MOVIEGOER: 'Isang Himala' wins praise from everywhere

BY NESTOR CUARTERO

Dec 26, 2024 07:52 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• If you go by Facebook posts, coming both from ordinary netizens and informed film buffs, Isang Himala has created its own great little miracle. 

Following the premiere of "Isang Himala" by Creazion Studio at SM North on Dec. 19, the industry is abuzz with stories about how beautiful, how wonderful, this re-imagination of the iconic 1982 film has turned around.

If you go by Facebook posts, coming both from ordinary netizens and informed film buffs, Isang Himala has created its own great little miracle. Those who have seen the film praise it for its soul, the stirring music, the deep emotions the characters and the story convey, and the lasting impact it leaves. Perhaps even the sense of nostalgia that it evokes. Three and more cheers go to its director, Pepe Diokno, who was named best director in last year’s MMFF for his work in Gomburza.

Based on the landmark film by Ishmael Bernal, Isang Himala is now seen through the eyes of Aicelle Santos as the new Elsa, the healer of barrio Cupang who becomes a national sensation after news about her capacity to heal people spreads like wildfire. Stepping into the   highly challenging role originated by            

National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Nora Aunor, the singer-actress, said she and the entire cast were energized when the superstar embraced them after watching the play in 2003 from which the film is based. 

Nora Aunor is making a special cameo in"Isang Himala," which can be seen towards film’s end. Pepe Diokno said he didn't want to do the film without Aunor in it.

Pepe told ABS-CBN: “When she came in, couple of takes. Not just done, perfect. Watching her deliver, kung paano niya i-imbibe yung mga salita ni Sir Ricky (Lee), to see that process up close was just amazing.” 

Pepe also said, his goal is not to get awards, but to give the audiences a new experience.

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PASSERBY:

Equally getting good reviews are Green Bones, My Future You, and The Kingdom.

By far, it is said that all 10 entries in this year’s MMFF are quite good, a fine harvest of Filipino creativity.

Have you come across that story? The Philippines ranked third, following the United States and France, in a list of countries that loved to follow pornographic sites. Tailing us are Mexico and the United Kingdom.  

In closing, let me greet our readers here at Manila Bulletin with a Happy New Year full of blessings and more opportunities!  

MOVIEGOER: 'Her Locket' - A film so poignant, so heartfelt, so true

BY NESTOR CUARTERO

Sep 12, 2024 09:17 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Directed by J. E. Tiglao, the film was one of seven full-length film entries in Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2024, which played from Sept. 4 to 10 at Gateway Cinema in Cubao and select SM theaters.

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Rebecca Chuaunsu wins Best Actress for the movie 'Her Locket' at the Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2024

Like she herself put it, Ms. Rebecca Chuaunsu leafed through 32 diaries of both her parents in writing the story of the film, Her Locket.

Directed by J. E. Tiglao, the film was one of seven full-length film entries in Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2024, which played from Sept. 4 to 10 at Gateway Cinema in Cubao and select SM theaters.

Rebecca herself leads the cast, which includes Elora Espan̈o, Boo Gabunada, Sophie Ng, Benedict Cua, Tommy Alejandrino, Francis Mata, among many others. 

After watching the film’s premiere Sept. 4 at Gateway, I couldn’t help but rise to cheer the cast and crew. When PR man Toots Tolentino asked me to say a few words at the talkback, I congratulated the team for having come up with a film so poignant, so moving, so heartfelt, and so true. There’s too much sincerity and detailing in the story that one couldn’t anymore distinguish between fact and fiction.  

While the film says it is based on a true story, it also flaunts a disclaimer that its story is an aggregate, a composite of several other stories. Whatever the source, Her Locket paints a universal picture of the dynamics around a Chinese family living in the Philippines from the 1970s onwards. Unwittingly, it exposes well-kept family secrets once placed under lock and key.

The film captures family members’ adherence to age-old customs and traditions broken by rebellion in the case of some, particularly, Rebecca’s effort to stand up in defense of her love for a Filipino partner.

I admitted that I was initially quizzical upon hearing that Rebecca, who is also the film’s producer, had won two best actress trophies in two foreign festivals for her work in this film. 

At the 2023 Morocco International Film   Festival and most recently, on Sept. 1, at WuWei Taipei International Film Festival in Taiwan, respectively. Rebecca also won best actress at Sinag Maynila. 

The cast of 'Her Locket'

But, all that changed after I watched the film.

Rebecca turns in a performance worthy of praise, one that is full of restraint and nuances. There is no effort on her part to over-act or over react to situations around her. Although she plays the lead role, she tends to downplay her presence, allowing the story to flow effortlessly.

The film’s supporting cast, composed mostly of first-timers on film, are uniformly good. They look relaxed in their scenes, behaving like seasoned actors.

Standouts, although they’re not really newcomers, are Tommy Alejandrino (Cinemalaya best actor), Elora Espan̈o, Boo Gabunada, Sophie Ng, Benedict Cua, Francis Mata.

After its participation in Sinag Maynila, Her Locket is expected to travel more parts of the world. I have a feeling that if marketed and promoted well, the film could be our answer to Thailand’s How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, that smash hit of a melodrama that stormed throughout Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. Both films feature two women in their senior years grappling with family issues.     

Will Jennylyn remain a freelancer?

BY NESTOR CUARTERO

Jul 25, 2024 08:27 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The veteran actress, a Kapuso for 20 years, clears she has no plans to bolt the studio that built her up.

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Rhea Anicoche-Tan (left) and Jennylyn Mercado

At the moment, right this minute as we speak to her, Jennylyn Mercado considers herself a freelancer. She just ended her long-term contract with GMA, her home studio.

The veteran actress, a Kapuso for 20 years, clears she has no plans to bolt the studio that built her up.

“It’s now up to my managers to decide my future,” she told a media conference hosted by Ms. Rhea Anicoche-Tan of Beautederm. Jenn is the latest endorser of the beauty company celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. She is the face of Cristaux Retinol (anti-aging), Cristaux Vitamin C (brightening), and Cristaux Hydra-Beauty (anti-acne). 

Jennylyn also said she has no standing offer from ABS-CBN, although she’s open to accepting projects from all producers. She also announced that she and her husband, Dennis Trillo, have opened their own production company, Brightburn.

According to Ms. Rhea, character is a priority when choosing an endorser. She finds Jennylyn simple and too down to earth.

“She comes bareface, eats with my staff, a cowboy.”

At the Beautederm mediacon held at Solaire North, Jennylyn proudly admitted she’s already 37, to which Rhea Tan, 43 but looking 34, said aging is a blessing.   

“I can’t help it. I came from a reality show (Starstruck). We’re used to telling the truth,” she said.

The veteran actress added she may have sensitive skin, yet it won’t stop her from engaging in her favorite sport, motorcycle riding.

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MMFF goes to New York, ‘Fiesta In America' hosts

‘Fiesta In America,’ the longest-running trade and multi-cultural event on the East Coast of the United States, will host the New York edition of the Metro Manila International Film Festival in early 2025. The festival will bring some films from MMFF 2024 to the East Coast. MIFF debuted on the West Coast early this year.

Fernando Mendez, president and founder of Fiesta in America, announced in a media launch on July 24 in Quezon City that slots are still open for more Philippine business operators and LGUs who may want to take advantage of the many opportunities awaiting them in the wide American market. 

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Fernando Mendez and Laura Garcia

Mendez said over 10,000 Filipino-Americans and around 50,000 additional mall visitors traditionally visit the biggest indoor trade and culture exposition mounted by a Filipino group yearly for the past 26 years.

As in the past couple of years, Fiesta will be held at American Dream, the second largest mall in the US, along East Rutherford, New Jersey on Aug. 17 and 18, 2024.      

Jessica Sanchez of American Idol fame leads this year’s Fiesta entertainers line-up.

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  PASSERBY:

A sequel to the 2006 hit movie The Devil Wears Prada is currently in pre-production. Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Meryl Streep are supposed to reprise their characters in the original story set in a traditional print media environment. What’s exciting is that times have changed digitally, and Meryl’s stiff, stern, diabolical editor-character, Miranda Priestly, is now at the mercy of one of her former subordinates, who now holds the advertising purse in a giant corporation.

MOVIEGOER: In honor of Pilita Corrales

BY NESTOR CUARTERO

May 23, 2024 07:13 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Janine’s efforts to preserve the legacy of her now-inactive Mamita so warms the hearts of Pilita’s fans and admirers.

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Janine Gutierrez (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Janine Gutierrez proudly announced on social media recently that she has been collaborating with award-winning documentarist, Baby Ruth Villarama, on a docu-film on the life of her grandmother, Pilita Corrales. Janine will host the film.

She said in a post, “I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to help preserve Mamita’s amazing legacy. I hope this project becomes another way for younger generations to learn about her story, not just as a legendary performer, but as a woman who defied expectations and truly paved the way.”

Janine said the project is in very early stages of development but is already being introduced at Producer’s Network and Spotlight Asia at Cannes International Film Festival.

The forthcoming film shall trace Pilita’s rise as a singer, who first found stardom in Australia, where she got stranded in the 1960s following a shipwreck. Her singing so mesmerized a local journalist who tagged her, Asia’s Queen of Songs. The title has stuck since.

Ms Villarama is the director of the internationally awarded reality film, Sunday Beauty Queen.

Janine’s efforts to preserve the legacy of her now-inactive Mamita so warms the hearts of Pilita’s fans and admirers. I wish I could say the same of the heirs of other Filipino movie and music icons.

Pilita Corrales

Janine’s magnanimous act reminds me of a recent encounter with an heir of a famous movie queen. I once suggested to the heir that a book project on the life of the deceased actress-producer, the biggest name in Philippine movies in the 1960s and 70s, would be the one best way to keep her legacy alive.

Sadly, the heir didn’t see my point and chose to turn a deaf ear.

Aside from Pilita Corrales, a number of local entertainment icons deserve to be remembered either through a docu film or a book as a form of tribute to their contributions to society. Off-hand, I could think of Amalia Fuentes, Susan Roces, Gloria Romero, Nida Blanca, Fernando Poe, Jr., Joseph Estrada, Vilma Santos, and of course, Nora Aunor, who’s already a National Artist.

PASSERBY:

The reunion film between Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards following smash hit Hello Love Goodbye will be co-produced by ABS-CBN and GMA. It will be shot in Canada.  

Clint Eastwood returned all 6  Oscar trophies he won through the years. “I don’t want to be associated with any of the woke nonsense in Hollywood,” he said, adding that Hollywood is morally bankrupt.

Meryl Streep personally received an honorary Palme d’Or at the 2024 Cannes International Film Festival.    

MOVIEGOER: Women who inspire

BY NESTOR CUARTERO

Mar 14, 2024 01:01 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Ina and Sunshine provide a fine example of how women can take care of themselves by looking good despite the advancing years. 

Ina Raymundo (Instagram)

In time for International Women’s Month, Ina Raymundo and Sunshine Cruz, 48 and 46 years old respectively, gamely showed off their still-lovely female form during a recent fashion event. The two actresses walked the ramp wearing what looked like beach wear reminding viewers that they still have got sex appeal even while they’re pushing 50.

Ina and Sunshine provide a fine example of how women can take care of themselves by looking good despite the advancing years. They achieve this by working hard on their bodies and personal discipline.

How they preserve their looks reminds me of those mature Korean actresses playing mother and auntie roles in their drama-novellas. You can never see an overweight actress, young or old, in them.

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Sunshine Cruz (Facebook)

Because of how they look with matching talent to boot, Ina and Sunshine continue to land roles in TV and movie projects. Ina, for one, has a substantial role in the current hit series Can’t Buy Me Love (ABS-CBN), where she plays the vengeful, comebacking mother of the lead actor Donny Pangilinan.

PASSERBY:

Former FDCP Chair Liza Diño makes history as the First Filipina French Knight in Cinema and the only Southeast Asian producer selected for EAVE Producers Workshop 2024.

Liza Diño at EAVE in Luxembourg

Such is another groundbreaking milestone in her  career as actress, producer, and government official. 

The EAVE Producers Workshop, in partnership with Film Fund Luxembourg and supported by Creative  Europe,  is  a  premier  training  lab  based  in  Europe  aimed  at  fostering  professional development and international collaboration for global producers in the film industry. The year-long   program   includes   a   series   of   three   week-long   intensive   workshops   focused   on   the development   of   fiction,   documentary,   and   TV   series   projects.

Mentored by top-notch industry leaders, the workshop offers participants a transformative training journey spanning over three residential workshops in Luxembourg, Norway, and Sweden. Liza is currently in Luxembourg for the first leg of the workshop.

Good friend Jenny Peña, former PR director of Hotel Intercontinental, has written to suggest to local film authorities to organize a festival of award-winning Jaclyn Jose films, notably the Cannes Film Festival entry Ma Rosa that won her the festival's Best Actress award in 2016.

“I'm sure people, old and young alike, will be interested to watch her movies as she impressed many with her last role as Gen. Dolores Espinas in Batang Quiapo. Many aspiring movie and theater actors can learn a lot from her award-winning films. It'll also instill pride in well-made and well-acted Filipino movies among the general public.”

Dingdong Dantes

GMA murder mystery drama "Royal Blood” comes to Netflix in March, as in this month.

"Royal Blood'' is the story of Napoy (Dingdong), the illegitimate son of a business tycoon, played by Tirso Cruz III, who reunites with his long-lost father after years of neglect.

Things get complicated when his father is murdered, and he becomes the main suspect.

"Royal Blood" boasts a star-studded cast that includes Megan Young, Dion Ignacio, Mikael Daez, Lianne Valentin, and Rhian Ramos.

MOVIEGOER: Cinema '76 new QC home: Cozier, classier, so comfy

BY NESTOR CUARTERO

Mar 23, 2023 07:51 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• TBA Studios President and COO Daphne O. Chiu says Cinema ’76 is ideal for private film screenings, media launches, talkbacks and workshops, live viewing parties, intimate shows, music gigs, gaming events, etc.

• It is also available for theatrical releases, block screenings, cinema rental, film festival venue, premieres, and other special events.

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Janine Gutierrez (Facebook)

Young people, film lovers, and other serious cinephiles have found a new home (how beautiful!) on Tomas Morato Avenue, the heart of the country’s entertainment capital, Quezon City, with the formal opening of Cinema ’76 Café on March 18.

The new Cinema ’76 is a combination of micro-cinema and coffee shop situated in a more sophisticated section of the city.

For one, the Cinema’s new location offers more breathing space and easy accessibility. It has a wide, open-air patio where guests can unwind with a meal or coffee after watching a movie. Both indoor and outdoor dining options are available.

TBA Studios President and COO Daphne O. Chiu says Cinema ’76 is ideal for private film screenings, media launches, talkbacks and workshops, live viewing parties, intimate shows, music gigs, gaming events, etc.

It is also available for theatrical releases, block screenings, cinema rental, film festival venue, premieres, and other special events.

We take note, in particular, of the Cinema’s signature couches, which are like two-in-one love seats, allowing for a cozier ambiance.

Daphne O. Chiu

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Cinema ’76, described as a multi-purpose creative space, is the pioneer micro-cinema in the country, first opened in June 2021 in Anonas, Quezon City.

It was established to celebrate Cinema ’76 Film Society, an informal group of film enthusiasts.
Its new address is on the second and top floor of a low-rise, a short distance from ABS-CBN.

With cinema and theater as themes, Chefs Gene and Gino Gonzalez of the Center for Asian Culinary Studies, designed the café’s menu, taking into consideration the spirit of Cinema ’76 Film Society.

The menu covers a wide range, from cocktails, coffee, and comfort food, spanning American, Italian, Asian cuisines.

Certain orders can also be brought into the theater to complete the movie-watching experience.

At the full-house event, Chef Gene told me, "We have a good mix of new and familiar flavors.” Some dishes reminded me of my favorite Gonzales bistro, the now-classic Café Ysabel in San Juan.

On the menu are dishes called "Luna," chicken tocino with salted egg relish and tomatoes; "Del Pilar," adobo flakes, cream cheese, and pickled onions; and "Quezon," chicken inasal with tomatoes.

There are also various versions of pasta, Truffle Fries, Mozzarella Sticks, Croquettes, Nachos, bistro dishes, theater snacks.

Spotted on opening night were Janine Gutierez (who helped cut the ceremonial ribbon), Robert Sena, Laurice Guillen, Ina Feleo, Mercedes Cabral.

A Lion Dance and Movie Trivia Quiz served as event highlights.

Cinema ’76 is now fully operational, with regular screenings of carefully curated films from a wide range of sources.

Check out Cinema ’76 website for the screening schedule.

MOVIEGOER: Nora survives health issues, stars in new film, writes book

Published February 9, 2023, 8:00 AM

by Nestor Cuartero, MB

Nora Aunor

Reports of Nora Aunor’s failing health took a backseat when she gamely faced media Feb. 4 to announce she was making another screen comeback, her nth.

The superstar and National Artist admitted she had not been feeling well in recent past. She has breathing problems. She gets tired easily. She checks in regularly in hospital.

For a moment, Nora said she had thought that with her condition, she could no longer make another film. She also said she was ready to retire, yet it seems the industry won’t allow her.  

That afternoon at Victorino’s in Quezon City, however, the superstar was pure energy, hale and hearty. Being with right company, the media included, she said, fueled her enthusiasm.

“I’m feeling so much better now as I talk to all of you. Bahala na how I will feel later when all this shall be over,” she made light of her state of health.

So, why did she decide to make another film considering her condition?

Nora said acting is her calling. She’s inspired to do more films when she watches other actors engaging in the craft that she has embraced and mastered through the years. 

She said she couldn’t refuse the offer by QC Councilor Alfred Vargas, who personally came to see her at home to make a pitch. In Alfred’s words, umakyat siya ng ligaw sa superstar for his own Alternative Vision Cinema.

The film’s premise and promise seemed sound. The project immediately appealed to her, she said. And it was to be directed by someone she has known well, Adolfo Alix Jr., who has directed two of her recent films, “Padre de Pamilya” and “Kontrabida.”

Alfred Vargas, Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar and director Adolfo Alix Jr.

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In Pieta, Nora plays mother to Alfred, an ex- convict accused of having murdered his father. Her character is half-blind in her old age. She is also on the threshold of dementia. “Pieta” is Nora’s first movie after having been named National Artist in 2022.

Alfred said Nora is his personal choice for the film, reflecting the sentiment of every other Filipino actor, he said, whose one big dream is to make a film with the superstar.

Nora, on the other hand, found the councilor and former congressman quite humble, easy to talk to. “I found him quite intelligent and understanding. I am happy that being a councilor, he easily understands the plight of other people.” 

Pieta also stars Gina Alajar, Nora’s kumare and former director in the hit GMA series, “Onanay.”

The two best actresses previously acted together in five other films: My Little Brown Girl, Condemned, Bulaklak ng City Jail, Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak, Andrea.

Alfred Vargas, Nora Aunor and Gina Alajar

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In the same Pieta event:

Nora also announced that the first tell-all book about her life will be published this year. Co-written by Adolfo Alix, it is being written in her own words for purposes of authenticity. That’s how Nora likes it told.

“Walang bawal-bawal, lahat pinagkukuwentuhan namin. Basta lahat, galing sa kanya,” said Alix.

Through the book, Nora wants to share her life experiences with the public, especially young people, so they may learn a thing or two on her life lessons.

Alfred is publishing the book, designed to be a series of no-holds barred confessions.

Gina Alajar spoke eloquently about Nora’s humility, a trait that hasn’t diminished through the years and despite her status.

“She’s not the type who will make her presence big on the set, like a diva. If she has something to settle with you, she talks to you privately.”