A Journey to the History of Philippine Cinema

Here's a short video that we made in order to narrate the History of Philippine Cinema, from the pictures that we took. Enjoy watching! ^^,

From our trip to the Film Museum, we have gained the following insights and learnings from our short trip:


Our trip at the FILM MUSEUM was a very interesting, I never knew that Philippine Cinema can affect the generation today. I feel that the philippine cinema history should be known by everyone here in the Philippines because somehow the film industry became a big part of our history too, and of course with the new generations of actors and actresses they should owe it all to these legends who kept the shine from then on to now, and I see that in the next 10 years more movies, awards and somehow new faces will be in the museum and will be legends in the industry as well.
-Quinlin Anne Roxas


Time improves the Philippine cinema. now the industry is already geared with all the modern devices needed to enhance the quality of films. now the industry is already geared with all the modern devices needed to enhance the quality of films.We were able to see the richness of the Filipino Film industry and grasp the true role it plays in the Filipino society.
-Tiffany Marie De Jesus


From the time wherein TV shows were seen in black and white, until the Philippine Cinema progressed until present, we all witnessed its significance, beauty and progression through the Film Museum. The museum reflects the richness of Philippine Cinema and we were lucky to visit it.
-Charmaine Marie Perillo


From what we saw at the Film Museum, I ended up with the realization that Philippine movies today will not be present if these films did not exist a long time ago. Seeing that the museum documented the history of Philippine cinema, I also believe that people are still interested of our culture and is still grateful that we have such a rich history of Philippine Films. With all that I saw, my passion to be part of a movie or program producer grows more, and I know that someday I can also be a part of Philippine History, be it films or TV shows.
-Annie Mae Dela Cruz


With our trip concluded, and as future Mass Media practitioners, the learning and values that we gained will give us a lesson of what we can do to enhance the quality of Philippine films when we practice our profession in the future. ^^,

Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington movie review

Zombadings, to be defined clearly needs to be taken literally. From the words, “zombies”and “badings”, it gave birth to another slang word, “Zombadings”. This film was first showed at the 7th Cinemalaya as a closing film. The fact that it was a Cinemalaya film, some people are not aware of it but when it was announced to be showed on theatres, it was a huge hit on the first day of its screening.


Several factors are the reason how this film managed to overpower other mainstream movies.

(Got this picture from Google Images)

First of all, the actors and actresses who played the major roles in the movie were really fit for the roles. Martin Escudero, as Remington did a very good acting on the role of being a gay, which I suppose is not for real. Lauren Young, as Hannah, the female lead actress showcased her talent in acting by making a good pair with Escudero. Kerbie Zamora, as Jigs, Remington’s best friend, along with supporting actors and actresses like Janice De Belen and John Regala as Remington’s parents, gave a big impact in supporting each other’s role in the film, making the plot more exciting. Daniel Fernando, with a very mysterious role did a great job in the film. Of course, you should not forget the great actor Roderick Paulate for his outstanding role in the movie as the key to Remington’s situation. Eugene Domingo, with a weird skating role of being Hannah’s mother should also be given credits too.


Second, the director and the scriptwriters were able to make a good film with a really great concept. You also have to commend Jade Castro’s directing skills in this movie. He was able to bring out the actors and actresses talent in acting but through a horror slash comedy film. Though this movie was based from a real life experience, it was not the film that we expected it to be; it is because of the movie’s plot.

The two of the best parts of the film ^^,

Third reason, as mentioned is the plot that made this movie such a big hit. At first, you would think that this movie is just plain kabaklaan, when it’s actually not. Though the theme revolves on gay people, the plot really makes sense. Aside from that, when the trailer was released, some scenes would leave you hanging and would really make you watch it. The funny moments would always be there which would really make you fall from your seat. Who wouldn’t forget the famous, “table scene” by Roderick Paulate? Charoterang esprikitik! And how did you react at the “stairs scene” with Jigs and Remington? *wink. Enough said.

I even went back to Gateway just to take a picture. ^^, 

The bottom line is, there are some people who are still unable to embrace the reality that gays are part of our society now. As human, we have the right to respect each other’s beliefs as we wanted to get respected too. In the movie, it was clearly showed how some people discriminate gays and even end up abusing them, which in reality should be given respect for they are still humans. Then, I also realized that a parents’ love for their child can never be replaced by anything in the world. At the end of the film, the sacrifice of parents for the welfare of their child is the evidence of their unconditional love for their own flesh and blood. All in all, this film is set to promote certain values and not just pure kabaklaan all the way.


Blog entry written by: Annie Mae S. Dela Cruz

Zombadings (Patayin sa Shokot si Remington) Movie Review

A new taste and something fresh into the ray of indie films in the Philippines, Jade Castro's idea of turning the whole land of the-said third gender reigns in the film. Starring the very talented Martin Escudero who portrays a very fine young man who was cursed by Roderick Paulate in his early childhood days. A very smart, fun, and very futuristic-like film it was, literally every joke and every line was brilliant, it's not too green yet it has this good humor that you always look out on every comedy film.

The plot at first was a big curiosity on why this or that happened but the way that the director sequenced the events was really good, especially the good explanation why there is such a discrimination when it comes to gender, especially to the homosexual society, in our time we can't deny that these events happens, torture and most rudely killing because of discrimination, so I think Zombadings is not only that film where you go inside the movie house and leave with pure laughter but instead it's that movie that you'll always remember in yourself that in this era or world everyone is accepted an is to be loved by whoever, no matter what gender does he/she belongs in.

The story took my expectations to the next level, when I first saw the posters (on the internet) of Zombadings, I thought it was an animated film or comic-like. But when the official trailer came out on the internet and I even got a chance to watched it on T.V during commercial breaks, it snapped into my head that this will be another sure-hit film because of the stellar cast, Eugene Domingo, Roderick Paulate which by the way who I really admire in terms of the Pinoy comedy films, and some legends in the film industry here in the Philippines, includes Janice De Belen, John Regala, and upcoming young stars such as Lauren Young and Martin Escudero.

If i'll be given a such privileged to give an recognition to a film, I would give the recognition to the whole production team and also to Ms. Jade Castro for exemplifying a film that has all the mixture that every audience would want in a film, and I think this would be such an awesome blockbuster hit.

Posted by Quinlin Anne Roxas

Picture from Google 

A Review of Zombadings

As a Scholastican i think i have grown to be an indie-lover. Because of the course i am in i started appreciating the beauty and richness of Pinoy independent films. The premiere of Zombadings on main-stream made me really excited for i know that it is a quality film made to open eyes in the battle of the third sex in this country. 


The Film, i think is just an illustration of how gays and lesbians are being perceived in this judgmental society. The film showed that gays as members of the third sex are useful, not pests of the community and should have the equal rights like the male and female are entitled to.


 The film was spectacular; all the humor and the substance it has, the appeal to the wide audience has a good impact. I enjoyed the film, the actors justified their roles. The effects was not bad for a low budget film. it is a truly quality film that up to now is being loved by the public.

Blog entry written by: Tiffany Marie De Jesus

Zombadings Movie Review

The Independent film, Zombadings: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington was at first glance, cliché for me. After seeing it with my fellow classmates, it proved me wrong. It is not an ordinary film. It is indeed a masterpiece by Jade Castro, the director of the film.


 I have never laughed this hard in the movie for it has shown gayness, not only in its literal meaning, for the movie was so happy and lighthearted. The film exhibit the wonders of having third sex and serve as a celebration of having gays in our world today. The film brought hilarity and humor in the cinema.


On its deeper context, the movie shows that gays should be loved and accepted as a member of the community. The film served as an eye opener that gays should be treated properly and equally. The film made me appreciate them even more, for they add color and “GAYNESS” in our community. It definitely deserves a spot in the main-stream. I can truly say that Zombadings is an impressive film!


Blog entry written by: Charmaine Marie Perillo

LIGO NA U LAPIT NA ME: A Movie Review

This Cinemalaya entry by Erick Salud, Noel Ferrer and Jerry Gracio. Ligo na U lapit na me is a story of two friends agreeing to have sexual benefits from each other. The story revolves around Karl Vladimir Lennon J. Villalobs, aka Intoy, who is secretly in love with his friend Jenny, the most beautiful girl in the campus. Jenny is rich and quirky; Intoy is street-smart and ordinary. But this friendship is not simple, since Jenny has bestowed on Intoy some perks and privileges, including going to bed with her on the condition that they will not fall in love with each other. They are friends with benefits; they keep it no strings attached without I love yous and all the normal relationship dos. 

LIGO NA U LAPIT NA ME - POSTER

I watched the film last July 23 with my friend Maiky Berenguer before going to Chamie's debut party. The film was great; it's very humorous and very realistic. I think the film is really an eye opener for teenagers who are engaging to premarital sex and are rushing things like there's no tomorrow. The stars Edgar Allan Guzman and Mercedes Cabral did well in their acting and it was very realistic. The film have strong supporting cast led by Mel Kimura, Simon Ibarra, Tolyts “Shalala” Reyes, Evelyn Vargas, Malouh Crisologo, Joseph Bitangcol, Lucky Mark Mercado and Direk Jojo Saguin; introducing Victor Medina (son of character actor Pen Medina), with a special guest appearance of Luis Alandy.

Though the film was good, I think the main interest of those who watched it was the fact that the film shows sexual scene that made the people relax on their seats watching the full length of the film. I heard some comments that the film was a waste of money but for me it was okay. I think it was very realistic. That it is just another representation of sex in teenagers though with a twist. Watching the film was a cool experience. I enjoyed it. It was a fun, lively, interesting and a cool film! It really is a crowd drawer and a crowd pleaser!

written by: Tiffany Marie De Jesus

Bahay Bata: A Movie Review

The independent film I watched for Cinemalaya is Bahay bata (baby factory) directed by by Eduardo W. Roy, Jr. and Jerome Zamora. I was with my friends Michaela Berenguer and Tiffany De Jesus, for we had a long break that time and decided to watch the film instead. So we headed to CCP witness the film. I was curious about the movie and what it really is about. I was anticipating it to be about babies because the title says so. :) 

my ticket! ^_^

After watching the film, I realized just how hard it is to be a mother. The movie entails that being a mother isn’t an easy job at all. But more than that, the movie depict different social issues. I was observing that these issues are really happening in real life, and seems to be realistic. The movie illustrates; rise of teenage pregnancy, poor hospital facilities, Filipino’s going abroad and overpopulation. Sarah, a nurse at a public maternity hospital portrayed by Diana Zubiri saw and experienced these issues while suffering with her own pains being pregnant as well. The movie somehow shows poverty in the course of the film and goes to show that many Filipino’s experiences these in real life. What was very striking for me is that a mother even left her baby in the hospital knowing that she can’t provide her needs of her child and that would be best for the child to be in the hospital instead.

"Bahay Bata" movie poster

 The movie served as an eye-opener for me. Especially being a woman myself, for I know that I would be dealing with these hardships at some point in time. I was  awakened by the sad truth that there are a lot of mothers that take pregnancy for granted and doesn’t see the significance of being a mother.  I really liked the film for I became awareof a lot of things, things that I would always learn by heart.

written by: Charmaine Marie Perillo

Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank: A Movie Review

July 17, 2011. A Sunday afternoon was the scheduled date for the viewing of the film, “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank (The Woman in the Septic Tank)”. This movie is one of the films in the competition category. Ang Babae sa Septic Tank is not like the usual indie film that everyone used to know. It showcases another side of the indie films; the truth for every film’s success.

The movie is visually appealing to the audience. Like any other indie films, there is the element of shaky shots which is not new, for indie films are known for that quality. And as for the quality of the film, it is not like the older kinds of indie films that are dark and the resolution differs. The way Ang Babae sa Septic Tank was filmed, the quality is as close to the mainstream movies now. When I saw some scenes at the beginning, I uttered “Ang ganda ng quality, parang mainstream.”

The characters acted well in the movie, and they way they deliver their lines are for real; a small hint of acting is good enough to support the acting that was for real. It was like they were just normal people having a chat with their old friend. Aside from that, the setting shows a deeper meaning to film. The setting matched what the character’s wanted to show in the film they are making.

The most important part of the movie is the story itself. The “movie within movie” theme is very interesting. Starting off with how the characters play their role and how the setting gives effect to it, the movie presents shows another side of the indie film. Though it seemed like the movie is filled with humorous scenes, which was evident through Eugene Domingo’s acting as well as other lead roles, there are times that such scenes would really struck to reality about films. An example would be when the Rainier (Kean Cipriano) said to Bong (JM de Guzman), “The shakier the scenes shots are the better.” This line is really true for indie films; it is one of the distinct characters of indie films that differentiate it with mainstream movies.

The Cast (L-R: Kean Cipriano, Cai Cortez, Eugene Domingo, and JM De Guzman)

This film presents many realities about indie films; the truth and lies behind it. There were several scenes that would really make you realize the current status of Filipino movies. In my opinion, indie films can already replace mainstream. However, people do not get tired of love stories with happy endings, etc. For a movie to get recognition here and abroad, it has to be with substance. Indie films have been popular nowadays for the different stories that they present.

Lastly, the realization that an Indie film can get attraction from many people is that you have to present the reality alone. As the story wants to show, the poorer the situation is the better and the poorer the life of the characters is, the better. This is one realization that really hits me. I don’t get why people have to put on a show like that just for hundreds of people to appreciate it.

People who believe in the power of mainstream movies are stuck into the reality that life is just about happy ending; there is more in it that is yet to be revealed through Independent films.

written by: Annie Mae Dela Cruz

Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa: Movie Review

In celebration of the 7th Cinemalaya 2011, our class were given a privileged to watch a Cinemalaya movie entry in the New Breed category. I choose the movie, Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa directed by Alvin Yapan.

The story covers the divergence between feminist and gay concerns, Dennis who is a college student at FEU aspires to get his Literature professor's attention, Karen. Then Dennis on the other hand finds himself enrolling to a dance class where Karen teaches, he asked for Marlon's helped, who is his classmate on Karen's Literature class. The movie features poetry of famous Filipino such as Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Rebecca Anonuevo, Merlinda Bobis, Joi Barios, and Benilda Santos.

When Dennis strive to get Karen attention, he follows Karen at a dance studio where she teaches, then he later finds out that Marlon who is his classmate at Karen's Literature class also is a student at dance. Dennis asked Marlon to teach him what Karen teaches, but Marlon insist to help out at first but later on he accepted. 

Basically the story is a mixture of dance and literature, thought there are few love connection through out. The story of Marlon who seeks out to express how he feels for Dennis shows by dancing rather than verbally expressing it. They made the Humadapnon story in the last part meaningful it told not only the story but it told the story of sorrow of one's heart, the last part was my favorite out of all, the tear Dennis shed after their performance

By QUINLIN ANNE ROXAS :)

Scenes from on and off the camera

It's every girls' dream to dress-up like a doll. They can wear beautiful clothes and put on a lot of make-up but not all dolls are cute and pretty. The film "The Doll Master" shows the possibility that dolls have a soul and can develop human emotions as time passes. They can experience happiness with their owners or feel anger at being outgrown and thrown away without a second thought...and eventually seek vengeance.


Our group choose this film because its not like your typical toy or doll-themed story. The plot is uniquely different.

The Doll Master

One of the challenges we faced during our brainstorming was our wardrobe. We wanted to look like dolls and do "doll-like" poses and still not stray from the film's plot. 


For this photoshoot we decided to wear our old clothes. It may not look like it but these costumes were our dresses when were kids!

We had a hard time in dressing up and even experienced some minor wardrobe malfunctions but we all managed to pull through and deliver a nice photoshoot.

Dolls are normally perceived to be sweet, pretty and cute and somehow it's strange that dolls can be portrayed as frightening and scary. Dressed up as dolls, we tried our best to put on scary faces. Although we struggled to create doll-like poses and positions, we managed to have different shots as dolls.

  

 

(From L-R: Charmaine, Quinlin, Annie and Tiffany)

The experience of having to portray different characters was very challenging and yet we had a LOT OF FUN! We were able to express ourselves through the photographs taken, allowed us to show our creative sides and gave us the chance to showcase our resourcefulness.

 

A big THANK YOU to Innah Andrea Corral and Eliza Luces for taking our pictures.