AI-AI DELAS ALAS: BARES HER SOUL IN “AREA”

Playing the role of a has-been prostitute in “Area,” masterfully directed by Louie Ignacio, is a dream role for Ai Ai delas Alas.

Thus, she didn’t need any convincing to accept the role of Hillary. She hit the gym to lose unwanted pounds. She dyed her hair to look like a cheap woman for hire and for the first time, agreed to face the camera sans makeup, the better to make her look old and haggard.

“If in my past movies, I have to look glamorous, for my role as Hillary, I wanted to look arid, unkempt and dirty as if life had been sucked out on me. Because of that, I learned to be not conscious of my acting and how I look. I didn’t mind if they see the wrinkles on my face as well as the signs of ageing. As Direk Louie said, he wanted to see me real. We had an immersion for my role and I studied very well the “peg” of my character of Hillary, whose story was the arc of Area’s interesting narrative.”

Ai Ai bared her “soul,” so to speak. She had a bizarre scene where she had to “service” a Siamese twins who gave her only two cans of sardines as payment. She had a scene taking a bath in her undies. She had a kissing scene with Allen Dizon where the people took notice of her large boobs because she was wearing thinly veiled cloth. Then the she had a scene with an old man (played by Frank Guinto) where it seems she is giving him a “hand job” and she was given an electric fan as payment.

“I really did something out of the ordinary as part of my acting and my character. Why would I make a fuss about doing the lurid scenes when my co-actors threw all their caution into the wind and agreed to do anything for realism’s sake? But I can’t do what Ireen Cervantes did when she showed her shaved pussy in full frontal nudity with pumping? Or with Sue Prado exposing her boobs several times in her love scenes. Or Sarah Brakensiek as “Taba” who went topless in her bathing scene. Or Tabs Sumulong who parted her legs for the vaginal check up? We all did it for the sake of art,” explained Ai Ai with a laugh.

Ai Ai fell in love with Area (there is a real place existing in Pampanga) and she believes, there is no sense or justice for the sad plight these people found themselves into. So during the shoot of “Area,” she brings food for everyone in Area, not just for the film drew and the stars. And she has no qualms even if the place is hot or seems uncomfortable at times.

“I am sad, not only for the women working in ‘Area’ but also sad for the innocent children who had been exposed to such practice. I sure wish they had another choice for their sad plight. But I believe in Our Merciful and I hope that our government can do something to help them. I just want to think positive for them, just like how my character Hillary experienced.”

Ai Ai earned praise for her performance in “Area” and many are saying that this is her

"career defining performance.” Many are also saying that she might win an International Best actress for this film by Louie Ignacio.

“What the people are saying warms my heart. I gave my soul in Area. I feel good because the movie turned out well and it was worth all our effort,” said the box-office queen.

“Area,” written by Robby Tantingco and produced by BG Productions, was given a Grade A Rating by the Cinema Evaluation Board. It won Special Jury Prize at the 12th Eurasia International Film Festival held in Kazakhstan and is an Official Selection at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia. It will be shown in theatres on November 9.

*Text and photosfrom the press release


FULL TRAILER HERE

Liz Alindogan, Angeline Quinto, Shaina Magdayao, at Valeen Montenegro, First Time sa Cinema One Originals

"Pinakachallenge yung nagkita-kita kami ng original cast tas ibang-iba yung atake ni John Torres. Wasak na wasak," sabi ni Liz Alindogan, ang bida ng People Power Bombshell: The Diary of Vietnam Rose ni John Torres. Ang sexy star nung 80s na diumano'y kamag-anak ni Lily Monteverde ng Regal Films ay nagbabalik sa dokumentaryong ito tungkol sa isang pelikula ni Celso Ad Castillo na hindi natapos. "Hindi natapos kasi nabankrupt. Naitago sa ilalim ng kama [yung footage]," dagdag pa niya. 

Kasama niya rito sina Anna Luna, Elora Españo, at Kim Perez. Ang dalawa pang kabilang sa Documentary Features Category ay ang Forbidden Memory ni Teng Mangansakan ukol sa masaker noong 1974 sa Malisbong at Sultan Kudarat pati na rin ang Piding nina Paolo Picones at Gym Lumbera na tungkol sa isang misteryosong ibong tinatawag na piding.

Isa sa pitong pelikula ng Narrative Feature Category ay ang Malinak Ya Labi ni Jose Abdel Langit na pinagbibidahan nina Angeline Quinto at Allen Dizon. Ang dalawa ay pawang nakipagtrabaho sa isang vocal coach para matuto ng lenggawaheng Pangasinense na siyang gamit sa pelikulang ito na tungkol sa blood sacrifice ng hayop na magbibigay daan sa misteryosong pagkamatay ng isang batang lalaki.

Sa LGBT film ni Samantha Lee na Baka Bukas, ang Kapamilya star na si Jasmine Curtis-Smith at ang Kapuso star na si Louise delos Reyes ang tutuklas ng kakaibang damdamin nila para sa isa't isa. Progresibo para kay Valeen Montenegro ito kung titingnan ang usaping sekswalidad sa bansa. "Although this community is mostly recognized by gays, what about lesbians?"

Si Valeen ay kabilang naman sa pelikulang Every Room is a Planet ni Malay Javier na tungkol sa metapor ng outerspace, relasyon, at pag-ibig. Kasama niya rito sina Rap Fernandez at Antoinette Taus. Sa pagsali sa pelikulang Lily ni Keith Deligero na isinulat ni Pam Miras, pakiramdam ni Shaina Magdayao ay magiging proud ang mga magulang niya dahil lenggwaheng Cebuano ang gamit sa pelikula. Kasama rin niya sa cast ang Cebuana actress na si Natileigh Sitoy pati na rin ang 'reluctant star' na si Rocky Salumbides.

Ang isa pang mga pelikulang kasali sa kategoryang ito ay ang Si Magdalola at ang mga Gago tampok ang theater actors na sina Peewee O'hara at Gio Gahol, ang Viva artist na si Rhen Escaño (na mukhang isang Timburton girl dahil sa maamo niyang mukha), at si Josh Bulot ng JBK band (na kasama rin sa Rak of Aegis). Ang istorya ay umiinog sa pakikipipaglaban ng isang mangkukulam sa mga sex-starved goons sa kabundukan para maprotektahan ang kanyang magandang apo.

Kasama naman sa pag-arangkada ni Natalie Hart ngayong 2016 bukod sa Siphayo na ipapalabas sa ika-2 ng Nobyembre ay ang pagiging bida sa pelikulang Tisay ni Borgy Torre kasama sina JC De Vera at Joel Torre. Tungkol ito sa underground semi-pro basketball, Last but not the least ay ang Too Cool To Be Forgotten.

Kabilang sa programa ng film festival ay ang pagpapalabas ng Restored Classics kabilang ang Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos ni Mario O'Hara, Nagalit ang Buwan sa Haba ng Gabi ni Danny Zialcita at Cain at Abel ni Lino Brocka. Ipapalabas rin ang Best of Cinema One Originals 2015 na FDCP-rated na pati ang ilang acclaimed foreign films tulad ng The Salesman, Slack Bay, It's Only the End of the World, Embrace of the Serpent, Swiss Army Man, I, Daniel Blake, Fuocuoammare, 
De Palma, Close Encounters with Vilmos Szigmond, The Wailing, Goodnight Mommy, The Witch, at Creepy.

Mayroon ding special screenings ang Golden Lion award winning film ni Lav Diaz na Ang Babaeng Humayo at found footage horror film ni Sherad Sanchez 

Ang Cinema One Originals ay mapapanood Mula November 14 hanggang 22, 2016. Gaganapin ang screenings sa Trinoma, Glorietta, Gateway, Greenhills, at Cinematheque Manila ng FDCP.

PHOTO ALBUM

Yugyugan Nation in Resorts World Manila!

The word itself may sound kinda crazy but if it’s a rockin’ and rollin’ night you’re after in the most infectious Pinoy style, Yugyugan Nation! is the place where you should be.

Yugyugan Nation! gathers together the country’s top hitmakers from the  decades past and on November 23, 2016 8pm at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila, expect your feet to go stomping, your hand to go thigh-slapping and even your head to go banging as your favorite hits cross the boards in the most Yugyugan Nation! way possible.

Sonny Parsons of Hagibis

Rey Magtoto of Wadab

Garry Arriola and Bob Guzman of Boyfriends

Catch Gary Arriola and Bob Guzman of Boyfriends, Sonny Parsons of Hagibis and the 70’s SuperBand featuring: Nonoy Tan and Rey Magtoto of Wadab, Mon Espia of Labuyo, Jun and Nitoy Mallillin of Abrakadabra and Monet Gaskell with Male Rigor of VST & Co. with special guest Sampaguita plus a special tribute to the music of Snaffu Rigor.

Mon Espia of Labuyo

Nitoy Mallillin of Abrakadabra

Sampaguita

Watch them dish out their well-loved hits under the Musical Direction of Butch Miraflor, the Script/Direction of Freddie Santos and the Production Management of Ultimate Shows, Inc. When you have such a mélange of colorful personalities together in one show, don’t just expect an ordinary concert. Expect to be transported into Yugyugan Nation!

Yugyugan Nation! is presented by Resorts World Manila in cooperation with Ultimate Shows, Inc.

Call Ticket World @ 891-9999 or Resorts World Manila Box Office @ 908-8000 local 7700 for the Yugyugan Nation time of your life!

Text and photos from press kit

Upstart Soundstage: Hear the Drama

Six theater directors—from edgy up-and-comers to seasoned veterans—present their passion projects in Upstart Soundstage: The Dramatic Reading Series at the Maybank Synergy Center, BGC’s newest artistic hub. Defined as theater shows in which works of literature (usually plays) are performed with scripts in hand, dramatic readings have become increasingly popular in places with an active theater culture, and are considered an art form in their own right. Joel Trinidad, founder of Upstart Productions, has long been an advocate. “You experience the entire show,” he states, “but with your ears.” Onyl Torres, Upstart’s Managing Partner, concurs: “It’s like a radio show, only better.”

Trinidad and Torres, with the support of Upstart’s newest artistic partner Maybank, have assembled six directors, each with a unique story to tell and a unique way in which to tell it: Reb Atadero, Steven Conde (Twin Bill Theater), Jeremy Domingo (Galleon Theatre Manila), Miguel Faustmann (Repertory Philippines), Arya Herrera, and Missy Maramara. Their cast lists include a wide variety of theater performers like Mako Alonso, Sam Concepcion, Hans Eckstein, Anne Gauthier, Fred Lo, Tami Monsod, Bibo Reyes, George Schulze, and many others.

And just what are these stories that these six directors are so eager to tell? In an unprecedented artistic move, Upstart is keeping the show titles secret. Torres explains that it’s a way of legitimizing dramatic readings, which are not too common in this country. “We want to promote the art form itself,” he explains, “not necessarily the individual shows.” Although a bold move indeed, Trinidad promises there will be something for everyone. “We have everything from a play about super-villains to a hip-hop musical about Moses,” he enthuses. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Upstart Soundstage: The Dramatic Reading Series is brought to you by Maybank. October 13 (8:00 pm), 14 (9:00 pm), and 15 (8:00 pm); November 3 (8:00 pm), 4 (9:00 pm), and 5 (8:00 pm) at the Maybank Synergy Center, G/F Maybank Corporate Centre, 7th Avenue corner 28th Street, Bonifacio High Street, BGC, Taguig. Donations will be accepted in lieu of tickets. Contact Upstart at 09178116156 or upstarttickets@gmail.com for more information

Barbie, Nagkalat sa Screening ng QCinema Closing Film na Area

Nagkalat ng kakyutan si Barbie Forteza habang iniinterbyu ng isang TV network. Kitang-kita naman sa mga larawan.

Hindi man cast member sa Area, nakatrabaho na niya ang direktor nito na si Louie Ignacio sa isang pelikula ni prinodyus din ng BG Productions, ang Laut kung saan siya ang bida. 

Dahil sa pelikulang ito na umiikot sa buhay ng mga Badjao o Sama D' Laut, nanalo siya para sa kategoryang Best Actress ng Fantasporto International Film Festival (Portugal).

Tulad ng Laut, ang Area ay masasabing award-winning na rin sapagkat nanalo na ito ng Special Jury Prize sa 12th Eurasia International Film Festival na ginanap sa Kazakhstan. Ito ay tungkol sa mga laos na putang nakatira sa iisang bahay.

Magkakaroon ang pelikula ng European Premiere sa Panorama Section ng Talinn International Film Festival na gaganapin sa Estonia sa darating na Nobyembre. 

Ito ay pinagbibidahan nina Ai-Ai De las Alas, Allen Dizon, Sancho Delas Alas, Sue Prado, Sarah Brakensiek, at iba pang mahuhusay na aktor kabilang ang mga produkto ng Holy Angel University.

Ang pelikula ay may premiere night sa Pampanga ng November 6 at November 9 naman sa selected Metro Manila cinemas nationwide. Patuloy talaga ang pamamayagpag ng BG Productions na pag-aari ni Ms. Baby Go!

****Last three photos from AREA Facebook page

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!!!

Filipinos, meet Anthony Diaz V: Fall for a new kind of screen hero in “Break”

Who would have imagined how far a China-made digital 4MB SD card palm camera could take a young dreamer’s film making dreams?

In the case of Filipino-American actor-director-producer Anthony Diaz V, it is quite far indeed. “When I was a kid, my family had movie night every Friday,” Anthony recalls. “After every film, I would ask my parents, ‘What motivated the characters’ actions?’”

That sort of set Anthony off on an early film education with his father encouraging his then ten-year-old son to lap up with glee movies like “The Godfather,” “Taxi Driver,” “Reservoir Dogs,” “Pulp Fiction,” “El Mariachi,” “The Shawshank Redemption,” the list goes on. These are films that Anthony admits “many kids my age at the time wouldn’t be interested in.”

He was, in a manner of speaking, a normal kid whose growing love for films made him a misfit.

Before he was 20, the brawny Anthony Diaz has completed dozens of short films. The independent film making spirit has been evident early on with Anthony multitasking, taking on screen writing, directing, producing, acting, and editing duties. By the time he reached 20, he has already graduated with high honors at the University of Las Vegas Film School (UNLV), making him the youngest graduate in the history of the program.

Anthony has received acclaim for the early short films he made like “Delusion” and “Forgotten Heroes.” In 2012, he put up a film production company called Kaizen Studios in Las Vegas, USA. The following year, he established a satellite of Kaizen Studios in Shibuya, Japan.

Japan is close to Anthony’s heart, having been a frequent visitor to the land of sashimis, cherry blossoms, and top-tier car brands since he was 8. Little wonder then that when he embarked on his first full length feature, Anthony chose to make “Break.”

“Break” can be described in many ways depending on how the viewer sees it but at its core, it is a story about alienation and angst as a young Japanese-American lad is thrown into the underworld while he deals with personal issues as an outsider trying to fit into Japanese society.

It is, in a way, a throwback to Anthony’s childhood when he was watching movies that wouldn’t strike a chord with children his age. He was like a misfit then, as his character in “Break” is. There is a need to find his place in an environment that isn’t very welcoming. Then he loses the girl he loves and the downward spiral begins.

On screen and in photos, Anthony Diaz strikes you as a kind of millennial James Dean, but this time a rebel with a cause, and with a more relatable Liam Neeson-ish vibe. In the movie “Break,” he even does breakdancing in one scene. Clearly, Anthony is the new kind of screen hero who has a good head to match the well-toned physique. And somehow you sense that there is a tenderness that lies beneath the swagger and the action star gait.

 

But Anthony assures that the similarities between him and his movie character end there. “The movie is not autobiographical at all,” he points out. “Break,” according to him, “was actually inspired from a short film I made when I was 17 years old called ‘Lunch Break’ which I shot with my high school friends in Vegas. The premise of the story is similar, but I expanded the universe and characters against the backdrop of Japan.”

Why should Pinoy audiences not miss “Break?” “This film is really unique as it blends American storytelling with Japanese cinema infused with hip-hop. It’s the first time to my knowledge that a film has simultaneous English and Japanese language throughout the movie with supporting subtitles. But most importantly, the overall theme is of a foreigner trying desperately to fit in. It is what most of us have experienced in some form or another.”

“Break” has had a private screening in Japan last April and its second stop is the Philippines before it heads off to Sundance.

To find out more about “Break,” go to thebreakmovie.com or visit the Kaizen Studios FB page @Facebook.com/KaizenStudios

Mulagat Will Scare You Into an Early Halloween Mood

             

           “Wide open” is the word’s English translation, if you look it up. This six-part saga written by director Eric Dela Cruz was also directed by him. The process involved the former PETA Kalinangan Ensemble member writing without any lights on so he would feel scared as well. Originally staged in 2012 in College of St. Benilde’s Black Box Theater, the production had a successful run which prompted Taxi Theater headed by Dela Cruz to restage it.

     Taxi Theater, a performing group leaning towards experimentation, utilizes “a creative process of synthesizing art and science through collaboration with practitioners from various disciplines – becoming XPGINEERS (Experience Engineers) and IMAGITECTS (Imagination Architects) – to extend audience engagement and deliver unique theatrical experiences.”

     Timothy Castillo, known for his diabolical turn in Violator (Cinema One Originals 2014) as a mysterious boy who may or may not be possessed, is one of the three guys alternating as the lead character Nico. Ike Castro and Japoy Dones also play the senior architecture student who goes snooping around like Sherlock Holmes to find out the source of the noises outside his room which woke him up. He comes across a young girl searching for her brother and this results in a journey into the darkness scarier than Resident Evil and Silent Hill combined.

      Other cast members include Denise Nayve, Cathrine Go, Jasper Jimenez Dylan Ray Talon, Doori Chin, and Kyle Confesor. Among the consultants of TAXI Theater are Erick Dasig Aguilar, Dexter Dela Peña, Al Gabriel, Olive Nieto, and Anril Titatco.

      The online trailer which can be found on Youtube includes a public advisory: “This play is not for the weak hearted. Persons with heart conditions, fear of the dark, sensitivity to strobe lighting, and phobias toward the supernatural are not advised to watch this play. Watch at your own risk. The Production will not be held for any mental disturbance resulting from watching this play.”

       If you dare to plunge into the darkness, tickets may still be purchased for the following showdates: Oct. 16 (8PM), 21-23 (4PM & 8PM), and 28-29 (4PM & 8PM). For inquiries, you may call or text 09084854983 or message www.facebook.com/taxitheater.

            

BP Presents Noli-Fili Double Bill This October 21-23

In Ballet Philippines' "Crisostomo Ibarra" and "Simoun", the protagonists of Jose Rizal's "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" leap off the page and onto the CCP Main Theater stage for one weekend only. Both shows feature original music by Jed Balsamo, choreography by Paul Alexander Morales, and the live performance of the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra - a quintet for "Cristomo Ibarra" and the full orchestra under the baton of Maestro Gerard Salonga for "Simoun". The set design is by Toym Leon Imao, who has collaborated with Balsamo for Mabining Mandirigma and other previous TP productions. The latter has collaborated with Morales for Gantimpala Theater Foundation’s “Kanser@30: the Musical” last year.

Told through the language of dance, the narration takes the audience into the psychological worlds of the novels’ protagonists and strips bare the epic story that underscores the continuing relevance of Rizal’s work. The year 2016 marks the 120^th death anniversary of the national hero, and the 125^th anniversary of the publication of “El Filibusterismo”. This production is supported by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Premiered in 2010, “Crisostomo Ibarra” highlights the life of an idealist reformer, a man striving to make a change in a society living under corruption and oppression. It takes an introspective look at the life of a hero sacrificing his personal happiness for the love of his country. The ballet was awarded the distinction of Outstanding Dance Production at the 2010 Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards.

“Simoun” is a world premiere, presenting a fresh take on the motivations, dreams, and fears of the cynical and vengeful lead character described as a saboteur, giving insight and depth to his actions. The ballet highlights themes that are still palpable and relevant to today’s audience – cynicism versus hope and the constant challenge of stagnation or change and revolution.

Top-billing “Simoun” are Ballet Philippines’ dancers Jean Marc Cordero, Denise Parungao, Rita Angela Winder, Erl Sorilla, Garry Corpuz, and Jemima Reyes. “Crisostomo Ibarra” features Victor Maguad, Monica Amanda Gana, Jessa Tangalin, Eugene Obille, Ramon Victoria, and Ballet Philippines II.

"Crisostomo Ibarra" will be performed on October 21 at 3:00PM, October 22 at 2:00PM, and October 23 at 10:00AM, and "Simoun" on October 21 at 8:00PM, October 22 at 6:00PM, and October 23 at 3:00PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). Ticket price ranges from PhP300 to PhP2,000 with discounts for students, senior citizens, and government employees.