A Lost Love Story Returns: Japanese Silent Film Screening at UPFI Cine Adarna + A Chance to Win JFM Limited Edition Merch

 A love story nearly erased. A voice that brings it back to life.

The International Silent Film Festival Manila continues its celebration of cinema history and live performance with a special screening of The Scent of Pheasant’s Eye: An Episode from the Tales of Flowers, directed by Jirô Kawate. This rare 1930s Japanese silent film is adapted from the work of Yoshiya Nobuko—one of Japan’s earliest openly queer women writers and a trailblazer of shōjo and yuri literature. In a time when stories of women loving women were rarely told, Yoshiya wrote them into existence, offering narratives that still feel quietly revolutionary.

This revival is told in the tradition of how silent films once were—through the voice of a benshi. Nanako Yamauchi, one of only around 20 active benshi remaining in Japan, will perform a live narration that blends storytelling, performance, and emotion, bringing this nearly forgotten film vividly to life.

Accompanying her is a live original score by an all-female ensemble: Mariah Reodica, Teresa Barrozo, and Pat Sarabia. Together, they weave indie rock, experimental sound, and bold percussion into a contemporary reimagining of Yoshiya’s world.

Attend the screening and get a chance to take home limited edition Japan Foundation Manila merchandise, including:

• JFF & JF Tote Bags
• SUKI: The Official Magazine of JFM
• JFF Postcards
• Japanese Film Festival Theater Fans

First come, first served. One item per person while supplies last.

This isn’t just a screening—it’s a reclamation. A revival. A tribute to queer storytelling and women’s voices, past and present.

July 14, 2025 | 2:00 PM | Cine Adarna, UP Film Center

Free admission | Walk-ins welcome | Register here: https://bit.ly/JapaneseSilentFilmScreening

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For more information and updates:

Visit the International Silent Film Festival Manila on Facebook and Instagram.

International Silent Film Festival Manila 2025 Officially Kicks Off at Shangri-La Plaza

The International Silent Film Festival Manila (ISFFM) 2025 officially kicked off on June 17, 2025,

at Shangri-La Plaza, warmly welcomed by members of the press and media. After years of

pause and reflection, the festival returns with renewed energy and purpose, bringing together

cultural institutions, musicians, and film lovers in a celebration of cinema, music, and

international collaboration.

Mr. Johnny Rios, Retail Operations Head of Shangri-La Plaza Corporation, also graced the

event and offered his warm welcome to the partners and media in attendance. He expressed

the mall’s excitement in supporting ISFFM as one of their special cultural collaborations with

participating countries, envisioning Shangri-La Plaza as a space for world cinema to thrive and

be experienced by wider audiences.

This year’s festival embraces the exclamation point as its central symbol—a mark of excitement,

urgency, and joyful noise. In the spirit of silent film, where expression is everything and every

gesture is heightened, the exclamation point becomes a fitting emblem for a festival that seeks

to amplify its voice in silence. It signals a bold return, a shared declaration: we're back.

The 2025 edition reassembles its international community, reconnecting participating countries

and introducing new voices, with an eye toward growth and reinvention. This is not just a return,

but a reimagining of what the festival can be. Once again, ISFFM affirms its role as a platform

for cultural dialogue, artistic experimentation, and cinematic exploration.

This year’s edition features new partnerships with Instituto Cervantes, the Philippine Italian

Association, Japan Foundation Manila, the Austrian Embassy, and the Goethe-Institut

Philippinen. Their curated films include Gigantes y Cabezudos (Spain), The Scent of Pheasant’s

Eye (Japan), Wie Sich Der Kientopp Rächt, Aschenputtel, and Geschichten von Freiheit und

Freundschaft (Germany), Beethoven (Austria), and Fra Diavolo (Italy)—a rich tapestry of stories

from across cultures and eras.

These films will be accompanied by live musical scores from a compelling lineup of Filipino

musicians. Featured performers include the genre-bending Psychic Surgeon, Pepe Manikan’s

Progharmonic Orchestra, Hearlife Verein, the experimental duo Ma.Ma, and the all-female trio of

Teresa Barrozo, Pat Sarabia, and Mariah Reodica — each bringing their distinct sound to this

celebration of silent cinema.

Opening the festival on July 11 is Japan’s featured film, accompanied by a special performance

from Nanako Yamauchi, a benshi or silent film narrator. Yamauchi will provide a live

interpretation of the Japanese silent film, reviving the traditional art of benshi narration and

offering audiences a rare and immersive cultural experience.

The festival runs from July 11 to 13 at Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri-La Plaza, with a pocket

screening event taking place on July 14 at Cine Adarna, UP Film Center.

ISFFM 2025 promises not only a revival of the beloved silent film tradition but a fresh encounter

with its enduring power. The excitement is palpable—and this year, it ends not with a period, but

with an exclamation point.

For more details kindly visit International Silent Film Festival in Manila on Facebook

(https://www.facebook.com/InternationalSilentFilmFestivalManila) and @ISFFM on Instagram.

Choi Bo Min Shines at the Beauty Empire Grand Media Con

The Beauty Empire Grand Media Con last June 17 was a star-studded affair. Apart from its stars Barbie Forteza, Kyline Alcantara, and Sam Concepcion, Korean star Choi Bo Min also attended the event.

Dressed to impress, Bomin looked dashing in a suit designed by the renowned Filipino fashion designer, Francis Libiran. His stylish ensemble perfectly complemented his charismatic presence, capturing the attention of fans and media alike.

Beauty Empire, which tells the story of the cutthroat beauty industry, is currently streaming on Viu and is set to premiere on GMA Prime on July 7. The series is getting a lot of attention, particularly after the release of its second episode, which showcased the undeniable chemistry of its stars. The on-screen interactions of Bo Min with Barbie and Kyline have been a focal point for viewers, drawing parallels to their playful TikTok collaborations that have taken social media by storm. One example of this is the viral TikTok of Bo Min and Barbie dancing “Me Jalo” inside a set that looks like a train, which has generated millions of views.

For more kilig moments and undeniable chemistry, catch Bo Min, Barbie, and Kyline in Beauty Empire, now airing on Viu and premiering on GMA starting July 7.

A REVIEW OF THE NETFLIX FILM 'STRAW'

 Written by RMS

Rating: 5/5 stars

Excellent. Five thumbs up. Truly wonderful. This Netflix film is the film that we've been waiting for all our life. A kind of film that will haunt you, stab your heart, and feel anew the goodness of the human heart - alongside with the kindness of strangers.
Though the female lead actress of this film, a black woman whose love for her daughter had reached the echoes of heaven - suffered so many hardships, and bad lucks, and wrong judgements- with the concern and care of other human beings, she could have died and shot carelessly by the sniper bullets of the policemen and NBI agents, whom all thought that she was a bank robber and the experimented toy (made by her daughter) she was carrying was a bomb.

Yeah, the kindness of some total strangers could save lives. Thanks God, there were two black women like herwho could feel and understand her. One, the bank manager who stood for her and chose to be beside her until the end, and second, the policewoman who communicated with her and fought hard for her to be understood. And with that, people who watched via the FB LIVE of a hidden cp of a bank teller, knew what really happened to her. People flocked to the bank and rallied for her LIFE.

A highly -dramatic and suspenseful film with many twists and turns, surprises overload and unexpected events, STRAW, the film could be just another Netflix film, but this one has a PURE HEART.

That, amidst the evilness, corporate ways, selfish policies and rules of banks and other business establishments, harsh landlords, and road rages -, ... a few living angels and ordinary real-life heroes will still keep-up with your faith for HUMANITY and its undying spirit.

With edgy and profound Cinematography, crisp Sound, perfect lighting and artistic Production Design - and wow, a very awesome and great direction of the film's director and the whole cast's perfect acting showcase...

STRAW IS THE KIND OF FILM

THAT WILL LAST

FOREVER. 

MULTIPLE GRAMMY® AWARD WINNING DIAMOND-CERTIFIED SUPERSTAR ED SHEERAN ENTERS THE RACE WITH “DRIVE” FROM F1® THE ALBUM

 WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO DIRECTED BY CHRIS VILLA HERE

 

CO-PRODUCED BY GRAMMY^® WINNERS BLAKE SLATKIN AND JOHN MAYER

“DRIVE” FEATURES SHEERAN JOINED BY MAYER ON GUITAR AND DAVE GROHL ON DRUMS

SUPERCHARGED COMPANION ALBUM TO APPLE ORIGINAL FILMS’ HIGH-OCTANE,

ACTION-PACKED FILM F1^® THE MOVIE FEATURES 17 MASSIVE NEW TRACKS

FROM EXHILARATING LINEUP OF SUPERSTARS, INCLUDING DON TOLIVER, DOJA CAT, ROSÉ, DOM DOLLA, CHRIS STAPLETON, MYKE TOWERS, TATE MCRAE, TIËSTO, SEXYY RED, RODDY RICCH, RAYE, BURNA BOY, MADISON BEER, PEGGY GOU, AND MORE

 

ALL-NEW SOUNDTRACK CURATED BY THE PRODUCERS OF THE

OSCAR^®, GRAMMY^® AND GOLDEN GLOBE^® AWARD-WINNING BARBIE THE ALBUM

 

F1^® THE MOVIE ONLY IN THEATERS AND IMAX^® + F1^® THE ALBUM

EVERYWHERE ON FRIDAY, JUNE 27

“One of the most high-profile soundtracks of 2025” – BILLBOARD

 

“In F1’s soundtrack, Atlantic Records promises a high-rpm joyride for the ages, and they have yet to build a car that can get us to premiere day fast enough” – ROLLING STONE

 

Atlantic Records’ upcoming  F1^®THE ALBUM, the supercharged and star-studded musical companion to Apple Original Films’ high-octane, action-packed film F1^® THE MOVIE, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), is speeding towards the finish line with today’s premiere of “Drive” by 4x GRAMMY^® Award-winning, RIAA Diamond-certified global superstar Ed Sheeran, available everywhere now HERE. F1^® THE ALBUM is available now for pre-order HERE and arrives in stores and at all online retailers on Friday, June 27^th in conjunction with the theatrical release of the feature film, distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

 

Produced by GRAMMY^® Award-winner Blake Slatkin (Lil Nas X, Lizzo) and 7x GRAMMY^® Award-winner John Mayer, “Drive” sees Sheeran backed by an all-star combo that includes Mayer on guitar alongside Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl on drums, legendary bassist Pino Paladino (Eric Clapton, The Who), and keyboardist Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters, The Wallflowers), with additional keyboards and drum programming by Slatkin. The dynamic new track is joined by an official music video, directed by filmmaker Chris Villa (Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, A$AP Rocky, Young Thug), premiering today on YouTube HERE.

 

From the label that brought you the award-winning, blockbuster soundtracks Barbie The Album, Twisters: The Album, The Greatest Showman, Suicide Squad and more, F1^® THE ALBUM will feature massive new tracks from an unprecedented lineup of superstar artists, including Ed Sheeran, RAYE, Burna Boy, Madison Beer, Peggy Gou and more. See below for the full tracklisting.

 

F1^® THE ALBUM was produced and overseen by multi-GRAMMY^® Award Winner, 7x GRAMMY^®  Award nominee, and Atlantic Records West Coast President, Kevin Weaver (Soundtrack Album Producer of Barbie The Album, Twisters: The Album, The Greatest Showman, Suicide Squad, Daisy Jones & The Six, Birds Of Prey) along with Atlantic Records’ EVP and Co-Head of Pop/Rock A&R, Brandon Davis and Atlantic Records’ SVP A&R/Marketing, Joseph Khoury. Named by Rolling Stone as a “soundtrack guru,” Weaver has produced numerous multi-platinum soundtrack projects that have amassed tens of millions of albums sold worldwide. Additional key players involved in the project include Soundtrack Album Executive Producers Joseph Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer, and Music Supervisors David Taylor and Jake Voulgarides.

ABOUT ED SHEERAN:

Ed Sheeran is an era-defining artist, responsible for some of the biggest songs of this decade, selling nearly 200 million records across the globe, and amassing over 100 billion streams worldwide. One of the most influential singer-songwriters of his generation, the 4x-GRAMMY award winner was also one of the first artists to earn three RIAA-Diamond certified singles, with “Thinking Out Loud,” “Shape of You,” and “Perfect” all achieving sales equivalents exceeding 10 million in the US alone. Widely regarded for his incredible live performances, Sheeran is currently in the midst of his record-breaking Mathematics Tour, smashing attendance records at stadiums all around the world.  Closing the chapter on his Mathematics series of albums - which began with his debut full length “+” (plus) in 2011 and includes “x” (multiply), “÷” (divide), “=” (equals), and “-” (subtract) - Sheeran is stepping boldly into a new phase in 2025 with his much anticipated album Play, set for release on September 12.

 

ABOUT F1^® THE MOVIE:

From Apple Studios and the filmmakers of Top Gun: Maverick comes the high-octane, action-packed feature film F1^® THE MOVIE, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski.  The film is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Kosinski, seven-time FORMULA 1^®  world champion Lewis Hamilton, Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and Chad Oman.

 

Dubbed “the greatest that never was,” Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) was FORMULA 1’s most promising phenom of the 1990s until an accident on the track nearly ended his career.  Thirty years later, he’s a nomadic racer-for-hire when he’s approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), owner of a struggling FORMULA 1 team that is on the verge of collapse.  Ruben convinces Sonny to come back to FORMULA 1 for one last shot at saving the team and being the best in the world.  He’ll drive alongside Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), the team's hotshot rookie, intent on setting his own pace.  But as the engines roar, Sonny’s past catches up with him and he finds that in FORMULA 1, your teammate is your fiercest competition—and the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone.

 

F1^® THE MOVIE also stars Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia, and Javier Bardem, and was shot during actual Grand Prix weekends as the team competes against the titans of the sport. Kosinski directs from a screenplay by Ehren Kruger, story by Kosinski & Kruger.  The film is executive produced by Daniel Lupi.  Collaborating with Kosinski behind the scenes are his creative team, including director of photography Claudio Miranda, production designers Mark Tildesley and Ben Munro, editor Stephen Mirrione, costume designer Julian Day, casting director Lucy Bevan, and composer Hans Zimmer.

 

Apple Original Films Presents a Monolith Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer / Plan B Entertainment / Dawn Apollo Films Production, A Film by Joseph Kosinski, F1^® THE MOVIE, distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theaters and IMAX nationwide on June 27, 2025, and internationally beginning June 25, 2025.

 

F1^® THE ALBUM

TRACKLIST

 

1. Don Toliver - Lose My Mind (feat. Doja Cat)
2. Dom Dolla - No Room for A Saint (feat. Nathan Nicholson)
3. Ed Sheeran - Drive
4. Tate McRae - Just Keep Watching
5. ROSÉ - Messy
6. Burna Boy - Don't Let Me Drown
7. Roddy Ricch - Underdog
8. RAYE - Grandma Calls The Boy Bad News
9. Chris Stapleton - Bad As I Used To Be
10. Myke Towers - Baja California
11. Tiësto & Sexyy Red - OMG!
12. Madison Beer - All At Once
13. Peggy Gou - D.A.N.C.E
14. PAWSA - Double C
15. Mr Eazi - Attention
16. Darkoo - Give Me Love
17. Obongjayar – Gasoline

Sensitivity and Age: A 'Soltera" Film Review

Written by RMS

SCORE 3/5

The real mistake of some beautiful melodramatic films is the excessive presentation of things that should have been kept inconspicuous instead of being repeatedly shown in the movie scenes. In a way, the plot has become too much of a

"given". It would have been more exciting had it been kept concealed.

The Maricel Soriano-starrer SOLTERA is truly beautiful. However, we noticed some flaws in this film. The excessive display of "age-related issues" somewhat suffocated the moviegoers. The entirety of the film focused too much on that aspect rather than on the character development of SOLTERA. As a result, her character did not quite evolve.

Our favorite scenes were those in which Raymond Bagatsing appeared in. His role as Maricel's gay best friend was wonderfully hilarious. Raymond did an excellent job portraying a gay character.

In terms of technical aspects, sound, music, and cinematography are commendable. These greatly contributed to the overall film. We repeat, being solitary is a long journey. It does not just end with the kisses of a boy or love.

THE REBIRTH OF “ANAK”: PAUL SAPIERA AND SAHARA HONOR FREDDIE AGUILAR’S TIMELESS LEGACY

The recent passing of Filipino music icon Freddie Aguilar has left a deep sense of loss across generations of fans and artists who grew up listening to his music and stories. Revered for his timeless anthem “Anak,” Aguilar gave the world a song that transcended language and culture; a deeply emotional tale about family relationships, youthful rebellion, and heartfelt repentance. Just weeks before his passing, Aguilar witnessed a powerful reimagining of “Anak” by talented American OPM artist Sahara and accomplished Filipino singer-songwriter Paul Sapiera. The rendition, which they released shortly before Aguilar’s death, was not originally meant to be a tribute. And yet, it has become one, poignantly and unexpectedly. So moved was Aguilar that he commented “Awesome” on the pair’s Facebook page. It would be one of the last public responses he gave to a reinterpretation of his most iconic work. For Paul Sapiera, the connection to Aguilar ran deep; not just as an admirer, but as a friend and former mentee. Their first meeting was in the early ‘90s: Paul, then seeking a vehicle to transport band equipment, was introduced to Freddie, who occasionally sold used vans. The two struck a barter deal: music gear in exchange for a van. That trade sparked a friendship rooted in shared experiences, mutual respect, and their Ilocano roots. “We bonded over more than just music,” Paul recalled. “Freddie understood the life of a musician. He didn’t just give me a van, he gave me support at a time when I needed it.” That same van still runs to this day, now used by a pastor in Zambales, a quiet symbol of how legacies can echo in unexpected places. As a mentor, Aguilar left his mark on Paul by encouraging authenticity above all. “Freddie always said, ‘Don’t try to sound like someone else,’” Paul shared. “He believed in preserving the soul of a song, of staying real no matter the trend.” Having come up in the vibrant music scene of Olongapo alongside legends like Wally Gonzales and Sampaguita, both Freddie and Paul knew the value of staying grounded in one’s roots. Paul’s connection to “Anak” began early. He sang it to win a singing contest at age 10, and later taught himself to play it on guitar. For Sahara, the emotional pull was just as strong, even across oceans. “The first time I heard it, I cried,” she said. “I kept practicing it but never felt ready to record it, until Paul told me I was.” That moment—an impromptu, goosebump-filled conversation over drinks—sparked a collaboration months in the making. Together, Sahara and Paul poured heart and history into the remake, staying faithful to the original arrangement while bringing in new emotion. Paul recalls the emotional weight of recreating the orchestral parts, and the pride he felt watching Sahara master difficult Tagalog phrases with raw feeling and grace. “For a foreigner to sing ‘Anak’ in Tagalog is already something special,” Paul said. “But to sing it well, with deep emotion and authenticity, that’s what made it unforgettable.” For Sahara, the recording of “Anak” marked a meaningful milestone, both musically and emotionally. “During our recording session, when Paul said, ‘You sound like a Filipino,’ I got goosebumps and silently cried tears of joy. That moment will stay with me forever,” she shared. To her fans, Sahara’s message is simple and sincere: “Mahal kayo ni Sahara.” And to Freddie Aguilar: “It’s a bittersweet dream come true that you heard our version and liked it. I wish I could’ve met you, but I feel closer to you through your song. Thank you for letting me sing it.” Paul’s message echoes the sentiment shared by many: “Freddie carried the Philippine flag across the world through his music. From Asia to the West, millions know him and his song ‘Anak,’ which has become a national treasure. On behalf of the Filipino public, I want to thank him for the music and the legacy he has given us.” Though Freddie Aguilar’s voice is now silent, his message, his music, and his memory live on—carried by those who sing his songs, and those who see themselves in his lyrics. For more information on Sahara and Paul, visit their social media channels. Paul’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sapieramusic Sahara’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voiceofsahara Sahara’s Socials: https://bio.to/sahara Stream Anak: https://lnk.to/sahara_sapiera_anak Watch ANAK : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hKfwVhPUNI