WIN METAWIN and JANELLA SALVADOR Star in UNDER PARALLEL SKIES: Fans Went Crazy Inside the Cinema!

Seeing people flock the SM Mega Fashion Hall this afternoon reminded me how big of a star Win Metawin and Janella Salvador is. The superstar from Thailand and the noted actress from the Philippines star in this film called "Under Parallel Skies" shot in Hong Kong. This is produced by 28 Squared Studios and Two Infinity Entertainment, set to be released by Warner Brothers Pictures this April 17th (Philippines) and on May 9th (for Thailand).

Surely, this must have been a bit difficult to do but with Director Sigrid Bernardo at the helm of this project, it would be easy since she's done several award winning and successful films shot outside the country (like Kita Kita etc.). SM Fashion Hall got packed during the mall show with fans of both Janella and Win screaming at the top of their lungs even before the actual stars arrived at the venue. When they did, it was so loud you could hear it on our videos literally.

Then on the red carpet (since this is the premiere night) , celebrity friends of the Director Sigrid Bernardo, Producer Richard Juan, Janella and Win, all came to the venue to help promote the movie. My favorite part of course was when Alexa Ilacad and KD Estrada joined in to give a song a capella. It was so nice they came in throngs to support the two.

When we watched the film, it was more of a romance genre. I bet Win's fans would be surprised about certain scenes they wouldn't believe he could do. I also love his Mom in the movie, they do have certain parts with monologues you can learn a thing or two from. Janella on the other hand feels natural, I love her very quirky scenes because they did insert Filipino humor which was quite cute. Yes there are small flaws, but overall they were able to tell a really good story that encompasses locations. You also get to know an even slower side of Hong Kong which I think is charming, especially when Janella and Win were together, building their dreams with Thai Milk Tea and Adobong Siopao. 

So, if you're a fan of either Win or Janella, bring your friends and prepare for a KILIG filled movie which you can watch over and over again.

Congratulations to the men and women who made this possible, although I'm a BrightWin fan, it was refreshing to see these actors tell a story and see something really unexpected. I love it, it's cute!

Thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board for inviting us!

Mallari's PIOLO PASCUAL, JC SANTOS Might Bag MMFF 2023 Acting Awards

It's Christmas Day and what better way to enjoy it but by watching MMFF 2023 entries at SM North EDSA. The streets there were pretty weird as there was no traffic. I had a hunch that people may have not flocked to cinemas, and as soon as I alighted from the car, the mall was full to the brim.

The lines were crazy, there were people in the actual ticket booth (about 20), but right across was the actual line (because SM prepared seating for them) and it was almost 50-100 people, even more as the day progressed. For those who would want to watch movies, I would suggest you get tickets online so you don't have to line up.

I've watched a few entries already, but the recent good reviews about the film MALLARI just got me interested in seeing it. Piolo Pascual in the lead role was a given. I wouldn't want the reviews to influence me, but reading how they've described this as a technically excellent made film right at the get go, I had to be extra observant on how they executed it. His role was a little difficult because he had to play a Mallari from 3 different generations. One is from the Spanish times, the other would be in the 40's, and the modern one too. Piolo's ability to do the 3 different personas was something he had to really prepare for so watchers could differentiate them from the other. Aside from that, they had to also scare people in the theaters, and you'll get attempts right from the very beginning of the film. Piolo Pascual's character is pivotal. He's the anchor wherein much of the journey through time happens, but you have to watch out for several characters that are also going to be involved in the conflicts introduced in this film.

When the movie started, they stopped a few minutes in because PIOLO PASCUAL went in the actual theater!

 

It would be happy to note that JC Santos' performance here was just AMAZING. When you look at him throw lines and tremble in various scenes, you can feel him across the screen. We don't want to spoil things, but just look at him every time he's on frame as each little nuance and appearance would matter. Their story structure is interesting because you wouldn't have to be a scientist to know what would happen if they suddenly get their timelines intertwined. Yes, there will be time travel involved but unlike cars on Back 2 the Future, they had a special way of doing it. Aside from that, you'll have bouts of ghouls, monsters, and legendary beings from Filipino folklore. The story after all is based on real events, but mighty glad to see a rich interpretation of it.

It's not all horror, not all drama, it delves on family, revenge, the tendency to wreak fear with different kinds of people. They put this together quite nicely. I even felt proud seeing Warner Brothers in the opening credits, I'm sure they see something special in Mentorque's entry in MMFF 2023. Now it's your chance to see this in cinemas. Don't just stay at home and do nothing, grab your friends, your family and try MALLARI out for size.

There's a huge reason why it's getting sold out in cinemas yesterday. The story is interesting, and with Piolo and JC's superior performance, it'll be a tough one to battle out with the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor categories. 

They might just get it.  

The film also stars Janella Salvador, Elisse Joson and Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz. They will be great contenders as well.

Go watch them all!

MMFF 2023 Entry MALLARI Holds Fan Conference in MALL OF ASIA

The MALLARI fever is on as they hold a big mediacon and fan conference at the Mall of Asia Music Hall this December 1st courtesy of the folks from Mentorque Productions and their new distributor partner Warner Brothers Pictures and Cleverminds Incorporated.

The film is part of this year's Metro Manila Film Festival entries which is highly coveted. This stars Mr. Piolo Pascual who plays the role of Father Juan Severino, a Filipino priest who met his untimely demise through the hands of the Spanish colonizers because of his acts. The event will also be graced by Mentorque Productions President John Bryan Diamante, lead stars Piolo Pascual, Janella Salvador, indie king JC Santos, Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, hunky Ron Angeles, Tommy Alejandrino, and a throng of actors in this real and semi fictional story of a priest that lived in the 1800's. He is said to have victimized over 57 people before getting stopped as the earliest recorded serial killer. Even older than Jack the Ripper.

Piolo says "For me as an actor, it's hard, but the difference of the characters were already described. The production value really was my consideration, the time I read the script, I already knew how big it was."

Gloria Diaz says she loves working with Piolo and adds "I love him, he is so nice. He is so maappeal. The director is a little tense, I am insecure with the new director so I always ask. The location, rain and distance was far, I had to do this of course."

Direk Derick says "Our set is fun, it's so easy to work because everyone was good vibes. The day 1 was severely difficult because we shot the ending first. I had questions about the way we shot this because it was very challenging to do 3 different personas and do it right away."

Janella says "The reason why it's called a curse (love as a curse) is because you want to do everything for the one you love, but I don't believe in that much."

Here's our video coverage, please enjoy!

 

This is Directed by Derick Cabrido who's dedication is unquestionably proven in this film. He showcased different timelines, periods that is not a usual topic in MMFF entries. Fans who love horror will surely love this offering, and international audiences will have a treat watching this horror flick on Christmas day. If you want to know more about MALLARI, visit Mentorque on Facebook  and @mentorqueproductions on IG.