Saturday, August 31, 2019

Viddsee announces finalists in third annual Juree Awards Philippines 2019



Ten courageous and creative stories have been selected as finalists for the third Viddsee Juree Philippines, a festival of short films that celebrates and supports
filmmaker communities in Asia.

The nominated films were submitted by a range of independent filmmakers, from experienced directors like Arvin Belarmino (‘El Pablo’, ‘Suez’) and Phyllis Grae Grande (‘Everybody Leaves’) to fresh graduates such as Al-jhun Virgo and Tim Rone Bagnas Villanueva, as well as university
students Claudette Chiong and Jessa Doydora. These new and upcoming talents come from different schools such as, De La Salle University, De La Salle-College Of St. Benilde, Far
Eastern University, the University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, University of San Carlos - Cebu, and Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

The films cover a wide range of subjects, from love, religion, and familial ties to abuse and sexuality, and are told across various genres of comedy, horror, and drama. Among them
include a comedy about a young couple attempting to have sex for the first time (‘Come On’, directed by Al-jhun Virgo), two blind musicians who come to realise their love for each other (‘If Not’, directed by Phyllis Grae Grande), a fantastical love story between a patron saint and a young boy (‘Santa Nena’, directed by Tim Rone Villanueva), and a father who is forced to confront his shortcomings when he finds himself trapped in a room with his daughter (‘Shackles’, directed by Arvin Belarmino).

Other entries in the top ten are ‘Niño’ by Miguel Pascua, ‘Felisa’ by Shim Mellord Abrio, ‘Refraction’ by Isabella Policarpio, and ‘The Sound of Silence’ by Lynn Ana Maria Lim. 

“This year’s entries showcase what Filipino filmmakers are capable of in making films that resonate with audiences in new and surprising ways. It was encouraging to see a diverse range of filmmakers -- many of them who are still new to the industry -- approach their subjects with a deep sense of care, maturity, and attention to craft,” said Viddsee’s community manager, Luigene Yanoria.

A Festival For Filmmakers at Pineapple Lab

The winners will be announced on September 29 in an awards ceremony at the Pineapple Lab, Poblacion Makati. Prior to the ceremony, Viddsee will be organising a three-day Juree Philippines Awards Programme from September 27-29 at the same venue, and will feature a number of activities including talks, and screenings that are open to the public. 

Among the panel discussions include best practices for freelance filmmakers, how filmmakers expands across the
region, and the rising influence of Asian cinema in global culture.

Two top entries will be named Gold and Silver winners, who will be picked by an international panel of judges that comprises the Artistic Director for the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF), Anderson Le; established Filipino producer and film director Baby Ruth Villarama; and
Lucky Kuswandi, one of Indonesia’s most exciting young directors.

Gold and Silver winners will be awarded film production grants worth PHP160,000 and PHP80,000 respectively. The Gold winner will also win a five-day Global Film & TV Program in Los Angeles sponsored by the Motion Picture Association.



In addition to the grant, the Gold winner will receive a 14-day loan for RED Digital Cinema camera equipment with a five-lens set of ZEISS CP.3 Lenses, while the Silver winner will
receive a 14-day loan of RED Digital Cinema camera equipment and the ZEISS Light Weight Zoom LWZ.3 21-100mm lens. Gold and Silver winners will also receive a 14-day loan for a Sachtler tripod system and Litepanels LED products from Vitec. All ten finalists will receive a
12-month Creative Cloud All Apps subscription from Adobe.

Aside from the main winners, finalists and out-of competition films can also vie for the Audience
Choice Award, which will be picked based on the most number of ‘likes’ it receives on Viddsee.com. The voting period for the Audience Choice Awards is held from September 2 to 12.

The annual Juree Awards initiative debuted in Indonesia in 2016, and expanded to include the Philippines in 2017, and Singapore in 2018. Find out more about the Juree Awards at
https://www.viddsee.com/channel/juree.

The public can learn more about the Juree Philippines Awards Programme, as well as watch all nominated and other out-of-competition films for free on https://www.viddsee.com/channel/juree/philippines2019

Thursday, August 29, 2019

New adventures and songs await kids in REP’s The Quest for the Adarna



The story of the Ibong Adarna has captivated children across the Philippines for generations. Now, Repertory Philippines is bringing the colorful tale to life for families everywhere with a new English version called The Quest for the Adarna.

Produced through RTYA (REP’s Theater for Young Audiences), the vibrant original musical will be
running from September 14 to January 26 at Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1.

The play takes place in the peaceable and prosperous kingdom of Berbania, which is ruled by the 
beloved King Fernando and his equally loved wife, Queen Valeriana. They are blessed with three sons–all mighty warriors. The eldest and heir to the throne is the pompous Prince Pedro; the second son is the dashing Prince Diego; and, the youngest, the kind-hearted Prince Juan.

Their idyllic life is shattered when King Fernando is struck by a mysterious sickness and can only be healed by the song of the mythical bird, Adarna. Anyone wanting to capture the bird must travel to its home on Mount Tabor, a journey that is difficult and froth with danger. After his first two brothers fail on their quest, Prince Juan bravely takes on the task to save his father.

An enduring epic that remains one of our great cultural treasures, the Ibong Adarna story is reborn as an entertaining play with original music. Suitable for children of all ages, The Quest for the Adarna is an original RTYA Production under Creative Director Joy Virata, assisted by co-directors Jamie Wilson and Naths Everett, with music by Rony Fortich and book and lyrics by Luna Griño-Inocian.

A wonderful cast completes this production, featuring both stage veterans and fresh faces. The titular Adarna will be played by Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Andrea Monique Alvarado, and Cara Barredo. Joining them are Arion Sanchez, Jim Andrew Ferrer, Ade Valenzona as Prince Pedro, Vinni Todd, Luis Marcelo, and Sean Nolasco as Prince Diego, and Leo John Guinid, Diego Aranda, and Neo Rivera as Prince Juan.

The Quest for the Adarna is a must-see for its bright, colorful costumes, fun, child-friendly music, and its new English translation of a Filipino classic. The final play in REP’s illustrious 2019 season, Adarna teaches kids unforgettable lessons about family, courage, forgiveness, and love, all wrapped in an entertaining stage production.

With great ticket prices, families have every reason to bring their kids to see this magical musical. Orchestra center seats cost P800, orchestra side is priced at P600, while balcony seats go for P500.

For show-buying, block-buying, and ticket inquiries, contact REP at 451-1474 or 0966-905-4013. You may also purchase tickets by calling Ticketworld at 891 9999, or through www.ticketworld.com.ph .

For updates and show schedules, log on to www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow
repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Sue Ramirez, RK Bagatsing play daring roles in the romance film Cuddle Weather



 A story about love making minus the love part

“This is the most fearless role that I’ve taken on,” says Sue Ramirez in the upcoming movie Cuddle Weather, in which she plays a prostitute. The said film is an official entry to the upcoming Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino or PPP.

The movie released a very intriguing poster and teaser that it became a trending topic. The poster shows Sue and RK in a very suggestive and daring position, which immediately gives an idea what the movie is about. This is not surprising because the movie tackles a sensitive topic but which also exists in the community. 

In the movie, Sue and co-star RK Bagatsing portray characters who are in the prostitution industry. 
“I am a sex worker here. Kasama ko dito si RK Bagatsing,” explains Sue. 

But despite the seriousness of the film’s subject, it falls under the romantic-comedy genre. This is a first for Sue, who is known for maintaining a wholesome image, and will take on a daring role for the first time. 



“It’s a different side of me. It’s something that I’m afraid of, but kinagat ko and kapag nandon ka na, you’re gonna have that urge to do well at it. Kasi kapag may mga tinanggap akong bagay sa buhay ko, gusto ko fight ako talaga, as in…” 

Since she and RK are portraying prostitutes, it is inevitable that they need to do love scenes. Sue admits that she felt nervous with these scenes. Fortunately, RK acted like a true gentleman and made her feel comfortable. 

“Si RK is super gentleman. Hindi ako nakaramdam ng ilang. I feel safe around RK, so that’s a great partnership pag nagtatrabaho kayo. You have to be really comfortable. You have to feel safe with each other. Meron nga si Ram, his character, na shower scenes tapos pinapanood sya ng character ko.” 

Asked how much she is willing to bare, Sue replies, “As far as they need me and as far as Star Magic will allow me. But the character of the movie, maganda ang journey ni Adela Johnson. Mararamdaman ng mga makakapanood nito ang kilig at ang pagiging strong and ang weakness ni Adela, because sila din ay may marupok na puso.” 

In the movie Sue and RK play escorts and tackles the lives of the people in this industry. 

“Kinikuwento sa pelikula nito paano ba sila mabuhay sa panahong ito. Nai-in love ba sila?” 

Sue also takes pride in the movie because of its brilliant story: a serious and socially relevant issue told in a comedy. “It’s funny, it’s very witty, it’s not your typical hugot film, hindi lang huhugot, babaon pa sa inyong mga puso” she beams.




RK Bagatsing, who is part of the top rating teleserye in ABS-CBN now, is happy to be chosen to play the role. "Ito, masasabi ko na kakaiba sa ginagawa ko on television. Making a movie like Cuddle Weather, portaying a role as a sex worker, bagong experience, hindi palaging may ganito."

On the process before shooting the film, "Nag-aral kami ng buhay nila, paano sila magmahal sa kabila ng paghuhusga ng mga tao sa paligid nila. Nakausap namin 'yung mga totoong tao at respeto ang maibibgay namin sa kanila. Ito din 'yung gusto namin ipahatid sa mga tao."

"My first reason in making this film is to examine sex, its beauty and tragedy, through a love story of two sex workers who don’t make love until the latter part of the film" director and writer of 'hugot' books, Rod Marmol shares.
"Lastly, I believe that with the advent of dating apps and websites, the current generation is the most sexually-active. However, we remain to be the loneliest and least responsible. It is high time to scrutinize the inverse correlation of intimacy and happiness and there are no better characters to face that question than those who are experts at sex", he adds.
Cuddle Weather is produced by Regal Entertainment, Inc., and line produced by Project 8 San Joaquin for Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2019.
Follow Regal Entertainment Inc on Facebook and Youtube Channel. Twitter: @RegalFilms Instagram: @RegalFilms50



SYNOPSIS

ADELA is an experienced call girl who aspires to become a high-end prostitute. RAM is a waitlisted seaman who ventures into prostitution to earn money for his family.

It is ‘love at first sound’ when they meet. They’re having a boring sex with their respective clients in adjacent motel rooms, until they hear each other’s sexy moans which ultimately help them reach their orgasm. Ram later on finds out how skilled Adela is. He then convinces her to teach him the ways of a hustler sex worker in exchange of a fee.

They start a mentor-mentee relationship which slowly turns into an odd romance. They become ‘cuddle partners’ which means that at the end of every night of countless fucking, they can always count on each other’s hugs to comfort their overused and underloved bodies to sleep.

But as their connection deepens, both Adela and Ram start to doubt their capacity to start and maintain a serious relationship. Having seen too much loveless lovemaking, both have become too good a prostitute to believe that happiness can come without a price.


Garrett Bolden and Mirriam Manalo release individual singles



GMA Music proudly presents two new singles from "The Clash" alumni Garrett Bolden and Mirriam Manalo.

Garrett is delighted to share his second single "Handa na Maghintay" to Kapuso listeners, following his debut single "Lilipad Na." The song is composed by Rodel Buban, Jam Ruiz, Vehnee Saturno, together with Filscap Camp Isang Lahi.

He hopes that the audience will relate to the lyrics of the song, "I'm so excited to share this new journey sa inyo mga Kapuso. Sana maka-relate kayo dahil tagos sa puso ang kantang ito. Para ito sa mga selfless magmahal sa kahit na anong sitwasyon."

He looks forward to composing a song for fellow Clasher Kyryll Ugdiman, whose voice he admires. He also shared that one of his wishes that came true aside from being a recording artist was being reunited with his long lost father.

Meanwhile, "Una Ka" is Mirriam's debut single under the label. Elmer Blancaflor provided the music and it's written by Romer Timbreza.

According to the Kapuso Fierce Diva, this song is dedicated to her daughter Layla, who also has a special appearance in its official music video directed by Phillip Lazaro.

"Mas mahirap po kumanta ng buntis. Kasi inisip mo, ano ba yung bagiging effect nito sa anak ko kung kakanta ako,"she shared her experience of performing whilst pregnant. She admits that though she lost the ability to sing in higher octaves after she gave birth, she had consulted voice experts and singer mommies who went through the same situation, and is positive that her vocal range will return to normal.




"Handa na Maghintay" and "Una Ka" are both now available for streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, and other digital stores worldwide.





Wednesday, August 14, 2019

"Moira is Braver" Set to Rule the Big Dome This September



Quezon City - The Philippines' "Most Streamed Artist" Moira Dela Torre is set to make another history this year. Her continuous recognition by different award-giving bodies puts her on the pedestal she has dreamed of. She was hailed "Female Artist of the Year" in PMPC Star Awards for Music, MOR Pinoy Music Awards, ALTA Media Icon Awards and Myx Music Awards. Her songs also topped chart playlists all over Spotify Philippines and achieved a record no OPM artist has ever done before.

Still on high from the success of her first solo concert last year, she is now ready to conquer the big dome on September 13, 2019. Coming from the success of Angeline K 'To Concert Namin 'To, a collaboration concert of the Queen of Teleserye Theme Songs Angeline Quinto and the Ultimate Entertainer K Brosas last July 12 at the Araneta Coliseum, Cornerstone Concerts under the management of Cornerstone Entertainment, continues to headline the local concert scene with world-class performances and spectacular production numbers.

This September, they are turning another dream into a reality. Braver Moira at the Araneta Coliseum, co-produced with Star Events, will surely give you a night to remember. From the most heart-fluttering songs to the most tear-jerking performances, Moira is more than ready to take music and concert experience to the next level. Special guests include December Avenue, Ben and Ben, I Belong to the Zoo, Nieman, Zephanie Dimaranan, and Jason Marvin.

Witness a night with a refreshing theme. From Malaya's fall season theme, now, Braver is giving winter feels that will definitely creep into your heart as she will perform her newest song from her upcoming sophomore album. This includes her chart-topping hit Patawad, Paalam, a collaboration with I Belong to the Zoo.

The concert will be directed by award-winning Kapamilya John Prats.

For more info and ticket purchase, you may go to Ticketnet Online or call 911-5555. Cornerstone Entertainment is also on social media.

Facebook: Cornerstone Entertainment Inc.
Instagram: @cornerstone

Monique Wilson, A Real-Life Hero, Stars in the 4th Run of Mabining Mandirigma



Like Lea Salonga, when we hear the name of Monique Wilson, it conjures up the hit musical Miss Saigon. However, while Lea continued to conquer Broadway and The Voice Kids after her movies with Aga Muhlach, Monique went on a mission to empower women and end sexual violence via One Billion Rising. Her last major theater work, apart from being involved in the yearly stagings of The Vagina Monologues onstage and offstage, was The King and I back in 2012. Her much awaited comeback is now happening via Tanghalang Pilipino’s Mabining Mandirigma: A Steampunk Musical, where she will play the titular character of the adult Apolinario Mabini. 

Previously, Delphine Buencamino and Liesl Batucan essayed the titular role. Changes to this installment include changes in the songs like a fliptop rap number, more gender fluidity when it comes to casting, and having a new musical director in the person of Ejay Yacto. 

“Unang-unang Noli, nandun ako,” recalled Monique regarding her CCP days. She said it was her first Filipino musical and she was able to tour Japan with another theater veteran, Audie Gemora, because of it. Prior to that, she did English plays with Repertory Philippines. She has been based in London for many years now together with her wife, Rosanna Abueva. “Pabalik-balik din to do shows, to do political work. I taught at East 15 Acting School. Ako yung nag-head ng Master’s Degree nila for International Actors. Five years ko ginawa yun. Before that, nagturo rin ako sa Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. So, nung tinapos ko na yon, I also traveled so much, kasi yung work ko sa One Billion Rising Global Director. Kailangan kong magbiyahe. 200 countries kasi yung kasama sa One Billion Rising. So, I go to Africa..to...everywhere...all around the world talaga,” she answered when asked what has been keeping her busy.

This Gawad Buhay Outstanding Musical will still be helmed by CCP Artistic Director Chris Millado as the opening production of Tanghalang Pilipino’s 33rd Season aptly named Pakikidigma. “Mahirap po talaga, pati yung pag-iisip no? Iba siya. Buti nalang sa mahabang panahon na 25 years, when I last did a Tanghalang Pilipino show, nakagawa na rin ako ng mga ibang mga palabas tulad ng Vagina Monologues in Filipino. At miyembro din ako ng Gabriela, kung saan dinadala nila ako sa mga Lumad communities at sa mga relocation sites. Siguro yung trabaho ko as an activist ang nagbigay sa akin din ng malaking confidence at inspirasyon na gumawa ng ganito kabigat at kalalim at ka-challenging na musical,” explained Monique regarding her motivation for doing a FIlipino musical again.



Mabining Mandirigma, a Steampunk Musical, runs at the CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater) from August 16 until September 1, 2019. For ticket reservations, group sales, and special performances please contact Tanghalang Pilipino: 0999 884 821, 0915 607 2275, or (02) 832 1125, local 1621.

Tickets are also available at the CCP Box Office, Ticket2mw, Bliimo, and all TicketWorld outlets. For more information, visit the TP Facebook page at http://facebook.com/tanghalangpilipino or e-mail tanghalangpilipinomarketing@gmail.com. 

Sunday, August 11, 2019

Cinemalaya 2019 Winners

BEST FILM: John Denver Trending
BEST ACTOR: Jansen Magpusao (JDT)
BEST ACTRESS: Ruby Ruiz (Iska)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Ricky Davao (F#*@bois)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Ella Cruz (Edward)

BEST DIRECTOR: Eduardo Roy Jr. (F*#@bois)
NETPAC JURY PRIZE: JDT
SPECIAL JURY PRIZE: Edward
BEST SCREENPLAY: Iska
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: JDT

BEST SOUND: Iska?
BEST MUSICAL SCORE: JDT
BEST EDITING: JDT
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN: Edward Movie
AUDIENCE CHOICE: Belle Douleur

BEST SHORT FEATURE FILM: 'Wag Mo 'Kong Kausapin
SPECIAL JURY PRIZE: Tembong
NETPAC JURY PRIZE: Disconnection Notice
BEST DIRECTOR: Don Senoc (Sa Among Agwat)
BEST SCREENPLAY: Kontrolado ni Girly ang Buhay Niya
AUDIENCE CHOICE: Heist School
SPECIAL MENTION FOR SUBJECT MATTER: Hele ng Maharlika

Thursday, August 8, 2019

Ladies from the South Set to Conquer Mutya ng Pilipinas 2019


On August 18, these 40 ladies will take the stage and vie for the Mutya Pilipinas crown at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The pageant, formerly known as Mutya ng Pilipinas, has its name slightly altered following the return of Cory Quirino as the organization’s president.

The four titles to be won are as follows: Miss Asia Pacific International, World Top Model Philippines, Miss Tourism International, Filipino Overseas Communities. Similar to last year, there will be a 1st and a 2nd runner up. The 3-month long search for contestants spanned provinces as well as Filipinos living abroad.

Recently, Cebu made the news because they had 14 candidates ready. Those who made the final cut from the “Queen City of the South” are Mariah Gelina Laquin of Bogo City, Karla Claudine Lasquite of Cebu City, and Maria Angelica Pantaliano of Mandaue City.



Laquin, a political science student, won as Miss Bogo 2018 and was part of the Binibining Cebu 2018. Lasquite was part of Hiyas ng Paladong 2014, Miss Bikini Philippines 2014, Miss Mandaue 2018 / 2019. She is under Stacy’s Model Management. Pantaliano won as Mutya sa Buahanan 2018 and was part of Miss Bikini Philippines 2017

When we refer to South NCR, that would include Makati, Pasay, Las Piñas, Parañaque, and Muntinlupa. Despite the heavy traffic in these areas, this did not stop these following ladies from making the final cut: Maria Isabel Alves of San Isidro, Parañaque; Dionne Sade Nicha of Tunasan, Muntinlupa; Jenny Kim Agasid of San Dionisio, Parañaque; and Maricres Castro of Alabang, Muntinlupa.

Former Binibining Pilipinas candidate April Short is one of the contestants. Andrea Fe Gomez of Baguio City and Maxinne Nicole Ranger tied for Darling of the Press.

Recently, the ladies strutted up the catwalk during an activity with the pageants ecotourism mobility partner, Hyundai. They were also able to finish their self-defense training last August 4 at PNP Camp Crame Sports Complex spearheaded by PCSupt. Rhodel O. Sermonia.

The pageant will have a delayed telecast on ABS-CBN’s Sunday’s Best. You may visit www.mutyangpilipinas.com for the rest of the lineup, scheduled activities, and additional information.



Sunday, August 4, 2019

Sharmaine Magdasoc is Now Both Miss Fashion World 2019 and an Erase Endorser



"Magdecide sila talaga kung gusto nila kasi sometimes may iba sumasali lang pero hindi naman decided na manalo," was her answer when asked about her advice to those joining beauty pageants. The 23-year-old Bicolana beauty queen has just finished signing a contract with Erase as the face of Erase lotion. The first Pinay winner of the Miss Fashion World 2019 will soon be seen on billboards around EDSA.



Before the pageant that was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, she was able to land a Viva contract thanks to her manager Lito de Guzman. She idolizes Catriona Gray and she revealed during the pocket presscon that the crown she's wearing was a replica. “Yung original crown naiwan sa Malaysia, replica na lang ito. Bongga ang treatment ng organizers sa amin, sa isang pinakasosyal na hotel kami inilagay, pinasuotan pa kami ng mga mamahaling diamonds pero ang nakakatawa, mayroon 2 guard na sumusunod sa amin, haha..” 




Last year she also won for Turismo Filipina 2018 and was part of several pageant experts hot picks for the Miss Global Philippines 2017. She went home with a cash prize of PhP300,000 for taking home the Miss Fashion World 2019 crown. She is also a graphic artist by profession.

Friday, August 2, 2019

Cinemalaya 15 Opens with a new Lav Diaz Film and a Lot of Eyes



Unlike the previous years, the 15th edition of the Cinemalaya International Film Festival is a pretty straightforward one. The longtime pillar of the festival, Tony Boy Cojuangco, gave a speech, followed by a veteran director identifiable with the festival, Laurice Guillen.

Awards were presented to organizations and individuals like Philip Cheah, Max Tessier, Bayani Sandiego, Maney Dayrit at Central Digital Lab Inc., Bayview Park Hotel Manila, Ayala Mall Cinemas, etc. Curiously, no columnist or film reviewer who regularly put out reviews of all the film's entries yearly for about a decade was awarded.




After the honorifics, festival director Chris Millado announced the Cinemalaya 15 Squad Goals. These include:

1. The Cinemalaya app which can be downloaded via Google and Itunes app store for free. You can use it to purchase tickets in advance and avoid long lines. However, as of writing I do not see the existence of the app in the Google app store.

2. Souvenir picture with eyeball balloons near staircase

3. Facebook frame

4. Food trucks at the CCP front ramp (I personally recommend TEAndahan which is a milk tea store ran by some people from Tanghalang Pilipino)

5. AR experience (4th floor by Optima Digital)


6. Exhibit at the 3rd floor long gallery

7. eyeVend film market at the 4th floor

8. Book launches

9. Cinemalaya premieres

10. eyeball U (Cinemalaya conversations) - aug. 7 and 8

11. eyeChill: Devant Screening Lounge

12. Get over the fomo at eyeFlix

13. Cinemalaya at the microcinemas

14. Cinemalaya at Ayala Cinemas and Vista Cinemas

15. Cinemalaya campus at the regions




Mel Chionglo presented the official Cinemalaya feature length and short film directors. After that, there was a dance performance by the Cinemalaya dancers while wearing....surprisingly....eyeball suits. 

The opening film which was Hupa by Lav Diaz lasted for about 4 and a half hours. It started around 7:30pm and finished around midnight. By the way, the call time for the ceremonies was at 5 o'clock in the afternoon.

The author highly recommends the viewers the viewers to catch John Denver Trending, Tabon, and Ani. This recommendation was based on the author's assessment of the uniqueness of the material based on the synopses and trailers present. 

For those watching, the author recommends  a Facebook group she is a member of but not one of the admins. The said group is the Philippine Cinema Forum where movie reviews are consolidated into individual threads. She also recommends the quick reviews by Philbert Dy via Twitter (with links to his full reviews on a website) as well as www.devasishanti.blogspot.com (lots of pop culture references) and magandabamovie.wordpress.com (also has an IG and the points are easy to understand).




The festival runs until the 13th of August. Please visit www.cinemalaya.org for more information.

The author has been watching Cinemalaya since 2007 and has been part of the very first Cinemalaya as a supporting actress. She watches at least a hundred films a year with 70 percent of those being local films.