All About Greg Hawkins aka Kuya Escort and his Halloween Thoughts

It was a party, but, it wasn't a Halloween party. People were in formal wear, yes, but it was not a masquerade ball. You can see the faces of everyone especially one special girl named Rose. It is a night of celebration as she enters womanhood and Kuya Escort is her escort for that eighteenth birthday celebration.

Rose (Roselyn) has a rare type of cancer which caused the area around her mouth to swell, rendering her almost incapable of speaking. She is a fan of the aspiring actor and social media darling. She is part of Silungam ng Pag-asa (Shelter of Hope), a place which serves as a temporary home, based in Paco Park, to cancer-stricken kids and teenagers from far-flung provinces.

After dancing with Rose and greeting her, Greg Hawkins sat down by the hotel's poolside area and gave his two cents about ghosts, superstitions, TV series, and what he has been up to. Here are some select questions and answers from our interview:

Q: What's the feeling of having been able to make the birthday celebrant happy with your presence?

Greg: Cancer patients hit me sort of personally because I have a family member who was affected by cancer in the past. It means a lot to me to see people fighting this terrible, terrible disease. It's hell. I feel bad. 

During this part he looked like he was on the verge of tears but he managed a wry smile and exclaimed that he doesn't cry because he is a man. He good-naturedly joked about having a lot to think about when this writer asked him what if he's handed a dramatic part where he has to cry.

Q: Do you plan to join male pageants in your country?

Greg: Pageantry is not very popular in the US, not like it is here. The Philippines has world class pageantry. Perhaps, not in the US. My favorite thing to do there is to watch and support our Filipino pageant stars.

Q: Did you have any opportunity to watch Pinoy horror films?

Greg: I did. I watched a couple of Pinoy horror films and I actually have one on my computer at home. I have seen a lot of horror films from Southeast Asia generally. I think they could capitalize on the horror film genre. The one from Thailand which is the horror comedy Pee Mak starring Mario Maurer was amazing to me.

Q: How about Shake Rattle N' Roll?

Greg: I haven't been able to dig in to SRR but now that you've mentioned it, I'll check it out.

Q: Do you believe in ghosts? Are you afraid of ghosts?

Greg: I don't believe in ghosts. I think ghosts are just like Santa---stories people tell to scare each other or fool around. I bet some people do believe in ghosts, though. I think there are people who, maybe have...think they've got an experience with a ghost...something like that. I can't speak for people like that. For me, personally, I don't believe in ghosts.

Q: What Halloween costume is memorable to you?

Greg: When I was a baby, my parents dressed me up as a bat (not Batman).

Greg Hawkins is currently being managed by Lito de Guzman even though he's signed on to Viva. He is part of Prestige International and was recently chosen to be the male endorser of Urban Generation.

For those who want to help Rose for she will be requiring 10 operations to alleviate her condition, you may email seedoflove29@gmail.com. You may contact the original "Kuya Escort" via @greghawkinsofficial on Facebook and @therealgreghawkins on IG.

AMPALAYA MONOLOGUES PRESENTS BITT3RD ANNIVERSARY SHOW LATER OCTOBER 27 AT GREEN SUN MAKATI

[Manila, October 2018] A new set of Ampalaya Monologues will come to life for the show’s third anniversary dubbed as “Bitt3rd.” This set is said to be the deepest, funniest and most relatable to date.

Ampalaya Monologues is an episodic play that has been staged in various venues around the country. These include the PETA Theater Center. Iloilo, Bicol, MOA Concert Grounds, Zamboanga, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The show has been recreated into different versions and now has a collection of over 70 monologues, all written by Mark Ghosn. On each show one promise has
been kept, you may come in bitter but you will definitely come out feeling better.

On October 27, 2018, at Axon at Green Sun, there would be two kinds of people. Those who drink and those who cause the urge to drink. Ampalaya Monologues asks, “Which one will you be?” As the night unfolds, interconnected stories of those who have taken chances find themselves to be both through their own and others’ experiences.

Pieces will be given to life by Monologista Inc., the Philippines’ premier, pioneer group of monologists which includes Janine Lloce, Abe Herma, Jerome Dawis, Sonson O., Patty Arro, Justinne Punsalang, Ristichen, among others.

To add more heart to the special evening are Spoken Word Artists Carlo Hornilla, Antonio Bathan Jr., Beverly Cumla, Zuela Herrera and other surprise guests.

#Bitt3rd - The Ampalaya Monologues Anniversary show will be from 730PM to 10PM at Green Sun, Makati with tickets at P300 each. Message Ampalaya Monologues at www.m.me/ampalayamonologues to reserve your tickets!

Catch Ampalaya Monologues online through the following pages:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/AmpalayaM
Instagram: www.instagram.com/AmpalayaMonologues
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmpalayaMonologues
YouTube: www.youtube.com/AmpalayaMonologues

GMA Network showcases a new face of infidelity in Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko

What if the person you loved the most is also the one who will bring you the greatest pain?

GMA Network brings viewers a different face of infidelity with its newest Afternoon Prime series, Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko.

Highly-talented Kapuso actress Kris Bernal takes on the role of Rachel. She is beautiful, simple and dreams of having a happy family. Rachel meets Nathan, a smart businessman from a political family. Nathan marries Rachel out of pressure from his conservative family but he is unhappy and feels trapped. Deep down, he always knew he was gay, so he devised a way to fake his death. The truth is he went abroad and took their daughter with him. He undergoes sexual reassignment and facial feminization surgery in order to fully embrace the woman inside him. He left without knowing that Rachel is pregnant with their second child. Rachel, after Nathan died, went to the province where she gave birth.

Years later, Rachel meets the good-looking balikbayan Gavin, portrayed by returning Kapuso Rayver Cruzas he stars in his very first drama series in the Network. Rachel falls for him instantly but her prospect of happiness is met with a big blow when she discovers that he’s engaged to a mysterious and strikingly beautiful woman named Venus, breathed to life by Thea Tolentino. Venus is also a single mother who said that she got pregnant from her previous relationship.

Rachel feels that something isn’t right with Venus. Eventually, she found out the truth: Venus is a sexually reassigned woman who is no other than her former husband, Nathan.      

Former husband and wife, now both fighting for the love of the same man. This is the intriguing and captivating premise of Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko.

Playing a very special role in the series is Kapuso actor Jason Abalos as Nathan, Rachel’s husband and a woman trapped inside a man’s body.

Playing important characters in Rachel’s life are: Lotlot De Leon as Lupita Santiago, her doting mother who really liked Nathan for her; Devon Seron as Maya Santiago, Rachel’s younger sister and her confidante;Annalyn Barro as Tina Santos, Rachel’s best friend who discovers that Nathan is cheating on her; Caprice Cayetano as Nicole Bravante, Rachel and Nathan’s daughter.

Joining them are the vital characters in Nathan/Catriona’s life: Jean Saburit as Veronica Bravante, Nathan’s mother who is kind but projects a strong personality; Ricardo Cepeda as Lorenzo Bravante, a Congressman and Veronica’s husband who has long pressured their son Nathan to get married; Maricris Garcia as Allison Bravante, older sister of Nathan and the only person who knows about his secret;Matthias Rhoads as Daniel Lindberg, a Fil-Am who becomes Nathan’s “lover” but breaks up with him when he finds out that Nathan is married;  Phil Noble as Mama Krissy, a transgender who will become Nathan’s confidante regarding his sexuality.

Under the helm of this series is director Mark Sicat dela Cruz.

Behind this engrossing drama is the creative team composed of Creative Director Roy Iglesias; Concept Creator Marlon Miguel; Headwriter Richard ‘Dode’ Cruz; Creative Head RJ Nuevas; Writers Marlon Miguel and Renato Custodio; Brainstormers Erwin Bravo and Zita Garganera.

The program is another original creation of the GMA Drama Group under the supervision of Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; Vice President for Drama Redgie Acuña-Magno; Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; and Senior Program Manager Camille Hermoso-Hafezan.

Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko airs Mondays to Saturdays after Eat Bulaga on GMA Afternoon Prime.

Get the latest updates about Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko from the official Facebook page of GMA Drama www.facebook.com/GMADrama, Twitter account @GMADrama and the GMA Network website www.GMANetwork.com.

Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com. 

Oda sa Wala starring Pokwang Leads the QCinema 2018 Winners with 4 Major Awards

Life and death are intertwined more than we can imagine. Oda sa Wala, Dwein Baltazar's third feature film (Mamay Umeng and I Love You with all My Hypothalamus), did not only take home the Best Film Award, but also the honors for Best Actress, Best Screenplay, and Best in Cinematography.

The film stars Marietta Subong popularly known by her screen name Pokwang. The actress first made her foray in the indie scene via the 2015 film Mercury is Mine directed by Jason Paul Laxamana and she appeared in her second lead role three years after, coincidentally with a corpse involved like this film, via the recently concluded Tofarm Film Festival entry Searching for Sol (dir. Roman Perez Jr.).

If that Tofarm film had her running from one person to the next so she can have enough money to have her friend buried, Oda sa Wala finds the comedienne in a very serious dramatic role as Sonya, who runs a funeral parlor where she multitasks doing several chores. She gets into a run-in with a nameless corpse and finds an unlikely companionship the world has denied her.

Here is the complete list of winners:

Circle Audience Choice: Hintayan ng Langit

Gender Sensitivity Award: Billie & Emma
Circle Best Artistic Contribution: Oda Sa Wala - Neil Daza

Best Supporting Actress: Cielo Aquino - Billie & Emma
Best Supporting Actor: Marcus Adoro - Dog Days

Best Screenplay: Dwein Baltazar - Oda sa Wala

RainbowQC Special Jury Prize: Hard Paint
RainbowQC Best Film: Sorry Angel

Asian Next Wave Jury Prize: The Seen and Unseen
Asian Next Wave Best Film: A Land Imagined

Best Actress: Marietta Subong - Oda sa Wala
Best Actor: Eddie Garcia - Hintayan ng Langit

Best Director: Dwein Baltazar - Oda sa Wala
Circle Competition NETPAC Jury Prize: Dog Days
Best Film: Oda sa Wala

Special thanks to MyMovieWorld for the awarding photos

REP Announces Special Production Lineup for 82nd season

The untold story of a Philippine hero. An unexpected but hilarious reunion between a man and his estranged family. A poignant companionship between an actor and his dresser. A fresh and original retelling of a Filipino epic. Are you ready to see all these stories unfold on the stage?

After recently concluding yet another stellar season, Repertory Philippines or REP has announced the exciting roster of shows itis set to stage in 2019.

The leading theater company’s 82nd season includes some captivating foreign plays as well as original productions penned by REP talents! With a star-studded stable of directors, writers, and cast members, the next season is shaping up to be yet another promising one for REP.

"This season of REP is incredibly special for a number of reasons," said president and CEO, Mindy Perez-Rubio. "We’ll be working extensively with some of the most iconic REP talents, as well as several fresh new faces who each embody REP’s brand of world-class quality. As the foremost theater company in the Philippines that stages Broadway and West End plays as well as local originals, we steadfastly commit ourselves to giving audiences a topnotch theater experience that celebrates all kinds of genres."

The much-anticipated season begins with Miong, a historical play about the first-ever president of the Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo. To run from February 15 to March 10, the production will be staged during the 150th birth anniversary of the national figure. Directed by REP veteran Joy Virata and starring rising actor-musician Tim Pavino in the lead role, Miong is a REP original play, with script and lyrics written by Virata and music by Ian Monsod. Additonal lyrics are by Freddie Santos, while Ejay Yatco serves as musical director.

The momentum continues with the comedic Father’s Day, which will run from March 22 to April 14 and top bills Miguel Faustmann. A sharp and witty play about an awkward and hilarious reunion between a divorced man and his estranged family, the production sees the return of the legendary Baby Barredo to the REP director’s chair.

Next on the lineup is British drama The Dresser, to be directed by Loy Arcenas, whose movie musical Ang Larawan won Best Picture at the 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival. Centered on the relationship between a tormented thespian and his loyal dresser, the production stars powerhouse duo Teroy Guzman and Audie Gemora and runs from May 3 to May 26.

The year ends on a strong note with the REP Theater for Young Audiences production of another REP original play, The Quest for the Adarna. Running from September 14, 2019 to January 12, 2020, the production isanEnglish adaptation of the popular Filipino epic Ibong Adarna and is written by Luna Inocian with music by Rony Fortich. Tobe directed once more by the multi-talented Joy Virata, the play is poised to be a colorful celebration of Philippine culture fit for the whole family.

With such a great season ahead, make sure you grab your season passes right away! Make 2019 your most entertaining year yet with REP’s world-class productions.

For inquiries, you may call REP at 451.1474, and Ticketworld at 891.999 or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph.

For updates and show schedules, log onto www.repertoryphilippines.ph, like and follow repertoryphilippines onFacebook and Instagram, and follow @repphils on Twitter.

Manila Wrestling Federation Delivers Fun Tricks and Treats in MWF 5: Todos Los Wrestling

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Manila Wrestling Federation - the hottest and fastest-rising live entertainment spectacle in Metro Manila - continues its unique blend of athleticism
and "AksyoNovela" storytelling into its next major live presentation, "MWF 5: Todos Los Wrestling" to be held at the UP Bahay ng Alumni, Diliman, Quezon City on October 28,
Sunday. Gates open at 5:00 pm.

Offering more of its highly entertaining and action-packed brand this month, MWF promises surprises and thrills that will have you at the edge of your seats and screaming for more.

Fresh from a victory over his mentor, Singapore wrestling star “The Eurasion Dragon”, the “Pride of Sagada” Mr. Lucha has waged war against “Mr. Philippine Wrestling” Jake
De Leon from Philippine Wrestling Revolution (PWR). This heated rivalry leads to a historic cross-promotional 3-on-3 elimination tag team match with the “Motor City Angel”
Chris Panzer and “Wrestling Lord and Savior” John Sebastian.

With all the emotional and physical destruction Mr. Lucha has recently caused in MWF, will he, along with his partners and former friends Robin Sane and Ninja Ryujin, be able
to defend MWF’s pride in this grand showdown?
The heart-pounding MWF Championship Tournament continues with the final four: the brash and obnoxious Morgan Vaughn takes on the street bully Fabio Makisig, as the high-flying Robin Sane goes head-to-head with the ruthless and vicious "Danger" Rex
Lawin. Who among these men will be the first-ever MWF Champion?

As an added attraction, a wild and eccentric cinematic adventure titled "Sagot Kita 5: Stryke, Rattle and Roll" will premiere at the event, starring MWF’s resident action hero Gigz Stryker and his trusty sidekick RG.

Visit MWF’s official news site, www.mwfinsiderblog.com, for more awesome content and ticket reservations. You may also download the Ticket2Me app, MWF’s partner in online ticketing, or visit www.ticket2me.net, where “KapaFEDS” can buy tickets online and pay easily through different outlets such as local banks, Paypal or 7- 11 stores nationwide.

Mader Sitang Lands in Manila

Dancing social media phenomenon and a lawyer by profession, this Thai nation will have mindblowing new moves to delight Filipino fans. Her FUNtabulous charisma and signature hair flipping dance moves will surely spell G-O-O-D V-I-B-ES in striking, red BOLD letters.

After having arrived yesterday at 2:45pm via Cebu Pacific, she and her posse proceeded to H & H Makeover Salon at 5/F The Block SM North EDSA at 6pm.. She will have performances later October 20 at the Fahrenheit Cafe (10pm) and tomorrow Sunday at One 690 Entertainment (12mn) which also include meet-and-greet sessions with fans.

The much awaited event on many netizens lips which is the Mader Sitang Manila Tour was made possible by Mr. Gay World-Philippines 2009 (also a former National Director) and WEMSAP (Web Marketers Specialist Association of the Philippines, Inc.) founder and president Wilbert Tolentino. 

"Prepare yourself for a wind blowing Sitang extravaganza!, shares Mr. Tolentino, who is a LGBTQ influencer himself. You may contact  09285981626 for the first show and 09194419297 / 09662994669 for the 2nd show.

REGINE VELASQUEZ-ALCASID COMES HOME TO ABS-CBN, REVEALS FIRST MAJOR PROJECTS

Songbird joins “ASAP” and “Idol Philippines,” to star in musical sitcom

The one and only Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez has returned to ABS-CBN after she signed a two-year contract with the network on Wednesday (October 17) and revealed her first major projects, including a singing competition, a musical sitcom, and “ASAP.”

The OPM icon, host, and actress revealed in her first press conference as a Kapamilya that she will judge a singing competition for the first time in the upcoming show “Idol Philippines.”

Also for the first time in her career, she will star in a yet-to-be-named musical sitcom with her husband Ogie Alcasid and actor Ian Veneracion. She will also join “ASAP” as a mainstay, and will join the cast in its international show in Sydney, Australia this weekend.

With excitement, the Songbird announced that she will perform the theme song -- written by Ogie -- of the upcoming teleserye “The General’s Daughter.”

“The reason why I’m here is because I don’t how much longer I will be able to sing. And I want to work with very talented singers, that’s it -- that before I end my career I can say that I worked with the number one station,” she said.

“I realized that I still have something to give. That’s why I’m here, that’s why I returned,” she added, and said that “now is the perfect time” for her ABS-CBN homecoming.

The press conference was held after ABS-CBN executives and employees gave her a grand red carpet welcome that left her in tears, and a contract signing that was attended by ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez, president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, COO for broadcast Cory Vidanes, TV production head Laurenti Dyogi, Dreamscape Entertainment head Deo Endrinal, head of finance for broadcast and news and current affairs Cat Lopez, and Regine’s sister and manager Cacai Velasquez-Mitra.

Regine started her television career in the 80s on ABS-CBN musical shows  “Teen Pan Alley” and “Triple Treat,” and starred in a “MMK” episode in 2002, for which she won the Best Actress trophy at the PMPC Star Awards for TV.

In 2002, she headlined “One Night with Regine” at the National Museum, which she identified as one of her most memorable concerts, that raised funds for ABS-CBN’s Bantay Bata 163. At the ABS-CBN Ball 2018, she announced her plan to stage another benefit concert for the reopening of Bantay Bata’s Children’s Village.

The Importance of Asuang as a Meta-Mockumentary and a Gateway to the Bicolano Mythological Cannon PART 1

Introduction

Frankly, Asuang was just a so-so entry for me during the launch of the Cinema One Originals 2018 because prior to that event, the well-promoted entries happened to be those who branded themselves as the "laugh out loud" comedies. Looking at the production photos available in the press kit, I thought at first that this was also in the horror genre like Hospicio. I mean, just look at those contact lenses Alwyn Uytingco, the dude who plays the titular character, is wearing!

It was Bernard Santos who actually came up with the idea of interviewing the film's director, Rayn Brizuela during the launch. Of course, asked why. Bernard wasn't able to remember the title properly but when he talked about Rayn's feature film debut describing the scenes, it suddenly dawned on me. "Aha! This is the dude who directed Gerald Santos in his first lead role," I thought to myself. Since for me Memory Channel was a curious piece of work which had potential as something in the genre of mindfuck...erm...sci-fi and thriller, I concurred that we must indeed interview Rayn. However, by the time we're done interviewing actor Edgar Allan Guzman for Bagyong Bheverlynn and director Rod Singh for Mamu; and a Mother, Too, we couldn't find Rayn anymore.

Fast forward to a day before the festival officially opened, I viewed the trailers one-by-one and Asuang's piqued my interest because it gave the What We Do in the Shadows? vibe. The aforementioned film by the way is a mockumentary about vampires. Aside from Asuang being the comeback of Alwyn Uytingco after having lied low in showbiz after his marriage to Jennica Garcia, the trailer shows Alwyn flipping raw chicken and wearing  furry outfit, the type that would make PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) tear out their hair in indignation.

Who is Asuang?

The Bicolano epic Ibalong which have two prominent characters, Handyong (protagonist) and Oryol (antagonist), was made into a musical 5 years ago by the professional theater company Tanghalang Pilipino. It also gave us a glimpse into the world of Bicolano gods led by the god who controls fire, Gugurang and his brother, Asuang, the father of Oryol.

There are many versions surrounding how Asuang tried to wrest power from his brother and how it led to him being hated by humanity. The most prominent one goes like this: Asuang, who wanted to win the adulation of people, which Gugurang currently enjoys, comes up with the idea of stealing his brother's fire, the fire which brings light and warmth to the whole of humanity, and present it to the humans so they will be able to gain its power. After all, Gugurang's mood subjects people to the explosion of Mount Mayon, his place of residence, every now and then.

First, Asuang asks and eventually begs his brother for the fire. As expected, his brother does not relent so he eventually steals it. Since he is weaker, he is unable to control its power and scorches a huge portion of the earth instead. Gugurang eventually catches up to him and takes the fire back, punishing him by hurling a thunderbolt (yes, he can control that, too) at his residence which is Mount Malinao. Aside from having been labeled as the evil God who causes people to commit sins by deceiving them, it is said that humanity hated Asuang and never forgave him for this selfish act which eventually led to destruction.

In the film, there was no mention of Oryol but the lesser Gods loyal to Gugurang like Onos and Okot appear in the third act as hindrances to what Asuang and his team wants to achieve.

Jed Madela Aims 'High'. Holds First Solo Concert at the Big Dome

Jed Madela normally celebrates his showbiz anniversary in style, and this year is no different as he marks his fifteenth year in the industry with his first-ever solo concert at the Araneta Coliseum with "Higher than High: the 15th Anniversary Concert" happening on November 16 (Friday) at 8 PM.

"It has always been the dream of every artist to stand onstage and scream 'Good evening, Araneta!' I'm very excited and nervous at the same time. Excited that finally, I will be performing solo in the Big Dome and nervous because there's a lot of pressure on me now to fill its seats," he said.

According to Jed, his manager thought of the concert's title. "She came up with it based on what audiences expect from me whenever I'm onstage---which is sing big songs that require me to belt to the heavens....but more than me doing songs like that, my main goal as far as this concert is concerned is to take the audience to the next level."

Jed and his team began conceptualizing the show early this year. He is proud of the show and says they pulled out all the stops to ensure that the concert will be one for the books.

"We worked really hard on all the numbers, especially the opening," he shared. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but I will say that the show starts the moment you step into the venue."

Jed shared that the show is dedicated to those who have supported him and his dreams since the beginning---from the release of "I'll Be Around", his first album, to his star turn at the 2005 World Championship of Performing Arts, to his current status as one of OPM's greats.

"I am so full of gratitude to everyone who has been with me since day one. The ones who never left me. I may not have a horde of screaming fans, but I know that I have supporters who quietly support me in their own little way. Knowing that I've touched their lives is enough for me. As long as there are people who are willing to listen to me sing, I will keep singing."

"Higher then High: The 15th Anniversary Concert" is directed by Marvin Calido. Jed is set to perform with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra---under the baton of Maestro Gerard Salonga---and the Philippine Madrigal Singers.

CINEMA ONE ORIGINALS 2018 FORECAST: WHICH ARE HAVEY AND WHICH ARE WALEY?

Later, Cinema One Originals 2018 officially begins and will run in the following theaters until the 21st: Trinoma, Glorietta, Gateway, Santolan Town Plaza, Powerplant, SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM Manila, and SM Sta. Mesa. It will also run with extended playdates at FDCP Cinematheque Manila, UP Cine Adarna, Cinema ‘76, Black Maria Cinema, and Cinema Centenario.

So, I will rank each entry based on how much I want to watch it and of course I will tell you why.

1. Never Tear Us Apart (formerly titled Fisting)

Enigmatic and controversial at the same time, the latter because of its original title, the film, shot entirely on Iphone X, is about a domesticated aging spy. The trailer gives us nothing more than an eerie lighting, black latex, and a reminder that Stanley Kubrick is immortal. Whammy Alcazaren is known to produce films that shock the senses so I think this one is also in that category.

SCREENING SCHEDULE: 

October 13
9:45pm: Santolan Town Plaza *Gala Screening*
11:30pm: Cinema Centenario | Black Maria

October 14
2:30pm: Power Plant Mall | Glorietta

October 15
2:30pm: Trinoma
4pm: Cinematheque Manila
9pm: Black Maria

October 16
5pm: Gateway Cineplex
7pm: Cinema '76 San Juan | Cinema '76 Anonas

October 17
10pm: Trinoma
5pm: Glorietta
9:30pm: Powerplant Mall

October 18
9:40pm: Gateway Cineplex
6pm: Cinema Centenario

October 19
1pm: Cinematheque Manila
3pm: Cinema '76 San Juan | Cinema '76 Anonas
6:30pm:Santolan Town Plaza
7pm:UP Film Center

October 20
7pm: Cinematheque Manila
9:30pm: Glorietta

October 21
5:30pm: Cinema '76 San Juan | Cinema '76 Anonas
7pm: Power Plant Mall
9:15pm: Santolan Town Plaza
11:30pm: Black Maria

from the same family behind Never Tear Us Apart
PAKI

October 12
5pm: Trinoma

October 17
2:30pm: Glorietta

also written and directed by Whammy Alcazaren
ISLANDS

October 13
12:30pm: Santolan Town Plaza

October 16
12nn: Gateway

2. Asuang

Found footage cinema was popularized by the Blair Witch Project but unlike the said film, this looks like more of a satire. Aside from being a comeback of sorts for Alwyn Uytingco on film in a role which doesn't look just meaty but furry (that thing on his neck would be have PETA people carrying pitchforks), this blends the myth created by popular media iconography with Pinoy mythology where Asuang, the Bicolano God of Sins, like our local Loki, holds the fate of humanity. 

Yes, Chai Fonacier and Jelson Bay are in the cast. Two more reasons to watch it. Carl Papa, writer-director of Paglisan, another entry, is on board for this one alongside Rayn Brizuela who directs it, Brizuela fyi is behind the mindfuck Memory Channel starring Gerald Santos. While that one may not be so polished, it's enough to make me look forward to his sophomore offering.

3. A Short History of a Few Bad Things

The trailer explicitly mentioned "Babylon Kids" and I think Keith Deligero's Babylon is an underrated gem of a short film. That absurd film he described as a prank call to the Philippines went to Berlin so I wonder if this third full-length film of his will have that silly and evil uncle from the short one? Obviously, it it is comedy but not a slapstick one. Expect tons of Cebuano humor and possibly something as absurd as a talking chicken.

SCREENING SCHEDULE:

October 13 (Saturday)

9:30PM
SM Manila Cinema 8

October 14 (Sunday)

4:00PM
Cinema Centenario, QC

7:00PM
Cinematheque Manila

7:15PM
GALA NIGHT
Santolan Town Plaza Cinema 4

9:00PM
Blackmaria, Mandaluyong

9:45PM
Glorietta Cinema 4
SM North Edsa Cinema 7

9:55PM
Trinoma Cinema 4

October 15 (Monday)

2:00PM
SM Sta. Mesa Cinema 10

2:30PM
Powerplant Cinema 1

4:30PM
SM Manila Cinema 8

5:00PM
Cinema ’76 San Juan
Cinema ’76 Anonas

5:15PM
Gateway Cinema 6

11:00PM
Cinema Centenario QC

October 16 (Tuesday)

2:30PM
SM Megamall Cinema 5

3:00PM
Trinoma Cinema 4
SM North Edsa Cinema 7

4:00PM
Cinematheque Manila

5:00PM
Glorietta Cinema 4

9:30PM
Powerplant Cinema 1

October 17 (Wednesday)

12NN
SM Megamall Cinema 5
SM Manila Cinema 8

4:30PM
Santolan Town Plaza Cinema 4

7:30PM
SM Sta. Mesa Cinema 10

October 18 (Thursday)

4:00PM
Blackmaria Mandaluyong

7:30PM
Powerplant Cinema 1

8:30PM
Cinema Centenario QC

9:50PM
SM Megamall Cinema 5

10:15PM
SM Manila Cinema 8

October 19 (Friday)

4:15PM
Santolan Town Plaza Cinema 4

5:30PM
Trinoma Cinema 4

7:00PM
Cinematheque Manila

7:15PM
SM North Edsa Cinema 7

October 20 (Saturday)

12:30PM
SM North Edsa

1:30PM
Cinema Centenario QC

3:00PM
SM Megamall Cinema 5

7:00PM
Gateway Cinema 6

7:30PM
Glorietta Cinema 4
Cinema ’76 San Juan
Cinema ’76 Anonas

9:00PM
Blackmaria Mandaluyong

9:30PM
SM Sta. Mesa Cinema 10

October 21 (Sunday)

5:00PM
Powerplant Cinema 1
SM North Edsa Cinema 7

8:00PM
SM Manila Cinema 8

October 24 (Wednesday)

7:00PM
Cine Adarna

4. Paglisan

Even though the animation looks like something out of a seventies Japanese animated feature, Carl Papa must still be commended because at least this is not some trying hard CGI crap but something heartfelt and obviously drawn from his experiences in life, whether personal or from the stories he encountered. As a third world country, this might be one of the best things our technology can manage right now especially with the film just having the seed money of about over a million. Since cartoons usually appeal to kids, I think tackling issues such as parents separating in such a medium is important because there are just some things which are so difficult to put into words.

5. Bagyong Bheverlynn



The film has a very fresh concept which reminds one of the Negrense folktale concerning Epefania, a young village lass who almost destroys the world chasing for love. Where her power came from, nobody knows, which almost seems the same with Bheverlynn (Rufa Mae Quinto, an unwitting lady who conjures up a literal storm vua the force of her misery brought about by her narcissist ex-boyfriend (EA de Guzman).

No need to trivialize this further, this is for me, you, anyone, and everyone who has ever loved a narcissist. I'm pretty sure this film would make you love more than it it will make you cry.

6. Mamu; and a Mother Too



Newbie director Rod Singh from UP Babaylan focuses on how it's an additional challenge for a transgender woman to raise a seemingly younger version of herself loaded with a lot pf spunk and libido. This film took a huge risk which may or may not pay off because it not only has a newbie director, the main cast are non-actors, too.

7. Double Twisting Double Back

When I first heard of this project, I was excited since here we might have a well-made fictional drama about an athlete in the vein of The Wrestler (2008) or more recently, I Tonya (2017). Then, I heard about the erotic thriller part, saw the teaser (no trailer was ever uploaded that's why it is not on the Youtube channel of Cinema One Originals), connected the dots, and thought to myself, "Is this the violent version of Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa" since the producer collaborated with Alvin Yapan before that Oro thingy happened. Why wasn't a fictional biopic about Michael Christian Martinez or Hidilyn Diaz made instead? Without the same-sex potential crime of passion angle, thank you very much.

8. Hospicio

Wait, I thought the season of "I got put into a mental hospital by accident and suddenly no one is there to help me even in the advent of Tulfo and modern technology" was already over after Unsane? Just subscribe to Netflix instead and watch the whole season of American Horror Story: Asylum. Trust me on this, please. Fine, go watch it if you are such a Loisa Andalio fan.

9. Pang MMK

Remember when Cinema Originals gave us Slumber Party in 2012? Good. Remember that. R-E-M-E-M-B-E-R. Wait, you actually finished watching the trailer?