Caption: Bianca King (in photo) says that she is open to working with anyone in the future, including controversial actress Krista Ranillo.

Photo by Noel Orsal

Text by Jocelyn Dimaculangan

Wearing a Puey Quiñones creation, Bianca King was one of the stars who graced the awards night of the 35th Metro Manila Film Festival held at the SMX Convention Center last December 28, 2009.

Bianca was one of the leading ladies of Manny Pacquiao in the MMFF entry Wapakman. This action-fantasy film directed by Topel Lee is reportedly doing poorly compared to the other six entries of the MMFF.

How does Bianca feel about this development? “Understandable naman yun. Through Twitter, dun ko nalalaman ang opinions ng mga tao at ang dami kong nababasa ng tweets galing sa fans na based on the teasers, excited sana sila na panoorin ang Wapakman. But because of certain controversies that came out, medyo naka-apekto yun. It’s nobody’s fault, really. Wag natin iyong isisi kay Direk Topel or wag nating sisihin ang Solar [the producer of the film]. There were circumstances that maybe it could have been handled better but the fact is, it’s there na, nandun na yung movie so sana suportahan na lang ng mga tao.”

The actress also pointed out that their film suffered from technical problems, preventing viewers from watching Wapakman on its first day. “Nagkaroon ng problems yung digital copies of the movie so hindi siya na-release sa lahat ng cinemas.”

Does she feel bad that the release of their film coincided with these controversies? “Of course. I consider this is as my biggest non-kontrabida role in a movie so I was really looking forward to more people seeing it. Yun lang ang nakakapanghinayang dun. Things happen for a reason and I think medyo wagi ako in other aspects.”

There have been reports saying that the cast members of Wapakman have been avoiding each other but Bianca was quick to deny this. “Wala akong iniiwasan! Wala naman akong reason para mang-iwas ng kahit na sino.”

Bianca recently revealed that her things were removed from the tent that she was sharing with Krista Ranillo without her knowledge. But the GMA-7 actress clarified that the whole episode is now behind her. “On my end, it’s finished. Wala namang nawala sa gamit ko so no hard feelings. Nag-usap kami nung day na nangyari yun but since then, there’s no personal communication. Nagte-text lang sila sa handler ko.”

Is Bianca open to working with Krista in the future? “I’m open to working with anyone but maybe you should ask her that.”

As for her upcoming projects, Bianca revealed that she will be part of the upcoming GMA-7 teleserye The Last Prince and the upcoming movie Working Girls 2010. “Magsisimula na kami mag-shoot ng Working Girls on the first week of January. Sa The Last Prince naman, I work for a TV network and kontrabida naman ako dun.”

CLICK HERE to view photos of the cast members of Wapakman.

CLICK HERE to submit your own review and get a chance to win an original VCD/DVD.

Caption: The powerhouse cast of I Love You Goodbye is composed of (from left) Gabby Concepcion, Angelica Panganiba, Derek Ramsay and Kim Chiu.

Text by Julia Allende

I was not surprised by the reception to I Love You, Goodbye, Star Cinema’s official entry to the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival. It boasts of a powerhouse cast after all, and a fool-proof storyline. And everybody loves a love story.

But like the old women who kept feigning shock at the steamy love scenes but were obviously delighted by it, I also have mixed feeling about this stunner.

It was, after all, a near-perfect movie experience. I remember hugging the big popcorn bucket with one hand, pressing a scarf to my nose with the other, eyes brimming with tears.

More than the climax, I was nervous for the movie.

There were maybe 15 minutes left to it and I deeply wished it would not be ruined in its final minutes by a cliché or a deus ex machina type of resolution. Ten minutes to the ending, it was still as interesting as when it started until it hit a HUH? moment. And another one.

By this country’s strict Catholic standards, I Love You, Goodbye is a brave thesis on the ravages of love, both visually and story-wise. It’s just a pity that our prudish standards almost always put pressure to create a pleasant ending for a beautifully painful story.

It is, after all, a movie shown on Christmas Day. There must be hope and forgiveness in the end. It’s an unwritten rule.

I Love You, Goodbye, directed by veteran director Laurice Guillen, stars Gabby Concepcion, Angelica Panganiban, Derek Ramsay, and Kim Chiu.

Angelica plays the role of Lizelle, a woman who dreams of a simple life: a house, a husband, a family. She almost has the whole package except her lover’s marriage annulment process is crawling and his mother thinks she’s a gold digger. Despite her efforts, she has difficulty fitting in the high-flying world of Adrian (Gabby Concepcion), a cardiologist. Even if his ex-wife Valerie (Angel Aquino) is gracious to her, his teenage daughter Ysa (Kim Chiu) despises her.

Her happy, if difficult life with Adrian is thrown off balance when Ysa introduces Garry (Derek Ramsay), a freelance photographer she’s dating. From that day on, Lizelle wrestles with her past and the feelings that are resurfacing. She must make a choice and live with the consequences.

I Love You, Goodbye presents a familiar storyline but Direk Laurice made it lush by making curious turns and accentuating the little details.

In a scene where Lizelle storms out of the condominium she shares with Adrian, she stuffs her new clothes in her old, cheap canvass bag, signifiying that she pines away for her old socially-uncomplicated life but at the same time, undecided if she is ready to throw away the life she has with him.

This is especially true in the tender love scenes.

In a flashback, Garry and Lizelle share a passionate embrace in their dingy rented apartment, Lizelle tracing the muscles on Gary’s back with slightly trembling fingers, Gary’s hand gliding on her milky thighs.

When Adrian and Lizelle returned from a party, Adrian unfurls her hair, making it tumble down her shoulders. He kisses her face and she gives him soft baby kisses in return.

In the hands of Direk Laurice, love is consuming, desperate, humbling and devoid of man-woman strife.

Angelica Panganiban is perhaps the only actress in this generation who can have four love scenes in a movie without seeming–ahem–vulgar and distractive to the mood of the film.

I credit it to her angelic good looks and womanly curves, a combination that makes men look twice and leaves women confused.

Angelica skillfully captured the essence of Lizelle’s complex character: a woman scared by economic hardship and the ravages of desperate young love, but whose beauty and inate ability to love tenaciously saved her, and at the same time, threatened to destroy everything she’s building for her relationship.

Angelica created a Lizelle is all at once delicate but passionate, nervous but determined, transparent but resilient. It was brilliant. I doubt if I Love You, Goodbye will fly if another actress was cast in her place.

Kim Chiu also held her own as Gabby’s rebellious daughter. For a change, she is vicious, and effectively so. At the same time, she is lost and insecure. It was an interesting role compared to the girl-next-door and damsel in distress that we are so accustomed to seeing her portray.

Derek’s Gary too, is a formidable rival for Lizelle’s affection. Rough and intensely masculine, as well as desperate, he provides the sexual element of the film.

Direk Laurice should be credited for her excellent character development because under her direction, Lizelle, Gary, Adrian, and Ysa are three dimensional people who actually move in the grey areas of human emotion. I hope this signals a transition in character development in Filipino films.

As a whole, the movie has an interesting plot that it sustained to almost cathartic level until the last 15 minutes or so of the film when the conflict was instantly solved, sadly, with cliche.

The trouble with a rich plot, perhaps, is when it becomes too convoluted; it becomes harder to get out of.

We just cannot stop killing characters with randomly passing cars that seem heaven sent to create an ending to it at last.

Again, I remind myself that this is a movie for the Yuletide season. It is morally mandatory to give the audience the good feeling at the end. There must be forgiveness. Everything has to be fine in the end. Even at the last minute.

Now I only wish it were like that in real life.

CLICK HERE to view behind-the-scenes photos of I Love You Goodbye.

CLICK HERE to submit your own review of I Love You Goodbye and get a chance to win an original VCD/DVD.

Photo by Mark Pimentel

Text by Jocelyn Dimaculangan

Two dragons welcomed the stars of Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love during the December 20 premiere of this Metro Manila Film Fest entry. In Chinese folklore, dragons are linked to good luck, long life and wisdom.

The colorful creatures were accompanied by drummers who are traditionally believed to encourage the dragon to search for wisdom and knowledge.

Cinemas 9 and 10 of SM Megamall were reserved for the screening of this Regal Entertainment movie that was directed by Joel Lamangan.

Unfortunately, the Megastar Sharon Cuneta was unable to attend the star-studded event because she was still grieving over the death of her Yaya Luring. Her loyal companion, whose real name is Loreta Benitez, has been with her for the past four decades.

Sharon’s husband, Senator Kiko Pangilinan, read aloud this letter written by the Megastar:

“Good evening to everyone. In as much as I wanted to be here tonight, because of the unexpected death of my beloved yaya Luring I couldn’t. When that happened, I couldn’t imagine how I could face all the things I have to do in the days to come especially that Christmas is coming and I have a film in the coming MMFF.

“I’m really sorry yet I’m very proud of Mano Po 6, which is a very wonderful and beautiful movie.

“If Mano Po 6 is about a mother’s love to her children and a children’s love for their mother, I’m faced with an opportunity to show my love and gratitude to someone I could say I also owe a lot to. I’ve also treated Yaya Luring like my mother. And I’m also offering this movie to her as well as to all of you here tonight. I hope this could inspire each and everyone of you to show our love to our parents while there’s still time.

“Thank you very much for understanding.”

Present that night were Regal matriarch Mother Lily Monteverde and her daughter Roselle Monteverde-Teo as well as the director of the film, Joel Lamangan. The cast members were all present namely Zsa Zsa Padilla, Christopher de Leon (who is cast as Sharon’s husband in the film), Heart Evangelista, Dennis Trillo, Niña Jose, John Manalo, Nicole Uysiuseng and Ciara Sotto. Special guests that night were Senator Kiko Pangilinan and KC Concepcion.

CLICK HERE to read PEP’s review of Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love.

CLICK HERE to submit your own review and get a chance to win an original VCD/DVD.

Dolphy, the King of Philippine Comedy, is celebrating the holidays with a grateful heart. This is because of the overwhelming support that his film Nobody, Nobody But Juan is currently receiving from the viewing public on its current run in the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival.

“Iba pa rin talaga ang pakiramdam nang makapagpasaya ka, lalo na sa panahon ng kapaskuhan,” says the MMFF veteran who along with his own film outfit, RVQ Productions, has been a festival regular for many years. “Nagpapasalamat ako na hanggang ngayon ay patuloy pa rin ang pagsuporta sa akin ng ating mga kababayang mahilig sa komedya,” he adds.

Aside from the comedic timing that is always present in every Dolphy movie, Nobody, Nobody But Juan reels in the masses with its easily relatable plot: a regular guy in his twilight years develops a loyal connection to a popular noontime show (in this case Willie Revilliame’s Wowowee), which by a stroke of fate or luck changed his life and reconnected him to his past.

Both heartwarming and funny, the film is meant to entertain every member of the family. The Comedy King tickles funny bones as much as he tickles the hearts of viewers with his most touching portrayal of the homesick and lovesick Juan.

The film is also a product of love from Dolphy’s very own family. His son, Eric Quizon, conceptualized, directed and produced the film through Kaizz Ventures along with his dad’s RVQ Productions and Joe Aldeguer Productions.

Epy Quizon, who bears the most striking resemblance to the young Dolphy, also played the young Juan in the movie. Meanwhile, his youngest son Vandolph plays the young version of Juan’s long-lost friend.

Nobody, Nobody But Juan also serves as Dolphy’s gift to his fans in the celebration of his 65th year in the field of entertainment. The movie borrows many interesting details from the comedian’s real life both on stage and in love. As a matter of fact some of his long time friends in show business also went all out in supporting Dolphy in this current venture. Veteran actor Eddie Garcia plays his long-lost friend in the movie while Gloria Romero plays his long-lost love.

Comedians Eugene Domingo and Pokwang also lent their brand of humor in support of the King of Comedy, along with dramatic actresses G Toengi and Heart Evangelista. Popular noontime show host Willie Revillame also collaborated in the project by appearing in the movie as himself.

Bibeth Orteza wrote the comic script of this MMFF entry, which is currently being screened in cinemas on its special MMFF run.

Dolphy’s comedic timing in the film will remind everyone why he was given the title of King of Philippine Comedy and why no one has taken his place in the field of local entertainment.

CLICK HERE to read PEP’s review of Nobody Nobody but Juan!

CLICK HERE to submit your own review and get a chance to win an original VCD/DVD.

Caption:  In Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love, Sharon Cuneta’s character Melinda (second from left) tries to convince her daughter Stephanie (Heart Evangelista, right) that she did not abandon her in the past. Melinda’s other daughter is played by Ciara Sotto (leftmost). The movie also touches on relevant and social issues like discrimination, trafficking in humans, and a bit on corruption and drug pushing.

Photo by Melo Balingit/YES Magazine

Text by Karen Pagsolingan

Do you believe in malas?

Typical reaction of some Pinoys whenever a mishap or a catastrophe happens to them: “Ang malas naman.”

Even if they are partly to be blamed for the unfortunate turn of events, they would say luck has something to do with it.

Sharon Cuneta’s character, Melinda Uy, in her first movie with Regal Films, Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love, is saksakan ng kamalasan. Bankrupt trading business, a house hit by fire, the death of her husband Alfonso (Christopher de Leon), an overnight stay in jail, a forced entry to the mental hospital—name it, she almost had it all!

It’s a wonder how director Joel Lamangan was able to fit all those crucial scenes in the movie!

Rash reaction: Isn’t it overly dramatic or too long-winded?

Surprisingly, it wasn’t. We couldn’t say it’s exaggerated either, since most moms will likely do anything for their children.

The latest installment of Mano Po reveres maternal love. It tackles the story of a Chinoy lady who draws strength from her Chinese mom, Jin Feng (Boots Anson-Roa). It shows the struggles of a widow while establishing her name as a businesswoman, and making an attempt to take back her three children—Stephanie (Heart Evangelista), Audrey (Nicole Uysiuseng), and Walden (John Manalo)—from her in-laws.

That would probably sound like the usual rags-to-riches plots of Sharon movies that most people, who lived through the ‘80s, grew up with.

But there’s more to the film than sampalan and sagutan.

STORYTELLING was well thought through. A lot of things happening, a lot of elements to be incorporated, a lot of characters who play crucial, and a lot of explaining to do—yet, not a single strand out of place. The end result was almost seamless.

• The flashbacks did a good job in (1) linking the past to present—why and how Jin Feng (Bootbecame a motivating force to Melinda, for example, was given emphasis from start to finish; and (2) in setting a proper build-up for one sequence to the next—why Stephanie despises her mom so much was justified in the latter part of the movie.

• Sub-plots had seamlessly woven dimension and complexity into the film’s focal point see the impact of the love story of Melinda’s parents on her life, and that of her husband Alfonso’s and children’s.

• Most scenes are snappy, thus, toning down the heavy drama mood of the film. We’d feel sorry for Melinda, but she’s not weak. We’d feel the tension in, let’s say, a confrontation scene, but there’s something that would prod the people to deviate from the situation’s gravity.

CHARACTERIZATION is another valuable component of the movie. All the stars did a good job!

• It’s hard to project “inner strength,” but the Megastar effortlessly and consistently illustrated it. Wait for that transition marking the end of her api-apihan days, and spot the major difference the minute she began wearing her palaban hat.

• Olive (Zsa Zsa Padilla), the spinster-sister of Alfonso, was the bitch in Melinda’s life. If fate had been unkind to Melinda, her sister in law had made her life even more miserable. Aside from maltreating Sharon’s character, she brainwashed her nieces and nephew to hate their mom. And how did Zsa Zsa attack to her bitchy role? She didn’t make but announce her every entrance, and created more than enough ruckus every time she’s part of the frame. People looked forward to her every scene.

• Heart and Ciara Sotto—who played Melinda’s eldest daughter, Carol—were also given their moments to shine, and they did! Those mom-daughter scenes were truly priceless.

• Dennis also did a good job in giving life to the dubious character of Daniel. Indeed, it was hard to imagine that in real life, he’s a very shy person.

• Yes, Kris Aquino—who played Melinda’s best friend—was also part of the film. But her role required her to be self-effacing, and she acted convincingly.

• The support characters—Ricky Davao, Zoren Legaspi, Ryan Eigenman, Niña Jose, Nicole, John (whose tearful reunion with Sharon was worthy of note), and the Chinese actors and actresses—also deserve an applause. Despite the limited exposure, they made their mark.

CINEMATOGRAPHY was close to being flawless.

• If we look at the shots, most are clearer versions of the actual subject/ object. It’s like looking out the window!

• The montage of Beijing’s famous tourist spots was neat and picture perfect.

• Light quality and color successfully created the distinction between past and present. It also helped set up the mood transitions.

Ooopps, minor hiccups:

• Dubbing during the earlier part of the film was quite faulty, but it didn’t bother me that much.

• There was one scene—showing Heart in a meeting with the members of her staff—which segued into a flashback, and got me confused for a few seconds.

• And there were a few details in the script that elicited comments from some of the viewers: “In love talaga si Heart kay Dennis kasi hindi niya alam ang totoong kulay nito, kahit pareho silang miyembro ng Chinese community,” and “Ang lawak naman ng koneksiyon ni Zoren—undersecretary siya ng Department of Finance, pero may kapit sa NBI.”

But looking at it as a whole, Mano Po 6 had me wide-eyed from start to end. The movie’s major turning points, the colorful traditions and rich culture of the Chinese, the star-studded cast, the grand production, set designs, and shoot locations—who would want to miss them? And for highlighting the love of mothers, who deserve our thank you this Christmas, an applause for Regal Films.

Now, do you believe in malas?

Just like Melinda, she did not let it rule her life. In the end, it didn’t become a curse, but a choice to stand up, be brave, and go for her goals.

CLICK HERE to submit your own review of Mano Po 6 and get a chance to win an original VCD/DVD.

Caption: A soon-to-be-bride named Kayla (Ruffa Gutierrez) is horrified by a haunted wedding gown in the “Ukay-Ukay” episode of Shake, Rattle and Roll XI.

Text by Mark Angelo Ching

Ang pinakamaganda at pinakanakakatakot na episode sa Shake, Rattle and Roll XI ay ang “Ukay-Ukay” na nai-direct ni Don Michael Perez. Nakakatakot rin naman ang “Ang Diablo” ni Rico Gutierrez at “Lamanglupa” ni Jessel Monteverde, nguni’t naapektuhan ang mga ito ng tipikal na istorya, mga plothole, at mga problemang technical.

MAGANDA. Pulido ang pagkakagawa ng direktor na si Don Michael Perez sa “Ukay-Ukay” episode ng Shake, Rattle and Roll XI. Magaling ang lighting, sound effects, at camera angles. Nakatulong ang mga ito dahil natakot ang lahat ng audience sa sinehang pinuntahan ko, kaya naman sigaw sila ng sigaw.

Maganda rin ang pagkakagawa sa halimaw ng episode na ito. Seamless ang CGI 0computer generated imaging] na ginamit upang makagawa ng ilusyon na gumagalaw talaga ang wedding gown, at kaya talaga nitong makapatay ng tao. May karapatang maihanay ang killer gown na ito sa killer refrigerator, killer clown, at sa manananggal.

Masasabing matalinong direktor siDon Michael Perez, dahil talagang pinag-isipan niya ang kaniyang pelikula. Siguradong nag-research siya tungkol sa mga horror movies. Patunay nito ay ang dami ng mga eksena niya na kapansin-pansing hinango mula sa mga groundbreaking horror movies.

Nakakatuwa para sa isang horror fan na makita sa “Ukay-Ukay” ang napakaraming references sa kaniyang mga paboritong pelikula. May balon mula sa Ringu/The Ring (1998), may halimaw na gumagapang pababa ng hagdan mula sa Ju-On (2002), may chainsaw mula sa Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) at marami pang iba.

Abangan rin ang tribute ni Don Michael Perez sa yumaong film critic na si Alexis Tioseco, at ang kasintahan nitong si Nika Bohinc.

Wala naman akong masasabi sa performance ng mga artista. Pinakamagaling ang pag-arte ni John Lapus. Kapani-paniwala ang kaniyang pakikipaglaban sa killer gown, at nakakakilabot ang kaniyang kamatayan. Pwede siyang ma-nominate sa best supporting actor award para sa performance niya rito.

Ang hindi lang maganda sa “Ukay-Ukay” ay ang ending nito, kung saan ipinapaliwanag kung paano nagkaroon ng sumpa ang wedding gown. Boring at parang minadali ang bahaging ito. Mas maayos sana kung na-incorporate na sa mga simulang bahagi ng pelikula ang revelation na ito.

OKAY LANG. Nakakatakot din ang huling bahagi ng Shake, Rattle and Roll XI na “Lamanglupa,” na gawa ng direktor na si Jessel Monteverde. Bagama’t hindi na bago ang premise ng istorya nito ay nakagawa pa rin ito ng tensyon para sa manonood.

Marami nang mga horror movies na may katulad na kuwento ng isang grupo ng kabataan na mapapadpad sa isang liblib na lugar at isa-isang mamamatay, kaya naman masasabing hindi na bago ang kuwento ng “Lamanglupa.” Katulad nito ang Wrong Turn (2003), Feast (2005), House of Wax (2005), at The Hills Have Eyes (2006).

Gayunpaman, madali pa ring maintindihan ang kuwento nito, kaya siguradong masusundan ng manonood.

At kahit na hindi na rin unique ang mga halimaw sa episode na ito, nakakatakot pa rin silang panoorin. Hindi nga lamang malinaw kung ano sila, o kung saan sila nakatira. Hindi rin malinaw kung bakit nila pinagpapatay ang magkakaibigan, o kung bakit kailangang gahasain ang pinakahuling buhay na tauhan.

Hindi rin masyadong delineated ang role ng bawat karakter. Tanging ang performance lamang ni Jennica Garcia ang stand-out, na swak na swak bilang isang kikay na babae. Ang karakter nina Iya Villania at Bangs Garcia ay puwede nang pag-isahin. Hindi rin tumatak ang performances ng mga lalaking tauhan.

May mga technical problems din sa “Lamanglupa.” Ang lighting ay problemado kapag long shot na ang ipinapakita. Halimbawa, masyadong bland ang lighting ng mga shots ng buong kagubatan, o kaya pag galing sa taas ang camera.

Pero kapuri-puri ang pagkuha sa mga motion scenes. Nakakatensyon ang mga eksena kung saan hinahabol ng mga halimaw ang mga tauhan.

MARAMING PROBLEMA. Sa tatlong kuwento sa Shake, Rattle and Roll XI, ang “Ang Diablo” na yata ni Rico Gutierrez ang hindi pinaka-okey. Kapansin-pansin na naapektuhan si Direk Rico ng time constraint-napakaraming detalye ng pelikula niya, at kulang ang halos 30 minuto upang ilahad ang mga ito. Nagkaroon tuloy ng maraming plot elements na naging under-utilized, o kaya naman ay hindi na kailangan. Nakabuo ang mga ito ng mangilan-ngilang plotholes.

Halimbawa, hindi malinaw kung saan nanggaling ang diablong sumapi kay Claire. Galing ba ito sa kanyang kabataan, noong halos mabaliw siya matapos patayin sa harap niya ang kaniyang mga magulang? O ipinasa ba ito sa kanya ng batang pinanood niyang nagpakamatay sa simula ng pelikula?

Ilan pang halimbawa ng mga hindi malinaw na plot elements ay ang paraan kung paano pinatay ni Claire ang kaniyang katrabahong doktor, at kung paano napalayas ang diablo sa huling bahagi ng episode. Wala na ring oras upang ma-build-up ang sinasabi lamang na dating intimate relationship ni Claire, at ng bagong paring si Fr. Ronnie (Mark Anthony Fernandez).

Mapapansin din na naapektuhan ng maikling oras ang pag-transition sa bawat eksena. Walang masyadong exterior at establishing shots kaya masyadong mabilis at nakalilito ang pagpapalit-palit ng eksena. Kung sinapian na si Claire, paano siya nakapunta sa simbahan, o sa ospital, at saka nakauwi sa bahay? Naglakad ba siya, nag-jeep, o nag-taxi? Marunong ba siyang magmaneho?

May mga ilohikal rin na eksena na hindi maaaring mangyari sa tunay na buhay. Kumakain si Claire at ang kanyang tiyahin sa dilim, kahit hindi brown-out (wala ring kandila sa mesa). Nang lumalala na ang sapi kay Claire at nagkasugat-sugat na ang kanyang buong katawan, nagpatawag lang ang kanyang tiyahin ng psychologist at hindi siya sinugod sa ospital.

Pero magaling ang mga artista sa episode na ito. Sa katunayan, malakas ang laban ng child actress na si Sam Bumatay para manalo ng best child actress award sa pagganap niya ng isang batang sinapian.

Kung susumahin, maganda naman ang kuwento ng “Ang Diablo,” at mayroon namang mga nakakatakot na eksena sa loob ng nakalilitong kuwento. Marahil, mas magiging maganda ito kung ginawang full-length feature, imbes na isang episode lamang sa Shake, Rattle and Roll XI.

VERDICT. Dapat bang panoorin ang Shake, Rattle and Roll XI? Oo, dahil hindi dapat palagpasin ang “Ukay-Ukay” episode nito.

Mapapanood ang Shake, Rattle and Roll XI ngayong Araw ng Pasko, December 25, 2009.

CLICK HERE to sumit your own review of SRR XI and get a chance to win an original VCD/DVD.

Text by Rommel Llanes

Mula sa panulat ni Bibeth Orteza at sa direksyon ni Eric Quizon, ang Nobody, Nobody but Juan ang official entry ng RVQ Production, Joe Aldeguer Productions at Kaizz Ventures Inc., para sa Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) ngayong taong ito.

Tulad ng nakasaad sa title, tungkol sa isang matandang lalaking nagngangalang Juan ang istorya ng pelikula. Dating stage o “bodabil” (vaudeville, theater performance na may magkakahiwalay at di kunektadong mga eksena) actor si Juan, as established sa flashback scene sa simula ng pelikula.

Panahon ng Japanese occupation sa Pilipinas at lider ng isang bodabil group ang bata pa noong si Juan (played in flashback scenes by Jeffrey “Epy” Quizon). Kasama niya sa mga pagtatanghal sa mga sundalong Hapon at mga Pilipino, ang sidekick niyang si Tu (played by Vandolph Quizon), kaibigang si Lolay (Pokwang), at ang kasintahan niyang si Aida (Heart Evangelista),

Sa gitna ng performance nila, biglang tumunog ang airplane bomb-raid siren at natigil ang pagtatanghal nila para magtago mula sa pambobomba ng mga eroplano (late 1944 ang naka-superimposed na text sa simula ng flashback scene, kaya para roon sa mga di nakakaalam ng Philippine History, 1944 to 1945 ang Allied Forces campaign para mapalaya ang Pilipinas mula sa mga sundalong Hapon).

Habang nagaganap ang bombahan, binitawan ng pangako ni Juan ang mga nanghihinakot na mga kasama. Sumpa ni Juan sa mga ito, hinding-hindi sila mag-iiwanan at hanggang katapusan ay sila-sila pa rin ang magkakasama.

Fast-forward sa present, kagigising lang ng matanda nang si Juan (played in present day by Dolphy) at makikitang nakatira na siya sa isang nursing home sa U.S. Kalaunan ay malalaman na pag-aari at pinapatakbo ng anak niyang si Mario (Eric) at asawa nitong si Allana (G Toengi) ang nursing home na kinaroroonan niya. Lagi niyang kasama sa nursing home ang kaibigan niyang may sakit na narcolepsy (biglaang nakakatulog, kahit na nakatayo) na si Miting (Mar Lopez).

Sa Pilipinas naman, panloloko sa mga balikbayan at foreigners na gustong makapasok sa Wowowee ang raket ng matatanda na ring sina Lolay at Tu (played in present by Eddie Garcia). Naaalala rin ni Tu ang nakaraan niya noon sa bodabil bilang sidekick ni Juan. Kung paanong madalas pa siyang biruin ni Juan dahil sa pagkakaroon niya ng kursunada sa kasintahan ni Juan na si Aida.

Balik sa U.S., pasimuno sa pangungulit ng mga matatandang nakatira sa nursing home si Juan at paborito pa nilang panoorin ang TFC (The Filipino Channel) show na Wowowee, na labis namang kinaiinis ni Allana. Maski nga ang mga Amerikanong pasyente ng nursing home at pati na rin mga caretaker ay kasama ni Juan na nag-e-enjoy sa panonood ng show ni Willie Revillame.

Napilitan si Mario na dalhin at iwanan na sa pangangalaga ng kapatid niyang si John (played by 1980s teen actor Joe Aldeguer) ang ama niyang si Juan dahil na rin sa pamimilit ni Allana. Si John ang isa pang anak ni Juan na isa namang successful na businessman.

Habang nasa pangangalaga ni John, naisipan ni Juan na umalis ng U.S. at bumalik sa Pilipinas. Nang mapresinto kasi sila ni Mario dahil sa pagkakabangga nito sa sasakyan ng isang pulis, napanood ni Juan sa Wowowee ang dati niyang kasama sa bodabil na si Lolay. Sa pagbabalik niya sa Pilipinas, plano ni Juan na pumunta sa Wowowee at manawagan para makita ang mga dati niyang kasama sa bodabil na sina Lolay at Tu.

Sundan ang mga adventures ni Juan at panoorin kung paano siya makakarating sa noontime variety show hosted by Willie Revillame.

REVIEW. Ayon sa matandang depenisyon ng komedya, ito ay ang istilo ng pagtatanghal na kinapapalooban ng mga pagpapamalas ng emosyon ng tuwa, lungkot, galit, at pagmamahal, na nagtatapos sa isang eksenang nakatutuwa o nakagagaan ng damdamin. Sa Nobody, Nobody but Juan, makikita ang mga emosyon na nabanggit at ang pagtatapos na inaasahan. Maayos din na nagampanan ng mga karakter sa pelikula ang mga emosyon na kailangan sa isang komedya. At si Dolphy, tulad ng inaasahan sa kanya bilang Hari ng Komedya ng Pelikulang Pilipino ay mahusay na ipinamalas ang halimbawa ng isang magaling na komedyante o alagad ng komedya.

Isang magandang halimbawa nito ay sa huling eksena kunsaan nakuha pang epektibong makapagpatawa ni Dolphy kahit na nasa kataasan na ng madramang emosyon. Ito yung eksenang nag-iiyakan na sila nina Eddie Garcia na makukulong na at ni Sally Quizon. Nangangako siyang aalagaan niya ang ulyanin nang si Gloria Romero, habang nakakulong ang character ni Eddie. Sa kataasan ng seryosong drama, naisingit pa ni Dolphy ang magpatawa nang bigla niyang sabihing “Bumalik ka lang agad, baka kasi mademonyo ko rito [nguso kay Gloria]. May asim pa ‘to.”

Magagaling din sa kanilang pagpapatawa sina Eugene Domingo, Pokwang, Andoy Ranay, Ricci Chan at maging ang nag-cameo na si Leo Martinez. Mahusay naman sa pagganap sa kanilang mga role ang magkakapatid na Epy, Eric at Vandolph. Nakakakuha lang ng atensyon ang tila laging labis na pagpapawis ni Vandolph sa mga flashback scene kasama sina Epy, Heart at Pokwang na parang hindi naman pinapawisan sa mga eksena nila.

Kahit na matagal na nawala sa showbiz, nakakaarte pa rin naman ang 14 Going Steady (1984) star na si Joe Aldeguer. Isa nang successful na mortgage broker sa U.S. si Joe at isa sa mga producers ng Nobody. Wala rin namang masabing masama sa acting ni G Toengi na U.S.-based na rin at tinanggap ang role bilang Allana sa pelikula dahil sa kanyang pagiging “Honorary Quizon.”

Ilan lang sa mga hindi kaaya-aya sa pelikula ay ang pagpapakita ng puwet ni Mar Lopez, ang “Aso at Guwadiya” joke routine nina Eddie at Dolphy na ginawa na rin sa ibang mga pelikula ni Dolphy at ng iba pang mga komedyante sa iba pang mga pelikula, at ang biglaang pagpasok ng CGI (computer generated imaging) scene sa bandang ending ng pelikula na sa pakiramdam nami’y di na kailangan pang gawin. Na-establish na rin naman kasi kung sino ang young versions nina Dolphy at Eddie, habang di naman kailangan ni Pokwang ang CGI dahil nakakapagpatawa naman ito kahit walang camera tricks.

Special treat din sa fans ng Wowowee at ng ASF Dancers ang Nobody, Nobody but Juan, dahil first movie ito ng pamosong all-girl dance group ng show.

CLICK HERE to submit your own review of Nobody, Nobody but Juan and get a chance to win an original VCD/DVD.

Caption: (From left) Phillip Salvador, Bong Revilla Jr. and Rhian Ramos gladly attended the premiere night of Ang Panday after working on it for almost a year. CLICK HERE to read PEP’s review of this action-fantasy film.

Photos by Noel Orsal

Text by Nora Calderon
May nerbiyos pa rin si Senator Bong Revilla Jr. kahit dinumog ng maraming tao ang premiere showing ng Ang Panday last December 20, sa SM North EDSA, at kahit napakaraming bumati sa kanya pagkatapos ng screening dahil impressed sila sa movie at sa special effects.

“Hindi kasi ako makapaniwala na maipapalabas na rin ang movie na isang tribute namin ni direk Carlo J. Caparas, ang maker ng Panday series, sa yumaong unang Panday, si Fernando Poe Jr,” mahabang paliwanag ni Senator Bong. “Nakaranas kasi ako ng sleepless nights noong magsabi ang Comelec na hindi pwedeng ipalabas ang mga pelikula o shows ng mga artistang kakandidato sa coming 2010 elections.

“Mabuti na lamang at binago ng Supreme Court ang kanilang decision at hinayaang maipalabas na rin ang mga pelikula namin ni Pambansang Kamao, Manny Pacquiao. Kaya magkahalo ang saya at excitement ko ngayon. Hindi kasi biro na halos one year naming pinaghirapang gawin ang movie, mula sa conceptualization pa lamang hanggang sa shooting, na ilang beses kaming nagtayo ng set matapos dumaan ang mga bagyo sa location namin sa Tanay, Rizal.”

Sa Bangkok pa pumunta si direk Mac Alejandre para sa processing ng movie na produced ng GMA Films at Imus Productions. Wala pa kasing gumagawa ng Audio 7.1 sa Pilipinas kaya kinailangan pa nilang pumunta sa Bangkok, Thailand upang ipaayos ito.

Nagpasalamat din si Sen. Bong sa kaibigang si Phillip Salvador na pumayag gumanap bilang number one niyang kaaway, si Lizardo.

“Isinakripisyo ni Ipe ang kanyang buhok nang mag-decide siyang tanggapin at magpakalbo para sa role. Hindi ko nga in-expect na gagawin niya iyon dahil pwede naman siyang mag-appear na kalbo sa prosthetics, but being a true artist, ginawa niya iyon.

“Thankful din ako sa mga kasama ko sa cast, sina Iza Calzado, Rhian Ramos, Geoff Eigenmann, child actor Buboy Villar, na hindi namin naging problema kahit pa may mga ginagawa silang mga teledrama sa GMA-7.

“At para sa mga manonood, lalo na ang mga bata, ino-offer namin sa inyo ang Ang Panday. Hiling din namin sa mga manonood na suportahan din nila ang iba pang pelikula na kalahok sa 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival para maging successful ito,” patapos na wika ni Senator Bong.
CLICK HERE to read PEP’s review of this action-fantasy film.

CLICK HERE to submit your own review of this MMFF entry and get a chance to win an original VCD/DVD.

(From left) Phillip Salvador, Bong Revilla Jr. and Rhian Ramos gladly attended the premiere night of Ang Panday after working on it for almost a year.

In his previous film Dugo ng Panday, Senator Bong Revilla Jr. played a descendant of Flavio but this time, he took on the role of the famous blacksmith himself.

Jolo Revilla (left), one of the sons of Bong Revilla Jr. posed with GMA Films executives Annette Gozon-Abrogar and Joey Abacan.

Benjie Paras has a supporting role in this fantasy film co-produced by GMA Films and Imus Productions.

Buboy Villar and Rhian Ramos are staunch supporters of Flavio (Bong Revilla) in his quest to reclaim his wife (portrayed by Iza Calzado, not in photo).

Carlo J. Caparas (third from left) was joined by his wife Donna Villa (wearing solid red) during the premiere night. Carlo created the fictional comic in the '70s with illustrations by Steven Gan.

Senator Bong Revilla Jr. revealed that director Mac Alejandre (leftmost) went to Thailand to have the sound of Ang Panday processed in Thailand.

Geoff Eigenmann plays an archer who goes into battle with Flavio. During the premiere night, he was joined by his perennial leading lady Carla Abellana.

Ely Buendia and his band Pupil performed the movie theme of Ang Panday, which is why he was one of the special guests during the premiere night.

Photo by Raymund Isaac

The cast and crew of Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love went to Beijing, China to shoot additional footage and conduct photo shoots in picturesque tourist spots. For four days, the cast members endured below-zero temperatures while posing in the Great Wall of China, Tiennamen Square, Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City.

The cast members composed of Sharon Cuneta, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Heart Evangelista, Dennis Trillo, Ciara Sotto, John Manalo and Nicole Uysiuseng also took part in a party honoring Melinda Uy (Sharon’s character in the film). The final sequence of the film involved Chinese orphans who expressed their gratitude to Melinda for giving them a better future. Regal Entertainment hired over a hundred people for the scene shot in the Beijing Temple Square where a lion dance was conducted, firecrackers were lit up and Chinese children sang songs for the guests.

Caption: As Flavio and Lizardo, Bong Revilla Jr. (left) and Phillip Salvador (right) are mortal enemies of each other in the MMFF entry Ang Panday.

Text by Yas Salanga

Ang Panday (The Blacksmith) is a fictional comic created by Carlo J. Caparas back in the ‘70s and illustrated by Steven Gan. It tells of an ordinary yet noble blacksmith called Flavio, who by fate forges a dagger from a magical meteorite that fell from the heavens. He uses this weapon against the villain Lizardo and his equally evil monsters and stop them from wreaking havoc on earth.

Flavio’s magic dagger glows and hums when enemies are near, keeping him alert at all times. When raised from its sheath and pointed towards the sky, the dagger turns into a formidable sword, making it an excellent tool for shredding monsters to bits. Though only human, Flavio possesses excellent hand-to-hand fighting skills and his swordsmanship is second to none.

Adapted to film for the first time in 1981 (Ang Panday) featured Fernando Poe Jr. as Flavio and Max Alvarado as Lizardo. The success of the film gave birth to three more films in three years (Ang Pagbabalik ng Panday, 1982; Ang Panday Ikatlong Yugto, 1983; and Panday IV: Ikaapat na Aklat, 1984). In 1993, Dugo ng Panday came out with Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. at the starring role.

2009 REBOOT. After sequels, alterations, and even a parody during its run in film and TV, Ang Panday gets a facelift this 2009 in the form of a reboot from the first film.

Bong Revilla Jr., who starred as a descendant of Flavio in Dugo ng Panday, now takes the role of Flavio himself. Philip Salvador takes the role of the evil Lizardo.

The movie’s plot revolves around Flavio’s daring rescue of his lady love Maria (played by Iza Calzado) from Lizardo. The hero of the story is assisted by his friends Bugoy, Emelita, and Marcos (played by Buboy Villar, Rhian Ramos, and Geoff Eigenmann respectively).

The traveling companions will find out that it will be no easy task reaching Lizardo’s lair, as a huge number of enemies will make life difficult for them physically and emotionally. It is also up to Flavio to balance his duty to the world he swore to protect and the woman he loves.

THE REVIEW (PROS) The first few minutes in the film provides an animated summary of Lizardo and his reign of terror, wonderfully narrated by Lolo Isko (played by veteran actor Jonee Gamboa) with his coherently primeval voice.

Bong Revilla Jr. gives a convincing performance of an honorable man and executes his scenes as Flavio with enough justice to make FPJ proud. Bong also can still hold his own with the more physically demanding stunt jobs with the fight scenes while looking cool and showing his good angle at the end of each sequence.

Rhian and Buboy, who have supporting roles in the movie, show good chemistry with each other. Their childish banter and shared admiration for Bong’s character is worthwhile and fun to watch.

Philip Salvador as Lizardo will make audience retch with his malice and perverted nature. His mentally deranged animated approach at portraying the villain gives a weird yet fascinating end product that quickly distinguishes him as someone you don’t want to be friends with.

The story is concise, therefore giving more time to graphically laden fight sequences and special effects. It does not dwell much on talk in between scenes, allowing more room for eye candy and visual cues.

By local showbiz industry’s standards, Ang Panday is a visual effects breakthrough. Pains were obviously taken to put effort in polishing and integrating the special effects needed to make this fantasy film a worthy rival to similar themed films of Hollywood like Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings et al. Everything is nearly graphically perfect, from Lizardo’s castle to Bagwis the Dragon’s scales.

For the first time, producers are able to offer a CGI (computer generated imagery) laden film without getting half-baked results. Aside from this, the camera’s creative panning on some panoramic scenes shows a break from the norm and allows the audience to appreciate the scenes from corner to corner.

Sound effects aren’t far behind its graphical buddy in terms of successful execution. In this film, the sound effects and the music shows timing and perfectly sets the mood for scenes in particular.

(CONS) While concise, the story in itself is a chore to understand due to plot holes and irrelevantly placed characters (and their situations) messing up the whole idea. Poor film editing also is a strain, with vaguely related scenes quickly inserted to those currently viewed and digested by the audience. Overall, it’s like a book with its pages all mixed up.

Geoff Eigenmann provides little support as a main character with his skills as an archer (and an actor) falls short from being believable. He is the only mid to long range fighter who waits for enemies to get really close before finally drawing an arrow and shooting them. He compensates by standing out in one scene with some slick moves, but that’s about it.

Philip Salvador, on the other hand, is a good villain, but his attempt in portraying Lizardo as The Joker’s third world cousin fails to impress. He should have stuck with the “I’m simply evil” brand and just quit trying to be a grinning psychotic wannabe.

The rest of the supporting cast feel a little left out and the effort to give them identities and roles in the story feels rushed, making them forgettable.

While decent, it seemed that the special effects added to the movie was too much, especially the fight scenes. Every scene where Flavio cuts up enemies immediately mean that everything has to vibrate, slow down, and eventually end with the “Panday Pose.” Audiences would probably have appreciated the fight choreography even more if the special effects were toned down.

Lastly, the set design of the film has the tendency to look bland. The town square (or talipapa) has just one road, with a couple of market stands and a church and it gets a lot of screen time. Since special effects are the key to this film, they could have virtually added additional homes, landmarks, etc. The same goes for Lizardo’s cramped crib (It’s basically a huge palace with interior shots limited to just a little throne room, a Jacuzzi, and a side entrance).

VERDICT. If you can forgive Ang Panday’s plot holes, poor editing and claustrophobic sets, then you won’t mind enjoying the fantasy-filled and special effects laden thrill ride this film has to offer.

This action-fantasy film is one of the seven entries competing in the 35th Metro Manila Film Festival. The new version of Ang Panday is co-produced by GMA Films and Imus Productions and is directed by Mac Alejandre.

Ang Panday will be screened in cinemas starting Christmas Day, December 25, 2009.

CLICK HERE to view movie stills of Ang Panday.

CLICK HERE to submit your own review of Ang Panday and get a chance to win an original VCD/DVD.