#MMFF2022 My Teacher

My Teacher: 

Paul Soriano

Toni Gonzaga, Joey De Leon, Isaiah Dela Cruz, Loisa Andalio, Ronnie Alonte. 

Ten17P and TinCan 

Imagine a classroom composed of students with different personalities. I assume for once, we all had experienced this day-to-day chaotic but memorable school environment. This is literally the exact visualization of My Teacher─a film about a collection of several real-life stories of students, teachers, and people in general pressed into a two-hour narrative.

The movie was actually okay, but it could’ve been better if the story took a hint to movies like “Mila” of Maricel Soriano or Gil Portes’ “Mga Munting Tinig “. I felt there was a lost opportunity to tell or to magnify issues that our teachers are facing in real life, for example is the movie could’ve highlighted how teachers transitioned in the new normal setup of class or how students like Joey de Leon’s character will adapt to blended learning or how were they able adapt in the online learning scheme of schools. I felt the movie has sugarcoated what it’s like to be a public school teacher in the Philippines. 

Again I liked the movie, but I believe that it focused on several subplots and kinda got lost along the way. Good thing the movie was able to redeem itself by focusing on major story points such as the intramurals, the prom, and the graduation. 

I also wished that the movie tackled the story of Ace Biliran (Isaiah Dela Cruz)  and Jude Dimaano (Kych Minemoto), these two characters specially Ace’s character was a big part on how this movie redeemed itself, so I was hoping maybe a separate series for these two. 

I cannot deny that Toni Gonzaga remains an all stunner. Despite the backlash she is receiving after all that she had been through in the past year, she really is the unbothered queen as she still gave a wonderful performance in this movie. 

Joey De Leon on the other hand was a revelation. At 70, Joey working alongside Toni works perfectly and delivers a believable on-screen father-and-daughter-like chemistry. 

Paul Soriano’s filmography is and will always amuse me because of its striking cinematography. His films may not always have the best stories to tell, but he knows how to bring his scripts from paper to frame amazes me. 

My Teacher is a film still worth celebrating even just for a show of appreciation for the Director of Photography or for the hard-working teachers.

Rating: 3.5/5

#MMFF2022 Labyu with An Accent

Labyu with an Accent: 

Rodel Nacianceno

Coco Martin, Jodi Sta Maria 

Star Cinema

Coco Martin and Jodi Sta. Maria are both well-known talented actors with such recognizable portfolios ranging from blockbuster films and trending TV shows. Jodi also recently took home the Best Lead Actress plum at the 2022 Asian Academy Creative Awards — a first for a Filipina. With these accolades, you would honestly expect that the tandem of both of these huge A-list stars would result in a good quality romantic comedy film. 

But unfortunately, Labyu With an Accent did really disappoint as it did not give justice to the achievements of the two lead stars.

The story felt like I am watching a 90’s movie of Dolphy and FPJ, you know those movie where they meet a Fil Am Tisay, falls in love with them, gets left behind and gets to follow them in the US, tried to live in together there but they failed, realizing that life is much complicated in the states rather than in the Philippines, Labyu With An Accent has it all. 

Everything happens so fast from the first up to the third act as if the  development of the film did not gave any breathing ground for every factor of the film that supports the plot to settle for it to build up. 

Another is that both the protagonist has a senseless and prideful way of fighting for their own principles in life which sometimes it becomes so problematic for example, Jodi leaves her family for a guy he just met 3 days ago and falling in love instantly, Coco having a business where the customers should sign a contract first that will then allow them to sleep with their clients on the same bed, and others to name some. 

The narrative itself is so shallow that it will make you wonder what the goal of the movie is, how it will flow, or how it would even end without being so cliché. What was the purpose of everything you see in the frame?

Lastly, Jodi trying to talk with an accent throughout the film is so irritating and annoying, she sometimes goes off her character, I think she wasn’t comfortable doing the role.

I get it that Labyu with an Accent tries to be a happy and calm rom-com movie, but it fails to do so. It lacked some substance of an enjoyable rom com movie, it felt like a snooze fest, indeed. 

But I would still give my appreciation to the production for successfully shooting almost half of the runtime in the US which is logistically challenging, but they still managed to pull it off.

Rating: 2.5/5 

#MMFF2022 My Father, Myself

My Father, Myself: 

Joel Lamangan

Jake Cuenca, Sean De Guzman, Tiffany Grey, and Dimples Romana. 

3:16 Productions

Electral Love-that’s the main theme of My Father, Myself. The movie tells tales of the different layers of love within the family, from the Father falling in love with his adopted son and his adopted son having a sexual relationship with her own biological daughter, and the adopted son eventually falling to having an affair with his own father, that’s how complex the story of this movie is.

It’s  a collection of different kinds of love that is presented in a single motion picture that tackles a controversial theme that is still not acceptable in our society, the movie was bombarded with criticisms and was even rated R-18 or for mature audiences only. 

My Father, Myself is indeed not your typical MMFF movie as it doesn’t only show sensitive scenes, but also it presents a sensitive topic as well. 

Dimples Romana and Jake Cuenca are the saving grace of the film. They both owned their role like it was them in their own character's shoes. It was an acting feast when both of them went on with their confrontation scenes, they were both effective, moving, and emotionally contagious that they are deserving of an acting recognition. 

I must say, Dimplexs was so deserving of that Best Supporting Actress award, I was actually thinking she could’ve gone home as the Best Actress if she was the lead star of the movie. 

Sean De Guzman portrayal was a slow burn in the making, his acting prowess steadily coming out as the film progresses and for a neophyte in the film festival Sean definitely gave a good performance in this movie. On the other hand, Tiffany Grey, the Mica of the film, was a bit of a let-down. Her acting needs to improve more for her to successfully connect and affect her audience. 

My seatmate in the cinema, whom I don’t know, was actually repeatedly saying “Ano ba yan, hindi siya makasabay sa actingan nila Dimples” whenever Tiffany appears in the frame. I couldn’t disagree with him more since there are lots of heavy and important scenes that were wasted because of Tiffany's lackluster performance.

The unnecessary 16:9 aspect ratio, the dull color grading, the minimal scoring, and the confusing cinematography also all add up to the negative elements this film has.

But on a positive note, the surprising twist on the 3rd act and the unexpected conclusion of the film was an enough redeeming factor that still makes My Father, Myself a satisfying LGBT+ movie.

Rating : 1.5/5

#MMFF2022: Mamasapano: Now It Can be Told

Mamasapano: Now it can be told. 

Lester Dimaranan

Edu Manzano, Aljur Abrenica, Paolo Gumabao, Allan Paule. 

Boracho Films 

From revelation to another revelation, Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told is an eye opener on what really transpired to the members of the PNP’s Special Action Force that causedthem 44 casualties in that ill fated day of January 25, 2015 in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano in Maguindanao. 

The movie is basically an action-packed retelling of what had happened moments before, during, and after the clash between the Special Action Forces of the Philippine National Police and the armed groups that they encountered along the way in the point of view between Gen. Benjamin Magalong played by Edu Manzano and Gen. Getulio Napeñas played by Allan Paule. 

Edu Manzano and Aljur Abrenica are among some of the well-known stars that brought this historical-classic to life. Also present is Paolo Gumabao who portrayed his role as  Supt. Raymond Train was so fine and well-fitting, Claudine Barretto who had a quick cameo in the movie as Erica Pabalinas, Rez Cortez who played the role of then PNP Chief Allan Purisima, and others to name some. 

Although it was indeed supported by a powerhouse cast, honestly speaking, there are several scenes that felt lacking. It is hard to determine whether it's because of the complicated cinematography or the unpleasant visual effects that’s very vital to an action film like this. 

What sets this movie apart was its pattern. From a person who has little to no interest when the news about this massacre came, I did not find Mamasapano hard to draw since the arrangement of scenes were unusual and will make you wonder what will happen next.

The movie used elements such as flashbacks to tell the tales of the fallen 44, as the investigation progresses the movie shows what had happened to the men in uniform during their clash in the cornfields of Mamasapano. 

With the recent controversial National Election, Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told is a sensitive picture bold enough to be released at this time. Knowing that Mamasapano is highly political since it involves several government officials including the late President Noynoy Aquino, I have all my appreciation and respect for everyone that made this film possible. 

Just brace yourself with what you’re about to witness especially if you are a yellow team stan.

Rating: 2/5 

Nadine Lustre, Deleter Dominates 48th MMFF Gabi ng Parangal.

Fr L-R: Mccoy de Leon, Elia Ilano, Nadine Lustre, Jeffrey Hidalgo, and Direk Mikhail Red at the 48th Gabi ng Parangal of the Metro Manila Film Festival. 

Nadine Lustre's first lead movie for the Metro Manila Film Festival "Deleter" emerged victorious at the 48th Gabi ng Parangal held last December 27 at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City. 

The 29-year-old actress was named as the 48th Best Actress of MMFF, aside from Nadine's big win in the acting category, Deleter also won as this year's Best Picture and director Mikhail Red was named as this year's Best Director. 

Deleter also won the Best Cinematography, Visual Effects, Sound, and Best Editing for Nikolas Red. 

Nanahimik Ang Gabi followed next in this year's most acclaimed festival movie with Ian Veneracion bagging his first ever MMFF Best Actor award and Mon Confiado bagging the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award. The movie also bagged the 3rd Best Picture award, Best Production Design, and Best Musical Score for Greg Rodriguez III. 

Coming in third is the movie Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told, the movie was awarded as 2nd Best Picture, Special Jury Prize, Best Screenplay, Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award, and Best Original Theme Song "Aking Mahal" performed by Atty. Ferdinand Topacio. 

My Father, Myself bagged the Best Float and the Best Child Performer for Shawn Nino Gabriel. My Teacher was given the Gender Sensitivity Award, and Family Matters was given the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award. 

This year, in celebration of her 60th year in showbizness, the Star for All Seasons Ms. Vilma Santos was given the Marichu Vera Perez Memorial Award.  

Jovy Bequillo: The Rise of the Hottest Star.

Photos from Man Hot Star 

It’s mission accomplished for Jovy Bequillo in Thailand as he successfully bagged the 500000 Thai Baht worth Man Hot Star title last November 25, he bested 19 other competitors from all over Asia to be the very first winner of the Bangkok based model search. 

Definitely, Jovy is one if not the best looking guy in the pageant that really highlighted the physical aspect of the contestants as they ramped in their swimwear and resort wear throughout the competition showcasing their well chiseled body, those six pack abs, and of course their gorgeous ';faces that will catch the audiences. 

But before winning the Man Hot Star plum, we first get the back story of how Jovy prepared for the competition, especially when it comes to the physical aspect of it as we do a body talk with him in this feature. 

1. What preparations have you done for the competition? 

“Since Misters of Filipinas iba yung diet na ginawa ko, calorie deficit para mas lalong toned yung muscles natin and sa diet very strict na tayo.” 

2. What’s your favorite workout? 

“Halos everyday na kong nagwoworkout na eh, lalo na yung pinaka favorite ko is yung shoulders and abs, kasi yun yung unang laging nakikita sa man eh, if maganda yung shoulders mo  maganda din yung katawan mo. 

3. What’s your least favorite workout? 

“Legs..  Tamad na tamad ako mag legs, siguro lahat naman ng guys ayaw talaga mag legs, siguro yun.” 

4. What about diet, what food do you eat and food that you avoid. 

“Meron akong coach, fitness coach sya yung nagbibigay sa akin ng mga “what to eat every day”, since naka calorie deficit ako less sa carbs and more on protein intake, so siguro ang carbs ko nasa 500 calories lang per day para maging toned pa din muscles ko 

5. Favorite part of your body?

“I think it’s my smile, kasi parang every time I smile nagrerepresent sya ng positivity lalo na sa ibang tao, tsaka I always start and end my day with a smile.” 

6. Fitness advice you can give to those who want to be fit? 

“More on discipline lang and never give up lalo na kung nahihirapan kayo, alam kong mahirap talaga mag diet and lalo na mag work out, so if you want to be healthy and fit laging may motivation lang and discipline sa sarili.” 

7. When do you feel sexy? 

“ Every morning, after I woke up, kasi wala labas na labas yung abs ko nun eh hahaha”   

Special thanks to Alpha Massage and Wellness Spa in Tomas Morato as our venue for the interview.

SIM Card Registration begins this December 27, 2022.

Sim Card Registration officially begins at 5 am. today, December 27, 2022.

We all have 180 days or until April 26, 2023 to register our SIM cards before they get deactivated if you failed to register it. 

If ever you failed to register within the said period, and got your number deactivated your telco will still give you an ample time to reactivate it by making a request to them. 

For DITO Subscribers,

https://dito.ph/RegisterDITO

For Globe/TM/Gomo Subscribers,

https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg

For Smart/TNT/Sun Subsribers,

https://smart.com.ph/simreg

Jovy Bequillo: Hot Star Rising.

It’s almost our favorite time of the year! As we begin to count down the days before Christmas and go with all the reunions and celebrations, we are giving you a hot treat to pair with the coming cold yuletide weather with our Man Hot Star and our Guy for the Month of December: Jovy Bequillo. 

Fresh from his victory in the recently concluded 9th Misters of Filipinas, Jovy is all set to conquer the international stage as he will be representing the Philippines in the Man Hot Star International happening in Thailand this coming November 25. But before he flies to the Land of Smiles to start his journey we are getting to know more of our November guy in this feature. 

Born Jovy Rene Bequillo, the 27 year old lad hails from Naga City in Camarines Sur. Prior to returning in the world of pageantry he is working as a Processor for the Department of Agrarian Reform in Bicol,  He has been a staple name in the pageant scene in the Bicol since he was a teenager, winning several titles before bagging his latest title which is the Man Hot Star Philippines. 

But the road to the crown wasn’t easy for Jovy, going back to pageantry he first joined the regional tilt for Bicolandia where he only finished as the first runner up, although he wasn’t able to finish on top, for Jovy he felt that not winning the regional pageant was a blessing in disguise as he felt that pressure was less for him as he go into the national pageant as well.

True enough, coming into the competition he was able to capture the eyes and the hearts of the fans as he instantly became an early favorite to win in the competition and now he is all set to go into another chapter of his pageant journey. 

On our next feature we get to know more of him so better watch out for it.

Marc Cubales to Close Out Thailand Fashion Week with Mystique Collection.

Thailand Fashion Week is about to end and the best way to close it is by featuring the best of Filipino designers on its finale show. 

To conclude the 2023 Spring and Summer collection show at the Varavela in Bangkok, Thailand is none other than Marc Cubales of MC Production, the same man that brought the much talked about risqué runway fashion show, Cosmo Manila King and Queen earlier this November. 

The former international model based in the United Kingdom is now taking over the fashion scene again this time by producing shows such as the finale show of Thailand Fashion Week where he will be showcasing 10 Homme & Femme masterpieces. 

Marc will also be presenting a fashion line called "Mystique", made by his beloved Joyce Pilarsky who is known for her eccentric and Avant Garde fashion and jewelry designs. The two teamed up for this collaboration that will highlight the elegance that is unconventional with a touch of darkness in a mysterious fashion. 

Joining Marc Cubales and Joyce Pilarski in the finale of Thailand Fashion Week's Spring-Summer 2023 Collection are some of Cosmo Manila winners such as Hawkins Madrid, RJ De Vera, and Jovy Angel. 

The finale show is happening this Wednesday, November 30, 6:20pm Bangkok time.  

Miss Grand Philippines Officially Launched!

After almost 7 years with Bb Pilipinas Charities Inc. the Miss Grand Philippines franchise is now a stand along beauty pageant under the ALV Pageant Circle of Arnold L. Vegafria, who also owns the franchise of Miss Supranational and Miss World Philippines franchise. 

In their official launch held last November 24 at the Hilton Manila in Newport World Resorts in Pasay City, the Miss Grand Philippines launch was spearheaded by no other than MGI Owner, Mr. Nawat Itsaragrisil along with ALV and the current Miss Grand International 2022 winners led by grand winner Isabella Menin and our very own 5th Runner Up Roberta Tamondong. 

The MGI Organization takes this launch as a new beginning in the Philippines' pageant scene as they know the love and hate relationship between the Filipino pageant fans and media with their organization. 

Also, part of their itinerary here in Manila, the 9 winners along with the top execs of MGI was a tour around the country's capital city. The 9 queens visited Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Rizal Park, and the National Museum where they were taught of the Philippines rich history. 

They also visited the Manila North Cemetery for a gift giving, which Mr. Nawat has been doing for almost a decade now. 

The 3-day visit of the Miss Grand queens was capped off with a Meet and Greet mall show in Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati where they got the chance to mingle with their Filipino fans before flying back to Bangkok. 

The search for the Miss Grand Philippines will begin early 2023 and is expected to have their grand coronation in March of 2023! Who are your early bets for MGP 2023? 

Meet the Great Man of the Universe Philippines Winners

 

The inaugural Great Man of the Universe Philippines did not disappoint, for a neophyte male pageant, owner Shandy Montecarlo-Lim gave an incredible pageant night not only to the candidates, but also to its patrons. 

Held at the Grand Ballroom of Novotel Araneta City last night, 40 Great Filipino Men battle it out in the four rounds of competition and the Great Man from Bohol, Joshua Lillehagen emerged the greatest of them all as he was crowned as the first ever Great Man of the Universe 2022. The 19-year-old Dubai based Boholano is a student and a model, who was already a heavy favorite during the pre-pageant activities. 

Placing as Great Man: Education and Sports is South Cotabato's Jupheter Franco, Tacloban City's Justine Ong was named as Great man: Pro Earth, Sablan, Benguet's Stephen Harold Liley Jr. was given the Great Man: Culture and Tourism, while Sta Rosa City's Rizmel Cabigao was named Top Model. 

Wrapping up the awards, Lanao del Norte's EJay Malik was named as Great Man Ambassador, from the Great Man Fil Com is KSA's Aaron Jo Reyes, Great Man of Mindanao is Dan Kemuel Mabano of Lugait, Misamis Oriental, Apple Pentocan Lao of Leyte was named as Great Man of Visayas, and Renzo Manalo Austria of Paete, Laguna was named as Great Man of Luzon. 

Meet the candidates of the Great Man of the Universe Philippines

Meet the 40 candidates of the inaugural Great Man of the Universe Philippines, who among these 40 handsome Pinoys will emerge the greatest of them all, find out this coming November 13. 

 

Binibining Plipinas Calls it Quits with Miss Grand International

 

After seven years of having the franchise of Miss Grand Philippines, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. has finally called it quits with the Thailand based pageant. In a statement released by BPCi through their head and spokesperson, Ginez Enriquez.

  "BPCI officially withdraws from Miss Grand International and will no longer renew its franchise. We thank the organizers of Miss Grand International and wish them the best in their future endeavors." Enriquez said. 

Binibining Pilipinas has sent high caliber candidates in the past seven years, although they weren't able to get a crown, the organization has produced a first runner up in Nicole Cordovez back in 2016, a second runner up with Elizabeth Clenci in 2017, a 3rd runner up in 2015 with Parul Shah, and just recently with Roberta Tamondong as one of the 5th runner up. 

Rumor has it that the Miss Grand International is having Grand launch in the coming weeks here in the Philippines. 

Meet Cosmo Manila’s King and Queen, Jovy Angel and Morena Carlos

 

It was indeed a sizzling hot night as Cosmo Manila named it’s newest King and Queen of risqué runway, 14 gorgeous hot men and 17 beautiful and sexy ladies battle it out on the runway, strutting their stuff and showing off their fit and sexy body. 

Emerging as Cosmo Manila King is MMA fighter from Pampanga, Jovy Angel, placing as first runner up is Nash Mendoza, RJ Absalud was named as second runner up, while Christian Villarin placed as third runner up, wrapping up the winners at 4th runner up is Simon Abrenica. 

Morena Carlos bested 16 other ladies to win the Cosmo Manila Queen Crown, Aya Valdez came in as first runner up, second runner up went to Dimpol Ortega, heavy favorite Anita Gomez was named as third runner up, and Sahara Cruz went with the fourth runner up placement. 

Cosmo Manila King and Queen 2022 is produced by Marc Cubales. 

Tera: Giving Higher Dose of Music

Last October 25, Merlion Events Production Inc. and Tyronne Escalante teamed up once more to bring a new artist up in the entertainment scene by the name of "Tera". 

Tera, which in Latin means Earth, is all set to shake the ground as she brings in her music as she launches her first ever single. "Higher Dosage". The song is written by Tera herself, her genre is more of an alternative pop that touches into a bit of darker themed music and how people deal with their troubles. 

The song "Higher Dosage" was composed by Tera way back in 2019. This 2022, tera is finally launching the music video of the song that is directed by Elena Virata, choreography was spearheaded by Douglas Nierras, Chrisy Sawada, and Froi Dabalus, she also had piano trainings under the Yupangco Music Academy, Voice Masterclass with Monet Silverstre, and just recently with the Madz Studio coached by Alfred Samonte.  

Aside from Higher Dosage, Tera also performed two other singles, "Façade" and "Sa Dilim" at her Grand Launch in a hotel in Quezon City. 

“This is a dream come true for me. I grew up watching live concert CDs of Michael Jackson and Beyoncé who both shaped me as a performer. Even as a child, I would perform for people and ever since then, I just never got tired of sharing my craft. Ultimately, I hope that people would relate to my songs and be blown away by my performances,” Tera ends.

 You can follow Tera on her social media pages, @MusicallyTera on Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter, Musically Tera on Facebook. 

Meet the 17 Ladies competing to be the Cosmo Manila Queen 2022.

 

The search is on for the ultimate male risqué runway model in the Philippines as 17 competing women from different parts of the country vies for the title of Cosmo Manila Queen 2022, they will walk their way to the Php 200,000 cash prize and a modeling contract in their sexiest this coming November 5 at the Sky Dome in SM City North EDSA. 

Who will strut their stuff to reign supreme on the runway? Meet the 17 Cosmo Manila Female Models vying for the Cosmo Manila Queen Title here: 

1. Bianca Usison 

2. Khat Gonzales

3. Claire Ramos

4. Zahara Cruz 

5. Ver Johansson

6. Aya Valdez

7. Jannah Garcia

8. Milka Gonzales

9. Anita Gomez

10. Arianne  Villareal

11. Jasmine Benigno Castro

12. Airah Graciela 

13. Dimpol Ortega 

14. Mae Burgos

15. Neah Cassandra  Aguilar

16. Morena Carlos

17. Deberly Bangcore

Cosmo Manila King and Queen aims to help the “Gintong Palad at Balikatan Foundation”, the show is produced by Marc Cubales and will be directed by Bembem Espanto. For ticket inquiries, you can visit SMTickets.com or call 09667088434 or 096025339303 for more information on how you can get your tickets. 

Meet the 16 Men vying for Cosmo Manila King 2022.

 

The search is on for the ultimate male risqué runway model in the Philippines as 16 competing men from different parts of the country vies for the title of Cosmo Manila King 2022, these 16 men will walk there way to the Php 200,000 cash prize and a modeling contract in their sexiest this coming November 5 at the Sky Dome in SM City North EDSA. 

Who will strut their stuff to reign supreme on the runway? Meet the 16 Cosmo Manila Male Models vying for the Cosmo Manila King Title here: 

1. Hawkin Madrid

2. Paul Jiggs Venturero

3. David  Soledad

4. Christian Villarin

5. Nash Mendoza

6. Aaron Moreno

7. John Zafe 

8. Simon Abrenica

9. Hanz Vergara 

10. Jovy Angel

11. Ivan Bonifacio 

12. Ronie Palermo 

13. Curt  Del Rosario 

14. Ronniel Absalud 

15. Allen Ong Molina

16. Chad Solano

Cosmo Manila King and Queen aims to help the “Gintong Palad at Balikatan Foundation”, the show is produced by Marc Cubales and will be directed by Bembem Espanto. For ticket inquiries, you can visit SMTickets.com or call 09667088434 or 096025339303 for more information on how you can get your tickets.