Effing MMFF-ing

Christmas is gonna be over soon. That also goes for the dreaded MMFF (which is getting more and more alarming). Here’s wishing for everyone to survive the film festival and face the New Year with a clean slate. Furthermore, I understand if people skip it and the upheaval of nasty elitist comments in Facebook is pretty much tolerated. Take it as a breather for good indie films or a way to express our dear freedom to choose.

But it didn’t have to be this burdensome. We should at least be reminded of its earlier efforts to lobby for masterpieces like “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?”, “Bulaklak sa City Jail”, “Kisapmata”, “Himala”, “Jose Rizal” and “Tanging Yaman”. Oh well, just to make a statement, I’d rather not create a Movie Digest for it and just single out some “notable” scenes from this year’s line-up:

1. In the Dolphy film “Nobody, Nobody but Juan”, a couple of senior citizens get rowdy while watching “Wowowee”. One of them, a Caucasian, uttered something like “What’s with you, guys? You laugh and cry at the same time!” This neatly summarizes what the TV show (or Pinoy pop culture in general) is all about. Maybe there’s a silver lining there about us being so sadist-masochist;

2. Good to see Amay Bisaya in one of the so-so scenes in “Ang Darling Kong Aswang”. Same sentiment goes to ER Ejercito (now a town mayor) in “Ang Panday”;

3. There’s a scene in “Ang Darling Kong Aswang” wherein Cristine Reyes is seen licking Vic Sotto’s wounds. It was a tight shot (don’t ask me why) and it’s, well, kinky;

4. The tribute for the Pridyeder episode from the first “Shake, Rattle and Roll” in this year’s installment is definitely one of the best things that happened in MMFF 2009. In the Diablo episode with Maja Salvador, Janice de Belen made a cameo while enjoing the breeze from a refrigerator;

5. I can’t help but like the “Ukay-Ukay” episode in “Shake, Rattle and Roll 11” primarily with two scenes in mind. First is the chainsaw scene with Ruffa Gutierrez. That deserves at least a silent round of applause. The other important scene (or frame) is the one with Mogwai Bar in Cubao X on the background. Notice the marquee: “RIP Alexis and Nika”;

6. Sharon Cuneta is getting bigger and bigger. I respect the movie audience who laughed in the scene (from “Mano Po 6”) where she tries to fit in in the family van;

7. “Ang Panday” made it a point to be humorous. In one scene, Bong Revilla, in defense of the two deaf characters, uttered something like “Wala sa salita ang katapangan, nasa gawa.” Or when the gay manananggal John Lapuz said “Kaya mahaba ang buhok ko ay dahil nakapag-asawa ako ng mayaman.” And what's with the reference to "Sister Stella L" when the Diyosa (played by Anne Curtis) shortly appeared and challanged Flavio with "Kung hindi ikaw, sino pa? Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?"?;

8. “I Love You, Goodbye”, I think, is the most sensible (read: less yucky-icky comments) entry. The closure scene on the beach (complete with a bonfire) with Angelica and Derek is definitely one of the best in the mainstream planet. And cleverly written. In the first part of the movie, when Angelica is going to be introduced for the first time in Gabby’s family, she is stopped to try a plate of sushi that she doesn’t recognize. In another scene, when Angelica leaves the coffeeshop to check for Derek, a customer is welcomed looking for a table for two;

9. Another scene on the beach (this time it’s daytime) with Angelica and Derek is suggesting foreplay. The couple is lying on the sand while the waves make its way to let Derek pump his girl. Very disturbing (at least for me). Is this R13 or something?;

10. USA or United Septic Association, headed by a Michelle Obama-look alike, in “Wapakman” is funny. What’s even funnier is that I watched its LFS in Glorietta last Sunday and we were only five in the 160-seater cinema. I guess people know Manny Pacquiao better. As Jose Javier Reyes puts it, “He’s a real hero, not a superhero.”; and

11. Last but not the least, kudos to the Turn Off Your Celfone ads at the start of the movie. There's one right before the screening of "Nobody, Nobody but Juan" (with Dolphy no less wittily reminding the people) and another in "Ang Panday" (I think). Here's hoping that the awareness would reach out a wider audience.

Tatak Nora Aunor

Condemned
Direksyon: Mario O’Hara
Iskrip: Jose Javier Reyes, Mario O’Hara at Frank Rivera
Mga Nagsiganap: Nora Aunor, Dan Alvaro, Gloria Romero, Gina Alajar, Connie Angeles, atbp.

ISTORYA

Naka-package na tila isang thriller ang pelikula. Isang serial killer ang naglilipana sa Metro Manila na merong signature crime sa pamamagitan ng pag-iwan ng rosas sa kanyang biktima. Tinatawag s’yang Boy Rosas. Dito na in-introduce ang mga karakter. Si Nora Aunor (Yolly) ay kapatid ni Dan Alvaro (Efren) na kasalukuyang naninirahan sa breakwater matapos ang isang malagim na krimen sa probinsya. Si Gloria Romero (Connie) ang horny bitch na may money laundering scheme. Anak n’ya si Toby Alejar (Dennis) at boytoy n’ya si Efren. Si Gina Alajar (Mayette) naman, na partner ni Efren, ay isang pokpok sa Ermita kung saan nagtatrabaho rin si Yolly bilang rose vendor. Kabilang din sa cast sina Leni Santos (Mona) bilang kaibigan, kapit-bahay at katrabaho ni Yolly at kapatid ng bulag na si Connie Angeles.

Umikot ang istorya sa pagtugis kay Boy Rosas.

PERA SA BREAKWATER

Ayon sa batikang film critic na si Noel Vera, ang pelikula ay isa sa mga perpektong Pinoy film noir. Sabi sa Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_noir):

“film noir is a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize cynical attitudes and sexual motivations.”

Kung ‘yan ang pagbabasehan, pasok na pasok nga ang pelikula sa genre. Isa itong crime drama na nag-introduce sa career ni Dan Alvaro bilang action star at lalong nagpakinang sa umaapaw na talent ni Nora Aunor. Kung “cynical attitudes” at “sexual motivations” naman ang pag-uusapan ay sangkaterba rin sa pelikula. Si Connie ay isang magandang role kay Gloria Romero. Nadala n’ya ang pagiging malibog nito kakambal ng pagiging matriarchal at mapanira. Ang mga magkapatid na Yolly at Efren ay may sarili ring angst, isang representasyon ng mga probinsyano na naghahanap ng lugar sa siyudad. Ang espasyo sa pagitan nina Efren at Mayette ay may sexual tension din na inalog ng turn of events bago matapos ang pelikula.

Pinoy film noir, tama. Pero perpektong Pinoy film noir? Napaisip ako. May isang eksena na hindi ko pa ma-digest. Ito ‘yung isang supposedly erotic scene nina Gloria Romero at Dan Alvaro sa gitna ng mga umiigting na eksena. Pinag-isip lang ako kung para saan ito. Malayo at makapal na ang narating ng kwento n’yan. Nawawala na si Yolly, nagkakagulo na, ang duda kay Connie ay buo na, may ilang karakter na rin ang pinatay at heto ang dalawang karakter, magse-sex. Pero sige na nga, film noir (“sexual motivations”) naman, pwede nang patawarin.

Ang kopya na napanood ko sa Videotheque bilang bahagi ng “3 Klasikong Pelikula ni Nora Aunor: The Silver Anniversary Celebration” na inihanda ng ICON ay hindi pa malinis. Lumalaktaw ang ilang eksena lalo na sa umpisa at minsan ay nadodoble ang frame. Marami ring gasgas ang kopya na halatang na-convert lang mula sa Betamax o VHS copy. Pero sa kabila nito ay nagpapasalamat ako na napanood ko ito sa wakas at natapos nang buo. Kakaibang experience din ang mapanood ang isang Nora film kasama ang mga Noranian. Hindi na ako nagulat na nakakabingi ang palakpakan sa eksena sa dulo. Nakaka-distract lang ang dalawang beses na pagbukas ng pinto ni Nonoy Lauzon (ng Young Critics Circle at isang dakilang Vilmanian) habang pinapalabas ang pelikula. Sabihin na nating buhay na buhay pa rin ang rival nina Nora at Vilma.

Kay Nora Aunor, tama lahat ng kanilang sinasabi. Ang “Condemned” ang maituturing na isa sa mga key film n’ya pagdating sa pagiging “silent actress”, isang Michaelangelo Antonioni character (as opposed kay Vilma na isa namang Fellini sa pagiging hysterical). Gamit na gamit ang kanyang mga mata rito. Kitang kita sa tight shot ang sindak, ang takot at pagkabalisa. Sumabog lahat ang mga emosyong ito sa eksena sa breakwater kasabay ng pagtapon ng limpak-limpak na salapi. Nakakatuwa rin na wala rito ang stagey accent na madalas maging basehan ng spoof at katatawanan.

KONKLUSYON

Kinakailangang mapanood ng mas maraming Pinoy ang mga pelikulang kamukha ng “Condemned”. Ang pagiging film noir nito ay malaking bagay dahil bihira na tayong gumawa ng ganitong genre. Kung mabigat para sa ilan ang “film noir”, madali pa rin namang maabot ang pelikula sa entertainment value nito. Pero kahit saan man tingnan, isa lang ang sigurado ako, ang pelikula ay isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit tinaguriang Superstar si Nora Aunor.

Life is an iPhone # 026

Clockwise from top row:

1. Internet Café. Last Thursday, I was in Buendia – Ayala area looking for a rubber stamp maker to create a “kissmark” (for the Christmas party). When I found one, I managed to scribble my own version of the kiss but I wasn’t satisfied so I looked for the nearest internet shop. Along Buendia close to Pasong Tamo, I discovered this cool internet cubbyhole called iHooked. It’s cozy, clean and they are selling cakes, a café in the truest sense;

2. Our Version of Autumn. I’m not sure if these dry leaves were trimmed or just because of the breezy season. Taken along Buendia, near SM Cyber One building;

3. Fernando Amorsolo. Got an idea how our natioal artist Fernando Amorsolo looks like? I thought he’s thin and long haired and as vain as rock star. I was wrong. Thanks to this memorial in, err, Amorsolo St.;

4. Makati Sunset. It’s very rare that a sunset is appreciated in Makati. Also taken along Amorsolo St.;

5. Eating Season. Shot during my first videoke session for the Christmas season. Best consumed with beer, of course;

6. Adios! One of the ways to say goodbye to a dear and well respected office icon. He’s going to be missed big time;

Movie Digest # 067

TWO LOVERS
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 5, December 4, 8:55pm

The film posted the perpetual question “Who would you choose, the one you love but doesn’t love you or the one you don’t love but loves you?” It’s a simple, easy-to-dig tale of three characters in love, beautifully directed (and acted) in a very engaging way. The resolution may be a little sexist but it surely hits the point. I can say that this one’s a must-see.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who think that the film is more than Gwyneth Paltrow’s tits.

AMELIA
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 3, December 4, 11:15pm

For me, this one’s a letdown. While watching the trailer, I was expecting this film would boast a grandiose epic that chronicles the great Amelia Earhart’s rise to aviation history. What’s left is a mishmash of a little poetry here and there, a little unconventional love story and less of the backbone that made Amelia the Amelia we all know. All these storytelling elements did not help heighten up her mysterious vanishing. The best part the film could share is a small peek on her celebrated aviatrix’ life. Too bad that Hilary Swank is not equipped enough to save the day.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who can answer the question(s) posted by the song “Someday We’ll Know”.

DUKOT
Robinsons Galleria, Cinema 8, December 8, 2:15pm

Before putting any malice to the title, let me point out that the film is about the desaparecidos (Spanish term for “missing) played by Allen Dizon and Iza Calzado and the search for justice from their loved ones. The film is directed by Joel Lamangan (whose body of work is mostly inclined to this theme) and written by Bonifacio Ilagan. Most of the stuffs here are either predictable, from story to acting, or boring but decent enough to tell a rather simple story that is familiar to a particular sector of the Filipino society.

Friends who might appreciate it: This needs a lot of explaining: Sunshine Cruz. But we’re not friends.

INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS
Robinsons Place - Pioneer, Cinema 4, December 12, 12:05pm

I believe that the best way to enjoy a Tarantino film is to somewhat attempt not to think that the film is going to be all gore. This works for me as I truly enjoy his latest film about the Nazis, roguish Jewish-American soldiers and a German actress turned spy. Yes, it is still bloody but I find maturity in the storytelling part. All the actors display a very commendable work here, from Brad Pitt down to Diane Kruger and Christoph Waltz. The scene involving a smoke and the images from the projector is both campy and memorable. That alone confirms that Tarantino’s on the helm. Verdict: probably one of the best films from Hollywood this year.

Friends who might appreciate it: Anybody who deserves a fun, honest-to-goodness film.

BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS
Glorietta 4, Cinema 2, December 12, 5:10pm

I can’t discuss the film without giving a short background on its director, Werner Herzog, who did an impressive Klaus Kinski film series like “Fitzcarraldo” and “Aguirre, Wrath of God”. My hunch then was that he always makes it a point to infuse nature with his work. His latest film starring Nicolas Cage is about a lousy police officer who has a knack for doing, err, bad things. He tolerates prostitution, he harasses senior citizens and he does drug negotiations. Backdrop for all of these misdoings is the post-Katrina New Orleans wherein all the wild animals may still be on the loose metaphorically. The film is a good character study and the direction is a bit slow for Nicolas Cage action vehicle but I won’t be surprised if the award-giving bodies will notice this one.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who’ve seen “The Heart of Glass” and can make a hefty comparison between the two Herzog films.

FANTASTIC MR. FOX
Glorietta 4, Cinema 5, December 12, 8:15pm

This stop-motion animated film is based from Roald Dahl’s children’s novel. It tells the adventures and misadventures of Mr. Fox and his family against their rich neighbors. Voiced by Hollywood’s biggies including George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe and Owen Wilson and directed by one of my favorite deadpan humor directors Wes Anderson. It’s fresh and it’s entertaining and, as the title implies, simply fantastic. Watch it before the MMFF starts.

Friends who might appreciate it: I can say everybody, friends or foes alike.

AVATAR
SM Mall of Asia, IMAX Theater, December 19, 10:45am

Written and directed by James Cameron, the film is, first and foremost, a love story between two divergent worlds set against the backdrop of nature, greed and racial differences. First things first, I was overwhelmed by the visuals. Before grasping for air because of one beautiful scene, another one will just pop up out of nowhere. Watching it in 3D is one of the best reasons why some films are best enjoyed inside the cinema. I have to agree though that the material requires more complexity but since it's not Tim Burton or the like, that's forgiven. I liked it as it is. The film, for me, is a retrospective collection of other elements from Cameron's previous works. There's a little “Titanic”, a little “Terminator”, a little “True Lies” and a little “Aliens”. Again, it’s a must-watch.

Friends who might appreciate it: Those who haven’t seen any James Cameron film yet.

Surviving Kris Kringle

So there, I survived this year’s kris kringle with officemates. It was me who actually co-perpetrated it. Our aliases this year were taken from any local celebrity and I chose Moymoy Palaboy as my alter ego. Reason: we have the same initials. Others were more creative though (Angelina Spoiled Brat, Kimmy Dora, etc.).

As for the something-something themes, we opted to have, first, something hard and edible followed by something addictive and something inspired by a Christmas song or lyrics. We also set our own wishlist as a guide on what we intend to receive for 300 bucks or more.

Nothing fancy come revelation time. I just spiced it up a little bit and gave the chance for the "Parents" to guess who their "Baby" was. First three correct guesses received a humble pack of assorted of polvorons from Goldilocks. That went well. Check out some celfone pictures here for evidence.

By the time you're through looking at the pics, I have probably secured my original "Cavite" DVD in my bag that I will be using on my trip home for Christmas.

Philography File # 003: Gerard Salonga, Michael Williams and Menchu Lauchenco-Yulo

Autographs were collected last December 14, Monday, right after the Feel Harmony free concert at Power Plant Mall.

Gerard Salonga is the conductor of Filharmonika, one of the country’s omnipresent orchestras, and, in case you don’t know yet, is the brother of Lea Salonga. Michael Williams is part of the original cast of “Miss Saigon”. Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo is undoubtedly one of Philippine theater’s finest actresses of all time.

Life is an iPhone # 025

Clockwise from top row:

1. Shooting. I watched a film shoot for the nth time and this one’s for the indie movie “Fling” starring Rafael Rossel and Lara Morena. Taken at Makati City Hall which is home to many “locations”. My first encounter with “Fling” crew was also on the same building but on a different floor;

2. Floor Plan. This was taken to save a copy of the floor plan for the Christmas “Party”. Scribble was by Sadah;

3. Orchestra Music at the Mall. Another proof that the best things in life are indeed free. The concert was held at Power Plant Mall and the repertoire was mostly Broadway. Singing on this picture was Michael Williams, an alumnus of the original cast of “Miss Saigon”. Other performers include Jack Salud and the great Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. By the way, the orchestra in spotlight was Filharmonika and the conductor was Gerard Salonga, no less;

4. Rent - Manila! This one’s a bonus, on top of the free orchestra music. I think it was one of the first guestings of the new cast of Rent – Manila and it was a treat to witness their two-song sampler. I can’t wait for February 12;

5. Mall Display. Taken also at Power Plant, specifically at the area near the National Bookstore branch;

6. Barangay Hall Christmas Tree. I came from not another film shoot (PLDT Cinemabuhay’s “Slowfade”, starring Diether Ocampo, Precious Lara Quigaman and Alchris Galura) when I passed by this Christmas tree display in front of a barangay hall near New Orleans St. in Cubao;

Life is an iPhone # 024

Clockwise from top row:

1. PICC Chandelier. It’s always a joy to marvel at this wort of art, a reminiscent of Manila during its cultural revolution;

2. The Bridge. Finally, I conquered to pass through the Guadalupe Bridge on foot. It felt a little unsafe due to the busses but it was fulfilling. The view of the Pasig river from there is for the books;

3. Chicken Chop. While waiting for the box office to open at Robinsons Place – Pioneer, I was enticed to try this chicken chop in one of the stalls nearby. The sign says “Taiwan’s Famous Crispy Chicken Chop”. Verdict: nothing special with the meat but the original seasoning saved the day;

4. Robinsons Place Cinema. A bit blurred but this theater in Pioneer reminds me of a small American downtown cinema. Nothing extraordinary with the establishment though but the toitets are clean and the seats are decent enough;

5. Escalator. No significance whatsoever but I like the natural light. This one’s heading to MRT station in Boni;

6. Vanilla Ice Cream. The best things in life are indeed free. This cup of Selecta Gold ice cream was redeemed at Glorietta 4 cinema, for every movie ticket, on my way to watch “Bad Lieutenant”. I had another cup for “Fantastic Mr. Fox”;

Life is an iPhone # 023

Clockwise from top row:

1. Labels at the Closet. I suddenly noticed this “artwork” of mine on my room’s closet in the province. You see, when I was in highschool, I used to collect all the apparel labels and have it Scotch taped on the closet’s door. I think I continued the tradition until college only to realize later that I ran out of space;

2. Living Room. Call this home and this particular section is aptly called the living room. I grew up on this sala set, probably wrecked it once or twice while playing. Most highschool class parties were also held here, a mute witness of my (and my brother’s) coming of age;

3. Cake for Mom. Taken (and eaten) in celebration of my dear mom’s 67th birthday last December 6. Krista and Franco are my pamangkins;

4. Room with a View. This is the macopa tree outside the room of my parents. If I’m not mistaken, it was lolo Angel (mom’s dad who passed away more than a decade ago) who planted it;

5. Taxi Sign. This one’s taken from the taxi while I was on the way to work. I guess they are using the sign in case shift is up;

6. Office Friends. Lunch with my “batchmates” at Zong in Fort Strip;

Dumating Na!

The Arrival
Direksyon: Erik Matti
Iskrip: Erik Matti
Mga Nagsiganap: Dwight Gaston, atbp.

ISTORYA

Isang bachelor sa kanyang nag-uumpisang dapit-hapon ang kumawala sa kanyang nakakabagot na buhay at sinunod ang isang udyok. Iniwan n’ya ang kanyang trabaho at sinubukang hanapin ang babae na madalas magpakita sa kanyang panaginip kahit walang kasiguraduhan ng kanyang patutunguhan. Natagpuan n’ya ang kanyang sarili sa isang malayong bayan sa Negros at doon n’ya sinubukang simulan ulit ang panibagong yugto ng kanyang buhay. Dito na n’ya nakilala ang ilang karakter na nagpabago ng direksyon sa kanyang buhay.

NAKARATING NAMAN

Inasahan ko talaga ang visual delight ng isang Erik Matti film. Ang ganda-ganda ng rehistro ng mga imahe sa pelikulang ito, mula pag-iilaw hanggang sa mga anggulo at production design. Halimbawa, naihatid nang maayos ng cinematography ang malamlam at walang laman na buhay ng bidang lalaki. Napaka-cold ng treatment at sinabayan pa ng mahusay na editing upang magmukhang routinary ang lahat.

Pero hindi ito CGI movie kamukha ng “Exodus” o maging “Pedro Penduko”. Siguro ay umabot din sa pagkakataon na naghahanap ako ng mas realistic na atake, lalo na sa bahaging unti-unting nabubuksan na ng bida ang hamon ng kanyang panaginip. Pero madali na itong patawarin.

Walang sikat na artista sa pelikula at nakatulong naman ito para maiparating nang maayos ang isang payak subalit hindi mababaw na materyal. Unang beses yata ito para kay Erik Matti na magsulat ng iskrip at ayon sa kwento n’ya, mukhang mabisa ang pakikinig n’ya sa mga daldalan ng kanyang mga kaibigan at kakilala na “ninakawan” n’ya ng istorya.

KONKLUSYON

Ang unang tumatak sa isip ko matapos kong mapanood ang pelikula ay ganito siguro ang produkto kung gagawa si Erik Matti ng pelikula na walang kompromiso. Litaw na litaw ang indie feel ng pelikula at wala ito, ni katiting, na maghangad ng mas maraming manonood o pagsang-ayon. Pero hindi naman tahasang inabandona ni Matti ang manonood. May koneksyon pa rin sa pagitan ng mga manonood at ang mga karakter sa pelikula at sa katunayan ay tila nakikipagbulungan lang ang direktor ng mga bagay na personal, mga bagay na hindi mo masasabi sa pelikulang pinrodyus ng malalaking production. Kung susumahin, ang nakarating sa aking bulong ay malakas naman at malinaw.

Life is an iPhone # 022

Clockwise from top row:

1. Go-Live Donut. Had this donut as part of the go-live for one of the projects that I’ve been involved with. What a way to sugar rush in the morning;

2. Menu Cover. Yes, it’s a painting and it’s also a menu cover in Café Juanita (at the Burgos Circle branch). Impressive for an appetite booster;

3. Super Adobo. I have never tasted an adobo variation this good. The “base” adobo is your usual adobo while the garnishing is some serving of adobo flakes. Hence the dish name “Two-Way Adobo”. A must-try;

4. First Snowflakes. As part of the office’s “dress up your area” campaign/contest for this Christmas season, I was tasked to cut out some paper snowflakes (thanks to the net for the guide). I don’t remember my self doing this during grade school and it was a therapeutic experience;

5. Beef Tapa Haven. Daalps Group did it again one Friday evening (or morning). Drinking session (with some Joe, the Mango moment) was held at Krocodile Grill in Greenbelt 3 then post midnight eat-out followed at Rufo’s. I had two beef tapa during that week, I guess. After this, coffee at Gloria Jean’s in The Fort until 6am;

6. View from the Bus Window. Armed with chai latte, I took a bus going to my dear Quezon Province right after the Friday stint. I had zero sleep then and this view of the sea from my seat failed not to impress me;