Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Cinema One Originals 2007 Schedule

The 2007 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Festival

Trinoma (Cinema 1)
Edsa corner North Avenue

November 30, Friday
12:05 pm HULING BALYAN NG BUHI (The Woven Stories of
The Other)

2:00 pm CONFESSIONAL and Astig

3:50 pm Agogo Makabago (Pandanggo segment) and MALING
AKALA

6:15 pm PRINSESA

8:30 pm TAMBOLISTA

10: 10 pm ALTAR

December 01, Saturday
11:15 am Ang Pagbalik and PRINSESA

1:45 pm TAMBOLISTA

3:30 pm Putot and ALTAR

5:30 pm ROME & JULIET

8:00 pm Carpool and MALING AKALA

9:45 pm Agogo Makabago and CONFESSIONAL

December 02, Sunday
11:30 am CONFESSIONAL and Astig

1:30 pm REKADOS

3:15 pm PRINSESA

5:30 pm TAMBOLISTA

7:30 pm Kultado and ALTAR

9:45 pm Agogo Makabago and MALING AKALA


Glorietta 4 (Cinema 5)
Ayala Center, Makati

November 30, Friday
12:15 pm Kultado and PRINSESA

3:00 pm MALING AKALA

4:45 pm Ang Pagbalik and REKADOS

6:45 pm ALTAR

8:35 pm CONFESSIONAL and Astig

10:20 pm Agogo Makabago and TAMBOLISTA

December 01, Saturday
12:05 pm Putot and TAMBOLISTA

2:30 pm HULING BALYAN NG BUHI (The Woven Stories of
The Other)

4:30 pm PRINSESA

6:45 pm CONFESSIONAL and Astig

8:30 pm Carpool and MALING AKALA

10:30 pm ALTAR

December 02, Sunday
12:05 pm ALTAR

1:50 pm CONFESSIONAL and Astig

3:30 pm TAMBOLISTA

5:10 pm Putot and MALING AKALA

7:00 pm ROME & JULIET

9:45 pm Agogo Makabago and PRINSESA


CONFESSIONAL (2007)
Running Time: 90 mins
Directors: Jerrold Tarog, Ruel Dahis Antipuesto
Screenwriter: Ramon Ukit
Producer: Ruel Antipuesto
Cinematographer: Ruel Antipuesto
Editor: Pats R. Ranyo
Music: Jerrold Tarog with Arodasi
Principal Cast: Publio Briones III, David Barril, Greg Fernandez, Owee Salva, Donna Gimeno

About the Filmmakers
RUEL DAHIS ANTIPUESTO always wanted to study film, but since time and money never got together, he just took the plunge. He made so many mistakes along the way that he ended up teaching in a film school. He won the grand prize in the 2006 Sinulog video documentary competition, and was cinematographer on the award-winning short, Carpool. Confessional is his feature directorial debut.

JERROLD TAROG took film theory courses while working on his Music Composition degree at the University of the Philippines and had a short encounter with the International Academy of Film and Television in Cebu. He got three Gawad Urian Award nominations in 2007 for the scores of Kubrador, Kaleldo, and Manoro, and bagged the Cinemalaya prize for musical score for Kadin. His short, Carpool, won first prize at the 19th Gawad CCP. Confessional is his first feature film.

About the Synopsis
Lies + Lies = Truth.

Ryan Pastor knows this by heart. As a small time filmmaker, he knows how sound and images can be manipulated to say anything. And he's tired of the lies—the lies at work, in his relationships, the lies one must keep in society just to exist. On a whim, he decides to go to Cebu to document the Sinulog festival. There he stumbles upon a truth he didn't ask for and is reluctant to touch. One of his subjects, a former politician who may or may not be dying, decides to confess his sins—all the crimes he committed while in office—before Ryan's camera.

What follows is a story of revelations and bitter truths, of buried secrets and sweet lies. CONFESSIONAL takes you to the heart of a criminal...or an honest man.


ALTAR (2007)
Running time:
Director: Rico Maria Ilarde
Screenwriters: Rico Maria Ilarde, Mammu Chua
Executive Producer: Ronald Arguelles
Producer: Mammu Chua
Cinematographer: Louie Quirino
Production Designer: Fritz Silorio
Music: Malek Lopez
Editors: Maisa Demetillo, Rico Maria Ilarde
Principal Cast: Zanjoe Marudo, Nor Domingo, Dimples Romana, Dido dela Paz, Kristalyn Engle

About the Filmmaker
After graduating from the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, RICO MARIA ILARDE immediately immersed himself in the mainstream by directing action scenes for his father Eddie Ilarde's TV drama anthology. He has since made a name for himself in the suspense-horror genre by directing Dugo Ng Birhen, Babaeng Putik, and the Aquarium segment of the horror franchise Shake, Rattle & Roll 2k5. His 2006 feature Sa Ilalim Ng Cogon has garnered considerable acclaim and screened in festivals in Europe, Asia and South America.

About the Synopsis
Anton, a boxer who accidentally killed an opponent in the ring, returns to the Philippines from the US and finds himself jobless and destitute. He is hired by a mysterious foreman named Erning, who assigns him and a man named Lope to renovate an eerie, decrepit house on the outskirts of the city. They soon discover that the place is haunted by the apparition of a young girl, and that the basement carries a strange wooden altar to an unknown deity. Truly bloodcurdling events follow one after the other, snowballing into a deeply disturbing and violent climax.


MALING AKALA (2007)
Running time:
Directors: Veronica B. Velasco, Pablo Biglang-awa Jr.
Screenwriter: Veronica B. Velasco
Producers: Veronica B. Velasco, Pablo Biglang-Awa Jr.
Cinematographer: Larry Manda
Editors: Danny AƱonuevo, Lester Olayer
Principal Cast: Victor Basa, Jodi Sta. Maria

About the Filmmakers
This is the second feature from the team of VERONICA VELASCO and PABLO BIGLANG-AWA, JR, whose first film Inang Yaya was named Best Film of 2006 by the Young Critics' Circle and Best Digital Film by the Star Awards.

Pablo started out as a graphic designer and is now a director of commercials for Unitel. Veronica has been with Unitel as a producer for 15 years. They honed their craft by directing and producing 30-second ads.

Pablo is a visual artist and grand prize winner of the Art Association of the Philippines competition. "We've always been asked how we 'divide' directing," Veronica says. "We don't. We collaborate well since we complement each other's skills. He's a painter and I'm a writer."

About the Synopsis
The bittersweet love story of JP and Teta gives us a glimpse of how a gay man/straight woman relationship works… or doesn't. JP is a fugitive on the run, after having accidentally killed his lover. On the bus, he sits next to Teta, who is 9 months pregnant. When Teta gives birth, JP accompanies mother and child home to their fishpond in Sasmuan, Pampanga. Teta impulsively introduces JP as the father of her child surprising both JP and her parents. When JP and Teta agree to play-act husband and wife, their queer, dysfunctional tale begins.


PRINSESA (2007)
Director: Lawrence Fajardo
Screenwriters: Jim Flores, Jade Snow, Lawrence Fajardo, Dado Lomibao
Executive Producer: Ronald Arguelles
Directors of Photography: Lawrence Fajardo, Jun Aves
Editors: John Wong, Conrad Zaguirre Jr
Music: Jobin Ballesteros, Jimmy Bondoc, DJ Myk Salomon
Production Designer: Lexter Tarriela
Principal Cast: Romnick Sarmenta, Archie Adamos, Shamaine Buencamino, Katrina "Hopia" Legaspi

About the Filmmaker
LAWRENCE FAJARDO fell in love with theater and film in high school, when film director Peque Gallaga "discovered" him in the halls of the University of St. La Salle Bacolod. "Law" learned filmmaking through workshops and internships with Gallaga, Lore Reyes and Erik Matti. His 2005 short film Kultado, set in the markets of his hometown, won the Special Jury Prize in Cinemalaya 2005 and the Best Short Film award of the Gawad Urian. Kultado has been exhibited in Singapore, Germany, Los Angeles and Italy, and is an official entry to the Clermont Ferrand Short Film Festival in February, 2008. His first full-length feature, Raket ni Nanay, was a Cinema One Original in 2006.

About the Synopsis
How does a child cope with being parentless? Princess' mother dies giving birth to her twin. Her father, Mar, gets a job overseas. Her aunt, Marie, cannot fill the void left by her parents.

Prinsesa is the first Filipino film to delve into the psychology of obesity. Fat people have always been portrayed as objects of ridicule in Filipino movies, but what of the circumstances surrounding the issue?

Prinsesa regards obesity in a new light, connecting it to the Pinoy diaspora, the separation of parents from their children, and the mechanisms of overcompensation. How can you be a good parent when you're thousands of miles away from your children? What's it like to grow up as children of overseas Filipino workers?


TAMBOLISTA (Drumbeat) (2007)
Running time:
Director: Adolfo B. Alix, Jr.
Screenwriter: Ave Regina S. Tayag
Executive Producer: Ronald Arguelles
Supervising Producer: Alvin Yapan
Line Producer: Arleen Cuevas
Associate Line Producer: Maxie Evangelista
Editor: Aleks Castaneda
Director of Photography: Albert Banzon
Music: Khavn dela Cruz
Production Designer: Jeck Cogama
Sound Engineer: Ditoy Aguila
Principal Cast: Jiro Manio, Coco Martin, Sid Lucero, Anita Linda, Fons Deza

About the Filmmaker
The films of Adolfo B. Alix, Jr portray strongly Filipino characters at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. His first feature, Donsol, was honored with special jury prizes at the Asian Marine Film Festival, Japan and the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, and is the Philippines' official entry to the 2007 Academy Awards, Best Foreign Language Film category. His second feature, Kadin, has been screened at the Locarno and Amiens filmfests. As a screenwriter, Alix's works include the feature films Homecoming, Mga Munting Tinig (Small Voices), and various television shows. A magna cum laude graduate of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Alix now teaches film and screenwriting courses at his alma mater.

About the Synopsis
Jason, 14, had one passion: playing the drums. His dream is to get a drum set of his own. But life is never as constant and regular as the beat of a drum; it often skips a beat or moves too fast. Jason's brother Billy discovers that his girlfriend is pregnant, and he needs to raise the money for an abortion. Their friend Paolo finds himself homeless, jobless, and burdened with a secret. When Jason tries to help Billy, he gets caught up in a web of betrayal and violence. He may finally be able to get his drum set, but is it worth it?

The third feature film from Adolfo B. Alix, Jr draws an intimate portrait of two brothers struggling with poverty and seeking a kind of redemption.

Note:
Agogo Makabago (40 minutes), Carpool (8 minutes), Ang Pagbalik (10 min.), Putot (20 min.), Kultado (22 min.) and Astig (4 min.) are featured guest short films.

Cinema One Originals 2007 Preview

Amidst our "tight" schedule, Nori and I (with Biboy) attended the Cinema One Originals Preview 2007. We just had to unwind. Akala rin kasi namin sort-of premiere night na rin siya. Tipid nga naman if we get to see the films (kung ilan man siya) that night instead on its regular showing. But like the event suggested, preview nga lang siya. OK lang naman sa 'min, though. At least we get to watch a 10-minute preview of each film and catch a glimpse of what it is all about (kahit paano).

Based on the preview, my bet it on
Jerrold Tarog & Ruel Dahis Antipuesto's Confessional. Reading the gist doesn't do much justice to it. Siya nga lang ang talagang wala akong idea kung ano. But when I saw the first 10 minutes of the film, laugh trip talaga! Galing ng dialogues at editing.

My second must-watch film is
Maling Akala. First because it is by Veronica Velasco and Pablo Biglang-Awa, Jr. whose Inang Yaya remains to be one of the best Pinoy films for me, as of recent times. I want to know how they'd do with this one. Saka kapamilya na 'yan si Direk Pablo kaya dapat suportahan talaga! (Nakasama namin siya minsan sa aming "Film Techniques" sessions.)

Second, dahil sa crush kong si Victor. 'Nuff said. Hehehe.

Third is the luscious cinematography. Tingnan n'yo pa lang 'yung poster. Parang siyang live painting! Ang galeng!

Fourth, we have yet to discover what the "maling akala" is all about. Gusto ko 'yung take ni Nori on it. 'Di ko naisip 'yun. Focus kasi ako kay VB! Hahaha!

Kung kaya pa, I'd see Altar, too. Apart from the typical scoring ng mga movies ni Rico Maria Ilarde na feeling ko over the top palagi, the film seems interesting. Ano ang nakatago sa likod ng altar? At s'ympre, another eye-candy is Zanjoe (who came with Enchong Dee -- may kwento ako, ask me na lang personally. Hehehe.)! Sayang, di ako nakapagpakuha ng pic sa kanya. Kainez talaga! But we were seated right in front of him. Talagang abot-kamay! Sabi ko nga kay Nori, destiny ito! Hehehe.

with Dimples Romana of Altar
Other films are Adolf Alix, Jr.'s Tambolista and Lawrence Fajardo's Prinsesa. Tambolista was filmed on black & white. I just don't know how would affect the film in general. Mayro'n kasing dapat matinding dahilan kapag nag-black & white ang movie at hindi dahil gusto mo lang. At kahit naman may dahilan, kung minsan hindi pa rin maitawid ng maayos. (Hay, di rin ako nakapagpa-pic kay Coco Martin who is part of the film. Ang tagal kasi nung interviewer, eh!)

with Jiro Manio of Tambolista
Anyway, suportahan po natin ang Pelikulang Pilipino!

Sali kaya kami ni Nori? Hmmm. . .

Sulat ni Nanay at Tatay

Halika, mga kaibigan, at hayaang maantig din ang inyong damdamin. . .

(Note: Read this with a dramatic song on the background (like the one here). Panalo!)



Sulat ni Nanay at Tatay
Rev. Fr. Ariel F. Robles
CWL Spiritual Director
St. Augustine Parish, Baliuag, Bulacan


Sa aming pagtanda, unawain at pagpasensyahan mo sana kami, anak. . .

Kung makatapon kami ng sabaw sa hapag kainan
O kaya makabasag ng pinggan
'Wag mo naman sana kaming kagagalitan
Dala lang yun ng kalabuan ng mata at ng namamanhid naming mga daliri. . .
Pinagalitan ka man sa mga baso't pinggang iyong nabasag noon bata ka pa,
Iyon ay dahil ayaw naming masugatan ka.

Kung ang mga sinasabi mo'y 'di maintindihan at madinig
'Wag mo naman sana kaming sabihan ng "Bingi!"
Humihina na talaga ang aming pandinig
Pakiulit lang nang malakas-lakas na 'di naman kailangang sigawan
Upang tayo ay magkaunawaan.

Kung mabagal na kaming maglakad at 'di na makasabay sa mabilis mong paglakad
Pakiantay sana at alalayan—mahihina na ang aming mga tuhod
Alalay na tulad sana nung musmuos ka pa at nag-aaral ka pa lang maglakad
Tuwang tuwa ka naming pinagmamasdan.

Kung minsang makulit at paulit ulit ang aming sinabi na parang sirang plaka,
'Wag mo sana kaming pagtawanan o kainisan
Ganyan ka rin kakulit noong bata ka pa at nag-iiyak pa--
Kapag nagpapabili ng kung anu ano’y di kami tinitigilan
Hangggang ang gusto mo'y di naibibigay.

Kung kinatatamaran namin na maligo at nag-aamoy lupa na
'Wag mo naman sanang pandirihan at piliting maligo. . .
Mahina na kasi ang aming katawan pag nalalamigan.
Natatandaan mo ba noong bata ka pa at kahit anung dungis mo
Ay masayang-masaya ka naming hinahalikan
At mat'yagang hinahabol sa ilalim ng kama upang paliguan?

Kung palagi kaming masungit at nagsisisigaw
Dala na siguro ito ng pagkabagot sa bahay
At pagkadismaya na wala nang magawa at wala nang silbi.
Ipadama mo naman sana na may halaga pa rin kami sa mundo mo
Katulad ng pagpapadama namin noon ng pagpapahalaga
At pagtutuwid sa kamalian at katigasan ng iyong ulo.

Kung may konti ka mang panahon mag kwentuhan naman sana tayo. . .
Alam kong abala ka sa hanapbuhay pero sabik na kaming makausap ka.
Gusto kong malaman mo na interesado pa rin kami sa mga kwento mo
Tulad n'ung pagbibida mo sa eskwela noong bata ka pa.
Na kahit pautal utal pa ang salita mo,
Nakikinig kaming masaya tungkol sa iyong mga laruan.

Kung kami man ay maihi o madumi sa higaaan dahil hindi na makabangon
'Wag mo sanang pagagalitan o pandididrihan.
Katulad ng walang reklamo naming paggising nang kahit anong pagod sa gabi
Upang linisin at palitan ang iyong lampin para maginghawa kang makatulog
Hindi na baling kami ang mapuyat.

Kung kami’y maratay sa banig ng karamdaman
'Wag mo sanan kaming pagsawaang alagaan
Gaya ng mat'yaga naming pag-aalaga noong musmos ka pa.
Bawat daing mo noon ay hirap na dinadala sa aming kalooban
Pagt'yagaan mo naman sana kaming alagaan sa aming mga huling sandali
Kami naman ay di na rin magtatagal.

AT kapag dumating na ang takdang panahon ng aming pagharap sa Dakilang Lumikha. . .
Ibubulong at hihilingin ko sa Kanya.
Na pagpalain ka dahil naging mapagmahal at maalaga kang anak sa iyong ama’t ina.

About the song above, She's Leaving Home is one of my favorite Beatles' songs. It is similar to our own Anak but this one has made me cry the first time I read/sung its lyrics. 'Till now, 'pag kinakanta ko siya, naiiyak pa rin ako. Mas dama ko kasi 'yung feelings ng anak at ng mga magulang sa kanta. The daughter's need for independence and the parent's longing for her, feeling that they had done her wrongly.

Friday, November 16, 2007

"One More Chance" Cast Party



Cast party on November 13, 2007 at Metrowalk after the Megamall premiere

More pictures here