MIDNIGHT GIRLS: Excellent Depiction of Social Issues and Family Relationships

Just by face value, this new film called "Midnight Girls" felt like a dream come true. Imagine putting together some of the country's best actresses who's work speaks largely on their previous projects like Jodi Sta. Maria, Jane Oineza, Sanya Lopez and Loisa Andalio - and then have blockbuster Director Irene Villamor do it at the the beautiful Nagoya, Japan. 

For those who don't know, a lot of entertainers (mostly singers, performers and dancers) went to Japan for work since the 80's, 90's... and it still is happening today. The film gives a glimpse of not just working conditions, but the actual dynamics of family life, of how little appreciation they get from working there, and how their relationships happen in dire conditions because they still want to survive... and take care of the folks back home.

Here's the Mediacon which happened at Gateway Cinemas:

Jodi Sta. Maria is her old self, doing easy work on dramatic moments especially the scenes with Zaijan Jaranilla (where you'll probably cry). I like the character of Sanya Lopez because she's so extra as Trix. Loud but quirky, she absolutely loves to fall in love and wish for the prince charming she deserves. The person playing the Japanese partner of Sanya in the movie is super attractive, but in real life changed the whole conversation they made for the film. Since he's doing theater, he was alarmed that the script contained non conversational Japanese, so they had to do everything from scratch in just 3 days. The whole cast also needed to learn Japanese (hence the long production), but it was essential to understand how they got to talk with their patrons. Jane Oineza's character is interesting, and you'll need to figure out why she's doing a lot of the unnecessary stuff while she's figuring out who she is in the movie. Loisa on the other hand also did good as Bea, and the manner she treated her boyfriend (Miggy Jimenez) made me realize how corny people get at times when we fall in love. Her story was also intense, when people realize the need to work to put food on the table, but this doesn't equate to who you are as a person. A lot of this will be seen on the film when it comes out May 13 nationwide.

This is produced by TJAV Films (who's got a very young producer behind it) and is released in the Philippines by Warner Brothers. This will also be part of the Far East Festival in Italy, so your support is needed for that too. I'd gladly put this at 4/5, for it's excellence in discussing social issues. I'm sure you've got OFW's who've gone through the same and would easily connect with them individually.

Longer Episodes for "SOL at si LUNA" as it nears FINALE

If you haven't watched "SOL at Si LUNA" on YouTube's Puregold Channel, then I must say, you are missing a lot. It's a series launched a couple months ago by the folks from Puregold starring Jane Oineza and Zaijan Jaranilla. It's got a really good story, cinematography is impressive. I would even mistake it for a full blown movie as the quality is just above your usual teleseryes.

It talks about love and its intricacies, of what's normal and what is taboo. It also talks about the magic it brings, of when it comes at unexpected times, and find happiness in it even on dark days. He also gets really good advice from his Dad, about what it's like to be in a relationship and how it is a commitment and a choice. 

It also talks about being heartbroken, what things they learned in past relationships and the things they are still carrying to this day. Other episodes also discuss how love is found, how to protect it, how to win in life. They also vent out their frustrations, if they are attracted to each other, their labels too. 

SOL at si LUNA will have a longer episode this August 16th at 7pm. Subscribe to their official YouTube channel as they regularly upload the episodes there. Follow the Puregold social channels as well because they provide updates on latest promos and episodes too. 

A Different ZAIJAN JARANILLA To Be Seen at Puregold Channel's "Si SOL at Si LUNA"

If you've seen the trailer, you would say Zaijan Jaranilla is not the same person. He's our Santino of course, but now that he's a wee bit older, wiser, more daring, you can expect him to deliver a different version of himself because the material was perfect. 

This series is MOVIE quality. Made by Direk Dolly Dulu, it's going to be a coming of age romcom film which pairs Zaijan to a more experienced Jane Oineza. Zaijan and Jane read the script, and couldn't put it down so they started reading it from Sundown to Sunrise. This will probably be a weekly release starting from May 31st on the Purgold Channel YouTube Channel. No need to pay for a ticket because it's completely free to watch. Isn't that awesome?!

Here's the press conference held at the stage of Aling Puring Sari Sari Convention 2025:

I was also quite intrigued about Joao Constancia's character, will he be the third party or just a friend in this series? That's exactly what you have to figure out as Zaijan and Jane go through the ropes of falling in love, doing it, and see the intricacies of relationships, disappointment and hopefully fall in love again.

 

Would you want to be part of that journey? Make sure you subscribe to the Puregold Channel because I heard, there's certainly more to this story. Take note also of the color grading they are doing for this, because it's going to follow SOL and LUNA's lives in the series. Can't wait to see it!