HELLO, LOVE, GOODBYE - ANOTHER MONSTER HIT FROM STAR CINEMA (Review)

They're saying the local movie industry is a dying industry and so far this year, only four local films crossed the P100 million benchmark and all but produced by Star Cinema and it's subsidiary film outfits.  Viva and Regal Films are still active but more often than not, only a few of their films do well at the box-office and likewise independent filmmakers continue to suffer with limited theater runs due to poor ticket sales.

Given the scenario, Star Cinema manages to beat the odds and comes up with a blockbuster film after another and the latest is a monster hit "Hello, Love, Goodbye." The Alden Richards and Kathryn Bernardo starrer grossed P603,015,830  in less than three weeks and the movie also premiered in various key cities in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and some Asian countries and is doing very well as expected and posted $2,132,000 to date.

Back to HLG, the movie received decent reviews citing the feel good vibes and charisma it brings to the moviegoers.  Long queues filled ticket booths despite the bad weather when it opened three weeks ago and it even beat Hollywood big budget movie "Fast and Furious: Hobbs and Shaw." 

HLG, set in Hong Kong,  is the story of Joy and Ethan,   Joy works as a domestic helper and has only a few months to stay in Hong Kong legally. Her employer planned to terminate her as she could no longer afford to pay her but Joy bargained and agreed to be paid just half of her salary as she needs to stay in Hongkong to facilitate her plans to move to Canada.  To bolster her earnings she works part time illegally and hides from police authorities and it was Ethan who saved her when was on the run.  The romantic angle is cute and all and the story thickens when it was time for Joy to move to Canada.  Ethan asks "kung mahal mo ako bakit hindi ako ang piliin mo?"  Joy replied with "Kung mahal mo ako, bakit pinapapili mo ako?" This "hugot" line has become so popular and various memes have surfaced online.  

HLG is not just about the story of Ethan and Joy but it also captures the struggles of OFW, working abroad to support their families back home.  The director succeeded in all aspects, capturing the feel good vibes and both Richards and Bernardo gave decent performances, ably supported by competent ensemble cast.  Another factor that contributes to the movie's success is the unusual team up of Richards and Bernard, who both comes from two perennial rival networks in the country.

The movie, now on its third week, continues to draw crowds beating other local films that opened last week including Hollywood movies.  Viva Films "Indak" starring Nadine Lustre suffered miserably at the box-office and some says it's outdated and wrong project as  "dance movies" don't sell to local audience. "Just A Stranger" starring Anne Curtis and Marco Gumabao is due for release next week and receives positive feedbacks and  it looks like Viva Films will hit it right this time.  

With the current technological change and the coming of digital age, people are face with so many options.  There are digital platforms where one can watch movies at home and do not have to go out and endure heavy traffic.  Filmmakers should carefully set their goals and target their market and not make a movie that is just as good as a TV episode wheren one can watch for free.

JIN MACAPAGAL IS BRAND NEW KAPAMILYA LEADING MAN AND WINS ULTIMATE BIDAMAN BIG BREAK

24 year  old  Cebuano  model Jin Macapagal bagged  the  first  Ultimate  Bidaman  title, held last night at the  New Frontier Theater.  Dubbed as "The Big Break," Bidaman is a reality talent search contest segment of ABS-CBN noontime show "It's Showtime."  The show began with each contestant introducing themselves ala-Miss Universe shouting their name, age and province of origin before an enthusiastic crowd and screaming fans.

Jin’s showbiz journey started 3 years ago when he joined “Pinoy Boy Band Superstar,” the local franchise of “La Banda," and athough he failed to make it to the Top 12, it did not stop him from pursuing his showbiz dream. 

Jin easily made his presence felt during the early round of competition and wowed the audience as he displayed high energy and confidence dancing to a Justine Timberlake song. For the final round, each top 3 finalist was asked to deliver a monologue they had written themselves. Macapagal narrated how he struggled and overcome his problems involving his family and delivered it with depth which came out naturally. 

Part of Jin's prizes includes a management contract, a house and lot, a brand new pick up vehicle,  and a cool One Million Pesos cash prize.  In addition, he will also get the chance to be included in the cast of  Vice Ganda's entry to 2019 MMFF.

2nd to Jin Macapagal is Eris Aragoza, 23, from Binangonan Rizal and third place is Jiro Custodio, 22, from Gapan, Nueva Ecija.  Both Eris and Jiro were crowd favorites with a bunch of supporters in the audience.

The criteria for judging includes looks and personality, acting ability and Bidaman should have  the complete package spotted with potentials in the entertainment field.

Some says the inclusion of  Dan Delgado and Yuki Sakamoto in the Top 6 were quite a surprise as there were other strong contenders particularly Nathan Garcia and Miko Gallardo.

Top 6:

Jin Macapagal, Eris Aragoza, Jiro Custodio

Yuki Sakamoto,  Dan Delgado and Ron Macapagal

Special Awards:

Bida Smile:  Wize Estabilo

Bida Bod:  Jervy de los Reyes

BidaBilidad  – Jay Dizon

Bida Bro:  Johannes Rissler

Top 12

Nathan Garcia (Cavite), Ron Macapagal (Malate, Manila), Polo Laurel (Pasay), Dan Delgado (Mandaluyong),  Eris Aragoza (Rizal), Jiro Custodio (Nueva Ecija), Wize Estabilo (Tarlac),  Yuki Sakamoto (Taguig),  Jervy de los Reyes (Plaridel, Bulacan),  Jin Macapagal (Cebu), Miko Gallardo (Palawan) andJohn Padilla (Olongapo).

10 ENTRIES FOR 3rd EDITION OF PISTA NG PELIKULANG PILPPINO REVEALED

The Film Development Council of the Philippines, spearheaded by Chairwoman Liza Diño announced that Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino will take place from September 13 to 19.  This year's edition will feature seven films and three other films that are part of PPP Sandaan Showcase in commemoration of 100 years of Philippine Cinema.

Here is the full list of 10 Feature Films for the 3rd edition of Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino:

1)  CUDDLE WEATHER

Director: Rod Marmol

Production: Project 8 corner San Joaquin and Regal Entertainment

Logline:

After realizing that prostitutes are not entitled to the best part of love making, two sex workers form a screwy relationship as 'cuddle partners' only to realize that they want something more.

2) THE PANTI SISTERS

Director: Jun Robles Lana

Production: The Ideafirst Company, Blacksheep and ALV films

Logline:

Three gay sons are called back by their estranged and terminally-ill father and given an offer they can’t refuse: a P300 million inheritance in exchange for each of them giving him a grandchild.

3) G!
Director: Dondon Santos
Production: Cineko Productions
Logline:
A series of good times, bad times, cherished bonding moments which will make them all realize the value of love, friendship, family and life.

4)  WATCH ME KILL
Director: Tyrone Acierto
Production: CineBandits Entertainment
Logline: A ruthless assassin’s plan is interrupted when she discovers that the man she needs to kill has more to hide than expected. Her life unravels as she must juggle her new priorities with her inner demons. Set in a world where violence rules over virtue, she must face the hardest reality -- is she the real danger or the monsters that control the criminal underworld?

5) PAGBALIK
Director: Hubert Tibi and Maria S. Ranillo
Production: Nuances Entertainment Productions & PRO. PRO
Log line:
A trouble OFW is forced to return home and come to terms with the family she left behind.

6)  LSS (LAST SONG SYNDROME
Director: Jade Castro
Production: Produced by Globe Studios in association with Dokimos Media Studios Inc. and Ben&Ben
Logline:
Sara and Zak, an aspiring musician and a yearning son find themselves in a series of almost-but-not-quite romantic encounters as they follow an upcoming indie-folk band. The two are struggling dreamers in their 20s who discover what it means to grow up as they experience the joy and pain of love and loss accompanied by the music of Ben & Ben.

7)  I’M ELLENYA L.
Director: Boy 2 Quizon
Production: Spring films, N2 Productions and Cobalt Entertainment
Logline: Ellenya’s life revolves around social media just like a typical millennial; seeking
validation from the online society. With aspirations of being a big influencer and vlogger,
she chases her dreams by creating a persona and content with the help of her family and
friends. Will Ellenya earn online fame or will she be an epic fail?

8) CIRCA
Writer/Director: Adolfo Borinaga Alix, Jr.
Cast: Anita Linda, Gina Alajar, Laurice Guillen, Jaclyn Jose, Elizabeth Oropesa, Ricky Davao, Enchong Dee with the special participation of Eddie Garcia

Production Company: ABAJ Film Productions, Noble Wolf, Swift Productions, RSVP

9)  LOLA IGNA
Director: Eduardo Roy Jr.

Production: Found Films and EMBA Production
Logline: Lola Igna is a foul-mouthed and stubborn woman who is eager to die but her neighbors are hung up on her winning the title “the oldest living grandmother in the world.” Her long lost great-great-grandson, Tim, is an aspiring Vlogger who wants to latch on to her now-famous grandma but ends up giving her a new reason to live

10) OPEN
Director: Andoy Ranay
Production: T-Rex Entertainment and Blacksheep

Logline: Rome and Ethan have been together for 14 years. He is the love of her life, and she is his number one supporter. They are each other’s firsts, and to their friends, they are the perfect couple. When the two begin to feel that their relationship has gone stale, they explore the idea of going open. It’s something Ethan wants to do, and it’s the only way Rome feels she can keep her man. They agree that they are allowed to have sex with strangers, but they are not allowed to fall in love. In a relationship built over time, the two begin to “explore” expecting to salvage the exact same thing they are giving up. In the end, they learn the importance of the very thing they have been blind to -- a relationship without trust will eventually crumble.

SETH FEDELIN : RISING STAR OF HIS GENERATION

Stars come and go and as popular teen heartthrobs are starting to play mature roles, there's a need to look for new ones to play roles vacated by them. The country's young superstars like Daniel Padilla, James Reid, Alden Richards and Enrique Gil are already in their late 20's and their "pa-tweetums" and teeny-bopper days are over however, they remain big stars of today.

One candidate who might just be the next big thing in local showbiz is Seth Fedelin,  This might be an overstatement but for now, the 16 year old is getting a lot of attention from his mother network and had him inked a two year contract, something that does not usually happen for a newbie. 

Seth Fedelin was part of the PBB teen housemates a few months ago but was evicted from Big Brother's house.  He started to get noticed when he appeared in the top rated afternoon drama "Kadenang Ginto."  Seth is paired with Andrea Brillantes where he plays "Mikoy" and the two seems to have a perfect chemistry on screen and brings "kilig" to viewers of the popular teleserye.  

Seth is often compared to Daniel Padilla and James Reid.  They say he talks like Daniel and looks like James.  His good looks and bubbly personality are what makes this 16 year old lad from Cavite even more charming.  He said in an interview that he is "laking kalye" which means that he grew up just like ordinary kids playing on the street and hanging out with friends.

The newbie actor is is closer to realizing his dreams.  Seth just inked a 2 year contract with ABS-CBN, way ahead from his peers at PBB. He recently launched an album together with "The Gold Squad" composed of Andrea Brillantes, Francine Diaz and Kyle Echarri who are all his co- stars in "Kadenang Ginto."

ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel recently posted in their vlog titled "10 Times Seth Fedelin proved he is one of the rising stars of his generation. 

IDOL PHILIPPINES TOP 12

The Top 12 finalists for Idol Philippines were revealed last Sunday after grueling elimination rounds over the past weeks.  Six boys and 6 girls were chosen from the Top 20.  

The Top 12 will perform live on June 29 and they will be singing songs of National Artist (for Music) Ryan Cayabyab.  

The exclusion of Roque Benilo in the top 12 draws mixed reactions from fans and it even trended on twitter at no. 4.  Many says he chose the wrong song and it didn't show his strength as as singer.  He should have picked a country-rock song similar to the one he performed in his audition. 

There was no mention if there would be a wild card selection.

The Top 12 are: 

Male:  Dan, Lucas, Lance, Matty, Miguel, Renwich

Female: Elle, Fatima, Rachel, Trish and Zephanie

IDOL PHILIPPINES TOP 20 REVEALED (5 OF THEM FROM LGBT COMMUNITY)

The Top 20 for Idol Philippines search have been revealed following an intense week of competition during “The Group” and “Do or Die” rounds, participated by 69 hopefuls. From 69, they were trimmed town to 39 and the top 20 advances to the next round which is the “Solo” round.

The Top 20 are:

Charmagne Algario (Bulacan)		Lance Busa (Agusan Del Norte)
Dan Ombao (Bataan)		Lucas Garcia (Lipa, Batangas)
Denize Castillo (Cavite)		Matty Juniosa (Mandaluyong)
Elle Ocampo (Pampanga)		Michelle Primavera (Caloocan City)
Enzo Almario (Sta. Maria, Bulacan)		Miguel Ordon (California, USA)
Fatima Louise Lagueras (Quezon City)		Renwick Benito (Angeles City, Pampanga)
Jasper Lacson (Sorsogon City)		Roque Belino (Baguio City)
Jehramae Trangia (Talisay City, Cebu)		Sheland Faelnar (Caloocan City)
Jeremiah Torayno (Cagayan de Oro)		Trish Bonilla (Lucena City)
Rachel May Libres  (Pasay City)		Zephanie Dimaranan, (Biñan, Laguna)

LGBT community is well represented with at least 5 of them made the top 20 cut. They are Jeremiah Torayno, Enzo Almario , Elle Ocampo, Matty Juniosa and Lucas Garcia and all of them openly admitted their gender identity during the auditions. Jeremiah Torayno , who considers himself as a trans-woman, competed in the female group instead of joining the male group in the “do-or-die” round.

Arnel Pineda’s son (Angelo Pineda) was eliminated in the group round while Charice’s ex-girlfriend Alyssa Quijano and GMA talent Kier King managed to advance to the “do-or-die” round but failed to advance to the top 20.

Vice Ganda was quoted saying that his main criteria for judging is a combination of looks, talent and personality.

The top 20 will compete in the :solo” round and from there the top 12 will be chosen and will get the chance to compete in the live performance.

GRAZINI GANADOS IS THE NEW MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES

Gazini Christiana Jordi Ganados, 23,  from Talisay, Cebu, was crowned Miss Universe Philippines in glittering rites held at Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday night, June 9, 2019. Gazini, who is of Palestinian-Filipino descent, is a fashion model and a graduate of bachelor's degree in Tourism. Bb. Pilipinas is not her first foray into pageant, having joined Miss World Philippines in 2014 when she was 18 and managed to make it to the top 13.

During the final Q&A round, Gazini was asked by Judge Bobby Barreiro with the question:

"If you win the crown tonight, what can you do to get more women in the workplace?"

She answered:

'If I win the crown tonight, what I will do is to promote my advocacy. My advocacy is for us women to fight for our rights and for the elderly care and for us to be able to know that someone is loving and someone is pushing us to whatever ambitions that we have. We will be able to rise from our decisions to whatever dreams that we have, goals that we have, and we will achieve it because of those values, those wisdom that they gave us."

Gazini's answer earned mixed reactions from pageant fans saying that she did not directly answer the question and that generic answer like that will not work in Miss Universe. However, her charm and commanding stage presence weigh in and lead her to winning the most coveted crown. She has six months to train before she compete in Miss Universe. Earlier in the pageant, she was judged best in evening gown and was voted Miss Photogenic by the local press.

Many people says she has close resemblance to Tamaryn Green, the South African beauty queen who was first runner up to Catriona Gray, the current Miss Universe.

Gazini will vie for a back-to-back win in this year's Miss Universe pageant scheduled end of the year (probably in South Korea though not yet confirmed).

So far, only Venezuela has won a back-to-back in Miss Universe history. This was in 2009 when Jennifer Mendoza crowned her compatriot Stefania Fernandez. There would have been another back to back win in 2015 but four minutes after Ariadna Gutierrez was crowned by fellow Colombian 2014 Miss Universe Paulina Vega, Steve Harvey apologized that he misread the cue card and declared Pia Wurtzbach of the Philippines as the rightful winner, stripping Gutierrez off the crown and sash right on the spot. The broadcast received worldwide media attention.

Will Gazini Ganados shine in the forthcoming Miss Universe? 

Here's the complete list of winners:

Miss Universe Philippines 2019	Gazini Ganados	Talisay, Cebu
Bb. Pilipinas International 2019	Bea Patricia Magtanong	Bataan
Bb. Pilipinas – Supranational 2019	Resham Saeed	Maguindanao
Bb. Pilipinas – Grand International	Samantha Ashley Lo	Cebu
Bb. Pilipinas – Intercontinental	Emma Mary Tiglao	Pampanga
Bb. Pilipinas – Globe	Leren Mae Bautista	Laguna
1st runner-up	Samantha Bernardo	Palawan
2nd runner-up	Andrea Abesamis	Pasig

Other semi-finalists:

April Short (Zamboanga),   Joahnna Carla Saad (Dumaguete), Jessica Marasigan (Malabon),  Maria Isabela Galeria (Sorsogon), Hannah Arnold  (Masbate) and Marianne Marquez (Marikina) and Vicky Rushton (Negros Occidental).

Winner of this year Bb. Pilipinas International is Patricia Bea Magtanong of Bataan.  Magtanong  is a newly certified Lawyer and will soon take oath  and become a full-pledged Lawyer.  Patch, as she is called by friends and fans, has been a favorite from the beginning and many thought she has a spot for the Miss Universe Philippines title. When asked by Judge Borja who she wants to meet somebody globally influential, Magtanong says “I really idolize Angelina Jolie because she was blessed with not just a thriving career in Hollywood. But then as a woman, she was able to use that influence, that voice, and that audience, to advocate for the causes that she believed in, like breaking hunger with the UN. And someday, if given a chance, I would like to be just like her. Thank you.”  Pageant observers says she gave a better answer than Grazini but then there are other factors to consider.  Grazini has a strong stage presence and looks vivacious on stage while Patch needs to be a little bit more assertive when delivering her answer but it is safe to say both deserved their respective placements.

Resham Saeed of Maguindanao is perhaps the first Muslim girl to win a Bb.Pilipinas crown. Saeed says “growing up as a Muslim woman, I have experienced several barriers put upon me by people who make assumptions about my my religion and about my faith and I am here to show that I am a fresh face, a fresh voice for the most underrepresented people from our community.”

Just like most pageants, this year’s edition isn’t devoid of controversy.  Vicky Rushton, who was obviously one of the most popular contestants, claims that she wasn’t able to concentrate while delivering her answer  as she was distracted by someone in the audience who was making faces pointing at hter.  Rushton won at least 5 special awards and we though she had it, until the Q&A where she failed miserably

Samantha Bernardo of  Palawan, got the same placement she had last year (as second runner-up) while Andrea Abesamis placed 1st runner up, an improvement from her semi-finalist finish last year.  Samantha can still join next year but Andrea can no longer as she will turn 28 next year.  It’s a pity because they are both gorgeous and also deserves a title. 

But the biggest disappointment this year is the non inclusion of Julia Saubier. How could they ignore such an impressive young lady? Siera Bearchell (2016 Miss Miss Canada Universe turned vlogger/pageant reviewer) was shocked to see her out of the top 25.  Please watch her video interview on this link (Julia Saubier)

Last year, Bb. Pilipinas queens did so well with 2 international crowns, one near win, and the rest made it to the semi-finals except for one.  Good luck ladies.