Wide to Close-up Love Abroad: A "Hello Love, Goodbye" Review

Because Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards are trending nowadays, I became curious about Hello Love, Goodbye. Based on the photos and videos, Kathryn and Alden have really good chemistry and there are also rumors that the materials going around are just for the advanced promotion of Hello Love, Goodbye 2.

The film is about 2 Filipinos in Hongkong who are in the adulting stage. Kathryn is Joy Marie, a domestic helper looking to get enough money to apply to become a nurse in Canada. Because it's not allowed to take up other jobs in Hong Kong when you're categorized as a domestic helper, one time she had to run from the police while racketeering and that's how she met Ethan, who is a bartender about to become a Hong Kong resident.

I like how they used the camera shot type to show the closeness of the characters. The first encounter of Joy Marie and Ethan, the shots are separate for them. Then, they have a long talk but since they are not close yet, a wide shot is used. As they develop deep feelings for one another, they gradually had close-up frames.

I commend Alden because this role is quite different from the obedient characters he played before. However, it is noticeable that Kathryn's acting has more layers compared to him. Kakai Bautista and Maymay Entrata are underused here while Jerome Ponce and Anthony Jennings who just had cameos were able to make an impression.

I rate this 2.5 out of 5 stars. There are times when it becomes dragging especially during the heavily dramatic scenes between the two leads and there are unnatural blockings like Kath hugging Alden's back. It's weird because I wish they had more "PDA" (public display of affection) before. However, many great lessons were posited here like balancing self-love and sacrifice as well as letting go and trusting the person you love.

Director: Cathy Garcia-Sampana
Screenwriters: Carmi Raymundo, Enrico C. Santos

YC2 GRAND WINNER AIMS TO INSPIRE CHANGE THROUGH CREATIVE WORK

Renowned physicist Albert Einstein said, “Creativity is contagious. Pass it on.” Sanny Villafranca, also known as AJRAVII, a film student at the Asia Pacific Film Institute, aims to do so through his graphic novel “The Girl and The Tamaraw”. He said, “This project is inspired by the Indigenous Peoples and the Tamaraws. As creatives, we tell stories with the purpose of effecting change or inspiring it. My aim is to raise awareness for the protection of our endangered species and their natural habitat, and to showcase how culturally rich our nation is.”

Sanny’s graphic novel was the grand winner for the Graphic Novel Category of the Young Creatives Challenge (YC2), which held its grand finals and awarding ceremony last March 21, 2024 at BGC, Taguig City, Metro Manila. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the support of Sen. Imee Marcos and the Philippine Creative Industry Development Act (PCIDA), YC2 is a competition that showcases the creativity of the Filipino youth. It was created to inspire, recognize, and showcase Filipino talents in the fields of songwriting, screenwriting, playwriting, graphic novels, animation, game development, and online content creation.

Asked about how his graphic novel “The Girl and The Tamaraw'' was conceptualized, Sanny stated, “In 2018, during a workshop led by Direk Surf Reyes, a Mowelfund founder, we were tasked with creating emotionally resonant stories that promote our culture. This narrative was born from that challenge and serves as a tribute to my mentor, who supported it while involved with the NCCA.” The Quezon City resident also shared how his path to creativity began. “I remember when I was six, we lived near the PNR train tracks. My grandma had comics that she rented out to our neighbors. I read almost all of them. They made me love making up stories and drawing. Grandma helped me learn to draw, too. She really helped me grow creatively since I was little.” “In elementary school, I started joining various organizations like the music club, art club, and journalism club. I became more involved in school extracurricular activities and gained experience through inter-school events. My passion for the arts continued into my high school years,” Sanny added.

Currently, Sanny is working as an account director at an advertising agency, while also overseeing Sanny Istudyo Productions, which he established as a creative platform to pursue his passion for storytelling through various art forms such as music, film, and illustrations. “To refine my storytelling abilities, I am currently enrolled in a Film course at the Asia Pacific Film Institute. I am in the process of developing a screenplay for my finals. ‘The Girl and The Tamaraw’ is currently being prepared for publication, and we are also working on another story that promotes our culture,” he said. What makes Sanny’s win in the Young Creatives Challenge even more inspiring is that he is a PWD (person with disability). Though he has hearing impairment, this has not deterred Sanny to pursue his creative passion. With heartfelt gratitude, he exclaimed, “I want to share this honor with my fellow creatives, especially those who have disabilities or facing doubts while pursuing their passions despite challenges. I'm grateful to my late mentor, Surf Reyes, as well as my late mother, to my family, and friends. A big thank you to DTI, YC2 judges, and Senator Imee for supporting programs that empower Filipino creatives. Thank you to the support of Hana Creative, Asia Pacific Film Institute, Meisner Studio Manila and to the Sanny Istudyo Team. We continue to dream of a nation that celebrates and highly values arts and culture. Mabuhay ang katutubong kultura at sining! Mabuhay ang malikhaing Pinoy! Maraming Salamat sa Diyos!”

The Real Villains Appear after Hide Episode 4: A Korean Drama Review

Hide is a new Korean drama series airing on JTBC. It is in the mystery and thriller genre. Starring Park Bo-young, this series centers on a prosecutor turned housewife who unveils secrets in connection to a powerful group of people while looking for her husband Cha Sung-jae (played by Lee Mu0Saeng) who's an attorney and CEO of their company.

As usual, this is an acting showcase for Bo-young, starting off as a caring mother, then turning into a grieving wife hounded by her husband's secrets, and finally as she regains her confidence and sharpness while squaring off with the devious Ma Kang, her seemingly harmless neighbor Ha Yeon-joo (played by Lee Chung-ah) turns out to be watching her every move and might be part of the shadow organization manipulating the string of events.

The teaser for episode 5 shows Yeon-joo threatening Chung-ah with a video of her husband beaten up and kidnapped. Apparently, she's supposed to take over her husband's unfinished task.

I recommend watching this as there is a new piece of the puzzle to unravel every episode. The series also stars Lee Min-jae as Do Jin-woo, a rough fellow who's willing to do anything for money but can be a royal friend.

This Korean drama is an adaptation of the Welsh series which aired on BBC, Keeping Faith. Hide streams on Viki and Coupang Play.

K-drama elements present: money laundering though foundation, unexpected villain, prosecutor

Kuh Ledesma and her Black Saturday 2024 Encore

Experience a spiritual journey this Black Saturday as Kuh brings back her birthday show last week for an encore performance on March 30 at Hacienda Isabella . Enjoy an evening of soulful melodies and good vibes, as we celebrate life, love, and God's amazing love.


3:16 Songs and stories on March 30 is unforgettable experience that will touch your heart and nourish your soul.
Stay overnight and allow the serenity of the evening rejuvenate your spirits in Hacienda's tranquil surroundings. Indulge in a sumptuous Black Saturday dinner, followed by a hearty Easter breakfast to start your day. Let this Holy Week weekend be a celebration of God's love and a journey of inner peace and reflection.
Let the songs and stories uplift your spirit and elevate your soul.

For more details please call 0960 885 0288 and 09202868895

“Under a Piaya Moon” and “Last Shift” Win Big at Inaugural Puregold CinePanalo Awards Night

 “Under a Piaya Moon” and “Last Shift” bagged the coveted Pinakapanalong Pelikula awards in the full-length and short film categories respectively at the inaugural Puregold CinePanalo Awards Night. Held on March 16 at the Gateway Cineplex 18, it was an emotional night as both established names as well as young up-and-comers received recognition for their exceptional efforts.

In the full-length category, Kurt Soberano’s debut feature “Under a Piaya Moon” left the biggest impact as it bagged six awards including the coveted Panalong Aktor and Panalong Pangalawang Aktor. Close behind was Sigrid Andrea Bernardo’s “Pushcart Tales” which left with four awards including Panalong

Direktor and Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Mga Hurado. Meanwhile among the student shorts, Ronjay-C Mendiola’s “Last Shift” achieved the most accolades, winning five awards through the night including Panalong Aktor and Panalong Pangalawang Aktor. Diezelle C. Masilungan’s “Kung Nag-aatubili” also impressed with a total of four awards including Panalong Direktor and a tie for Panalong Pangalawang Aktor.

Award winners were selected by an esteemed jury of judges. Victor Villanueva, Emmanuel dela Cruz, Lito Zulueta, served as the jury for the short film category while Jeffery Jeturian, Mae Cruz-Alviar, and June Kim served for the full-length category.

Festival directors Ivy Hayagan-Piedad and Chris Cahilig alongside Republic Creative’s Lyle Gonzales served on both juries.

Representatives from festival partners MTRCB and Mowelfund were also in attendance to award special prizes to exceptional film entries.

“Smokey Journey,” “Tiil ni Lola,” and “Kung Nag-aatubili” received first, second, and third prize respectively in the MTRCB Responsableng Paglikha short-film category, while “Under a Piaya Moon” took home the award in the full-length category. Mowelfund also gave out special citations for “Ka Benjie” in the short film category and “Under a Piaya Moon” in the full-length category. They also gave away scholarships to ten of the most promising student filmmakers to participate in the festival. Screenings of the festival films will also have an extended run at Gateway 2 Cinemas starting on March 20, Wednesday.

The full list of award winners is as follows:

PINAKAPANALONG PELIKULA

Full-length: “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: “Last Shift”

ALWAYS PANALO FILM

Full-length: “A Lab Story”

Short Film: “Smokey Journey”

PANALONG DIREKTOR

Full-length: Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, “Pushcart Tales”

Short Film: Dizelle C. Masilungan, “Kung Nag-aatubili”

PANALONG AKTRES

Full-length: Shamaine Buencamino, “Pushcart Tales”

Short Film: Jade Mary Cornelia, “Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366”

PANALONG AKTOR

Full-length: Carlos Siguion-Reyna, “Pushcart Tales,” and Jeff

Moses, “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: Jules Azaula, “Last Shift,” and Cristmer Valencia,

“May Kulay Rosas Ba sa Bahaghari?”

PANALONG KARANGALAN MULA SA MGA HURADO

Full-length: “Pushcart Tales”

Short Film: “Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366”

PANALO SA MGA MANONOOD

Full-length: “A Lab Story”

Short Film: “Saan Ako Pinaglihi?”

PANALONG PANGALAWANG AKTRES

Full-length: Nicole Omillo, “Boys at the Back”

Short Film: Maila Rediang, “Repeater si Peter”

PANALONG PANGALAWANG AKTOR

Full-length: Joel Torre, “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: Vince Macapobre, “Last Shift,” and Aiskhylos

Akiyama, “Kung Nag-aatubili”

PANALONG KWENTO

Full-length: Raynier F. Brizuela, “Boys at the Back”

Short Film: Ronjay-C Mendiola, “Last Shift”

MOWELFUND SPECIAL CITATION

Full-length: “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: “Ka Benjie”

MOWELFUND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

Kent Michael Cadungog, “Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366”

Jenievive B. Adame, “Smokey Journey”

Daniel Gil, “Distansya”

John Llever Sucaldito, “Tambal nga Sabaw”

Reutsche Colle Rigurosa Lima, “Till ni Lola”

Alexa Moneii Agaloos, “Ka Benjie”

John Pistol L. Carmen, “Repeater si Peter”)

Dizelle C. Masilungan, “Kung Nag-aatubill”)

Joshua Andrey A. Doce, “I Am Mutya and I Thank You!”

Marian Jayce R. Tiongzon, “May Kulay Rosas Ba Sa Bahaghari?”

MTRCB RESPONSABLENG PAGLIKHA

Full-length: “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film

1st Place: “Smokey Journey”

2nd Place: “Tiil ni Lola”

3rd Place: "Kung Nag-aatubili”

PANALO SA CINEMATOGRAPHY

Full-length: Nathan Bringuer, “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: Anton Acosta, “Kung Nag-aatubili”

PANALO SA PRODUCTION DESIGN

Full-Length: Kurt Soberano and Jed Sicangco, “Under a Piaya

Moon”

Short Film: Mikaela Ganaden, “Remedy Soup”

PANALONG AWITIN

Full-length: “Mahal Kita” by VJ Mendoza, “Road to Happy”

Short Film: “Balik” by Dixzie Dione Cruel, “Tiil ni Lola”

PANALONG ENSEMBLE

Full-length: “Pushcart Tales”

Short Film: “Smokey Journey”

PANALO SA MUSICAL SCORING

Full-length: Owa Marquez, “Boys at the Back”

Short Film: Bernie del Carmen, “Smokey Journey”

PANALO SA EDITING

Full-length: Kurt Soberano and Rodney Jarder Jr., “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: Reutsche Colle Lima, Nyle Justin Bacolod, and Elj Seth Tababa, “Tiil ni Lola”

PANALO SA SOUND DESIGN

Full-length: Nioki Aquino, “Pushcart Tales”

Short Film: Kzee Flores, “May Kulay Rosas Ba sa Bahaghari?”

PANALO SA FILM POSTER

Full-length: “Boys at the Back”

Short Film: “Last Shift”

Jerald Napoles and Nicco Manalo, Mananakot at Magpapatawa sa Pagpag 24/7

Sina Jerald Napoles at Nicco Manalo ang BFFs at comedic duo na bibida at aabangan sa pinakabagong horror-comedy movie ng Viva Films – Pagpag 24/7, in cinemas this March 20, 2024  

Ito ay tungkol sa matalik na pagkakaibigan na binuo ng matibay na samahan, at kung paano nila kakayaning lampasan ang kahit na ano, kahit pa ang pagharap sa mga nakakatakot na multo. 

 

Mula sa direksyon ng up-and-coming director na si JR Reyes, ang PAGPAG 24/7 ay hango sa isang pamahiin ng mga Pinoy na “Pagpag.” Isang paniniwala na kapag galing ka sa isang lamay, kailangan mo muna magpunta sa ibang lugar at hindi diretsong umuwi sa bahay. Sa paggawa nito pinaniniwalaan na malilito ang espiritu na sumusunod sayo at hindi ka na nito masusunduan pabalik ng bahay. Kadalasang nagpapagpag ang mga tao sa mga 24-hour fast food places at mga convenience store dahil ito ang mga lugar na bukas kahit na alanganing oras o madaling araw. 

Sina Mitoy (Jerald Napoles) at Boying (Nicco Manalo) ay mag best friends na magkaiba ang ugali. Si Mitoy ay matino, masunurin, at mabait, samantalang si Boying ay ang matigas ang ulo na gagawin ang kahit na anong gusto. Kahit na malaki ang pagkakaiba, madalas magkasundo ang magkakabata at alam nila na lagi silang nandyan para sa isa’t isa. Pero lahat ‘yon ay magbabago nang mahuli si Mitoy at Boying na nagnanakaw sa isang convenience store, si Mitoy lang ang madadampot at makukulong, kahit na si Boying ang nagpasimuno ng plano. 

Magkakalayo ang loob ng dating magkaibigan, at si Boying ang sisisihin ni Mitoy sa lahat ng mga kamalasang dinanas niya. Muli silang magtatagpo nang makalaya si Mitoy at naging magkatrabaho sa isang punerarya. Ikagugulat din ng lahat na para bang nagkapalit na ng ugali ang dalawa, si Mitoy na ngayon ang maraming alam na kalokohan, habang si Boying naman ay nagpapakatino na sa buhay. 

Sa isang gabing hindi inaasahan, matatagpuan na lang nina Mitoy, Boying, at ilang mga minalas na tao na hindi sila makalabas sa isang convenience store, ang parehas na lugar na nagdulot noon ng matinding bangungot sa buhay nina Mitoy at Boying. At kahit na bago at moderno na ang itsura ng tindahan, nasa loob pa rin nito ang mga multo ng nakaraan at iba pang mga kaluluwang ligaw na gustong maghiganti at naghihintay lamang sa susunod nilang biktima. 

Kasamang bibida nina Jerald Napoles at Nicco Manalo sa pelikula sina Wilbert Ross, na gaganap bilang Jimboy, isa sa mga kaluluwang pinagpag sa convenience store, si Nikko Natividad naman ay gaganap na Pio, isa sa mga customers na natrap sa loob ng tindahan, at si Danita Paner bilang Leah, kasama ni Pio na hindi rin makalabas, long time crush rin ni Mitoy. Makakasama rin nila sina Dindo Arroyo bilang ang mapagmalupit na si Mang Kanor, sina Janet Dancalan, Butchoy Ubaldo, Cherry Malvar, at Jyra De Guzman. 

Sabay-sabay tayong tumawa, matakot, at sama-samang magpagpag. PAGPAG 24/7 - in cinemas nationwide ngayong March 20, 2024.

ONE MORE CHANCE, THE MUSICAL ADDS MORE SHOWS DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) has just announced that more shows for One More Chance, The Musical will be available starting March 7 via TicketWorld, due to overwhelming demand.

PETA has added more shows and after tickets sold out months before the show opened.

One More Chance, The Musical, will now run from the 12th of April to the 30th of June at the PETA-Phinma Theater in New Manila, Quezon City, instead of the initial closing date of June 16, 2024. 

Tickets for the feverishly anticipated show were made available via TicketWorld early February during the exclusive pre-sale for Metrobank, PETA’s co-presenter and official bank partner. 

Close to 1,800 tickets were sold in the first hour alone, and by the end of the three-day pre-sale, more than half of the tickets of the 50-show run were gone in an instant. 

“We are thankful and extremely grateful for the unprecedented ticket turn-out and box-office surge. Maribel Legarda, One More Chance, The Musical director and PETA artistic director enthused. 

“The local theater industry is rising and seeing an economic boom,” she adds.

“We’ve chosen to put together two Pinoy icons, One More Chance and Ben&Ben to tap and develop new audiences outside of the regular mainstream musical theatergoers,” Legarda said, adding that the overwhelming reaction of the public shows the strength of this collaboration of a lifetime.

About One More Chance, The Musical

One More Chance, The Musical is based on the motion picture One More Chance (2007) produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc.

PETA’s musical adaptation not only brings the iconic love story of Popoy and Basha to life but also creates a more nuanced and expanded experience for audiences, thanks to Ben&Ben's captivating and emotionally charged songs. The musical includes the band’s smash hits Kathang Isip, Araw-Araw, Leaves, to name a few.

Audiences can expect a richer version that examines various lessons and themes from the vantage point of today’s generation, nearly two decades since the film’s premiere. 

“We brought depth to how we view the self in relationships, the choices that we make, and how these reverberate to our social circles, our family, friends, and society in general,” One More Chance, The Musical playwright Michelle Ngu-Nario said, adding that it will also immerse in raging issues such as mental health.

The musical features an impeccable cast led by Sam Concepcion and CJ Navato who will play Popoy, together with Anna Luna and Nicole Omillo as Basha. They are joined by Kiara Takahashi and Sheena Belarmino as Tricia, Jef Flores and Jay Gonzaga as Mark. The musical will also feature Poppert Bernadas and Paji Arceo as Kenneth, Ada Tayao and Rica Laguardia as Krizzy, Via Antonio  and Dippy Arceo as Anj, Jon Abella as JP, and Johnnie Moran as Chinno. The cast also includes budding and veteran theater artists: Chez Cuenca, Coleen Paz, JC Galano, Matthew Barbers, Neomi Gonzales, Carla Guevara Laforteza, Raul Montesa, Floyd Tena, and Hazel Maranan.

One More Chance, The Musical is written by Michelle Ngu-Nario, directed by Maribel Legarda, assistant direction and dramaturgy by J-mee Katanyag, musical direction and sound design by Myke Salomon, choreography by Michael Barry Que, set design by Ohm David, costume design by Carlo Pagunaling, lighting design by David Esguerra, projection design by Bene Manaois.

The musical is presented by PETA together with Metrobank and Robinsons Malls.

For more information, follow PETA's social media accounts at @petatheater (Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok). For partnerships, contact PETA’s Marketing and Public Relations Office at 0917-5765400 or petatheater@gmail.com.