
Full Length
Khalil Ramos and JP Larroder of Olsen's Day and Tigkiliwi

Best Actress
Student Short Film Category
Geraldine Villamil for Uwian
Full Length
Ruby Ruiz of Tikiliwi

Always Panalo Film (embody the brand's values)
Student Short Film
Sampie
Full Length
Journeyman tied with Fleeting

Panalo sa International Jury
Journeyman

Panalong Director

Student Short Film Category
Vhan Marco Molacruz of Uwian

Full Length
JP Habac for Olsen's Day

Pinakapanalong Maikling Pelkula
Champ Green
(Jury Prize) Dela Cruz Juan P.

Pinakapanalong Pelikula
Salum
(Jury Prize) Tigkiliwi

The films will be showcased at the Gateway Mall 2 Cineplex 18 cinemas until March 25th. If you haven't watched an entry yet, or haven't finished watching the shorts and full length films, head on to the mall and purchase tickets. It's not expensive and the entries are pretty good. It will feed your hunger for films especially since people are flocking back to cinemas this year. 

KHALIL RAMOS Does Exceptionally Well at Puregold Cinepanalo Entry OLSEN'S DAY

Fast review!

This is my first day of watching the Puregold Cinepanalo Festival and saw a couple of films. One is an PG flick by Director JP Habac called "Olsen's Day" starring the good looking Khalil Ramos. 

It's a family film, much of which was just him and an elderly Mom suffering from dementia. There are problems in the world, but much of them were with him (it felt like that). The film shows the complexities of work, his life, and fate. The cast includes Romnick Sarmienta, who meets Khalil's character Olsen and had them along for a ride to Manila.

This trip would change his life, his outlook on so many things, including his situation as a son, as a person, and realize how love, for family can be sufficient no matter what the odds are. It also talks a whole lot about forgiveness.

Khalil's exceptional performance in this film might well cause him getting a nomination for Best Actor. It's very intricate, subtle, you could hear him sigh, flood you in his eyes that speak. 

He knows his craft, and he is so good at it. Go watch Olsen's Day at the Gateway 2 Mall Cineplex as part of the Puregold Cinepanalo Festival.

JENNYLYN MERCADO, DENNIS TRILLO, SAM MILBY for Romantic Comedy EVERYTHING ABOUT MY WIFE

Finally had the chance to talk to the cast of EVERYTHING ABOUT MY WIFE yesterday at their mediacon. For starters, Jennylyn Mercado has been heavily missed, and she's working with her hubby Dennis Trillo in this movie. They're also doing this with Sam Milby, a proper character for the man who looks like a true blue Cassanova, so when they showed this a couple months back, I was so excited for it.

The event was also graced by co-stars Ms. Carmi Martin, Alex Agustin, Polo Laurel, Joyang of TikTok fame, Chico Alicaya and Karlo Aranza. 

 The plot is simple, Jen and Dennis' characters are married, they get bored and irate over the continuous yapping, felt about to give up, then Sam's character comes along. With a sculptured physique, smooth talk, will they give up their marriage or stay? Imagine the situations left for imagination, the journey must have been filled with hurt, funny clap backs, thirst traps and romantic talk.

Director Real Florido says "There is a need for romcom films. I've been doing indie movies, started it about 10 years ago. I've done 2 Cinemalaya entries, but I feel it's not Indie vs Commercial films anymore. The lines are blurred. You make it now because you are a filmmaker. Romcoms have the same importance as with other genres. We tell stories that inspire and sometimes pull heartstrings. It's one of the reasons we do films like these, because they want to see it and the public demands it. Filipinos are suckers for love, we want that fleeting feeling, we want to laugh and cry with the characters we see on screen. We do that with friends, we talk about our relationships, open up about it, and we relate to them too. It's always a part of conversations, and makes us feel alive."

Dennis told us "It's fun to make films like these because it's relatable, to do characters that are universal. For artists like us, we do these like ourselves, we are husband and wife in real life. Some of the scenes here are things we also do."

Jen added "Like what Dennis said, it's familiar territory. We enjoyed it though, and working with my husband is such a joy. It's feels so good to do scenes, and I'm sure when people see it, they will relate to our characters."

Sam says "It's hard, a challenge for me to do this character. They say I shine when I'm evil, but Miguel is a Cassanova, a womanizer. Direk was there to help me out. I'm a shy introvert, so this one is overly confident, and I try to be out of my comfort zone to do this."

 Here's the whole mediacon on video, please sub, and enjoy!

The producer CreaZion Studios was represented by their CEO RJ Agustin. For those who want to see it, the film will be shown on February 26th. The premiere night will be on the 25th at SM Megamall if I'm not mistaken so if you want to see the stars, you should go there! This is produced by CreaZion Studios and GMA Pictures. Jen and Dennis was thought to have produced this too but no, because this came before Green Bones and their production outfit was launched last year.

Go watch it in cinemas! See you there!

STAR MAGIC Puts SPOTLIGHT on SETH FEDELIN

I've had the pleasure of watching Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz's recent MMFF 2024 film "MY FUTURE YOU" which won Seth "Breakthrough Performance for an Actor" and a nomination for Best Actor in the film festival. Star Magic recently put the SPOTLIGHT on him after the win and he told us how he felt right after that win because he told us it didn't really sink in til he went home and celebrated with his family. Seth felt it wasn't just his win, but a huge win for his dreams, and his family.

Seth told us how he was very eager to make this count especially since projects of this magnitude doesn't come so often. When they were making it, he talked to Francine about its importance and they knew they had to return the trust being given to them by the production because it was the perfect vehicle to showcase their acting strengths. It was initially set to premiere during the 3rd quarter of 2024, but then it got moved twice, then was sent to the 50th MMFF. Regal told them that this was going to be just something they'd send to the committee with a prayer, til they saw it being announced as one of the finalists in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival.

He even drove back home to tell his folks, Francine told him about it. And when they did the whole promotion thing for the movie, he wasn't ready about how BIG it is.

Here's the whole interview with him a few days ago, super thanks Seth for being so nice that day!

Seth says "In all the things I do, I am really too shy. I don't know how I do it when I'm in front of the camera especially when I do roles that are really important to me. When I do it, I try to toughen up because I'm my own critic. I just do my best, and when people see it, that's me. I really mix in my persona, I don't remove myself from scenes. I just tell myself that I need to do it, like self motivation. I am happy to do it even if I'm not in my best look in the studios, I just show my truth."

He adds "I've got so many actors I'd want to work with. I'd like drama, to have a bad boy flick, action or something like that. Still a hero but challenging, a different take to a character. I'd like to do that in a different project. I'd want to learn about it first because I know it is difficult to do that."

 

This isn't the last time you'll be seeing Seth because from the looks of it, he's going to have a few more projects this 2025 especially because of his recent win. He also is open to do projects with other stars, even if they won't be working with each other because he finds it limiting for Francine if the pairing is going to hold them back. But don't fret, because they still are eager to also work with each other (he says he's full tank). Who wouldn't want to see that!

Make sure you follow him and Star Magic's social channels because I'm sure they've got something up their sleeves! (TV series Nobody, shooting soon!).

Restored and Remastered JOSE RIZAL Released by GMA Pictures

I've watched this film a couple of times and seeing the efforts of GMA Pictures, I'm impressed about what I saw during the screening at the Manila Metropolitan Theater. This is the newly restored and remastered JOSE RIZAL. 

 

This is a masterpiece by Director Marilou Diaz Abaya. Picking up a physical film reel and seeing it damaged through use, time and the elements must have GMA feel it needs to be taken cared of. This took them a total of 1600 hours to do to fix the missing frames, burn marks, take off the dirt and run a new audio (5.1 Stereo) so we could now have an immersive version of this heavily awarded film which was shown at MMFF in 2018. This stars Cesar Montano, Jhong Hilario, Joel Torre, Jaime Fabregas, Pen Medina, Gardo Versoza, Gloria Diaz, Mon Confiado, Chin Chin Gutierrez, Micky Ferriols, Ronnie Lazaro, Irma Adlawan, Tony Mabesa, Nanding Josef, Joel Lamangan, Ping Medina, and a stellar cast.

Restoring this film means a lot of things, it will be in digital form from hereon and would be possible to show to future generations who choose to see what it was like in previous generations. I was also touched at how National Artist Ricky Lee, Marc Abaya (son of Director Marilou Diaz Abaya) felt during their speech, and how much importance was given to the film and for the people behind it. The stars were also at the event during Cinemalaya, and they were all smiles after the screening. The kind of life we have would certainly be changed with even more films planned to be restored. Imagine the things people could learn by watching historical films, or even the film making process. Congratulations to GMA for doing this good deed. It's all worth it!

Shot in SEOUL: KELVIN MIRANDA and KIRA BALINGER for "Chances Are, You and I"

There are still a lot of stories to be told and this one is both romantic, heartbreaking at times, and could pull heartstrings. It also talks about love, friendship, taking chances, and dreams... this of which will be discussed lengthily in this movie by Pocket Media Productions Incorporated. This stars Kelvin Miranda and Kira Balinger, some of the country's most promising stars.

A Little Backgrounder:

This is the first project of Director Catherine Camarillo under her production outfit PM Productions Inc. This was during the pandemic, and when the franchise of ABSCBN wasn't renewed. This was a family decision, more or less, and since her daughter had this script for a while now, they wanted to do this specific one and offer it to streaming services pre-prod. The scenes were all shot in 2022, and a little during the latter part of that year because production ceased when restrictions came during those times. 

The film had to be shot in two locations, one in Manila and the other in Seoul in South Korea. It was mainly due to the look they wanted to portray especially during winter time, which they find perfect, and hellish when they got so cold after scenes were cut.

This is also the first time that Kelvin and Kira are being paired on screen, but they've got quite different first impressions when we interviewed them yesterday. It was essential for them to not only wear 3 layers of clothing, have heaters, and several heat packs underneath just to survive all of that. They were so grateful the crew from Manila and Seoul stepped up and made sure they were comfortable as arrangements were made during filming.

Director CC says "It was really the perfect weather to shoot in the snow because of the visuals. We might have had a hard time shooting because of it but really, I was so impressed with how Kevin and Kira held up in that temperature. They knew the vision of what we were doing and really understood the script. They knew their lines, so I really didn't have a problem with the scenes we had to shoot in Korea. I was happy how they really portrayed the roles, and I hope you appreciate how it felt during our teaser drop (check @catherineocamarillo on IG) because that is made with pure love, passion and hard work."

She adds "I may have had problems securing artists in my home network, but I told my staff I needed a new pairing. It was an audition, I pitched it with Kelvin and Kira then profiled how they both speak, or see how they could add to the characters/role they needed to do... and I appreciate how they interpreted it."

Director CC also holds several hit projects under her belt including "Halik" and "Wildflower" on TV. Her real orientation is film, so this is the caliber of what you're about to see in CAYI.

Here's our interview with Kelvin, Kira and Direk CC yesterday, please enjoy!

 

About Sol and Gabi

Kelvin says "My character was more or less an opposite of me. Sol is quite happy, with a loving family, and might have bottled up angst which would surface when he's dealt with a very huge scare later on. It made him look at life differently, but manages to deal with it like it's not a big thing. He takes these challenges easy, and learns from it. He's also quite adventurous and tough, a man's man and is fond of extreme sports which you'll see in the film. That's where he feels that he exists, and I think that's who he is in a nutshell."

He adds "Maybe I gave a lot to my character because I felt like an actor in this film. It's a big concept, and the trust given to me is no joke. I really felt like I was Sol when we made this."

Kira told us "Gabriela Sinag is a hard worker, she volunteers and is so bubbly... severely a person for others. Behind that, she's hurt, and will perhaps get through things with the help of Sol. That's where the fun starts. Honestly, I don't know if I'm crying because of the emotions or the cold, but it gives you a sense of focus so you could do the role and not just because of the environment. It was a different experience for me. The Korean team were so professional, so you really need to step up, and they take care of you. It was so wonderful with our short stay, it was memorable. Personally, I thought he was a bad boy because he was always wearing black, he had earrings, the works! He showed me that under all that machismo, he's a nice person and very devoted to his craft. He is such a giving actor, and it was so easy to work with him."

Flip a coin and take a chance in CHANCES ARE, YOU and I when it comes out in theaters this May. Official release will be done by Regal Entertainment in theaters nationwide!

PS

It was such a joy to talk to Kelvin and Kira, and the stories of Direk may just be the tip of the iceberg. Hope to get to interview them about this film before it shows soon!

A LAB STORY: Love Stricken and Socially Aware at Puregold Cinepanalo Festival

Took the afternoon screenings at Gateway Mall for the Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival. The entry "A Lab Story" is about two students who find themselves in interesting situations because they had to pair up for an agricultural quiz bee. It definitely felt like a coming of age film. 

The teens might have been in different spectrums, one smart, the other not quite, and all they wanted to become was not to end up at last place.

It's fun, very endearing, and you will root for the two lead stars. You're going to also like Donna Cariaga in her element, the funny and quirky moments with her and Kurt screams part 2, we wouldn't be surprised if it had one.

They also had several issues addressed such as the plight of indigenous people, their home, their land and how some of them get abused. It's also about skills, knowing themselves and reaching for their dreams. So really, there's a lot to devour on such a simple looking plot.

This is just one of the entries in the Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival, there will be several more of these full length films and short film entries that will be shown at Gateway Mall cinemas this weekend. Because as far as quality goes, this looks promising.

DONNY Proves Actors Bloodline: GG (Good Game) The Movie Out in Theaters Today!

Just got out of the cinema after the premiere night of GG (Good Game), the movie starring Donny Pangilinan. It's a film about eSports, but right off the bat they made the presence of drama felt in this movie by Director Prime Cruz. The film also stars his Mom Ms. Maricel Laxa, Baron Geisler, Johannes Isler, Igi Boy Flores, Gold Aceron and a throng of gaming and streaming personalities too.

To tell you honestly, I was looking forward to see this during the Metro Manila Film Festival but fate had other plans. Now that it's going to be released this January 24th, but something tells me it is going to be big because a LOT folks were at the rails of SM Megamall's Cinema 2 when I arrived, I was even early in fact. For me, that was the measure for how excited folks are (and hopefully translate to box office success) and I think with Star Cinema distributing this particular movie in the country, they'll be successful putting this in around 198 cinemas today (if I heard it right during Donny's interview). 

The movie will start to get you to think about the dynamics of the family, and the pressures of studies, the expectations of some, and spending time for passion. The film has excellent production value, they got Metasports create "Requiem", a 5x5 FPS game for the PC. 

The color grading, the stitching of the plot, and the reveal of the twists, was given a lot of time to mature before letting it all out. Can't say much, but one thing for sure happened during the screening... I felt the urge to say that the apple certainly doesn't fall far from the tree. This is certainly an acting challenge for Donny, and having Ms. Maricel Laxa as his Mom in the film must have certain expectations (for most people, to be on the level of his Mom). He didn't disappoint, because from where I was sitting in the balcony, there were several people already crying from simply understanding the trials they were going through. Boy had so much emotions bottled up especially towards the end of the film.

 

They made this for a whole year, so you could see how it wasn't rushed post prod. I've seen films joining festivals in the past that felt clumsy, unfinished, and had so much loose ends. They don't have that, and I hope you see how a LOT of people worked tirelessly to put these together despite being an indie film... and how they did production work personally to make sure you get your money's worth when it hits cinemas. 

Here's a glimpse of the red carpet premiere, please enjoy!

 

 I've played a lot of games, I'm sure some of you do too. You don't even have to be a gamer to understand the film, because yes, it breathes family, love and camaraderie. It's best to bring family, friends and peers to get your movie fix. Watch GG (Good Game) The Movie, out now on theaters!

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.