Broken Hearts Trip: Funny with a Chance of Cry

Just got off the cinema for the film Broken Hearts Trip, an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 of BMC Films and Smart Films. This is their red carpet premiere, so the cast trooped to the Gateway Cineplex and walked with celebrity guests, media and online entities.

To tell you honestly, I got the notion that this was going to be greatly comedy content. The ensemble cast names already asked for that, but no, this is not the usual slapstick flick. As you saw in the trailers, this is a full blown reality game show aimed to change the lives of different LGBTQIA++ folks from different backgrounds. From auditions, actual game and eliminations, they all go through challenges and try to win money to change their lives. That's also where most of it is going to be crazy.

I would go to lengths and admit that I've had several bouts of tears in my eyes watching this, but I would give it to Petite Brockovich who plays Mark. Her character was quite stellar in the first half, and even though she possesses a ton and a half of funny bones, her dramatic moments hit me like a ton of bricks when her plot gets divulged. Her partner in the movie is equally intense, it's like a boiling pot waiting to spill over. It's something I felt a connection with, and you've got Teejay Marquez, Marvin Yap, Ms. Iyah Mina and Direk Andoy Ranay to choose from. Chances are, you'll feel like one of them during your watch. Everyone's eyes will get wet in one scene or another, because I saw a few people beside me cry too but with the character of Direk, Iya Mina and Teejay instead (though they'll never admit wiping it off in the dark lol). Here's our coverage at the red carpet on video!

 This might get them a chance to win ensemble award or even best supporting actress. It's not a dud, they're definitely a contender with what I saw earlier. It's got fun, laughter, very relatable characters and you'll get to learn not to judge people. After all, you don't know what they've been through. You don't need to walk in their shoes, but just have heart when you need to. Their support cast delivered too, a good platform to showcase how they didn't shortchange acting prowess in this project. I got a little sad about Christian Bables feeling a little afraid that this might not do well in the box office (which he mentioned after the movie, maybe he looked around on promos), but I beg to differ. It's PG, a place where even kids with parents or guardians could watch. Hopefully, people get to see this for its credits. It's quirkiness is it's selling point, a good LGBTQIA film made to realize that they could be anyone of you.  

The film may have been a huge surprise to be included in the list of entries, but I think I know why after watching the film. This has a lot of components in it, which may lead you frantically finding funny, but instead give you something even more than that... it has HEART.

Congratulations to the cast and the creators! You made me cry.  

Comedy, Love, Relationships and Second Chances on MMFF 2023 Entry BROKEN HEARTS TRIP

 

Giving you tons of laughter and a couple of heartstrings is this upcoming MMFF 2023 entry called "Broken Hearts Trip" to be shown on Christmas day.

The theme of the movie lies in the characters who's part of the LGBT community, 5 individuals who are trying to find their goals on money and love. Though this will be telling much of the hurt, the sacrifices, the change in people, these are the huge factor why the film was actually chosen for MMFF 2023 according to the Director Lem Lorca.

The film stars Christian Bables, Direk Andoy Ranay, Petite, Iyah Minah and Teejay Marquez. The movie also includes award winning actress Ms. Jaclyn Jose, Jay Gonzaga, Ron Angeles, Argel Saycon, Marvin Yap, Tart Carlos, Amold Reyes, Kevin Posadas and runway fairy extraordinaire Sinon Loresca.

Christian Bables adds "We promised to make people happy and wanted them to realize something about their pain and their broken hearts, and healing. I did my best as an actor, and with the grace of God, thank you, and if I didn't get the best actor trophy, I'd be glad to see the deserving one win it. I hope we both get recognition for the hard work and we also would love if we do good in the box office. I really appreciate learning the best worth ethics from Jaclyn Jose, I believe the best actors don't want to get that pressure from her. She's a very good listener, it doesn't matter if one is new in the industry because she will give you what you need in the scenes, she's that generous and great."

Direk Lem Lorca says "Broken Hearts Trip really had some things broken in the process, it's how we heal and the characters have different ways of finding a cure. Yes, it won't be solely solving their problems in one way, they are hurt, sad, angry and even hiding their feelings. We will take you for a ride when it comes out in Christmas."

Here's our video coverage of the event, please enjoy!

 During the press conference, I personally asked them about their personal experiences. Knowing they had their fair share of first love, breakups and things they've learned, Direk Andoy Ranay shared how he was in love with an older chap who after breaking up, was able to remain friends til today. Christian Bables on the other hand talked about young love, where he had a falling out with a lady who was already working while he was only starting out. They broke up in a cab, where he got the surprise of his life after being informed that he was "the other guy" in the relationship. Petite reminisced about the reasons how she and Amir broke up, and when she knew that she was already into the fantasy, joking that after they broke up, still had to send GCash after that. Iyah Minah on the other hand shared how she felt like a woman, she was treated like one, even when she hadn't transitioned yet. She was young, but it was the first time she experienced love and romance. She's still thankful that happened.

Becoming part of the MMFF 2023 final list isn't an accident for this one. The trailer alone gives that interesting story that's not just going to give you laughter from start to finish, but a whole new reason to believe in love, relationships, even second chances. The movie comes out on Christmas Day and will have a showcase internationally in January, please stay tuned for that especially those who are in North America. For those who are in the Philippines, make sure you've got Broken Hearts Trip as part of your MMFF 2023 Holiday watch list. It'll be doubly fun if you get your family and friends with you, after all, a happy movie won't hurt especially during the Christmas and New Year's Day. They promise you, it'll be fun with the right amount of love in between.

This is produced by BMC Films and Smart Films.

The Cast, Director and Author of "Para Sa Hopeless Romantic"

The Cast, Director and Author of "Para Sa Hopeless Romantic"

It was an awesome day to talk with some of the stars ofPara Sa Hopeless Romantic (For the Hopeless Romantic) at the VIVA offices in Ortigas. I haven't been able to do this because I've been really busy these past few days and I thought this was an opportune time to get to know Direk Andoy Ranay, the author of the book Marcelo Santos III, and the stars of the film. We were also with the charming AJ Muhlach, the gorgeous Shy Carlos, the demigod James Reid and the beautiful Nadine Lustre. I've covered the grand presscon a few weeks back here but I've never been able to sit down with them so intimately like this. I could see them up close, like see the real complexion of their skin, the small things they do for each other. I couldn't wait to take photos of them, thanks to VIVA who made this possible./div>

About being hopeless romantics....