Life is an iPhone # 021

Clockwise from top row:

1. Comedy Bar. The last time I visited Punchline (or is it Laffline?) was ages ago. It was a relief to spend a not so good Friday in the company of kids and kids at heart while laughing out loud on the stand-up comedians’ wit. It’s not something that I would do too often but the experience remains therapeutic;

2. Late Midnight Snack or Early Morning Breakfast? This one, too. I haven’t had a meal at 3am for quite a long time now. I had Special Chicken Chelo Kabab and a glass of tamarind iced tea for P155;

3. Shoes Who? Iam was not feeling good when I took this paparazzi shot of her shoes. I find the outcome a little poetic. Still at Mr. Kabab;

4. Biodegrable. I noticed this just recently that plastic bags from SM are now biodegradable. Genius!;

5. Pinoy Themed NBS. I am fascinated everytime I pass by this National Book Store branch at Robinsons Place in Ermita. I think it’s the only book store that is, err, very nationalistic. Take note of the base of the signage being made from banig and the top of the pillars being vinta-inspired;

6. Little Chicago. On my way to the Greenbelt Chapel, I was distracted by a group of kids and adults having fun on this part of the mall. The culprit is perhaps an exhaust fan underneath. I wish to try it when not too crowded;

Gelato and Watercolor Paintings

Sol Gelato. We have finally visited this gelato corner in Venetian Mall at McKinley Hill (close to the same street heading to the Manila American Cemetary and Memorial and Gate 3). It’s partly owned by officemate Ken Lim (thus the visit). And invaded! First off, the soon-to-be “it” mall is worth a visit on its own. Beautifully landscaped and well conceptualized, we’re guessing that it’s going to be the next Eastwood. As for the main purpose of food invasion, I tried a piccolo (Italian word for “small”) serving of pistachio for P95. I’m not a gelato connoisseur but I sure did enjoy it. Forget that I know one of its owners, it’s a must try. Some celfone pictures here.

Montano: The First Impression. On its last day of exhibit (November 29), I went to Ayala Museum’s ArtistSpace to check out Cesar Montano’s works as a visual artist. The small open space near the museum entrance housed the actor’s 20 or so pieces of watercolor pieces and more. Most of it was already sold out, so I heard. Subjects vary from forest trees to flowers in the vase and I was, err, impressed with what I saw. Some celfone pictures here.

Philography File # 002: Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino, Ana Abad Santos and Ces Quesada

Accomplished last November 28, Saturday, right after the 3pm staging of DUP's "Maria Stuart".

Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino and Ana Abad Santos are considered two of the local theater scene's leading actresses. Ces Quesada, also a stage actress, gains popularity from the post-Martial Law gag show "Sic O'Clock News".

Reyna ng Intriga

Maria Stuart
Produksyon: Dulaang UP
Direktor: Tony Mabesa
Mandudula: Friedrich Von Schiller
Mga Nagsiganap: Ana Abad Santos, Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino, atbp.

ISTORYA

Binigyang buhay ng dula ang mga huling araw ni Maria Stuart (Ana Abad Santos), the Queen of Scots, at ilang mga kaganapan na naghatid sa kanyang execution. Ilang mga pamosong karakter ang nakasaksi at naging bahagi ng malungkot na bahaging ito ng kasaysayan ng monarkiya sa England. Kasama na rito si Queen Elizabeth I (Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino), ang pinsan ni Maria Stuart.

TELESERYE NG KAMAHALAN

Sinong magsasabing sa teleserye lang makikita ang madadramang tagpo ng mga bida at kontrabida, mga intriga, plot twists at mga breakdown scene? Noong unang panahon pala ay meron na nito. At baka mas matindi pa ang consequence. Ganito ang mga tagpong maaasahan sa “Maria Stuart”. Siguro ay ginawa talaga ito ng mandudula upang bigyan ng parallelism ang totoong buhay at buhay sa entablado. Maliban siyempre sa pagkakataong makapaglahad ng kapiraso ng kasaysayan.

Walang halong pabulaklak ang pagkakadirek ni Tony Mabesa. Old school kung old school. Kalkulado ang mga blocking at tila walang idinagdag sa orihinal na materyal nito. Hindi ito sinubukang magpakabago upang makaakit ng bagong henerasyon ng theater buff. At ang mga ganitong pagtatanghal ang bihira na nating makita sa ngayon. Sa kabuuan ng dula, ang ilang audio-visual lang sa entablado na ginamit para sa ulan, sa mga puno at detalye ng lugar ang nagsabing reminder na nasa makabagong panahon tayo.

Ang set ni Clint Ramos ay simple lang pero ganitong disenyo ang hinihingi ng dula. Walang mga moving props o mga butas na biglang magsisilbing bintana o hukay. Ang ilang set piece ay inilalagay na lang sa gitna kung kinakailangan. Bare na bare. Sa kabila ng kahungkagan na ito ng produksyon, pinatigkad naman ng mga costume ni Eric Pineda ang entablado. Tila mga santong dinamitan sina Maria Stuart at Queen Elizabeth I dito.

Mahusay ang cast. Maganda ang suportang ibinigay ng bawat karakter na ginampanan ng iba’t ibang personalidad mula sa apat na sulok ng local theater scene. Nariyan si Ron Capinding na madalas makita sa mga dula sa Ateneo. Idagdag pa sina Fonz Deza, Richard Cunanan, Ces Quesada at marami pang iba. Pero ang bituin talaga ng dula ay ang dalawang bida rito na sina Ana Abad Santos at Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino. Sa presence pa lang nila ay sulit na ang ticket sa P250. Bonus na lang ang makita silang nagtatarayan, nagsasagutan, nagsasampalan at nagpapatingkaran ng karakter. Mahusay si Bb. Ana sa kanyang mga eksenang nagpapakita ng grace sa kadiliman ng bahaging iyon ng buhay n’ya. Hindi matatawaran ang kanyang mga eksena kasama si Queen Elizabeth I. Si Bb. Shamaine naman ay may kung anong magic sa bawat paglabas. Ang kanyang imahe sa huling bahagi ng dula na nagpapakita sa kalungkutan na kanyang haharaping mag-isa ay mananatili siguro sa wisyo ko sa mahabang panahon.

Kung tutuusin, ang dalawang mahusay na aktres na ito ng ating panahon ay nagsama na dati sa isang short film na “Behind Closed Door”. Dito ay ginampanan nila ang dalawang lesbian na nagpakasasa sa init ng pangungulila at pagnanasa. Heto at sabay nilang tinanggap, pinangatawanan at pinagtagumpayan ang challenge na ibinigay sa kanila ng dulang “Maria Stuart.

KONKLUSYON

Ang intriga, kahit noon pa, ay nakamamatay. May kakaiba itong lason na tila nanlilinlang sa umpisa at kapag nahulog na sa sapot nito ay mahirap nang makalabas. Siguro ay sa tulak na rin ng pagnanasa sa mga bagay na hindi natin maabot. Dito nagagamit ang intriga bilang alas. Hindi man namamatay ang ilan sa atin sa guillotine dahil sa intriga, nanunuot naman ito sa ating sikolohikal na katawan at nagpapabulok sa ating pagkatao.

Movie Digest # 066

ESTASYON
Robinson’s Galleria, Cinema 7, November 8, 1:00pm

It’s basically a film about a filmmaker who wishes to do something more meaningful than concocting soft porn materials. In his chase, he met a boy during the feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo. What follows is documentary-style of soul searching and redemption. My comment for this one is that it has many treatments in mind. It tries to be realistic (read: Borat-ish) at one point, best shown in the part where the other main character (played by newcomer Christian Galindo) asks people around where he can find the Nazereno. It also sounds too personal for the filmmaker through the narration part of the central character. In between are the usual dramatic sequences that you’ve probably seen somewhere. For the message alone, I appreciate this one. The last frame with another character being drenched in the rain is just a guilty pleasure to pass up. The film also stars Mon Confiado and Klaudia Koronel (who is truly missed in the local scene).

Friends who might appreciate it: Fanatics of the Nazareno.

2012
The Podium, Cinema 2, November 13, 7:10pm

Just by watching its trailer, you should already have an idea what the film will be all about. It was indeed a pretty sound idea to have kept my expectations rock bottom when I saw this one. True to the taste, the film is all CGI (which is impressive, by the way) and got nothing more to share. There are some scenes that have me glued on my seat but the dramatic sequences are so dated. Some clever scenes ensue like highlighting the “black” American president being soaked with ashes making all the people look equal and the statement on US naval ship killing the president but that is saying too much about the film.

Friends who might appreciate it: Definitely not those in LA.

TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 1, November 20, 9:15pm

This second installment of the Twilight Saga can be summarized into two small plot turns: one being with the most screen time, Bella’s affection with Jacob (a werewolf) and two, Bella returning to Edward’s arms. Aside from new characters being introduced (which got me floored with Dakota Fanning’s short presence), there’s nothing much to hope for on this TV series-like film. CGI is better but the production design remains second rate. My favorite line from the movie: "Well, I'm so sorry that I can't be the right kind of monster for you, Bella."

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who watched the first installment so that no harm could be done with the recommendation (if you call it as such).

NINJA ASSASSIN
Glorietta 4, Cinema 1, November 28, 8:15pm

This is the third film I saw that has the Korean superstar Rain on it. The first being Chan-wook Park’s “I’m a Cyborg but That’s OK” (which I like a lot) and just recently, Wachowski Brothers’ “Speed Racer”. “Ninja Assassin” tells a thin plot about a ninja going against other ninjas for being haunted by a bleak past. Got nothing much to say aside from the film being gory and a little entertaining on the side. Its only salvation for me is the way the CGI is used when ninjas camouflage in the dark.

Friends who might appreciate it: Clear Anti-Dandruff Shampoo users.

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY
Glorietta 4, Cinema 4, November 28, 10:30pm

First things first, it’s a concept-driven film. So if you’re looking for something heavily plot-oriented like “The Exorcist” and the rest, then the film is not for you. It tells a story of a young couple haunted by an entity with all the circumstances being captured through a video camera. I’m guessing that the film’s main aim is to scare the moviegoers, which, from my experience, is very, very effective. I’ve mentioned moviegoers because it is best experienced inside the cinema along with other scare flick fans.

Friends who might appreciate it: My landlady who’s a big fan of exorcism-themed shows. She mentioned one time that she attended a wedding wherein the bride got possessed in the middle of church ceremony.

Life is an iPhone # 020

Clockwise from top row:

1. Mountain Backpack. I finally got my prize from Gibbs Cadiz around three weeks ago. It was a Friday, I think, when I visited PDI in Pasong Tamo, met the critic himself and received my bag. I have to acknowledge its sponsor, the Thai Airways. Thanks and here’s looking forward to more backpacking travels;

2. Yellow Curry from Chariya’s Kitchen. This little known Thai restaurant along Reposo St. in Makati offers cheap authentic dishes, very much similar to Som’s sans the long queue. I saw Juana Change there once having dinner with friends. A colleague also spotted Rachel Alejandro there;

3. Designer Christmas. Louis Vuitton makes it a point that the store’s presence is felt during the Yuletide season. Taken at Greenbelt 2’s branch while waiting for a cab;

4. Pancit Luglog and Halo-halo from Razon’s. This one was shared with a dear friend Ate Weng. We were about to watch Repertory Philippines’ staging of “Sweeney Todd”. For the record, it was my very first halo-halo from this famous halo-halo restaurant;

5. Kapuso Chrismas Decor. Took a picture of the façade of GMA7’s slightly new building while waiting for a friend. The concept reminds me of Rustan’s annual Christmas décor in Makati though this one’s more elaborate;

6. Dessert Called Gluttony from Wicked Kitchen. It became a staple everytime we visit ABS-CBN compound to get a fix of this sinfully delightful freshly baked cookie topped with mantecado ice cream and whipped cream. Posting the description here alone makes me crave for more. A must-try;

Life is an iPhone # 019

Clockwise from top row:

1. Dora Explores Galleria. I think this was taken during the first or second weekend of November. It just shows that Christmas in the Philippines starts early;

2. Jozu Kin at Burgos Circle. I had ramen at Jozu Kin in one of my lunchmates’ Friday lunch-outs. This one’s slightly memorable as I was not feeling well. I was chilling then and I had to stay outside the resto for a few minutes to avoid the aircon. The hot dalandan juice saved the day. Food is great on this corner, by the way. It’s one of those places that you can taste the homemade-ness of the goods;

3. Red Tickets. Nothing special, really. The color of the movie ticket is just noticeable. Plus, it’s worth sharing that if you wish to watch a blockbuster film (read: “Twilight Saga: New Moon” or “2012”) and haven’t done a reservation weeks earlier, try The Podium Cinema and call them at 638-9781 to 85 to secure a seat. Very convenient for an extra P10;

4. Cinama One Originals in Araneta Center. I got fascinated that a not so major film festival can get a spot in the iconic Araneta Coliseum. Nope, I wasn’t after the movie poster beside it;

5. Giant Christmas Tree. Christmas is really around the bend. This picture was captured while on a cab on my way to Gateway Cineplex. If you remember the giant tree that Kuya Germs normally lights up, this is the same piece;

6. New Frontier Cinema. It’s a little saddening to see a once celebrated building being condemned. This place, which is synonimous to Cubao during its glory days, is known for grand movie premieres and the like. I’ve always been wanting to at least see the interior. Too bad, it started to tear down when I had the resources to do so. Goodbye, history;

Kanya-Kanyang London

Sweeney Todd (The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)
Produksyon: Repertory Philippines
Direktor: Baby Barredo at Michael Williams
Libretto: Hugh Willer (hango sa adaptation ni Christopher Bond)
Musika at Titik: Stephen Sondheim
Mga Nagsiganap: Audie Gemora, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Franco Laurel, Marvin Ong, atbp.


ISTORYA

Inumpisahan ang musical sa pagbalik ni Benjamin Barker (Audie Gemora) sa London matapos ang mahabang panahon ng pagkakakulong. Sa kanyang dating tahanan ay nakilala n’ya ang may-ari ng meat pie shop sa ibaba na si Mrs. Lovett (Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo). Dito n’ya nalaman na ang kanyang asawa na nais balikan ay nagpakamatay at ang kanyang anak na si Johanna (Lena Mckenzie) ay nasa pangangalaga ni Judge Turpin (Roger Chua, na gumahasa sa kanyang asawa at dahilan ng kanyang pagkakakulong).

Mula sa revenge sa umabuso sa kanyang mga mahal sa buhay, nabuo ang tambalang Barker (na nagtago sa pangalang Sweeney Todd) at Mrs. Lovett. Dito nila isa-isang itinumba ang mga dapat singilin. Naging kumplikado ang lahat nang sumingit sa eksena sina Anthony (Franco Laurel, na naging kaibigan ni Sweeney Todd at na-in love kay Johanna) at Tobias (Marvin Ong, isang paslit na maagang namulat sa maling halaga ng buhay).

KUWENTONG BARBERO

Sobrang mataas ang expectation ko sa musical, salamat sa mga nabasa kong paunang rebyu. At hindi ito kuwentong barbero sa ilang bagay. Halimbawa, given na ang performance na ipinakita nina Audie Gemora at Menchu Launchengco-Yulo. Without having seen the play yet, alam ko na kung anong meron (hindi ko alam kung compliment nga itong matatawag). Pero ang pinakanapansin ko sa lahat ay ang mga sumusunod: ensemble (hindi nagpaagaw ng eksena, ang sarap pakinggan), ang baguhang si Marvin Ong (malayo ang mararating ng batang ito, kahit si Lea Salonga ay na-single out s’ya) at si Liesl Batucan (na tila inangkin ang role ng beggar woman). Maganda ring pakinggan ang boses ni Franco Laurel particularly sa mga awit n’ya kay Johanna. Pero hanggang dito lang ang masasabi ko.

May konting disappointment lang ako sa set. Hindi ako masyadong napa-wow. Siguro ay sa kakulangan na rin ng budget para rito. Lalong hindi nakatulong na napanood ko sa Youtube ang ilang stage adaptation sa material. Halimbawa, sa napanood ko, meron talagang dugong sumisirit mula sa biktima. Mas stagey sana ito kung nagawa rin ng Repertory Philippines. Isa pang hindi masyadong malinaw ay ang barber chair na ginamit ni Sweeney Todd. Normally, steady lang ito at madalas na ganito ang makikita sa mga totoong barber shop. Ang props na ginamit ni Mio Infante (set designer) rito ay isang upuan na meron yatang gulong. Mapupunang gagalawin muna ito ni Audie sa isang side bago ihulog ang biktima at matapos ay ibabalik ulit sa gitna.

KONKLUSYON

Kahit alam ko na ang konsepto ng dula dahil napanood ko ang film version ni Johnny Depp, pinag-isip pa rin naman ako kahit papaano. Na-realize ko na ang lahat ng tao ay may kanya-kanyang London na maaaring balikan. Hindi maiiwasan na pumasok sa buhay natin ang ilang karanasan na kailangan nating masaktan o magalit. It’s up to us kung maghihiganti ba tayo o ipagpapasa-Diyos na lang ang lahat. Sa kaso ni Sweeney Todd, pinili n’yang balikan ang London na naging simbolo ng madugo, marahas at mapaghiganting makina.

ASAP, ASAP!

Complete video of the opening number here and more pictures here.

Last Saturday, when I was about to watch the “Sweeney Todd” staging in Greenbelt Onstage, I got an emergency text from a friend. She mentioned that eight slots to the musical variety show ASAP 09 for the next day were up for grabs. I started texting the usual suspects and got positive replies. After the play, the availability was trimmed down to five.

Starbucks

With Jen, Joey, Mel and Mel’s sis Pam, we met Joy at Starbucks inside the ELJ Building at 8:30am the following day and settled some under-the-table stuff. You see, tickets for the show are like gold. It’s either you book this early to catch it in 2011 or be a TFC subscriber. The other little known option is to be shortlisted as a member of a fan club from any of the mainstays. We took the liberty of being Sam Milby fans for a day. And Mel was not complaining, of course. At ten minutes before 9, we were already heading to the Audience Entrance along Mother Ignacia St.

Queueing

There were roughly 30 people in the area that time. Minutes after we arrived, the guard asked the passes-holder to queue. Joy, by the way, divided us (five of us plus Patricia, Joy’s friend) into two, with three, given with passes, and the rest, as part of a “guest list”. Mel, Pam and Joey were the designated passes-holder so they were asked to get in first along with 15 other patrons. That was the first pass.

After a while, the remaining guest listers were then ushered to get in. I overheard that Sam already arrived, that’s why. Joy stayed put while Jen, Patricia and I got in. The guard joked that they’ll “enjoy” Joy for a few more minutes. Second pass near the entrance was another guard with a registry. We were asked to give our names and the fan club we represent.

While having a few more meters’ walk away from the second pass, we were halted again by another security personnel and were asked to wait. The event marshall mentioned that the queueing would be fixed accordingly to give way to those with tickets. That time, we’re allowed to visit the nearby cafeteria and to freshen up. At close to 10am, the marshall started giving a short talk on safety measures and started rolling out the sequence of the queue. Joey’s group was called first and we later on joined them after walking our way near the studio.

Long Wait

What followed was close to two hours of waiting under the Sunday morning heat. From the building opposite the studio, we saw some VIP-looking guests being given the chance to board in first. The TFC subscribers and the participants of the studio tour followed suit. In the middle of that, we also caught PBB Double Up’s ex-housemates Princess and Tom passing by. Patricia then got a call from Joy asking to meet her at the toilet near the studio. Don’t ask me what was that for. We just reconnected with them later in one of the best sections inside the studio (facing the stage, left most, roughly three or four rows away from the front).

National Television

ASAP 09 started at 11:45am and ended at 3pm. Energy was high all through out, complete with a little balloon in hand. We valued our seats a lot since most of the performers passed by our side (Joy must really know the place by heart). This gave the opportunity for Mel to take the long overdued picture with Sam. Twice. On personal note, I enjoyed the show, too. I can say that it was one of their better episodes even without the presence of the heavyweights. That's on top of being on national television for two seconds, of course.

Philography File # 001: James Jean

Accomplished last November 21, Saturday, roughly at 9pm, in Fully Booked – Bonifacio High Street branch. More pics of the event and James Jean’s little artwork exhibit here.

Ilang Poser Thought Isang Linggo Matapos ang Pagkapanalo ni Pacquiao sa Laban kay Cotto

Wala naman akong masyadong alam sa boxing. Or let me rephrase that. Wala akong alam sa boxing in the same manner na wala rin naman akong alam sa mga sex scandal dati (pero may sinabi ako sa isyu ni Hayden Kho). Gusto ko lang ulit mag-share ng mga naisip ko n’ung maging historic ang pagkapanalo ni Pacman n’ung isang linggo.

1. Ang pinaka-corny sa lahat: we should all strive to be doing our best. Ganyan ang nakita ko kay Pacquiao. May sense of faith s’ya, na tipong it’s all up to God kapag meron s’yang hindi na kaya. I guess merong magandang point dito. Just dig deeper;

2. Masarap maging kapangalan si Manny Pacquiao. Nakiki-ride talaga ako sa kasikatan n’ya. Pinatulan ko yata lahat ng status update sa Facebook na nagko-congratulate kay Pacman. Sabi ko, “thank you”. Umeepal lang. Minsan nga, sa Starbucks, n’ung tinanong ako ng isang female staff kung anong pangalan ko (para ilagay sa in-order kong kape), sumagot ako ng “Manny, as in Manny Pacquiao”. Napa-wow ang chikas. Sabi ko, mga one month akong sikat. Napangiti lang s’ya. Ang sumunod sa pila ko ay parang lolo na at may pangalang Erik. Sabi ng staff, “Ah, Erik Morales!”;

3. Ang yaman-yaman na lalo ni Pacman. Kung ako siguro ang mananalo, lilibutin ko ang buong mundo at hindi ako magpapatalo sa poker (though I understand na nakaka-high ding manalo). Pero ang sad note dito ay ang papalapit na eleksyon. Naaamoy ko na kung saan mapupunta ang kanyang premyo. Kung paano natin pinagbibigyan ang pagkanta ni Manny ng “Sometimes When We Tats” ay parang ganito rin ang luho na hinahayaan natin s’yang pumasok sa pulitika. Nakakalungkot lang mabahiran ng dumi ang isang bagay na malinis. Kung ako sa kanya, iha-hire ko na lang si Manny Pangaruy upang mag-take charge sa mga projects na pro-Filipino. In short, ayoko talagang maging congressman si Pacman. Tama na ang maging isang history. Well, kung si Snooky ay kakandidato, pipigilan ko rin s’ya;

4. Hindi ko masyadong maintindihan kung bakit parang na-shock ang mga Pinoy na merong Krista Ranillo ngayon. Na kesyo heto nga’t nagdala ng bacon si Pacman ay intriga naman ang ibinabato ng tao. Hindi ko lang gets. Alin ba rito ang nakakagulat? Ang isang personality na merong ganyan kataas na antas ng celebrity-dom eh magnet talaga ng kung anu-anong dirt. Nagsasalita ang fame dito na parang isang karinderyang bukas 24 oras. Marami talagang kustomer ang kakain. Ang analogy nga, though medyo malayo, ng isa kong kaibigang mahilig sa artista eh tingnan daw si Kris Aquino. Hindi lahat ay nasa kanya. In short, fair naman ang Diyos; at

5. Sinasabi ng mga akda ni Neale Donald Walsch, particularly ang “Conversations with God” series, na ang tao raw ay di na kailangang magdagdag ng kaalaman. Lahat daw ng pwede nating malaman ay nasa atin nang katawan at kailangan lang itong i-tap para lumabas. Very New Age ‘yung ideya at di ako magugulat kung Walsch fan si Pacman (tulad ko). Basta ang alam nating lahat, you know.

Cinema Ewan 2009

This year’s Cinema One Originals film festival at the Gateway Cineplex was not as smooth sailing as its previous counterparts.

First, the schedule. The organizer/programmer seemed to exclude a weekend spot for Ray Gibraltar’s “Wanted: Border”, the festival best picture, without the presence of his/her brain. This was a major drawback for those working on weekdays and very advantageous to bummers (no offense to them).

Next upset was the “absence” of the organizer. Let me elaborate. I went to the venue 30 minutes before the screening of Milo Tolentino’s “Si Baning, Si Maymay at ang Asong si Bobo” only to be overwhelmed by the kilometric queues in any direction you could think of. There’s an allotted one for the festival but the one in charge was on break (read: probably snacking or visiting the toilet). Really, really good timing. The solution was another no-brainer: ask the festivalgoers to join the special queue for “2012” and Pacquiao-Cotto fight. This prompted me to report to the organizer on his yellow muscle shirt standing in front of the theater entrance and got an assurance that he’ll fix it. The trick was he wasn’t trying to move at all. He even asked us to tell the people in the special queue to just proceed to the theater. Whoa!

Third blow was getting disappointed with a sold-out film screening of “Paano Ko Sasabihin” on its premiere. I had to kill roughly two hours to wait for my supposedly third film. Thanks to Erich Gonzales fans though I suspect that it has something to do with the crazy queueing scheme. I had no choice but to come back the next day (which I did). Lesson here is don’t open a film festival on a Friday, the 13th.

But then again, nothing (or no one) can stop me from watching the following films:

1. Milo Tolentino’s “Si Baning, Si Maymay at ang Asong si Bobo”. From the critical success of his two short films “Andong” and “Blogog”, Milo Tolentino tries his luck in a full-length feature. Still with kids as subject, the movie tells a story of a small seaside neigborhood seen in the eyes of youngsters Baning, her bestfriend Maymay and her brother Paeng. Bobo happens to be their drunkard neighbor’s pet dog. The film runs for roughly two hours without having much event or complication happening except for the message on every kid’s right to have a proper education. Maybe that’s the whole gist, that a kid’s world is undeniably simple and basic.

2. Melvin Brito’s “Bala-Bala”. This one started as a tale of deception when a young agriculturist started to discover that he could cure sick people in a far-flung barrio somewhere in Batangas. Little did he know that the healing power came from a Santino-like deaf kid who kept tagging along. Upon discovery, the miracle boy suddenly bursts into a blinding light. He, after all, is something like a firefly creature. I understand that the filmmaker tries to impart a very New Age wisdom regarding our composition as a human being. It asks the audience through one obvious scene if we already know what we are made of. And I appreciate thoughts like that. It so happened that the message is not properly coursed through. Acting and production design are decent enough.

3. Nap Jamir II’s “Maximus & Minimus”. As a sex comedy that is rarely seen in contemporary Philippine cinema, the film introduces two interesting characters. Maximus is a fat girl who is very much sexually active. Her insecurities only arise when a man she consistently meets shouts “Barney” in the middle of a heated sexual confrontation. Minimus, on the other hand, is a nice looking and intelligent lad who happens not to be gifted down there. His search for life is mostly preoccupied with his search for a perfect penis enlarger. The paths of these two star-crossed individuals intertwine as they ontinue their own journey to unravel. I like the film being glossy and all. My only comment goes out to the Minimus character played by Mikel Campos (this year’s Best Actor). I don’t understand his sexuality at first, thanks to a poorly devised sequence involving the first time meet-up and another scene with Soliman Cruz.

4. Ray Gibraltar’s “Wanted: Border”. This year’s best picture went to this sophomore film from the same creator of “When Timawa Meets Delgado” (a mockumentary on Philippines’ plight of the BS Nursing course). The unconventional narrative shares a similar premise with Sweeney Todd’s Mrs. Lovett’s meat pies. This time around, it’s not about revenge but just a random take of violence. Rosanna Roces remarkably plays a disturbed carinderia owner/cook who invests on the meat of her poor victims. The big stink however originated from a very bleak past, from childhood to years spent as executioner to suspected activists. The film is dedicated to Alexis Tioseco and I’m pretty sure that wherever he is now, he is very proud of this film. On personal note, I was surprised that Ray Gibraltar can accomplish a film as well made and focused as this one. I can say that Cinema One Originals survives 2009 with the help of this important work of art (and please disregard the title of this blog). A must-watch.

5. Richard Legaspi’s “Paano Ko Sasabihin”. I did not complain when I heard that this entry received the Audience Choice award. It stars popular teen stars, the beautiful Erich Gonzales and Enchong Dee, as two souls trapped in a dilemma of mistaken identity (both are pretending to be deaf). The plot may be too thin for an indie film festival but I appreciate the honest direction. Here’s hoping to see a more challenging material from the director in the future.

Life is an iPhone # 018

Clockwise from top row:

1. Ode to Joy. As part of the “Manny is the new Barney” campaign from Kat, I gave in to this Joy-ously sentimental (?) billiards and gin party at Louie’s place. Before that, we tried our best to keep everything in secret (from grocery shopping and pancit buying, etc.) up to the scripted act at the very end. It was raining then and typhoon was fast approaching;

2. Where’s Little Prince? Last November 1 weekend, mom showed me this 50 franc bill. I think I gave it to her after my very first onsite assignment in Paris. I kept it because of the Little Prince. Now that franc is replaced by euro, this piece is now very valuable;

3. Storming Santi. I took this photo on the dawn of typhoon Santi, right before boarding the van (generically called Garage to Terminal, or simply GT, Express) to Lucena. My goal was to capture the mood. It was 9:30 in the morning;

4. Cherry Cheesecake. This sinful piece of sweet meat from Burgoo is just a Scarlett Johansson to my tummy. Diet just said “ouch”!;

5. Hainanese Chicken. Served by Good Earth (in Burgos Circle) and taken while having Friday lunch-out with Lunchmates. I kinda miss Singapore;

6. Road to Galleria. This walkway in progress will soon connect EDSA and Robinson’s Galleria. Taken on my way to the chapel area;

Life is an iPhone # 017

Clockwise from top row:

1. Gaudi, Is That You? Everytime I pass by Market! Market!’s open space, I am always reminded of Parc Guell in Barcelona. The bench is distinctively Gaudi. Let me share a pic;

2. Balloons! This one’s taken in front of St. Andrew Parish Church along Reposo. Behind in the fence is a cemetary;

3. Where Our Taxes Go. While waiting for a cab on my way to work, I noticed this newly painted pavement. This means that the election is near. But no, this wasn’t done by a five-year old;

4. Nude Burger. In accordance to an ongoing (if not for lifetime) diet, I have to be picky with food choices. It so happened that no one can refuse a burger so I tried this Nude Burger from Burger Avenue (three burgers in one sentence, yahoo!). The lettuce that you see serves as the bun. It’s messy to eat but the beef patty is so worth it;

5. Choco Bug. Tell me. Who can say no to Goya-like chocolate dressed as a lady bug? This one was off to a Halloween party;

6. Halloween-Themed Donuts. This one’s a bit dated to be included here but I like the colors. To paraphrase Forrest Gump, life’s a box of Krispy Kreme donuts. You don’t know what you gonna get;

Movies from the Land Down Under

The 7th Australian Film Fest held at Greenbelt 3 was similar with the recently concluded Spanish Film Fest (tickets at P65 each, with reserved seating, etc.) except for the number of films to be shown and the limited period. Only six films were screened from November 5 to 8 (then from November 9 to 14 in Ayala Center in Cebu City). It’s a pretty amazing deal as opposed to having an overwhelming array of films, too overwhelming that you can’t really watch everything if you’re keeping an 8-to-5 job.

Out of six, I only watched three:

1. Jeff Balsmeyer’s “Danny Deckchair”. Imagine a live action equivalent of Pixar’s “Up” with a man sitting on a chair tied with a dozen balloons. The lead character Danny (the great Rhys Ifan, Hugh Grant’s housemate in “Notting Hill”), a loser, is on the verge of fall-out with his wife. He feels that he’s got nothing much to contribute in life. After the accident of being lifted from one city to a quiet town, his world made a turn. He meets a lonesome policewoman played by Miranda Otto and receives the recognition he deserves from the townspeople. It’s a rom-com and the take is Hollywood all over. Aside from the guilty pleasure that it’s enjoyable nevertheless, I appreciate the flying part that is both magical and stupid.

2. Robert Connoly’s “The Bank”. The festival flyer tags this film as a political thriller. It’s initially blueprinted as a controlling-guru-meets-an-amateur kind of film. Heading the cast is the radiant Anthony LaPaglia (who also stars in one of my favorite Aussie films “Lantana”) as the head of the bank who hires a boy wonder played by David Wenham (I think he’s the bad guy in “Australia”). The film may not be the edge of your seat type but it has its own set of chills and twists. Its statement on industry giants like the bank are evil is something that is worth noting about.

3. Elissa Down’s “The Black Balloon”. Sorry to peg this on Lasse Hallstrom’s “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”, a family drama about coping on life’s challenges. It stars Toni Collette as the mother of two kids (one is autistic and the other, on his puberty). The POV of the film is mainly told through the eyes of the adolescent character (played by Rhys Wakefield) as he copes with the Herculean task of being a brother to an adult with autism and discovers young love along the way. The final product is not as low-pitched as “Gilbert Grape” but it is durable enough to tell a good story about family hardships and acceptance.

Biyaheng Langit

Biyaheng Lupa
Direksyon: Armando “Bing” Lao
Iskrip: Armando “Bing” Lao
Mga Nagsiganap: Allan Paule, Jaclyn Jose, Eugene Domingo, Coco Martin, atbp.

ISTORYA

Unang una, concept-driven ang pelikula. Ganitong halimbawa ang tipong mahirap isulat ang synopsis dahil hindi na masyadong mahalaga kung ano ang itinakbo ng buhay ng mga karakter dito. Kung hindi man mahirap isulat ay napakaiksi lang ng pwedeng sabihin tungkol sa istorya nito.

Isang bus mula Maynila ang bumabyahe papuntang Legazpi (ayon sa signboard na nakalagay sa harapan). Lulan nito ang iba’t ibang pasahero at ang kanila-kanilang bagahe, literal at figurative. May ilang sumakay sa daan, may ilang bumaba, may ilang umabot hanggang dulo, may ilang bumalik. Umandar ang pelikula at nabuhay sa pagsara at pagbukas ng pinto. Dito na makikitang habang nasa loob ng bus ay “nagsasalita” ang isip ng mga pasahero. Nawala ang mga speaking line na kadalasang napapanood sa isang “normal” na pelikula. At dito na nakikipag-usap ang mga karakter sa mga manonood.

ANG BUHAY SA LIKOD NG GULONG

Hindi ganun kadaling pasanin ang trip ng pelikula lalo na para sa mga manonood na nasanay sa Hollywood, Star Cinema o maging sa mga pelikulang isinulat na dati ni Bing Lao. Ibang iba ang “Biyaheng Lupa”. Bagong bago. Maliban sa mga sadyang tsismoso na nais makinig sa mga kuwento ng mga karakter, limitado ang maaaring maka-relate sa pelikula. Isa na ako rito.

Kinakailangan ang sensibility ng isang biyahero upang madaling masakyan ang konsepto. Hindi bago sa akin ang mahabang biyahe sa bus katulad ng madalas kong gawin kapag umuuwi sa Lopez, Quezon (na ang sementeryo ay ginamit sa pelikula). Totoong nakakabagot ang biyahe para sa isang baguhan. At sa aspetong ito ay mas makabuluhan ang English title ng pelikula na “Soliloquy”. Ang lima o apat na oras na pagkakaupo sa bus ay magtutulak talaga sa ‘yong magmuni sa sariling buhay habang nakatingin sa mga puno, dagat o kalsadang binabagtas, mag-isip ng kuwento ng mga kapwa pasahero o matulog. Napangiti ako sa isang eksena kung saan isinalang sa player ang isang videoke piece at nagpasahang “kumanta” ang mga pasahero. Sa totoo lang ay naisip ko na rin ang gan’ung sequence sa isa sa aking mga pag-uwi. Walang ganitong luxury ang sinumang hindi pa nakakaranas ng gan'un kahabang biyahe.

Bagamat kahanga-hanga ang pag-devise ng material at ang posibilidad na maging pelikula ang ganito kataas ang lipad na konsepto, si Bing Lao bilang direktor ay parang sanggol na gumagapang pa. Sa tingin ko, marami pa s’yang iinuming gatas upang lumutang ang kanyang tikas sa aspetong ito. Halimbawa, sa tingin ko, mayroon pang mas magandang anggulo, o mas fluid, sa mga eksena sa loob ng bus. Ang eksena rin, halimbawa, ni Coco Martin na umiiyak ay tila walang kontrol para sa kanyang karakter na sa isang eksena ay nanapak ng bading (Andoy Ranay) sa CR. Hindi ko rin masyadong maipaliwanag ang mga pasaherong maagang bumababa para sa isang bus na papuntang Legazpi. Kadalasan, biyaheng Lucena o Guinayangan lang ang sasakyan mo para sa mga short trip.

Dala na rin marahil ng pagiging concept-driven ng pelikula, natabunan na nito ang iba pang aspeto. Maliban sa direction, halos hindi na rin mapupuna kung gaano man kahusay sina Jaclyn Jose, Angel Aquino, Eugene Domingo, Shamaine Buencamino, Julio Diaz, Archie Adamos at maging ang baguhang si Carlo Guevarra na gumanap bilang pipi. Ganito rin ang masasabi ko sa sound design o cinematography.

KONKLUSYON

Noteworthy ang pagiging fresh ng pelikula. Hindi pa yata ako naka-hitchhike sa ganitong klaseng biyahe, lokal man, indie o world cinema. Naalala ko ang ilang komento tungkol sa “Bringing Out the Dead” dati ni Martin Scorsese. Medyo bago rin ang konsepto ng pelikula at n’ung panahong ipinalabas ito sa sinehan ay hinulaang hindi pa ito matatanggap ng manonood. Kinakailangang gumugol muna ng taon bago ito tuluyang maunawaan. Ganitong ganito ang konklusyon ko sa “Biyaheng Lupa”. Hindi ako magugulat kung sooner or later ay gagamitin itong template sa isa pang bagong material.

Base sa directorial debut na ito ni Bing Lao, hindi ko alam kung ano ang susunod n’yang ipapakita. Concept-driven kaya ulit? Kung oo, paano n’ya maa-outdo ang pelikulang ito na tingin ko ay kalabisan na ng kanyang sarili bilang manunulat ang kanyang naibuhos? Pipiliin n’ya kayang tumahak sa daan na mas lilitaw ang kanyang papaging direktor, kamukha ng ginawa ni Chris Martinez sa “100” at Jun Lana sa “Roxxxanne”? Kahit ano pa man, si Bing Lao ‘yan. S’ya na ibinalik ang Pilipinas sa mapa ng world cinema. S’ya na kahit ano pa mang biyahe o kibot o utot ay susuportahan ko. Biyaheng lupa o biyaheng langit, sasakay ako.

Movie Digest # 065

RED CLIFF
Glorietta 4, Cinema 1, October 26, 7:25pm

It’s been a while since I last saw a John Woo movie (last being Mission Impossible 2, I can’t remember). This time, for a comeback project, he tried his hand on a Chinese saga (joining the likes of Zhang Yimou). The result for me, if not for the presence of the great Tony Leung, is just OK. So predictable that in some scenes, I almost fell asleep. And the English dub doesn’t help.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who wish to see not another sequence involving a pigeon.

THE INFORMANT
Glorietta 4, Cinema 7, October 26, 10:15pm

On this film, Matt Damon plays an office employee who got involved in a myriad of lies. It is based on true events and it’s a restrained character study of a person with bipolar disorder. I watched this film on LFS and the dry humor kept me hooked. Since the film is directed by one of Hollywood great filmmakers, Steven Soderbergh, expect that gritty and dated feel.

Friends who might appreciate it: Small film fans.

THE UGLY TRUTH
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 3, October 27, 6:30pm

It’s a formula rom-com about a male chauvinist and a reserved feminist. From there, I guess you already know what’s in store with this one. It’s just a relief that it’s not irritating at all. I appreciate the last few minutes of the film particularly on two scenes. First, the confrontation scene afloat a hot air balloon and the lovers stop fighting the moment they see the breathtaking view. Secondly, the very last frame where Katherine Heigl is shown victorious after a good sex. That one alone says what the film is all about.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who believe that women can fake orgasm.

(500) DAYS OF SUMMER
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 1, October 27, 9:05pm

A bittersweet retelling of a modern day love story told through the perspective of a young man. It’s charming, sweet and very appealing to the now generation as evident in the editing gimmickry, Zooey Deschanel and that captivating OST. I don’t like it much but I highly recommend it.

Friends who might appreciate it: You know who you are.

PATIENT X
Glorietta 4, Cinema 7, October 28, 10:20pm

If you’re familiar with one of “Shake, Rattle and Roll”’s episodes about a hospital in the province being attacked by aswangs, the material is very much similar. This time around, the film attempted to humanize the blood-sucking creature by devising a love angle between the mortal and the aswang. It’s just disappointing that the logic and all the fear factor elements did not work, too bad for a filmmaker who just made a shot in Hollywood.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who agree that Richard Gutierrez still can’t act and that Cristine Reyes is hot.

ANG BEERHOUSE
Robinson’s Galleria, Cinema 7, October 31, 7:30pm

I can say that it’s serviceable enough for a Filipino film about prostitution. If you think you’ve seen it all (“Prosti”, Lino Brocka films and the like), this one’s a little different. The POV is told through a customer and it is, above all, a love story. It’s not about oppression or or even a commentary about social classes. It is partly poetic and partly too mainstream. I like the concept about life being a cycle as suggested by the scenes with a little boy taking a peek on what’s inside the beerhouse. The only thing annoying for me is casting the mestizo Ryan Eigenmann as the Common Joe protagonist. I have no problems with Gwen Garci.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who can’t pay enough for a VIP room.

ASTRO BOY
Glorietta 4, Cinema 1, October 31, 10:30pm

How to westernize an animé? Go and watch this film. Got nothing much to articulate about this honest-to-goodness film. I can’t say that it’s bad and I can’t say that it is that Pixar good either.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who grew up watching the series on RPN-9.

THIS IS IT
Gateway Cineplex, Cinema 4, November 4, 6:45pm

This enjoyable documentary that collects the rehearsal videos of the King of Pop during his last days is something that has to be watched by his fans. It is something that could be appreciated by concertgoers, the pop culture and those greatly influenced by a humungous talent that is called Michael Jackson. This is not made for film critics and the Oscars. A must-watch.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who think that MJ’s gone too soon.

Withdrawal Syndrome from Cinemanila 2009

I hate that familiar feeling of facing the week again after a weekend of hectic film watching and coffeeless late nights. This normally happens when I run out of good films to catch and my system starts to look for films like drugs. Oh, well. Whatever the ickiness is, I enjoyed this year’s Cinemanila held at Market! Market! in The Fort.

Let me shortly count the ways. First, the location is sweet. It’s just 15 minutes away from the office (last year was the most challenging when they held it at Gateway in Cubao). As part of the tradition, Cinemanila always finds ways to bring in big names in the film world. Last year, they had Quentin Tarantino and this time around, it’s the great Paul Schrader (thanks for the autograph, by the way). There were still some mishaps with the schedule but it’s as minor as rescheduling “Coco Avant Chanel” to a later date and replacing Lav Diaz’ “Batang West Side” with the this year’s winning films. “Samson and Delilah” didn’t have English subtitles but the film’s strong visual language saved the day.

Tickets were regularly priced at P122 each and, as expected, this brought in some close to empty cinemas (tickets at Spanish Film Fest 2009, for instance, cost P60 each only). It just so happened that a filmmaker friend of mine gave me a filmmaker’s pass. Sorry Mr. Tikoy Aguiliz but it’s something that I couldn’t and wouldn’t resist. Please consider my way of paying back through the purchase of “Himpapawid” ticket that costs P200 and my frequent Facebook status change to promote your film fest. Plus, of course, an undying support that started 11 years ago.

And now, on to my harvest:

1. Ho Tzu Nyen’s “Here” (Singapore). What a way to start the festival with a concept-driven film about people in the mental hospital. I can say that it’s something that our very own Raya Martin would be interested of. Zen-like, therapeutic and rhythmic, expect to be healed after watching the film.

2. Caroline Link’s “A Year Ago in Winter” (Germany). First things first. It’s a decent family drama directed by the same person who megged the Oscar winning film “Nowhere in Africa”. The plot maybe a little tried and tested but it’s a good rollercoaster ride just the same.

3. Tomas Alfredson’s “Let the Right One In” (Sweden). The buzz is right: this one’s really, really good, if not one of the best films about vampires. I won’t dare compare it to “Twilight” but for the sake of describing the genre, the two films are on the same path. It’s just this Swedish film is very subtle and always treating its viewers as intelligent human beings. I don’t mind joining the bandwagon and recommend it to friends.

4. Lukas Moodysson’s “Mammoth” (Sweden/Denmark/Germany). This film boasts about the inclusion of our very own Marife Necesito as one of the main characters in the film. She plays a yaya to a daughter of a Caucasian couple living in New York. The plot is all about parents and the required time and love they need to attend to their kids. I almost liked the film if not for a little subplot about the father’s trip to Bangkok. For me, it’s not necessary.

5. Warwick Thornton’s “Samson and Delilah” (Australia). Given the fact that I watched the film without English subtitles (the original language, according to imdb.com, is Aboriginal) and managed to finish the film without any hunch that something is amiss, that is awesome. Take the film as a visual storytelling of two Aborigines falling in love and their journey to suffering and bliss.

6. Ray Gibraltar’s “When Timawa Meets Delgado” (Philippines). It’s an artsy (sorry for the term) take on the plight of Filipinos who take up BS Nursing for the sole reason of earning moolahs abroad. There are two main characters here, Timawa, a filmmaker, and Delgado, a Palanca winner, who meet while applying for the course. The film is summed up of a comment from one of the interviewees: “Kung ang mga OFW ay tinatawag na “Bayong Bayani”, ano naman ang tawag sa mga Pilipinong piniling hindi umalis? Gago, martir o mga bayani rin?”

7. Diego Luna’s “JC Chavez” (Mexico). This one’s a glossy, clear-cut, fast-paced documentary on Mexico’s legendary boxer Julio Cesar Chavez. He is probably our version of Manny Pacquiao.

8. Sergey Dvortsevoy’s “Tulpan” (Germany/Switzerland/Kazakhstan/Russia/Poland). For me, this is sweetest entry from the festival’s line-up. It’s about a man who is under the pressure of getting married but the girl’s parents he is proposing with do not like him. What follows is a tale of proving his worth, in the midst of an arid land with sandstorm a flock of sheep to attend to. The scene where the central character has to help a ewe give birth to a lamb is very memorable.

9. Uberto Pasolini’s “Machan” (Sri Lanka/Italy/Germany). This one’s another favorite mainly because it’s slightly a black comedy and it’s based on true events. The film follows the lives of 16 Sri Lankans who invented a national handball team just to get a Schengen visa and travel to Germany. As of presstime, the government hasn’t found them yet. It may be filmed in a Star Cinematic manner but I like the final product and the aftertaste.

10. Bing Lao’s “Biyaheng Lupa” (Philippines). As for Bing Lao’s (notice the initials of the film and the filmmaker) directorial debut, it’s hard to do a capsule review of the film. It requires a full review which I will be doing real soon. For the meantime, in case you have a chance to see this film, go and see it for the experience.

11. Paul Schrader’s “Adam Resurrected” (USA). The film was intoduced by Paul Schrader himself and it was just a bonus. I have to agree with him that it’s a damn good film. Though it’s a film that borders on Holocaust, it didn’t stop there. It tries to explore (and exploit) more on the psychological side, done with a dash of Paul Anderson-ish central character. Jeff Goldblum deserves a Best Actor nod for this film.

12. Pablo Larrain’s “Tony Manero” (Chile/Brazil). Films like this one made me love Cinemanila. It’s a character study of a criminal who idolizes John Travolta’s role in the film “Saturday Night Fever”. The film is intense and done in almost muted colors, giving enough balance to the delightfully short dance sequences.

13. Ari Folman’s “Waltz with Bashir” (Israel). Aside from winning at the Golden Globe, I know nothing about the film. I was surprised that it was, err, an animated film. Not your Disney kind of cartoons, this one tackles post-war horrors as the main character tries to hurdle the dark side of it.

14. Ravi Bharwani’s “Jermal” (Indonesia). I was reminded with Ralston Jover’s “Bakal Boys” when I first ran through the synopsis. It’s a father and son story set in a remote manmade “island” that serves as an illegal port for fishing. The film’s good with the drama part but I was wishing that the filmmakers (yes, four of them) had pushed more to be socially relevant.

15. Claudia Llosa’s “Milk of Sorrow” (Spain/Peru). I wouldn’t be surprised if I caught an alienating film or two in this years Cinemanila. This is a good example but not in a condescending way. It tells a dragging story about a woman who just lost her mother as she finds means to bury her. Magaly Solier’s screen presence alone is worth the admission.

16. Bui Thac Chuyen’s “Adrift” (Vietnam). Here comes another personal favorite from the line-up. It contests love in marriage and explores the frailty of it. Well acted, decently directed and very Asian in all aspects. I wouldn’t mind watching this film again. The use of natural lighting is very much appreciated.

17. Cui Jian and Fruit Chan’s “Chengdu, I Love You” (China). For me, this is the weakest among the films that I have watched for this year’s Cinemanila. It is divided into two episodes: one is set in the future while the other, during the 70’s. I understand that the intention is to depict love transcending time but it isn’t pulled off well.

18. Yesim Ustaoglu’s “Pandora’s Box” (France/Germany/Turkey/Belgium). Here’s another good harvest from the festival. It’s a film that I wouldn’t be surprised with if the Oscars consider it in the Best Foreign Language Film race. It’s a heart rending tale about a mother with Alzheimer’s disease, her kids and the search for that proverbial thought that “mothers know best”.

19. Anne Fontaine’s “Coco Avant Chanel” (France). Somewhat similar to the biographical “La Mome” about the French music icon Edith Piaf starring the great Marion Cotillard. This time, it’s Audrey Tautou’s turn to give life to another iconic figure in the name of Coco Chanel. It’s well made and, no pun intended, the costumes could be merited in next year’s awards race.

20. Francois Ozon’s “Ricky” (France/Italy). Ozon always makes it a point that he treats his audience with something radical and new. This 2009 film is about a couple who is gifted with a baby who can fly (read: with wings like those of a chicken or an angel). The ultra realist filmmaking take is a coy as the idea of a flying baby seems to poke fun on the films of the same genre. Personally, I enjoyed it.

21. Juhn Jaihong’s “Beautiful” (South Korea). I like the anti-vanity take of the film, the concept that beauty could sometimes be more of a curse than a blessing. My problem with this film is that some sequences are either too superfluous or too lousy. I was expecting that in search for a cure to destruction, the main character should have opted to ruin her angelic face.

22. Nadine Labaki’s “Caramel” (Lebanon). Perhaps this is the most Star Cinematic I’ve seen among all the entries that I’ve watched. But it’s a good one. It’s a tale about Lebanese women living in France who are now fully adapted with their new world. They laugh, they cry, they fight, they bond and they are all beautiful in every aspect of the word. Caramel in the film, by the way, is used for hairwaxing.

23. Raymond Red’s “Himpapawid” (Philippines). This serves as the closing film of the festival. It’s inspired by the accounts of a man who once hijacked a domestic plane and jumped in thin air. As expected, Raymond Red’s visuals are mesmerizing. I can’t say the same with the script and the acting.