Ang taning ina mo last na to (2010)

Cast

Ai-Ai de las Alas
Eugene Domingo
Marvin Agustin
Nikki Valdez
Carlo Aquino
Alwyn Uytingco
Shaina Magdayao
Serena Dalrymple
Jiro Manio
Xyriel Manabat
Kaye Abad

"Ang Tanging Ina" was a surprise hit seven years ago. It garnered a lot of respect not only from local critics but from the mainstream crowd alike. The first film was original for its time - funny, melodramatic and well-written, it brought new light to what Filipino comedies were capable of. Even a corny title that spins a common Tagalog profanity does not dampen its success - so much so that it has spun-off a trilogy and is deeply-ingrained in a lot of Filipino's minds. The story line is simple. Even if you haven't watched the first two movies, you can easily understand the movie because of flashbacks and some lines from the character. The humor is outstanding. Ai-Ai Delas Alas really knows how to make her audience cry and laugh at the same time. Eugene Domingo also is a great character to the story. The concept of the movie is universal because I think everybody can really relate to the story, making it a family movie. Beside from Ai-Ai's humor, I also like here head dresses! Haha

And also, the sayings that ai-ai gives out. VERY INSPIRING. lol


Why you should watch it:
- still funny as hell
- acting was great

Ded na si lolo (2009)

The movie is about a family and their drama when the patriarch dies. There's also a mix of humor in the story as each of the family members have distinct characterizations (like the stingy family member, the gay family member, the loud mouth, you get the picture) and their interactions and banter fuel the comedy. The movie is  also a humorous commentary on the often confusing customs and superstitions surrounding wakes and funerals in the Philippines.
A satirical movie aimed at the superstitious beleiefs of Filipinos when it comes to funerals. I'm not a very superstitious person. I'm the type you will find silently amused at things done without logic. But sometimes following these customs just make ceremonies more meaningful. As Israel quipped in the movie, may mawawala ba sa'yo kung susundin mo na lang?

So here are some of the superstitions mentioned in the film:
1) The head of the dead person should be facing the door.
2) The rosary wrapped around the hand of the dead should be cut to break the string of deaths.
3) Tuck some money in the hand of the dead. Before the burial, distribute it among the family members to bring good luck to them.
4) Do NOT thank anyone for their help in any way.
5) Do not wear red during the wake.
6) You should not take a bath at the house of the wake. Take a bath somewhere else.
7) Do not escort the guest out of the door. Just let them leave on their own.
8) Do not sweep the floor.
9) If the deceased was killed, place a chick atop the coffin and his killer will be guilt-ridden.
10) Do not let tears drop on the coffin.
11) Throw some coins if you happen to pass by a funeral march on the street. It will bring you luck.
12) Carry children over the coffin so that the spirit of the dead will not visit them.

Ded na si Lolo will give you tears… from laughing so hard. :))


Image source: http://kaututang-dila.blogspot.com

CINCO (2010)

Cast

Pokwang

Zanjoe Marudo

Bangs Garcia

Mariel Rodriguez

Rayver Cruz

Maja Salvador

Jodi Sta. Maria

AJ Perez

Sam Concepcion

Robi Domingo

Kristel Moreno

Baron Geisler

Malou de Guzman

            Humor and Horror In one… err… five? Lol Cinco is devoid of all those problems. It is a fresh fast-paced film that delivers just the right amount of shock. Cleverness differentiates Cinco from other run of the mill horror flicks. The title refers to the number of episodes thus pacing is of absolute importance. They said that this movie is a product of a new breed of creative and emboldened Philippine movie directors and visionaries that will push the HORROR GENRE into the next level. It was first conceptualized by two of ABS CBN’s brilliant and creative minds, Enrico Santos and Joel Mercado, to give the viewing public, 5 horrifying episodes with an unexpected threading by a single element.

With pokwang here in this movie, this is a sure comedy hit and her kissing scene with zanjoe marudo is both entertaining and  essential to the story as Pokwang will portray a love struck lady who will do everything to snatch the heart of Zanjoe's character. Also things to watch out for is  Sam Concepcion's squeaking like a girl is so funny. There's also a line from Baron Geisler that made the crowd go wild. But, I won’t bore you with details or spoilers. Haha

Cinco having 5 episodes compressed into one movie can make you think it's really short but not, since each episode is interrelated. It's like a one movie after all. And guys, you better watch out for the genius use of Yeng’s Hawak kamay in one of the episodes. I roared with laughter. Kudos to that scene!

Image source: Wikipedia

Shake, Rattle, And Roll no more.

Shake, Rattle & Roll is a Filipino horror film series dating back to 1984. It is currently produced by Regal Films. Most of the series are official entries for the Metro Manila Film Festival with the exception of the sixth installment which premiered in January 1997. The title is solely based on the song of the same name.
This horror film franchise which is currently owned by Regal Films is known to be the only film series in the Philippines with the most movie installments. The first installment was released under the defunct Athena Productions while all the succeeding series are produced by Regal Entertainment. As of 2010, there are twelve installments of the movie series (with the latest being premiered in December 2010).
The last installment (thirteenth), set for a Christmas Day (or December 25) 2011 release, will be shown at the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival as one of many official entries at the event. – Wikipedia


Shake, Rattle, and Roll is showing some signs of ageing since Shake, Rattle, and Roll 10. Actually, I was never a fan of the franchise. Though masses of the Filipino people always come to the cinemas to watch this franchise every December, I was on my aunt’s house having the time of my life- but that’s another story altogether. Anyway, the story has one segment that is awful, but entertaining. Another is solid, if a little boring. And the last one is genuinely great, the strange outlier in quality that has always made this series at least an interesting proposition. As a whole, it still comes out as pretty uneven. Always the same. The stories are all still drawn from tired old wells, the editing is choppy, and the special effects are still a mistake. But I still believe in the promise of the series, and would continue to recommend that people support it.

I learned to fear Shake, Rattle, and Roll back when I was a kid… But now, the latest instalments of the series shrivelled my respect for the franchise. But, SRR is still a legend, having 13 instalments is not an easy task and a milestone to conquer.

There have been reports or rumours going around the movie industry that SRR is going to end with SRR 13 and not an instalment more. Luckily for the fans, during the contract signing of Victor Silayan in Regal, Mother Lily denied all rumours saying it’s the end of the Shake Rattle and Roll franchise.

More thrills and squeals for the diehard fans, more indifference coming from me. :)

Action movies in the PH

           Being a 90’s kid I grew up with some of the most “awesome” action movies that the Philippine cinema has to offer. :p

Here are some of the most noticeably clichés in Philippine action movies, funny clichés.

*The single unarmed leading man will always be tougher and stronger than a group of armed villains.

*The "final battle" will always occur in some sort of abandoned warehouse.

*The leading man should have his wife/kid/brother/random friend or family member killed/imprisoned or injured early in the movie to justify his rage and all throughout the film.

* The enemy leader is either another tough actor that can almost switch roles with the leading man or an elderly actor playing a rich politician and/or business man.

* No matter how rich the enemy group is, they always ride in old, beat down cars. But the very poor leading man can afford a very decent owner-type jeep or even a car. (This one is my favourite)

* Cops will always come at the end of the gunfight or fist fight between the leading man and enemy leader. All the cops will do is arrest the villains.

*Even if there is a group of heroes walking amongst the enemies when the cops come, the police will know exactly who to arrest without any help from anyone.


*Enemy guns have an angled barrel pointed to the ground, even the high-powered ones. Majority of their shots will hit the ground around the leading man. While the leading man's gun, no matter how low-calibre, small or cheap-looking it is, seemed to have heat-seeking bullets that always hit the enemies.

*All enemy henchmen are inutil.

*No matter how old or old-looking the protagonist is, he will have the hottest leading lady. That is even if their physical features and age gap are enough to consider them father-and-daughter in real life.


*Before the "final battle," the villain and the leading man will say more lines of threat, storytelling, anger and pain in a few minutes than normal people do in a lifetime. They will choose to do this even if they have their guns pointed at each other's heads.

*Women will always use a gun of a fallen henchmen or a stick of 2 by 2 always conveniently placed beside her when she needs one, no matter where she is.

*The Titles are somewhat tacky.

This list is from personal experience and some are gathered from the net. Nonetheless, Funny clichés in the Philippine action movies are funny; even to the point that there is a certain comedic formula in an action film. Come to think of it, I miss Philippine action movies.

A Very Special Love (2008)

Cast

John Lloyd Cruz as Miguel "Miggy" Montenegro
Sarah Geronimo as Adelaida "Laida" Magtala

Who wouldn’t have come to know “THE SUNDANCE”?

Here are the Top 5 reasons why I love this movie:

1. Sarah Geronimo is a natural. She can be ridiculously funny, utterly charming, and madly in love with the man of her dreams without being OA (overacting) or TH (trying hard). I like the way she assimilated the character of Laida. It's as if the role was created for her.

Another thing, she's not self-conscious at all, unlike some of the young actresses who seem more concerned about how they look. Her portrayal of the role reminds me of Anne Hathaway in Princess Diaries and even The Devil Wears Prada.

She's really hilarious and cute!

2. John Lloyd is quite effective in playing the "Scrooge" character of Miggy. I am using the word "quite," because it is quite impossible to despise a guy who's very handsome on screen. As a young boss who runs a magazine, he is difficult to work with, but not formidable enough. I don't know if that's the director's real intent.

The scene with his dad, who is played by Dante Rivero, is one stirring moment. John Lloyd's delivery, his facial expression, and his emotions are all expressed intensely. I find myself crying as well.

He looks good and he is good.

3. The movie has a commendable cast. Rowell Santiago, who is Miggy's hard-to-please half-brother, has a very satisfactory performance. He has very few scenes with the male lead, but he's successful in wreaking havoc on his younger brother's life.

Dante Rivero's few lines have rendered the moviegoers speechless, while Matet de Leon's one-liner has elicited cheers from most of the people in the cinema.

4. The story is neither too profound nor too light.

It's about a guy who has always wanted to be number one, even at the expense of the people around him and that one person who truly loves him.

It's about a young girl whose views about life and love are very optimistic. But when she finally encounters the harsh realities, she realizes the downside of her being idealistic.

It's about finding one's self, accepting the will of fate, and being brave enough to pursue happiness.

5.  The movie is successful in making the people laugh, and even more successful in making them go kilig. Whether the viewer is single or in love or heartbroken, the movie will make him/her feel good. And please, take note of the lines—they might come in handy. ;)

The movie has introduced several out of the box ideas—the post-it notes on the boss's cup of coffee, the now popular "sun dance," and of course, Miggy's super kilig way of winning back the heart of Laida. Awesome!

Image source: Wikipedia

Til my heartaches end (2010)

CAST

Kim Chiu as Agnes Garcia

Gerald Anderson as Paolo “Powie” Barredo

Guji Lorenzana as John

Desiree Del Valle as Lea

Niña Dolino as Maricar

Martin del Rosario as Wally

Manuel Chua as Carlo

Kakai Bautista as Susan

Enrique Gil as Jaco

Jaco Benin as Arnel

Eda Nolan as Jane

Mark Gil as Paquito Barredo

Boots Anson-Roa as Tita Baby

Tibo Jumalon as Edwin

Dianne Medina as Lizette

Angel Jacob as Mia

Gemmae Custodio as Sarah

Every relationship starts with a beautiful beginning.
A woman who never knew love until he met him.
A man who found love when she believed in him.
But when his dreams became more than what she could take, she wanted love more than he could give.
When a relationship is bound to end, will you fight for it and stay?
Or will you choose to walk away?

Paolo “Powie” Barredo (Gerald Anderson) is out to prove to the world that he is not just a son out of wedlock, but that he can succeed in life independently. Though he started out roughly, he soon picked up pace and climbed the ladder of success. But as things started falling into place, other important things in his life had to take a backseat as he experienced the thrill of finally achieving his goal.

Agnes Garcia (Kim Chiu) has always longed for the time when her family will finally be complete again. At the young age of 6, her parents left the country to work abroad – her mother was a medical technician in America, while her father worked as an engineer n Riyadh. Despite the distance, Agnes held tight to the inevitability that she will reunite with her parents once again when she passes the nursing exam and applies to work in the States.

The moment these two saw each other at the café, they couldn’t take their eyes off each other. Their attraction was apparent and it seemed that destiny brought them together. As they got to know the other better, they found solace and comfort in each other’s company. But the security they found in each other soon started to shake when their different life paths take them to different directions. Despite the love they both still have for each other, one must choose to decide when to let go, even if the other is still holding on. –Star cinema

Without a doubt, the plot itself is a good selling point of the movie. I am sure that a lot of people would wish to appreciate the movie as it goes by rather than being preempted with tidbits of spoilers. It’s about adults and them growing up and breaking up. It’s about growing up and moving on.

Seeing Gerald playing a poor character in a movie is something new to me. I always see him as a cool, collected, rich, spoiled brat dude. I have to give him credit for portraying the role very well. He was very mature in this film and very dashing too. It’s as if this role was tailored fit for Gerald Anderson. It showed a different side of him. The only thing I didn’t like in this movie is the ending. Yes, they met again and probably are still in love with each other. It just left too many possibilities of what will happen to them. But I guess that’s what Jose Javier Reyes wanted right? For the audience to decide of how they want to end Agnes and Powie’s love story.

Jose Rizal (1998)

Cast

Cesar Montano - José Rizal
Joel Torre - Crisostomo Ibarra/Simoun
Gloria Diaz - Teodora Alonso
Jaime Fabregas - Luis Taviel de Andrade
Gardo Versoza - Andrés Bonifacio
Monique Wilson - Maria Clara
Chin Chin Gutierrez - Josephine Bracken
Mickey Ferriols - Leonor Rivera
Pen Medina - Paciano Rizal
Peque Gallaga - Archbishop Bernardo Nozaleda, O.P.
Bon Vibar - Ramón Blanco
Subas Herrero - Alcocer
Tony Mabesa - Camilo de Polavieja
Alexis Santaren - Olive
Chiqui Xerxes-Burgos - Father Villaclara, S.J.

Jose Rizal is a three-hour epic on the life and struggles of poet and patriot Jose Rizal, the national hero and martyr of the Philippines, played byCesar Montano. Directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, this is GMA Films' entry to the 1998 Metro Manila Film Festival. It is considered as one of the biggest budgeted films in Philippine movie history with a record of P80-million.

The film was dubbed as the most spectacular and "controversial" Philippine film epic because of its record-breaking 80-million budget. It was also considered as one of the biggest, finest and most successful historical films, both commercially and artistically ever made in the history of Philippine cinema. The film won several prestigious awards and has also premiered at several well-known film festivals around the world including the Berlin International Film Festival in 1998 and has also won as the 2nd runner-up in the Audience Award of the Toronto Filmfest. –Wikipedia

A compressed overview of the key moments of Rizal’s life which greatly contributed in making him a hero. Major events of his life depicted in the movie included his childhood education, studies abroad, and his efforts to gain freedom through writing, his imprisonment and death.

An important movie to watch for all of us Filipinos, if you want to learn about Rizal in 3 hours’ time… This is the movie to see. The film was released during the Centennial Celebration of our Philippine freedom and it made us appreciate more on the sacrifices made by our heroes. It also served as a reminder for all of us on the significance of freedom and the importance of keeping it.

The problem with Jose Rizal is that it concentrates on historical accuracy rather than artistic contribution. The film, as mentioned, is basically a history book adapted to film. My problem with this Rizal film is that the depth of this film's Rizal is as much as the depth of Rizal you'd get from a high schooler's Filipino textbook.  Compare that to Tikoy Aguiluz's Rizal sa Dapitan, or Mike de Leon's Bayaning Third World, all of which have their own historical inaccuracies, but the Rizals there are definitely deeper, probably less a hero, but more a human. Nonetheless, it is a splendid film that deserves much praise and acclaim.

Image source: Wikipedia

Muro ami (1999)

Cast

Cesar Montano - Fredo
Pen Medina - Dado
Amy Austria - Susan
Jhong Hilario - Butong
Rebecca Lusterio - Kalbo
Jerome Sales - Filemon
Teodoro Penaranda Jr. - Tabugok

Movie quotes:
 Aria!!
"Walang kakain hangga't walang nahuhuling isda”

Awards and Citations:
Winner of thirteen awards of its sixteen nominations at the 1999 Metro Manila Film Festival including Best Child Performer (Rebecca Lusterio), Best Story (Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Ricardo Lee, Jun Lana), Best Screenplay (Ricardo Lee and Jun Lana), Best Director (Marilou Diaz-Abaya) and Best Picture. It also received the Jury and Public Choice Award in the Bénodet Filmfest in France. –wikipedia

A fisherman's wounded spirit begins to give out as he loses his hold on his livelihood in this drama from the Philippines. Fredo (Cesar Montano) is a fisherman who has endured more than his share of hardship in life; his wife and child both perished in a boating accident, and today Fredo approaches each trip to the sea with the angry determination of a man out for revenge. Fredo commands a crew of young people from poor families as he takes his rattletrap ship into the ocean in search of fish that live along the reefs, snaring catch with an illegal netting system. Not all of Fredo's youthful sailors are willing to put up with his abusive arrogance, however, and even his father Dado (Pen Medina) and close friend Botong (Jhong Hilario) have grown weary of Fredo's tirades. Fredo's body is beginning to betray him as well, and as he and his crew damage the sea's reef beds in search of fish, no one is certain how much longer he will be able to continue…
The movie gives a good impression of the gruesome child-labor practices -- even though the truth is even more horrible -- and the destruction brought forth by the illegal fishing practices. The movie includes a lot of impressive underwater scenes, and makes a good piece of drama.

Award winning movie and I must say that Cesar Montano is one of my favourite male stars because of his role in this film. I watched this when I was still young but I never failed to notice the child labour and hardships that this film wants to give out to the public, great movie. One of my favorites.

Image source: Wikipedia

Forever and A Day Movie (2011)

Cast

Sam Milby as Eugene
KC Concepcion as Raffy
Dante Rivero
Vivian Velez
Rayver Cruz
Bembol Roco
Matet De Leon
Spanky Manikan
Bing Pimentel
Lui Villaruz
Robin Da Rosa
Helga Krapf

Two favourite lines from the movie:
“Kaya mo bang mahalin ang isang taong alam mong mawawala rin sa’yo?” – KC Concepcion as Raffy Salvador.
“It took me a day to fall in love… and it will take me forever to say goodbye” – Sam Milby as Eugene Servero.

Meet Mr. Eugene Severo. Athletic, competitive, powerful, masculine and young. He belongs to the “fast-paced” world of the corporate field of tasks, creating innovative but not so expensive shoes in the offices of a Makati skyline.
Meet Raffy. Beautiful, very feminine, very ideal. When her desire to be with herself to forget her sickness leads her to a place of adventures, high-risk games and recreational sports – she suddenly meets the man of her dreams. But can she escape what lies beneath her fragile world?
Eugene and Raffy. Two hearts. Two souls. One love.

Move highligts:
*No cute KC Concepcion! - KC has made a living out of playing cute characters but she pulls of a watchable performance as a semi-depressed person. This is her only film so far that she moved me.
*First person perspective shots - Cinematography puts the viewers in interesting angles, especially in the action shots in the exciting zip lines and white water rafting scenes.
*Bittersweet ending - Yes, the film takes a break from the happy-shmappy Filipino formula. This I will say: my auntie who is a jolly person was in tears after the film. Tear jerker indeed.
What I love about this movie also is that the movie also shown how great our country is in terms of tourist destinations. We know Boracay, Palawan and Davao. But Bukidnon and Cagayan De Oro are worth visiting! I fell in love with Tinago falls in Iligan City. A very heartwarming view of smokey and verdant falls is so refreshing and breathtaking that I would want to visit Bukidnon anytime soon. I’ve also learned that the longest Zip line in Asia is in Bukidnon. If I’m not mistaken the movie mentioned about 840 meters!
Anyway, there may not be kilig scenes at all times but it was forgivable since the plot explains why. The story was narrated in a gracious way and at some point you would feel your dry throat since some of the lines are real life situation. Truth is, I realized a lot in this movie, or should I say I was again reminded of precious things in life that need not to be wasted. I can say that the story is predictable but it doesn’t discredit the movie of how it was being told.

Image source: Wikipedia

Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo (2006)

Cast

Judy Ann Santos as Angelita "Angie"
Ryan Agoncillo as Jerome "Jed"
Gina Pareño as Belita
Gloria Diaz as Charito
Ariel Ureta as Carlos
Derek Ramsay as Ronnie
Juliana Palermo as Mariel
Soliman Cruz as Rommell
Lui Villaruz as Erwin
Kat Alano as Sandra
Tuesday Vargas as Catalina
Cheena as Cora
AJ Perez as Angie's brother - Otap
Nina Medina as Manang Pasyang
Gerard Pizzaras as Elmo
Kakai Bautista as Myra

Award Winning movie entry for the 2006 MMFF; kasal, kasali, kasalo is a sure-fire hit.
The story shows the adage that in Filipino society, one does not marry a beloved partner. One marries a family. It is a movie in three instalments of some sort.  First, is “Kasal;” the story of how the lovebirds met and finally decided to get marry just when he is about to fly to the states.  Their families happened to be from totally differant worlds who would want their wedding to a “miting de avance” and the other another socialite gig…  It was very funny not just because of the dialog but also on how things turn out.  It does reflect the typical “meet the parents” and “meet the fockers” pinoy style; at the end they ended up having a church wedding.  “Kasali,” is when they moved in to the guy’s house and the plot revolved around that fact.  You know things like “really getting to know your partner,” “getting a piece with the yaya of your partner,” the “in-laws,” etc., etc., etc.  Then they eventually got a house, “Kasalo,” where everything seems to fall properly into place just when she got preggy. Hmmm… when I thought it was just too good to be true, he got a hot chick for a spare.  She eventually found out and left the home to unravel things and finally put a closure on stuffs she left on her own biological family.  The guy’s mom eventually found herself in situation where she cannot really be proud of her son.

True to the fact that Pinoy marriage is not just the bond of two souls but of two families.

Image source: Wikipedia

Milan (2004)

Cast

Claudine Barretto - Jenny
Piolo Pascual - Lino
Ilonah Jean - Vangie
Iza Calzado - Mary Grace

Mahal mo ba ako dahil kailangan mo ako, o kailangan mo ako kaya mahal mo ako?
This is the line that really stood out and it made me think, there is such a thing as loving because of needing and needing because of loving.

This story follows the journey of naive Lino (Piolo Pascual) as he searches for his missing wife in Italy. He comes across Jenny (Claudine Barretto), an imposing figure in the Filipino community of migrant workers, whose dreams of grandeur have clouded her need for personal relationships. In a desperate quest and game of survival, the two find refuge and affirmation in each other. What started as a mentor-protégé relationship, Lino and Jenny's partnership evolves beautifully into a self-consuming love affair. Until these two are put to a test. Reality bites as the land changes everything. In the end, it matters not for Lino that he finds his wife for he has found himself. And alas, it matters not for Jenny that she sacrifices for love, for she has learned to give, in order to live again.

Fall in love in a foreign country whilst working to feed your family back home and yourself as well. It’s the Milan synopsis. First, you’ll surely fall in love with Milan (the place) and then you’ll find yourself falling in love with Piolo Pascual. HAHA

Dekada 70 (2003)

Title:DEKADA '70
Running Time:85 min
Lead Cast:Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, Piolo Pascual, Carlos Agassi, Marvin Agustin, Danilo Barrios
Director:Chito S. Roño
Producers:Malou-Santos Concio
Screenwriter:Lualhati Bautista
Music:Nonong Buencamino
Editor:Jess Navarro
Genre:Drama


An adaptation from the novel of Lualhati Bautista, Dekada 70 is a story of a family caught in the middle of a tumultuous decade, Dekada 70 details how a middle class family struggled with and faced the new changes that empowered Filipinos to rise against the government. Following the suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus, proclamation of Martial Law, bombing of Plaza Miranda, random arrests and political prisoners shaped the decade. While the government gets more oppressive, people get more radical. All these witnessed by Amanda Bartolome (Vilma Santos), a mother of five boys. And while her sons grow, form their beliefs and lead different lives, Amanda awakens her identity to state her stand as a citizen, a mother, and a woman.
I, for one, am a fan of history. 


Dekada 70 portrays the brutal times that is the Martial law in the 1970s. A film that needs to be watched by the future generations for them to know their roots and what their parents or grandparents experienced in the 70’s. not just discos and bell bottoms but also the tyrant that is Marcos.


Awards


2002 Metro Manila Film Festival


2nd Best Picture
Best Festival Supporting Actor - Piolo Pascual
Cinemanila International Film Festival
Best Actress - Vilma Santos
Netpac Award, Special Mention/Special Jury Prize Award - Chito S. Roño (Network for the Promotions of Asian Cinema)
FAMAS Award
Best Supporting Actor - Piolo Pascual
FAP Awards, Philippines
Best Actress - Vilma Santos

source: wikipedia

Sukob (2006)

Cast

Kris Aquino
Claudine Barretto
Bernard Palanca
Wendell Ramos
Liza Lorena
Boots-Anson Roa
Ronaldo Valdez

Genre: Horror/ Suspense
Directed by Chito S. Rono

The story of Sukob is about a woman who was about to get married. She followed all the superstitious rules so they'll have a smooth sailing life together. Alas, they missed something.

Sukob’ has a certain edge from the usual horror flick with its good concept that promotes an interesting twist to keep the audience guessing where the bad luck is coming from. Slowly, the facts are unraveled. And the turn of events actually becomes both scary and funny from here. Viewers are willing victims of their own shrieks from the expected horror elements. Sukob scared me to death! While watching the movie, it’s as if I was really screaming for my life. You can only imagine how my friends felt when I was screaming. They’re ears almost bled, thanks to me. :p That’s how scary this movie is. Although the movie has some downsides, like for example…  Kris Aquino. Her face is full of nothing. Her emotion for scared,happy,frustrated,furious, and hungry is one and the same. But, that’s Kris Aquino. The movie is another thing of course. Good movie, not great though. Good thing there is Claudine Baretto to save the casting director of the movie from certain shame because of Kris Aquino. I'm sorry Kris, It's true.

Well, Sukob is not a bad Filipino film. It's engaging and surely a kind of film that would give you heebie-jeebies on a boring Friday night.

Crying Ladies (2003)

Cast

Sharon Cuneta .... Stella Mate 

Hilda Koronel .... Rhoda "Aling Doray" Rivera 

Angel Aquino .... Choleng 

Eric Quizon .... Wilson Chua 

Julio Pacheco .... Bong 

Ricky Davao .... Guido 

Shamaine Centenera .... Cecile 

Johnny Delgado .... Priest 

Sherry Lara .... Mrs. Chua 

Raymond Bagatsing .... Ipe 

Bella Flores .... Lost Lady 

Edgar Mortiz .... Mang Gusting 

Bearwin Meily .... Male Game Show Host 

Winnie Cordero .... Female Game Show Host 

Gilleth Sandico .... Becky 

Sharon Cuneta, Hilda Koronel and Angel Aquino blends their acting craft to deliver the funniest and touching movie of the year. When Wilson Chua is tasked by his mother to prepare the grandest traditional Chinese funeral for his father, he doesn’t know where or how to start, let alone look for professional mourners-- people who cry at funerals as an observance of an old Chinese tradition.

Enter Stella Mate, a small-time hustler; Aling Doray, a washed-up B-movie actress; and Choleng, a pious woman with a weakness for married men. These women are the last of the professional mourners, and when it comes to turning teary-eyed, these tough-luck ladies certainly know a thing or two!

This is a MMFF entry if I recall it correctly; my friends and I watched it and we weren’t disappointed. Tons of laughter and also some sad scenes to even everything. Great movie to sum it all up.

Movie Highlights:

1. The great acting by all

2. The drama scenes of Ate Shawee

3. The comedy scenes between the 3 ladies

4. The showcasing of Chinese culture

5. The amazing chemistry between the cast

Very inspirational movie. The movie showed how Sharon Cuneta was rejected a couple of times and how she almost gave in to temptations but in the end, she overcame the adversities. The plot showcases how the three protagonists face everyday problems and how to overcome it.

If I were a movie critic, I’d give this movie 5 stars. But, I’m not a Movie critic. I’m just a fan. Let’s leave it at that. :)

image source: http://www.movieposterdb.com/poster/25beac20