GALA SCREENING OF DIGITALLY REMASTERED COPY OF DANNY ZIALCITA'S "KARMA"

The gala screening of Danny Zialcita’s 1981 film “Karma” took place last night at Trinoma Cinema 2.  Among the lead stars, only Ronaldo Valdez attended the event; Chanda Romero didn’t show up and the main lead star Vilma Santos left for Hongkong on the same day to spend her birthday with her family but nevertheless the event was a success, attended by film enthusiasts, bloggers and notably Vilma Santos’ loyal fans from VSSI (Vilma Santos Solid Internationals Fans Club).  The organizers provided cocktails for the guests before screening time and pictorials and interviews followed with Ronaldo Valdez enjoying the spotlight and gamely posed with selfie seekers.

“Karma” is about the reincarnation of two main characters Guada  (Leila Hermosa) and Limbo (Ruel Vernal) who had an illicit affair in the past (many years ago).  Sarah (played by Vilma Santos) is forced to postpone her wedding when her scheduled flight is delayed.  At a hotel  where she is billeted, she encounters Eric (played by Ronaldo Valdez), a regular hotel guest who forces himself on her. Erik wasn't aware that the room was already taken by Sarah. The incident leaves a stigma not just on Sarah but more so on her fiancé Alfredo (played by Tommy Abuel) whose dream of marrying a “virgin” is ruined.  Sarah and Eric crossed path again at a time when their respective marriages were in shambles and both tried to rekindle their aborted affair leaving their respective spouses devastated which eventually led to a series of tragedies as both committed violent suicides.  Eric was killed by his wife Christy (played by Chanda Romero) but hold your breath Eric's character does not end there, as his spirit was presumably reincarnated in the person of Christopher de Leon who survived from similar tragedy.  The movie ends in a scene showing Christopher de Leon playing harmonica while walking at the beach and approached Sarah who was sitting on a rock.  Christopher asked Sarah what's her favorite color (the same question that Limbo and Eric asked Guada and Sarah in their past lives).  The final scene provided "kilig" to the audience but leaves the audience with the question whether Sarah lived happily ever after with the reincarnated soul of Limbo and Eric or was Sarah rewarded with good karma?

It's been sometime that Vilma and Christopher haven't made a movie together and if I am not mistaken the last movie they did was "Mano Po (My Love)" in 2004.  The two movie icons starred in more than 20 successful films making them the most formidable tandem in local cinema.   

The event was organized by Quezon City Film Development Commission in partnership with ABS-CBN Film Restoration Program.  The goal of the ABS-CBN's project is to digitally restore and remaster select Filipino Films from the archives of ABS-CBN and a list of notable films have been digitally restored including Ismael Bernal's "Himala," Mike de Leon's "Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising," Laurice Guilen's "Kapag Langit ang Humatol" and Peque Gallaga's "Oro, Plata, Mata" to mention a few.

ON THE SET OF "MAGANDANG BUHAY" - ADVANCED TAPING FOR VILMA SANTOS' BIRTHDAY PRESENTATION

I was invited last week by VSSI Prexy Mr. Jojo Lim to be part of the studio audience for Ate Vi's birthday presentation of ABS-CBN's morning show "Magandang Buhay." My answer was a big yes of course.  VSSI is an acronym for Vilma Santos Solid International which is the most prominent fans club of Vilma Santos.  Ate Vi was scheduled to leave for HK in a week's time so they had to tape the show in advance.  This will be aired on November 2 & 3 i.e. a two day birthday presentation, just in time for Vilma's actual birthday on Nov. 3.

I arrived at the audience entrance at exactly 12:15 (meeting time was 12:00).  We were told that the taping would start at 2:00 pm but as usual, it didn't start on time.  Vilmanians occupied half of the audience lounge (the other half were occupied by "Tawag ng Tanghalan" auditionees and a few seats by Miss Q&A aspirants).  It was interesting to watch the ongoing audition; aspiring singers, young and old, were asked to sing at least 3 songs before a screening judge without music accompaniment at all.

Security at ABS-CBN was tight, but no complaints here, they're just doing their job. I saw some prominent Vilmanians at the lounge including VSSI VP Ed Santiago, Trivia King Alfonso Valencia, Miss Earth swimsuit designer Ricky Abad and Olongapo's City Councilor Edic Piano.  There was also a mini awarding rites organised by millennial Vilmanians headed by Anj Chua (a budding filmmaker) and Kathleen Ocampo Puno.   The poll was conducted online and among the awards given were Selfie King and Queen (Doods and Hilda), Ms. Congeniality (Ricky Abad), "Hahamakin Ang Lahat" (Willie Fernandez) the fan who traveled the longest mile, rain or shine, just to attend a Vilma Santos event.  It was of course just for fun.

After waiting at the audience lounge for an hour or so, we were then escorted by Marshalls to the studio of "Magandang Buhay." The main hosts Karla Estrada, Jolina Magdangal and Melay Cantiveros were already in the studio.  A very familiar face was very visible in the studio, yes... it's Darla, of course everyone knows who Darla is.  He used to be the creative writer of the defunct "Kris TV" before he handled "Magandang Buhay." There were about 4 big cameras positioned in the studio and the head writer's staff stood beside the cameramen near the stage, each of them holding scripts  serving as an idiot board for the hosts to read from time to time. Another one was assigned for audience control;  he would tell the audience when to clap or applause to make the show look livelier on TV.  So this is how things goes behind the camera.  

A few celebrities came to greet Vilma, among them were Charo Santos, Xian Lim and Roderick Paulate.  There were also video clip greetings from Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador, photographer Raymund Isaac (who is one of Vilma's closest friends) and from Vilma's 2 sons (Luis and Ryan).  Charo Santos was actually taping for MMK but when she learned that Vilma was taping at Magandang Buhay studio, she dropped by just to greet her. 

One of the highlights of the show was the surprise Zumba dance number of Ate Vi with the Zamora brothers (Joshua and Jason of The Maneuvers).  Vilma slayed the zumba dance to the tune of "Wonderful World."  Jason told us they had no rehearsal at all but no surprise there since Vilma is a great dancer (remember during her Vilma and VIP days where she would open the show with grand production numbers?).  I have the full video of the dance number but we were told not to post it online before the actual telecast, so be it, we don't want preempt the show.

Please view on this link to watch the dance number

The hosts interviewed Vilma about her humble beginnings and her rise to fame.  She also talked about her family, friends and politics.  After the taping, Vilma left with her sister Emelyn and niece Karla but before this, she instructed Jojo Lim to treat all the Vilmanians for dinner.  The choice was "Gilligans," a popular restaurant nearby.  You may think it is expensive... well not quite, nearly half of the Vilmanians in attendance are in their 60's so we took advantage of the 10% senior citizen discount scheme so it makes a lot of sense.

To sum it up, thank you to VSSI and to "Magandang Buhay" staff for having us and of course big Thank You to Ate Vi.   Once again Happy Birthday to Ate Vi and we wish you good health and more blessings to come.

Film Review: "Respeto"

"RESPETO"

2017 Cinemalaya Film Festival Entry

Starring:  Abra, Dido de la Paz, Nor Domingo

Screenplay: Treb Monteras II, Njel de Mesa

Directed by: Treb Monteras II

Produced by : Arkeo Films

As I was scrolling online the schedule of movies showing about two weeks ago, I figured that "Respeto" was still showing in a few Metro Manila theaters so instead of doing nothing at home one lazy Sunday afternoon, I went to Market Market to catch up with the 4:50 pm scheduled screening.  Another Filipino film, Star Cinema's "Last Night" (starring Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga) was still showing but I opted to watch "Respeto" instead.

"Respeto" won the Best Picture award in the recent Cinemalaya Film Festival.  I actually watched 2 festival entries, these were "Nabubulok" and "Bagahe." I missed to watch "Respeto" or let's just put it this way, I actually overlooked it and one thing, I could only watch 2 films that day.

"Ano ang mas mahalaga sa iyo?  Pera o panalo? panalo o respeto? This is just one of the catchy lines from the movie. You can watch the trailer on this link

Initially, I was given the impression that "Respeto" was all about hard core fliptop battles and hip-hop culture but it's more than just that.  It also tackled real life issues that is prevalent in our present society vis-à-vis drug trafficking, poverty, police brutality, demolitions and political inclinations (depending on which side of the fence you are). 

Abra plays the role of Hendrix, an aspiring young rapper and an orphan entangled by poverty, forced by circumstances to work as drug courier.  He engaged himself on the side, participating in underworld fliptop battles but always end up heckled and loses in the process.  Frustrated to impress and gain respect, he tried to steal ideas of an old man (played by Dido de la Paz), a reclusive poet and owner of a run-down second hand book store.  At one point, the old man confronted him for stealing his ideas but one thing lead to another, he eventually became Hendrix's mentor.  The old man is suffering from mild schizophrenia and had unsettled issues with his son who is a corrupt policeman moonlighting as a drug trafficker.   Hendix's sister and her boyfriend work for the old man's son as drug pushers; the couple stays at home most the time  and uses Hendrix as their errand boy selling prohibited drugs to their customers.  As the drug business slowed down due to looming threat from the authorities, the cop found himself under pressure; he eventually killed the couple in order to silence them from exposing his involvement in drug trafficking.  His next target was Hendrix who hid in the house of the cop's father. The movie ends in a violent but well executed scene with the furious Hendrix killing the corrupt policeman as the latter tried to leave the scene after his father stopped him for attempting to kill Hendrix.  

It is interesting to note that this is Treb Montera's debut film and given the limited budget provided by Cinemalaya, he came up with a realistic and engaging film that's all worth your money and time. A high level of acting ensemble (including participation of real life rappers) contributed to the success of the film.  The role of Hendrix fits Abra perfectly and in many instances, he was just like acting himself throughout the film being a rapper who grew up in the streets.  The movie is not perfect but it certainly gave the audience a breather amidst the series of romcom movies that is dominating the local cinema scene.

Besides the special jury award for best film, "Respeto" also yielded additional awards including best supporting actor for Dido de la Paz and technical awards (best editing, Best Cinematography and best sound).

TOP 10 MOST PROMISING KAPAMILYA ACTORS U25

From left to right:  Joshua Garcia, Khalil Ramos, Ronnie Alonte, Jameson Blake, Ronwaldo Martin, Zaijian Jaranilla, Francis Magundayao, Diego Loyzaga, McCoy De Leon and Tony Labrusca

Stars come and go and the road to stardom are certainly full of challenges.  They say it's a combination of looks, luck and connections but at the end of the day it all boils down to talent that prevails.

I have listed down 10 Kapamilya young actors who I believe are likely to make it good in show business. Some have already been in showbiz for quite a while and some are newbies but loaded with potentials. 

JOSHUA GARCIA, 19

Joshua Garcia leads the pack among the new breed of actors.  His impressive performance in “Vince, Kath and James” earned him a best supporting actor nomination in last year’s MMFF.  The ex-Pbb housemate has been getting good breaks and is paired anew with Julia Baretto in Star Cinema’s on the road narrative drama “Love you to the Stars and Back” and once again he received nothing but good reviews for his acting. This young actor has the making of a fine actor just like John Lloyd Cruz.

KHALIL RAMOS, 21

Khalil joined Pilipinas Got Talent in 2011 and placed second in the reality tv show.  He recorded an album (released in 2012) but it seems acting is his forte and this is where he is more inclined to succeed.  He has portrayed supporting roles in a number of tv series and appeared in about 8 feature films.  Khalil was thrilled to receive his first Urian Best Actor nomination in the critically acclaimed  coming-of-age film “2Cool 2B 4Gotten.” 

RONNIE ALONTE, 20

Ronnie is one of ABS-CBN's fast-rising stars and probably the most popular among the members of the boygroup “Hashtags.”  He has already 3 films to his credit namely:  “Vince, Kath& James,” “Seklusyon” and “Bloody Crayons” - all of which fared well at the box-office and well-received by film critics.  He is also in the cast of “A Love to Last” on Kapamilya primetime bida. 

JAMESSON BLAKE, 20

Another Hashtags member who is slowly but surely gaining grounds is Jameson Blake.  What is interesting about Jameson is that he won his first acting award for his debut film “2Cool 2B 4gotten”.  He also appeared in another indie film “Nabubulok,” an entry in the recently concluded Cinemalaya Film festival. He is currently doing 2 horror flicks namely “Nay” and “Haunted Forest” (the latter is intended for 2017 MMFF).

RONWALDO MARTIN, 20

Ronwaldo Martin starred in a few indie films most notably in “Ang Pamilyang Ordinaryo” where he received several acting nominations from local awarding bodies but on top of it all, he won the Best Actor award at Harlem Film Festival in New York last year.  He is currently in the cast of top rating action drama “Ang Probinsiyano” which topbills his half- brother Coco Martin in the lead role.

ZAIJAN JARINILLA, 17

Zaijan is best known for portraying Santino in the top rated 2010 teleserye “May Bukas Pa”, a teleserye inspired by the 1955 Spanish film, Marcelino pan y vino.   Zaijan just turned 17 and returned to the big screen in the multi-awarded indie film “Hamog,” an entry to the recently concluded "Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino."  

FRANCIS MAGUNDAYAO, 18

While most of the new breed of young actors are stereotypes of the old formula and paired with a loveteam, Francis Magundayao seems to be heading for a different direction.  Francis appeared in several supporting roles in various tv series, both in GMA and ABS-CBN, molding his versatility as an actor.  His handsome Pinoy features and strong screen presence is what makes this 18 year old lad different from the rest.  The young actor is also in the cast of the top rated action drama “Ang Probinsyano.”  He also appeared in popular tv series such as "Darna" and "Ariana."

DIEGO LOYZAGA, 22

Diego was last seen on the big screen in the horror-suspense thriller flick “Bloody Crayons” (released in July).  Other films to his credit were “Hitman” (2012), “The Breakup Playlist” (2015).  I wonder what if he changed his screen name from Diego Loyzaga to Diego Montano, I think it sounds more interesting. Diego has the potential of becoming a good actor like his father Cesar Montano.  He is one of the lead stars in the  top rating afternoon drama “Pusong Ligaw,”

McCOY DE LEON, 22  

Like Ronnie Alonte and Jameson Blake, McCoy is also a member of Hashtags.  He has appeared in various teleseryes including “Ang Probinsyano,” “Be Careful with my Heart” and “I will survive.”  He is in the cast of upcoming 2017 MMFF entry “Ang Panday.”   

TONY LABRUSCA, 22

Athletic Tony Labrusca has appeared in a few but popular tv commercials before he competed in the highly publicized reality TV show Pinoy Boyband Superstar wherein he met his estranged biological father Actor Boom Labrusca, who showed up on the spot at the time of his audition (shown on national television in what was rather awkward situation).  It was Tony's first time to see his biological father after a long period.  Although he failed to make it to the final 5 member of the boyband, it did not stop him from pursuing his showbiz career, in fact, more endorsements and opportunities came his way after he joined the reality show. His inclusion in the cast of the top rated action-fantasy-horror-drama “La Luna Sangre” may boost his acting career.  Observers says he has a strong screen presence and sex appeal.

So who will make it big in showbiz?  Your guess may be just as good as mine. 

Welcome to my Blog

I've just published my first post titled "33rd PMPC Star Awards for Movies."  I attended the event only last Sunday and I really had a blast, met new friends and for the first time I got the chance to meet 2 of the most or shall I say the most celebrated Filipina actresses of all time no less than the Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos and Superstar Nora Aunor.

I will be writing about entertainment news as well as events and perspectives, whatever I can think of including crazy stuff....whatever.  I am basically a newbie in blogging and I have a lot to learn. Please feel free to write your comments and suggestions if there's any.

33rd PMPC STAR AWARDS FOR MOVIES

The 33^rd PMPC Star Awards for Movies took place Sunday night at the Resorts World’s Newport Performing Arts Theatre (03-Sep-2017).  The comedy drama “Die Beautiful” was named Movie of the Year and won 4 other awards including Best Director for Jun Robles Lana.

Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor tied for the Best Actress Award for “Everything About Her” and “Kabisera,” respectively, while Daniel Padilla was named Actor of the Year for his performance in “Barcelona: A Love Untold.”  Xian Lim and Anna Capri took home the Best Supporting Actor and Actress awards for “Everything About Her” and “Laut,” respectively.

But the most memorable highlight of the night was when the Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos and Superstar Nora Aunor shared the same stage in a rare event to receive the highest accolades of the night i.e. “Ginintuang Bituin ng Pelikulang Pilipino Award” accorded to them by PMPC. The two movie icons have always been pitted against each other over the past five decades and their rivalry lives on; both have won unprecedented acting honors and career accomplishments unmatched by none in the local movie industry.  It is also interesting to note that both artists are also in contention for the National Artist award next year with Nora being automatically nominated by virtue of her previous nomination three years ago (albeit disapproved by former President Noynoy Aquino citing Aunor’s alleged involvement in drugs use).  Fans of both camps tried to outdo each other but both Nora and Vilma just laughed it off and revealed that they were actually having a chat backstage and told the fans (in jest) to “behave.”  Incidentally the two tied for the Best Actress Award, but I wonder how will the fans react if it wasn't a tie? This is Vilma’s 5^th acting award for the same movie and if I am not mistaken this Nora’s first award for “Kabisera.”

Bad Joke

An awkward incident took place during off cam break.   Apparently the members PMPC got peeved when Alex Gonzaga (who was one of the main hosts) made a bad joke and asked Luis how much he paid for the award he’d just won. Luis answered “180” in response to Alex's joke though he said it jest.  

Nora with Vilmanians

Another interesting incident may be a bit awkward to some but in a good way I guess.  Nora Aunor was spotted with a group of Vilmanians at the second floor of Resorts World. Nora was on her way out and chance upon a group of Vilmanians at the hallway and all of a sudden Nora herself just got in the crowd and playfully had a picture taking with Vilmanians.  All’s well and ends well? Perhaps with Ate Guy and Ate Vi but to the fans…one thing I'm sure, the rivalry goes on.

Here’s the complete list of winners:

Movie Actress of the Year – (tie) Vilma Santos for Everything About Her and Nora Aunor for Kabisera

Movie Actor of the Year – Daniel Padilla for Barcelona: A Love Untold

Movie Supporting Actor of The Year – Xian Lim for Everything About Her

Movie Supporting Actress of the Year – Ana Capri for Laut

New Movie Actor of the Year – Joshua Garcia for Vince, Kath & James

New Movie Actress of The Year – Hasmine Killip for Pamilya Ordinaryo

Child Performer of the Year – Rhed Bustamante for Seklusyon

Movie Director of the Year – Jun Robles Lana for Die Beautiful

Movie of the Year – Die Beautiful

Movie Story Scorer of the Year – Everything About Her

Movie Sound Engineer of the Year – Seklusyon

Movie Original Theme Song of the Year – Imagine You and Me

Movie Production Designer of the Year – Seklusyon

Movie Cinematographer of the Year – Die Beautiful

Movie Editor of the Year – Die Beautiful

Movie Screenwriter of the Year – Die Beautiful

Indie Movie Director of the Year – Eduardo Roy for Pamilya Ordinaryo

Indie Movie of the Year – Pamilya Ordinaryo

Indie Movie Theme Song of the Year – Pauwi Na

Indie Movie Sound Engineer of the Year – Kusina

Indie Movie Original Theme Song of The Year – Panata

Indie Movie Production of the Year – Hapis at Himagsik Ni Hermano Puli

Indie Movie Cinematographer of the Year – Sakaling Di Makarating

Indie Movie Editor of The Year – Pamilya Ordinaryo

Indie Movie Screenwriter of the Year – Patay Na Si Hesus

Ulirang Alagad ng Pelikula sa Likod Ng Kamera – Joel Lamangan

Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award – Pen Medina

Darling of the Press – Luis Manzano

Movie Love Team of the Year – KathNiel