Thursday, November 19, 2009

Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat 2008

Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat is the sequel of Ang Tanging Ina (also known as ATINL). It was released in December 25, 2008 as Star Cinema's official entry to the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival.[1]. The film grossed a total of Php 197 million, until Star Cinema's You Changed My Life (recently became the "All Time Box Office Hit in the Philippines") beats it recently as of April 2009 with Php 229.96 Million pesos in total gross. [2] Ai-Ai de las Alas reprises the lead role with a cast featuring most of the original actors reprising their own roles.[3][4






Synopsis

With the one, big, happy family that she has, any woman would admire Ina Montecillo (Ai-Ai de las Alas) as the embodiment of a perfect mother. But after more than 40 years of doing everything for her family, she realizes she hasn’t done anything for herself. Ina then embarks on a journey of finding her self-worth that surprisingly lands her as the president of the Philippines!
Ina revolutionizes Philippine politics by running the country not as a serious and an uptight leader but as a hilarious and caring mother. Because of this, she gained the trust and the support of the Filipino people. But just as she starts to become the president that everyone loves, she also changes and becomes the mother that her children hate. In the end, Ina has to make the hardest choice of her life – becoming the mother of the nation or becoming the mother of her own children.[5]

Plot

The film started upon the death of Eddie (Dennis Padilla), the fourth husband of Ina. After the funeral, she and her bestfriend Rowena (Eugene Domingo) went into the shooting of Lobo. There, she is the double of Angel Locsin. When Angel was not able to have her shooting, Bruno (Andoy Ranay), her former employer and director decided that the wolf will jump off the building. But, the wolf was not able to jump. So, Bruno decided to make Ina the double of the wolf. But, Ina refuses because she is the double of Angel Locsin. After that, she accepted. Four of her children are now having a good life outside the country. Juan (Marvin Agustin), her first son migrated to New Zealand with his girlfriend, Jenny (Kaye Abad). Tudis (Nikki Valdez) migrated to Canada and she meets there her future husband, a house painter. Portia/Por (Heart Evangelista) migrated to Dubai after her break-up with Jeffrey (John Prats). There she joined G.M.A., Global Missionaries of Asia. Sixto (Marc Acueza) migrated to United Kingdom to work there as a nurse.

Eight of her children left, Tri (Carlo Aquino), is studying Law at day, a call center supervisor at night. Pip (Alwyn Uytingco), her homosexual son doesn't stop his dream. Upon his audition in PBB, a soldier gave him a bag of rice. He thought that this is for Pinoy Big Brother, but it was a rolling store named Pila ng Bigasang Bayan. Seven (Shaina Magdayao), is the one in charge of her younger sibling and doing household chores. Cate (Serena Dalrymple) has a dignity to stop everything. Shammy (Jiro Manio) is doing something bad instead of studying, but he can be a businessman. Her deaf-mute son Ten-ten (Yukki Kadooka) is very quiet while her twin daughters Connie and Sweet (Bianca and Janelle Calma) are very naughty but it is just normal to them. Ina had her eatery business. But it went into bankruptcy because of Rowena. After that, Ina dressed like a wolf jumped into the building.

On the night of her 46th birthday, she made a surprise for her children. But, none of them remembered her. So, she decided to study in a university. She also became a working student. She got a job as a waitress, but due to hotness, she decided to take off her clothes. The customers looked, as a result, Ina got fired and decided to work in an Ice Plant. But she resigned after Rowena visited her. During her class, her professor Ren Constantino (Cherry Pie Picache), heard that Ina is arguing the lesson that she is discussing. After the class, Ren apologized to Ina. Ina was called by the principal of the school of the twins because of some wrong teachings to her twins.

Rowena and Ina went to the Malacañang Palace to work. But, thinking that a governess is a governor and a chambermaid is the selector of chandeliers, they had a job as a maid. They saw President Hillary Dafalong (Gloria Diaz) and they wanted her to greet, But the Presidential Security Group stop them. Jeffrey visited Seven and brought her a sack of rice. Ina and Rowena saw the sack of rice, then they saw Jeffrey courting Seven. The two best friends worked as maids in Malacañang. Rowena had an attempt to go to President Hillary to take a picture with her, but the PSG stop them as they thought that they are having a gun. One night, Ina saw President Hillary in the kitchen looking for food. She made her a sandwich and a cup of coffee. After a long conversation, Ina asked the President to take a picture with her. But, the camera was with Rowena. The president asked for a cellphone, but the cellphone has no camera.

While cleaning the president's room, Rowena saw a purple dress. She asked Ina to try it, but she refuses. But, she went out wearing that dress that belongs to the President. When the president is approaching her room, she tries to hide. On the study room, Ina saw Vice President Bill Bilyones (DJ Durano) talking about their plot to assassinate the president. Ina and Rowena tried to tell the President but failed because of the absent-mindedness of the crowd.

Being the President, she faces difficulties with her family until Sweet and Connie were kidnapped by terrorists because they thought that going out of their family will reduce the burdens of their mother. In the end, she decides to resign and gives her presidency to the Vice President, Ren Constatino as their new Preisident.
On her 47th birthday she woke up and thought that her family didn't remember her until she went out. There was a surprise party for her to make it up to her since they didn't remember her 46th birthday.
During the Closing Credits, Ren Constantino roams around her office looking at the portraits of the previous president. The last to show was Ina's Family on the picture.

She also is famous for quotes,like: "Tell me who your friends are,and i'll tell you who my friends are, para barkada." "Practice makes perfect.But then again,nobody's perfect.So why practice?" "Kung kaya ng iba,ipagawa mo sa kanila(If others can,let them do it).

Cast and Characters

Reception

Early reports suggested that the sequel would top the box-office race.[6] It topped the box-office on its first day of release earning PHP 20.9 Million and was sold out in some movie theatres.[7] As of January 22, the movie earned PHP 197 Million, making it the fastest Philippine film to earn over PHP 100 Million[8], prior to the release of You Changed My Life, starring John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo. Like the original, this film has now become one of the highest grossing Philippine movies.
Box-office Results
  • P20,900,000 (December 25, 2008)
  • P41,000,000 (December 26, 2008)
  • P57,000,000 (December 27, 2008)
  • P73,700,000 (December 28, 2008)
  • P87,900,000 (December 29, 2008)
  • P102,500,000 (December 31, 2008)
  • P171,000,000 (January 7, 2009)
  • P197,000,000 (January 22, 2009)
 Quotes

  • Tell me who your Friends are and I'll tell who my friends are...para barkada"-Paltok Elementary School Scene
  • "Ang batang masipag paglaki pagod" -Ina and Rowena scene in public market
  • "Ang babaeng hindi natutumba ay dating konduktora" -Ina and Rowena's scene in public market
  • "Ang lahat na nakikita mo, ay nakikita ko rin"- Interview scene
  • "Practice makes perfect, but then again nobody is perfect so why practice?" -apology scene of Ina as President
  • "Ang taong nagigipit sa bumbay kumakapit" -Ina's apology scene as the President
  • "Ako ang nagtanim, iba ang kumain, dahil diet ako"-Field scene
  • "Kung kaya ng iba, ipagawa mo sa kanila" -Ina's apology scene, but deleted in the movie
  • "Ang buhay ay parang bato, it's hard" -Ina's apology scene
  • "Kung walang usok, walang nagluluto" -Ina's scene as signing Presidential Decree 911 also known as "Magtanim Ay Di Biro Act"
  • "Ang sakit ng kalingkingan, ang sakit-sakit"- Seven and Ina fight
  • "Mary Hazel Faith"- the fight
  • "Isusukat mo lang naman eh!" - Rowena says to Ina to wearing the Pres. Hillary's gown or purple dress.
Trivia 
  • Juan (Marvin Agustin) migrated to New Zealand with his girlfriend, Jenny (Kaye Abad).
  • Tudis (Nikki Valdez) migrated to Canada and there she meets her future husband.
  • Portia/Por (Heart Evangelista) migrated to Middle East because of heartbreak and to join G.M.A., Global Missionaries of Asia but also means (in real-life) as GMA Network.
  • Sixto (Marc Acueza) migrated to United Kingdom to work there as a nurse.
  • Despite earlier announcement by GMA Network that it's allowing its contract star Marvin Agustin to reprise his role in the movie produced by its station rival, ABS-CBN did not anymore tap the actor to be in the movie. His character was said to have migrated to other country.
  • Heart Evangelista, Marc Acueza and Marvin Agustin were in the rival network,GMA Network, thus their original characters were no longer considered in the script.
  • Nikki Valdez did not reprise her role as Tudis, because of her pregnancy.
  • This is Serena Dalrymple's comeback movie after she quits show business.
  • The role of Ren Constantino played by Cherry Pie Picache is a parody of singer Yeng Constantino.
  • Shammy's school business College Tele-Karera Enterprise (CTE) is a parody of the Chinese company ZTE.
  • Ina (Ai-ai) says the line "I care about my job sir, I care about you." in the famous line of Sharon Cuneta's movie "Caregiver".
  • Notice that in the first movie (Ang Tanging Ina), Pip(Alwyn Uytingco) dresses up as a boy but in the second movie, he already lets it out and wears girls' clothes and wigs.
  • Ina and Rowena's Raindance in the Middle East scene is the opposite of Sundance of Sarah Geronimo in the movie A Very Special Love.
  • The role of Pres. Hillary Dafalong played by Gloria Diaz & Vice-Pres. Bill Billiones played by DJ Durano are parody of the first-name of former US first-lady Hillary Clinton & former US president Bill Clinton.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Ang Cute ng Ina Mo 2007

Ang Cute Ng Ina Mo is a 2007 Filipino comedy film directed by Christian Jan D. Santos It stars Ai Ai De Las Alas, Luis Manzano and Anne Curtis. The film premiered on April 17, 2007.



Synopsis

The story revolves around Georgia, a patis (fish sauce) manufacturer and a mother who is finally reunited with her long-lost daughter after 20 years of separation.
Christine can think of 101 reasons why her dad must not marry her mom. The number one reason is that Georgia, her mother, disappeared from her life twenty years ago and never came back.
Now Christine is confused: Why does her father want to marry her mom, who had caused them so much heartache?
When Christine goes to her mother's town in Malabon, what starts out as an investigation turns out to be a hilarious yet touching journey for both mother and daughter. Christine's outrageous attempts to expose her mother's flaws are all foiled, as Georgia also comes up with hysterical schemes to win her daughter's love. Meanwhile, things get more riotous when Nanny Ninonu's blind heart falls for Junjun, who is obviously gay and definitely shows no interest liking her back.
Again and again, Christine is frustrated as no matter how she tries to harden her own heart, she cannot help but fall in love with her mother's town and its people, especially Val, Georgia's adopted son. Through Val's eyes, she reluctantly begins to see what it means to have a real mother.
Despite his discovers Christine's feelings of attraction towards Christine, however, Val is suspicious of Christine's intentions. What happens if heret plot to discredit Georgia? Will Georgia have a place in Christine's life? Can Christine learn to accept Georgia as her mother, even if she discovers a dark secret in her mother's past?

Cast

Monday, November 9, 2009

Ang Tanging Ina 2003

Ang Tanging Ina is a 2003 Filipino comedy film, starring Ai-Ai de las Alas. The movie was the highest grossing locally produced Philippine film ever made, until it was surpassed by Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat in 2008 also produced by Star Cinema that made PHP 197 million in the box office. It's total gross is 178.82 Million.
The film preceded a television series and later a sequel entitled Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat.




Plot

Three dead husbands and twelve children to take care of. What is the modern day working mother to do? Ina (Ai Ai de las Alas) is completely clueless on how to be an income provider and a homemaker at the same time given her dwindling finances of her household. As she desperately hides from her children her efforts to make all ends meet, her children grow resentful of her as she becomes a part of their own problems, but it seems that her best are NEVER good enough. Funnily yet, Ina rallies her cause with all the courage she can muster- to be the best mother she knows how.

Cast

Ang Tanging Ina (TV Series)

After the hit blockbuster movie also became the hit TV Sitcom (2003-05)

Trivia

  • the 3 husbands of ai-ai is Edu Manzano , TonTon Gutierrez and Gestoni Alarcon.
  • and ina have a 4th husband that is Dennis Padilla/Eddie
  • This is Ai-Ai de las Alas first major movie after 13 years in show business.
  • Released in the Philippines on the same date with Pakners (2003) in which Ai-Ai de las Alas is in the supporting cast.
  • The names of the children are actually corresponding on their order of birth.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo 2007

Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo (Choked, Maybe, Help Me!) is a film released by Star Cinema, which is the eighth film for 2007, and an official entry to the 33rd Metro Manila Film Festival - Philippines. This is the sequel of the 2006 film Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo with Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo reprising their roles.
After reaping accolades and recognition for her work in 2006's "Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo", the Young Superstar Judy Ann Santos conquers the big screen once more together with Star Cinema via bigger, funnier and better, "Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo".



Plot

Angie (Judy Ann Santos) and Jed (Ryan Agoncillo) are first-time parents who experience the joys and pains of raising a child. They realize that parenthood is extremely demanding and learn to sacrifice their own interests for their baby.Four years later Jed realises that he and Angie still have not been on a honeymoon he decides to take Angie to Barcelona, At first Angie protests against the honeymoon but decides to go and leaves their child with their friends Kaye and Dodie. When their mothers (Gloria Diaz and Gina Pareño) hear of the couple's departure, the grandmothers each take turns caring of the child.
After Jed and Angie return from their trip, the duo must deal with their mothers' personal issues. They realize that only after they've fulfilled their roles as children can they understand the true meaning of what it is to be a parent.

Cast and Characters

Main Cast

Supporting Cast

Reception

Box Office

The movie debuted number 2 at the box office grossing PHP17 Million, on its opening day.[2] On its 4th day of release, Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo jump to #1, overtaking Enteng Kabisote 4 at the box office, bringing the total of PHP68.3 Million.[3] As of January 12, the film had grossed PHP122.9 Million. [4] As per announcement made by ABS-CBN's Saturday edition talk show (Entertainment Live) last January 26, 2008, the movie grossed for a total of over 150 million making it the highest grossing movie of 2007.

Awards and Recognitions

  • 33rd Metro Manila Film Festival - Philippines

    Second-Best Film
    Second-Best Float




  • 6th Gawad Tanglaw

    Best Film
    Best Director - Jose Javier Reyes




Criticism

Philippine Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. criticized the film, particularly the scene which smacks of an ethnic slur to non-Tagalog speaking Filipinos when the character of portrayed by Gloria Diaz exclaimed to her grandchild's nannies: "Bakit pinapalaki ninyong Bisaya ang apo ko?" (Why are you rearing my grandchild as a Visaya?) The senator, who hailed from Mindanao, demanded an apology from producer Star Cinema, claiming that it makes non-Tagalog speaking Filipinos "as if they are less Filipino than the Tagalog people".[5] Iligan City-based Call for Justice, Inc., referred to this dialog as "a typical Imperial Manila mentality".[6]

Friday, October 30, 2009

Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo 2006

Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo (Wedding, Together, Partaker) is a Filipino romantic comedy film. It was produced by Star Cinema, and is the official entry of Star Cinema for the 32nd Metro Manila Film Festival. It stars real-life couple, Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo.
Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo had a two-week gross of P139.9 million, becoming the highest-grossing film of the 32nd MMFF. [1] It also emerged as the big winner of the 32nd Metro Manila Film Festival with a total of nine awards.
ABS-CBN's TV Patrol World reported that the total gross of Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo is 187 million making it the 4th highest-grossing Philippine-produced movie of all time (not adjusted for inflation).





Plot

Angie and Jed are opposites of each other. That's why a lot of people were surprised that they fell in love and became a couple. Their happy relationship is put to test when Jed decides to migrate and leave the country for good. His parents have been pestering him to join the whole family in North America and he finally gave in to his parents' will. Just as when he was about to leave, he realized why he should stay. He proposed to Angie and they got engaged.
The wedding preparations became disastrous when their parents started meddling and clashing. Trouble escalates to the point that the wedding was called off. But eventually, they didn’t let their family dispute stop them from getting married. Then again, the newly weds encountered new sets of highs and lows in their marriage. People and events kept on testing their relationship. The ultimate test happened when Angie got pregnant and her mood swings lead Jed to seek the company of another woman. Will Angie and Jed reconcile again and pass this ultimate test?

Cast and Characters

Main Cast

Supporting Cast

  • Gina Pareño as Belita
  • Gloria Diaz as Charito
  • Ariel Ureta as Carlos
  • Derek Ramsay as Ronnie
  • Juliana Palermo as Mariel
  • Soliman Cruz as Rommell
  • Lui Villaruz as Erwin
  • Kat Alano as Sandra
  • Tuesday Vargas as Catalina
  • Cheena as Cora
  • AJ Perez as Angie's brother - Otap
  • Nina Medina as Manang Pasyang
  • Gerard Pizzaras as Elmo
  • Cacai Bautista as Myra

Awards

  • 32nd Metro Manila Film Festival - Philippines [2]


    Second-Best Film
    Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award
    Most Gender-Sensitive Film
    Best Director: Jose Javier Reyes
    Best Actress: Judy Ann Santos
    Best Supporting Actress: Gina Pareño
    Best Story: Jose Javier Reyes
    Best Screenplay: Jose Javier Reyes
    Best Movie Theme Song: "Hawak Kamay" by Yeng Constantino

  • 5th Gawad Tanglaw [3]


    One of Five Outstanding Films of the Year
    One of Five Outstanding Directors of the Year: Jose Javier Reyes


  • 23rd PMPC Star Awards for Movies [4]

    Movie of the Year
    Movie Director of the Year: Jose Javier Reyes
    Movie Actress of the Year: Judy Ann Santos
    Movie Supporting Actress of the Year: Gina Pareño
    Movie Original Screenplay of the Year: Jose Javier Reyes

  • 4th ENPRESS Golden Screen Awards[5]
    Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
    Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role - Musical or Comedy: Judy Ann Santos

  • 9th Gawad Sineng-Sine PASADO Awards[6]

    Best Screenplay: Jose Javier Reyes

  • 55th FAMAS Awards [7]

    Best Picture: Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo
    Best Director: Jose Javier Reyes
    Best Actress: Judy Ann Santos
    Best Supporting Actress: Gina Pareño
    Best Story: Jose Javier Reyes
    Best Screenplay: Jose Javier Reyes
    Best Musical Score: Jessie Lucas
    Best Theme Song: "Hawak Kamay" by Yeng Constantino

  • 5th FAP Luna Awards [8]

    Best Picture: Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo
    3EEBest Director: Jose Javier Reyes
    Best Actress: Judy Ann Santos
    Best Supporting Actress: Gina Pareño
    Best Screenplay: Jose Javier Reyes and Mary Ann Bautista
    Best Editing: Vito Cajili










  • 1st Gawad Genio Awards (The Annual Critics' Academy Film Desk)(Zamboanga City)




    Best Film: Kasal Kasali Kasalo
    Best Film Director: Jose Javier Reyes
    Best Film Actress: Judy Ann Santos
    Best Film Supporting Actress: Gina Pareño
    Best Film editor: Vito cajili
    Best Film Screenwriter: Jose Javier Reyes
    Best Film Soundtrack: Hawak Kamay - Yeng Constantino
    Best Film Story: Jose Javier Reyes
    Outstanding Genio awardee: Star Cinema - ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc.

  • 2007 YES! Magazine's Readers' Choice

    Favorite Movie of the year

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Super Noypi 2006

Super Noypi is a Filipino fantasy film released on December 25, 2006 and was directed by Quark Henares. It was an official entry to the 32nd Metro Manila Film Festival.

Overview

Six normal childhood friends bound together by friendship find themselves faced with a shocking revelation – their parents are the legendary Super Noypi, the most powerful superheroes in the land! But now they are in danger, taken hostage by the wicked super-villain Diego (Monsour del Rosario).



One by one, the six friends discover their super powers: the ability to move objects with their mind, becoming invisible at will, having superhuman strength and speed, transforming into any shape imaginable, casting spells and controlling fire and ice.
With the help of a strong and spirited stranger from the future named Lia (Jennylyn Mercado), who claims that the world as we know it will cease to exist if they don’t stop Diego now, Lorenzo Valdez (Mark Herras), Annys Valdez(Katrina Halili), Yñigo Raymundo (John Prats), Euen Rapisora(Polo Ravales), Michie Rapisora(Sandara Park) and Tonton Valdez(Andrew Muhlach) stick together, taking a stand against evil in order to save the world and the people they love the most.


Cast

  • Jennylyn Mercado as Lia: Lia is a master of martial arts and a rebel from the year 2075 who travels back through time to find a way to defeat the dictator and super-villain Diego. She tries to change the course of history by looking for the descendants of the greatest superheroes the country has ever known.
  • Mark Herras as Lorenzo: Lorenzo is the eldest son of the most powerful superheroes. When their father left years ago, he stood as the head of the family and helped his mother take care of his two younger siblings. He has telekinetic powers, is the leader and the strongest among the new breed of Super Noypi.
  • John Prats as Yñigo: Yñigo is the son of legendary aswangs. He has superhuman strength and speed and transforms into his aswang form whenever there is a threat of danger. He is funny, witty and happy-go-lucky. He breaks up with Annys after he finds out she's Cassandra is the daughter of Diego. Annys stole Euen's spell book to throw up in the sky when her father: Diego blast the spell book off.
  • Polo Ravales as Euen: Euen is the eldest son of the strongest wizards and witches. A rocker at heart, he is always locking horns with his younger sister who loves all things pink. Upon discovery of their superhero lineage, Euen also inherits a spell book, which enables him to cast magic spells.
  • Katrina Halili as Annys & Cassandra: Annys is the younger sister of Lorenzo and the girlfriend of Yñigo. She can become invisible at will and also has the power of premonition, The Truth is she is the actual daughter of Diego.
  • Sandara Park as Michie: Michie is the younger sister of Euen who is almost always at odds with her brother. She is perky, a bit vain but also absolutely lovable. She inherits a magical staff, which enables her to control and create fire and ice.
  • Andrew Muhlach as Tonton: Tonton is the youngest brother of Lorenzo and Annys, and also the baby of the group. A typical kid, he is playful and sometimes mischievous. As his older siblings and their friends begin to discover their new powers, he finds himself not having any and feels kind of left out. But in the end, he finds out that he has one of the mightiest and most overwhelming powers of all.
  • Monsour del Rosario as Diego: Diego is a technology genius who rose from the ranks and became the most evil and powerful dictator the country has known. He has made it his personal mission to wipe out the Super Noypi and their descendants.

Other cast

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

On Feng Shui, 2004

Even though she's passionately in love with her husband, Joy (Kris Aquino) can't help but notice that he still holds a torch for his old flame. In hopes that her life will change for the better, she looks to her Chinese &NFi;bagwa&NFi_; mirror that's said to bring luck. But little does she realize that the object, which seems to have improved her fortune, has made her greedy -- and that it's actually cursed. Will its deadly powers ruin her good intentions?

One of those few Filipino films that has a very new and original plotline. Although the story revolved around Chinese superstitions, a lot of Filipinos would relate to the horror of what happens to the characters in the film. .

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Philippine Horror "T2"

I decided to go through the critics of some foreigner bloggers to some Pinoy movie flicks. This one is a Philippine horror movie about a haunted orphan.

From Nekoneko's Movie Litterbox


Our Synopsis reads like this: “T2 tells the story of Clair, owner of a travel agency who is shocked when her husband suddenly tells her that he wants a trial separation from their failing marriage. This prompts Clair to take a time off of work and she volunteer at an orphanage. While assigned to take an orphan named Angeli to some living relatives, Clair learns that there is more to this young girl that what seems. Angeli is the daughter of an engkanto and a mortal man. Angeli, a girl caught between two worlds and Clair, a woman fighting to save her from the engkanto world to keep her in the mortal one.”
Mmmmm…. now that sounds promising. Neko does love her Asian ghost stories…. and cute haunted orphans are always good….. so will the Filipinos give me the goose pimples tonight? Let’s all find out….
This one is all about some weird Filipino folklore critters called the “Engkantos”….Naturally… before your Favorite Catgirl gave this one a watch, I sorta had to do some research to find out all about them and I discovered that “Engkantos” and “Engkantadas” are supernatural beings said to be some of the original angels who revolted with Lucifer against the Lord in the Bible. They are described as fair skinned, blond, with either blue or green eyes and can be far shorter or sometimes much taller than the average Filipino. They are usually noted for their beauty, grace and charm which often attracts many people…. sometimes to their misery. When the angels of God first drove them out of Heaven, some of them fell to earth rather than plunging into Hell. Those who fell into the forest or thick woods and who came to live in trees are called the Engkantos… the “Enchanted Ones”. Sounds sorta like the European fairies…. as seen through the ol’ Asian cultural filter. Hmmmm? Okie dokie….
Our movie starts as the heroine Claire (played by Maricel Soriano) is involved with sorting out both her challenging work as a travel agent along with her volunteering as a social worker at an agency for placing orphans needing adoption as well as her failing marriage. She’s stressed out and taken completely by surprise by her husband Jeremy’s (played by Derek Ramsey) sudden decision to ask her for a “Trial Separation”…. especially since he’s got all the paperwork set up as if it’s gonna be a divorce instead. Do’hhhh!!
Poor Claire never saw it coming…. and thought that they were making progress in couples therapy, working through all the problems they have. In a moment of pain and anguish, Claire decides to take the place of another worker and escort a young boy out of Manila to his new home out in the provinces. Anything to get away and not have to face Jeremy and her marriage’s collapse.
Things start getting weird after they deliver the boy and are forced to spend the night at a Convent Orphanage they have some dealings with. While there… Claire is surprised to find the Sisters expect her to accompany an orphan girl back to Manila to be placed with her distant Aunt. It was supposed to be a job the woman Claire replaced knew all about, but which she seems to have neglected to mention. Little Angeli (played by Mika Dela Cruz) is a strange girl alright…. pretty, quiet, and somehow terribly frightened that some unknown person or persons is “coming to take her away just before she reaches her 9th birthday….” Claire thinks it’s all in the poor girl’s head, the result of trauma from losing her father tragically… but she’s sooooo wrong……
With only her driver and little Angeli, Claire starts back to Manila, constantly dodging phone calls from her husband…. and struggling to understand her own problems as she become enmeshed in the eerie events that seem to follow little Angeli everywhere they go. Strange people in white show up… always trying to lead Angeli away in what seems like a somnambulistic trance.
Eventually they reach Manila and the crazy rundown Tenement building that is her Aunt’s home. It’s here that the Engkantos’ have been secretly driving them all along… all part of their plan to seize the girl and force her to join them in their enchanted world as one of their own. It seems that Angeli’s own mother was… in truth, an engkanto herself!! It’s how they breed, you see…. unable to have their own children, they have to mate with humans, and then proceed to convince the child to join them of their own free will on either their 9th or 18th birthdays. Woe be to anyone mortal who gets in their way……
By now, Claire has become very attached to little Angeli… something she’s always fought to avoid with all the other kids she’s helped, and realizing she loves the girl, decides to battle with the immortal creatures to save her. We get some pretty nice digital effects here…. giant pig monsters, enchanted fairy castles, freaky wall crawling demonic assassins….. not bad for a film like this. Will our heroine win? Will she save Angeli and reunite with Jeremy? Well…. Neko’s not going to spoil it for you… but instead tell you you should definitely see it for yourself.
This one is a nice lil’ film. A simple plot… with good basic characters, and some neat folklore that I hadn’t ever heard of before. I give “T2″ a nice, respectable 3 “Meows” out of 5 for being a pleasant evenings watch with all the right elements firmly in place. While not the most gory or “extreme” a horror film, it does it’s job of being scary quite well on a well spent budget. That’s certainly enough for this lil’ Catgirl to be a happy kitten! Philippine DVD’s are well produced too… with top notch English subtitles and are not to bad cost wise either…. sometimes the hardest part is just finding them….

Friday, October 9, 2009

On the film "Love Me Again" (2009)

Love Me Again is a 2009 Filipino film starring Angel Locsin with Piolo Pascual released under Star Cinema. The film was directed by award-winning film director Rory Quintos.
Love Me Again had its world premiere in Los Angeles on December 6, 2008 and in San Francisco, California on December 7, 2008. It opened in Philippine theaters last January 15, 2009. This movie is the first ever Philippine movie with an all cast of Filipinos to be shown in a premiere in the United States and this is also the first big-screen team-up of Piolo Pascual and Angel Locsin.

Overview

Production

The cast, including Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual, trained for weeks in horseback riding at the Manila Polo Club under the guidance of couturiers Vic Barba and Mikee Cojuangco. The film was shot in Impasug-ong and Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. It was also shot in Darwin, Australia.[1][2]
The film was retitled from Land Down Under to Love Me Again.[3]

Plot

Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual in a Promo Picture for Love Me Again (Land Down Under).
 
 
Arah (Angel Locsin) dreams of a better life—different from the life she knows in Bukidnon. Ranches everywhere are closing one by one. The glory her hometown once knew was slowly disappearing in favour of life abroad, particularly in Australia. Arah believes this too. Australia will save them from poverty. But Migo (Piolo Pascual) does not share this belief. He believes that Bukidnon’s glory will return if only people didn’t leave. Migo is Arah’s first love.
When Arah’s father suddenly encounters an accident, Arah is left with no choice but to seek better opportunities to earn money. Arah, in desperation accepts money from the Australian rancher Brian in exchange for a contract. Her decision breaks Migo’s heart. The two part ways, their problems unresolved.
With the help of her co-workers, especially her new found frined, Ina (a Filipina working there as a cook), Arah slowly adjusted to the life in Australia. She is willing to hold her ground and tough it up along with the boys just to fulfill her dreams for herself and her family. It was this determination that caught the attention of the cold and mysterious Brian.
Meanwhile, Migo was experiencing his own wave of reality. Bukidnon is not what it used to be. And fighting to keep a ranch alive and working is something he cannot do without enough experience. Despite his enthusiasm and hard work, his investments crumble slowly until he is left with nothing but a humbling realization—there is money in Australia, but his dreams shouldn’t really end there. Migo decides to give the land down under a try. With fierce hopes of earning back what he lost, he flies to Australia, to the land where his beloved Arah went when she left him for her dreams.
Suddenly, Migo’s presence at the ranch is making Arah suspicious. It’s been years—why is he suddenly there? But destiny has other plans for the two. By a simple twist of fate, the two are thrown together on an errand. The close proximity forces the two to confront their past. And undeniably, their feelings for each other resurface.
Will Arah let Migo in her heart again or will she let him go completely for the sake of Brian and her family? And will Migo find the courage to fight for her or learn to accept that he has lost her forever?

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Some selected 2009 Pinoy movies

2009

Title Director Cast Genre Notes
2009
Agaton & Mindy Peque Gallaga Chase Vega, Cherie Gil Drama APT Entertainment
And I Love You So Lauren Dyogi Bea Alonzo, Sam Milby, Romantic Drama Star Cinema (August 12,2009)
Aurora Adolfo Alix Jr Rosanna Roces, Sid Lucero, Kristoffer King Sexy Drama Bicycle Pictures
Bente Mel Chionglo Jinggoy Estrada, Richard Gomez Action Thriller APT Entertainment
BFF(BestFriendForever) Wenn Deramas Sharon Cuneta, Ai-Ai Delas Alas Comedy Star Cinema
Booking
Anita Linda, Snooky Serna, Marco Morales Drama
Butas Bong Ramos Allen Dizon, Gwen Garci, Marco Morales Sexy Drama Leo Films
Big Night [] Jordan Herrera, Jaycee Parker, Marco Morales Sexy Leo Films
Ded Na Si Lolo Soxie Topacio Roderick Paulate, Manilyn Reynes Comedy APT Entertainment
Hilot Neil "Buboy" Tan Melissa Mendez, Empress Schuck, Ricardo Cepeda, Glenda Garcia Drama Emerged Entertainment Productions
Independencia Raya Martin Tetchie Agbayani,Alessandra de Rossi, Sid Lucero
Entered into the 2009 Cannes Film Festival
In My Life Olivia Lamasan Vilma Santos, John Llyod Cruz, Luis Manzano, Romantic Drama Star Cinema(Coming Soon)
Isang Lahi J.P. Tanchanco Boy Abunda, AJ Dee, Marissa Delgado Documentary Tanchanco Trimedia Production
Kamoteng Kahoy Maryo J. delos Reyes Ms.Gloria Romero, Nash Aguas,Sharlene San Pedro,Buboy Villar Drama
Kinatay Brillante Mendoza

Entered into the 2009 Cannes Film Festival
Litsonero Lore Reyes Karylle, Paolo Contis Drama APT Entertainment
Love Me Again Rory B. Quintos Piolo Pascual, Angel Locsin Romance Star Cinema
Love on Line Tony Reyes Vic Sotto, Paula Taylor,Jose Manalo,Gina Pareno,Matt Evans,Melissa Ricks, and Leo Martinez, Romantic Comedy M-zet, Octo Arts and APT Entertainment(Coming Soon)
Manila Adolfo Alix Jr., Raya Martin Piolo Pascual
To be screened at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival
Nandito Ako Maryo J. delos Reyes Kris Bernal, Aljur Abrenica,Baron Geisler,Valeen Montenegro, Romantic Drama Regal Films(Coming Soon)
OMG (Oh, My Girl!) Dante Nico Garcia Ogie Alcasid, Judy Ann Santos, Comedy Regal Films(July 29,2009)
Padre de Pamilya Cesar E. Buendia Ariel Rivera, Jacklyn Jose Drama Leb Telon
Padyak Aloy Adlawan Jay Aquitana, Baron Geisler, Irma Adlawan Drama Breaking the Box Productions
Pakpak Francis Posadas Jordan Herrera, Rain Escudero Drama A-Vic Production
Pasang Krus Neal "Buboy" Tan Rosanna Roces, Ketchup Eusebio, Empress Schuck Drama
Pitik Bulag
Marco Alcaraz Sexy Drama LVD
Roommate From Hell
James Blanco, Diane Medina, JC Parker, Biboy Ramirez Comedy
Status: Single Jose Javier Reyes Rufa Mae Quinto, Alfred Vargas, Paolo Contis Comedy Viva Films
Sumpa Carlos Agustin,Melvin Brito Joross Gamboa, Mark Gil, Mocha Uson Thriller Megavision
Sundo Topel Lee Robin Padilla, Sunshine Dizon, Katrina Halili Horror, Thriller GMA Films
T2 Chito Rono Maricel Soriano, Camille Prats, Mika Dela Cruz Horror Star Cinema
Tawag Brillante Mendoza Coco Martin, Regine Angeles, Georgina Wilson, Miguel Gabriel, Tisa Gardon Horror,Thriller Sine-Pinoy Media Entertainment, Official Entry Of "Singapore Scream Festival"
Villa Estrella Rico Maria Ilarde Maja Salvador,Geoff Eigenmann, Shaina Magdayao,Jake Cuenca,Carmen Soo,Marco Alcaraz,John Estrada, Horror Star Cinema
When I Met You Joel Lamangan KC Concepcion, Richard Gutierrez Romance GMA Films and Regal Films
You Changed My Life Cathy Garcia-Molina John Lloyd Cruz, Sarah Geronimo Romance Star Cinema and Viva Films