#2023SummerMMFF: Single Bells

2 close friends looking for love, dating apps, breadwinner of the family, single awareness seminar, and everything in between—you name it, this film has it.

There's already a handful of titles about friends looking for their one true love, most of those are decent and has a  simple yet heartfelt storyline to back their movie up, but this flick from director Fifth Solomon is unfortunately can't have a seat with them in the list. 

It started with a comedic premise that could’ve worked if only it was executed properly because as clock ticks, each succeeding scenes became dull as you will see and hear the same old repetitive punchlines that have been used for films in the same genre a hundred times. Frankly, some jokes are witty but it is not enough to redeem the movie as a whole. also, the cinematography is actually pleasing and done right.

Comedy films should make you laugh, a genre whose intention is to bring joy. sadly, Single Bells will make you feel everything except that. to just flip the table, the official soundtrack of the movie is honestly good. one should hear it to have even an ounce of respect in tMMFFhis film.

#2023SummerMMFF: Yung Libro Sa Napanuod Ko

Its refreshing to see a well-known artist write, direct, and star in her own movie. It is like an exploration to the brain and the imagination of the author. A limitless wave of possibilities as its creator is the master of her own pool. But having the fullest control over everything also has its downside, for the possibility of a product failure is not far from happening.

Bela Padilla is likely the one-man band of this film. Though she is technically not the only star in this movie, but as what the plot served, it seemed like a film about her mind alone. The desperation of having a K-drama like story, feels, and twists fall short as this full feature gave nothing but snooze fest lines and scenes. It is also quite disappointing to shot almost 90% of the film in South Korea yet the cinematography doesn’t gave justice in this aspect especially those guerrilla shots that looked quite messy to watch.

Bela’s co-actor, Yoo-Min Go who is surprisingly Korean by blood, which could’ve been a nice factor, is likewise part of the disapproving list. Literally every single thing about this motion picture does not make sense including the symbol of the plot, the book.

Personally speaking, Bela Padilla’s directorial debut came a bit early. Her craft as an actress and a writer could’ve used a little more polishing to avoid total waste of creative expression, time, and of course money. I believe her generous heart and on fire passion is what the local film industry needs. Hoping that this drives her to continuously produce more cause I’m pretty sure her next will be a lot better than Yung Libro Sa Napanood Ko.

 

#2023SummerMMFF: Apag

I personally expected a little to none in this lonesome family drama entry in the 1st Summer Metro Manila Film Festival, but what they’ll serve you is indeed a feast of multiple proportions, the trailer of the movie did not even gave justice to what you will see for about an hour and a half. Apag felt like a combination of  themes from different international titles like The Menu and the critically acclaimed Parasite rolled into that Kapampangan movie. 

We really can't deny the directing prowess of the great Brillante Mendoza, was seen and felt throughout the mood and the setting of the story, everything that appeared on the screen does really make sense as Direk Brillante's narrative slowly builds up the foundation of the story until everything was revealed up until the shocking conclusion unfolds.

Although the narrative was good, the cinematography wasn't as good as the movie used too much one-take long shots that looked awkward and unpleasant, the desire of wanting to have a unique and aesthetic cinematography turned out to be shaky and pain in the eyes to watch as the shaking of the camera was too much. 

Thankfully, despite the failure of the visuals that was presented, Apag quickly redeemed itself with the plot twist that was executed well and was smoothly disclosed. 

When it comes to the acting department, hands down Ms. Gladys Reyes deserved the Best Actress plum that she received, Coco Martin's performance was a little toned down as I was expecting him to deliver intense performance that is worthy of atleast a nomination.  

The rest of the cast delivered well in this movie from Senator Lito Lapid, Jaclyn Jose, and Mercedes Cabral was astounding. Moreover, the whole cast speaking Kapampangan language during the entirety of the film was already a feat alone.

Apag was a respectable piece that showcased the culture, language, food, and the people of Pampanga. Though it is visually was quite disappointing, it can still pass as one of those movies that you’ll crave for after the credits starts to roll.

 

#2023SummerMMFF: Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko

A timeless classic written foru decades ago turned into a motion picture. Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko tells the life, the struggles and success, and the music of Reynaldo Valera Guardiano, more popularly known as Rey Valera. 

We know Rey Valera as the composer of several hit love songs specially during the 80's, we've seen him regularly on TV as a judge for several singing contest, but this time we are getting a closer and deeper view of what and who Rey Valera is before the limelight and beyond his music. 

We've seen International biopics, featuring several music legends such as Queen, Elvis, and Whitney Houston, that are commonly got a fast paced and straight to the point story telling of particular life events of the artist that made them the icons of today, but in the case of Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko it was different. 

Although yes, the music of Rey Valera did catch my attention in the movie, still it was a hard sell for me to be a biopic, although there's a narration and an actual interview of how one song was written, what inspired him to write about it, there were lots of unnecessary scenes in the movie that made it look like a compiled Music Video or that video we see in a videoke machine that was turned into a movie.

Yes, it made me sing along to the classic and most iconic songs of Rey Valera in the movie, but to go through each one it felt like the movie was just extending the run time. However, on a lighter note, that boresome execution made me appreciate Rey Valera’s songwriting skills for I was amazed to know almost all songs he wrote despite the huge generation gap.

Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko can honestly fit into a single Maalala Mo Kaya episode. Not to discount Rey Valera’s life experiences, but his entire story to fame was not presented well enough in the movie to be as interesting as it should've been On the other hand, I would still like to acknowledge each person that made this movie possible as it is rare for local celebrities to get their life stories on the big screen,. 

 

Pixel 7a in Dinuguan Black!?

I've a Google Pixel User since late 2018 and for quite some time now, Made by Google has been naming the colors of their Pixel Phones in an unorthodox manner, from the Really Blue of the OG Pixel, the Kinda Blue of the Pixel 2, the Not Pink of the Pixel 3, the Oh So Orange of the Pixel 4, Sorta Sage of the Pixel 5.

To the more playful names of their Pixel 6 line with Sorta Seafoam, Kinda Coral, and Stormy Black of the regular model, while the Pros are called Sorta Sunny and Cloudy White, and the recently added were Obsidian, Lemongrass, and Snow for the Pixel 7 and Hazel for the Pro models.

This Summer, Google is all set to launch their newest budget king smartphone that will succeed the undeniable successful Pixel 6a, here comes the Pixel 7a, definitely another power house, but here's the catch the color names that has leaked got our heads turned as it's as playful now, with color name like Tide Orange, Crispy Kale, Mayo Cream, Vibrant Ube, but the one that caught our attention is definitely the DINUGUAN BLACK!

The Pixel Phones hasn't been officially launched here in the Philippines, the 5G network also has been software locked by google that's why Pixel 4a 5G upto the 7 Pro's 5G networks aren't working here in the country, would naming a Pixel phone Dinuguan Black finally a spark that Google will make the 5G network atleast be available in the Philippines?

The Pixel 7a is all set to launch at the Google I/O Summit this coming May 10, 2023 in the US.

Anton Paras Dedicates New Single “Binabalewala” To Hopeless Romantics.

One of AltG’s rising artist, Anton Paras is all set to release his newest single entitled “Binabalewala” that he dedicates to his fellow hopeless romantics. 

The 20 year old singer-composer said he wanted to write a relatable song specially for those who are taken for granted, Anton shared that among all the songs that he had composed, “Binabalewala” was his favorite. 

“Gusto ko po makagawa ng song na marami po talagang makaka-relate kahit anong age po sila.Then ‘Binabalewala po’ ‘yung title kasi parang ‘yung story po nung song is may guy na tinatry po niyang ipakita ‘yung efforts niya sa girl pero hindi po siya pinapansin kahit anong gawin niya po. Tapos doon po papasok ‘yung title po na Binabalewala. Kahit ano pong gawin nung guy, dedma lang po sa girl.” Anton shared. 

Lastly, Anton shared that the message of his song is to accept failure and learn not to dwell from it as there will always someone or something better that is coming. 

“Binabalewala” is set to premiere in various streaming platform starting March 31, from AltG Records a sub-label of GMA Music. 

Man of the Year Philippines 2023 is Jovy Angel.

From being crowned as the Cosmo Manila King last year, Jovy Angel is now bound for Bali, Indonesia this November as he is set to represent the Philippines in 6th Man of the Year pageant that is set on November 11, 2023. 

The announcement was made by Man of the Year and Man of the Year Philippines newest National Director, Marc Cubales through instagram. Sir Marc, who is also the owner of Cosmo Manila King and Queen is also excited to announce three more pageants under his belt as National Director in the coming weeks. 

Man of the Year pageant advocates for Wildlife Conservation, Environmental and Humanitarian causes,

Lee Min Ho is SMDC's Newest 'Good Guy"

 

LEE MIN HO is SMDC’s NEWEST ‘GOOD GUY’

Leading property developer SM Development Corporation (SMDC) is launching its newest advertising campaign, which has a superstar endorser, Korean actor Lee Min Ho.

 

“I’m honored to be part of the SMDC family. It’s very important for a person to have a space to call home,” Lee Min Ho shared. He added that being able to influence home buyers in owning their home is something he is grateful for.

 

Lee Min Ho is the lead actor of the Korean drama series “Boys Over Flowers,” “City Hunter,” “The Heirs,” “The Legend of the Blue Sea,” “The King: Eternal Monarch,” and “Pachinko,” which established him as a household name worldwide, including the Philippines.

 

Lee Min Ho has been voted as most favorite actor by the 2022 Overseas Hallyu Report, an international survey conducted in 18 countries by the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Foundation for International Culture Exchange (KOFICE). Lee Min Ho, who has topped the list for five consecutive years since 2018, proved that he is an unwavering representative in Korea. Since 2009, he has received numerous awards for excellence in acting, and is considered as one of the most influential global style icons who has the largest number of followers on social media among Korean actors.

 

SMDC Vice President for Marketing Aye Luna said, “We are certainly excited to be working with Mr. Lee Min Ho for this campaign. Not only does he embody true luxury and sophistication, he is also a “Good Guy” in every sense of the word. He cares about his family and fans, and positively contributes to society through his donation platform. This makes him the perfect brand ambassador of SMDC.”

 

As a testament to its commitment to building world-class, master-planned sustainable communities, SMDC was recently named Best Developer in Southeast Asia by Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards 2022, and received excellence awards for several of its residential condominium developments.

 

To know more about the campaign, follow SMDC on its official Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok accounts, or visit the SMDC website.

MMFF Names 8 Entries for First Summer Film Fest.

The Metro Manila Film Festival has officially announces the 8 movies of the first ever Summer Metro Manila Film Festival happening this April 8. 

David Licauco and Shaira Diaz heat uo Valentine’s season in “Without You”.

David Licauco and Shaira Diaz are all set to heat up the Valentine season as they star in the movie “Without You” , directed by RC Delos Reyes. 

Four years after their last big screen team, a more matured story line for a more matured Shaira and David are expected to be seen in their latest movie from Octoarts Films. 

Without You tackles “open relationship”, which means that a partner could engage with other people while they are still in a relationship. In this movie, Shaira plays a Nurse turned Call Center Agent named Ria, while David plays the role of an Engineer turned Disk Jockey named Axel. 

For seven years Ria and Axel has been in a relationship, they are living in one roof and as to what they say the couple is faced with the “Seven year itch” as Ria secretly discovered that Axel is having an affair with several women while they were still together. 

Later on, Ria finally came face to face with her fear and caught Axel red handed with another girl, there she decides to part ways with him, but couldn’t throw the love that she still have for him, will Ria can get through without Axel? 

David and Shaira admits that the character they portrayed in this movie are probably their most matured roles to date. 

Aside from the two leads, the movie also stars Cassie Banks, JB Saliba, Mark Rivera, Luis Hontiveros, Riana Pangindian, and Miss Supranational Philippines 2021 Dindi Pajares. 

Without You is set to premiere this February 15 in cinemas nationwide!