An Unlikely Pairing That Works: MEG & RYAN

Seeing the trailer a couple months back had me asking if these two actors would actually work. I could identify JC Santos in more indie looking romcoms and drams while Rhian Ramos would fall into either action, sultry contrabida roles, drama and fantasy genres.

Watching the movie through a red carpet advance screening (a few days ago) however proved that putting these actors in a box would be a big mistake especially since the material of Meg & Ryan needed specific personas shown on screen. JC had to make Ryan as nerdy, ultra conservative and virginal at times while Rhian does the opposite, flawed, game for anything and had no bottle left unturned. She also gets egged to do things by friends, persuaded by a drop of wine and fun it brings. 

Lots of stars went to the event and supported them. Mind you it was raining and traffic was bad, but they all went there to support Director Catherine Camarillo and the other stars of the film. In a way this is a huge gamble because it's pretty slow at cinemas these days. But they're pretty confident about this story and its execution.

JC took his character to heart. With his boyish charm and soft delivery, he makes the easy work out of being the Mama's boy he needed to portray. Rhian on the other hand remained pretty mysterious despite her being the rocker chick she exudes. Both characters situations get intertwined, call it fate, call it something something that happened for one night, but they both loved each other eventually.

Some real good highlights are the appearances of Steven Bansil and the super funny POCA. If you love them on their internet skits, you would love them even more in their first movie.

We all thought it was not going to work, but folks in the cinema were gushing about the pair, even cried too. I guess we all fell for the trap that is MEG & RYAN. And they hope you get to experience it too.  It's an interesting and cute story, the pairing works! It comes out on August 6th, in cinemas nationwide! This is under POCKET MEDIA Films.

A Look at Jodi Sta. Maria's Psycho Horror Thriller "UNTOLD"

Regal Entertainment's scary movie offering "UNTOLD" was just given an advanced screening and scream party at the SM City North Edsa's THE BLOCK. It was witnessed by Regal Entertainment head honchos Keith Monteverde and Roselle Monteverde. While Jodi Sta. Maria is out of the country filming an international project, actresses Sarah Edwards and Kaori Oinuma attended the screening to say hi to lucky students, fans and media covering the event.

Jodi plays Vivian Vera, a reporter/anchor for a TV station. The film was easy to absorb at first, but it is a psycho thriller, full of jump scares and g0re. It was also very claustrophobic because much of the entities come from different directions. This is also about PTSD, mental health, and family.

Keith and Roselle Monteverde, Regal Entertainment Inc. is personally working on this film

This seems like a huge experiment for Jodi, and the film is full of things that would make you question realities. You get scared for a while then end up being in a flashback, or immerse in a supposed alter reality then see it being true. You also won't be able to invest too much on characters because one minute they're goody two shoes, the next day they're going to the underworld. Her involvement with all of them is consistent though, which again, made this story line cerebral, it makes you think and question every time what is true, what is happening now, and what's not.

The entertainment value certainly is enough for a Jodi Sta Maria film, and if you doubt her capability to scare, I've seen several people in my row screaming at times. Much of the content is psychologically heavy, and you'll feel the struggle on why the characters are doing what they are doing, even after the "afterlife". The narrative is stressful, so make sure you are ready for this horror film because by any standards, Jodi did justice with hear character. You'll also love some not so serious things that JK brings, which gives relief despite the heavy plot.  

Director Derrick Cabrido may have had a field day doing this with an actress that is capable of playing complex personalities. She did phenomenal, and the script certainly has been researched well. If you are practicing witchcraft (not that I'm insinuating you are), you'll also be seeing a lot of clues why we say that. This is another layer that you should discover when you watch it on theaters on April 30.

Demi Moore Starrer "The SUBSTANCE" is Disturbingly Amazing!

Just got out of the Shang cinemas for the advanced screening of "THE SUBSTANCE", a movie starring the iconic Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid. It's a film by Coralie Fargeat and is released by CreaZion Studios in Southeast Asia. This will also be shown in Philippine theaters on September 25, 2024.

This already garnered an award from Cannes Film Festival for Best Screenplay and critics have already paid respects with this film that discusses looks, beauty standards and the miserable world of Hollywood.

This film for the lack of better description, is CRAZY. The shots alone for the scenes are non conventional. From far vantage points to super macro scenes, they apparently had a lot of fun doing that. Demi Moore is not playing games with this role, because it is her toughest, and bravest performance on the silver screen. This movie has a combination of sci-fi, drama, jump scares, shock and awe. This is still an acting piece, one that you wait for to happen every few minutes. You also need to be an adult to understand some of the concepts, and prepare a huge thinking cap from the moment they show Vlad and Gore (see what I did there!).

Margaret Qualley, albeit my first time seeing her, really left an impression. She's likeable, gorgeous, and fits the role. She's also flawless, I could liken her to a ultra fit femme fatale version of Billie Eilish.

Prosthetics are super cool, you would have never seen anything like it. The POV scenes made this a thrilling thing to watch, you'll feel weird, pity, mad and everything in between. I specifically would love to return to the movie house just for the thuds and running moments from the entertainment room to the bathroom. It's a Vlad fest. But it's made super good, especially for mature audiences. You will love how it ends, and its unconditional ways of making you feel different things.

I love weird movies, but this one was MAD GOOD. This made me want to bring back my personal weird emo days. So if you're looking for quality, and fond of horror flicks, or going to the dentist, watch it on theaters nationwide on the 25th! This gets 9/10 milk bottles for me.

Made Me Cry Twice: CHANCES ARE, YOU AND I in Theaters Today!

The night was indeed stellar at the SM Megamall Cinemas because of the red carpet premiere of CHANCES ARE, YOU AND I which stars hunky Kelvin Miranda and the angelic Kira Balinger. We had the chance to talk to the stars a few weeks back, but this time, I'd like to concentrate more on the actual movie which we got to see last night May 28, 2024.

It's about two strangers who had the same fate, finding their lives intertwined at very interesting points. The hospitals wouldn't be just providing care, but a launch pad for realizations and grounds for what seem to be "opposite personalities" at first, then became that tiny flame that would ignite care, an adventure, special friendships, and love.

Do not at any instance downplay this movie to be just a cute chick flick. Kelvin has been recently awarded the Most Prolific Dramatic Actor Award at the Jinseo Arigato Film Festival in Nagoya, Japan. Kira on the other hand had several scenes to pull heartstrings, which is surprising to see for a neophyte lead in this film. They didn't even had to force themselves, it felt quite natural because you will bear witness with their love story.

If there's anything to add that should be noted amazing in this film is Kelvin and Gian Magdangal's confrontation scene. Tart Carlos also had her moment with Kira Balinger when she had to admit all her faults, it was personal and heartbreaking. Jinho Bae whom people might expect to only blurt out Hangul in most of the scenes in Korea, will be your breath of fresh air. His comedic timing is impressive and as he revealed, he was personally surprised about having 80 percent of his adlibs being put in scenes when he was quite sure it should have been cut by the director. You'll love him for that!

I think I cried twice, and you might have to bring a few sheets of fascial tissues for that. You can now see CHANCES ARE, YOU AND I on theaters starting today! Bring your friends, significant others and family because you'll love how they executed it. 

Photography is A+, plan and go, or flip a coin if you need to decide. This is produced by Pocket Media Productions, Inc. and Happy Infinite Productions. They will have Regal Films distribute this to 130 (I heard) cinemas nationwide!

Get Obsessed with "The Influencer" on VIVAMAX

In this day and age, you’ve probably seen an influencer strut their stuff on social media channels. It’s a shortcut to stardom for some, while others use it for other things.

Yexel is an influencer, one that has a dysfunctional family, living quite a fake life. He goes out with friends, some to spend the night with. But in one of these parties, he meets Nina... one that would change his life.

Yexel becomes a kid in a candy store initially. When he’s with her, he takes on Nina like a ravaging hungry testosterone filled maniac who doesn’t want to be far from her... that's til she mentions how she wants to become more serious, but Yexel obviously wasn’t into that.

Unbeknownst to Yexel, Nina has her own secrets. Yes, the film will be really packed with lots of scenes that VIVAMAX is known for (almost half of the scenes will be like that). It’ll get really really overboard once Nina starts taking out her real personality and all hell breaks loose.

This script is interestingly written, at the helm of Quinn Carillo I'd liken her style to be of Quentin Tarantino, she doesn't mind how much shock factor her story is and it's something that you'll look forward with her work. Albeit this is the first time Direk Louie Ignacio is tackling this genre, it was well executed and done realistically, researched well.

You will be a little exhausted at the end of this movie, feel how they'll be trying to connect what's happening in some of the darkest sides of the influencers they got these stories from; because Direk Louie says, this is something that they wanted to show, something so real that they wouldn't be defending much on the story line of "The Influencer" which comes out on August 12th.

We've seen Sean De Guzman in his other projects, but this by far will impress you even more. Cloe Barreto sits even crazier, when you think she's done that in her past films, this will put her in an even higher form. You'll take her as the woman who's going to be seriously insane, and it'll be a good thing.

You can download VIVAMAX on the App Store, Google Play or the Huawei App Store too. They have subscription plans that you can save a lot from if you get the longer subscription time. See how you too can become OBSESSED with it and other shows on the platform. This is produced by 3:16 Media Network, Mentorque Productions and is exclusively shown on the VIVAMAX app.

Not for the faint of heart, not for kids either!

VIVAMAX: "TAHAN" When Things Take A Dark Turn

We went in the cinema of Gateway Mall for the screening of the film TAHAN, a movie which will be shown solely on streaming platform VIVAMAX. Cloe Barreto plays the role of Elise, a woman who was forced to work in the high end escort industry; she started at a very young age. To provide for herself and her Mother, she had to seek clients for pay to do all their wishes. She falls prey to different kinds of folks, some kind, some abusive, which puts her in the brink of losing hope.

Her relationships are all complicated, but it pays the bill. Although in a rut, she does several encounters to feel she's the dominant one, being served as she doesn't have that on normal days. She also got into vices, so she could forget about what’s happening. She also gets involved with a guy (a former high school fling) played by JC Santos (also multi awarded actor). He represents her way out, her wishing to change ways, but all fails as she gets sold and forced by her Mom; depicted by 2016 Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Ms. Jaclyn Jose. The film also stars Mercedes Cabral, Karl Medina, EJ Salamante, AJ Oteyza and Jet Delgado. Quinn Carillo wrote this film, but also stars in it as the protagonist's best friend. 

 

Talented writer and actress Quinn Carillo who slayed the script!

Cloe Barreto plays Elise

 

AJ Oteyza, Quinn Carillo plays interesting characters

JC Santos plays Cloe's high school sweetheart. What will become of him when things go south?

Not to patronize her, but Quinn really put the needed shocking twists in the script of this film. Although it delved on content appealing to men, Director Bobby Bonifacio, Jr. made risky creative interpretation to make Quinn's script come alive. It felt like a long dream sequence, one that takes all the things she probably feared the most to happen on screen. If you think about it, this movie is matriarchal in nature, on how their relationships and dynamics work... until things take a dark, dark turn.

All in all, this is a showcase of talented actors. Cloe Barreto has really leveled up her acting chops straight from her other projects like "Silab". Aside from that, JC Santos presents a different persona who still has to tell their story. They were high school sweethearts who lost touch. This may also open up a lot of possibilities, a prequel, another installment, which can be possible since the story asks for it. As expected, Madame Jaclyn Jose proved why she's world class. She's very generous, and let Cloe shine when she needs to in the film. I'd be really surprised if this didn't snatch an award from different festivals which they plan to do soon. Here's some videos I made of the presscon which happened after the screening:

You can watch this movie solely on the VIVAMAX app, you can download it off web.vivamax.net, Google Play or the App Store. Payment is a monthly subscription which you can do on the website, or various digital wallets. It can also be accessed in countries like UAE (Dubai), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar or elsewhere in Europe where available. You can also download it on East and Southeast Asian countries, New Zealand, Australia, the US and Canada. Having this be accessed worldwide, it's already doing the deed of introducing Filipino films worldwide. Congratulations to the cast and production of TAHAN and I'm glad plans for another film from the same production will be in the works soon.

 This film is sick, and I LOVE IT!

Cuddle Weather Premiere + Red Carpet Shots

September 13 as part of Pista Ng Pelikulang Pilipino (a Filipino Film Festival) will be fun as there will be a ton of whimsical entries, one of which is Cuddle Weather. It starts Sue Ramirez and Raymond Bagatsing, bringing to life the story of Adela Johnson and Ram, two adult workers whose life intertwine. Their celebrity friends came in throngs to support the film and they didn't disappoint as we all enjoyed this R-13 flick.

Cristine Reyes

The Director of the film

Niño Mulach

K-Vlogger Krystel Fulgar

Kimpee De Leon and Moy Bien

Javi Benitez of Kid Alpha One

Jane Oineza who will be in another film soon

Kelvin Miranda and Angel Guardian

Direk Antonette Jadaone

Ria Atayde

Enzo Pineda and Michelle Vito

The film was funny, but concentrated on the realities of a worker involved in this industry. Their humor, is current and relatable. Ram (RK) is a sweetheart, as innately innocent he may be, he's got his own knack in caring for Adela Johnson. There's also that part where he cares for his family, sans this being a forsaken kind of work, it is lucrative and may add to their goals. There is also some parts of the film discussing the relationships and dynamics of a broken family. The film also involves a lot of learnings about the birds and the bees, how to safely do it and how to be responsible of yourselves. 

This may be an entry to the PPP but it's more of a romcom, in a different situation, in a different way of telling it. This isn't a drama piece, nor is it award piece, but given its merits, people could learn a lot, feel a bit of kilig, none of those adult innuendos either. You'll see some of that but it's not the whole story. 

It just feels good to watch. Make sure you do when it shows in 160 theaters nationwide!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

7 Reasons Why You Should Watch “ANG BABAENG ALLERGIC SA WIFI”

Pretty good, very young and relevant.

Just like my previous movie posts, I don’t want to spoil things for you but I like what I saw in the movie ANG BABAENG ALLERGIC SA WIFI. Here are 6 good reasons to watch the film, I would recommend this to romance fanatics, it’s full of that and a LOT of HUGOT lines in between (not the old kind).

1. MUSIC - The music selection is SO GOOD, too good that I’ll buy if they have it on streaming apps.

2. THE EYES - Sue Ramirez has always been gorgeous, her eyes is a dead giveaway. There’s something about her, her soft features, very likeable personality makes her so good on romantic films.

3. ROMANCE - Jameson Blake is good looking, has flawless skin, and cracked up jokes about shoutouts during the screening. Aries felt like him, toned down geek, hopeless romantic. He did good. The situations of romance in this film would make you understand that even in love, lies and deception are included.

4. BUTTERFLIES - His confessions on love felt sincere, how he hurts and realizations. You’ll have butterflies in your stomach. Maybe your shoulders.

5. NEW ACTOR - Markus Paterson is a revelation, it’s my first time seeing him but he’s a good chap. Good looks, acting, singing, I bet he’s going places. Though tis a good thing seeing them raw, as this is his first film.

6. SHORT (stint) BUT SWEET VILLAIN - Adrianna So has done two movies this month, character roles done impeccably well. She’s evil and conniving in this film, so be careful if you see her on the scenes. 

7. INSTAGRAM WORTHY - This might be the first time Cignal Entertainment, Octobertrain Films and Ideafirst Company has produced a film together, but boy it looks good. It’s a light romantic drama film but you’ll love the shots, much like that Siargao movie, it’s like Instagram on steroids. 

Is it worth to watch? Definitely, because you still want to dream of love, to hope, to still believe in it even if circumstances make your nose bleed. To filter things in your life; fake news and all, to confirm the realness of the feelings, so if this is the foundation of your relationship, you won’t have to waste each other’s time. Do not curse me for not spoilin the ending, you need to watch it to see why.

This movie is an entry for Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2018 which will run from August 15-21, 2018. This is also directed by the award winnig Jun Lana. Again, it’s worthy to watch.

I love this for it’s merits, it’s Graded A by the cinema evaluation board with good reason. Trust me on that.

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Tiktik, the Aswang Chronicles: Showing on October 17!

Fully shot on green screen is this one of its kind film Produced by the hunky actor himself, Dingdong Dantes, with the lovely horror princess pairing up with him, the one and only Lovi Poe is this film called "Tiktik, the Aswang Chronicles". If you saw the excerpts on TV, and enjoyed seeing the clips, it's surely gonna be way better on the movie screen!

Lovi Poe plays the role of Sonia, a girl from the barrio who got pregnant by city boy Dingdong Dantes; he plays the role of Makoy. Though in the movie, he's a little arrogant and undermines those who stay in the countryside and got the irk of an Aswang family. Whilst in a scuffle with his wife who went to the province, they simply got the interest of these entities because of Sonia's pregnancy (local folklore tells these monsters eat babies too!). There are twists and turns to the story but watch how they battle it out with these "Tiktik" as Makoy comes full force to rescue his wife, his unborn child and try to stay alive in this film! It's Humans versus Zombies, you get the drill right?

 

With advanced never before seen footages shot entirely on this kind of medium, this will prove to be one heck of a computer generated marvel the Philippines is going to be proud of! There have been several festival invites already for this film but they took their time to make this a tad better because it's never been done full length before!

This film is Directed by the one and only Erik Matti. Produced by Ronald Stephen Monteverde, Jose Dantes III, Ms. Annette Gozon - Abrogar. It also stars stars Joey Marquez, Janice de Belen, Roi Vinzon, LJ Reyes and a lot more other stars. Make sure you visit theaters come October 17! That's on Wednesday. Or else, the Aswangs will come to you instead! Haha!

Congratulations to the whole cast and crew of this great film! Can't wait to see it!

For more information 

Visit their website!



http://www.theaswangchronicles.com/

ASWANG: Up Close and Personal with Paulo Avelino

We're used to big personalities but this one was off putting. He's the apple of the eye of thousands of men and women who watch Philippine TV or movies. I wanted to make it a little personal this time. I found someone so good when I got to talk to Paulo Avelino; and found the reasons why people like him.

Paulo Avelino has transcended genres and those teenage teeny bopper years since his days with Starstruck. Born to his Filipina Mom Jennylyn Lingbanan Avelino and a half Spanish father Roberto Puigcerver Avelino; Paulo has inherited quite a handful of the good traits of his race. He is also the third out of four siblings. This mestizo, good looking stunner from Calbayog, Samar has a body that most men would envy and women absolutely adore or drool over plus quite an impressive personality to boot. He's soft spoken and very intelligent and I'm afraid I have to say that I'm a fan now.

Paulo actually knows he is very famous. That realization doesn't actually make him think about putting it on his head or anything like that. When I was with him, I felt he was GENIUINELY nice. I felt no air whatsoever that could make a rift out of the interview. As nervous as I was, I kinda felt at ease when he spoke. It's like getting to know a friend and a very smart one at that. He's like the perfect husband any girl would want to have and meet their parents (right LJ?! =) ).

He's actually now a KAPAMILYA and he has seen admirable improvement about the breaks he's having. He's actually got a couple of projects with the network and some more films with Regal soon. ABSCBN will be showing some of them this Christmas season, you should watch out for that... plus a huge series also next year with legendary stars on the list. He's excited for that!

I'd like to take this bit to thank Paulo for taking time to sit down and have a small chat. Hope to see you someday soon. A shoot perhaps? LOL. He did it for you guys! My beloved readers :)


I was also there to interview him for his latest film called ASWANG together with his co stars, it was a delight to see them all in a different light. It was in a mall show right in the smack of Robinsons Pioneer. I didn't understand why stars usually do this. I thought it was just for publicity... but really it made sense to me when I went to this one yesterday.

Lovi Poe =) I love her too!

I understood something why they actually do this Re: mall shows. Aside from the fact that they are being hounded by throngs of people, they are in a way paying back. Their fame after all had something to do with these folks who show support and adore them. They are the reason they make films.

Here are more shots from the event!

Spotted! Ms. Precious Lara San Agustin Quigaman, she was so beautiful in person. =)

This film will be shown on cinemas come November 2; but they've got a premier night in October 30 SM Megamall so make sure you watch that!

The awesomely cute and cool Alan Benedict "Albie" Lee Casiño. He was very handsome if I may say so. You should take a peek at his formspring account which I actually do :)

Lovi Poe was so nice... she took time to engage the fans that evening.

The statuesque Ms. Nina Jose.
You'll fear her shooting people randomly in the film!

Gorgeous Lovi Poe

Paulo Avelino doing the games with fans =)

Joem Bascon was VERY game!

Albie had fun too!

My first time to meet Marc Abaya, I adore your songs too!

The guys inviting fans to come and watch the film.

Fans lining up to get a glimpse of the stars and get autographs too!

Paulo Avelino and Lovi Poe really love their fans, they took the time to spend a couple of minutes with them after the event. As I said, he is genuinely so nice!

Watch ASWANG showing on theaters November 2!

This film is by renowned film Director Jerrold Tarog under Regal Films. I had the chance to watch the movie through the advanced screening, you should head to theaters and watch this one soon. The story had some similarities to the original ASWANG movie by Ms. Alma Moreno but a very modern twist to it. It' have you on the edge of your seats at times. Joem Bascon in particular had a remarkable performance in this movie. So does Marc Abaya, they should really be nominated for their roles on this movie. I wanted to get you educated about what the monsters were called in this horror flick but I'd rather have you watch it instead. Capisce? So make sure you growl and slash into theaters come November 2. This was supposed to be 3D so imagine how good it'll be!

Congratulations to everyone in the cast! If you don't watch ASWANG... they will come to your house personally and BITE YOU! =) You won't look at the ground or see birds the same way again after seeing this movie! Remember that I said that! =)