A New Era in Philippine Cinema Begins: First 4 Official Entries for 51st MMFF Unveiled

 A new era in Philippine cinema has officially begun as the first four films of the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) were formally announced during a grand launch held at a mall in Makati City today, July 8.

The launch event was nothing short of spectacular. Hosted by Enchong Dee and Kaladkaren, the celebration was further energized by lively performances from PBB Collab housemates Klarisse De Guzman, Ralph De Leon, Esnyr, River Joseph, and Brent Manalo

The first official entry to be announced was Call Me Mother, starring Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre. The film is a collaboration between ABS-CBN Film Productions, Viva Films, and The IdeaFirst Company, and is set to be directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jun Robles Lana.

Next in line was Reconnect from Reality Studios, featuring a powerhouse cast led by Gerald Anderson, Carmina Villarroel, Zoren Legaspi, Alexa Miro, and Miss Gloria Diaz. The film will be helmed by director Jade Castro.

The third film features Piolo Pascual in a historical drama set during the First Quarter Storm of the 1970s. Produced by Cignal TV Inc., the film will be directed by Ray Red.

Finally, after failing to secure a spot in MMFF 49, Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origin—Regal Entertainment Inc.’s iconic horror anthology is set to make a massive comeback for MMFF 51. This highly anticipated three-part film will feature a star-studded ensemble cast that includes Francine Diaz, Janice De Belen, Manilyn Reynes, Ivana Alawi, Loisa Andalio, Ashley Ortega, Ysabel Ortega, Carla Abellana, Elijah Alejo, Fyang Smith, Kaila Estrada, Richard Gutierrez, Ryan Bang, Seth Fedelin, JM Ibarra, and Dustin Yu.

The three segments of the horror trilogy will be directed by Shugo Praico, Joey de Guzman, and Ian Lorenos.

The MMFF executive committee also announced the calendar of events of this year's film festival, with the next four movies set to be announced on September 30, a Mediacon set for October 30, the Parade of Stars happening in Makati City on December 19, and the Gabi Ng Parangal on the 27th of December. 

Review: Finding "That Kind of Love"

 

"That Kind of Love" is the debut of Barbie Forteza and David Licauco on the big screen, coming from the success of their television series such as Maria Clara at Ibarra from last year and just recently Maging Sino Ka Man. 

The movie tells the story of Mila and Adam. Mila who is a relationship expert that plays as a match maker for other people but couldn't seem to find her own match. Meanwhile, Adam, a young CEO who seemed to have everything, but in reality, even though some might look at him as Mister Perfect, Adam still couldn't find that perfect partner that will perfectly match his personality as he always ends up clashing with the girls he goes out with. 

Mila and Adam set up a deal that she will work for him as his personal secretary/match maker to help him find the right out, but in the turn of events the Ms. Matchmaker fell in love with Mr. Perfect and vice versa, the two tried to stop and avoid each other's feelings and parted ways, but as to what they say love finds its ways and reconnects Mila and Adam. 

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Undeniably, David Licauco and Barbie Forteza's chemistry has already flourished and that has been very evident in "That Kind of Love", they made a great team up with Barbie as the OA girl and David as the Non Chalant guy in the story and that really did work really well in the movie. 

I had a conversation with their co-star in this movie, Divine, and she shared that working with Barbie and David she felt like they are always working as partners that is ready to support each other in doing every scene specially when they went to South Korea to shoot some scenes in the movie. 

Barbie definitely is one of the best actresses in the industry today, she somehow reminds of a young Maricel Soriano that can and will always deliver her character in the best way she can. Meanwhile, David has really improved his acting skill and has delivered the character of Adam really well. 

Barbie and David can always pull off the Miss Positive and Mister Negative type of stories, they kinda reminds me of Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap in Becareful with My Heart. 

I also want to praise Kaila Estrada, this girl deserves her own movie such a brilliant and sophisticated actress, she can play any role, bida, kontrabida, the good girl, the bad girl, name it and I think she can slay it. 

Also Divine, made this movie fun as well, being the side kick of Barbie has given a punch of laughter in the movie. 

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Director Catherine "CC" Camarillo has been delivering movies that features good stories with great actors delivering the goods for her. I also love the cinematography of this movie it somehow made That Kind of Love different from other romcoms out there. 

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The only cons that I felt in this movie is that it's quite too long, the movie runs for 2 hours and 16 minutes, and I felt there were some scenes that are already unnecessary that made the movie too long, but hey I am not complaining as I really did enjoy the movie, the joy and the kilig it brought made me an instant fan of the two. 

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Overall, That Kind of Love delivered a great love story, Mila and Adam made me want to find the kind of love they found, the more than two hours in the cinema is worth it, I went home buzzing and raving about how good the movie is and how magical David and Barbie's team up. 

That Kind of Love is NOW SHOWING in over 150 cinemas nationwide, produced by Pocket Media Productions Inc., Pocket Media Films, in cooperation with Happy Infinite Production, and distributed by Regal Entertainment Inc. Special thanks to Digital Out of Home, Inc. 

   

#MMFF2022 Nanahimik Ang Gabi

Nanahimik Ang Gabi

Shugo Praico

Ian Veneracion, Heaven Peralejo, Mon Confiado

Rein Entertainment 

Silent night, holy night. Not a blockbuster hit, but probably the best entry in the Metro Manila Film Festival 2022. 

Nanahimik Ang Gabi follows the story of secret lovers trapped in a secluded place far from the city. Surprises and unexpected revelations await both as the night deepens and this is where the exciting factor of the film happens. I assure you nothing can prepare you for how they introduce the premise up to the conclusion of this wonderful masterpiece. 

Really a ‘Promising-Young-Woman-like’ motion picture.

The ensemble is crazy. The film only has 3 main characters moving in a single setting, but they still managed to carry the story on a completely different level. Let’s say it was definitely a roller coaster ride whilst watching the movie, it will leave you at the edge of your seat trying to guess what will happen next or what horrifying scenes will unfold, the scare level would surely eclipse that of the horror movies. 

Ian Veneracion lying on the ground delivering his terrifying lines while covered in blood was astounding, Heaven Paralejo being so emotional and profound was so outstanding she deserving of a Best Actress award, and oh, don’t get me started with the great Mon Confiado’s character who was so terrifying and startling that will keep you on the edge of your seat. 

Imagine with just a minimal character and a minimal set everything went just so perfect about the movie, and I want to give the biggest appreciation to the director, Shugo Praico, whom I barely knew until now.

Nanahimik ang Gabi is probably my best entry amongst all Metro Manila Film Festival entries this year. It has put the local thriller and action genre on a pedestal that is hard to reach. Something that we should all be proud of.

Rating: 4.5/5

 

Nelia: The Unexpected Twists and Turns

Nelia  

A&Q Production 

Lester Dimaranan.  

Winwyn Marquez, Ali Forbes, Juan Carlos Galano, Raymond Bagatsing.  

Nelia tells the story of a new hired nurse who encounter weird occurrences specially inside the hospital’s room 009 as every patient admitted in that exact same room all died mysteriously, in her quest to find the truth Nelia unfolds different twist and turns along the way that tests her character and her belief in herself. 

 
It is starred by Winwyn Marquez, Juan Carlos Galano, Ali Forbes, Shido Roxas and Raymond Bagatsing to name some. Although the characters, specifically Nelia’s wasn’t portrayed satisfyingly from my personal perspective, because I sometime find that there’s a lacking when it comes to emotions specially on scenes that needed it the most.  

As for the other cast members they were still does a pretty good job at putting up a bond to tell you visually that they we’re an actual medical team. Same as with the setting and the cinematography, it is not pleasing but it is justifiable in a sense that everything falls right exactly in to place in every given scene. 

The distinct feature of this film can be greatly acknowledged in its storytelling. It is a slow burning show that discloses surprises after surprises and the plot literally thickens specially as it reaches the end of the movie.  

In a time where both international and local movies are fully dependent in plot twists, Nelia triples the fever as it is overflowing with it. Audiences who are spoon fed of intriguing storylines will not sense what this film will provide as you will have little to no idea of what to follow and how it will adjourn. 

Nelia is like an overwhelming staycation in a hospital. You will be taken care of physically but the bill right after will damage you mentally. Give Nelia a shot because the overall product is intelligently tailored to disturb you through a mystical and psychological sensation. 

Nelia may look predictable at first glance, but if you get to watch the movie it will going to take you to a roller coaster ride full of unexpected twists and turns, definitely a must see this MMFF 2021.  

Buzz Rating: 7/10 

Gen Z's Wild Relationships Tackled in A Girl and A Guy

 

Streaming site Upstream.ph is bringing in their first ever original movie entitled "A Girl and A Guy" this is in partnership with Reality Entertainment, Globe Studios, and Regal Entertainment, this film also marks the return of director Erik Matti after almost two years since Kuwaresma back in 2019.  

 

A Girl and A Guy tackles the struggles of Millennials and Gen Z's when it comes to finding the right relationship and choosing the right career path.  

 

The movie stars Alexa Miro as Fiona and Rob Gomez as Raf, two different characters with almost identical stories to tell.  

 

Fiona wanted to be a film maker just like her boyfriend Gio, but things ended up a bit rough between them leaving her broken, she decided to took off and get a break, from there Fiona tried to move on, there she casually hooked up with strangers she met.  

 

Meanwhile, Rob, a graphic artist for an advertising company owned by his godmother was dumped by her longtime girlfriend Trixie because he is irresponsible and immature. After the break up Rob tried to fix himself and attracted his workmates including his lady boss Candice who became his buddy, but that being too sexually active puts Rob into a more complicated state.  

 

 

 

Aside from Alexa and Rob, the film also stars Pau Benitez, Candice Ramos, Rosh Barman, Sarah Holmes, Carlo Tarobal, Emilio Francisco, Chloe Reyes, Roeder Camanag, Donna Carriaga, and Marina Benipayo.  

 

A Girl and A Guy is now streaming on upstream,ph for Php 210 until December 25, 2021.

Mommy Issues: Sue Ramirez and Ryan Bang on When to Settle Down

"Mommy Issues"  doesn't just tackle Mother issues it also tackle issues of their kids, in the case of Ella and Katya many question rises as to what age does a daughter or son for them to be independent, to settle down, to have kids and build their own family. 

Many women nowadays are always faced with the question "When are you getting married", "When are you having your kids", or "Are you ready to settle down?".

For Sue Ramirez, she admits that she really wanted to settle down early "Ang gusto ko talaga noon pa ay mag asawa ng maaga" she said when I asked her if she has already plans to settle down, "Gusto ko talaga maging (nanay) feeling ko kasi nilagay ako ni Lord sa mundo para maging Nanay" She added. 

The 24 year old actress always wanted to become a mom like her mom as she enjoyed growing up along with her siblings and she wanted also to have the same one for her when the time comes, but she reiterates that people should not set a goal when it comes to settling down as it will just cause disappointments if things don't go the way you wanted it to be. 

She ended her answer admitting that she used to feel disappointed of her self , "I used to be disappointed na sabi ko hala medyo nagaage na ako parang minamadali mo na yung sarili mo na hindi dapat ganon, you really have to go through the process of life and just accept what is, what was, and prepare for what will be". 

For Chanel Morales, she admits that she doesn't have any plans of settling down not even in the near future, Chanel wanted to establish herself first before settling down. 

It's rare for males to be asked with regards to when they are ready to settle down as most men doesn't even get pressured the way women are pressured, but for Ryan Bang he sees himself settling down in the next 5 years. 

Settling down is definitely one of the hardest decisions one must do, it's like sacrificing your comfort zone in exchange of a new world full of responsibilities and challenges to face. 

Mommy Issues is now streaming on Upstream.ph and other streaming platforms worldwide for only Php 250, starring Sue Ramirez, Ryan Bang, Chanel Morales, Jerome Ponce,

Kyle Velino, Ms. Gloria Diaz, and Pokwang, directed by Jose Javier Reyes, from Regal Entertainment Inc. 

Pokwang Tackles "Mommy Issues" This Mother's Day

They say being a mother is the best thing that will happen to a woman whether she bear a child in her womb or by heart, but being a mother is not that easy it is a lifetime responsibility it comes with an endless commitment.  

This Mother’s Day, Regal Films tackles the hardships and problems in their newest movie offering, “Mommy Issues”. Starring Gloria Diaz, Sue Ramirez, and Pokwang. Directed by Jose Javier Reyes.  

Mommy Issues also star Ryan Bang, Kyle Velino, Chanel Morales, and Jerome Ponce. Streaming on Upstream.ph and other streaming platforms this May 7 for only Php 250 here in the Philippines and $10 outside of the country.  

Avail of the early bird promo until May 6 for only Php 200.