JM DE GUZMAN and SUE RAMIREZ Define Love Differently in LASTING MOMENTS

Took a break from events and watched a movie premiere last night as one of my favorite actors JM De Guzman and talented actress Sue Ramirez star in a Director Fifth Solomon project called Lasting Moments. This is under PASSION5 Studios.

Before we went to the red carpet, we took the chance to interview them and Director Fifth bared how it was a little problematic to release a film like this because of the recent line of foreign films that are showing also in the same dates they planned. They had to adjust and had to compromise doing it in July 30th to make sure enough theaters could carry them, not the fault of theater owners as he said. 

Direk Fifth told us "The struggle of Filipino films is obvious, to see change, we need to talk about it so we could see what we need to help the industry, and its workers. I want to throw the question on how we can compete with foreign films. I understand the business, the malls on how they choose things where they could earn. We need the government help to not only survive, but have ample screens to show our work. We hope they could trust us, July 30 is going to be the date we are showing our work, this is a call for help. Lasting Moments needs to be seen."

Here's a glimpse of the red carpet where several friends of the lead stars and director also supported. We saw several Drag Race Philippines alumni and rumored Slaysian Royale cast. There were also several influencers and artists at the venue, and watched with us later in the evening.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Bueno (@kumagcow)

I've watched Fifth Solomon's previous films and I must say, this has definitely outdone those. He also wrote this, and evidently, this has been researched a lot because of the several things you would see in the movie. He took time to establish characters, but they'd give reasons later on about sudden outbursts between JM and Sue's roles. It questions your tenacity, of what lengths you would do when it comes to love and emotional impediments. The film also takes a jab on how one would quantify happiness, contentment and one's ability to measure it. 

Sue says "The topic is very sensitive, it's about silent battles. I hope people would be able to relate and understand this is a crisis. I hope the weight comes across the screen and the character. I'm so nervous, but the deeper meaning will be shown when you see the film. This is really a good film and we enjoyed making it, I hope people would go to theaters because I'm nervous if it didn't have days on the theaters."

JM says "I didn't really have a hard time doing this because I did a lot of research and I'm working with Sue. It's going to be relatively easy to understand what they are going through, without spoiling.. it's about remaining with the person and love. Sue doesn't act, she lives the character."

Here's the press conference on video:

JM and Sue really took their characters to heart. You'll have a bout of trying not to cry when they show closeup shots of them on screen. If there's a flaw, probably audio because there were several instances when I heard lengthy supposed quiet times that had high pitched sounds interfering (either from the movie theater or the actual edit).

Again, LASTING MOMENTS will show in theaters this July 30th. JM and Sue are phenomenal actors and there's no question, films that include them must be seen. See why folks beside be cried on some scenes. Congratulations to the cast, Direk Fifth and PASSION5 Studios!

GUILTY PLEASURE: Lovi Poe's Best Work

You've seen the reaction of a lot of people coming out of theaters after they watched Guilty Pleasure. It's the latest offering by Regal Films and C'est Lovi Productions. The film stars Lovi Poe, JM De Guzman, Jameson Blake. They also have Dustin Yu, Sarah Edwards, Angelica Lao. They also have the strict looking Johnny Revilla, excellent character actors like Soliman Cruz, Raf Pineda, Adrienne Vergara, Lorraine Wong, Christian Ty, Ella Cristofani and Darwin Yu. The film is directed by well known TV great, Producer, Screenwriter and artist Connie Macatuno.

While most of the conversations end up in the courtroom (for most of the scenes), the dilemma was focused quite intently in the relationship of Lovi who played Atty. Alexis and the characters of JM De Guzman (the son in law of her boss) and a new love, Atty Math Caliente played by Jameson Blake. Guilty Pleasure talks about a lot of things. From relationships, labels, the weird fetish, the passionate, sparking new things, even violence. It delves on the topics of feelings, consent, between people. While they battle it out in the courtroom, it mirrored what the things they personally experienced. Lovi in this movie is nothing like the goody two shoes she depicts in previous projects. She's more intense, tough, but overall, she's just a woman violated, trying to solve a problem both in the courtroom, and in real life. 

JM De Guzman doesn't shortchange playing his role, a bit of a surprise in this case as he gets involved with Atty. Emma. His acting awards get showcased even more because his character is a bit off the charts. He presents something opposite Jameson's character and persona, which was slowly burned in the movie. It's like a long courtship, putting in small moments of love, cuteness, acceptance which made Jameson look quite adorable, a confidant who never judged her for any reason.

Watch out for Jameson Blakes little surprise right towards the end of the movie.

 

This is by far Lovi Poe's bets performance in a film, I could say that with confidence since I've watched a few of her movies. She's only here for this project since she's a little busy in Hollywood for a few things. She can go back if needed, those direct flights would surely be pretty nifty if she wants things to happen to as an actress and as a producer now.

The story gets you to hold on to hope, how to welcome change, and if all falls into place (even justice wise), you get LOVE too. If you think this tickles your fancy, or slightly felt an interest with, go watch it on theaters now. It's R16 without cuts, and is shown in SM Cinemas and other leading theaters nationwide.

LOVI POE, JM DE GUZMAN, JAMESON BLAKE in GUILTY PLEASURE

It's been a while since I've seen Lovi Po, JM De Guzman and Jameson Blake in person. It's been years, but this new movie beckons not just a bit of discovery, but quite a lot of understanding. I couldn't say it's fully cerebral, but from what I heard during the mediacon, it deduces the female perspective, talks about their fantasies, their lives, the justice system, in this Regal Films and C'est Lovi Productions produced project called "GUILTY PLEASURE".

This movie also includes Dustin Yu, Sarah Edwards, Angelica Lao, Johhny Revilla, Soliman Cruz, Raf Pineda, Adrienne Vergara, Lorraine Wong, Christian Ty, Ella Cristofani, and Darwin Yu among others. This is Directed by Connie Macatuno, while the screenplay and script is by Noreen Capili.

Lovi was quite thankful for the help she got from Regal Films' very own Ms. Roselle Monteverde whom she was actually able to call anytime of the day (even after business hours) if she needs to ask something about production. Yes, Lovi is actually producing this movie too hence C'est Lovi Productions. Though new to the production world, you must understand how Lovi has literally lived all her life in making films. JM De Guzman on the other hand brings another interesting character, a superior from the judicial sector, but a lover that brings something different in closed doors with Lovi's character, Alexis. Jameson Blake on the other hand is more aggressive, loving, funny, a different partnership that provides a choice between two men.

Lovi says "Working with Regal was amazing. It was something risky which I found out after reading the script. This is not for entertainment, but something that will spark conversation. When we were doing the scenes, we trust each other. It also felt like a fashion show, but there were moments when I was comfortable. It was great though because the ones you see on the trailer is just the tip of the iceberg. This story is a lot deep, and I'm thankful for Direk who helped me. I'm just so grateful that everyone came to see us here, and I hope you could come and see us on October 16." 

When I asked about her Producer hat, she said "What sparked this is my love for writing. I remember doing Seasons for Regal, I felt good being part of the process, and everything just came together. There are so many stories that I want to do after that, I hope I also get to do a lot of writing. My mentor is no other than Ms. Roselle Monteverde, and the fact that I can call her anytime, and also, my husband abroad who does this professionally in Hollywood, and that's awesome."

Here's what happened at the press conference:

If you find the topic interesting, go to theaters this coming October 16. It's going to be shown in SM Cinemas across the country. Accessible, interesting, and has a lot of taboo talk unearthed especially for women, empowered or not.