No Introductions Needed: Hoo-Rah!

Reminiscing Zsazsa Zaturnnah's 4th Run

These are the photos taken during Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal's 4th Run at the CCP. Ngayon ko lang maipo-post because my sister had the pictures with her since the night of the performance until tonight.

Pasensya na lang sa ibang shots 'cause they're blurry: the subjects were in motion kasi.

Ang nag-iisang Eula Valdes... Nag-iisang Zsazsa Zaturnnah...

(Right) Si Eula, mangiyak-ngiyak sa tuwa. Si Agot, constipated ata. Hehehe...

Enter ang reigning Ada na Luz Valdez ang boses ng gabing 'yun

Bow... Click! Click! Click!
These are the videos that I took while the gang were giving out their acknowledgments. Sensya na dahil magalaw rin at may isang malaking harang sa harap na mega-palakpak. I was hiding the camera kasi. Baka kunin ng mga taga-CCP. Afraid ako!

For the first-time ever, nakapagpapa-picture na ako with the cast!

Take note: Ang mga daliri ng kumukuha ang magalaw kaya blurry ang pics! ;-)

Mga beauties ever!


Hindi kami, 'di kami bakla... Itsura pa lang, 'di mo ba halata?
Picturan pa rin outside the theater...



Remember Wesley Snipes in Demolition Man? This is he! Pramis!


5th run will be this June at RCBC Plaza...

Now Showing Part 2 (Movie Reviews)

You Got Me (Star Cinema, 2007)
Toni Gonzaga, Sam Milby, Zanjoe Marudo
Cathy Garcia-Molina

Something unexpected happened while Biboy and I were watching You Got Me. Kinilig ang lolo mo!

Of course, it isn't new if Biboy gets kilig over watching romantic movies. However, he is more inclined to do so over foreign films rather than Pinoy ones. Yes, he has such snob quality that I really don't like. That was why I was apprehensive when I brought him to see YGM. Pero grabe! Gulat ako nang kiligin talaga siya. I swear na mas kinilig pa siya sa 'kin!

I like YGM more than You Are the One. Para sa 'kin, mas buo ang kwento nito at ang mga karakter. Malinaw ang gusto niyang mangyari: pakiligin ang manonood. Judging from how Biboy reacted, tagumpay siya sa kanyang goal. It is direct to the point, and has not much pretentions. Andun pa rin 'yung typical formulaic style of doing romantic movies, especially towards the end which seemed unrealistic. However, it's forgivable since it isn't overly done.

The kilig factor lies more on the two male leads of the film: Sam Milby and Zanjoe Marudo. Definitely, it's already a given that Sam's good looks greatly contribute to how the audience would feel towards the scenes of the film, especially that he plays an insecure, geeky guy with a torpe attitude written all over him. There's something captivating about guys who are unsure of themselves even if it's too obvious that they shouldn't have to. It'd be such an overwhelming feeling if you could be the one to bring him out of his shell.

Compared to YATO, acting-wise, YGM doesn't do much for Sam. However, it clearly shows that he could transform himself into playing an overly confident guy to a geeky one effectively.

Zanjoe, on the other hand, has an innate charm in him that could be described as "maginoo pero bastos." He exudes confidence without being arrogant. I have seen him play an almost the same role several times on TV and he isn't bad at all. Time could only tell if could venture into different roles that wouldn't require him to be himself. For the mean time, hangga't di pa pinagsasawaan, go lang!

What I like about the two characters, Kevin (Sam) and Caloy (Zanjoe), are their differences. There is a definite distinction between them. Kevin is timid while Caloy is bold, in life and their relations to other people. Kevin is the bookworm while Caloy is street-smart. Kevin is afraid to show his emotions while Caloy does anything possible to express himself. Despite the differences, both has the charms that could easily capture anyone's hearts.

Amor (Toni) found it difficult to choose between them but, like in life, she has to make a choice, and live by it. I just wish, though, that the writers didn't allow Caloy to have a huge flaw para naman hindi naging ganun'g kalinaw kung sino ang dapat piliin sa dalawa.

Watching Kevin and Caloy reminds me of Ben and Noel (of Felicity). While masarap sa pakiramdam ang maipit sa dalawa, sobrang hirap din naman. Good luck na lang sa girl (o sa guy)!

One of the most memorable characters in the film is Amor's dad played by Johnny Delgado. Maikli pero markado. Johnny is Gina Pareño in another kilig, funny movie: Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo. Riot siguro if they could put the two together in one movie.


Notes on a Scandal (Fox Searchlight and DNA Films, 2006)
Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett, Bill Nighy
Richard Eyre

From two award-winning actresses comes this powerful drama that would set boundaries on friendship and obsession.

Notes on a Scandal stars two generation of women bounded by their desires and needs.

Sheba Hart (Cate Blanchett) only wants appreciation and love from the people around her. Barbara Covett (Dame Judi Dench) desires to belong and be one with somebody all her life. She has befriended Sheba that leads her to think that what they have could end into an everlasting friendship. When she learns that Sheba is having an affair with one of her students, she is thrown into the fit of obsession and desperation. Feeling threatened by the affair, she tells Sheba what she knows. Feeling bad about herself, Sheba promises to end the affair. Together they find ways to deal with the passion and desires that surround them, that would either strengthen or destroy their friendship.

Notes on a Scandal will take you for an emotional ride from beginning to end. The characters are flawed, hence, totoong tao sila: nakakainis sa mga pinaggagagawa nila pero nakakaawa at the same time. They're two of the most unforgettable characters on screen.

Aside from that, Notes has one of the most ingenious dialogues you could hear on screen. Barbara Covette is Miranda Priestly's counterpart from The Devil Wears Prada. I wonder what could happen if these two ever meet...

Brilliant script and excellent acting about two of man's favorite sins: love and sex, what more could you ask for in a film?


Read Part 1

4th Golden Screen Awards

The 4th Golden Screen Awards (Enpress) was held last night, March 17 at RCBC Plaza.

Congatulations to Mamu Vince for winning Best Original Song! In fairness, magaganda ang mga nominated song pero wagi pa rin ang beauty ng lola mo for the song "Ikaw ang Superstar ng Buhay Ko" from the movie Zsazsa Zaturnnah: Ze Moveeh. "Sheer beauty lang ang pinanalo ko run," he texted me. Gleng-gleng talaga, mamu!

The nominated songs were sang by Miguel Mendoza, Gian Magdangal, Kyla, and Karyll. T'was a nice production number not because it was bongacious, but because it has been awhile since we heard great theme songs from Pinoy movies. The past few years, producers opted to revive old songs for their movies. Even in Hollywood, bihira na rin 'yung talagang theme songs na may pop/hit qualities. Sadly, theme songs remained just themes from the movies, never reaching the radio airwaves.

Incidentally, Dinno Erece also won the best adapted screenplay for ZZZ: ZM. Congratulations din sa 'yo, Dinno! (Lola, mag-update ka na ng blog mo. Hehehe.)

Here is the complete list of nominees, including some winners:

Best Motion Picture (Drama)
Kaleldo (Centerstage Productions)
Ligalig (CM Productions)
Batad Sa Daang Palay (Philippine Company of Performing Arts)
Compound (Hubo, LLC and FGI Inc.)
Donsol (Bicycle Pictures)
Inang Yaya (Unitel Pictures)
Kubrador (MRL Films)
Manoro (Centerstage Productions)

Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy)
I Wanna Be Happy (Seiko Films)
Don't Give Up On Us (Star Cinema Productions)
Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo (Star Cinema Productions)
Manay Po (Regal Entertainment)
ZsaZsa Zaturnnah: Ze Moveeh (Regal Entertainment)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Drama)
Angel Aquino (Donsol)
Mylene Dizon (Rome & Juliet)
Gina Pareño (Kubrador)
Cherry Pie Picache (Kaleldo)
Andrea del Rosario (Rome & Juliet)
Maricel Soriano (Inang Yaya)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Drama)
John Arcilla (Compound)
Johnny Delgado (Kaleldo)
Alchris Galura (Batad Sa Daang Palay)
Cesar Montano (Ligalig)
Jericho Rosales (Pacquiao)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Musical or Comedy)
Toni Gonzaga (You Are The One)
Zsa Zsa Padilla (ZsaZsa Zaturnnah: Ze Moveeh)
Cherry Pie Picache (Manay Po)
Gloria Romero (I Wanna Be Happy)
Judy Ann Santos (Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Musical or Comedy)
Ryan Agoncillo (Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo)
John Lloyd Cruz (Close To You)
Eddie Garcia (I Wanna Be Happy)
Rustom Padilla (ZsaZsa Zaturnnah: Ze Moveeh)
Piolo Pascual (Don't Give Up On Us)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Drama, Musical or Comedy) Gina Alajar (Batad Sa Daang Palay)
Gina Pareño (Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo)
Cherry Pie Picache (Twilight Dancers)
Meryll Soriano (Rotonda)
Tessie Tomas (Rome & Juliet)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Drama, Musical or Comedy)
Archie Adamos (Raket Ni Nanay)
Nonie Buencamino (Batad Sa Daang Palay)
Chokoleit (ZsaZsa Zaturnnah: Ze Moveeh)
Joel Lamangan (Twilight Dancers)
Ronaldo Valdez (Sukob)

Breakthrough Performance by an Actress
Jonalyn Ablong (Manoro)
Kim Chiu (First Day High)
Erika Oreta (Inang Yaya)
Maja Salvador (Sukob)
Tala Santos (Inang Yaya)

Breakthrough Performance by an Actor
Jason Abalos (All About Love)
Gerald Anderson (First Day High)
Sid Lucero (Donsol)
Jake Macapagal (Compound)
Sam Milby (You Are The One)
Jett Pangan (Tulad ng Dati)

Best Director
Adolf Alix, Jr. (Donsol)
Will Fredo (Compound)
Benji Garcia (Batad Sa Daang Palay)
Jeffrey Jeturian (Kubrador)
Brillante Mendoza (Kaleldo)
Jose Javier Reyes (Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo)
Pablo Biglang-Awa and Veronica Velasco (Inang Yaya)

Best Original Screenplay
Adolf Alix, Jr. (Donsol)
Vic Asedillo Jr. (Batad Sa Daang Palay)
Will Fredo (Compound)
Jose Javier Reyes (Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo)
Ralston Jover (Kubrador)
Boots Agbayani-Pastor (Kaleldo)

Best Adapted Screenplay
Dinno Erece (ZsaZsa Zaturnnah: Ze Moveeh)
Gabriel Fernandez (Nasaan Si Francis?)

Best Cinematography
Eli Balce (Donsol)
Ruben dela Cruz (Batad Sa Daang Palay)
Odessy Flores (Kaleldo)
Gene Gallardo, PJ Sta. Ana, and Will Fredo (Compound)
Gary Gardoce (Inang Yaya)
Roberto Yñiguez (Kubrador)

Best Editing
Danny Añonuevo (Batad Sa Daang Palay)
Vito Cajili (Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo)
Phillip Espina (Kaleldo)
Jay Halili (Kubrador)
Tara Illenberger (Donsol)

Best Production Design
Leo Abaya (Kubrador)
Aped Santos and Noel Navarro (Batad Sa Daang Palay)
Benjamin Padero (Kaleldo)
Norman Regalado (Inang Yaya)
Willy Urbano (Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo)

Best Sound
Ditoy Aguila (Kubrador)
Will Fredo (Compound)
Mike Idioma (Manoro)
Dave Navarro, Mark Locsin and Robert Relagio (Batad Sa Daang Palay)
Mark Vasquez (Donsol)

Best Musical Score
Bob Abes (Compound)
Nonong Buencamino (Inang Yaya)
Jesse Lucas (Donsol)
Sr. Belinda Salazar (Batad Sa Daang Palay)
Jerrold Tarog (Kubrador)
Jerrold Tarog (Manoro)

Best Original Song
Bob Aves ("Alay Kay Sta. Ana" from the movie Compound; performed by Grace Nono)
Joey Benin ("Nanay" from the movie Inang Yaya; performed by Erika Oreta and Tala Santos)
Chi Datu ("Saan Nagtatago si Happiness?" from the movie of the same title; performed by Nanette Inventor)
Vincent de Jesus ("Ikaw ang Superhero ng Buhay Ko" from the movie ZsaZsa Zaturnnah: Ze Moveeh; performed by Zsa Zsa Padilla)
Itoy Nipis ("Walang Hahadlang" from the movie Ligalig; performed by Cesar Montano)

Best Visual Effects
Imaginary Friends Studio (Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay Ka, Fairy Ko... The Legend Goes On and On and On)
Imaginary Friends Studio (Matakot Ka sa Karma)
Larger Than Life (Ligalig)
Roadrunner, Inc. (Sukob)

I will update this as soon as I get the complete list of winners. Nakalimutan ko na kasi. Just to repeat, though, what Heart Evangelista (one of the hosts) said, I agree that there were a lot of excellent movies last year: whether commercial or independent. Maraming nabigyan ng Rated A at B. Look at the Best Picture lists, and you'll know what I mean. Sad to say, however, that there were not a lot of people who saw them. Maski ako mangilan-ngilan lang ang napanood ko.

I hope that this year will be a better year for the movie industry. I'm sure that the upcoming Cinemalaya and Cinemanila would produce another great gems. So carry on, indie film makers! In time, you'll make your mark in the industry...

Now Showing Part 1 (Movie Reviews)

For the past two months, I have been constantly seeing movies on cinemas. Medyo namulubi na nga ako. Despite that, I've no worries. It's a different feeling when you get to see movies on the big screen kasi. (Aside from partly beating my blues temporarily.) For one thing, mas malakas ang impact. There are no distractions, so you get to focus yourself on the film itself. Second, the environment is really conducive to experiencing the magic of movies: the big, wide screen and the dolby surround sound. Kaya nga if ever I'd become rich, I want to have my own movie theater at home ala Kuya Germs. Grabe! Heaven siguro ang feeling if you get to watch movies in the comforts of your very own theater! S'ympre, with matching popcorn and snacks at the side. I'd also dreamt of having to own my own commercial movie theater; if not, kahit drive-in theaters na lang. I don't think that we ever had any drive-in theaters here so gusto kong simulan. Kung nagkaroon man, gusto kong buhayin. That is, if ever I'd become rich...

Music and Lyrics (Warner Bros., 2007)
Hugh Grant, Drew Barrymore
Marc Lawrence

Music and Lyrics' trailer did not impress me much. I was about to skip this film when I read the review headline for the review of this film in The Philippine Inquirer. I don't remember what it says but the words just encouraged me to watch it. True enough, the film was a romantic gem. It may not be the best romantic film ever produced so far but it is one of the must-see romantic films. Aside from the chemistry between Hugh & Drew, the film boasts of some witty dialogues and great songs which were very reminiscent of the '80s. It's not really a "kilig" movie but it is funny and endearing at the same time. It also makes reference on how absurd the music industry works at times.

Dreamgirls (Dreamworks SKG and Paramount Pictures, 2006)
Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson
Bill Condon

Dreamgirls is another movie commentary on the inner workings of the music industry during the '60s. If Music and Lyrics did it comically, Dreamgirls did it in a serious and almost threatening manner that it had to downplay most of what it has to say regarding the recording industry. For other people it had worked. For some it didn't. However, one has to remember that the film deals more with how three aspiring singers made their way to the top, and how their friendship was destroyed along the way ala Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas. The politics behind it was just secondary.

Dreamgirls isn't Chicago or Moulin Rouge. It isn't visually stimulating as the two. The shots were simple and "non-artistic". Compared to the directors of the two films, Bill Condon seemed to have opted not to use the MTV-style of doing musicals. It could be of an advantage or a disadvantage depending on how one sees it. But the film's strength lies on the music and the actors' performances. The music is catchy and melodic, although not peotically-enticing. Watching it could be compared to witnessing a great concert from an excellent artist and his life story unfolding right before your very eyes. After every performances, all you could do is express your appreciation by applauding and clapping your hands. When they said their farewells, all you could do is sigh and wish for more.

Above anything else, Dreamgirls should be seen for Jennifer Hudson's performance, whether you're a fan or you just want to see what the fuss is all about. Her Oscar-winning performance definitely increased the box-office sales of the film. I, for one, almost cried during her "I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" performance. It must've been her winning scene: so powerful, so desperate. As opposed to Beyonce Knowles' "Listen," both songs are emotionally-charged, yet she failed in pulling her audience towards her. Belat, Beyonce!
The Promise (GMA Films and Regal Films, 2007)
Richard Gutierrez, Angel Locsin, Rhian Ramos, TJ Trinidad
Mike Tuviera

Overall, The Promise is a decent film. It would be unfair to compare it with Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit because it is of a different league from that said film. Classic na ang obra ni Carlos Siguion-Reyna, and I don't think that Mike Tuviera intended this film to belong to one of Philippine's bests. 'Cause if he did, all aspects of the film should be considered carefully.

As I've said, sa pangkalahatan, pasado naman ang pelikulang ito. The problem lies, though, on the two leads. The storyline/script was adapted to meet their age qualifications. (Mas malinaw pa nga ang naging kwento kaysa sa Hihintayin.) However, they weren't able to transcend the needed emotions and passion of their characters on screen. Doon lumabas na masyado pa nga silang bata to venture into something bigger like this. Though kakikitaan ng effort to veer away from what they do on TV, Angel and Richard remained the same in terms of acting. Lalong-lalo na si Richard who seemed to know only one expression during the entire transformation of his character. (If you have seen him during Mulawin or Captain Barbell days, nothing has changed.) Nangusuan pa nga siya ni TJ. TJ was at his best when he finally realized that, despite his efforts as Anton, Andrea (Angel) never loved him. Mas naawa pa ko sa character niya kaysa kay Daniel (Richard), which was different from how Eric Quizon tackled the same role as Allan in Hihintayin. With Allan, you'd just hate him at the end for taking Carmina (Dawn Zulueta) away from Gabriel (Richard Gomez). That goes to show that Richard wasn't successful enough to be the mature actor that he wants to be.


The Holiday (Sony Films and United International Pictures, 2006)
Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black
Nancy Meyers

One-time viewing is all I could say about The Holiday. Malayong-malayo siya sa Something's Gotta Give na super-kilig movie kahit pa matatanda na ang mga karakter. The Holiday has its moments of charms and kilig especially when Jude Law is on screen. He is such a hunk! (I totally understand why Tom Ripley became obsessed with him!) But the mess lies on how the story went on. It's full of dialogues yet it doesn't say much. Pinaikot-ikot ka lang niya sa isang kwentong ilang beses ng nagawa. Too bad that the story of two persons exchanging houses wasn't given focus much. It could have been the main point of the film: on how one lives her life. But because it's supposed to be a romanctic comedy, the film's focal point are the women's love lives.

Despite the lapses in script, The Holiday is well-acted. Cameron and Jude has a good chemistry. Kate is sweet and such a darling. What bugs me is why Jack Black was cast as Kate's love interest. Sino ba namang babae (o baklush) ang kikiligin kay Nacho Libre?! Josko naman!


It's a Boy Girl Thing (Icon Pictures, 2006)
Samaire Armstrong, Kevin Zegers
Nick Hurran

As much as I'd want to say that I watch this film because I was interested in the story, I can't. I mean, obvious naman na gamit na gamit na 'yung plot n'ya-- body switching. I only see this for Kevin Zegers alone! Kahit mag-isa akong nanood, go pa rin! Buti na lang, may mangilan-ngilan ding tao sa sinehan.


My gawd! This man is a god! Pucha, the face, the smile, the lips, the dimples! Pamatay talaga! 'Yun lang. Hehehe...


O, s'ya! About the movie, well, as I've said, the plot has been done so many times. It really won't matter as long as the film was able to show something different. Sadly, wala siyang nagawa to make the plot more interesting. Further, the story dealt more with the "boy thing" rather than equally discussing both sexes. The director and the writer must've been in love with Kevin, as well! Hahaha!


Continuation...

Upcoming Movies

300 is the first big movie of 2007 to ever hit the theaters this year. It is one of the most anticipated movies of the year along with a bunch of sequels from previous blockbusters.

300, amongst other things, is one of the breathtaking movies you'd see in a while. It is visually stunning and a true feast for the eyes that makes up for what it lacks in story and dialogues. Just prepare to be awed and be surprise with what could be the greatest battle in movie history. Leonidas makes Achilles (Troy) look dumb and wussy! Even Braveheart would hide under his kilt when he sees him in action!

For the comic to screen comparison of the graphic novel by Frank Miller, check this out.

But these are not the films that you should look out for during the next few months. Hollywood is cooking up something better. Something different from what we have seen so far. No more sequels. No more Asian-adapted movies. It's time to recreate well-loved characters. These movies are surefire blockbusters and must-sees! Ibang level na 'to!

Which among them will be your future favorites? Which are the must-sees on your list? :-)

Note: For more pictures visit Worth 1000 .