Cine Europa 2016 Invades FDCP Cinematheque Manila

The Cine Europa Film Festival is back with its last run of 2016 this December at the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Cinematheque Centre Manila, with the festival presented to us by the European Union (EU) Delegation to the Philippines and its member states, in partnership with the FDCP through its Film Cultural Exchange Program, and other cultural organizations.

Boasting 19 years and being one of the longest and largest local film festivals, the Cine Europa celebrates 25 years of the EU Delegation in the Philippines with the theme of “Friendship” to highlight years of cross-continental partnership and collaboration as well as the quality filmmaking cinema from all over Europe. Also in celebration of this friendship, a by-invitation only gala for delegates of the European Union as well as special guests of the FDCP will be conducted during the festival run on December 8, 5 pm, before the private screening of Inés París’s Miguel Y William at 7:30 pm.

21 films showcase at the Cinematheque Manila this month, showing us what friendship means to all different cultures and points-of-view from 16 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

All screenings of the 19th Cine Europa at the Cinematheque Manila are free admission on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are released at the Cinematheque an hour before the screening time of each film.

The 19th Cine Europa films screening at the Cinematheque Manila are:


AUSTRIA: BROTHERS OF THE WIND

A tale of hope follows Lukas, a child burdened with his mother’s death and father’s grief, who finds love and release when he discovers a weak eagle chick.


BELGIUM: WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE (Dagen Zonder Lief)

After years spent in New York, Black Kelly returns home with new hair color and a discovery that her friends have changed dramatically as well, and her homecoming disturbs their new lives.


BULGARIA: LOVE & ENGINEERING

Computer engineer Atanas believes he’s solved the formula to love, so he and his friends test out his theory on how to find the perfect wife.


CZECH REPUBLIC: NORMAL: THE DÜSSELDORF RIPPER

Young lawyer Justus Wehner is assigned to defend Peter Kuerten, a serial killer, and as Wehner struggles to prove the murderer is insane, he himself stars to lose his grip on his life.


DENMARK: A SECOND CHANCE

Drunkard Simon and responsible husband Andreas are detectives with markedly different lives, but a domestic dispute case shakes both of them to the core and tests their limits.


FINLAND: SUMMERTIME

Iiris, Karolina, and Eeva are waitresses  in their mid-twenties and determined to have a perfect summer, but they must deal with the hard facts of adulthood along the way.


FRANCE: BEING 14

Teenage friends Sarah, Jade, and Louise return together on their final year of high school, and put through the wringer of adolescence, find themselves and the meaning of their friendship. 

FRANCE: PATER

The lines of fact and fiction dissolve as filmmakers Alain Cavalier and Vincent Lindon, who play themselves as men pretending to be great contemporary political figures.


GERMANY: BELOVED SISTERS

In 18th century Germany, aristocratic sisters Charlotte and Caroline follow proper lives until they fall for the same man, beginning an entangled romance in a choice to share their love.


GERMANY: STEREO

Only a tattoo reading “scoundrel” alludes to Erik’s dark past, but the motorbike workshop owner leads a peaceful family life—until the arrival of mysterious strangers in their quiet town.


ITALY: OF SINNERS AND SAINTS

Leonardo is an Italian priest re-appointed to the poor area of Payatas, and becomes determined to help an old flame, soon risking his duty to his church and his life.


ITALY: AMICI MIEI (MY FRIENDS)

A bar owner, a journalist, an architect, and a broken nobleman spend their days playing pranks to try to prolong their childhood in their middle age.


THE NETHERLANDS: DE MARATHON

A gang of best friends run a failing garage shop and get the idea to find a sponsor to pay their run in the Rotterdam marathon, with more at stake than just their business.


NORWAY: THE LIVERPOOL GOALIE

Smart, twelve-year-old Jo, is just trying to get through the torment of childhood and find a rare football card that would solve his problems, until he is scouted to become a goalie himself.


NORWAY: KON-TIKI

In the 1940s there is much yet to be discovered, so young Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl is adamant to sail on a raft in the Pacific Ocean to prove an unconventional theory.


POLAND: CARTE BLANCHE

History teacher Kacper is determined to hold on to his job and help his students with their finals, deciding to keep the diagnosis of his eventual blindness a secret to those around him.


ROMANIA: SELFIE

Fresh high school graduates escape their responsibilities to their final exams, choosing the relief and rebellion of youth that the seaside offers them.


ROMANIA: BUCARESTI NONSTOP

A regular night brings together four ordinary people in unusual circumstances as their vastly different lives come together at Achim’s 24/7 convenience store.


SPAIN: MIGUEL Y WILLIAM

An opportunity for genius strikes when Leonor de Vibero finds in Spain the broken writer Miguel de Cervantes and her ex-lover William Shakespeare arrives to try to win her back.


SWEDEN: UNGA SOPHIE BELL

A move to Berlin spells a promising life for best friends Sophie and Alice, but when Alice mysteriously disappears, Sophie hunts her down, with the city opening her up to a new world. 


UNITED KINGDOM: THE LADY IN THE VAN

Alan Bennett, a famous writer, and Mary Shepard, a woman with a secret past who lived in a parked van in front of Bennett’s house for fifteen years, become unlikely friends in this true story.

Magic Temple Makes a Restored Comeback Via REELive

"Buto, kalansay, tabi-tabi po sa bangkay. Lulubog, lilitaw, sasarado-hukay."

Sounds familiar? These lines are from the catchy song in Magic Temple, Buto ni Jasmine. The 1996 MMFF winner is a film in the fantasy and adventure genre, which focuses on the journey of three boys, Jubal, Sambag, and Omar, as they train under Sifu and defeat Ravenal, a beautiful sorceress who threatens to bring the magical world of Samadhi to ruins.

The film is part of the exhibition REELive the Classics, a joint project of ABS-CBN and Rockwell which started last year. It will run from December 7 to 14 at the Powerplant Cinemas and will feature these other Filipino classics: Bagong Buwan, Cain at Abel, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Nagalit ang Buwan sa Haba ng Gabi, Haplos, Insiang, Himala, Tanging Yaman, Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon, and Dekada '70.

Magic Temple trailer

REELive Omnibus trailer

Vilma Santos Leads the Famas Awards 2016 Winners

“Sa akin, kahit ako po ngayon ay nagsisilbi na sa ibang industriya…now that I am a public servant,  hindi ko matatanggal sa puso ko ang pagiging artista,” said Vilma Santos. The first female Batangas representative and Star for all Seasons was bestowed the FAMAS Presidential Award during the ceremony held at the Century Park Hotel Manila yesterday evening.

Here is the full list of the other winners :

ARTURO M. PADUA MEMORIAL AWARD – Danny Dolor

DR. JOSE PEREZ MEMORIAL AWARD – Jojo Gabinete

LIFETIME  ACHIEVEMENT AWARD  - Gloria Sevilla

POSTHUMOUS AWARD – German Moreno

GERMAN MORENO MEMORIAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Jak Roberto, Gabbi Garcia, and Sanya Lopez

FPJ Memorial Award – Robin Padilla

BEST ACTOR - Dennis Trillo (Felix Manalo)

BEST ACTRESS - Andi Eigenmann (Angela Markado)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Gabby Concepcion (Crazy Beautiful You)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Lorna Tolentino (Crazy Beautiful You)

BEST CHILD PERFORMER - JM IBAÑEZ (Crazy Beautiful You)

BEST DIRECTOR - Joel Lamangan (Felix Manalo)

BEST Theme song - ANG SUGO NG DIYOS SA MGA HULING ARAW By: SARAH GERONIMO (Felix Manalo)

BEST STORY – Robby Tantingo (Ari, My Life with a King)

BEST SCREENPLAY - Bro. BIENVENIDO SANTIAGO (Felix Manalo)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY – Rain Yamson (Silong)

BEST EDITING – Carlo Francisco Manatad (Para sa Hopeless Romantic)

BEST SOUND – Addiss Tabong (You’re My Boss)

BEST MUSICAL SCORE – Cesar Francis Concio (A Love Affair)

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN – Shari Marie Montiague (You’re My Boss)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS – Vincent Ilagan and Mike Velasquez (Angela Markado)

BEST FILM - Felix Manalo (Viva Films)

2016 ADVOCACY FILM – EDSA

FATHER OF VISUAL POETRY – Dr. Penpen B. Takipsilim

SPECIAL CITATION – Chief Public Attorney Dr. Persida V. Rueda Acosta for championing the cause of eliminating violence against women

POSTHUMOUS AWARD – German Moreno

FRONT ROW STAR OF THE NIGHT – Piolo Pascual and Lorna Tolentino

FINESSE LOOK OF THE NIGHT – Robi Domingo and Jean Garcia

BEST NEW FEMALE ARTIST – Ysabelle Peach

ACTOR PAR EXCELLENCE – Piolo Pascual

DIRECTOR PAR EXCELLENCE – Carlo J. Caparas

SCREENPLAY PAR EXCELLENCE – Carlo J. Caparas

Noli Me Tangere, The Opera Returns this 2017 with Jerry Sibal at the Helm

Manila, Philippines--The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and J&S Productions Inc. will co-present the Philippines' first full-length opera, Noli Me Tangere, The Opera. The opera, which premiered at the Far Eastern University in 1957 and made its CCP debut in 1987, will mark its 60^th anniversary with a limited six-performance run at the CCP's Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo from January 28 (gala premiere) to February 3, 2017.

Based on Dr. Jose Rizal's classic novel of the same name,  Noli Me Tangere, The Opera was written by National Artist for Music Felipe de Leon (“Payapang Daigdig,” “Sarong Banggi”) and was set to a libretto by National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino.

This production, which earlier had critically-acclaimed engagements in New York, Washington D.C., and at the Resorts World Manila, will feature a brand-new staging under the  directorial reins of debuting stage director Jerry Sibal, a sought-after event designer in New York City, who is also designing new sets and costumes. 

Sibal, who was born and raised in Binondo, Manila, revisits his hometown, albeit centuries earlier, as his inspiration for the show's overall production design.

“Imagine people from all walks of life: Spanish government officials, Chinese merchants, scholars, and the locals converging together at the Old Binondo canal, which is rather filthy, chaotic as precisely depicted in the first chapter of the novel by Rizal (written from 1884-1887).

“The show's sets, which, according to the CCP, are the largest it has ever had for an opera, and my overall directorial concept are very faithful to Rizal's book. Nature-inspired and rustic textures envelop the floor-to-ceiling, multifunctional set pieces on stage.  It's like you've found yourself  wandering inside the Metropolitan Opera House or a century-old Broadway Theatre in the middle of a busy day in Old Manila. I will also stress more on the violent class struggles of the society at that time,” said Sibal.

The show's score and orchestrations, arranged in the Western operatic tradition with overflow passages reminiscent of Mozart, Puccini, and Wagner, and sung in Tagalog, will be played by the newly formed 52-piece Noli Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera.

At a recent pocket press conference in Quezon City, lead cast members Bianca Camille Lopez (Maria Clara) and Mari Yapjoco (Basilio) performed songs from the opera, “Kay Tamis ng Buhay” and “Gising Na, O Inang Ko,” respectively. Accompanied by pianist Marvin Dizon, Nerissa de Juan (Maria Clara understudy) and Renz Nataniel Cruz (male ensemble member) also performed classic kundiman songs. (The complete cast will be presented to the Philippine media in early January 2017.)

An opera in three acts, Noli Me Tangere, The Opera follows the story of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, who returns to the Philippines after pursuing scholarly studies in Europe. He plans to open up a school and marry Maria Clara, his betrothed. However, parish priest Padre Damaso, the archenemy of the Ibarras, is out to hinder Crisostomo’s plans, which creates a dramatic storyline of forbidden love, betrayal, and revenge.

Both the novel and the opera depict the abuses suffered by the native Indios at the hands of Spanish tyrants. Both forms also paint a clear picture of the so-called “social cancer” such as the rotten system of governance, the illicit ways of the church, and the unfavorable trade of the privileged class. 

For tickets to the 60th-anniversary production of Noli Me Tangere, The Opera, contact J&S Productions Inc. (63926) 038 0548, (63921) 890 3816, (632) 998 2356, or the CCP Box Office (632) 832 3704/06 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

For more information, visit www.NoliMeTangereTheOpera.com or www.Facebook.com/NoliOperaManila.

Date & Time: January 28 and February 1-3, 2017 at 8 p.m. | January 29 and February 3, 2017 at 2 p.m.

Venue: Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

Tickets: P3,500 | P2,500 | P2,000 | P1,500 | P1,200 | P1,000

Ticket Outlets: J&S Productions Inc. (63926) 038 0548, (63921) 890 3816, (632) 998 2356, or the CCP Box Office (632) 832 3704/06 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Photography by Erickson Dela Cruz

*Text from the press release

Karylle, Michael Pangilinan, and Other Kapamilya Stars Invade Ballet Philippines

Do you like the Pinoy disco music scene of the 70’s? Come and watch your favorite ABS-CBN Kapamilya stars led by Karylle, Michael Pangilinan, Markki Stroem, and Kyle Echarri as they sing, belt, gyrate and groove centerstage in Ballet Philippines’ holiday presentation “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko,” a new dance musical set to the hits of Manila Sound legends VST & Company.

The VST & Co. is considered one of the pioneering groups from the music genre known as the Manila Sound in the mid 70s. The group is composed of Vic Sotto, Spanky Rigor, Tito Sotto, Val Sotto, Celso Llavina, Monet Gaskell, Male Rigor, Roger Rigor, Jun Medina, Joey de Leon, Homer Flores, Chito Ilagan, Ben Escasa, Fred Concepcion, Boy Alcaide, and Clod Baria. Their impressive collection of hits has left a legacy that endures to this day.

Directed by BP Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales, “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko” tells the story of the forbidden love between Teresa, a kolehiyala and Victor, a construction worker amidst the backdrop of the Philippines in the late ‘70s – burning with disco fever but chilled by the horrors of Martial Law. They are are separated in life but are united in heaven and once again dance up a storm.

Over the years, Karylle has established herself as one of the country’s finest female celebrities. With her immense talent and disarming beauty, she has conquered the local and international entertainment scene by storm. Her career has spanned the music, television, and film industries. Her performance in the international Asian TV series “The Kitchen Musical” earned her a nomination as Best Actress in the 52nd Monte Carlo TV Festival. She has been a regular host of “It’s Showtime” since 2010, but has left the show temporarily to work on Singapore-based television show “Private Investigator”. Her theater credits include Maria in “West Side Story” (2008), Sita in Ballet Philippines’ “Rama Hari” (2012), and Cinderella in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” (2013). In “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko”, Karylle will take on the role of Ester, a strong-willed “woman of the night”.

Michael Pangilinan is a singer and actor who first caught the country’s attention as a contestant in X Factor Philippines in 2011. After seeing his potential, Kuya Germs made him a regular host in Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman. He has a platinum-selling self-titled solo EP, an album and sold-out show at the Music Museum with boy band Harana, and a hit movie, “Pare, Mahal Mo Raw Ako” (2016). He also came in second place on the second season of the celebrity singing/impersonation contest, “Your Face Sounds Familiar”. In “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko”, Michael will play the role of Arturo, the charismatic best friend of Victor, the lead dancer. Arturo is the show’s lead vocalist.

Markki Stroem is a singer, host, athlete, songwriter, arranger, and music video director/producer. His first solo album “Thousands of Pieces” under Cornerstone Music received a Gold Record Award. He played the role of Henry in the award-winning musical “Next to Normal” by Atlantis Productions in March 2011, for which he was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role/Ensemble Role (Musical) in the Broadway World Philippines awards. He has also been seen in lead roles in “Camp Rock”, “Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady”, and most recently,  “Jersey Boys”. He will play the role of Gabby, the moneyed and handsome suitor of Teresa, the show’s lead dancer.

Kyle Echarri is a singer and actor who rose to fame in 2015 as he became a finalist in The Voice Kids under Team Sarah. Soon after being eliminated from the competition, he joined the cast of the hit television show “On the Wings of Love” as Brent Wyatt, the half-brother of Nadine Lustre’s character Leah Olivar. He also took part in “We Love OPM: The Celebrity Sing-Offs”, a televised singing competition which ran for three months, as part of the boy group Voice Next Door. He recently released his debut solo album, “It’s Me Kyle” under MCA Music. Kyle will take on the role of Lito, the energetic younger brother of Victor.

The show’s alternate cast features OPM icon Cooky Chua, award-winning theater actors Sandino Martin and Jef Flores, and The Voice Kids Season 3 alumni Noel Comia Jr. The vocal ensemble will be comprised of members of the classical singing group, Viva Voce.

Leading the cast of dancers are former BP principals Edna Vida and Nonoy Froilan as the elderly Teresa and Victor. They will be alternating with ballroom dance champion Ednah Ledesma and former BP prince Butch Esperanza. The young Teresa and Victor will be played by current BP dancers Denise Parungao, Garry Corpuz, Rita Angela Winder, and Jean Marc Cordero.

“Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko” is co-presented by ABS-CBN and is a collaboration with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Gerard Salonga. The show features a libretto by Bibeth Orteza, choreography by Carissa Adea, James Laforteza & PJ Rebullida, musical direction by Jed Balsamo, sound design by Jethro Joaquin, set design by Ohm David, costume design by James Reyes, lighting design by John Batalla.

To be held at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo), “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko” with the ABS-CBN Kapamilya stars are set to perform on Dec. 2 - 8:00 pm; and Dec. 11 - 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

The other schedule of shows are set on Dec. 3 – 6 pm; Dec. 4 – 2 pm and 6 pm; Dec. 9 – 8 pm; Dec. 10 – 2 pm and 6 pm;

Ticket prices range from Php 500 to Php 3500, with discounts for students, senior citizens, and government employees.

*Text and photos from the press release

Musical Scorer, Diumano'y Naonse ng Executive Producer

Sa isang Facebook post, inilabas ni Emerzon Texon ang kanyang hinaing ukol sa naunsiyameng award bilang best composer.

Hmmmm.... ano kayang pelikula ito na nanalo ng pelikula sa Madrid?

Meanwhile, balikan natin ang larawan ni Jacky Woo from last year sa advanced screening ng pelikulang Tomodachi, na nanalo ng Best Foreign Film sa Madrid International Film Festival.

BOSS na BOSS ang dating!!!