Bad Life Choices: ALAPAAP Now Out on VIVAMAX App

Today is a good time to head on to your VIVAMAX app to watch ALAPAAP. It's a pretty disturbing film, probably would ruffle a lot of feathers as it's a little unconventional; yet very interesting. This is directed by Fredrich Macapagal Cortez, a protege of legendary Brillante MA Mendoza (as he's worked under a different capacity for 7 years) who's also producing this film.  

It delves into the lives of college friends, some who are into film making. To finish their studies, had to make a documentary as requirement. They decided to do a documentary, a tribe from a remote province. It wouldn't be that easy as they're no ordinary bunch of guys and gals. Let's just say it's all about bad parenting, vices, urges and alcohol ultimately taking over their usual lives. They're a pretty rough bunch and it won't be too long til they meet mishaps along the way. 

You'll get to see the role of Josef Elizalde who plays Erik Bengzon being a lot problematic. He's in his own world, pretty much feeling invincible but later on receives the ugly truth of his actions. Aside from that, Ali Asistio who plays Orius Plana will make you think if he's a good friend or a a bad influence. He looks like a goody two shoes at first, then an evil doer, and makes matters worse. Katrina Dovey, Andrea Garcia, Chesca Paredes, Alona Navarro provide chameleon like characters wherein the audience begin to see horrid changes as they take in intoxicating drinks or substances. They even took it to the mountains (visiting natives) and lived to regret every second of it. The lone London based guy Luke Selby had some of the press screening the movie at the edge of their seats as he contributed what he could do in the acting department. Albeit foreign, he fit right in like a glove. He was in conversation, yet clueless, you'll have to fish out reasons how he ended up in group sessions as with the other cast members. 

 

I asked how this would be different from a Brillante Mendoza directorial work, and Fredrich Macapagal Cortez told us about his cinematography background that would take this into more of his style. This is quite easy to understand once you get to see the closeup shots (especially the eye, skin and sunlight scenes) which you'll see if you stream this project. This is also exclusively going to be released through the VIVAMAX app so download it if you want to see the movie. Subscription fees are also affordable, so you have a chance to see it all. Aside from that, the cast also told us about how detractors shouldn't look at their work differently. Listen in to what we talked about after the screening, I love how frank Andrea Garcia answers questions:

If this piqued your interest and want to know how it ends, go watch ALAPAAP scheduled to be released today November 18 on the VIVAMAX app.

Women, Power and Money: PUSOY on VIVAMAX

Just got off the advanced premiere of the film PUSOY starring Vince Rillon, Angeli Khang, Baron Geisler, Janelle Tee and an ensemble cast. The popular card game isn't actually that known quite as much elsewhere so having this in a movie intended to be shown in film festivals had me a little worried. It might not be able to get that part of the game understood. Though between that concern and how this could be an interesting story line, Director Phil Giordano had us all at the edge of our seats and left us all asking, what would happen next?!

This is an action, drama, suspense film but set in the Philippines. Vince plays the role of Popoy, a very doting son. Married but still in the home he grew up in because he couldn't make ends meet as he supports his folks, his wife and kid too. Under circumstances that he couldn't control, he had to work for a gambling lord (played by Baron Geisler, an intense man at that). He takes commissions doing favors and finishing rivals in the dens they go to. Janelle and Angeli's character on the other hand are card sharks, and if you put two chicks in one bowl... the claws come out. That starts a whole other conflict not just in the game, but their relationships.. and their lives changed. 

Here's our coverage of the private screening on video, enjoy!

I wouldn't want to spoil things for you, but definitely... a lot different from the usual Filipino flicks we see in cinemas. The material was worked on successfully by Direk Phil Giordano and Direk Brillante Mendoza. This will be shown this May 27th on VIVAMAX so make sure you download the app and subscribe to see this and other titles on their library. The film also had a tough premise, if you had no choice... would you do something illegal if lives were at stake?!

You can purchase subscription credits via online stores, if you're up to it, you'll definitely love the story.

These are exciting times!

Filipino Films from Cignal Entertainment Receive Accolades in Italy

Luck has come our way as the Philippines through Cignal Entertainment's movies bag awards at the recent 19th Asian Film Festival in Italy. This is a big win not just for the production of two pieces "Big Night!" and "Resbak" (english title Payback). This happeened last April 7 to 13 this year at Farnese Arthouse in Rome and undoubtedly, has brought honor once again to the country in this Asian exhibition featuring 30 different entries from countries like Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, china, Taiwan and Thailand.

"Resbak" director Brillante Mendoza was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Roma Lazio Film Commision. Actors Christian Bables (which did Big Night) and Vince Rillon (from Payback) on the other hand won Best Actor for their respective films that are produced by Cignal Entertainment. News of having these in streaming platforms soon are in the works so that more people would be able to watch it. Payback will be released in the Philippines soon.

For those who don't know, "Big Night!" was previously shown in Metro Manila Film Festival in 2021. This is directed by Jun Lana and had stellar reviews, also won several awards including Best Actor, Supporting Actor, Director, Screenplay, Cinematography, Musical Score, Best Picture and the Gender Sensitivity Award (which was fitting!).

This is a part of what Cignal Entertainment is pushing for. They want to champion fresh, socially relevant and world appealing films and show them to a greater audience. They are thankful for the awards they won in this festival and the ones bestowed to the people who are in these films.

You may visit their official website at www.asianfilmfestival.info for more information about the films and the awards they've given to different films over the years. Congratulations Cignal Entertainment!