Film Review: As Long as We Both Shall Live

Opening in Philippine cinemas today, this is a film adaptation of the beloved light novel My Happy Marriage by Akumi Agitogi. This fantasy melodrama is set in the Meiji, in a world where there are families with bloodlines that allow them to possess special abilities [inou] to help rid the world of dark entities called paranormals and abberations.

Miyo Saimori (Mio Imada) belongs to such bloodline but is treated badly by her father who remarried as well as her stepmother and half-sister, because she's considered a disgrace and an imbecile for not having any powers at all. She's betrothed to Kiyoka Kudo (Ren Meguro), a cold-hearted soldier who possesses the power of fire and is rumored to have been left by his previous fiancées within the span of three days.

The storytelling for me was a little too fast-paced and there was information overload at first. However, as Miyo and Kiyoka interact with each other, causing changes in one another, that is where the movie goes interesting. I like the way the film tackled the development of romantic feelings without any physical intimacy whatsoever.

I was a little worried for the CGI at first when I saw the bird which was a little unsteady but the visual effects was satisfactory throughout the movie, especially during the climax in the dream world. 

My favorite part was when Kudo had to rescue Miyo and he had a one-on-one magical battle with one of her captors.

An area of improvement would definitely be the pacing, which could have been resolved by splitting the movie into two parts or making it longer, allowing more character development. The acting could also use some fine tuning but of course the Japanese are not really the best in that aspect so there is not really much that can be done about that.

Nevertheless, the film, as an adaptation, fulfilled its goal for me as an audience member with no background of the source material whatsoever, to be interested in it.

Does this need or deserve to have a sequel? Definitely. And I will be around to watch it.

RATING: 3.5/5

The film premiered in Vista Mall Taguig last November 27. 

For Southies like me, here are the cinemas in Makati, Alabang, Las Piñas, Taguig, and Parañaque where it is showing:

Vista Mall Las Piñas

Vista Mall Taguig

Ayala Malls Circuit

Ayala Malls Manila Bay

Glorietta 4

Market! Market!

Robinsons Place Las Piñas

When the stars align: Bea, Dennis, Andrea, and Sid on love and relationships

There’s no denying that Love Before Sunrise has taken us to a rollercoaster ride of emotions, most especially when it comes to love. We’ve seen what the characters of Atom, Stella, Czarina, and Roald have done and can do for love—what they’re willing to fight for, to sacrifice, and to go through hurt and pain for. 

That the lead actors of the show—Bea Alonzo, Dennis Trillo, Andrea Torres, and Sid Lucero—also have strong perspectives on love and relationships helps in drawing out their characters and bringing them to life. But have you ever wondered if they’re all aligned with their thoughts about matters of the heart? Viu Philippines spent a day with the Love Before Sunrise cast to ask them questions about love and relationships. Read on to find out more!

On staying single or looking for love

“For almost 30 years, I’ve been looking for someone who will match with me. Should I wait and let destiny do its magic or should I settle?”

Asked about waiting or pursuing, the ladies agree that a person should allow love to take its natural course. “Ako, don’t look for love but let love find you. There is someone out there just for you,” says Bea. “Go through a journey of loving somebody and let them love you.” 

Andrea adds that people should never settle. “If you don’t feel like you found someone you truly love and shakes you to your core, then don’t settle.”

Funnily, the boys had humorous responses to the question. “I don’t think I’ll be able to wait 30 years. I’ll lower my standards a little bit after 30 years. Maybe don’t wait that long,” he laughs. “Find an alternative for the meantime—but it must be hard.”

Sid, however, offers a different perspective. “We live in a society that puts a lot of importance on relationships. The value of romance is so high. If there’s no one yet, maybe there’s a reason. Maybe the universe or some higher power is telling you something. Maybe work on yourself.” Yes, Sid—there is indeed merit in self-love in order to love others well.

On marrying the one you love 

“Most men don’t marry the woman they love. They marry the woman that’s in their life when they’re ready to marry. Is this statement true or false?”

“I’ve heard this [before]. Women get married when they find one. But men get married depending on the timing,” shares Bea.  “I think it’s best when they meet both ways, when they love each other and they’re both ready to get married. Ang sarap kiligin kaya. But it’s also nice to have good timing.”

Bea and Andrea related the question to dating one’s best friends, which they acknowledged has its own risks. “If things go badly, you can never return your friendship. Sa una lang yung honeymoon stage, but you need to have a good foundation,” says Andrea.

“[But] what if  it would work, but you’re missing out on your chance? Personally, I would take that risk,” she adds.

On the boys’ side, Dennis and Sid balance Bea and Andrea’s insights “I always think that I’ll marry someone I love. But as I’ve gotten older, it’s not the most important thing. What’s most important is the companionship. And parang mas [importante] yun,” says Sid. 

Dennis reiterates, however, that it’s really important to find somebody that you want to be with every day. “It’s hard to settle on someone. You have to really find someone you love. It’s such a big decision and although, it’s really hard to find someone who you match 100%. Hindi pilitan yung pagkakasal.” 

What do you think about the thoughts of the stars of Love Before Sunrise? Do you agree with their perspectives on love and relationships? Watch the full video now on Viu Philippines’ YouTube channel and Facebook page!

To learn more about how Bea, Dennis, Andrea, and Sid channel these ideas into their characters, make sure to watch Love Before Sunrise for FREE on Viu anytime anywhere and on GMA Primetime!

Download Viu via the Appstore or Playstore or visit www.viu.com

A Daring Julia Barretto Is Tanduay’s New Calendar Girl

 Tanduay has chosen actress Julia Barretto as its 2024 Tanduay Calendar Girl.

“Tanduay will be celebrating its 170th anniversary in 2024 and we wanted a strong,

confident, and hardworking personality to represent the brand. Like Tanduay, Julia has

weathered many challenges in her career and has emerged happy and successful,” the

brand said in a statement.

The World’s Number 1 rum added that Barretto has a fire in her soul and is not afraid to

show the world her truest self.

“In representing Tanduay, she shows the world that the brand champions courage and

empowerment,” Tanduay said.

The 2024 Tanduay Calendar Girl was presented to the members of the media at

Elements in ETON Centris. According to Tanduay, their creative team worked with the

actress’ style team for the upcoming calendar and they tapped top editorial and

commercial photographer BJ Pascual to do the shoot.

Barretto is one of the most popular and talented actresses of her generation. She has

been in the industry since she was a child, appearing in numerous top-rating television

shows and movies throughout her decades-long career.

The actress is also considered a style icon and is one of the most-followed Filipino

celebrities on social media, with 11.4 million followers on Instagram as of this writing.

As the 2024 Tanduay Calendar Girl, Barretto is also scheduled to appear in the brand’s

promotional events and materials in the coming year.

“2024 is a big year for Tanduay as it celebrates its 170th anniversary. We have lined up

activities that will showcase the brand’s evolution, how it captured the hearts of

Filipinos, and how it is now also gaining the attention of rum aficionados in the biggest

cities in the world. Julia is going to be a part of these major events,” Tanduay said.

Rock Into The Night: Rakrakan Festival 2023 Unleashes Epic Lineup With Ely Buendia And Rico Blanco Headlining!

Brace yourselves for the grand finale as The Last Rakrakan Festival 2023 promises two days of extraordinary performances, culture, and unity on November 25 and 26 at SMDC Festival Grounds, Paranaque City, featuring the best artists and engaging activities.

Day 1, on November 25, will be headlined by the iconic RICO BLANCO and feature artists such as December Avenue, Sugarcane, Munimuni, Orange and Lemons, Kiyo, Kjwan, Nobita, Razorback, Saydie, Skychurch, Galaw Tao, Autotelic, Barbie Almalbis, CHNDTR, Better Days, Mizael, Kiss N Tell, and more.

Day 2, on November 26, will headlined by the legendary rock star icon ELY BUENDIA taking the stage alongside Juan Karlos, Zild, Blaster, Unique, Dilaw, Mayonnaise, Valley of Chrome, Greyhoundz, Typecast, Chicosci, Bandang Lapis, Chocolate Factory, The Chongkeys, Brownman Revival, Pedicab, and more.

The Last Rakrakan Festival offers diverse activities, including a Car Show (B2B), a Skate Clinic (Malachi), a Street Art Competition (in partnership with Do It), Perya Games, a Food and Merch Bazaar, and more.

With three main stages—Peace, Center, and Mosh—and additional mini-stages like Busking, Manila Wrestling Federation & Sunugan Battles, Musiklaban Audition Stages, and Cosplay Stage, the festival promises a unique and immersive experience showcasing a variety of music genres and talents, providing a platform for up-and-coming artists to shine.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this historic event, as The Last Rakrakan Festival bids a heartfelt farewell. Join us for an unforgettable event in the history of Original Pinoy Music. Be part of this memorable experience at the last Rakrakan Festival.

Tickets are available through various platforms:

SMtickets website: https://smtickets.com/events/view/12532

Available at all SM Ticket outlets nationwide

Beetzee (Gcash & Maya): http://rakrakan.beetzee.com

Lazada: http://lazada.com.ph/rakistaclothing

Shopee: http://shopee.ph/rakistaclothing

Additional SM Ticket charges apply.

Ticket options include:

GEN-AD: Access to all stages and common areas.

VIP : Access to all stages and common areas, VIP Areas (Closer to stages), Meet & Greet, Dedicated Portalet.

S-VIP : RF 2023 Official Event Shirt, Access to all stages and common areas, S-VIP Areas (The best view of the stages), Meet & Greet, Dedicated Portalet, and DSLR Access.

For further details and ticket purchases, visit the official festival website at www.rakrakanfestival.com.

Filipino writer-musician releasing solo records with US-based NSFU Publishing

After several years of recording music as a member of a band or two, writer-musician Yugel Losorata is releasing music as a solo artist. This development came after the multi-faceted talent received an offer from US-based NSFU Publishing to produce his own music outside of any band affiliation. NSFU means New Sounds From Underground.

 

The result is the release of the single “Hosanna Kapiling Ka” to digital stores on November 3, 2023, with Yugel, who wrote and had sung the song himself, credited as the artist. The track is a pop ballad with layered production that harks back to his band music influences, featuring the sound of glockenspiel that emphasizes the core message of missing a romantic partner during Christmastime.    

 

Affiliated with BMI, which is the largest music rights organization in the US, NSFU is a music publishing company owned by Ted Reyes, a Filipino singer-songwriter who moved to America two decades ago.   

 

Yugel is currently in California where the song was produced, right on the famed Sunset Boulevard. The said track is the first of several singles Yugel and Reyes plan to collaborate as recording artists.  

 

Back in the Philippines, Yugel served as chief songwriter and bass player for his bands Syato and The Pub Forties. Syato was signed by Ivory Music in 2005 and had produced two albums and several digital singles before becoming inactive in 2016, while The Pub Forties already has a number of singles and a couple of EPs on digital platforms since it started releasing music in 2017. The latter's latest EP "Escape to Alcaraz" was distributed by Widescope Entertainment. 

Yugel is also a veteran music journalist whose byline has appeared in various Philippine publications, including Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, and Manila Standard where he still writes a weekly column called Touchbass. For a time he wrote for Yahoo Philippines and served as copy editor for CNN Philippines. He is now a member of FAPCCA (Filipino-American Press Club of California).      

 

On the side of creative writing, he wrote a novel (The Lust Regime) and a collection of short stories (Rhythm & Bruise) with a Foreword by Philippines King of Talk Boy Abunda. Both were published by Ukiyoto Publishing, a traditional publishing house with a global outreach. His music memoir is set to publish sometime next year.

///

Hosanna Kapiling Ka Lyrics

Artist: YUGEL

Music & lyrics: Yugel Losorata 

Record producer: Ted Reyes, NSFU Publishing

To be dropped on digital stores Nov. 3, 2023

Recorded at Pirate Studios, Sunset Blvd. L.A, California

Intro:

I

Heto na ang panahong 

Pagninilayan ang kahapon

Sa tuwing humuhuni’ng mga ibon

II

Kung maaring di na lang 

Ngunit kailangan kong lumisan 

Para sa ating kinabukasan 

Chorus 

Hosanna kapiling na kita sinta 

Ngayong pasko sana’y di mawalay

Hosanna kapiling na kita sinta

Ngayong pasko sana ay mayakap ka

Repeat I & II except last line 

Para sa kinabukasan

Repeat chorus

Repeat last two lines 

Coda

Hosanna kapiling ka (2x)