Cine Lokal Ensures No More First Day Last Day for Indie Films in Dedicated Cinemas

Strengthening its commitment to support Philippine cinema, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and SM Cinema launch Cine Lokal—a new cinema line that will house independent, award-winning films and FDCP programs in select SM Cinema branches across the country starting April 2017.

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño and SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. (SMLEI) President Edgar Tejerero will formalize the partnership as they sign the three-year contract at Cerchio Restaurant, Tomas Morato on March 24, 2017.

“Cine Lokal’s goal is two-fold: to provide independent filmmakers with a commercial venue for their films, thereby strengthening their experience and training on film marketing and distribution, and to create a culture of support and viewership among Filipinos nationwide. Independent films mirror our society’s milieu in the most meaningful and affective of ways and we are grateful to SM Cinema for this great opportunity for us to bring more choices of these films closer to our people,” said Chairperson Diño.

SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Fairview, SM Iloilo, SM Southmall, SM Cebu, SM Bacoor, and SM Mall of Asia were chosen as the location of the eight dedicated cinemas to show FDCP-curated films throughout the duration of the partnership. To ensure the success of its newest venture, SM Cinema and FDCP have committed to work together from booking, licensing, up to the marketing of the films to be shown in Cine Lokal branches.

“We dedicated screens in almost all big regions in the Philippines. Those are dedicated screens, meaning, there’s no pullout. As to the length of stay ng pelikula, we leave it to FDCP whether they want to change it every week, every two weeks, or every month,” said SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. President Edgar Tejerero. “Cine Lokal affirms our support for the Philippine film industry which includes our independent film producers. With the help of FDCP, we have an opportunity to expand our content and invite a new set of audience. Cine Lokal brings SM Cinema closer to its goal of becoming not only the largest, but the most diverse film exhibitor in the country,” he added.

Movie lovers and independent film enthusiasts alike can expect an exciting roster of award-winning, independent films at Cine Lokal starting April 2017.

The premier line-up of films includes the restored version of Himala, Iadya Mo Kami, Spotlight, and Of Sinners and Saints.

BG Productions matriarch Baby Go dubbed as the “Queen of Indie Films” was present during the question and answer session because Iadya Mo Kami was produced by her company. Allen Dizon, a lead actor in the film and a key player in the independent film scene was really glad about this development. “Ngayon lang nangyari so isang start na alam kong maraming matutulungan…mararaming makakanood kung susuportahan natin yung independent films….saka hindi lahat napapalabas sa mga malls.”

Allen will spend his pre- and post-Holy Week days shooting for his new film under Ralston Jover titled Bomba where he plays the role of a deaf-mute caught in a dark relationship with a young woman.

Music Makes L.A. Santos Forget His ADHD

“Yung mommy ko, ginawa ang lahat para pagalingin ako,” said 17-year old singer Lnard Antonio “L.A.” Santos, who formally launched his self-titled debut album under Star Music last Tuesday. It features seven tracks: Miss Terror, Mine, Ikaw Kasi, Bakit ang Pag-ibig, Hanggang Kailan, When I Was Your Man, Forever’s not Enough (duet with his sister Kanisha Santos), One Greatest Love, and Tinamaan. Born underweight and sickly, this young lad was even diagnosed with ADHD by his doctor, but nothing can stop his passion for music.

His training started at the Center for Pop in 2009 and 2010. Star Magic began managing his career in 2014 which is the same year he was the front act for Stylistics Concert. It was last December when he signed a contract for Star Magic. Because of his towering height at 5’11”, it’s no wonder that he was part of his high school alma mater’s sports team as a basketball varsitarian. Aside from having engaged in other sports like taekwondo and soccer, he also knows how to play the guitars and loves computer games, pets, surfing, and watching movies.

One might think that everything was handed to him on a silver plate, but, the journey wasn’t easy. "Nung na-diagnose siya noong four years old siya, mayroon siyang first stage of autism. Ang autism and ADHD ay life-long condition. You can't treat it. You just have to do something na makalimutan ng bata na may ganoon siya," said his mom Florita Santos. 

L.A. detailed his musical journey and was glad that there were so many press people who wanted to support him, including big names like Ricky Lo, Cristy Fermin, Mario Dumaoal, Ethel Ramos, Pilar Mateo and Crispina Belen. This warmth made him feel like he just attended a family gathering. "I'm so happy this happened, I'm glad this press conference feels like it's a birthday celebration rather than an album launch. I even got to record Bruno Mars' When I Was Your Man, the only one permitted to do so in Asia so I'm really thankful! When I was young I always played basketball, but Mr. Gary Cruz my mentor had me singing. I had formal ones like center for pop, star magic, also had the opportunity to do front acts with Stylistics, Patti Austin, the OPM greats where we will have a show on April 29 at Resorts World Manila. Rated K also helped a lot and the message was sent across media and doctors said I don't have a chance to become normal, Mom was there for me and helped me become who I am today. I always do things differently and I don't loke what usual singers do. I can't wait to do mall shows, and be close to the people who would love to hear my music."

As of writing, L.A. is single and if he is going to have a girlfriend, he wants someone with whom he has things in common. He is very close to his mom and even joked that their best bonding moment is when they go shopping together.

One of his upcoming engagements is as a guest artist in Kings and Queens of OPM which will be held on April 29, 8p.m. at the Resorts World Manila. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketworld outlets (891-9999), SM Tickets (470-2222), and Star Media (854-3300).

THEATER REVIEW: THE VIBRATOR PLAY

Writer: Mark Anthony Cabrera Photographer: Trixie Dauz

Provocative, raunchy and vibrant- these three words came to my mind after watching Repertory Philippines’ In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play.

Based on the Play written by Sarah Ruhl, it tackles the story of gynecological and hysterical disorder expert Dr. Givings (Joshua Spafford). Dr.Givings is very much into his craft . Set in 1880’s New York,the play introduces us to the life of Dr.Givings including his wife Catherine (Giannina Ocampo Van Hoven) who gave birth to a baby girl who had to find a wet nurse because the latter’s milk was deemed inadequate for her baby, much to her disappointment.

During the course of the play, we meet Sabrina Daldry (Caisa Borromeo), a woman who used to be so vibrant and lively until her insecurities got the best of her. Her husband ,Mr.Daldry, in the hopes of bringing back the wife he knew decided to take chances and takes Sabrina to Dr. Givings for treatment. Annie (Tami Monsod), the doctor's assistant, also has a pivotal role in the play.

But can a machine (vibrator) really cure lack of intimacy? The premise of the play is brilliant as it focuses on a lot of things married couples could all relate too. Sometimes we get caught up with all the workload and forget the needs of our spouses.

Then comes Elizabeth, a young maiden who loses her baby but has enough milk that Catherine needs so she in turn hired her to come ever so often to feed Catherine’s Baby.

The play gets a little more interesting with the arrival of Leo Irving (Jef Flores ),the renaissance man who has a way with words and the arts. With their lives all tangled in this web of intimacy, who gets to win and who loses?

I loved how the set looked, it’s exquisitely beautiful and music is lovely to the ears. And how does an vibrator look during that time? You have to watch it to find out for yourselves.

The last scene was brilliant and I’d leave it all to everyone’s imagination.

Repertory Philippines is definitely spicing things up on their 50th year. Repertory Philippines’ In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play runs from March 24 to April 2017 at the Onstage Theater at Greenbelt 1.The play is directed by no less than Chris Millado. For ticket inquries ,you may call REP at 843-3570 or TicketWorld at 891-9999.

9 Ricky Lee Quotes at Letran Calamba

They say a cat has nine lives but who needs multiple lives when one is immortal? They one's work of art makes one live on forever.

Last week, which was a Monday as well, Ricky Lee spent an afternoon with the students of Letran Calamba. The talk and launch of his collection of children's stories, Kung Alam N'yo Lang (Mga Kwentong Pambata para sa mga Hindi na Bata), was organized by the graduating class of Letran Calamba's AB Communication Program.

The talk which was like a mini-workshop was geared towards enhancing the creative process of aspiring writers. Orly Agawin, a faculty member and an arts writer at Jellicle Blog, facilitated the flow of the program.

Here are some of Ricky Lee's memorable quotes from his Letran Calamba tour:

1. "Dapat para ka maging mahusay na writer, handa kang magbukas ng maling pinto."

2. "Hindi ako makalayas-layas so nanonood ako ng sine. Nangungupit ako sa tindahan namin tas nanonood ako ng sine."

3. Kapag may nabasa akong napakagandang portion [ng librong galing sa library], pinupunit ko." (Note: this was during his childhood days)

4. "Ang layunin ng pagkwekwento ay ipakita ang tao sa loob natin."

5. "Ang panahon natin ngayon ay kung saan ang screen ay nakaharang at nagvavalidate ng mga bagay-bagay."

6. "Pag-aralan natin ang lahat ng rules then iviolate natin pero kailangang maconvince mo kami na Quiapo pa rin ang destinasyon."

7. "Ang dapat nagsusulat ay yung subconscious mo kasi yung subconscious mo honest."

8. 'Music makes me feel I'm in a safe world. I can create. I can write."

9. "Amapola was originally a graphic novel until narealize kong hndi ako marunong magsulat ng komiks."

Even though he has written more than 150 screenplays from 1979 up to date, Ricky Lee's first novel Para Kay B wasn't launched until 2008. 

It is never too late for anyone to become a writer. You might want to grab yourself a Ricky Lee book and unleash the inspired writer in you.

LIVE THE ULTIMATE DANCER’S LIFE AT BP DANCE SCHOOL’S SUMMER DANCE WORKSHOP FROM APRIL 17 TO MAY 21

Summer can be the most crucial time for a budding ballerina’s career. While most children are on vacations or staycations, the pupils of Ballet Philippines Dance School are hard at work. Three to five times a week, they fill their days with classes in classical ballet, modern dance, jazz, hip hop, and even lectures – all geared towards guiding them towards becoming full-fledged dance artists.

Classical ballet is a time-honored dance form that teaches grace, precision, and expression - a tradition that the BPDS has passed on through its programs that incorporates the Philippine National Ballet Syllabus to generations of dance students. Classical ballet encourages freedom of expression, builds confidence and self-discipline, and develops a sense of individuality, which would grow into an appreciation for the arts.

Modern dance explores dance movements beyond the set boundaries of classical ballet, incorporating influences from day-to-day movements, folk dances, martial arts and other sports, as well as contemporary/popular dance. Modern serves as a laboratory for emerging dancers and choreographers, allowing the discovery of new artists in dance.

Staying on top of the latest in popular dance, the Ballet Philippines Dance School also offers courses in Hip Hop and Jazz dance. Students discover different rhythms and grooves of movement, shaping them into becoming well-rounded dancers.

The Summer Dance Workshop also offers a weekly Lecture Series, in keeping with the BP Dance School’s holistic approach to dance education. Through these sit-down talks, students have the opportunity to interact with artists of different fields and learn how aspects of their art form can relate to and enhance one’s dancing.

The 48th CCP Summer Dance Workshop starts on April 17, 2016 at BPDS-SM Aura Premier and on April 18, 2016 at BPDS-CCP. Students attend a minimum of 3 classes a week (for pre-ballet and elementary ballet students) to as much as 5 classes a week, including workshop rehearsals for its culminating performances at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) on May 20 and 21.

Summer classes will also be held in the newly opened BP Dance School branches in Greenhills Theatre Mall and Victoria Sports, Quezon City. Classes start on April 4 and end on May 31.

The Ballet Philippines Dance School is the professional training ground of the country’s most promising young talents in dance. With a unique curriculum that encompasses various dance styles and techniques, the systematized method and approach to instruction takes highly into account children’s anatomy and psyche at various ages and levels so that the training is physically safe, technically effective and artistically enriching for all students.

Connect to the Ballet Philippines Dance School online through the following social media networks:

Facebook:    www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter:          @balletph

Instagram:    @balletphilippines

YouTube:     balletph

To join in the Ballet Philippines conversation, use our official hashtags: #balletph, #bpdanceschool

See you at the studio!

Sundance Film "The Last Word" Opens on March 22 with Star Cinema as Its Distributor

Writer: Mark Anthony Cabrera

She was in total control of everything in her life- this fits the perfect description of the octogenarian Harriet (Shirley MacLaine ).She wants everything to be perfect- that’s how she rolls, even to the point that she wanted to manipulate how her obituary would look like.

Do people really do that in real life? Manipulate their obituaries? Well, I would say some it’s improbable but not impossible if someone is used to having her way.  People always want to leave a positive impression of themselves before they cross over into the afterlife. This is when Anne Sherman’s (Amanda Seyfried) character comes into play. She is tasked to write about the obituary of Harriet. But what’s with Harriett? Why do people hate her so much? Why do people perceive her as mean and ruthless? Anne Sherman is out to find out what her neighbors would say about Harriett.Why do they fear her? And why would someone say that the best thing about Harriett is for her to be dead?

Tasked to get more information, Anne Sherman embarks on a journey in seeking the truth about her latest client. In the course of their interaction, Anne would eventually put all the pieces together. What kept Harriett ticking? Why is she totally controlling of herself and the people around her?

In the latest installment to be distributed by Star Cinema in the Philippines, The Last Word definitely promises one of the best roles of Amanda Seyfried to date. Not to be outdone, Shirley MacLaine’s portrayal would make us hate her but in the process understand where her character is coming from. The film was part of the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. Be the first to watch The Last Word in Philippine cinemas nationwide this March 22, 2017!

FILM REVIEW: Bhoy Intsik

With "Bhoy Intsik", Frontrow Entertainment makes it presence felt as one of the big players in delivering quality films in the near future. Despite the insidiousness of the Sinag Maynila film festival it is part of (is anyone even aware it ends tomorrow?), it has managed to have decent box office returns as per its screenwriter Ronald Carballo.

The film's director is Joel Lamangan who hails from Cavite. Like his more recent works in the independent film scene, this is set in that province and the titular character Bhoy Intsik was inspired by the exploits of a real-life criminal. Raymond Francisco's as the lead really sinks his teeth into this multifaceted character which won him a Best Actor award recently from the festival, tied with Kristoffer King for Kristo.

His co-star here is Ronwaldo Martin, Coco Martin's younger brother who gained acclaim for having portrayed a similar role of a street rat in Pamilya Ordinaryo, Marlon Pogi. The young actor was very effective as the pesky and hot-headed syndicate underling, but needed more spark in his scenes with Elora Espano who plah yed the flirtatious middle-class daughter of a pastor who harbors affection for Marlon from the get-go.

The two small-time criminals of the small community of illegal dwellers who made their home inside the cemetery meet in the wrong place at the wrong time. The relationship which started out with two people ready claw each other's eyes out become more familial as both discover that to make the the future theirs, they have to make amends with their past.

Overall, the film has a number of sweeping shots that would almost make one want to try living in the slums and do something unconventional on a tomb as highlighted by one breathtaking shot using a crane. Another intelligent directorial decision was the use of a drone shot in the opening scene right away, establishing Bhoy Intsik's world which is splashed with bits of color among the gravestones.

The production design benefits the film greatly with its meticulous execution. However, though the color combination per scene is really easy on the eyes, some of Bhoy's outfits are sometimes kind of improbable for his socioeconomic status, and even look like someone would buy from Zara.

When one looks at the film as a whole, one will see that it effectively comes full circle with its focus on a world where only the fittest survive, and unlikely alliances might change the way one perceives things. Although one may find its multiple attempts at humor kind of a self-conscious brand of writing, the organic delivery of the actors makes this characteristic oblivious and instead it heightens the duo's excellent onscreen chemistry even more.

Bhoy Intsik may look like just another story of a transgender, but this tale of a butterfly from the slums treads the path less taken and explores the beauty of a platonic relationship between two wayward individuals who are among the society's bane.

AIFFA 2017 Aims to Break Guinness World Record with Cats

Photo credit: manonthelam.com

Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, Malaysia, is where the annual AIFFA (ASEAN Internaitonal Film Festival and Awards) is held. It’s known in the tourism industry for paying homage to cats, and attracting visitors because of its numerous cat cafes, statues, souvenirs, and attractions.

Livan Tajang, who spearheads the festival, revealed during the Manila road show that they will try to gather as many as people as possible to wear cat costumes during the opening festivities. A representative from the Guinness World Records will be flying in all the way from England to mark down this curious feat in history.

Below is a list of the activities during the 3-day festival:     

May 4, 2017 (Thursday)

AIFFA Movie Marathon

• · International and ASEAN film screenings at selected cinemas around Kuching

Café Crawl

• · Film chats and screenings at selected cafes.

Party with the Stars and Break the World Record

• · Meet ASEAN Movie Stars at Kuching Amphitheatre.
• · A Guinness World Record attempt for the largest crowd dressed in cat costumes.
• · Concert with Alleycats and Dayang Nurfaizah. Special appearance with ASEAN Favourite Upin and Ipin.
• · Announcement of nominated films for AIFFA 2017 Awards.
• · Winners of Sarawak Youth Short Film Education and Competition announcement.

Photo credit: anizyn.blogspot.com

May 5, 2017 (Friday)

AIFFA Biz World

• Official launch of AIFFA Biz World.
• · Business talks, film financing, exhibition, and networking.

AIFFA Movie Marathon

• International and ASEAN film screenings at selected cinemas around Kuching.

Café Crawl

• Film chats and screenings at selected cafes.

May 6, 2017 (Saturday)

AIFFA Biz World

• Official launch of AIFFA Biz World.
• Business talks, film financing, exhibition, and networking.

AIFFA Movie Marathon

• International and ASEAN film screenings at selected cinemas around Kuching.

Café Crawl

• Film chats and screenings at selected cafes.

AIFFA 2017 Gala Night

• Star studded red carpet and awarding ceremony.

Photo credit: Catherine Cornell

One would be able to look back in history and see that 2013 was a record-breaking year for Filipinos when 13 out of the 100 films were entries from the Philippines. Some of those were Qiyamah, Grave Bandits, Aparisyon, and Colossal. 2015 was the year when Cherie Gil won a Best Actress Award for Sonata and Nora Aunor was bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Prior to the festival proper, there are activities happening at certain dates in March and April. For more details you may check the official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aiffa.sarawak.

FDCP Celebrates International Women's Month

For the International Women's Month, the Film Development Council of the Philippines is conducting a month-long celebration filled with activities putting the spotlight on women empowerment.

The celebration kicked off with the opening of the photography competition, dubbed as Panay Pinay Potograpiya, that features women who have demonstrated significant roles in promoting change. Panay Pinay Pelikula was also launched with the screening of the film Ganap na Babae last March 8, 2017. The film screenings will run from March 12 to 18, 2017.

"Planting Seeds: The Future of Philippine Cinema," a film education symposium for film educators and students that started in the regions will culminate with its Manila leg on March 9-11, 2017 with cultivators including award-winning directors Joel Lamangan, Jose Javier Reyes, Cathy Garcia-Molina, et al.

FDCP has also partnered with Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) through Cinejuana, a series of free film screenings featuring women-centric documentaries directed by Spanish female filmmakers.

"We are proud and excited to celebrate the International Women's Month through our activities. We hope that through our program, Filipino women audience, filmmakers, and educators will be inspired and encouraged to not just celebrate their femininity but to also use it to affect positive change in our society," said FDCP Chair Liza Diño regarding the program.

For more information, visit the FDCP and Cinematheque Center Manila Facebook page or email cinematheque@fdcp.ph.

CSB'S First Ballet Thesis "Scarlet Stockings" Goes Onstage

When an audience sees ballet dancers, they see a gossamer parade of young bodies on show. Nymph-like and lithe, ballet dancers have personified the epitome of ethereality for centuries. However, no one ever has the nerve to peer behind the velvet curtain to see the true grit of a ballerina’s life.

From a young age, the female ballet dancer trains relentlessly, in the hopes of one day rising to fame, of becoming a star. Unfortunately, for most young dancers, the possibility of that dream becoming a reality is slim. It is more likely that she will spend most of her career in the corps de ballet; the ensemble group dancing in unison around the featured soloists.

The dynamic of the dancers who make up the corps de ballet is unique only to them. Despite sharing a bond closer than blood; they are painfully aware of how short their careers are. Every girl in the corps de ballet prays to be noticed, to be promoted, and to achieve her dream.

Adrienne, is one of the many swirling bodies in the backline of the corps. Adrienne is a young dancer with the Grinkov Ballet, talented, but often ignored by the company’s merciless director. She finds a pair of scarlet stockings, after which she is suddenly catapulted to fame and stardom. She finds a pair of scarlet stockings, after which she is suddenly catapulted to fame and stardom.

Unaware and dismissive of the heavy price attached to the stockings; Adrienne's manic obsession with keeping the power she believes they possess to herself escalates, and she begins to lose touch with reality.

The Scarlet Stockings features set, lighting, and sound design by some of Benilde’s best young talents; as well as the scholars Ballet Philippines Dance School (both past and present).

With original choreography by Cheska Reyes (formerly a scholar of Ballet Philippines) The Scarlet Stockings, Benilde’s first fully balletic dance thesis production in nearly a decade, intends to take audiences on a journey, and show them physical and emotional struggles of what is arguably the country’s most difficult and underappreciated career. What is the price of attaining a goal? Where does one draw the line between ambition and obsession?

The date of the show is on March 10 (7pm), and March 11 (7pm), at the 5th flr School of Design and Arts, SDA Theater, College of St. Benilde, Pablo Ocampo St, Manila. For ticket information, visit fb.com/TheScarletStockings or contact 09064680226

Producer of Bhoy Intsik Starring Raymond Francisco Got Conned by Boy Hapon

Since the movie has a con artist as the protagonist, producer Ferdinand Lapuz and Direk Joel shared their experiences with having been duped. Ferdinand recalled an unpleasant memory where coincidentally, someone named “Boy Hapon” harangued him into giving up a valuable possession. On the other hand, the director himself remembered that when he was still a student and a corps commander, a group of male classmates invited him to hang out at a bowling alley, only to be mauled. They actually wanted to get back at him for being a strict officer.

“Yung taong yun [real-life Bhoy Intsik], wala na po yun, patay na. Pero noong araw, yun ay buhay pa, yun ay con artist dun sa area [a barrio in Cavite] na yun  bagamat hindi lahat ng nangyari sa pelikula ay nangyari sa buhay ni Bhoy Intsik,” said the film’s director, Joel Lamangan.

Raymond Francisco, TV commercial director and stage actor, is looking to stage his big comeback as a full-time actor with this title role. Known as “RS Francisco” to many in the entertainment industry, his recent films were Bwaya and Amor y Muerte. However, he was able to fine tune his acting chops via his plum roles in the productions of UP SAMASKOM and Dulaang UP during his college days. This film is also produced via his company, Frontrow Entertainment.

His co-star is Coco Martin’s younger brother, Ronwaldo Martin, who first made his mark in the indie film industry via Ari: My Life with a King. Itwas followed by Eduardo Roy Jr.’s film that’s highly praised by critics. This film was his eventual ticket to playing another nuance laden character, Marlon Pogi. Raymond elaborated why they chose to cast Ronwaldo. “Nakita ko yung Pamilya Ordinaryo. He’s very very raw, he’s very very fresh. Wala siyang bad acting habits so naisip ko na magandang contrast yan sa character ni Bhoy Intsik na very complex, very layered…napakarami niyang facets sa buhay, tapos makakakita ka ng isang fresh na character sa movie.” Direk Joel concurred. “Ang kailangan sa role na ito ay isang bagamundong bata.” He even went as far as saying that Ronwaldo has the potential to surpass his older brother.

The movie also stars Jeric Raval, Mon Confiado, Elora Españo, Jim Pebanco, Tony Mabesa, Shyr Valdes, Mike Lloren, and Liz Andogan.

It will be shown from March 9 to 14 in SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, Gateway, and Glorietta 4 Cinemas as part of the Sinag Maynila 2017.