Watching Better MMFF 2017 at Ayala Malls

It's been an absolutely fun day to watch entries of MMFF especially when I'm doing it in Ayala Malls Vertis North. I started very early in the morning and saw lines were long, but definitely still organized. What's special in Ayala Malls Vertis North is the comfort that you get in your seats, it's all lazy boys! Aside from that, I think it's by far the largest cinema I've been in. I have never been to a cinema that needed an elevator to go to your seats. 

I also got into a special place, it felt secluded and less people were there, perfect for me who don't like much crowds.

This is Metro Manila Film Festival 2017, an annual showcase of Filipino films designed for families. Entries come from big and small film companies and to be part of the final entries, is but a great deal. So I decided 3 movies in one day. 

The Revenger Squad

It's like a toned down GGV show with full on costumes and pink fluff. Good comedy, a little wordy and slapstick but you'll like it because Pia Wurtzbach and Daniel Padilla is here. Vice still is the Queen of the show but her antics with the rest of the squad comes a close second. Pia also is good here that I'd wish her to be the next Darna. I don't think it is for young kids though, because some parts are violent, perhaps a PG rating would be fit but I'm not MTRCB.

Chances are this would win the box office, and prolly that Child star thing, the kid here had his own spotlight.

Siargao

It was a feast for the eyes, like watching Instagram filtered film for a few hours. It's very light, like the story. It's also an infomercial, to promote waste management and tourism. Everything is so picturesque, you'll prolly get bitten by the surfing bug even if you don't know how to swim, make friends, and maybe bring life to an ailing relationship. They found themselves in this movie, so apart from expecting great acting from Jericho Rosales and Erich Gonzales in this film, you'll also marvel at their body, and the soft story they wanted you to see.

Whoever did the cinematography and color grading deserve an award.

Larawan

Going to give them a run for their awards is Larawan. I wouldn't be surprised if this won a lot of awards. It's a period film set in either 40's or 50's in old Manila. I fret they had fun interpreting this from Nick Juaquin's piece which was originally done as a stage play. From rat catching, old vaudeville, old maids, old men, old photographs and a legendary painting, it was so much fun to see it in a musical. It's refreshing to see and hear Filipino lyrics, sung beautifully by some of the country's best singers and performers. I also LOVE the tight shots, easing in to serious faces of these characters. I like the story and how they told it in one location.

Joanna Ampil might get a Best Actress nomination, even a win. 

The MMFF 2017 movies were just awesome but the comfort I got from watching movies at Ayala Malls Vertis North or any other Ayala Mall for that matter made it all even better. The movie house is just different, it's easily accessible from where I live and food can be brought in. That's not an option in other establishments so if you're planning to see entries from Metro Manila Film Festival 2017, you know where to go!

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Erich Gonzales and Jericho Rosales for SIARGAO

It looks so dreamy just by looking at these screenies from the movie. I was handed these shots a couple of days ago and I must say, they've probably done a remarkable job in cinematography. Though from the looks of it, no matter how talented that guy or gal may be, Siargao must have been really picturesque already. This is the setting of this movie by Direct Paul Soriano called SIARGAO. 

It feels more like a story that would grow on you. The pacing is light, like the drama that it tries to exude from the start. Like star crossed lovers meeting in the perfect place and in the most opportune time. With no assurance if love would grow or not, a thing that you would ask if you would want to gamble and experience it under the hot beachy sun.

Jericho Rosales is no strager in this genre, and if you don't know, they've proven it so many times how effective he is in series he's shown in different countries. His eyes alone could communicate the emotions, no woman would even want to push him back if he wrapped his arms around them. If that would bud the romance between his character and Erich Gonzales, I couldn't think of anything difficult that would come out of it, unless she had issues. Will this be a good one for Diego and Laura?

Erich who plays Laura (a Vlogger) is your run of the mill tourist, stepping on uncharted territory. I just don't know if she's going to be that hopeful or careful in falling in love in this film. Is this a city girl meets country boy story? I don't even care anymore because as much as I want the story to move, I think they're more or less... showing the majestic spots of the province in the film. I love Erich in anything, she moves and tells stories when she speaks. Like Jericho, she can move you with emotions and cry buckets of tears with it. You will also see an Erich that could surf, cliff dive and run around like an adventurer. If you want to know her story, then you should watch SIARGAO for that alone.

I saw Jasmine Curtis a few days ago during the ABSCBN Press party and she was really skinny. Her beauty evidently still there, but this would be a test for her. What would she play a part of aside from being a strong willed environmental activist in the province? It's her turf but what would she play in the lives of Diego and Laura? She would look fit as the third party, more so since she depicts a tough cookie. We can't blame if she would whip out all her guns if she's also gonna fall for Diego too. He's probably a local hearthrob eh?

SIARGAO is a movie by Ten17P, same people who did Hele Sa Hiwagang Hapis, Mariquina, Dagitab and Transit which all received accolades here and in the international scene. It's part of the entries in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival 2017. If you would want to see niche film as Direk Paul explained, this would be it. If you also love Erich like I do, make room for this in your list of must watch films this Christmas Day!

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Andrea Torres and Lharby Policarpio for MEANT TO BEH

Fun to see Ms. Andrea Torres and Lharby Policarpio this afternoon at the CAVE in Tomas Morato. We were there to interview them for their film MEANT TO BEH which is the comback movie of Vic Sotto while he's paired with the timeless Ms. Dawn Zulueta.

Andrea Torres says "I am not a bad person here, not negative at all but I will wreak havoc with their relationship. I have been part of MMFF previously, like 10 years ago. I feel this is a blessing to end the year and I am excited. I was a bit stiff in the beginning, thinking of what to say or do Bossing Vic was already breaking the ice. How I wish we could get to do the bonding we did in Baguio, I miss them a lot. I have done comedy before since I am part of Bubble Gang, but of course I was still star struck because they are who they are. Ms. Dawn was so funny too and you can't compare it with what she portrays in real life. I am so glad about their feedback because that's what I wanted to do. I am also shocked at how they treat you like friends. Baste is like a baby brother, such a good kid to actually be with because he always never forget to share food when he's about to eat, he's certainly going to be adored by a lot of people. I am also going to gift myself with an out of the country trip, I think I owe it to myself to be with my folks and my brother. I am really looking forward to another MMFF eventful week. This is a G movie, you will expect the whole family to be there and I am excited to see them watch the film. You'll see this to be blessed in the box office, I wish he could win the best actor trophy. Just to be part of the project was a dream for me, but if ever I win the best supporting actress category would make me really happy. About the Bench Fashion Show, you just would never forget a moment like that. Their feedback was all good and if you were in the back stage, you wouldn't see anything like that because everyone was so nice and they were giving me food left and right, it was just like a celebration for Bench's 30 years."

Lharby Policarpio was also with us that afternoon and he says "I play Brad here and is a school bully. We have our own story inside the actual film. This is my first time to do an MMFF entry do getting to work with them was a dream for me. Though I was a college bully, it was more concentrated with JC and I did mistreat them a lot. The set is happy because from the director to the stars, they were all cracking jokes. Sue is remarkable, she's like one of the boys. She jokes a lot even if we are changing clothes, she's so chill and she doesn't make you feel that she's a big star. I also can't wait to travel because I do that quite often, for Christmas I wish that I would have time for that. This film is relateable and fun, like what any Vic Sotto project you have seen in the past but with more heart, more inspiration. We are sure this will earn a lot, but the awards will just be a reward for us. We hope you watch the film if you want to get inspired, a little touch of romance and learn about real family relationships."

MEANT TO BEH will be shown on December 25 and will also star Gabbi Garcia, Ruru Madrid, Sue Ramirez, Daniel Matsunaga and supee cute Baste. Bring your family and friends please!

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